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Belle Lau and Jenny Zhou

The school system does not require a class for students to learn how to live in the real world and function as an adult. We often enter college unprepared to take care of ourselves. Many life skills, including how to develop good habits, manage stress, pay taxes, budget our spending/income, and to live a healthy lifestyle, are necessary, especially when college is the bridge to adulthood. This course will explore the many dimensions of how to successfully adult.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Learn how to create reasonable and achievable goals and stick to them!

Using the acronym SMART, students will create well-developed goals that will better motivate them for achievement.

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After watching lectures 1 and 2, use the PDF "Goal Setting" to practice writing down your well-thought out and planned goals for the rest of the year. This serves as a tool to refer to during the year to see how you've been doing in terms of achieving your goals.

Goal Setting
Letter to Self
Learn how to use your time efficiently and effectively!

Students will learn ways to have a more productive morning routine, develop better habits and understand how to make habits stick, as well as discuss how to get rid of bad habits.

In this lecture, we engage in and elaborate on three very important topics: Procrastination, Priorities, and Productivity.

After watching this lecture, download the "Screen Time" PDF that includes a progress chart to log the times that you are using a screen device, what you were doing on it, and what specific device was it (e.g. laptop, TV, cellphone, etc.).

Time Management
Reflection on Screen Time
Learn how to save money and spend it wisely!

By the end of the lecture, students will understand the comparison between a credit and debit card, decide whether to apply for a credit card or not, be able to explain what a credit score is and explore the dimensions of borrowing money.

After watching this lecture, download the "Money Spending" PDF to begin logging your gross income, expenses, and net income.

In this lecture, we will discuss all-things taxes.

Personal Finance
Financial Goals and Budgeting
Learn how to build your resume and prepare for job interviews!

We will teach you how to write an effective resume as well as what to include and what not to include.

We will discuss cover letters - what they are and why they are important in the job application process.

We will discuss how to find the best-fit job for you, where to start your job search, and the application process.

We will discuss job interviews - how to prepare, good interview etiquette, and common interview questions that hiring managers ask.

Jobs
Resume Practice
Learn ways to stay fit without constant diet and exercise!

We will discuss what essential nutrients are, how they are important, and what types of foods you can find these nutrients.

After watching this lecture, download the "Health Tracker" PDF to begin charting your food intake, water intake, and weight on a regular basis.

We will discuss foods that you should eat and avoid, and how to identify if a food is good for your health.

We will discuss how exercise affects your health.

We will discuss the 4 types of exercise and how to determine what exercises are best suited for your physical health goals.

Fitness and Nutrition
Staying Healthy
Learn how to develop long-lasting and meaningful relationships!

You will learn the importance of a healthy relationship with yourself, how to build one, and ways to maintain it.

In this lecture, we will be discussing how to set standards, compare compatibility vs chemistry, identify the 5 love languages, and explore ways to maintain a healthy romantic relationship.

We will be discussing what is consent, how to set boundaries, and why healthy boundaries are necessary.

We will be identifying toxic relationship habits, walking away from a relationship, and how to heal from a heartbreak.

Relationships
Reflecting on Your Relationships
Learn how to take care of yourself mentally as well as physically!

You will learn the importance of self-love, as well as identify ways to practice self-love and self-care.

After watching this lecture, download the "Mood Tracker" PDF to start applying the skills you learned about self-love and self-care.

We will discuss stress - what it is, what it does to the body and how the body reacts to it, and different ways to relieve stress.

In this lecture, we will discuss the importance of sleep, sleep schedules, and how you can get yourself to fall asleep faster and have deeper sleep.

Mental Health
Managing Your Mental Health
Prepping for college

In this lecture, we will discuss tips on what, where, when, and how to study as well as how to stay focused. This lecture is geared towards high school students, so if you are in college and beyond, please proceed to lectures 27 or 30 accordingly.

In this lecture, we will discuss the main differences between high school and college, how to fill out college applications effectively, tips for success in college, and expectations vs. reality of college life.

In this lecture, we will discuss what chores should be done on a daily basis, on a regular basis (whether that be weekly, monthly, etc.), and other miscellaneous tasks that need to be taken care of to live an orderly life.

Additional Resources for: High School Students
Personal Statement
Additional Resources for: College Students

We will guide you on looking for housing, how to save money, how to be courteous living with a roommate, as well as what the rental application process looks like.


In this lecture, we will discuss why peer pressure to consume substances is more prominent in college and the negative consequences your body will face if you abuse these substances.

In this lecture, you will learn how to study smart, learn actively, and make information more meaningful.

College Student Life
Additional Resources for: Adults (Life After College)

We will examine how credit scores can impact interest rates for a car loan, as well as precautions to take when purchasing a car or home.

Students will learn the most common types of insurance people purchase as working adults. Out of all the types of insurance, we will focus on explaining health insurance as well as how to ensure our safety with cybersecurity.

We will be discussing investments in context to the US financial system. Note that some investment concepts and techniques may not be applicable to other countries with different financial systems.

In this lecture, we will be discussing what work-life balance is, why it is important, and how to maintain it.

Life After College

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Adulting with these activities:
Review High School Study Skills
Reinforce effective study habits and learning strategies to prepare for the course material.
Browse courses on Study Skills
Show steps
  • Review note-taking methods.
  • Practice active recall techniques.
  • Familiarize yourself with test-taking strategies.
Review 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'
Understand the importance of mindset in achieving success and personal growth.
Show steps
  • Read the book and reflect on its key concepts.
  • Identify your own mindset tendencies.
  • Practice adopting a growth mindset in your daily life.
Review 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'
Explore principles of effectiveness to enhance goal setting, time management, and relationship skills.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Reflect on how the 7 habits apply to your life.
  • Identify areas for improvement.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Personal Budget
Apply personal finance principles by creating a budget to track income, expenses, and savings goals.
Show steps
  • Track your income and expenses for a month.
  • Categorize your spending habits.
  • Create a budget based on your income and expenses.
  • Review and adjust your budget regularly.
Design a Fitness Plan
Develop a personalized fitness plan that incorporates nutrition and exercise strategies.
Show steps
  • Assess your current fitness level.
  • Set realistic fitness goals.
  • Choose exercises and activities you enjoy.
  • Create a weekly workout schedule.
Build a Resume
Craft a professional resume that highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Show steps
  • Gather information about your work history.
  • Choose a resume template.
  • Write compelling descriptions of your accomplishments.
  • Proofread and edit your resume.
Journaling for Self-Reflection
Practice self-reflection through journaling to improve self-awareness and mental well-being.
Show steps
  • Set aside time each day for journaling.
  • Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
  • Reflect on your entries and identify patterns.

Career center

Learners who complete Adulting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Planner
A financial planner helps clients develop strategies to achieve their financial goals, such as retirement, education, or wealth accumulation. This course's deep dive into budgeting, taxes, and financial goal setting could be useful in the field. It may be helpful for a financial planner dedicated to helping individuals and families secure their financial future. An advanced degree such as a master's degree is often expected.
Guidance Counselor
A guidance counselor provides academic and social-emotional support to students in educational settings. This course, with its focus on college preparation, relationships, and mental health, helps build a foundation for a role in guidance counseling. The course's exploration of time management and goal setting may be useful when assisting students with academic planning and personal development. An advanced degree is typically required for this role. This course helps build a foundation for a guidance counselor who helps students navigate their educational journey and achieve their full potential.
Life Coach
A life coach guides clients in improving their relationships, careers, and day-to-day lives. This course, with its focus on developing good habits, managing stress, and living a healthy lifestyle, helps build a foundation for a career as a life coach. The sections on goal setting, time management, and mental health may be useful when teaching clients how grow and succeed. Furthermore, the relationship advice and lessons on how to practice self-love will allow a life coach to impart wisdom to those who need it most. This course helps lay the foundation for a life coach who can empower individuals to make positive changes and achieve their full potential.
Personal Finance Advisor
A personal finance advisor provides guidance to individuals and families on managing their money, investments, and financial planning. The course material on saving money, spending wisely, understanding credit, and dealing with taxes may be useful for a career as a personal finance advisor. The course's exploration of budgeting and financial goal setting can improve the financial strategies one recommends to their clientele. This course helps build a foundation for a personal finance advisor who can empower clients to achieve financial stability and security through informed decision-making and proactive planning.
Social Worker
A social worker provides support and advocacy to individuals and families facing challenges such as poverty, abuse, or mental illness. This course, with modules on relationships, mental health, and stress management, may be useful for a social worker. It helps build a foundation for a social worker dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable populations and promoting social justice. An advanced degree is typically required for this role.
Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse counselor provides counseling therapy, and support to individuals struggling with addiction. This course may be useful to a developing counselor, with its focus on relationships and mental health. The course's discussion of peer pressure in college may be useful for a substance abuse counselor specializing in working with young adults. An advanced degree is often expected for this role. This course helps build a foundation for a substance abuse counselor committed to helping individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier lives.
Wellness Coordinator
A wellness coordinator develops and implements programs to promote employee health and well-being within an organization. This course, with its comprehensive approach to various aspects of adult life, helps one get started in the field. The modules on fitness, nutrition, mental health, and stress management are particularly relevant, as they cover core components of a wellness program. The section on building meaningful relationships also contributes to holistic well-being, an important aspect of wellness programs. This course helps build essential skills and knowledge for a wellness coordinator striving to create a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer develops and delivers training programs to employees, enhancing their skills and knowledge. This course can help someone in this role develop training programs. The course's sections on goal setting, time management, and job interview preparation may be useful when creating training modules on professional development and career advancement. This course helps develop skills for a corporate trainer strives to create a skilled and engaged workforce.
Resident Advisor
Within a college or university setting, a resident advisor supports students living in dormitories or campus housing. This course may be useful as it delves into essential life skills. The course will help someone in this role create a supportive and well-adjusted living environment for students. The course's exploration of time management, relationships, and mental health, provides valuable insights for addressing common student challenges. This course helps build a foundation for a resident advisor looking to guide students in navigating their college experience and fostering a sense of community.
Human Resources Assistant
A human resources assistant provides administrative and clerical support to the human resources department of an organization. This course will help to be successful in the field. The instruction on resume building and job interview preparation could be useful when assisting with recruitment and onboarding processes. Additionally, the course's focus on relationships, time management, and mental health may be useful when addressing employee well-being and engagement. This course may be useful for a human resources assistant who contributes to creating a positive and productive work environment.
Health Educator
A health educator promotes wellness by developing and implementing health education programs for individuals and communities. This course's deep dive into fitness, nutrition, and mental health, is helpful, as these may form the core of a health education curriculum. The course can help someone in this role design programs that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The course may be useful for a health educator dedicated to improving the health outcomes and quality of life for diverse populations.
Community Outreach Coordinator
A community outreach coordinator develops and implements programs to connect organizations with the communities they serve. The course's sections on fitness and nutrition may be useful when launching community health initiatives. The relationship advice and guidance on mental health will allow someone in this role to connect with individuals on an emotional level. The course may be useful for a community outreach coordinator seeking to build strong relationships between organizations and the communities they aim to support.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative provides support and assistance to customers, addressing their inquiries and resolving their issues. The course material on relationships and communication may be useful in this field. The course delves into relationships which may be useful in resolving conflict. The course may be useful for a customer service representative who strives to deliver exceptional customer experiences and build lasting relationships with clients.
Office Manager
An office manager oversees the administrative and operational functions of an office, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow. The course's sections on time management and productivity may be useful for someone in this role who strives to optimize office processes. The course may be useful for an office manager looking to create an organized and productive work environment.
Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant provides clerical and administrative support to individuals or teams within an organization. The course's time management advice may be useful. The course's section on job searching and resume writing could be helpful when assisting with recruitment tasks. The course may be useful for an administrative assistant. This course helps build a foundation for an administrative assistant who strives to contribute to the efficient operation of an organization.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Adulting.
Provides a framework for personal and interpersonal effectiveness. It covers principles of personal vision, leadership, and self-management, which are highly relevant to the goal-setting and time management aspects of the course. It useful reference for developing a proactive mindset and building strong relationships. This book is commonly used as a self-help guide and is often recommended for personal development.
Explores the power of mindset in achieving success. It discusses the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and how adopting a growth mindset can lead to greater resilience and achievement. This book is particularly useful for the goal-setting and mental health aspects of the course. It provides valuable insights into how to overcome challenges and develop a positive attitude towards learning and personal growth.

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