Articles & Advice Contributors - Patricia Roy

Patricia Roy

Patricia Roy is a writer and professor who has helped students succeed for over 25 years. She started her career as a high school English teacher and then moved into higher education at Tuition Rewards member school, Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts. Her practical guidance and enthusiasm motivate and inspire students to fearlessly explore their own passions. Professor Roy is also a freelance writer and published poet.

Articles By Patricia Roy

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10 Things You Can Do Freshman Year to Ensure Career Success
As a freshman, you want to do it all: learn new things, meet new people, and expand your horizons. Until now, your daily habits have been largely shaped by your parents and your school. Now, you have the opportunity to try something new.
A Different Take on Plagiarism
In a previous article on education trauma, in which I retell a personal struggle with anxiety and attention disturbance, I gave the example of taking shortcuts as a coping mechanism in neurodivergent students. Personally, I am still unlearning the message that taking shortcuts means I’m lazy. Maybe you are, too.
AI-Generation Tools: What Students Should Know
As young scholars and future leaders, how you use AI technology today will profoundly influence how our lives look tomorrow.
Beyond Brochures: What You Need to Know About College That They Don't Tell You
When choosing a college, it's important to ask questions beyond academics and sports to understand the school's culture and support systems. Investigate how administrative tasks are handled—ideally through a single, efficient "One Stop" office-and how professors use course platforms to ensure they meet modern student needs. Explore the vibrancy of student activities, the campus cultural climate, and practical details like parking policies for commuters or car allowances for freshmen. Visiting the campus during active class sessions and connecting with current students can provide invaluable insights into the school's vibe and operations, helping you make an informed decision.
Courses Every Student Should Take No Matter the Major, Ranked
This article offers suggestions for ten courses you should take before you graduate.
Cover Letters for College Students: Do you even need one?
If you are applying for jobs, don't put off writing your cover letter. Be sure to use our template and example as guides!
Five Books My Students Have Loved
While no story will satisfy all tastes, this list of proven winners — some well-known while others obscure — deserve to be part of your end-of-summer reading list.
Five Things You Can Do Right Now to Tell if You are in the Right Major!
There are many college majors to pick from and it's important to find the right major for you. How do you know you're on the right path?
Five Writing Myths Keeping You from Success in Freshman English Class
Writing is one of the most important professional skills you can develop in college. Unfortunately, many students have learned to dread writing. Why? Probably because they have picked up some bad ideas along the way. This article, written by an English teacher of twenty-five years, explores some common myths about writing and how these myths hold young writers back.
Frank Aydelotte, Oxford, and Honors Programs
Aydelotte's story highlights the value of finding a like-minded mentor. It describes how honors programs transformed higher education in the United States and remain on the leading edge of scholarship and service today.
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