The exam period is upon us, and it is safe to say that our common goal is to pass as many exams as possible before the summer break, and ideally face the fall exams - if not with all exams passed, then at least with the majority. However, as usual, as the semester just ended, we are tired from university obligations and we want to enjoy the sunny days rather than spend them studying.

Drawing from my own experience and conversations with colleagues and other scholarship recipients, here are several learning techniques that will increase your productivity, shorten study time, and prepare you successfully for exams.

1. 3-Step Technique When I started my studies, I assumed there would be a vast amount of literature waiting for me, but I didn't think much about how to tackle it. With the first lectures came the first fears. However, I soon found a technique that suited me best and proved to be most effective. I named it the three-step technique because it consists of three parts: highlighting the material, reciting, and reviewing. I underline the literature (usually with different colors) and read through the entire material once. After that, I try to recite each exam question out loud, or if I'm studying in the library, quietly to myself without looking at the book. Finally, two to three days before the exam, I go through all exam questions once more, focusing on the parts I found most challenging during recitation. The day before the exam, if time allows, I listen to specific videos or podcasts related to the material.

2. Feynman Technique This learning technique is named after physicist Richard Feynman and involves learning by explaining a topic to someone with no prior knowledge of it. First, choose a question and write down its explanation, striving to use simple words and sentences. Afterward, identify concepts that you had trouble explaining and research them further so you can explain them as well. This technique helps in understanding the material rather than just memorizing it.

3. Mind Maps  If you have good visual memory, this will be an ideal technique for you. The idea is to have a central concept and draw branches from it representing related terms. Each branch can have its own sub-branches, and in any case, use different colors, drawings, and images. Although they may take time, according to research, this is one of the most effective techniques.

4. Pomodoro Technique Strictly speaking, this isn't a learning technique but a time management technique, but you'll agree - time organization is our greatest enemy. This technique involves studying in intervals of 25 minutes, followed by a short break of 5 minutes. After four such intervals, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. Studies have shown that shorter study periods are more effective and help maintain concentration and prevent fatigue.
 
We recommend experimenting and trying out different techniques until you find the one that suits you. In this process, you can also combine and adapt techniques to fit your individual needs and available time. Set clear goals, create a study schedule, and always remember that there is no universal technique or perfect knowledge.
 
Good luck!
 
Author:
Katarina Klisura

Author:
​Jovana Pešić

"Truly, that idea has to 'drive' you; it can't be something that's pursued solely for money but rather for a slightly larger initiative."
-Anđela Kanjo

Today, I'm interviewing Anđela Kanjo, a college peer of mine who embarked on her entrepreneurial journey during her high school years. Anđela is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, specializing in Software Engineering. Alongside her colleague Filip Oketić, she co-founded Moveably, a digital platform that facilitates connections between carriers and potential clients through an auction-based system where clients post their transport needs, and carriers bid for the job, allowing clients to choose the best offer. Moveably emerged from Anđela's observation of underrepresented needs in the transportation sector. She nurtured her idea from its inception in school, through local and national competitions, to international recognition at the European Competition of the Best Student Companies in Estonia. In our discussion, Anđela shared insights into her personal journey, the development of Moveably, her academic pursuits, and the challenges and motivations inherent in her path as a young entrepreneur.
 
Given that you're a student at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences and started Moveably while still in high school, how do you manage to balance between university and running your own business?

I've been involved in entrepreneurship since the first year of high school, alongside extracurricular activities like music school and sports. These activities have become a part of who I am, and I thrive on staying busy. When it comes to balancing university and my business, I don't see university as something daunting or boring; instead, I view it as a source of opportunities. It provides me with contacts, information about new competitions for Moveably, and much more. People at university are always willing to help, listen, and guide, which I consider as a free course. Although it can be challenging during exam periods when everything piles up, having both university and my business is truly fulfilling.
 
How has university contributed to better management of your startup? What are the most valuable skills you've gained from university that are highly applicable in practice? As a member of Fonis (the Association of Computer Science Students), I'm interested in your opinion on student organizations in general, the benefits you've gained from being a member, and whether you'd recommend it to other students.

The Faculty of Organizational Sciences has provided me with a lot. One of the reasons I chose it is because of its focus on students and the management and business aspect. I believe that if you're willing to learn, you can gain a lot from this faculty. I've had wonderful experiences with professors who are always open to new projects and involving students in their activities, especially those involved in the Research and Development Center at FON. They have significantly contributed in various directions. The university has helped me enter the business world and understand the terms and phrases essential to it. It has enhanced my understanding of how startups are presented, emphasizing that it's not just about the idea and presentation but being aware of all the pros and cons, the problems we're solving, and why we're doing it. This university teaches you to be concise and get to the point.

Student organizations are fantastic for preparing us for the corporate and business world. What makes them particularly valuable is that they're the best source of contacts. I've met many people through projects and the organization itself, with whom I've later collaborated on the startup. I highly recommend that people get involved, even if it's just in one project, to see how a larger project organization works because it's a genuinely complex thing. Organizations are not only great for socializing and networking but also for learning project management skills, which are essentially running a company. I've gained numerous skills from being part of an organization, including not being afraid to ask for help, which I believe is crucial when running a startup because we don't know everything, especially at a young age. Our surroundings are our greatest resource.
 
What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your startup?

When I was launching my startup, since I never had any work experience, the biggest challenges were definitely on the financial side, especially since I had just finished high school, and finances always seemed daunting (they still do sometimes), as well as legal issues. There were quite a few unknown and unresolved questions, but we went and continue to go step by step. The most important thing is to react in time, but I've always had people around me whom I can ask for help with anything. That's why I like to say that people are truly the most important resource, because without them, I wouldn't have succeeded on my own.
 
In your opinion, what are the most important qualities and what is the most important thing that someone who wants to start their own startup must invest in?

Truly, that idea has to 'drive' you; it can't be something that's pursued solely for money but rather for a slightly larger initiative. Everyone who wants to dive into those waters needs to understand their idea, truly see its value, and discipline is another requirement. Discipline is definitely needed for a startup because it's not something that can be done intermittently. The team is also very important because, no matter how much we might differ in other things, we need to align in that visionary sense, see the same values, and be able to function while still being different in skills and working methods. My colleague and I have the same vision for the company, but we see things differently. I'm very detailed-oriented, while he's very productive, so when I start delving into things that aren't necessary, he reminds me that we need to move forward, yet my attention to detail has a significant impact on presenting us and our results well, for example, in competitions, and it leads us to new ideas.
 
Where do you find the most motivation, and what drives you on a daily basis? What advice would you give to students and young people, in general, who are facing a lack of motivation, self-doubt, fear of others' opinions, and similar challenges?
​
When it comes to motivation, I find it in the fact that I genuinely feel good while working on this. I really enjoy the moment when I can sit down and see what new can be added, what can be done differently here, communication with clients. There's an incredible feeling in me while doing this, and it's become such a daily part of my life that I can't imagine myself without Moveably and its logo around me. As for others' opinions, I think they shouldn't necessarily be seen as a bad thing. Of course, criticism is never pleasant, but it's extremely useful in the business world and in the startup world, so it's much better to hear what's not good than what is. We all know what's good about our ideas, but sometimes, because we're subjective, it's hard for us to see what might not work, and it means a lot to me when someone wants to give us suggestions, especially when that someone is well-intentioned. So, don't be afraid of others' opinions; they can help us notice our shortcomings and take our business to the next, better stage. As for starting a startup, we gained knowledge from various programs on how to present it, applied for competitions with financial rewards, and then there's the grant that supports startups in advisory and financial terms, so little by little, you can come to that initial capital and initial knowledge. The point is the desire to change something and contribute, solve a problem. Start from there and then be consistent. I would really recommend young people to try entrepreneurship, even while in high school; it's never too early to try out such competitions and programs.

​What happened to the respect for those who shape young minds?
What was once a symbol of respect and high status is now slowly fading. Reflecting on this phenomenon, I’go back to the time when teachers and educators were the bearers of knowledge and moral values. A special example of this is Saint Sava. Their work was not just a job but a calling that required patience, dedication, and a love for teaching. Teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge; they shape the character of children.
 
Today, while technology and science advance at the speed of light, it seems that this aspect of our society is at a standstill. Teachers, educators, and professors are the key to the development of a society. Yet, they seem forgotten and neglected in the race for progress. Financial support for education is insufficient, and environmental support often lacks.
 
How much do we benefit from “modern technologies”?
 
In a world where artificial intelligence and robots might potentially take over everything, we still need to critically reflect and carefully consider all the advantages and disadvantages. Is it really possible for a machine to fully take on the role of a teacher? If we just recall our own teachers, the first thing that comes to mind is the love and care they gave us. Therefore, I believe a robot will never be able to replace a human in that sense. Teachers and educators are bright spots in many of our lives because they are the first we encounter when we leave the family nest. Artificial intelligence cannot provide the tenderness that is essential for a child's development. Of course, we should use all the potential that modern times offer us in the right way. Technologies have significantly improved the quality of teaching, and we should not “run away” from them but rather critically evaluate and use them appropriately.
 
How to restore the reputation of this profession?
 
Every year, fewer and fewer students are interested in becoming teachers or educators. I don't think there is a quick and easy solution to this problem that can be realized overnight. The respect and authority didn't disappear overnight either. Definitely, each individual needs to change their attitudes, beliefs, and any prejudices they might have, and then society, as a collective community, will become a better and nicer place to live. The significance of the teaching profession is much more important than it seems at first glance, as many dialectical unities such as theory and practice, education and upbringing, material, formal, and moral education, etc., intertwine. Restoring the reputation and respect for this profession requires a collective effort from society so that we can once again recognize their significant role in shaping the future.

​       Regardless of the year of study or the faculty we have chosen, we all face the challenges of student life, especially now, during the exam period. From balancing academic responsibilities and social activities to managing challenges and stress, every student goes through their struggle. As a peer who faces the same challenges as you, I believe that sharing personal experiences and useful strategies is significant for the success of each of us. Therefore, in this text, I share tips that have helped me study successfully and pass exams. I hope these tips will be supportive and inspirational on your student journey.

1. First and foremost, it is necessary to attend lectures regularly because you will learn many things beyond the textbook from the lecturers, such as some situations they have experienced during their long service in the field, which will help you prepare the content more easily for preliminary examination or exams. By attending lectures, you can also observe their professionalism in action.
 
2. Then, it is important to organize yourself well and utilize time in the right and more efficient way, which means that you will have some free time for relaxation at some point. You may encounter difficulties in organizing, so my advice is to use a planner and neatly select all tasks or simply jot them down in a notebook or sticky notes and always carry them with you. You can write down meetings, phone numbers, extracurricular activities, homework, etc. 

3. Also, it's crucial to get to know your professors better. You can look up their biographies on the faculty website or ask older students about each professor's teaching style and what exam-taking is like with them. 

4. Furthermore, it's very important to provide feedback and freely express your opinions, views, and interests during the teaching process, as you can awaken a sense in another participant in the interaction (in this case, the subject professor, but also colleagues) that they are following your work, listening to and understanding your presentation. This way, you can become recognizable and noticed. Speak freely because professors want to hear your opinion. The goal of the current teaching process is interactive work, not frontal. 
​
5. Another important aspect of successful exam-taking is to complete all pre-exam obligations on time (seminar papers, presentations, research, etc.) because by respecting the deadlines set by the professor, you respect the professor and the time he/she dedicated to them to be achieved and done.

6. Another important thing is to fully fulfil set goals. Make an effort to fulfil a couple of promises and goals each semester that you have set for yourself. I don't just mean grades - but something that will make you happy and satisfied. These can be short-term or long-term goals. 
 
7. Also, when studying, it's important to learn to distinguish and extract essential information from less important data so that you don't get lost in the sea of information provided by literature. Also, structure all these units in a logical sequence that will be easy for you to adopt. 

8. Another piece of advice that can be helpful is to join a student organization or extracurricular activity that interests you. During these gatherings, you can make many friends with whom you can exchange your thoughts and experiences. 
 
9. Always be positive and smiling, even when you don't feel like it. Simply leave all the problems you have at the entrance of your educational institution. 
​
10. Lastly, I want to emphasize the need to find balance. This means that after the exam period, you find your release valve for all the stress, nervousness, and sleepless nights you had until that period. Enjoy walks, your hobby, socializing with your close and dear ones...

If we spend too much time on social media which is often the case, our self-confidence decreases, whether it is because of a picture of someone’s straight As, a video of pristinely clean apartments, hours-long study sessions etc. Even though we are aware that it is staged and that our value is not only made up of grades, this kind of content makes us feel  less successful.

We talked about these topics with Lana Nikolić, a journalist and activist who, on her Instagram profile @lanushhh, advocates for the availability of knowledge, as well as selfcare and tenderness towards oneself in an unrealistic digital world.

How to use social networks in the right way, ie. not fall under their influence?
 
"It seems to me that when I was getting my bachelor’s and master's ten years ago social networks were less present - there were not yet so many smartphones and the access to the Internet was not available nor were there apps that made us spend longer periods of time on them. What I can say, from my experience, is that nowadays I sometimes spend more time on social media than I would want to, but I try to moderate the usage according to need, so that it is not mindless, but with a purpose and in a healthy amount, which is something I would recommend to everyone, however, it is a big challenge . Even though social media has great potential, it is important that we use it to change things for the better and that we pay close attention to how we feel while we use them, so that we can take a break in time if we need one.

It's okay to find yourself in different life stages that don't always look and feel positive, during which we are in the process of learning and getting to know ourselves, others, and our place in the world. We should give ourselves space and avoid comparing ourselves to others, because everyone is doing their best.
 
The best version of you does not exist, it is a complete illusion, all we can do is try to act ev towards the good and beautiful for ourselves and for society every day.
 
Our role is to discover our potentials and give them time to blossom, and it would be ideal if we could also look forward to other people's potentials and support them whenever we can, as far as the circumstances allow us to.”
 
How to deal with academic burnout and deadlines while studying? How to get rid of nervousness before the exam?
 
"I am looking for an answer to these questions myself, and for now I only have one - take it step by step, day by day. The search for knowledge is full of challenges and can be difficult, in those moments I believe it is best to seek the help of an expert such as a psychologist if it is a question of mental health, but of course, in relation to the material and professors, colleagues.
 
The most important thing is to have understanding for yourself and your processes, not to compare yourself with others and ask for support when we need it.
 
You learn a lot at university, but you’ll have time to improve your knowledge later. What I would like to say instead of fearing exams that we haven’t prepared ourselves enough for, we should instead cultivate curiosity towards knowledge and approach learning new things with joy. Acquiring knowledge is a really special process, it would be wonderful to give ourselves space and  be creative when we dedicate ourselves to it, as much as possible".
 
As exam dates are approaching, don't forget to take care of yourself, set realistic goals, take breaks and don't be afraid to ask for help. Good luck in the exam period!

National women's day is becoming more and more a holiday dedicated to gifting roses and chocolates and less about the celebration of women's struggle for their rights lately. Primary and secondary school students have been collecting money to buy gifts for their teachers (which represents a nice sign of attention), without knowing anything about the history of the holiday itself. This is something that cannot be changed overnight, but it is up to us to influence a better practice. Therefore, as our little sign of attention for this holiday, in this article we will present some notable Serbian women who are not talked about enough, so much so, that we don't know anything about them. , as well as many other famous Serbian women, in encyclopedia by the Dalamber publishing house "Serbian women-flowers of freedom", with whose support we compiled this article.

Anica Savić Rebac (1892-1953) - writer, translator, historian of philosophy, professor
​
Having been surrounded by prominent figures of Serbian culture (her father was the editor of Letopis Matice srpkse, and she was in correspondence with Laza Kostić and Uroš Predić), it is not surprising that she developed a love for classical philology from an early age. She published her first translations when she was thirteen, as well as original plays inspired by characters from ancient literature (Nija, Iphigenia and The last priestess of Pallas Athena). She began her studies at the Faculty of Philosophy in Vienna, and got her PhD at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade. Like most influential people, her environment had little understanding for her work and she had a limited source of literature for her research. Despite that, her studies, as well as her translations, represent one of the primary sources for the study of antiquity.

Draga Ljočić (1855-1926) - the first Serbian woman doctor, suffragette and feminist

She was the first woman to graduate medical school from the University of Zurich, making her the first Serbian woman doctor. She participated in the Serbian-Turkish, Serbian-Bulgarian wars in the 19th century, the Balkan wars and the First World War. She was a philanthropist and protector of children. Draga Ljočić vigorously advocated for the opening of children's hospitals and the construction of homes for neglected children. Despite all her achievements and sacrifices, she had a hard time getting a job in the civil service, and never had the same salary and pension as her male colleagues. All her life she advocated for equal rights of women in the workplace, as well as for women's suffrage. With her work, she made it possible for women to become doctors today.

Danica Tomić (1905-1961) - the first female aviator from Yugoslavia
​
The lack of information about our first female aviator tells us a lot about how much we value our influential women. We learn about Danica Tomić only on the basis of an article in "Ilustrovani list". In 1928, Danica decided to pass the pilot's exam. "Illustrovani list" published a two page article about the first woman pilot in the Kingdom. Danica was flying over a 2500 m deep chasm meters, and according to the records of the commission, she was the best in her class. "Are you satisfied with the success and what have you achieved in the six years since you became a pilot?", he modestly answers: "No - because I amconvinced that I would have succeeded much more if I hadn't been Danica Tomić!" After receiving the permit, Danica fell into oblivion.

Jelisaveta Načić (1878-1955) - the first Serbian woman architect

Jelisaveta Načić graduated in 1900, thus becoming the first woman architect in Serbia, in a period when only seven percent of women in Serbia were literate. As per the end of her studies, she faced the same problem of gender discrimination that the first Serbian doctor, Dr. Draga Ljočić had. She was very active professionally and she designed many capital buildings in pre-war Belgrade during her career. She died in Dubrovnik on May 6, 1955. She died poor and forgotten, and she was part of the first generation of students of the architecture department and the first female graduate architect in the country, one of the first women employed in the public sector, designed the first modern school building (Primary the "King Peter the First" school in Belgrade), the first tuberculosis hospital, the first circular kiln for manufacturing brick, the first planned residential building in the Balkans.

Radojka Živković (1923-2002) - accordion player, composer and soloist

Her father Tika "Globoderac", a famous accordion player and teacher, did not want his child to play - "To do a men's job" - as he used to say, although the girl showed an exceptional inclination to music. Radojka Živković was also a composer of folk dances and songs. Her folk dance compositions (kolo) stand out especially for their originality and immediacy, which, in Serbian to contemporary folk creativity, they represent musical masterpieces. During her rich career alone, with her husband or with her renowned ensemble, Radojka gave over 11,500 concerts, 700 of which were abroad, starting from Bulgaria, France, Sweden, England, Switzerland and Austria to the USA. She also performed in many radio and TV stations. Her interpretation brought her great popularity among folk music lovers and recognition from music experts.

Author: Sofija Đurić

Why do we procrastinate?

Have you ever caught yourself spending hours watching TikTok videos or
scrolling through Instagram reels, despite your intention to stop procrastinating
on your tasks? Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the inability of young
people to face their responsibilities, resulting in constant delay. Procrastination
happens to many of us. Instead of sitting down and tackling our emails, it seems
more interesting and important to clean out our inbox from unnecessary
messages or maybe tidy up our room. But why does this happen to us?
Research suggests that several factors contribute to procrastination, including
poor time management, laziness, and a lack of self-control. However, when
stated like this, it sounds a bit harsh and can make many of us feel bad, adding to
the guilt. To start with, as in everything, it's important not to be too hard on
ourselves. As The Guardian writes, 80% of young people procrastinate, and even
50% do it frequently. So, if you find yourself in this situation, you're not alone,
and don't be overly self-critical.
The essence of procrastination is that the immediate gratification it brings
outweighs the long-term benefits. In other words, procrastination, or odlaganje,
is not a time management problem but an emotion regulation problem. So, how
can we influence our emotions?
Make your small victories feel significant and be proud of yourself. The perceived
benefit of completing a challenging task should outweigh the immediate
discomfort of tackling it.
Break tasks into smaller steps.
The feeling of facing a huge task can lead us to overthink and underestimate our
abilities. Breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps makes it easier to start and
finish them.

Create a schedule and set goals - and share them with others.

It may sound odd, but based on research, our brain;s reward system is highly
responsive to our social status. There is a greater tendency for individuals to
follow through on tasks when they have shared them with others. It's also a great
way to visualize our responsibilities.

Recognize and confront sources of stress.
​
Firstly, it's important to recognize the signs of stress that can contribute to
procrastination. Then, adopt self-regulation strategies such as deep breathing,
meditation, exercise, or yoga. When you identify the source of stress, try to
confront and resolve it. Often, we're not aware of what is bothering us, and we
end up procrastinating on activities that are not directly related to our
underlying mood.

Collaborate with others and be kind to yourself.

Of course, it's not possible to solve such a habit by just reading an internet article
or having one conversation. Try talking to people who may face similar
challenges. Collaborative work can help you stay motivated and accountable.
Next time you have an exam and cant find the motivation to study alone in your
room, find company and create a productive working atmosphere.
And most importantly, be kind to yourself! The fact that even I procrastinated
writing this text proves that delaying tasks happens to many of us. But know that
it can be overcome with a little effort, motivation... and maybe a few episodes of
your favorite series. In any case, don't worry, procrastinating on tasks is quite
normal as long as you eventually reach your goal and consistently work on
improving this habit.