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"It’s like ZYN—for screen time."
Unpacking Education One Post At A Time

Why CampusTalk
As both an educator and a ‘mom’, this is my contribution to your student journey. This newsletter is part education, part everything else. My aim isn’t to echo the headlines already crowding your feeds—whether it’s immigration laws for students or AI reshaping entry-level jobs—but instead to share the stories and insights that often fly under the radar, the ones that might actually help you navigate all this change.
A small effort to create this space: a free and straightforward newsletter designed to help cut through the noise. Whether you’re a student just starting out or returning to learning later in life, you are welcome here. I hope this makes your journey a little bit easier.
Stay calm—truth is, nobody else really knows what they’re doing either 😉
Dear Technology,
Subject: Wait… This Actually Helped You Step Away From Your Phone?
I’ll be honest—when I first read about the Metaphone, I thought:
Really? A block of acrylic instead of a phone? That’s it?
But here’s the thing… I (think)understand how it works.
Metaphone looks like a phone. Feels like a phone. But it’s not a phone.
No apps. No notifications. Just a simple, solid stand-in—like training wheels for unplugging. And for those of us (let’s be real, most of us) who feel that “phantom buzz” without a phone in hand, this tiny swap is surprisingly powerful.
It fills the back-pocket void. It gives your hands something to hold when the urge to scroll kicks in. Specially effective during exam season.It’s like ZYN—for screen time!!
Attention Young #Startup#Founders
Here’s a product idea you could consider without code or AI. Just insight, design, and a bit of nerve. (ZYN)off - a digital detox!!
Makes you wonder: if this kind of placebo effect works for phones… Why not try it for smoking too? We might be more ready to let go than we think!!

#ZYNoff #campustalk

Dear High schooler,
Subject: From Banned to Required — The AI Shift at Michigan Law
Two years ago, Michigan Law banned ChatGPT in applications—now they require it for an essay. Crazy how fast rules shift. It’s clear AI isn’t a shortcut anymore—it’s a skill. Schools/universities (and entire careers) are catching on. I wouldn’t be surprised if law, business, and med schools all follow. If you are still planning on applying to universities in the USA and since admissions policies are shifting, remember this when your application cycle comes around.

#admissions&GPT
Are you giving the ACT test this month? 👇️ Changes in the ACT Test

Dear Undergrad,
Subject:New kid on the block
We all know what it is to be the new-kid-in-town. Remember you are the brave ONE Who Hit ‘Apply’ from another continent. Thousands of new students hit google or now GPT with the same searches every fall. Here are a few that might look a little too familiar:
How to do laundry in college
Making friends at uni when you are an introvert
Is it normal to miss home in week 2?” And of course, the all-time classic:
Quiet places to study near my University ”If you know or want to share spots where the Wi-Fi’s strong and the vibe’s stronger give me a shout. The next post could be about that.
Sometimes, just being around people—even strangers—makes everything feel a little less weird.

“In 2024, despite hyper-connectivity, easy travel, and every app under the sun, over 68% of first-year students in developed countries reported feeling overwhelmed in their first month at University”.
(Hope this helps. If not, just know that 68% of students are right there with you—and the other 32% are probably not telling it all. You’re definitely not alone.)

Dear Graduate,
Subject:Step Out of Your Bubble
The world’s moving fast. Jobs are changing, tech is rewriting rules, and no one really knows what’s next. If you only stick with people who think like you, you’ll miss the signals of where the future is heading.
Why step out?
🔎 Spot trends early → Hear about roles, skills, and startups before they hit mainstream.
💬 Meet sharp minds → New perspectives sharpen your own thinking.
🚀 Future-proof yourself → Adaptability and connections matter as much as grades.
🎯 Test and learn → Volunteering or attending events is a low-risk way to explore.
Comfort zones are safe. But nothing new grows there! A female student currently in the EU ?👇️do check this out.


#futureofwork
Introducing the Future Career Decks — fresh careers, unexpected degree hacks, and action steps you can try today to get future-ready.
The Future of Work - ARCHITECTURE
Studying Architecture? You’re not limited to blueprints and construction sites anymore 💡 Pro Tip: Start small by experimenting with free tools like Blender, SketchUp, or Unreal Engine. Even one VR-ready design in your portfolio can set you apart.
The design world is evolving faster than ever. Here are five careers you might see (or even create) in the near future:
Autonomous Drone Construction Manager → Oversee fleets of drones building bridges, homes, and towers with precision.
Virtual Material Stylist → Craft digital-only textures and surfaces for AR/VR environments, gaming, and metaverse fashion.
Disaster Habitat Designer → Innovate rapid-deployment shelters for climate emergencies and global crises.
Holograph Visualizer → Turn ideas into 3D holograms for clients, classrooms, and urban planning.
Floating City Planner → Design sustainable communities on water as sea levels rise.
💡 Attn. Students : Don’t wait until 2030 — start experimenting with drones, AR, or sustainable design projects now. The “future of work” is built by students who tinker early.

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