there was a time in my life where I painstakingly trained myself out of using “likes” and “ums” for public speaking, and then when I started learning about like basic linguistics and shit I realized that fillers are completely normal and useful parts of language and now I use them even in text all the time. I feel like if anyone suggested that I should remove them from my speech at this point I would genuinely just be like “alright well you’re not ready to engage with the topic I’m discussing yet.”
until you stop needing communication & language to be just one specific way for you to view it as skillful, authoritative, persuasive, educated, etc. then you aren’t prepared to engage in deeper conversations about language. if you can’t handle “likes” and “y'know?"s then you certainly won’t be able to handle the ways in which multilingual speakers can use one language’s grammar while speaking in another, you won’t be able to handle AAC, you won’t be able to handle discussions with people with verbal tics or stutters… like you’re not going to be able to engage with a lot of language and therefore your understanding of language is not going to be enough, currently, to really get into studying the ways in which power interacts with language or analyzing creative writing on a granular level of phrasing, word choice, punctuation, spacing
Should I study over the summer? A guide for college students
The arrival of summer brings visions of relaxation, adventure, and a break from academic responsibilities. As a college student, you may find yourself questioning whether it’s necessary or beneficial to study during the summer months. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision about whether you should study over the summer, considering various factors that might influence your choice.
Assess Your Academic Goals: Start by evaluating your academic goals and aspirations. Consider the following questions:
Do you want to maintain a high GPA or improve your grades?
Are you pursuing a competitive major or planning for graduate school?
Do you have any courses or subjects you struggled with during the previous academic year?
If your answers indicate a strong commitment to academic excellence, dedicating some time to summer study might be beneficial.
2. Reflect on Personal Motivation: Self-motivation plays a crucial role in successful summer studying. Ask yourself:
Am I disciplined enough to stick to a study schedule during the summer?
Will studying over the summer help me stay intellectually engaged?
Do I genuinely enjoy learning and want to explore subjects beyond my regular coursework?
If you possess the necessary motivation and enthusiasm, studying over the summer can be a rewarding experience.
3. Consider the Nature of Your Courses: The type of courses you are taking or planning to take can influence your decision to study over the summer. Here are some scenarios to consider:
Prerequisite courses: If you have prerequisite courses to complete before advancing in your major, summer study might help you stay on track.
Intensive courses: Some universities offer condensed summer courses, allowing you to complete credits more quickly. Consider whether this option aligns with your goals and interests.
Online courses: If you prefer a flexible study schedule and have reliable internet access, taking online courses over the summer can be an advantageous choice.
4. Evaluate Financial Considerations: Summer study opportunities may come with associated costs. Weigh the financial implications by considering the following:
Tuition fees: Determine if the cost of summer courses fits within your budget or if scholarships and financial aid options are available.
Living expenses: If you plan to take courses away from home, factor in the cost of accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses.
5. Explore Internship and Job Opportunities: Summer break also offers opportunities for internships and part-time jobs. Consider the benefits of gaining practical experience and building your professional network. Reflect on how these opportunities align with your long-term goals and weigh them against the benefits of summer study.
Balance with Personal Well-being: Remember the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Consider these factors:
Rest and rejuvenation: Taking time off during the summer can help you recharge, destress, and prevent burnout.
Pursuing personal interests: Use the summer to explore hobbies, travel, and spend quality time with friends and family.
Conclusion: Deciding whether to study over the summer ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and priorities. Evaluate your academic needs, personal motivation, and financial considerations while keeping a healthy work-life balance in mind. Remember that summer can be a valuable time for personal growth, exploration, and self-care. By making an informed decision, you can optimize your summer break and set yourself up for success in the upcoming academic year.
the basic rundown is: you use the search bar to enter a topic, scientific paper name or DOI. the website then offers you a list of papers on the topic, and you choose the one youâre looking for/most relevant one. from here, it makes a tree diagram of related papers that are clustered based on topic relatability and colour-coded by time they were produced!
for example: here i search âhuman B12â
i go ahead and choose the first paper, meaning my graph will be based around it and start from the topics of âb12 levelsâ and âfraility syndromeâ
here is the graph output! you can scroll through all the papers included on the left, and clicking on each one shows you itâs position on the chart + will pull up details on the paper on the right hand column (title, authors, citations, abstract/summary and links where the paper can be found)
you get a few free graphs a month before you have to sign up, and i think the free version gives you up to 5 a month. there are paid versions but it really depends how often you need to use this kinda thing.
i finished uni (undergrad) last week as i handed in my final assignment on the 23rd! have not posted in about a year or whatever but look, i did it! feels super weird to be done! wahoo! wahee! wahey!
