What is a glow-up? Is it physical? Spiritual? Or is it a way to push ourselves into becoming a better us? Urban dictionary defines a glow-up as “a mental, physical, and an emotional transformationfor the better. Glow Upscan be both natural or planned. As well as being gradual and permanent, or fast and temporary.” With this trend blowing up on TikTok, it is time for a deeper dive into how we can place a glow-up into every aspect in our lives. This being a start into a four article series. Here you will find different keys to use to build a better you.
School
It is a no-brainer that school will be a key to having an educational glow-up. Taking the time to focus, learn, study, and plan will give you a strong foundation to ace your classes. Before diving in, the most important task that you must do is to find out what kind of learner you are. Are you visual, auditory, or a hands-on kind of learner? (Click here and here to take quizzes to find out). When you find your learning style, you can use it in class to help you become a better student. Yes, I understand that some classes aren’t your cup of tea but trying to understand the topic is better than giving up. Taking notes helps when trying to understand because you can go back and revise to see what you don’t get. Also, by taking notes you can focus more because you are keeping your mind occupied with taking down what’s important. Notes are not the only thing you can use to study, using outside sources like Quizlet or watching YouTube videos give you a deeper explanation on topics you need help with. Using sources like these can help you become successful in your goals and dreams. Yes, it is going to be hard and a lot of work, but if you work wisely and are determined I don’t see why you won’t succeed.
Media
The next key is through social media. Yes, you read it right, social media. Being known as a toxic place is an understatement. But by using your platform to speak about social injustices in the world can help spread the knowledge and awareness of the problems that are faced in today’s society. Like unequal pay in the workforce, where women are paid less than men, even though they have the same position and are doing the same amount of work. Or the discrimination against the minority communities, who are facing violence. Or the ways we are harming the Earth. Although these are sensitive subjects to speak about, it must be learned and spread through the power of social media. Using the resources like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, are just a few to learn and spread the knowledge. Education is not just a school thing, that is why they say there are people who are book-smart, and the others are street-smart. By learning from both you can become a better you because you won’t be so naive in this world and will be prepared to conquer whatever comes to you.
culture
The last key is learning about different cultures. Now, you don’t need to be an expert on speaking the language or to dress like them. But, to learn the basics of that culture because it can give you a better experience and help you appreciate the things you have. Playing a significant role in today’s fast-growing community, learning different cultures can help you understand and become more woke. The world is not just the U.S., it’s the U.S. and 194 countries that carry different cultures. I’m not saying you must know all 194 cultures but pick up bits and pieces of each. Then you see the world in a whole new light.
Glowing up is not one size fits all, it is all sizes are invited to join. If you want to be a more educated you, then find an educational glow-up that fits in your life. These are just tips that you can use to inspire you to become smarter both in books and on the street. But at the end do not stress about cramming all of this in a short period, because this is a lifestyle that is here to stay for the long run. For extra inspiration check out these YouTube videos.
How I study *Effectively* (study tips from a college student)- Hannah Elise
Education System v. Cultural Competence |Gracia Bareti|- TEDx Talks
A Tale of Two Teachers |Melissa Crum|- TEDx Talks
How to be Productive in College: 10 tips from a straight A college student- Lauren Doan
Making Social Media Work to Your Educational Advantage |Enilda Romero-Hall|- TEDxTalks