How to Write an Article for Connections: Word from the Interactive Measurement Group
by April Contreras, Ying Huang, Matt Helm, and Kimberly A. Barchard

Every member of the Interactive Measurement Group has a story to tell about lessons learned and experiences gained during their academic and professional development. We want to help you share your stories with other lab members.To help you draft an inspiring newsletter article, the editorial team has created a how-to guide for writing newsletter articles. Within it you will discover the types of articles we are looking for, become familiar with the editing process, and find useful tips to aide you while drafting your own contribution. Whether you are a brand new lab member or an experienced lab alumni, come see what it’s all about!

F(ailure): A Lesson Learned
by Ying Huang

Failure is inevitable. However, how we react to failure is up to us. It’s easy to get discouraged. But it’s also possible to use failure as a trigger for transformation. Ying shares how she learned from her failure, adopting better habits that propelled her to future successes.

Breaking the Habit
by Trixie Cruz

What do you eat for breakfast? Which sock do you put on first, left or right? Do you hold your smart phone horizontally or vertically? These are just a few of your daily habits. While some habits are beneficial, others can disrupt your productivity.Trixie had a tough time tackling her bad habits until she readThe Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg.

One Good Apple Can Reform the Bunch
by Amanda Roth

Philip Zimbardo’s book, The Lucifer Effect, explains how situational factors can make good people do monstrous things. It also provides guidelines for fighting those situational factors and becoming a hero. Something as simple as embracing one’s individuality can be a heroic act that leads to positive change. Amanda shares how she learned to fight the evils of anonymity.

Finding Your Team
by Samantha Dannen

Working with a team can be difficult when members are driven by self-interest. As the phrase, “There is no I in TEAM,” reminds us, it is important to put our egos aside when collaborating with others. Samantha discusses how learning this lesson has helped her become a more productive team player.

Check Your Assumptions
by Kimberly A. Barchard

While assumptions about the world can be helpful in familiar situations, they can also limit open-mindedness and perspective taking when faced with the unknown. Kim emphasizes the importance of checking your assumptions and being more open during unfamiliar experiences.

My Honors Journey
by Jennifer Frazee

UNLV’s prestigious Honors College houses the university’s top students. Our lab manager, Jennifer Frazee, has been a member of the Honors College throughout her undergraduate studies. Now, reflecting on her journey with the Honors College, Jennifer shares how it has given her an opportunity to grow and become a well-rounded individual.

Are You Listening?
by Mikee Gonzalez

Walking through the campus on a sunny day, do you ever notice the lush green grass and the cool breeze blowing through your hair? While we are busy multi-tasking or worrying about our hectic lives, we often miss out on the simplest joys in our seemingly mundane life. Mikee realized the importance of being fully present and shares how she started giving her everyday activities the attention they deserve.

The School-Life Balance: Managing Studies and a Social Life
by Trixie Cruz

Balancing between your academic and social life can be tough. Trixie shares her insights about achieving this balance.