College Cash Chat with Jodi Okun

Hi, friends!

Last night, I participated in a Twitter Q&A with Jodi Okun, founder of College Financial Aid Advisors, as a part of her #CollegeCash Chat series.

I've included the conversation below to make it easy for you to follow.

Feel free to follow up with any questions in the comments section, through the Contact page of my website, or on Twitter.  

Hope you enjoy! 

--Erika

PS:  Twitter conversations are great, but by their very nature they require concise responses. I elaborate on some of the topics we touch on here in the following blog posts:

Get Your Z's
Decisions, Decisions... and Distractions
The Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your SAT/ACT Prep if You're in the 10th Grade
Boost Your Reading Comprehension in As Little As Two Weeks

Hi! I'm Jodi...Hostess of #CollegeCash. If you have ANY questions, please tweet me! :)

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Welcome to our guest @erika_opp please give her a warm #CollegeCash helloooo

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun Hi everyone! I'm excited to be here □

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) coaches students from all over the country in a mindful approach to SAT and ACT prep #CollegeCash

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

She is the author of book “Acing It! A Mindful Guide to Maximum Results on Your College Admissions Test” https://t.co/nVUxj8bDrI

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Her “Test Prep for the Whole Person” methodology is based on the idea that students perform their best when they feel their best

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

In addition to teaching test content, Erika teaches techniques that help students manage anxiety, stress, and attention issues

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Erika also offers Mindset Coaching to help students perform better in school and is regular contributor to The Huffington Post #CollegeCash

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

#CollegeCash tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're answering. (ie., Q1.-->A1., Q2. --> A2., Q3. --> A3.)

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Let's get started #CollegeCash !!!

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Q1 @Erika_Opp Why is it so important for students to get their z’s? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/z7S12dBSdW

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun A1 Sleep is an opportunity for the body to rest/restore and the mind to process information #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun A1 Lack of sufficient sleep compromises a student’s ability to focus and recall information #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun A1 Sleep deprivation can also suppress the immune system #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Listen to your body when it says it needs to sleep! #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/hByeBsASOK

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Q2 @Erika_Opp Why should students disconnect from technology? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/inYgBFTxRF

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A2 Technology is great and (of course) sometimes necessary for school work, but it is important to use tech with intention #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A2 Technology can create a habit of distraction by priming us to regularly shift our attention from one thing to the next #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A2 While one 5 min. break to answer a text or check Twitter isn't bad, those breaks add up quickly & become major time drains #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Sometimes you just need to put the phone down! #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/3xgf8KoyMN

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Q3 @Erika_Opp What tips do you have for students to shut everything down? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/WWtnNZI3T1

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A3 Students should first complete homework requiring technology so that they can disconnect at least 30 min before bed #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A3 Use airplane mode and website-blocking apps like https://t.co/BJ5f8JqRyQ to use devices more efficiently & turn off sooner #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A3 Listen to podcasts or audiobooks instead of watching television before bed #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

That is good - what is the thinking behind this #CollegeCash https://t.co/eCFxWaOMi4

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

@JodiOkun Listening is a different experience from reading books. Great options if you want more passive storytelling without a screen

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Q4 @Erika_Opp What is blue light and how does it effect a student’s sleep? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/8vrKNmkwIO

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A4 Blue light is emitted by electronic screens #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A4 Studies show that viewing blue light immediately before bed delays the onset of sleep #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A4 Blue light doesn’t just affect your ability to fall asleep—it also affects the quality of your sleep #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A4 It’s best to avoid electronic screens at night, but apps like https://t.co/A8UVvm3ba9 filter blue light and may help #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

I am learning so much tonight #CollegeCash https://t.co/8jkcL16LkH

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Q5 @Erika_Opp How can students use meditation? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/QQfqevwjhg

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A5 Meditation helps students release stress and recharge energy #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A5 I recommend meditating for at least 5 min in the morning, before breakfast, and again after school, before a snack or dinner #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A5 This routine energizes students before school/homework and improves focus, attention, and mood #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A5 This routine energizes students before school/homework and improves focus, attention, and mood #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

@JodiOkun The world needs all the meditators it can get! (IMO) #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Q6 @Erika_Opp What are some ways students meditate? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/rEF07EHVzx

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A6 All anyone (including students) needs to do is sit (back supported), close eyes, and bring attention to breath #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A6 When students become aware of thinking, gently and easily bring attention back to breath #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A6 When thoughts arise, it's an indication of stress being released—which is a good thing! Thinking ≠ bad meditation #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

that is powerful and I am thinking can be a bit tough #CollegeCash https://t.co/91b1bSHCyx

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

@JodiOkun We want the process to feel as easy as possible. It isn't about "getting it right."

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

@JodiOkun Allow the meditation to be whatever it is. Sometimes that includes thoughts #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A6 This is a Twitter-length explanation. I’m happy to answer any questions. I also describe the process in my book, "Acing It!" #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

@erika_opp drop the link to your book to Erika #CollegeCash - I want to make sure everyone sees it !!

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

@JodiOkun Acing It! on Amazon: https://t.co/kx9Woz52Z2 □

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Q7 @Erika_Opp What other ways can students unwind? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/xNB9IQWiPB

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A7 Go for a walk, stretch, listen to music, dance #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A7 Free write your thoughts for ten minutes. Don’t judge what you write; just write #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A7 Play with pets! #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

@JodiOkun And if someone doesn't have a pet, they can take a neighbor's dog for a walk or volunteer at a shelter #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

#CollegeCash loves puppies! pic.twitter.com/lWR1tWdjjm

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Q8 @Erika_Opp How does quality sleep affect mental health? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/bR1GnT7LPb

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A8 Quality sleep is necessary for regulating emotions and thinking clearly #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A8 Research suggests that sleep also helps people interpret the emotional saliency of external stimuli #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A8 Quite simply: when you’re well-rested, you feel better □ #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Q9 @Erika_Opp Why do students need to focus on good mental health? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/T85EjM1Vtc

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun A9 Our mental health affects how we perceive and receive the world around us #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A9 When students have a way to release stress, they can be more present and feel a greater sense of efficacy and well-being #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

A9 High school is an intense time w/ lots going on. Major changes happening & impending. Students NEED healthy ways to process #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

students today are STRESSED! that is why they need a healthy way of handling it all! #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/hvU58OfIh7

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Q10 @Erika_Opp What are three things you want to leave us with tonight? #CollegeCash pic.twitter.com/SQFrEK5Fhx

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

A10 If you feel good along the way to achieving your goals, you'll have a more effective process, leading to better results! #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun A10 You have the power to establish new habits and create a new experience #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun A10 Rest and self-care are critical aspects of being productive and effective! #CollegeCash

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

The best for all ages Erika #CollegeCash https://t.co/xDrVkT2oJr

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

@erika_opp I do believe you have the power - you are soo right #CollegeCash

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Hey @erika_opp please tell our #Collegecash family how they can find you, buy your book and stay connected pic.twitter.com/oMsl9oBvSq

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun My website is https://t.co/dtEiHMqJh4 and on Facebook, find me at https://t.co/Zbf6R9mhzj

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun My book "Acing It! A Mindful Guide to Maximum Results on Your College Admissions Test" is available here: https://t.co/kx9WozmDQA

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun And #CollegeCash participants are invited to reach out through my website for a complimentary 45-minute consultation

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016

Wow !!! so nice are #CollegeCash family I am sure will take you up on your offer ..Thank you https://t.co/ehahCZtujA

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

Thank you all so much for joining and thank you @erika_opp so glad you said "yes" #CollegeCash

— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) May 20, 2016

.@JodiOkun The SAT and ACT can be stressful experiences, but they can also be a real opportunity for students to learn skills they will use

— Erika Oppenheimer (@erika_opp) May 20, 2016