Tag: 3BL

On July 24, more than 100 FedEx interns and team members gathered in Memphis to participate in a meaningful day of service—packing 10,000 snack packs for U.S. troops being deployed or stationed around the world. This hands-on event was part of the Intern FedEx Cares initiative and was hosted in collaboration with the United Service Organizations (USO), a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service.

The snack packs—carefully filled with familiar comforts like M&Ms, granola bars, Prime hydration packs, and other treats—were designed to bring a small but powerful reminder of home to those currently or about to be deployed. FedEx interns worked alongside team members and FedEx Military Fellows to assemble each pack with care, knowing that their efforts would directly reach service members already deployed, or as they boarded buses and planes for deployment.

The atmosphere was filled with both energy and purpose as interns lined tables, passed down items, and sealed each kit. Intern Yuyu Yang described the event as “a fun and heartwarming experience,” sharing that “it was incredible to see so many people come together with great energy, dancing, smiling, and assembling snack packs with care.”

Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, FedEx interns turned their focus to local children in need by volunteering at Light of Life Rescue Mission, a nonprofit that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness. In collaboration with Feed the Children, interns packed 150 brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and nutritious snacks as part of a Backpack-N-Go event sponsored by FedEx. Each backpack was prepared with care to ensure children had the essentials they need to start the school year with confidence—everything from notebooks and pencils to toothbrushes, applesauce, and juice. The items were destined for children in Light of Life’s programs, including their foster care outreach.

Intern Jummie Agboola shared, “It was a simple act, but one that carries deep impact by giving a child somewhere a reason to smile, even if we may never meet them or know their name.” Her words captured the spirit of the day—a small moment of service with lasting meaning.

To expand the reach of this initiative even further, some interns participated virtually in volunteer events hosted over Zoom. One virtual session supported Ronald McDonald House Charities, where interns recorded audiobooks for hospitalized children. After a brief kickoff, participants broke into small groups to read and record a variety of classic children’s stories.

The goal was to bring a little joy and comfort to young patients through the power of storytelling. Interns selected familiar favorites like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “The Giving Tree,” creating audio versions that could be played for children spending time in hospitals—some of whom may not have family nearby or may be facing long recovery journeys.

Intern Ajay Adhithiya Ohm Nathan reflected on the experience, sharing, “Service like this means a lot to me. Although I may never get to see the children that are going to listen to these audios, I still feel good knowing I had a positive impact for them.” The event demonstrated how small, thoughtful acts can connect us with others in deeply meaningful ways—no matter where we’re located.

Across every location—on the ground or online—FedEx interns embraced the opportunity to serve, reflect, and connect. These events were more than service projects; they were moments of unity, empathy, and purpose. Interns weren’t just learning about corporate values—they were living them. And for this summer’s intern cohort, that spirit of service will stick with them long after their internships end.

Written by Casie Cottrell, FedEx Marketing & Communications Intern—Originally from Lebanon, TN, Casie is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a summer intern on the FedEx Brand Experience team. Reflecting on her time at FedEx, she shared, “I was really drawn to FedEx because of the strong sense of culture and how they truly prioritize people in the workplace and the community. Events like these really remind you how meaningful it is to come together and make a positive impact right where you are.”

Casie Cottrell, a senior at UT Knoxville and FedEx intern, said, “FedEx’s commitment to its people really stood out to me. Experiences like this highlight how meaningful it is to give back as a team.”

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

ST PAUL, Minn., August 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Inogen Alliance announces sponsorship of the 1st Africa Global ESG & Sustainability Reporting Summit in Ghana, 1 – 2 September, organized by TSL Sustainability. The theme of the conference is sustainable growth: ESG reporting, EU taxonomy, and strategic pathways for developing economies. It provides a roadmap for integrating sustainable practices into economic development, ensuring that growth is inclusive, resilient, and aligned with global sustainability objectives. Our Associate sponsors include HPC AG Germany, HPC Italy, Antea Group USA, Charles & Barker, denxpert, Integral Consult Egypt, and Performance Qualitie.

Keynote sessions will include President of Inogen Alliance, Angelique Dickson; and Head of Sustainability at HPC AG Germany, Emmanuel Zinsu. Emmanuel is on the board planning committee for the conference. The team attending will also be presenting and sharing more about our ESG Assessment Tool to help companies assess ESG maturity and identify key risks.

“Together with Inogen Alliance and seven of our Associate companies we are proud to sponsor the first ESG summit in Ghana. This event is important in building capacity in Ghana and the region for ESG related topics including climate mitigation strategies, CSRD and ESG reporting, EHS audits and compliance, energy transition, remediation of contaminated sites and water bodies, biodiversity protection and restoration, social/supply chain audits and more. I am excited to sit on the board of the event to help plan and coordinate a first of it’s kind for the country. With Inogen Alliance, this is an important region as our clients expand on the continent and as we expand our Associate companies with bringing global expertise to these local projects,” Emmanuel Zinsu.

Watch for more to come, register and find more details here.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of over 70 of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates, listen to our podcast and follow us on LinkedIn.

With nearly 40% of carbon emissions coming from the built environment, the construction industry is building and renovating more and more sustainably. With innovative solutions and new construction methods, we have a whole new vocabulary that this podcast is going to decipher for you!

A modular building is a structure designed to adapt to different uses after construction. Whether this involves using easy-to-assemble prefabricated modules or movable internal walls, the principle is the same: the flexibility to change the distribution of space in a building over time. This achieves a more agile, more practical and, most importantly, more sustainable building.

Listen here M…for Modular Construction, a Saint-Gobain Podcast

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

The relationships we have with the companies and individuals we work with across our entire value and supply chain are important and viewed as an essential part of our success. Our Supplier Code of Conduct (Supplier Code) and Human Rights Policy outline the expectations we have of our suppliers and contractors. As part of our standard contract terms and operating procedures, key contractors in our timberlands and wood products facilities are provided with our Supplier Code and asked to verify that they have read and comply with its components. In addition, we provide training to these contractors on the Supplier Code.

Healthy sustainable timberlands play a vital role in our business and in the quality of life for the communities in which we operate. We expect those who work with us to follow and implement all forestry regulations and best management practices including water quality, wildlife, and biodiversity. Timberland and real estate suppliers must comply with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations and any best management practices adopted by PotlatchDeltic to prevent environmental incidents. At our wood products facilities, suppliers and contractors must follow all laws and support our commitment to reduce air emissions, water use, energy use, and waste. Contractors and suppliers and their employees have the right to report environmental compliance concerns on PotlatchDeltic premises by reporting them to local management or by using the Hotline.

We expect those we work with to respect and promote human rights and to be ethical in their relationships with their workers, including migrant workers. Harassment and abusive behavior of all kinds is prohibited. We expect our supply chain to comply with laws regarding working hours and wages, child labor, and the prohibition of forced labor. The safety and health of our Team Members and contractors is a core value in our work environments, achieved through a commitment at all levels.

PotlatchDeltic takes our governance principles seriously to ensure that we run our business in an ethical and transparent manner, and we expect the same from our suppliers and contractors. Company assets and information as well as other confidential information accessed must be protected. Suppliers and contractors must not impair nor appear to impair business integrity and, therefore, they must not offer bribes, kickbacks, or other improper payments to secure or retain business or favored business treatment. PotlatchDeltic expects all those we work with to comply with all applicable anti-corruption and antitrust laws.

TIMBERLAND AND WOOD PRODUCTS CONTRACTORS

The logging companies that work in our timberlands are often run by individuals with decades of experience working in forests, with significant investment in equipment to handle different types of terrain, weather, and differing log sizes. These crews have expertise in understanding harvest prescriptions and best management practices, including protecting streamside management zones and water crossings, and minimizing soil disturbance. Harvest operators also need to be skilled in merchandising, which requires separating logs for different markets based on species, quality, and size.

Suppliers or contractors are also retained for growing or providing seedlings from a nursery, reforestation, silviculture work after the harvest, and managing insects and disease. Planting crews are a critical part of our supply chain, keeping the crucial cycle of harvesting, regeneration, and forest planning intact. Much of this work is done by migrant workers, employed by silviculture contractors under H-2B visa programs, who return year after year to plant seedlings either by hand or by machine, depending on soil type and terrain.

Contractors and subcontractors working in our timberlands must be on our approved contractor list and our foresters track their environmental and safety performance. Where improvements need to be made, we work with them on continual improvement practices. They are trained annually on a wide range of measures including forestry best management practices, threatened and endangered species, and safety policies. To continue working with us, timberland contractors and suppliers must demonstrate good safety records, have current training, and maintain all required insurance.

At our wood products facilities, contractors perform a wide range of work including hauling logs from the woods to the mills, performing environmental testing, maintenance work, and other services, providing supplies, transporting wood residuals to other end-users and capital project. In addition, the range of high technology equipment in a sawmill that maximizes efficiency, productivity, and resources often requires expert maintenance.

The contractors working on-site at our wood products facilities are pre-cleared through an online compliance management system. Contractor and supplier information and requirements are tracked online based on specific criteria we have established, including maintenance of minimum insurance levels and acceptable safety performance. Contractors are regularly monitored and evaluated for their health and safety performance. All contractors working at our facilities must receive training before being cleared to work at our sites. This orientation session includes health and safety training and training on emergency procedures.

The contractors we work with typically live in nearby communities, often where they, along with PotlatchDeltic, are a key economic contributor. They also often participate in these communities through charitable work and volunteering. Being a good corporate citizen is made up of the choices we make every day, and we want to work with others who operate the same way.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “annual,” “continual,” “expect,” “regular,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Among the forward-looking statements in this release are statements about our training programs, monitoring contractors’ health and safety performance, expectations of suppliers and contractors, workers who return year after year, and similar matters. These statements reflect management’s views of future events based on assumptions and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, and are not guarantees of future conduct, results, or policies. Please view the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information on page 32 of PotlatchDeltic’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Starting a new chapter is exciting, but changes can come with challenges. Supplemental insurance coverage offers the opportunity to meet many of those challenges with confidence. From getting married to buying a new home, supplemental insurance helps ensure the special people in these special moments —have added protection.

Here are a few important chapters that should come with some extra assurance.

Turning 26: Happy birthday! Turning 26 means being old enough to vote, rent a car and be removed from a parent’s insurance policy. Adulting might seem intimidating, but supplemental insurance can add some security to newfound independence.

Getting married: Congratulations! A wedding is a beautiful event, though a marriage license isn’t the only paperwork required. Adding a new spouse to supplemental insurance coverage is an important step in making sure both people have added protection. The new mister or missus must also fill out a continuous coverage verification form.

Planning a family: There’s plenty to check off the list when bringing a new baby home — a crib, cute clothes and tons of diapers. But there’s an important item that needs to be crossed off before the baby is even on the way, and that’s supplemental insurance. Coverage can help provide financial security to protect a growing family.

A new job: Starting a new job means meeting new coworkers and figuring out where to find the breakroom. One way to make the transition easier is to bring along current supplemental insurance coverage. That’s where portable policies come into play, which can follow a new employee to their next opportunity.

Traveling: Lost luggage or a delayed flight are common frustrations for the average jetsetter, but it’s also important to keep bigger concerns in mind. For example, accident insurance still helps to provide protection while traveling, so qualifying medical expenses incurred away from home are covered.

Life has plenty of plot twists, and Aflac can be there for its customers through each and every one. Visit Aflac.com to learn more and apply for extra protection.

Individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500454
EXP: 06/26

DENTON, Texas, August 7, 2025 /3BL/ – Today, Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada launches its local supplement to complement Tetra Pak’s 26th Sustainability Report, which tracks the progress the company has made against its global sustainability agenda. It focuses on five interdependent areas: food systems, circularity, climate, nature and social sustainability.

The company’s global full-year 2024 Sustainability Report highlights a 25% reduction² of greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain since 2019, marking a further five- percentage-point improvement since 2023. Within its own operations, the company has achieved a 54% reduction³ in GHG emissions since 2019 and reports 94% renewable energy consumption in its own operations, keeping the company on track to achieve net-zero GHG emissions in its own operations by 2030.⁴ Moreover, these environmental achievements go hand in hand with the company’s continuous efforts to improve livelihoods and strengthen economies through the delivery of safe food everywhere.

“Our resolute commitment to sustainability remains our North Star,” said Seth Teply, president and CEO, Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada. “It’s in that commitment where our true purpose lies. We commit to making food safe and available, everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good for food, people and the planet.”

Accompanying the organization’s global report, originally released on June 5, is a supplement highlighting achievements in the U.S. and Canada during the same time period.

A sampling of achievements featured in the supplement include:

• An expansion at Tetra Pak’s Denton, Texas, converting factory increased its production capacity to 9.6 billion packs annually. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to grow its facilities to meet demand for high-quality packaging.
• A continued expansion of end markets for carton recycling. Together with Carton Council, Tetra Pak announced UPFACTORY California, a new recycling facility that is expected to recycle 1.5 million pounds of carton material every month, turning it into sustainable building materials.
• The launch of Tetra Pak^® Direct UHT in the U.S. and Canada to maximize process efficiency and flexibility while reducing energy and water usage. Compared with the Tetra Therm^® Aseptic VTIS, it can save about 6% of the fresh water needed during production.
• The continued contribution to the vibrancy of Tetra Pak’s community through local events, its Core Wellbeing employee wellness program and ElevateHER, Tetra Pak’s employee resource group to support and connect women in the workplace.

To view the full report, click here. To view the U.S. and Canada supplement, click here.

Media contacts

Tetra Pak PR Contact:
Stephanie Ward
Communications Manager
stephanie.ward@tetrapak.com

_{1 From a 2019 baseline.
2 Scopes 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions, compared with a 2019 baseline.
3 Scopes 1, 2 and business travel, compared with a 2019 baseline.
4 Scopes 1, 2 and business travel, by reducing emissions and balancing residual emissions with removals.}

The CNH brand, New Holland, has delivered its first new combine harvesters in Spain.

These next generation combines are designed to transform the way crops are harvested. The new CR11 features maximum capacity, virtually zero grain losses, full automation, maximum energy efficiency and respect for the soil. It is very high-level technology at the service of the modern farmer.

The New Holland CR11 reaches unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity, anticipating the challenges of modern agriculture, and rendering operations more sustainable and profitable.

A new era in Spanish agriculture

The arrival of the first two CR11s in Spain presents the beginning of a new era in harvesting for the country, in which technology, efficiency and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

New Holland reaffirms its commitment to the Spanish countryside, offering solutions that not only increase the profitability of farms, but also help to conserve the most valuable resource: the land.

Read the full story here.

DES MOINES, Iowa, August 7, 2025 /3BL/ – The Principal^® Charity Classic today announced the 2025 tournament raised a record $10.6 million in support of Iowa youth. The annual PGA TOUR Champions event in Des Moines has raised more than $73 million for Iowa children’s charities since Principal Financial Group^® became the title sponsor in 2007.

“This year’s record-breaking achievement demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our community to support Iowa youth,” said Ken McCullum, board chair for the Principal Charity Classic. “Next year marks the 20^th anniversary of Principal as title sponsor, and it is inspiring to see the positive community impact of the Principal Charity Classic continue to grow.”

The Principal Charity Classic impacts the lives of more than 130,000 Iowa youth annually by investing in programs that help youth succeed in education, culture, financial security, career planning, and health and wellness. Tournament proceeds support four Tournament Charity Partners, more than 100 Birdies For Charity nonprofits, and the Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective.

“Every volunteer, sponsor, and attendee helps advance our mission. The continued growth in charitable giving reflects how deeply our commitment to supporting Iowa’s youth resonates. Together, we’re driving meaningful, lasting change for the next generation.” said Jo Christine Miles, director of Principal^® Foundation and Community Relations.

The 2025 Principal Charity Classic, held at the Wakonda Club, attracted over 55,000 attendees, 215 sponsors, and 1,100 volunteers. The 2025 player field boasted eight past champions and eight World Golf Hall of Famers. Miguel Angel Jimenez emerged as the 2025 Champion after a tight three-day battle on the course and a playoff at the finish. This was his third PGA TOUR Champions victory of the year.

The 2026 Principal Charity Classic will be held June 10-14, 2026, at the Wakonda Club.

###

About Principal Financial Group^®

Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with approximately 20,000 employees¹passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for 146 years, we’re helping over 70 million customers¹ plan, insure, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business and building an inclusive workforce. Principal^® is proud to be recognized as one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies² and named as a Best Places to Work in Money Management³. Learn more about Principal and our commitment to building a better future at principal.com.

¹ As of March 31, 2025 
² Ethisphere, 2025 
³ Pensions & Investments, 2024

About the Principal Charity Classic
The Principal^® Charity Classic is an annual PGA TOUR Champions event dedicated to investing in the future of Iowa kids. Since 2007, the tournament has raised over $73 million for Iowa children’s charities, including a record-breaking $10.6 million in 2025 alone. Funds benefit organizations focused on education and culture, financial security and stability, and health and wellness for Iowa youth. Recognized as the 2024 PGA TOUR Champions President’s Award winner, the Principal^® Charity Classic was proud to be selected Tournament of the Year.

Golf Charitable Foundation of Greater Des Moines, operating as Principal Charity Classic, is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing philanthropic support to youth serving programs across the State of Iowa. While Principal Charity Classic receives funding from Principal Financial Group® and Principal® Foundation, Principal Charity Classic is a distinct, independent, charitable entity.

Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.

© 2025 Principal Foundation.

4694186-072025

August 7, 2025 /3BL/ – The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) has released the Beverage Industry EUDR Interpretation Guide, a practical, sector-specific resource designed to help beverage companies understand and meet the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) (EU 2023/1115).

Effective June 29, 2023, the EUDR introduced strict due diligence requirements for companies placing cattle, coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, rubber, or wood – or products derived from them – on the EU market or exporting them from it.

For the beverage industry, this regulation is highly relevant as it covers both raw ingredients (like coffee, cocoa, and palm derivatives) and select wood-based packaging (such as barrels and branded wooden crates). Full compliance for large and medium-sized operators begins December 30, 2025, with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) following by June 30, 2026.

The guide is designed for beverage manufacturers, brand owners, and procurement and sustainability teams who need clear, actionable direction on how to implement EUDR compliance across their supply chains. It provides:

• Sector-specific guidance on identifying which ingredients and materials fall within the scope of the EUDR
• Step-by-step instructions for mapping supply chains, assessing and mitigating risk, and maintaining traceability
• Support for compliance workflows, including preparing and submitting Due Diligence Statements (DDS) via the TRAde Control and Expert System (TRACES), i.e., the EU’s official digital platform for EUDR implementation
• Integration strategies to align EUDR obligations with broader sustainability initiatives like no-deforestation commitments and SBTi FLAG goals

By providing a beverage-focused lens on a complex regulation, the guide empowers companies to reduce compliance risk, maintain market access, and build robust, future-proof sustainability practices.

“The EUDR presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the beverage sector. Our members needed clear, actionable guidance on how to navigate this complex regulation, and that’s exactly what this guide delivers, helping companies meet their obligations while advancing environmental stewardship.” ~ Erica Pann, Executive Director of BIER.

The Beverage Industry EUDR Interpretation Guide reinforces BIER’s mission to accelerate environmental progress in the beverage sector by turning complex sustainability challenges into actionable solutions.

The Beverage Industry EUDR Interpretation Guide is available for download at https://www.bieroundtable.com/publication/beverage-industry-eudr-interpretation-guide/

For more information, please contact: Erica Pann, BIER Executive Director
Erica.Pann@anteagroup.us

About BIER
BIER is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. Formed in 2006, BIER is a common voice across the beverage sector, speaking to influence global standards on environmental sustainability aspects most relevant to the sector, affect change both up and down the supply chain, and share best practices that raise the bar for environmental performance of the industry. By doing so, BIER is able to monitor data and trends, engage with key stakeholders, develop best practices, and guide a course of action for the future. BIER members include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Asahi Group Holdings, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Constellation Brands, Diageo, Heineken, Keurig Dr Pepper, LION, Molson Coors, Monster Energy, Ocean Spray Cranberries, PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard and Suntory Global Spirits. For more information, visit www.bieroundtable.com.

Back-to-school season isn’t just about loading up on textbooks and moving into dorms — it’s about owning your moment. Whether you’re heading to campus for freshman year or clocking into your side hustle between lectures, you deserve tech that delivers something big — like, main-character energy big.

Enter: Helaine Zhao, a college student, creator and voice of experience when it comes to making the most of school, tech and travel. Her social posts give her hundreds of thousands of followers a front-row seat to campus life, study-abroad adventures and the digital tools keeping her locked in and focused.

“I’m excited to share my tech recommendations with other students based on my experiences as a student and content creator and also help spread the word about the amazing benefits and deals that make T-Mobile valuable to students on a budget.”

And Zhao says she’s seen firsthand how T-Mobile is investing in students — not just through deals, but real empowerment.

“At the world’s largest student-run conference for empowering women in tech, I had the honor of speaking with members who shared more about T-Mobile’s Project 10Million,” she says. “Learning about all of T-Mobile’s youth initiatives was super inspiring. I couldn’t be happier to partner with a company that genuinely cares about education and empowering the next generation!”

Your Technology Is Your Study Buddy, and It Has to Travel with You Everywhere

As a student at one of the most competitive Ivy League schools in the country, Zhao is tasked with staying on top of a rigorous course load while also trying to find balance with extracurriculars and a social life.

“Tech is truly the basis of a good semester and school year, and it makes such a difference in my school life,” she says.

So what’s the tech she can’t live without right now?

“I film all of my content on my iPhone, and after trying the iPhone 16, I thought the camera was insane,” she says. “As a student, I also love the iPhone 16’s fast performance and built-in Apple Intelligence features. I use the Notes app a lot to keep track of my assignments and now that Apple Intelligence is integrated into Notes, it’s made my entire workflow smoother and more productive. I also have to say my iPad because it’s so light I can carry it around campus all day — no backpack strain.”

She says she knows new tech can be expensive and has some advice on timing purchases to be most cost effective.

“Use student discounts or deals whenever possible, especially during back-to-school season,” she says. “T-Mobile has the craziest back-to-school deals I have ever seen.

On the Go and Always Online: The Power of a Great Connection

Zhao says thanks to today’s hybrid of in-person classes and online lectures, she thinks connectivity is the most important feature of her tech arsenal, which means having the right plan, so she has the data needed to work on the go and access hot spots if needed.

“I have done my assignments on the grass of the Harvard Yard, on the train to New York, in an Uber and even in the dining hall,” she says. “I feel very blessed to attend a college that offers a lot of traveling opportunities, but they often occur during the school year, which means that I am juggling schoolwork while traveling.”

“I especially love to study in cafes, which sometimes don’t offer free Wi-Fi, so having hotspot data included in my plan, along with the amazing 5G network has been super reliable. I never have to worry about losing connection during a meeting or interview,” she says. “Plus, I attend college across the country from home and fly over five hours every time I go back. As someone who frequently has work to get done, having free in-flight Wi-Fi is truly lifesaving.”

Time Management, Reimagined

While she says she’s confident in her current set up to balance coursework, content creation and her personal life, she admits there are some improvements she’s hoping to make before heading back to class this school year.

“I’m going to be so honest with you, before I tried the Apple Watch, I thought it was completely unnecessary and kind of extra,” she admits. “But after testing it out last school year, I can admit I was wrong. It kept me on schedule, tracked my workouts, and since every student today lives by their Calendar app, it’s helped me stay on top of notifications during class without pulling out my phone.

She says she’s surprised that one feature became a personal favorite.

“As a college student, it is so easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed, and the Apple Watch Mindfulness app has helped me manage my mental and emotional health,” she says. “I use it almost daily to guide me through deep breathing exercises.”

Making Memories

Everyone talks about how tech can help you succeed in today’s competitive college landscape, but there’s got to be room to experience your newfound independence and friendships.

“It seems silly to say, but an important piece of advice I have for college students is to have fun,” she says. “Yes, studying and work are very important, but the four years you have in college are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of them. Attend concerts, go to events, stay up late watching a show with your friends! I am so glad that T-Mobile has also thought of this and is making college so much more enjoyable with everything that comes with Magenta Status including T-Mobile Tickets, their streaming bundles and perks.”