Learning Challenge: What is Sleep for a College Student?

Data Reveals How Some College Students Sleep
This article talked about a survey that found out how much sleep an average college student sleeps. They found that on average, students actually get at least seven hours of sleep a day. They also found that women get more sleep than men because they need to, due to biological reasons. I found this really interesting because I don't think I or any of my friends ever average 7 hours of sleep a week, unless it's the weekend or in the summer, when we don't have as many (or any) classes. 

One thing I already knew, however, was that as classes get tougher, students get less sleep. That is clearly evident throughout life, because I remember when I was in elementary school, my bedtime was 9 pm. I used to get almost 12 hours a sleep on the daily! In high school, I would get 8-9 hours of sleep at first, then eventually got to the point where on some weeks, I only got 4-5 hours a sleep due to some AP classes and tests coming up. In college, it truly depends on the week and the classes I'm taking. Some weeks, I'll have no tests or papers and hardly any coursework to finish, so I may get some sleep. Other weeks, I'll have 3 papers, 2 projects, 2 tests, AND an event coming up that I have to participate in. Those weeks, an all-nighter is bound to occur. Every day, every week, is different. 

Overall, I'm glad the results of the article were consistent with health needs. That is a little reassuring, so that is good :) I wish to explore the same question in this study to people of specific majors. For example, explore how much sleep Pre-Health students, education students, Pre-Law students, history students, engineering students, philosophy students, and business students get. I think it would be interesting to compare all the majors available at a university and see who all gets how much sleep. 

Source: An accurate description of the messy environment most college students sleep in, especially during finals week.

Learning Challenge: Soonerthon and the #12

Hey everyone! I don't know if you have heard of Soonerthon, but it is a 12 hour dance marathon coming up on March 3rd! Basically, the purpose of Soonerthon is to raise money for our local Children's Miracle Network, and all proceeds to DIRECTLY towards treatment for kids with life-threatening illnesses. At the event, we stand for 12 hours for the kids who can't, while also getting to play with the Miracle Kids, talk to their families, make them all feel very loved, ALL alongside celebrating with your friends! I am very passionate about this event, and my goal this year is to raise $1000; as of right now, I am at $922! My first goal was to raise $500, but once I reached that goal, I changed my goal to $1000. If I reach $1000, I will most likely keep raising my goal until the day of Soonerthon itself. 

This event means so much to the kids, more than we will ever know. I have done an internship at the OKC Children's Hospital a few years ago, and I am currently shadowing a physician there as well. I have seen patients that have gone through so many treatments and surgeries, and it's one of the best feelings in the world when they realize they're done with treatment, or done with doctor's appointments for a long time. Whether you are participating in Soonerthon, raising money for it, or simply raising awareness by talking about it to others, we are all making a difference in these kids' lives. 

The number 12 is incorporated into the event in multiple ways. 12 hours stands for the 12 hour shifts that nurses have to endure. 12 hours stands for the 12 different types of pediatric cancer. The number 12 has many different meanings in this one event, and I would like to learn them all. I am very inspired by Soonerthon and what it stands for, so that is my learning challenge. I want to learn the "why" behind Soonerthon and be able to raise awareness for it in the future, even after the event is over for this year. 

As I mentioned earlier, I really want to be able to raise $1000 for the kids! I would really appreciate any contribution to my donor drive if you all would like to help out! ANTYHING, even $10 helps! Even if you cannot donate, I would appreciate if you could just share my link with anyone you know :) Thank you all for taking the time to read this!

As always, 
#FTK. (For The Kids)

 The top picture is from my freshman year, with the Miracle family we adopted through PCS. The bottom picture depicts how much we raised that year!

This picture is from last year's Soonerthon at the final reveal of how much we all raised!