Posted on by Jolene Truong

Essential subscriptions for students that I use

To get a subscription means that you pay monthly for a service. Paying monthly can add up really quickly, but one of the perks of being a student are that some services offer a special discount just for students. Here are some low-priced subscriptions that I enjoy using:

  • Spotify Premium for Student: $0.99 for the first 3-months then $4.99/month after
    • Spotify is my most used app that I have on my phone. It helps make the time spent walking to class, commuting, and long study sessions a little more enjoyable. For the times that I do get tired of listening to music, Spotify has two of my favorite podcasts, Stuff You Should Know and TED Talk Daily. Stuff You Should Know is a fun podcast for learning about random things like how do Easy Bake ovens work and the mystery behind the Winchester House. TED Talk Daily is a podcast where some of the world’s most inspiring and innovative people share their take on different topics going on in today’s world.
    • Features:
      • Over 40 million songs and over a thousand podcasts (Source: https://www.imore.com/spotify)
      • Ad-free listening with unlimited skips
      • Download music and podcasts for offline listening
      • Option for high-quality listening
      • Access to new song releases before free users
      • Included subscriptions to Hulu (with limited commercials) and Showtime to watch popular shows and movies like Bob’s Burgers, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Baby Driver, and more
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  • Amazon Prime Student: free for the first 6-months for new members then $6.49/month after
    • The biggest pro to a Prime subscription is their 2-day shipping. With their 2-day shipping, I’m able to get textbooks and anything I need quickly. Along with the subscription, you are able to stream movies, music, and read books.
    • Features:
      • Free 2-day shipping on Prime items
      • Exclusive deals just for students
      • Stream movies, TV shows, on Prime Video
      • Stream music on Amazon Music
      • Read books through Prime Reading
      • Unlimited listening to Audible audio series
      • Unlimited photo storage through Prime Photos
    • Overall, it is a well-rounded and useful subscription for those who want access to different features for one price.
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  • Microsoft Office 365: free with school/institution email
    • I use a Microsoft application every day to do homework, read lectures, and create presentations and can confidently say that it is the most useful subscription for students. Plus, it’s a free subscription while you’re still in school so you would be saving $70 a year! Since we are in an age where education heavily utilizes technology to teach, it is almost without question that everyone needs Microsoft Office.
    • Features:
      • Download Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint, Teams, Sway, and Forms
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These are only a fraction of the discounted student subscriptions available out there! I found out about these discounts by doing research on how to save money as a college student and came upon this website that lists a whole bunch of companies that offer them. On the website, I found out about the subscriptions that I listed above and I have not regretted anything since.

Posted on by Jolene Truong

Helpful preventative actions to avoid getting sick

Have you ever wondered why they call fall and winter the “sick seasons”? It’s because when our internal body temperature drops due to cold weather, germs are likelier to thrive and increase the probability of catching a cold. Being on a small campus like UWB/CC, people getting sick can spread like wildfire. On top of getting your annual flu shot, here are some preventive actions that you can take to avoid getting sick this season:

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Hygiene

Sicknesses that are most common on college campuses like the common cold and the flu are spread by coming in contact with someone who is already sick. Practicing and building hygienic habits can save you in the long run.

  • Wash your hands frequently in order to stop the spreading germs. Carrying hand sanitizer is very helpful.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands.
  • Wash your bedding every two weeks and immediately after you’ve been sick.
  • Don’t share any food or drinks with others so that you don’t give each other whatever sickness is going around.
  • Keep a clean space. Dust harbors millions of microscopic bugs that can make you sick.
  • Remember to cover your coughs and wear a medical face mask when needed.
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Eat right

A balanced diet that gives you the nutrients you need to boost your immune system is a vital part in preventing you from getting sick, but for when you do catch something nasty, your body begins to battle through the sickness throughout the day. Eating the right foods can help restore its energy and have you feeling better quicker.

  • Chicken soup – This classic remedy is full of nutrients like vitamins and protein that are essential to your body’s recovery.
  • Herbal tea – A hot cup of tea can help with congestion and you can also add honey to help soothe a sore throat.
  • Ginger – Eating ginger can reduce nausea and it has an effect to make you feel warm. You can cut up pieces of ginger and mix it into hot water or cook it in with soup.
  • Orange juice – Orange juice is packed with vitamin C that helps your immune system. If you want to try something different, freeze the orange juice and eat it as shaved ice or a popsicle.
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Sleep

This is essential. When you’re sick, your body needs sleep now more than ever. If you’ve noticed that you feel even more tired and sleepy than usual, that’s your body giving you a sign to go to bed. During sleep is when your body does the most fighting and recovering so in order for you to get over your sickness, get enough rest. The recommended hours of sleep for adults is 7 to 9 hours.

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Survival items

You never know when you’ll start feeling sick so it is best to be prepared by carrying some essential items in your bag. If you find yourself coming down with something while on campus, most of the items listed are sold at the University Book Store located inside Food for Thought Cafe.

  • Water
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Mini tissue packs
  • Pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol
  • Cough drops
  • Emergen-C packets

References

“5 Ways to Prevent Getting Sick as Weather Transitions.” GoHealth Urgent Care, 22 Nov. 2017, www.gohealthuc.com/library/5-ways-prevent-getting-sick-weather-transitions.
Jones, Taylor. “The 15 Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick.” Healthline, 17 June 2016, www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-best-foods-when-sick.
Rossen, Jeff, and Jovanna Billington. “Dust in Your Home Can Make You Sick: Here’s How to Fight It.” Today, 27 Apr. 2017, www.today.com/health/dust-your-home-can-make-you-sick-here-s-how-t110831.
Posted on by Jolene Truong

Hiking Trails for Intermediate Hikers

If you’ve read my last blog post called “Hiking Trails for Beginners,” then you know that Washington is home to some of the most beautiful views. If you haven’t read my previous blog post, then click here! With summer approaching, I am going to make it my goal to further my skills as a hiker. Here are some of the intermediate level hikes that I plan to tackle this summer and general hiking tips to keep in mind:

Mailbox Peak – Old Trail

Round trip: 5.4 miles

Parking: Discover Pass required. Purchase here.

Pets: Allowed on leashes

Good for Kids: No

Directions to Mailbox Peak – Old Trail

  • 42 miles SE of University of Washington Bothell (58 min)
  • 37 miles E of Seattle (43 min)
  • 20 miles NE of Tacoma (1 hr 10 min)
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Image by Monty VanderBilt

Mount Pilchuck

Round trip: 5.4 miles

Parking: Northwest Forest Pass required. Purchase here.

Pets: Allowed on leashes

Good for Kids: No

Directions to Mount Pilchuck

  • 51 miles NE of University of Washington Bothell (1 hr 33 min)
  • 63 miles NE of Seattle (2 hr 15 min)
  • 96 miles NE of Tacoma (2 hr 50 min)
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Image by Stephanie Meshke

Snow Lake

Round trip: 7.2 miles

Parking: Northwest Forest Pass required. Purchase here.

Pets: Allowed on leashes

Good for Kids: Yes

Directions to Snow Lake

  • 57 miles SE of University of Washington Bothell (1 hr 20 min)
  • 53 miles E of Seattle (54 min)
  • 65 miles NE of Tacoma (1 hr 25 min)

Image by Steve Walker Photography

Image by Steve Walker Photography

Hiking Rule of Thumb

  • Bring plenty of water and snacks. Hiking builds an appetite so refueling yourself frequently will prevent you from feeling fatigue.
  • Carry a first-aid kit in case of an emergency.
  • Bring a compass and a map of the trail so you don’t get lost.
  • Bring a camera and/or journal to document your journey.
  • Use a heavy-duty backpack to carry all of your items in.
  • Check the weather before you go. Cloudy and rainy weather can prevent you from seeing the views and can make trails wet and dangerous.
  • Wear sturdy footwear and durable clothing that can withstand the hike.
  • Wear sunscreen and bug repellent.
  • Invest in a hiking pole to relieve strain on knee joints and muscles.
  • Hike in a group. It’s much more fun to enjoy the view with someone.
  • Let someone know where you are going in case something unexpected happens
  • Practice the 7 principles of “leave no trace.”
    1. Plan ahead and prepare
    2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
    3. Dispose of waste properly
    4. Leave what you find
    5. Minimize campfire impacts
    6. Respect wildlife
    7. Be considerate of other visitors
Posted on by Jolene Truong · 1 Comment

Hiking Trails for Beginners

Spring is here, which means we can count on seeing more sunny days here in Washington! Now if you’re anything like me, the idea of hiking seems daunting and tiring. Fortunately, I have friends who will literally force me away from my Netflix binges to give me my much needed fix of fresh air. Here are some easy hikes that even a couch potato like me did!

Snoqualmie Falls

Round trip: 1.4 miles

Parking: Free

Pets: Allowed on leashes

Good for kids: Yes

Directions to Snoqualmie Falls

  • 34 miles SE of University of Washington Bothell (42 min)
  • 29 miles E of Seattle (36 min)
  • 42 miles NE of Tacoma (52 min)
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– Image from author

Aside from being an Instagram-worthy spot, Snoqualmie Falls is a great place for those who have never hiked before. The first time I ever came to the falls, it was filled with tourists and families admiring the view. They even have a gift shop! The actual trail works its way down the falls until you get to the Snoqualmie River. Overall, it was a very easy and pleasant hike.

Rattlesnake Ledge

Round trip: 4.0 miles

Parking: Free

Pets: Allowed on leashes

Good for kids: Yes

Directions to Rattlesnake Ledge

  • 40 miles SE of University of Washington Bothell (45 min)
  • 35 miles E of Seattle (40 min)
  • 48 miles NE of Tacoma (56 min)
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– Image from author

Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the most rewarding hikes I’ve done. My first time going was with a group of friends and we all had a great time. The trail starts about a 10-minute walk from the parking area and had a lot of switchbacks. Many hikers like to stay on the ledge to enjoy the view at the top so pack a lunch!

Poo Poo Point – Chirico Trail

Round trip: 3.8 miles

Parking: Free

Pets: Allowed on leashes

Good for kids: Yes

Directions to Chirico Trail

  • 24 miles SE of University of Washington Bothell (33 min)
  • 19 miles E of Seattle (28 min)
  • 36 miles NE of Tacoma (43 min)
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– Image from author

Just to clarify, there are two Poo Poo Point trails that differ greatly in length. The Chirico Trail is 3.8 miles and the other trail, which starts at Issaquah High School, is just called Poo Poo Point Trail. The Poo Poo Point Trail is 7.2 miles! Both trails lead to the same viewpoint, but because they are named similarly, many hikers like myself have went on the wrong trail. I hiked the Chirico Trail last summer and it is one of my favorite hikes. Poo Poo Point is a popular spot where people go paragliding so pack some snacks and take in the view.

Posted on by Jolene Truong

The Grind Don’t Stop! Tips for Studying and Stress Management.

New year, new you! Make 2018 be the year where you achieve your academic goals without the needless stress! Here are a few tips on how you can prepare for the new quarter in a healthy and productive way:

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Studying 101

  • Use a planner! Whether it’s a notebook or an app on your phone, using planners will definitely improve your study habits. Personally, I use a notebook planner to help organize what I need to do on a daily basis. By planning ahead, you are able to manage the time you need to spend on studying.
    • Fun fact: The human brain craves completed tasks so when you cross something off of your to-do list, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine that is responsible for making you feel good and motivated!

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  • Know what works for you. Some people prefer to study at night rather than the daytime and some prefer music over silence.
  • Organize your study space. Although it is very tempting to open Snapchats and watch funny dog videos, it is crucial to put any distractions, such as your phone, out of sight.
  • Have a drink and snack handy so that you can focus on studying. Use the snack as an incentive! For example, for every chapter that you read, you can eat 3 Skittles.
  • Take breaks! We’re only human so studying for 3 hours straight can definitely lead to some negative side effects. Take a breather, get another cup of coffee, or go for a walk and come back with a refreshed mind.
  • Use handy study materials such as study guides, textbooks, notes, and online resources. Class study guides will be your best bet of what to expect on your final.
  • For those of you who are visual learners, here’s a video by Doctor Mike that sums up how to study for exams: HOW TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY: SIMPLE EXAM TIPS | Doctor Mike​

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