Research Papers

With Spring Break over and classes resuming this week it’s time for most of you to start that research paper that is due at the end of the semester.  You said that you weren’t going to put it off this time and you were going to write a little bit here and there, but you didn’t.  Procrastination is never something planned, but often the product of a busy schedule and unfortunately it’s the life of most grad students.  Luckily, I am here to help with some tips to tackle that tough research paper!

1.       Focus in on a research topic- pick a topic that interests you and that you can explain thoroughly.

2.       Sources- make sure you use a plethora of credible sources and ideas to back your paper up. Stockton’s various online databases and the Library are a great start.

3.       Organization – making sure you are organized is just as important as making sure your paper is organized.  Notecards are key!

4.       Rough Draft- creating a rough draft allows you to get your thoughts on paper first so you can revise afterwards.

5.       CITE- make sure you cite and document your sources! It’s called plagiarism if you don’t!

6.       Get a Second Look – reviewing and editing a long term paper can be strenuous for students, so getting a second pair of eyes always helps.

7.       Final Draft- after your revisions write your final draft and make sure that you have clearly defended your point on the topic.

8.       RELAX

Research papers are something that every grad student has to deal with so you’re not alone. I myself have a large research paper on workplace differences and how to manage them effectively due soon so I am in the same boat!   Just keep your head up, drink enormous amounts of coffee, and know that the semester is almost over!

In honor of National Puppy Day yesterday here are just a few cute pups to brighten your day!

-Eric 

  

Saint Patrick’s Day

  

Whether you are Irish or not, chances are you have partaken in some sort of festivities for Saint Patrick’s Day.  Of course Saint Patrick was a patron saint of Ireland, but how did millions of Americans come to celebrate his day?  Here are some quick facts to get you caught up:

• The Patron Saint of Ireland died on March 17, 461 AD. 
• The day was made an official Christian feast day (Feast of Saint Patrick) in the early 17^th century.
• When millions of Irish immigrants came to America in the 1800’s they brought their potatoes, shamrocks, Guinness, and love of Saint Patrick. 
• The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in Boston in 1737
• The largest St. Patrick’s day parade is held in New York City, with over 2 million spectators
• Chicago uses over 40 pounds of dye to turn its river green for the day
• Most people celebrate by wearing green, decorating, making special Irish food, and partaking in Irish festivities
• 34.7 million U.S. Residents claim Irish ancestry, which is more than 7 times the population of Ireland

So what does all of this mean?  We American’s love celebrating the Feast of Saint Patrick, whether we have an Irish ancestor or not.  I myself have the Irish blood so I will be celebrating with my family and fellow Irish American’s tonight.  

With spring break ending this weekend it’s time to starting getting back to into the normal school routine.  That means picking up those books, checking your emails, and continuing to write that term paper that is due in a couple weeks. 

Were more than half way to the end of the semester so hit the books hard and finish strong! 

-Eric

                 

                                                                               (Irish motivation puppy)