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Sounds of Spring

April 21, 2016 by Justice Shorter

The spring season is upon us! The sun is shining, birds are chirping and several ISH-DC residents are diligently preparing for final semester exams, projects and presentations. Anxiety about life after graduation or stress associated with long hours of studying can majorly affect the mental, physical and emotional wellness of students.

So, I thought it might be fitting to provide a rhythmic remedy for some of those spring semester stressers! Below is what I like to refer to as the Justified Playlist. Each set of songs are accompanied by an example of scenarios where motivational melodies or music to get you in a positive mood might be needed.

Stop, Study Time!

That’s right, I just referenced MC Hammer!

Need some study tunes that will motivate you to finish a paper or prep for a presentation? Take a listen to some of these songs:

  1. A Change Is Gon Come by Sam Cook
  2. Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
  3. Motivation by T.I.
  4. Closer To My Dreams by Gaople
  5. Can’t Give Up Now by Mary Mary
  6. Pressure by Jonathan McRenolds
  7. Imagine by Nico & Vinz
  8. The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco

Who’s Bad?!

Michael Jackson posed this question nearly 3 decades ago and it deserves a response! Confused? First, pause from reading this and go listen to the song then come back once you realize the answer.  Don’t have time? Fine I’ll just tell you. The answer is YOU! Bad by Michael Jackson made all types of people around the world feel good and to believe they were the best and baddest at whatever they chose to do.

This next set of songs is for anyone who needs to regain their confidence. Insecurities about the future or that project you turned in last week might have your spirits low and your overall self-esteem even lower. Not to worry, grab some headphones and begin to blast any of the following hits for some much needed ego boosters!

  1. Diva by Beyoncé
  2. I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross
  3. Power by Kanye West
  4. Conquer by Empire Cast
  5. Lovely by Sarah Haze
  6. When The Day Comes by Nico & Vinz

#Winning

Now that we’ve provided adequate motivation and have effectively elevated your ego, playlist preparations for graduation celebrations and end of the year festivities can commence!

Check out the songs below for tracks that will make you meaningfully reflect on a job well done this year, or for tunes to turn up and dance the night away in recognition of your scholastic successes!

  1. Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool
  2. Good Life by One Republic
  3. Wing Again by Nicki Minaj
  4. I Was Here by Beyoncé
  5. How It Feels To Fly by Alicia Keys
  6. Legend by Drake
  7. Big Rings by Drake & Future
  8. You Make Me Feel Good by Satin Jackets
  9. Beautiful by India Arie
  10. The Greatest by R. Kelly

Regardless of what songs you serenade yourself with this season, remember that when things get difficult sometimes you just need to dance it out and rock out to your own beat!  Create your own sounds this spring with your personality, perspectives and passion!

Filed Under: Inside Look at I-House DC!

About Justice Shorter

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
University/Internship: SIT Graduate Institute

Justice Shorter is presently pursuing her MA in Sustainable Development: International Policy & Management at SIT Graduate Institute. Her areas of specialization are policy advocacy, strategic communication and inclusion. She studied Community Development and Social Entrepreneurship in South Africa as well as Peace and Post-Conflict Reconciliation in Uganda & Rwanda. She graduated from Marquette University in 2012 where she earned a BA in Journalism with minors in Entrepreneurship as well as Justice & Peace Studies. Justice aspires to one day launch her own Strategic Communications firm designed to strengthen the policy advocacy efforts of marginalized populations (PWD, LGBTI, Religious Minorities etc.).

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International Student House of Washington, DC | 1825 R Street, NW | Washington, DC 20009

International Student House of Washington, DC is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization located near Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, DC. Donations will help support our mission to provide an exceptional residential experience to a highly diverse international community of graduate students, interns and visiting scholars. The House promotes inter-cultural dialogue, encourages life-long connections, and fosters global citizenship.

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