As someone who used to struggle with study skills in high school, especially when preparing for AP exams, I often questioned my own abilities. Looking back, I realize that I wasn’t unintelligent I simply hadn’t yet learned how to study in a way that worked for me. At the time, however, it was easy to believe that my grades reflected my worth. That mindset and my self-esteem made me doubt whether I was capable of succeeding academically.

European Library

I was the type of student who usually did okay while in high school, but my performance often depended on how overwhelmed I felt. Before a major exam, I would spend hours stressing about what I didn’t know rather than focusing on what I had already learned. Sometimes all of that effort paid off, and I passed with a grade I was proud of. Other times, despite studying for hours, I still failed or performed below my expectations. Those moments were discouraging, but they also became part of my journey. Failure was never the end of my story—it became an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover what worked best for me.

As a neurodivergent person, I struggled not only with study skills but also with social skills at different points in my life. Throughout my teenage years, I often felt like everyone else understood things that came naturally to them while I had to work twice as hard to figure them out. Whether it was staying organized, managing my time, understanding social situations, or preparing for exams, many tasks required extra effort. For a long time, I viewed this as a weakness, but over time I realized that learning differently does not mean I deserved to learn less.

It wasn’t until I was around eighteen or nineteen years old that I really began teaching myself the skills I hadn’t fully developed earlier. I started paying attention to how I learned best instead of comparing myself to other students. I learned that everyone studies differently. Some people retain information by reading, others through writing notes, teaching concepts to someone else, watching videos, or practicing with questions. There is no universal formula for success. What matters most is finding a method that works for you rather than trying to copy someone else’s routine.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that stress has a significant impact on education. When people think about academic stress, they often assume it only comes from homework, exams, or difficult classes. In reality, stress is much more complicated than that. A student’s home environment, financial situation, friendships, mental health, family responsibilities, and overall school environment can all influence their ability to focus and succeed. Sometimes a student is carrying burdens that no one else can see. It becomes difficult to concentrate on an assignment when your mind is occupied by challenges outside the classroom.

I wish more people understood that struggling academically does not always mean someone is lazy or doesn’t care. Sometimes students are doing everything they can just to make it through the day. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, learning differences, financial hardship, or family issues while trying to keep up with assignments and deadlines. Showing compassion toward classmates and ourselves can make a tremendous difference.

Post Highschool and Transition to College

Over time, I also realized that effective studying isn’t about spending the most hours with a textbook open. It’s about studying intentionally. I found that breaking assignments into smaller pieces made them feel much less overwhelming. Instead of trying to memorize everything the night before an exam, I began reviewing material over several days whenever possible. Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and giving my brain time to process information often helped more than cramming late into the night. While I still experience stress before important exams or projects, I now understand that managing stress is just as important as mastering the material itself.

College introduced a completely different academic environment. Professors expected students to take greater responsibility for their own learning, deadlines came quickly, and balancing multiple classes required stronger organization than I had experienced in high school. There were times when I questioned whether I belonged in college at all. Like many students, I experienced moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. However, every semester taught me something new—not just academically, but personally.

As I mentioned in previous chapters, my college experience has not been easy. I faced personal challenges, difficult situations, and periods where I questioned whether I had chosen the right place for myself. There were moments when I felt isolated, misunderstood, and overwhelmed by everything happening around me. Those experiences affected not only my education but also my confidence and mental well-being.

Everything began to change once I transferred schools. Transferring did not magically solve every problem, but it gave me a fresh start and a healthier environment where I could continue growing. Sometimes changing your environment can make a meaningful difference. A new campus, new classmates, and new opportunities allowed me to rebuild my confidence and focus more on my goals rather than the obstacles that had previously consumed my attention.

Looking back, I have learned that education is about much more than earning good grades. It is about developing resilience, learning how to adapt, discovering your strengths, and continuing to grow even when things become difficult. Every success and every setback has taught me something valuable. The challenges I faced with study skills, stress, and college life helped shape the person I am becoming.

If I could offer one piece of advice to students who are struggling, it would be this: don’t measure your potential by one exam, one semester, or one difficult chapter of your life. Everyone learns at a different pace, and everyone’s journey looks different. Ask for help when you need it, be patient with yourself, and remember that growth often happens gradually. You are not defined by your lowest grade or your hardest semester. What defines you is your willingness to keep learning, keep improving, and keep moving forward despite the challenges you face.

Today, I still continue learning better study habits and better ways to manage stress. Growth does not end after high school or even after college. It is a lifelong process. My journey has taught me that success is not about being perfect; it is about persistence. Every challenge I overcame strengthened my confidence, and every lesson I learned reminded me that progress is often more important than perfection.

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By Aaron Newman

Aaron Newman is an Education Studies major minoring in Digital Studies. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, he writes about relationships, entertainment and fashion. He also writes about the hardship and being optimistic about his struggles and looking forward to the present and future.

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For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

Relationships have been one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of my life. Over the years, I have learned that no two relationships are the same, and each one has shaped me in different ways.

My relationship with each of my parents has always been different. My father and I have generally gotten along with ease, while my relationship with my mother has been much more complex. We often argue, whether over something small in the present or something that happened years ago. Although those disagreements can be frustrating, they have taught me that family relationships are rarely perfect. They require patience, communication, and a willingness to understand perspectives that differ from your own.

I would say being bullied has changed the way I view humanity at times and it used to make me feel like I didn’t have a purpose but I think as I did more reflecting why I am the way I am. I started going to therapy more and started diving into my past as hard and hurtful. The truth was I had to face it as a man and feel all my emotions instead of pretending my life was sunshine, rainbows, sunny and joy. My trauma and battle started when I was at the end of 4th grade when I found out I was going to be held back due to reading scores and was mislead and lied to and said I was in a transitional phase instead of telling me the truth by my old principal it isn’t something I talk about with people due to fear of being portrayed as dramatic or some sort of victimhood. At 10-11 years old I didn’t have a voice to stand up for myself and felt like I was silenced. This was something I didn’t think about for years but that is when my real battle with depression, anxiety and suicide ideation began in my early teens as young as 12 but after an attempt at 17 I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety through a diagnostic exam July 2022 and showed signs of severe trauma and PTSD. I can say I’m healthy, alive and no longer having those thoughts as of 4 years later post that traumatic event. Because of this I started a page called WrittenHopeHQ which is something I created to help teens and adults with suicide ideation, depression and anxiety so no one should feel alone like I did. I also created the infographic logo and symbol to represent something symbolic and healing. I would like to be more consistent with this page even though I started it a year ago and I would develop a concept to get people on board maybe do events where we talk about our feelings and overshare in a safe space so people don’t contain their thoughts alone or vent to ai tools like I have done so many times I’ve lost count. This restores wounds in the world and humanity to repair and heal. In Judaism this concept is Tikkun Olam which is by far my favorite one in Judaism, something I practice everyday. Tikkun Olam helps me restore my lenses of how I see humanity and how I can do my best to be kind and empathetic to people. 

WrittenHopeHQ Symbol

Growing up in a family with Holocaust survivors in my ancestry also influenced the way I think about empathy. As the great-grandson of Holocaust survivors, I have always believed that the phrase “Never Again” should apply to everyone not only Jewish people, but any group facing persecution, mass violence, or genocide. To me, those words represent a universal commitment to protecting human dignity, regardless of a person’s nationality, ethnicity, or religion. That belief has become an important part of how I understand justice and compassion.

Friendships have also taught me important lessons. I have never been someone with a large circle of friends. Instead, I have valued a smaller number of meaningful relationships. My longest friendship has lasted six years with my friend Elizabeth. Although we are not as close as we once were, I am grateful that we still stay in touch despite having different political views. That friendship has shown me that disagreement does not always have to end a relationship if there is mutual respect.

6 Year Friendship With Elizabeth

Other friendships have been more uncertain. Sometimes I have questioned where I stand with people. Some friendships naturally became stronger through mutual effort, while others slowly faded over time. At first, I struggled with that reality, but I have come to understand that not every friendship is meant to last forever. People grow, priorities change, and sometimes life simply takes people in different directions.

Like many people my age, I have also found myself comparing my life to what I see on social media. There are moments when I mourn opportunities I feel I may have missed or compare my relationships to those of others. Over time, I have realized that social media often shows only the highlights of people’s lives rather than the full picture. Learning to appreciate my own journey instead of measuring it against someone else’s continues to be an important lesson.

One of the most difficult lessons I have learned involves forgiveness. I believe forgiveness has an important place in situations involving misunderstandings, honest mistakes, or poor communication. At the same time, I also believe that there are experiences that fundamentally change a relationship. Serious betrayals or violations of trust can leave lasting wounds such as emotional abuse, sexual harassment isn’t forgivable or something I tolerate which are things I unfortunately experienced but it has made me stronger. For me, learning empathy has also meant recognizing that people heal in different ways and that protecting one’s own well-being through healthy boundaries is sometimes necessary.

Moving from Florida to New York introduced me to people with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. As I continued questioning many of my own political beliefs, I found communities where I felt understood. Finding other Jewish people with similar perspectives made me feel less isolated during a period of significant personal reflection. Even today, I sometimes struggle with loneliness, but knowing those communities exist has reminded me that I am not alone.

One experience that had a lasting impact on me was meeting a Palestinian American and his Egyptian American wife while I was questioning Zionism. We spoke openly about history and our different backgrounds. During that conversation, he shared that he had lost many members of his family during the ongoing war in Gaza. Listening to his personal story reinforced for me the importance of empathy, not simply understanding ideas, but listening to the lived experiences of others, even when those experiences are painful. These conversations sparked a motivation for myself to be apart of peace groups with Israelis and Palestinians with confronting 

As I have grown older, I have realized that the relationships I value most are built on honesty, reciprocity, and meaningful conversation. I enjoy discussing ideas, learning from different perspectives, and forming connections that go beyond small talk. While not every relationship lasts forever, every relationship has taught me something about empathy, communication, and the kind of person I hope to become.

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By Aaron Newman

Aaron Newman is an Education Studies major minoring in Digital Studies. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, he writes about relationships, entertainment and fashion. He also writes about the hardship and being optimistic about his struggles and looking forward to the present and future.

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For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

As a child, before smartphones became a major part of everyday life, I developed a passion for photography. I especially enjoyed travel photography and capturing moments from the places I visited. Whether it was a historic landmark, a unique building, or a beautiful landscape, I loved finding the right angle and lighting to create a memorable photograph. Photography allowed me to see the world differently and helped me develop an eye for detail and creativity at a young age.

As I grew older and entered college, my interests began to expand. I developed a strong passion for nonprofit and humanitarian work to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I became interested in how organizations address social issues, support vulnerable communities, and create meaningful change. At the same time, I discovered a passion for media, particularly marketing, writing, and communications. I enjoyed learning how messages are created, shared, and used to connect with people.

As someone who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, I often faced challenges with social cues and communication. There were times when understanding social situations did not come naturally to me, and I sometimes struggled to fit in with my peers. However, these challenges also helped me develop resilience and self-awareness. Over time, I learned to embrace my strengths, including my creativity, attention to detail, and determination.

Looking back, photography, writing, media, and humanitarian work all share a common theme: they allow me to connect with people and better understand the world around me. Discovering these talents helped shape my goals and continues to influence the path I want to pursue in the future.

One of the experiences that helped me discover my interests was my first trip to Europe at eighteen. During the summer after my junior year of high school, I spent five weeks in Rome completing volunteer work required for graduation. While there, I worked with a group of volunteers helping to care for cats at a shelter. Beyond the volunteer work itself, the experience gave me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, build friendships, and experience a new culture for an extended period.

My Time Abroad

That trip helped me realize how much I enjoyed connecting with people and contributing to causes larger than myself. It also strengthened my interest in humanitarian and nonprofit work. I became increasingly interested in organizations that bring people together, support communities, and work toward positive social change.

What inspires me most about nonprofit and humanitarian work is the idea of solidarity and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Over time, as I explored my own beliefs and perspectives, I found inspiration in individuals and organizations working to promote dialogue, peace, and understanding. Seeing people from different backgrounds work together toward common goals reminded me that I was not alone in my desire to build connections and contribute to a better future. One of my favorite organizations is Standing Together that fights for equality for Jews and Palestinians in the State of Israel and abroad. 

Solidarity Interest and Potential Work. Logo Credit: https://www.standing-together.org/en

These experiences helped shape my interests in both humanitarian work and communications. They showed me the importance of listening to others, sharing stories, and using my skills to connect with people in meaningful ways.

When it came time to choose a major in college, I found myself drawn to Education Studies. While some people associate education solely with teaching, I saw it as something much broader. I was interested in understanding how people learn, how communities are supported, and how social change can be achieved through education and advocacy.

Education Studies felt like the closest fit to my interests in nonprofit and humanitarian work. Many nonprofit organizations focus on education, community development, youth programs, and social services. I wanted to learn skills that could help me work in those areas in the future.

I was also excited that the major allowed me to explore topics related to communications and media through elective courses. My interests have never been limited to one field. Instead, I have always been drawn to the intersection of education, communications, and social impact. I enjoy learning how ideas are shared, how people connect with one another, and how organizations can use storytelling to create positive change.

Choosing Education Studies was not just about selecting a major; it was about finding a path that connected many of the interests and values that I had developed throughout my life.

Part of the reason I became interested in nonprofit and humanitarian work comes from my own experiences growing up. As someone diagnosed with autism at a young age, there were many times when I felt different from the people around me. I often struggled to relate to others and sometimes felt unseen or misunderstood. There were moments when I felt like an outcast because I had difficulty connecting with my peers the way others seemed to.

Those experiences were challenging, but they also shaped my perspective. They helped me develop empathy for people who feel excluded, overlooked, or unheard. Because I know what it feels like to struggle with belonging, I have always been drawn to causes that focus on inclusion, community, and support for others.

Over time, I realized that many people experience feelings of isolation for different reasons. Whether because of their background, beliefs, identity, or personal circumstances, everyone wants to feel seen and valued. This understanding is one of the reasons I became interested in nonprofit and humanitarian work. I want to contribute to organizations and communities that help people feel supported and connected, not alone.

Just next door to IFC Center, a burger bar resides within the West Bank. Fat Ronnie, a meat restaurant, offers chicken, burgers and sandwiches. As I entered the establishment, I was welcomed by Ronnie and Cece with kindness and was shown the menu and ultimately I chose the chicken caesar salad. 

I’m someone who tends to be a picky eater so to be able to choose something from the menu that is healthy and doesn’t have large portions is the best. This allows me to obtain a healthy meal without experiencing stomach aches, but overall I enjoyed the meal.

As I started eating the caesar salad it felt crunchy at the same time but not too hot as well when I ate the chicken. The ginger ale tasted good and I liked that it was iced. I got to witness employees making the salad which was nice. 

Overall, I had an excellent time at Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar NYC in the West Village. The staff was helpful, kind and provided great service. I would recommend this restaurant to friends and family. If you would like to try their chicken and burger sandwiches. Bring the coupon below for 15% off your purchase. 

Just a block away from NYU on east ninth street rests a pizza shop, Nuovo York, an italian pizza shop offering different kinds of pizza from mozzarella to vegan choices. As I stepped in, I was greeted by Atalay the owner and his employee Angel who were both so warm and welcoming to me and even showed me the bathroom when I had to use it.

I’m someone who doesn’t eat a lot of dairy products due to health reasons, stomach aches, acne prone skin and inflammatory reactions from food, especially dairy. As I ate the slice of pizza I didn’t feel like that at all, it’s actually one of those pizzas that didn’t make me have stomach pain.

For the food, I got a slice of square pizza and sprite & water. As I ate the pizza with basel and shredded cheese it tasted something that I hadn’t eaten before even though I ate pizza multiple times in my life. I got to go behind the scenes and visualize and see the pizza chef shred the cheese and put oil. It was fascinating because I don’t usually see people cook close up to me but I got to see it from a nearby presence.

Afterwards I sat down and watched people walk outside while eating the pizza and drinking my soda. It was well deserved after walking in the humid weather that so much reminded me of my hometown Fort Lauderdale/Miami. The food tasted like the ones I’ve eaten in Italy when I was there 3 years ago. 

Overall, I had a great time dining at Nuovo Pizza in the East Village within proximity to my campus. The staff was kind, helpful and provided excellent customer service. I’m recommending this place to my friends. If you like to try some of their pizzas, bring the coupon below and student discount for 20% off. 

Growing up in an American-Israeli family, I was surrounded by both big ideas and small, everyday gestures that shaped my sense of responsibility. My parents didn’t just talk about being proud of our Jewish identity or respecting elders they showed it, whether it was by inviting neighbors for holiday meals or pausing to greet elderly community members in the street. These moments, sometimes ordinary and sometimes memorable, wove values into the fabric of my daily life.

Our house was always a jumble of languages: English in the kitchen, Hebrew for homework help, and Yiddish when my grandparents wanted to tell secrets. Learning Hebrew didn’t just mean memorizing words; it meant being able to join in family jokes or read prayers out loud at synagogue. My parents insisted we celebrate holidays together, no matter how busy we were. Sukkot stands out in my memory: I can still picture us hanging decorations on the sukkah while my dad told stories about his own childhood. These moments helped me appreciate my heritage in a real, hands-on way, not just as an abstract idea.

Respect for elders wasn’t just a rule, it was part of daily life. I learned early on that listening to my grandparents’ stories wasn’t optional; it was expected. My great-grandmother, for example, used to sit at our table and speak about her journey to America, often while peeling apples for dessert. Hearing about the difficulties she faced gave me a bigger sense of perspective, especially when I felt frustrated by things that now seem trivial in comparison.

Responsibility started small: drying dishes, taking out the trash, checking on my younger brother’s homework. At the time, I just wanted to finish quickly so I could play video games, but looking back, those chores taught me the basics of being accountable and sticking with commitments. My parents let me know that it wasn’t just about getting things done, but about building habits that would stick with me as I got older even if I didn’t appreciate it then.

School was another place where responsibility played a major role. I was expected to put effort into my academics and work hard, even when subjects were difficult. Like many students, I experienced both successes and challenges throughout my education. Learning to manage schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities taught me that success often comes from consistency and determination rather than perfection.

Kindness was something my parents talked about a lot, but putting it into practice was sometimes messy. I dealt with bullying at school, something I rarely talked about at home. I never understood why some kids could be so cruel, and even now, I sometimes wonder if there was something I could have done differently. I always wanted to believe that people could change, which meant I forgave people more than once, even when it hurt. Looking back, I realize I sometimes put up with things longer than I should have, thinking that being kind meant never standing up for myself.

Those experiences forced me to rethink what kindness and forgiveness really meant. I learned, sometimes the hard way, that being kind doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you. Forgiveness might help you move on, but it doesn’t mean you have to forget or let it happen again. Setting boundaries was something I only figured out later, but now I see it as another kind of responsibility to myself.

As I got older, responsibility stopped being about chores or homework and started being about my own choices. I made mistakes—sometimes big ones—and had to learn from them. Responsibility meant owning up to those mistakes, but also being willing to grow. It also meant figuring out how to balance my family’s values with my own opinions about the world. 

The values I grew up with—pride in my heritage, respect for others, kindness, and responsibility—are still at my core, but life has taught me that these things aren’t always simple. Sometimes, they mean making tough choices or admitting I don’t have all the answers. It’s a work in progress, and I’m learning to be okay with that.

Looking back, I’m thankful for both the lessons my family taught me and the times those lessons were put to the test. The good and the hard moments have shaped who I am. As I head into college and whatever comes next, I know I’ll lean on these values—even as I keep figuring out what they really mean for me.

Of all our family traditions, Sukkot was the one I waited for every year. It wasn’t just a religious holiday, it was a chance for our house to become a hub of laughter, stories, and, sometimes, total chaos. Our sukkah looked a bit different every year, covered in paper chains, old family photos, and prayers scribbled in both Hebrew and Yiddish. Friends and neighbors drifted in, and the kitchen turned into an assembly line for schnitzel, steak, salmon, and a dozen different salads. Those nights felt magical, with everyone crowded together, sharing stories long after the meal was over.

When I was little, I only knew that Sukkot meant staying up late and eating good food with lots of people. But as I got older, I started to realize it was really about opening your doors, making space for others, and making sure everyone felt like they belonged. Watching my parents welcome guests, even when it meant more work, taught me that responsibility isn’t just chores or grades; sometimes, it’s about making other people feel at home.

Looking back, those nights under the sukkah shaped me as much as anything else. They connected me to my Jewish heritage in a way no lesson or textbook ever could, and they taught me that some of the best moments in life happen when you’re surrounded by family, friends, and community.

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By Aaron Newman

Aaron Newman is an Education Studies major minoring in Digital Studies. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, he writes about relationships, entertainment and fashion. He also writes about the hardship and being optimistic about his struggles and looking forward to the present and future. 

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For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.