OASIS BLOG

In our last post, we explored the good habit of structured learning time, the rhythm students bring from K-12 into college that can be repurposed for academic success. But let’s talk now about a not-so-helpful habit: dependent learning. This is the habit of relying on teachers to do the heavy lifting when it comes to…

When you head off to college, you bring more than just your wardrobe, laptop, and favorite snacks. You bring habits. Some good, some not so good. Among the best habits many students carry with them is one that’s often overlooked: structured learning time. For over a decade, students have been conditioned to learn during the…

I received the following email last week morning, and it led to reflection and inspiration: Hello, I just wanted to thank you for your presentation on the 20th, where you talked about the impact of your ADHD and Dyslexia. Having someone put something in words that I’ve been struggling to try to explain, even to…

As internship season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to talk about how undergrads can make the most of their summer experience and maybe even turn that internship into a full-time job offer. This isn’t just about getting coffee or updating spreadsheets; it’s about showing who you are, what you bring to the table, and…

In a time marked by rapid demographic changes, economic uncertainty, and increasing social polarization, colleges and universities are being called to reaffirm—and reimagine—their true purpose. Beyond merely serving as institutions that churn out technically proficient graduates, higher education must rise to its deeper obligation: to prepare individuals who are not only skilled professionals but also…

I was born and raised in Suriname, a South American country with not only a vibrant blend of cultures, but also a rigorous educational system. One of my most vivid memories from sixth grade was the national graduation exam. This was no multiple-choice test. Instead, it required students to demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding across…

I began college like a lot of students do—riding high on my high school success, blissfully unaware that the academic rules of the game were about to change. In high school, I was top of my class. In college? Let’s just say the transition was less “smooth sailing” and more “shipwreck.” I rolled into my…

Your Brain is a Muscle: Why Intelligence Isn’t Fixed and How to Flex Your Learning Style Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m just not a math person” or “I’ll never be good at writing”? You’re not alone—but here’s the truth: that kind of thinking is a myth. Intelligence isn’t fixed. It’s flexible, it’s malleable, and just like any other…

In the hustle of college life, students are constantly told to “manage their time better.” But what does that really mean? The term time management can be misleading—it implies that if you just organize your calendar or make to-do lists, everything will fall into place. Yet, managing time poorly is still managing time. The real key to academic and…

When we think about student success, we often focus on grades, test scores, and academic achievements. But what about the skills that aren’t listed on the syllabus—those unspoken, yet essential tools that help students thrive in and beyond the classroom? This is the realm of the “hidden curriculum.”   Time management, self-advocacy, critical thinking, resilience,…