Designing your study space for success, start the new school year off right

Woman reading a book in her den
Photo: Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS
SNS - Are you embarking on the next leg of your academic journey? Your environment plays a pivotal role and it's essential to carve out a space that enhances focus. By choosing to create a productive study nook, you're prioritizing success.

What elements define an effective learning alcove? From natural light to personal touches, every detail counts.

Consequently, a tailored corner can differentiate between mediocre and exceptional results. This guide will explore strategies, from choosing the ideal spot to personalizing for maximum efficiency. Let's transform that corner into a powerhouse for knowledge absorption!

Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Study Nook Productive
A productive learning corner begins with natural light. Indeed, sunlight boosts mood and alertness. However, the location is equally crucial. Opt for quiet, distraction-free zones. Next, make it distinctly yours.

Personal touches not only elevate aesthetics but also kindle motivation. Yet, a simple desk or quiet atmosphere isn't enough. It's the blend of these elements that forges a high-performing study alcove. So, as you design, remember to harmonize functionality with individuality. Ultimately, these basics lay the foundation for a successful learning environment.

Choosing the Perfect Spot
Selecting an ideal location is paramount. Firstly, ponder the foot traffic. Busy areas can be distracting. However, a secluded corner might feel isolating.

Next, weigh the noise level. After all, consistent interruptions break concentration—moreover, accessibility matters. You'll want essentials within arm's reach. Whether it's a bedroom corner, a living room space, or even an attic, each has its merits.

Conversely, each presents unique challenges. A converted closet, for instance, offers privacy but might lack natural light. Pinpointing the right spot combines preference, practicality, and purpose.

Essential Elements of a Study Nook
Some elements are non-negotiable to create a productive study nook. Firstly, invest in ergonomic furniture. A comfortable chair and desk foster prolonged focus. Next, consider storage. Shelves, bins, and pegboards prevent clutter.

Additionally, technology, such as a computer, is indispensable.

Lighting also plays a pivotal role. So, layer ambient, task, and accent lights for optimal illumination. As for personal touches, they're more than mere aesthetics. They infuse warmth, making the space inviting. It is one way to make your study sanctuary a productivity hub by uniting function with design.

Personalization and Inspiration
Crafting your learning enclave goes beyond the basics. Firstly, dive into color psychology. Soft hues can induce focus, while vibrant tones inspire creativity. Wall art, peppered with motivational quotes for calendars, serves dual purposes: decoration and motivation. Adding plants, on the other hand, introduces an element of serenity. Besides, they improve air quality, offering subtle health benefits.

Make deliberate choices to elevate an ordinary study space into a personalized hub of inspiration. Your alcove should resonate with you. Blending aesthetics with functionality creates a conducive environment for growth and learning.

Keeping the Space Organized
Maintaining an organized learning retreat is vital.

First, embrace daily decluttering habits. A clean space amplifies focus. Next, you should apply labels to bins and folders, which is especially crucial for multi-subject study sessions. For kids, consider some storage ideas to save space, like wall-mounted baskets or over-the-door organizers.

Additionally, utilize the '15-minute rule': Spend a quarter-hour tidying up after studying. Use containers to segregate supplies, simplifying your routine. Hence, cleanliness isn't just about aesthetics; it's a productivity catalyst. By staying organized, you ensure that your educational hideaway remains a sanctuary for efficient learning.

Additional Elements to Boost Productivity
Enhancing your academic refuge requires more than just furniture and aesthetics.

Soundproofing is a game-changer, especially in noisy homes. It fosters undisturbed concentration.

Consider using time-management tools when you have a hard time focusing. Timers, for instance, can structure breaks and study stretches.

Curated playlists with ambient tunes can set the mood, helping your mind zero in. For the tech-savvy, various productivity apps can be invaluable allies. Incorporating these elements transforms your learning zone into an efficiency powerhouse.

While seemingly minor, each add-on elevates productivity, ensuring you get the most out of every study session.

Adjusting for Different Age Groups
Tailoring your learning corner to age is crucial. For young learners in elementary school, vibrant themes and tactile tools reign supreme. Additionally, middle schoolers often navigate the shift from hands-on to tech-integrated study methods. A balanced blend of tools and gadgets proves optimal.

On the other hand, high school and college attendees demand a focus on tech, books, and career aids.

As responsibilities mount, adaptability becomes essential. Understanding these age-specific nuances ensures the study space evolves with its users. By doing so, you guarantee each learning stage has its supportive sanctuary.

Overcoming Common Study Nook Challenges
Addressing challenges in crafting your study oasis is pivotal.

Limited space? Turn to vertical storage or foldable furniture. Moreover, budget constraints don't mean compromising quality. Thrift shopping and DIY hacks can yield stunning results. In households bustling with multiple learners, shared spaces pose unique dilemmas. Setting schedules or creating designated zones can smooth out potential conflicts.

You should also consider multi-functional furniture to maximize utility. Each hurdle, when tackled creatively, can lead to innovative solutions. Taking time to confront these challenges head-on will pave the way for a seamless, effective learning hub.

Wrapping it up, the journey to create a productive study nook unveils layers of intention and design. Understanding the essentials lays the groundwork and personalized touches that transforms the space to an effective nook.

Confronting challenges will refine your approach. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, the commitment to learning will make the space invaluable. As the academic landscape shifts, so should our study sanctuaries. Ultimately, a well-crafted nook is more than just a corner; it's a testament to one's dedication to growth.

Are you ready to craft a sanctuary to transform your learn experience?


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Prep Sports Notebook | Area prep football and volleyball gets underway

SJO's Peyton Williams
St. Joseph-Ogden senior Peyton Williams pounds the ball past St. Anne's Maria Mendez and Kylie Toepfer during set one of their non-conference game on Wednesday, August 23. The Spartans won easily by way of a 25-7, 25-15 decision.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Williams serves notice
ST. JOSEPH - Peyton Williams gave a serving clinic last Wednesday notching five aces against visiting St. Anne. The Spartans dominated all aspects of the game against the Cardinals to earn their second win of the season, 2-0.

Williams was credited with seven kills across two sets and had three digs to help SJO defensively. Senior Addie Roesch delivered another six kills and chalked up four digs. Halle Brazelton kept the ball in play with her five digs and distributed 13 assist for the Spartans.


Seggebruch steps up
BISMARCK - Junior Ava Seggebruch hammered four kills to help St. Joseph-Ogden pick up win number 3 this season via 25-12, 29-27 win over host Bismarck-Henning. Once again, Peyton Williams led the Spartans' offensive effort amassing seven kills, two aces, and six digs. Fellow senior Addie Roesch had three kills, three digs, and matched Williams in the serving department with a pair of aces against the Blue Devils.

Setter Halle Brazelton was in near perfect form with 17 assists.


#4 ranked Unity victorious
TOLONODane Eisenmenger completed 19 of 26 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns to lead Unity to a 27-12 victory against Prairie Central at Hicks Field on Friday in Illini Prairie Conference football. The Rockets enter 2023 ranked #4 in the preseason poll by the Associated Press.
SJO knocks off Sages
ST. JOSEPH - Heading into Friday night's annual opener against Monticello, the SJO football suffered seven losses in their last ten meetings on the gridiron against the Sages. When the lightning-delayed game concluded after midnight, senior starting quarteback Logan Smith had scored five times and threw a 31-yard TD to elevate the Spartans' in a 40-14 romp.

Smith led SJO's offensive effort with 102 rushing yards and 163 passing. Running back Justice Wertz finished with 67 yards on 12 carries, and speedy Tim Blackburn-Kelly got the call seven times for 38 of St. Joseph-Ogden's 418 total yards.


Tigers fall in their return to prep football
The Urbana football team played their first varsity game in three years on Saturday. The Tigers kicked off their return with on a road game at Centennial.

The Chargers scored 49 unanswered points before the Tigers finally scored twice in the fourth quarter. UHS, who will face Peoria Notre Dame this Friday, dropped the season opener to Centennial, 49-14.

"We will try to get better," said head coach Curtis Blanden after the game. "Rome wasn't built in a day. It's going to take some time and I have the time to do it."


Attention high school coaches: Help us recognize our area prep athletes each week. Please send game scores and stats to us for freshman, junior varsity, and varsity games. Send game, race and match results and weekly stats to sports@oursentinel.com.

When kids have questions about their bodies, you can have all the answers


"Try not to shy away from these conversations or make your child feel ashamed for asking a question about their body."
StatePoint Media - Children have a lot of questions about the way the world works and parents hope to have straightforward answers. But when it comes to questions regarding the body, parents and kids alike can find these conversations awkward, uncomfortable and embarrassing. Experts say that destigmatizing a child’s curiosity about their body will not only help them take better care of their health, it may even spark their interest in science.

"Kids have so many questions about their bodies, some practical, some pure curiosity. Sadly, society sometimes chastises children for even asking these questions. By better understanding their bodies though, they can adopt good habits that stay with them for life, and learn about physics and biology in a fun way," says David L. Hu, Ph.D., a professor at Georgia Institute of Technology and author of "The P Word: A Manual for Mammals."

Dr. Hu, an award-winning scientist, animal expert and author, wrote "The P Word" for his 10-year old son, who like many children his age, is eager to learn more about his body. While previous books dealing with this topic are written with teenagers in mind, Dr. Hu believes it’s important for younger kids to enter puberty already having all the facts about their biology. His book, meant for ages 7-12, introduces the penis as an organ that unites all biologically male mammals. It’s meant to serve as a gender-neutral, definitive resource about the penis for kids, providing tools kids need to recognize and name their body parts, understand when something might be wrong and practice good hygiene.

If you’re a parent of a curious kid, or a parent of a child who hasn’t yet voiced their questions, Dr. Hu offers the following tips:

1. Try not to shy away from these conversations or make your child feel ashamed for asking a question about their body. Keep in mind that many children will turn to the internet for answers if you aren’t open to answering their questions, where they may encounter false information or inappropriate content. Instead, acknowledge their curiosity by answering their questions as best you can, and by pointing them to trustworthy resources.

2. Don’t wait until your child reaches puberty. If you start talking to kids about their bodies when they are young, you’ll normalize and desensitize the subject, and the act of talking about it. Helping a child feel comfortable in their own skin before things start to change, will set the stage for less stress during puberty.

3. Help kids understand that their body is natural and normal. In “The P Word,” Dr. Hu intentionally presents colorful, engaging images and facts about different mammals around the globe alongside information about human bodies, including how animals use their penises to pee, mark their territory and reproduce. “Comparative biology makes learning fun and amusing, lightens the mood around a serious subject, helps young kids understand their place in nature, and offers insights into the role of their penis or vagina outside the role of sex,” says Dr. Hu.

A valuable resource for parents, librarians, educators and of course, kids, more information about “The P-Word” can be found by visiting sciencenaturally.com/product-page/the-p-word-a-manual-for-mammals.

"My hope is that kids realize that every question they have, no matter how embarrassing it is, can be addressed by the tools of science. They should be proud of being curious about their own bodies," Dr. Hu.


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 Guest Commentary | Biden, Trump and World issues, fervor or fever?

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Every day in America we hear the names of Biden and Trump mentioned on various news television or radio stations. We daily hear about the struggles of Ukraine and Russia. Border security, illegal immigrants, inner city issues and China are almost daily themes.

How could we ever get through a day in America without hearing these ongoing names, themes and issues? It doesn’t seem like we can especially if we daily watch the national news.

Many of us don’t want to live with our heads in the sand thinking the world is a cozy place with everyone living in unity. Most of us understand the world has problems and political personalities that we either admire or abhor or can’t live without. However, most of us have our breaking point when it comes to the daily fodder of political jockeying, mudslinging and media grids committed to swaying how you are supposed to feel about different candidates or world problems.

Recently, I attended my high school senior class reunion and thoroughly enjoyed the gathering of old classmates. We caught up on old times, old ballgames, previous teachers and administrators as well as how life is going today. We remembered those who are already deceased and heard some funny stories and jokes. We shared food together and enjoyed small talk, laughs and some hugs. The line often repeated throughout the evening was, “You sure are looking good.” This was an honest compliment for the most part because old friends always look good. An old classmate or someone who shared years of school history with you is typically a welcomed sight.

I couldn’t help but noticing as the evening wound down that I didn’t hear anybody wanting to argue about politics or political candidates. I didn’t hear anyone worried that China might invade Taiwan. There wasn’t discussion about our border or America’s growing homeless crisis. Our two plus hours was spent simply enjoying each other, reminiscing and having a few laughs. A lot of good admiring words where shared between people making for an enjoyable evening. We had a two-hour successful gathering that didn’t involve the top news stories of the week or the bad stuff that we hear about every day.

Taking a break of from all of the mainstream daily tensions that divide many of us would be a novel idea for all of us. Take a break from it all, at least occasionally. Just focus on kindness, friendship, helping people and being good to each other.

You’ll have ample opportunity to express your frustrations when you vote or when you decide to watch a political debate. There are plenty of those coming. If you start feeling like you are an indifferent and detached from reality, then you can always turn on the evening news to have your fervor or fever reignited.


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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Business | Solid advice on how to attract top-tier employees for your small business

Photo:Mina Rad/Unsplash
StatePoint Media - As most business owners know, one of the most valuable assets your enterprise needs to thrive is top-notch talent. Thanks to the University of Illinois, a world-class university in the community, Champaign-Urbana has a large pool of educated, strong candidates available.

With one in four U.S. adults currently looking for a new job, the right people are out there, it’s just a matter of connecting with them. According to CareerBuilder, here’s how to make your company attractive to job seekers and how to leverage tools to find them:

• Make room for growth: A recent survey from CareerBuilder and Morning Consult finds that when it comes to what’s most important to job seekers, it’s “good salary/benefits and interesting work.”

Give potential employees confidence that working for you will allow them to take care of their finances, provide for their families and do work that they are proud of.

Before posting the position, first seek out industry insights to ensure your compensation package is competitive.

Also ensure that you’re offering a clear path for growth. During the interview process, let candidates know that if they are hired, you will invest the time and energy in seeing them develop professionally.

"Employers must get creative in their approach to skill development and training as a way to fill the existing skills gap and accelerate promotions," says Kristin Kelley, chief marketing officer, CareerBuilder.

• Find your purpose: A people-oriented, purpose-driven work culture can help you not only attract great job candidates, but retain employees.

"Companies with a powerful mission, who also value their employees will stand the test of time. Creating an environment where people can thrive is equally important," says Kelley.

• Be flexible: If the nature of your business allows for it, consider embracing new technologies that allow you to implement flexible work experiences, such as remote or hybrid work. Giving your employees the option to work from home is a key benefit that will attract talent, plus it could potentially broaden your pool nationwide or even internationally.

• Turn to easy-to-use hiring platforms: Finding the best fit for a given position can be extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, hiring software featuring industry-leading technology can make the process much smoother and more efficient. For example, CareerBuilder offers recruiting solutions that allow you to target your ideal job seekers with custom campaigns, build your talent pipeline, and source and screen candidates in a fraction of the time. The platform allows employers to quickly create highly visible job postings in one central hub where 140 million resumes and social profiles reside, search for job candidates 50% faster and reduce the overall hiring time by more than 30%. For more information, visit hiring.careerbuilder.com.

Talent acquisition is just one of a business owner’s many priorities. With the right mindset, strategies and tools, you can attract the best candidates for your business and bring them on board quickly.


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The St. Joseph-Ogden soccer team hosted Oakwood-Salt Fork in their home season opener on Monday. After a strong start, the Spartans fell after a strong second-half rally by the Comets, falling 5-1. Here are 33 photos from the game.