Write Motivational Statements

Be prepared for an interview with a well-crafted motivational statement.

Whether you are seeking entrance into a specialized program of the armed forces, hoping to obtain an academic scholarship or providing guidance as a mentor, the motivational statement you write can influence the difference of your success or failure. When you write motivational statements, remember they are not form letters; you must dig deep and let yourself come through in the writing, while including information that pertains to your submission.

Instructions

1. Answer four general questions in your motivational statement. First, include why you wish to pursue the degree or promotion at this time. Second, what academic or personal interests you have that pertain to your application. Third, why you are applying to the particular university or office, which should include mention of professors or officers you want to work with. Fourth, what you can specifically contribute to the program and its success.

2. Write about your true feelings in the statement. For instance, a motivational statement in your application to become a naval officer should reflect your personal reasons for becoming an officer. If your family legacy is one of naval officers, include this in the statement, with mention of how growing up watching your naval officer relatives inspired you to join the navy and to make a difference. The statement is one that the selection board will use to measure your desire to become an officer and the level of commitment you have to reach that goal.

3. Include personal experiences in your statement. These experiences include such things as reflections on the difficult road you chose to reach your goals. For example, if the motivational statement is one you are writing to mentor an undergrad once you have completed your undergraduate program with honors, you would include the struggles you faced when reaching your undergraduate degree and how they affected your life personally and academically.

4. Think outside the box and write from your heart. A motivational statement is not an English literature assignment. While you want to use the correct grammar and punctuation, the statement should ring of your deep emotional reasons for the statement and not filled with artificial testimonies you think the reader wants to see in the statement.

5. Mention your accomplishments in detail. For instance, if you are seeking a scholarship to college or for a higher-level degree program, you need to mention the honors you have earned, degree or grade-point average obtained and any community service work you spearheaded or was a part of. Close the statement with a brief summary of why you are the best candidate.

Tags: motivational statement, naval officer, statement with, your application, your undergraduate

What Degrees Do You Need To Become An Er Doctor

Emergency room doctors must earn bachelor and medical degrees.

Preparing to become an emergency room (ER) doctor begins as early as the undergraduate college years. Aspiring ER doctors obtain a four-year undergraduate degree before pursuing their graduate medical school education. These future doctors can choose from a range of degree fields and single or joint degree programs to reach their goal of working in an emergency room.

Bachelor's Degree

Medical school applicants have to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Therefore, aspiring ER doctors first should complete their undergraduate curriculum at a competitive school to gain admissions into medical school. Although medical schools do not require applicants to earn a degree in a specific field, many aspiring doctors focus on a few undergraduate fields of study. For example, Mississippi College reports that biology is the most popular major among aspiring medical students. Other popular majors of medical school applicants included chemistry and physics. Majoring in the sciences benefits future ER doctors because it helps them complete prerequisite courses for medical school.

Medical Degree

Earning a medical degree is the required graduate degree for emergency room doctors. This four-year program begins with coursework and concludes with medical students receiving clinical exposure. As they work toward the medical degree, students will take courses like cellular structure and function, neurosciences and mechanisms of disease and treatment, according to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. During their third and fourth years, as students see medicine from the clinical perspective, they can take clinical rotations or internships in emergency medicine, which can prepare them for a residency in the field. However, medical school clinical experience touches on all types of medicine, so even aspiring ER doctors will have to work in other fields like obstetrics and gynecology.

Additional Training

After they complete medical school, ER doctors complete an emergency medicine residency program. This program, which lasts for three or four years, depending on the school, exposes doctors to emergency medicine in a hands-on, clinical environment. For example, the University of Chicago's three-year emergency medicine residency program rotates residents through critical care areas like pediatrics, intensive care, cardiology and neonatal. Brown University emergency medicine residents work through rotations like obstetrics and gynecology, plastic surgery and trauma.

After successful completion of the emergency medicine residency, ER doctors must complete an application to take the qualifying exam through the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), which takes place annually in October or November, as of 2010. Once they pass the qualifying exam, they must complete two oral certification exams in the calendar year following successful completion of the qualifying exam. When complete, the ER doctor earns certification through the ABEM.

Tags: emergency medicine, medical school, emergency medicine residency, emergency room, medicine residency, qualifying exam

Graphic Design Mfa Programs

MFA programs are designed for students intending applied or performing careers.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in graphic arts is generally offered as a two- or three-year program. Although a bachelor degree in graphic arts is not required, an additional year may be added to the program for students to gain a foundation in the discipline before completing graduate coursework. The MA (Master of Arts) degree is also offered in graphic arts and may be suitable for those intending careers in the research or academic fields. The MFA is for those intending performing or applied professions in the field.

Rhode Island School of Design

The Rhode Island School of Design was ranked as the No. 1 graduate fine arts school with the best graphic arts program in the nation by U.S News and World Report in 2008. The MFA graphic arts program features a two-year track option for students with an undergraduate degree in graphic arts and a three-year track option for those with an undergraduate degree in liberal arts. Both options involve required coursework and elective coursework in which the student is encouraged to explore other disciplines. Students must complete a graduate seminar and individual thesis investigation. Faculty, national and international designers and professional critics work with students in these areas.

Rhode Island School of Design

30 N. Main St.

Providence, RI 02903

401-454-6171

risd.edu

University of Tennessee--Knoxville

The School of Art at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville is actively involved in art and architecture exhibitions and has the only student run non-profit exhibition space entitled "Gallery 1010." The school also maintains its own art gallery exhibiting the artwork of national and international artists in downtown Knoxville. The MFA graduate design program is structured in a three-year format for students who have an undergraduate degree in graphic design and a four-year program for those who do not. In the four-year format, students will complete undergraduate coursework in the discipline. All students maintain a curriculum with studio courses, art history non-studio courses, a first semester graduate seminar, 14 hours of electives, thesis project and a semi-independent study.

School of Art

1715 Volunteer Blvd.

Knoxville, TN 37996

865-974-3407

utk.edu

California Institute of the Arts

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was the first art institute in the country to offer MFAs and BFAs in both the performing and visual arts. It was ranked in the top 10 graduate schools for fine arts and graphic arts in the nation by U.S News and World Report in 2008. The CalArts MFA program in graphic design is offered in a two-year or three-year format. The two-year program is structured for students who have a bachelor's degree in graphic design. It consists of weekly seminars incorporating research and studio projects the first year and developing a master thesis project the second year. Students receive individual critique and experience working with visiting designers. The three-year program is designed for students who do not have a previous background in graphic design, so the first year of the program provides education and experience in the fundamentals such as conceptual skills and form-making.

California Institute of the Arts

24700 McBean Parkway

Valencia, CA 91355

661-255-1050

calarts.edu

Tags: graphic arts, degree graphic, graphic design, California Institute, California Institute Arts

History Of The Perkins Loan

As a federally funded student-aid program, the Perkins loan can trace its origin to an Oct. 4, 1957, Soviet satellite launch. Sputnik I gave the U.S.S.R. a technological edge in the Cold War, spurring concern about American scientific expertise. Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose to address the nation's economic competitiveness and shortcomings in science, mathematics and technology through educational support and reform. Eleven months after Sputnik I, the National Defense Education Act became law on Sept. 2, 1958.

NDEA Loans

Of the 10 titles in the NDEA, Title II established the National Defense Student Loan program, the first federally supported low-interest, long-term loans for qualified college students. These loans, funded by the U.S. Treasury and provided directly to schools, initially gave priority to science, math, engineering and foreign language majors, according to the Institute for Defense Analyses. Students could borrow $1,000 annually with a maximum of $5,000. Repayment in 10 annual installments began one year after graduation or leaving school. The Institute for Defense Analyses reports that "1,188 institutions had loaned $9.5 million to 24,831 students" in 1959.

Name Change

Begun as an eight-year initiative, the Title II NDSL program gave financially strapped students access to higher education by making loans acceptable components of financial aid packages. Congress reauthorized this "campus-based program" in 1965 and1970 and changed its name to the National Direct Student Loan Program with re-authorization legislation in 1972, according to Chess Consulting. Interest remained unchanged from the original program: zero while enrolled; 3 percent after leaving school. In his testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Post-secondary Education, Alfred B. Fitt of the Congressional Budget Office noted that 400 institutions loaned nearly $5 billion to 874,000 student borrowers in 1979.

Perkins Loans

In 1986, Congress gave the direct student loan program its third and present name: Perkins Loan Program. The name change honored Kentucky Congressman Carl D. Perkins, who championed legislation for student aid. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the program structure in 2011 mirrors the original Title II NDSL: DOE makes money available to schools, who lend to students based on financial need. Students have 10 years to repay the school after they leave. For the 2011-2012 academic year, undergraduates can borrow up to $5,500; graduate students have an $8,000 limit. The Student Aid Alliance website notes nearly $29 billion in student loans have been issued since the program's inception in 1958.

Application

Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (see Resources) application to be considered for all federally funded or subsidized financial aid, including Perkins loans. The DOE recommends early submission as each participating school receives a set dollar amount that could result in an eligible student not receiving a loan.

Tags: billion student, Defense Analyses, federally funded, Institute Defense, Institute Defense Analyses, institutions loaned, leaving school

Get Grants If You Still Owe Student Loans

Grants can help you return to finish your college degree.

If you are considering going back to finish your bachelor's degree after a break or if you want to get additional financial help for school, you may be wondering about your current student loans. Student loans will not stop you from qualifying for grants as long as you meet certain guidelines that are easy to maintain.

Federal Grants

To apply for federal grants you need to be current on your student loan payments. Student loans will go on deferment if you are currently enrolled in classes, so you will not need to continue making payments once you reenroll in school. You also need to make adequate progress towards your degree in order to qualify for a federal grant. Generally this means that you complete each semester and pass the majority of your classes. Apply for a federal grant by feeling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal grants are need based, and you will be required to submit your current tax information, and your parents' information if you are single and under the age of 24.

Private Grants

Student loans will not affect your eligibility to apply for private grants for school. These grants may be for a specific research project or they may be for a specific area of study. The applications for these grants will vary. Generally you will need to write an essay explaining what the grant money will be used for and how it will affect not only your studies but also the field of study you are working in. In order to receive these grants your application will need to be well rounded and carefully written. These grants do not use income as a basis for qualifying, but may look at your grades and other criteria.

Finding Grants

It is easy to apply for federal grants through the FAFSA, but the biggest difficulty in apply for private grants is finding grants you are eligible for. Contact the financial aid office to see if there are any grants available specifically for students at your college, and to learn about the application process. Your departmental office may also list grants students in your field of study would qualify for. The grants can help fund research or semester projects that cost extra money. Additionally you can look online at a scholarship website to find additional grants you can apply for.

Apply for Several Grants

There are many applicants for each grant, which means you may not qualify for every grant you apply for. Apply for at least three or four grants and look for other ways to fund your education, such as scholarships and student loans.

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What Are Good Colleges For Interior Design

Interior design schools are plentiful.

With hundreds of interior design schools, it is difficult to know where to start when applying. From art and design specialty schools to fully accredited universities, many interior design programs exist for you to consider. Financial and geographical considerations can narrow your list, as can the reputation of each school's program.

East Coast

New York City is home to Fashion Institute of Technology, part of the State University of New York system. The interior design program is the largest in the city and features an emphasis on sustainability, health and safety. Also in the Big Apple, New York Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Virginia College in Mobile, Alabama, offers associate and bachelor's degrees. The Center for Professional Development at the New England Institute of Art in Brookline, Massachusetts, offers a bachelor's degree in residential interior decorating. Hesser College, with campuses in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, New Hampshire, offers an associate degree.

Midwest

Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo offers a 4-year degree in interior design. Harrington College of Design in Chicago features a diploma program and associate and bachelor's degrees. Students can also obtain a kitchen-and-bath-design specialization certificate. The Art Institutes International in Minneapolis offers associate and bachelor's degrees. Brown College in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, features a bachelor's program.

West Coast

Collins College in Tempe, Arizona, has a bachelor's program. The University of California Los Angeles offers a certificate and degree program. The Interior Designers Institute in Orange County, California, features small class sizes and issues a Bachelor of Science and an associate degree. Brooks College in Long Beach, California, offers an associate degree. Maric College in Sacramento, California, features diploma programs in kitchen and bath as well as general interior design.

Nationwide Schools

The Art Institute, with campuses throughout America, offers a bachelor's degree at its Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and San Diego and Orange County, California, campuses. Sacramento, California; Seattle, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; and Tampa and Orlando, Florida, have International Academy of Design and Technology campuses with bachelor's programs. Westwood College, with four locations in southern California, two in Colorado, three in Illinois, two in Virginia and one in Georgia, issues bachelor's degrees. American InterContinental University offers a bachelor's program at its Weston, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, campuses.

Online

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has an online division that offers a bachelor's degree in interior design. In addition to its nationwide campuses, Westwood College also offers an online program.

Tags: bachelor degrees, offers associate, offers bachelor, associate bachelor, associate bachelor degrees, associate degree

The Qualifying Income To Receive Pell Grants

You must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form to determine whether you are eligible for a Pell Grant.

The federal Pell Grant program is a government-run program that provides grants to undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students. Pell Grants are given to students based on need, and the amount of the grant varies on certain factors. All students who are eligible for a Pell Grant will receive one, and these grants do not have to be paid back.

How Do You Apply for a Pell Grant?

You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order for your expected family contribution to be determined. You must file a FAFSA for each school year by the end of June before the start of the school year. State deadlines are normally much earlier than the federal deadline, so make sure you plan accordingly. You will be notified by mail or email if you are eligible to receive the Pell Grant.

What Factors Determine the Amount of the Pell Grant?

Pell Grants are determined by the student's expected family contribution, the tuition at the student's chosen institution, whether the student is full- or part-time and whether the student will attend school for a full academic year or less.

How Does the Government Determine Financial Need?

The Department of Education determines the student's expected family contribution using a formula based on the information provided in the FAFSA. According to the Department of Education, a student's expected family contribution is "the sum of: (1) a percentage of net income (remaining income after subtracting allowances for basic living expenses and taxes) and (2) a percentage of net assets (assets remaining after subtracting an asset protection allowance)."

The best case scenario is you will have a zero expected family contribution, because if you meet the other eligibility requirements, you will receive the full Pell Grant, which is $5,500 for the 2010-2011 school year.

Tags: Pell Grant, expected family, expected family contribution, family contribution, Pell Grants, school year, student expected

How Much Do Nurse Anesthetists Get Paid

Nurse anesthetists make some of the highest salaries in nursing.

Nurse anesthetists earn some of the highest salaries in the nursing profession. They have master's degrees and certifications in their area of specialization. Nurses also have several years of clinical experience in general before they enter a graduate program to become nurse anesthetists.

National

The median salary of a nurse anesthetist in the United States is $155,454. The 10th percentile earns $138,695, and the 25th percentile earns $146,682. The 75th percentile earns $165,790, and those at the top end of the salary scale in the 90th percentile earn $175,200.

Factors

Where you work can affect your salary as a nurse anesthetist. In addition, nurse anesthetists that are self-employed or who are contract employees often earn higher salaries than those who work for the government or in hospitals.

Location

Location's effect on salary is significant. A nurse anesthetist in Abilene, Texas, for example, can expect a median salary of $141,774. In Seattle, a nurse anesthetist earns a median salary of $170,999. A nurse anesthetist in Mobile, Alabama earns a median salary of $139,908 per year, and in New York City, the median salary is $184,524.

Prospects

Although the general job outlook of registered nurses is good, some industries will not hire as many nurses as others in the coming years, particularly hospitals as more procedures are done in outpatient facilities and physicians' offices. More nurses are waiting longer to retire, as well, creating more job competition in nursing, according to a May 9, 2011 National Public Radio story. However, nurse anesthetists can expect high demand for their services as advanced practice nurses are needed in many different industries. Nurse anesthetists can find jobs particularly in medically underserved areas, which may be in urban or rural locations.

Tags: median salary, nurse anesthetist, percentile earns, salary nurse, salary nurse anesthetist

Create A Unit Plan Outline

A well thought out Unit Plan can make all the difference when teaching a new subject to students. Creating an outline of your unit plan makes sure that you have a plan that includes your outcomes or essential questions, a summary, chapter list, assessments, tools and resources. Once you have completed the Unit Plan outline you can make chapter outlines.

Instructions

1. Title the Unit Plan with a name that states the topic or theme of the entire unit.

2. Develop curriculum-framing questions. These are questions that you want students to be able to answer after they have completed all components of the unit. An essential question is one question that is the "big idea" of the whole unit. Unit questions are three to five questions that are components of the essential questions, but pertain to the whole unit, as well. Content questions are even more specific and ask questions about the content presented within the unit.

3. Include a unit summary that describes in one or two short paragraphs the content that is going to be presented in the unit.

4. List the national or state standards that the unit is going to address.

5. Break down the unit into small pieces, such as chapters. Write a short phrase that describes the content that will be taught in the smaller sections.

6. Make a list of the assessments that will be given during the unit and at the end of the unit. This can include assignments, journal entries, observations, quizzes and a unit test.

7. End the unit plan with a listing of the tools and resources that you will be using during the unit.

Tags: that will, content that, during unit, essential questions, have completed, list assessments, questions that

Top Criminology Colleges

Determining the best criminology school is an important decision.

Admission into top rated graduate programs can be very competitive. For this reason, it is essential to submit your application as early as possible as it can give you an edge on the subsequent applicants. It is also important to consult the faculty in your undergraduate program as well as the faculty in your desired criminology school to determine if the school is a good fit.

University of Maryland - College Park

In 2010, U.S. News & World Report rated this school best graduate Criminology school in the United States. The Department of Criminology at University of Maryland- College Park offers four options for graduate level criminology degrees. The first of these is the traditional master's in criminology. This program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in two years. The school also offers a doctoral program for those who seek a job in academia. Both the master's and doctoral program require a research thesis. The other program in this department is a joint degree offered through a partnership with University of Maryland Law School, which results in a joint M.A./J.D. degree.

University of Maryland- College Park

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

2220 LeFrak Hall

College Park, MD 20742

301-405-4699

umd.edu

University at Albany - SUNY

The School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany offers both masters and doctoral level degrees. U.S. News & World Report ranked this school's graduate criminal justice program second in the United States. The M.A. degree requires 30 credit hours of course work as well as passing a comprehensive exit exam. This program is for students who are currently working or seeking to work in the criminal justice system, as well as those who intended to earn a Ph.D. at a later date. Completing the Ph.D. program requires 60 hours of course work, passing a comprehensive exit exam and presenting and defending a research dissertation.

University at Albany- SUNY

School of Criminal Justice

135 Western Avenue

Albany, NY 12222

518-442-5214

albany.edu

University of Cincinnati

The Division of Criminal Justice at University of Cincinnati was established in 1970, and has since become one of the premier departments in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranked it third nationally in its 2010 ranking of graduate criminology programs. The school offers both master's and doctoral degrees. Requirement for the master's program are a baccalaureate degree from any accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, acceptable GRE scores, two letters of recommendation and a written personal statement.

University of Cincinnati

Division of Criminal Justice

PO Box 210389

Cincinnati, OH 45221-0389

513- 556-5827

uc.edu

Tags: College Park, Criminal Justice, News World, News World Report, United States

Why Is Corporate Finance Important To All Managers

All managers must understand corporate finance to profitably direct their companies.

Corporate finance is a basic component of how a business is run. All managers should keep this in mind to direct funds to the optimal division or product in a company. In addition, managers should understand how their company is financed and whether it has a risk of bankruptcy. Conversely, managers should understand if the equity in the business is undervalued and has the potential to grow.

Return on Investment

The most important reason for managers to understand corporate finance is the concept of return on investment (ROI) over time. This term is calculated by subtracting the gain on investment from the cost and dividing that by the initial cost. Understanding this helps managers to invest funds more efficiently. For example, a product that needs a $10 million investment to generate $1 million in profits is less efficient than one that could generate $500,000 in profits with a $2 million investment cost.

Company Debt

If a manager believes his division is ready for growth and wants to issue debt for the funding, he should understand the return necessary to efficiently produce profits. In a fast-growing technology company with high return-on-investment requirements, issuing debt is often a poor option versus using existing cash. Managers with a good knowledge of corporate finance will have a better understanding of this tradeoff.

Company Equity

Issuing equity is an option that companies use to generate investment funds and is an alternative to debt issuance. Corporate managers should understand equity to better know the capital structure of the firm. For initial public offerings, managers need to understand how new funds will be distributed and how their division will be affected. Equity offerings have a much higher threshold for return on investment because they are a permanent relinquishment of a portion of future earnings.

Company Options

Managers at many companies have equity options in the company. These fluctuate with the market and affect the total capital structure of the firm. Options also affect the income of the firm because they are counted against earnings. In this instance, managers must understand corporate finance for their own personal wealth. Managers seeking to understand and grow their personal balance sheet should understand these financial instruments.

Tags: should understand, corporate finance, managers should, managers should understand, understand corporate

Schooling Required To Become A Paralegal

Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Many people are interested in law, but may not have the time to go to school and become a lawyer. However, these people are still able to do the work of a lawyer by pursuing a career as a paralegal. While the paralegal may not require the number of years as a lawyer, the study is very intense. For many starting out as a paralegal, this career may require a certificate, associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree, which usually corresponds to the state paralegal license requirement.

Know Your State Requirements

When choosing a career as a paralegal, investigate your state requirements. This is very important as some states require you to have a higher level of education than others. There are several levels you can choose from, such as an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a certificate program. In addition, you may also find that as a paralegal you may also be required to take advanced continuing education courses which may be required in the particular type of law that you specialize in, and the state requirement for continuing education credits.

Associate's Degree

There are many states that require a professional paralegal to have an associate's degree from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited school, which is a two-year program that can be taken at a local community college, through a specialized paralegal program, at a four-year institution or through one of the many online paralegal programs. The classes required for an associate's degree may include a number of introductory law classes, business law, real estate law, probate and some in-depth research classes. These classes are an effective way for a paralegal to learn all the basics needed for a career as a legal assistant/paralegal. Paralegals with an associate's degree earn between $31,194 and $42,798 per year.

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's degree paralegal study is usually obtained through a four-year college or institution. This type of degree will include all of the courses required in the associate's degree level and will include a wide range of advanced studies that are needed for a paralegal who plans to specialize in a specific area of law. Paralegals with a bachelor's degrees usually earn between $39,287 and $52,133 per year.

Education Through Legal Experience

Some states may not require a formal education in order to have a career as a paralegal. In these states, having legal experience is acceptable enough to gain employment in this area. However, a formal education is usually a requirement of most employers. In order for legal experience to count, you may need to get an entry-level job in a law firm, work as an intern or get a job in the research department of a law firm, law college or court house. Paralegals with five to eights years of experience can earn between $43,000 and $82,000 per year.

Become Credentialed

Some paralegals may also want additional certificates that allows them to hold the title of certified paralegal or registered paralegal. Becoming certified is usually done through one of the recognized associations, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Association (NFPA). These associations not only test the qualifications of the paralegal and help them gain employment in the field, they also assist with continuing education and resources which ensures the success of the paralegal in the field.

Tags: associate degree, between year, career paralegal, continuing education, earn between, earn between year

Decorate A School Locker

Start looking forward to going back to school by focusing on how you want to decorate your locker instead of all the homework you'll have. You'll be able to reuse these items for several years and the benefits are both cosmetic and utilitarian. Many of these idea will let you express your individuality.

Instructions

1. Tape wrapping paper to the inside of your locker door to match your mood. You can easily change the paper during different seasons, using a flower motif in the spring, holiday-themed paper in the winter and hearts and roses during February for Valentine's Day.

2. Add a small stick-on mirror, available at most department stores. Don't just put up the plain type, glue on some sequins, stickers, and other decorative doodads to make it more original.

3. Put up pictures of your peeps. Magnetic picture frames are available, but if you don't want to spend a lot of money, just frame the pictures with a mat made from colored paper. Your pictures are easily changeable, in case you fall out with a friend. Add a few famous faces to your friend collage for fun.

4. Buy a lot of magnets and attach them everywhere. You can stick with a theme, like flowers, or use the funny little ones with sayings. Make your own magnets by attaching some magnetic tape to the back of almost anything. For the really artistic, make some homemade art dough and sculpt a masterpiece.

5. Consider creating a personal style or theme and coordinating all of your decorations around that theme. Hawaiian themes could include palm tree designs, surfboards, and leis hanging from the hooks. A Hollywood theme might have lots of glitter and glam.

6. Add some baskets and bins to help keep you organized. Fill them with frequently used school supplies, like colorful sticky notes and gel pens, so you'll be able to quickly grab what you need. An extra shelf at the bottom will organize your books and binders.

7. Place an air freshener in your favorite scent inside your locker for a "scent-sational" experience every time you open the door. Or add potpourri to a small fabric square tied with a ribbon and place it in the back of your locker, changing the scent occasionally.

8. Stick up a whiteboard, if you want to be able to leave yourself reminders. Beware, though. Friends will want to write cute sayings on it, so have a supply of colorful markers available in a magnetic cup holder.

9. Put a mail holder under the slits in your locker and friends can drop you little messages during the day. An empty tissue box, decorated of course, will do the job.

Tags: your locker, inside your, inside your locker

How Long Does It Take To Get A Bachelor'S Degree In Business

Personal finance, accounting, entrepreneurship and business management are just a few of the different specialties in business. With such an array of specialties to choose from, it can be confusing and overwhelming for prospective college students to determine what they want to do. In addition, many may see the entire list of specialties and business classes and wonder how long it will take to earn a bachelor's degree in business.

General Education

The first 2 years of a bachelor's degree in business are spent taking general education courses. These include English, math, science, humanities and other required courses. While it does take most students four semesters to complete these, you may be able to cut down this time by taking heavy course loads each semester or taking dual-credit courses in high school.

Core Courses

After completing most or all of your general education courses, you can take the business classes that make up your core program. These will be a combination of general business classes and your area of specialty such as personal finance or international business. As with general education courses, the typical 2-year time frame for the core courses can be shortened by taking additional classes each semester as well as summer and semester break classes, if offered.

Internship

Some colleges and universities require an internship for their business students to earn their degree while others don't. Even if your college doesn't require it, it usually offers college credit. This allows you to get experience working in the business world while still working toward your degree. You can easily complete an internship during a summer semester and still manage to graduate in 4 years with your degree in business. However, if you choose to complete an internship during the traditional fall or spring semesters you may find yourself adding another semester to the overall time it takes to get your degree.

Class Offerings

Business departments may offer their courses on a rotation or cycle, which means not all courses are available every semester. Utah State University is an example of this as it offers courses available only during either the fall or spring semester. If the college you attend has a rotating or cycle schedule you'll want to work with your adviser to get the courses you need when they are made available. Failing to do so can result in you having to spend another semester or year working toward your degree as you wait for the class you need to be offered again.

Considerations

In most cases the less time you spend pursuing your degree, the less it ends up costing you. However, it may cost more if you take a heavy course load and do poorly than if you take fewer classes and get better grades. In addition, you want to have an opportunity to experience the social aspects college provides by getting involved and meeting people. This can be limited by homework and studying for additional classes.

Tags: your degree, business classes, degree business, education courses, general education courses

Requirements For A Phd Degree

Ph.D. requirements include a bachelor's and master's degree..

A Ph.D. is the highest possible academic degree. It reflects unsurpassed expertise and experience in the subject for which it is granted. Earning a Ph.D. requires years of education and dedication: Candidates must first earn a four-year bachelor's degree and a two-year master's degree. Ph.D. programs take between three and eight years to complete, depending on whether students attend full time.

Bachelor's Degree

The first step to earning a Ph.D. is obtaining a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. It is during this time that students begin to develop the networking, study and research skills that will ensure success in a Ph.D. program. Students are advised to take well-organized notes; submit assigned work on time; ask for help when it is needed; form study groups with other serious-minded students; and form close relationships with professors, advisers and mentors. Bachelor degree students can prepare for the next step in their education by maintaining a high GPA, earning competitive scores on the GRE (Graduate Records Admissions) examination and demonstrating professional and academic excellence.

Master's Degree

Ph.D. candidates are also required to have a master's degree. Completion of a master's degree typically takes two years of full-time study. Graduation requirements generally include a "B" or higher GPA, passing of written and oral examinations and the submission of a master's thesis based on original research. Much of the coursework required to earn a Ph.D. involves extensive research. Graduate students interested in pursuing a doctorate degree should involve themselves in as many research projects as possible to demonstrate their level of academic commitment and aptitude for Ph.D.-level work.

Standardized Tests

The Education Portal website reports Ph.D. programs may require applicants to submit standardized test scores for admission. Some schools may ask for GRE (Graduate Records Examination) scores; others may ask applicants to submit scores from the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). The type of standardized exam and required scores depends upon the doctorate degree program applicants intend to complete. For example, Ph.D. candidates in mathematics, technology or science may need higher scores on the quantitative portion of the GRE, while Ph.D. candidates in the humanities will need higher scores on the verbal reasoning section. Students intending to earn a Ph.D. in accounting or a related field would need to submit high scores from the GMAT.

Minimum GPA

Most Ph.D. programs have a minimum GPA requirement. Applicants generally must have maintained a 3.0 or better in their master's degree program, and will need to maintain a 3.0 or better GPA in order to graduate with their Ph.D.

Teaching Requirement

Most Ph.D. programs require candidates to fulfill a teaching requirement. Students must teach at least two semesters of undergraduate or master's level courses within the department granting their doctorate.

Research

Ph.D. programs, especially those in scientific subjects, have a large research component. Students are required to complete several semesters of independent research, much of which will be used to compile a final dissertation.

Oral and Written Examinations

While earning their degree, Ph.D. candidates are required to sit for several exams. These include a preliminary exam during the first year of the program; a later examination to determine whether the student is eligible to apply for a Ph.D.; and a field exam requiring the student to demonstrate specific knowledge in their specialty. Before graduating, Ph.D. candidates are required to defend their research and academic expertise through a series of oral and written examinations. Conferment of the doctorate degree is contingent upon passing these tests.

Dissertation

At the program's end, Ph.D. candidates must submit a lengthy dissertation, based on original research, that displays academic and professional expertise from a uniquely personal point of view. Dissertations must be presented to the candidate's peers, professors and department faculty.

Tags: master degree, doctorate degree, applicants submit, bachelor degree, based original, based original research

Rules For The Crease In Lacrosse

One of the most important position in lacrosse is the goalie. The goalie's job is to keep his opponent's team from scoring goals. However, because goalies have this unenviable task, they must be allowed some protection from the other side. This protection that a goalie gets is the goal crease.

What Is The Goal Crease?

The goal crease exists in both men's and women's lacrosse. The crease is a circle that has a radius of nine feet, which is intersected by the goal line. This means that the crease goes in front of and behind the net with an 18-foot diameter.

Rules For the Crease

Only the goalie is allowed to stand or be in the crease. An attacking player is allowed to try to scoop the ball from the crease, but may never enter the crease with his or her body. If an attacking player is caught in the crease, it is ruled a crease violation. The referee then stops play, and awards possession to the defending team.

Goalie's Rules For the Crease

The goalie may exit the crease at any time. The goalie may also not be checked while he is in the crease. However, if the goalie has possession of the ball in the crease, he has four seconds to exit or pass the ball off to his teammate. If the goalie does not do this in the four seconds, possession is awarded to the attacking team. In women's lacrosse, the rule is the goalie has 10 seconds to clear the crease. Also, once the goalie has possession, he may not return to the crease with possession of the ball. If he does that, possession is awarded to the other team.

Tags: Rules Crease, attacking player, crease with, four seconds, goalie possession, possession awarded

Physical Therapy Schools In Texas

A physical therapist doing her job.

A physical therapist diagnoses and treats people who have health problems that limit their ability to move or perform physical activities. People entering this field need a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Texas has several outstanding physical therapy programs. You must also pass a national exam when you finish your schooling. In order to work in the state of Texas, a graduate must also pass a state exam. Employment in this field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

Angelo State University

The Department of Physical Therapy at Angelo State University has an accredited three-year, entry-level graduate program. Graduates receive a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). Students must start in the summer of their first year. Each class is limited to 20 students. The program offers the Carr Graduate Scholarship, which pays most tuition and fees. The faculty-to-student ratio is about 1 to 8. Almost 99 percent of the students pass the licensure test on the first try and all graduates get a job after they finish this program, according to the university.

Angelo State University

Department of Physical Therapy

2601 West Avenue N

ASU Station #10923

San Angelo, TX 76909

325-942-2545

angelo.edu

Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is the only private school in Texas offering the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. HSU admits 24 students a year.

The school also offers a transition DPT program for licensed physical therapists who want to upgrade their education. HSU students receive national and state recognition and awards, according to the university.

Hardin-Simmons University

Department of Physical Therapy

Box 16065

Abilene, TX 79698

888-820-0218

hsutx.edu

Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman's University is a public university with one campus in Dallas at the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and one campus in Houston at the Texas Medical Center. The school offers a post-professional master's degree in physical therapy, an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Ph.D in physical therapy. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a 33-month long program. Students participate in two internships in their second year and two internships in their third year of school.

Texas Woman's University

PT Dallas

8194 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

214-706-2300

PT Houston

6700 Fannin St.

Houston, TX 77030

713-794-2070

twu.edu

Tags: Physical Therapy, Angelo State, Angelo State University, Department Physical, Department Physical Therapy, Doctor Physical, Doctor Physical Therapy

Decide Whether To Attend The Merchant Marine Academy

Kings Point, New York, is home to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. All mid-shipmen receive a tuition-free, four-year education in exchange for a commitment of service as an officer in the merchant marine fleet. With all mid-shipmen spending a year at sea, the Merchant Marine Academy is very different from most schools. For some students the free technical education and the chance to travel create the opportunity of a lifetime, but the academy is not for everyone.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to go to sea. In addition to having a commitment to go to sea following graduation, all mid-shipmen spend about 135 days at sea their sophomore year and 265 more their junior year.

2. Weigh the opportunity to visit far off lands against the reality that you will be far from family and friends for months at a time.

3. Think about the academic education you would like. All graduates receive a bachelor of science degree and a merchant marine license.

4. Visit Kings Point. See the lifestyle at the Merchant Marine Academy.

5. Get in shape physically. Mid-shipmen at the Merchant Marine Academy must be able to pass fitness tests. Physical activity is important in day-to-day life at the Academy with participation in intramural, club or varsity sports.

6. Talk to current mid-shipmen. Find out what type of leadership opportunities you can expect. Ask about the rigors of their fourth class or freshman year. Ask what they learned and where they went in their time at sea.

7. Be ready for rules. The Merchant Marine Academy is a regimented lifestyle.

Tags: Marine Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Merchant Marine, Kings Point

Start A Cna School

Certified nurse aides (CNAs) play a critical role by assisting nursing staff in caring for patients. High turnover in nurse aides is common in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities as some exit the healthcare field while others seek out training and education to advance to a higher position in the medical field. In fact, the American Health Quality Association estimates a yearly nurse aide turnover rate of 71 percent for all facilities. With such a high percentage the need exists to constantly train more people for this position, which can be done by learning start a CNA school.

Instructions

1. Obtain start-up funds for a school. Some funding to start a CNA school may be available through grants from state governments, especially if there is a shortage of nurse aide training programs or the state provides funding for the retraining of laid-off workers. Other start-up funds may be available from private foundations and individual donors.

2. Purchase or lease a facility. A CNA school needs a physical location to house administrative offices as well as the classrooms and lab areas for CNA classes. This space can be leased or purchased depending upon the needs and funding of the school. For clinicals, CNA schools need to partner with a long-term care facility or hospital in the area to perform clinicals on-site with actual patients. This partnership must be documented in a written contract that is forwarded to the state as part of the approval and accreditation process for the CNA school.

3. Employ staff for the school. To hire instructors for CNA classes, a school needs to ensure they have a current license with the state as a registered nurse and experience working in a long-term care facility. If required by their state, these instructors must also have completed a training course in teach a nurse aide class. The requirements for an instructor are the same for the director or coordinator of the school. This person can serve as an instructor in an emergency situation, but their main responsibility is overseeing and managing the daily operations and administrative tasks of a nurse aide school. A CNA school also needs support staff to answer the phone, enroll students and answer general inquiries from the public about the school and the classes it offers.

4. Write the school's curriculum. Each state has developed mandates for curriculum for a nurse aide school. These include the tasks and skills a school must teach so that students have the knowledge and training needed to pass the state licensing exam and work as a CNA. It's up to each school to write a curriculum that includes each of the tasks and skills required by the state. In creating the curriculum, a school is required to assign teaching hours to each topic or unit. When added together, the hours must meet or exceed the minimum number of contact hours for a CNA class required by the state. For example, Connecticut requires 100 hours of instruction for nurse aide courses, so schools must devote 100 total hours to teaching the different units and topics of a CNA course.

5. Establish procedures and policies. Each nurse aide school needs policies and procedures in place to assist them in managing the school and responding to various problems and situations. Some of these policies and procedures have already been created by the state and are mandated for schools to become accredited. For example, in Louisiana a CNA school or program must have a student-to-instructor ratio policy that specifies a maximum ratio of 1:23 for a CNA class and 1:10 for a clinical setting. Voluntary policies and procedures can be written and adopted as needed by the school. These can include emergency and safety procedures, school cancellations or storage of student records.

6. Complete an application for accreditation. State accreditation and approval are needed for a nurse aide school as this allows students completing nurse aide courses to take the certification exam and become approved to work in the state as a CNA. To apply for accreditation, a school needs to complete an application listing the basic information for the school and attesting to meeting accreditation requirements. Along with the application, schools must include documents that show proof of meeting the requirements. These can include resumes and transcripts from instructors and the director or coordinator for the school, a copy of the curriculum, the contract for clinicals at an off-site medical facility and a copy of the policies and procedures drafted and adopted by the school.

7. Outfit the school with equipment. CNA schools need a variety of equipment in their facility to successfully offer nurse aide courses. Equipment needed for the classroom includes tables, chairs, desks and audio-visual equipment while the lab needs a hospital bed, overbed table and wheelchair to serve as a mock hospital or nursing home environment. Finally, office supplies, desks, phones and computers are needed as equipment for the reception area and offices.

8. Market the nurse aide school. After receiving accreditation from the state, a CNA school can begin promoting and offering classes. General marketing and advertising can be beneficial in spreading the word to the general public about the nurse aide courses offered. However marketing to specific populations, such as high school seniors or the unemployed, may lead to higher enrollment as some people in these populations seek jobs with little or no short-term training.

Tags: nurse aide, aide school, nurse aide school, aide courses, nurse aide courses

Does A Forbearance Hurt Your Credit Score

When times get tough financially, it is easy to let your bills fall behind. In these times, your bank might be able to help you to get out of trouble. Forbearance is an option that can help you get your bills current and save your credit in the process.

Forbearance Basics

Forbearance is a type of loan deferment that is usually offered in conjunction with student loans and, less commonly, mortgages. When your loan is on forbearance, you are not responsible for making monthly payments, giving you the chance to catch up on past due payments, or resolve other aspects of your financial situation that affect your ability to pay the loan in question. However, interest does accrue on a monthly basis during forbearance.

Forbearance Benefits

The most common reason why you'd want to apply for a forbearance is if you're having financial difficulty and you're unable to meet your monthly payments. In this case, placing your account on forbearance can allow you to save money and avoid a potentially disastrous situation in which you're consistently late and unable to catch up. Such a situation would not only result in late fees and collection activity, but it could also significantly damage your credit.

Importance of Credit

If you're having trouble meeting your student loan obligations, your problems may be much deeper than owing more money now. A late payment on your student loan can stay on your credit report for seven years, making it harder for you to obtain credit in the future. If you need to buy a car, or if you want to apply for additional student loans to continue your studies, the damage you do to your credit through your student loans can be a deterrent to your future plans.

Forbearance's Impact on Credit

Should you go on forbearance, the terms of this arrangement are not indicated on your credit report. However, the fact that you will go months between payment is noticed by credit bureaus, who may see this as a bad sign for your overall credit profile. That said, the overall impact of forbearance is felt in the late payments you won't be making. You'll only take a slight hit, if any, for not making payments as a result of an agreement with the bank, but the impact of several late payments could be devastating. Avoiding this route is a far better option than running late every month and destroying your credit for the future.

Applying for Forbearance

If you're interested in applying for forbearance, you should contact your student loan bank and see what types of options they provide. For example, Citibank offers forbearance to students whose monthly student loan payments are an excessively high percentage of their income, students who are having financial difficulty or students who are currently teachers in low-income areas. Each lender has different options, as well as lengths of time, you may be able to use forbearance benefits. To apply, you'll need to provide proof of your financial hardship, which may include pay stubs, student loan statements or a written statement describing your financial situation.

Tags: student loan, your credit, your student, student loans, your financial

Will I Lose Ssdi Benefits While Attending College

There's no doubt that college puts a serious dent in your wallet, so it's understandable that you're concerned about losing your SSDI payments. Fortunately, college attendance doesn't automatically mean you'll stop receiving your SSDI. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages blind and disabled people to pursue an education and seek out new work opportunities so they may become financially independent.

College and SSDI

Generally, college won't have any impact on your SSDI benefits -- but there are other things that may relate to your college experience that will. For instance, the Social Security Administration defines a disability as a severe health condition that will last at least a year or result in death. A "severe" condition is one that limits your ability to walk, sit or remember information for long periods of time. If you are able to attend classes, do homework and keep up with the rigors of college, you may not be considered severely disabled and may lose your SSDI benefits.

Ticket to Work Program

The Social Security Administration believes in rehabilitation and wants to match blind and disabled people with jobs and education to become independent. The "Ticket to Work" program allows you to continue receiving benefits while you work, train for a new job or start your education. This program continues to pay benefits during a trial work period, and then reduces or removes your benefits when you become financially independent. However, it also will reinstate your benefits if you lose your job or your disability makes it difficult to work as often.

Earnings Limits

If you've taken a job at your college or an outside employer, you may lose SSDI benefits -- but only if you make over a certain amount of money each month. As of 2011, the limit is $1,000 a month if you are disabled and $1,640 a month if you are blind. If you're using Social Security's "Ticket to Work" program in order to get back into the workforce, you may still receive SSDI in the first nine months regardless of how much you earn.

If You Lose Your Benefits

If college attendance causes you to lose your SSDI, you're not out of luck. Consider applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), an assistance program designed for disabled and low-income individuals. In fact, if you're under 22 and in school on a regular basis, the Social Security Administration won't count up to $1,640 of your monthly earnings when determining your SSI payment amount. You may also continue receiving Medicaid for your disability even if you're not receiving SSDI or SSI.

Tags: Social Security, your SSDI, Security Administration, Social Security Administration, lose your

Decide If Dental School Is Right For You

Decide If Dental School Is Right for You

So you are considering entering the ranks of dentistry. Inflicting pain and poking people with needles? Really? Actually dentistry can be quite a fun and rewarding profession. You work with your hands, build a rapport with your patients, and see tangible results of your work. However there are some things to consider before taking the plunge into dental school. Here are some steps to figure out if dentistry will be right for you.

Instructions

1. Shadow a dentist. Actually shadow many dentists. Each person in different, and will run their practices differently. Ask them question about dentistry and how it fits in with their lives.

2. Take science classes in college. The first 2 years of dental school are mostly hard science classes like pathology, physiology, and anatomy. If you can handle science classes in undergrad you will have a more successful time in dental school. If you hate your science classes, you will definitely hate dental school years 1 and 2.

3. Think about why you want to be a dentist. Is it for the money? Although the stability and nice lifestyle draws many to consider dentistry, if that is your only reason for doing it, you will be miserable. Dentists will see many patients a day, it can be hard on your body, and you will need to deal with grumpy people.

4. Review your finances. Applying to dental school is expensive. Dental school itself is expensive. Especially if you go to a private school. Their tuition is 35-50k, and that's not considering living expenses or licensing exams. How will you pay for school, if you don't have savings or family help? Are you ok with a mountain of student loans and the sacrifice that comes with it? Again if you are doing dentistry for the money, there are other fields you can make money easier than becoming a dentist.

5. Think about where you would like to be in 10 years. Dental school is 4 years. Where would you like to be in your personal life? If you have a family, are they willing to make the sacrifices for your dental education? It is doable to have a life outside of school. But your loved ones will need to know what the process entails.

6. Make your decision. After you have thought about the professional, educational, personal, and financial angles of going to dental school, know you have a pretty good idea of what you are getting into.

Tags: science classes, dental school, Decide Dental, Decide Dental School, dental school, Dental School Right

Types Of Scholarships

Types of Scholarships

Many different types of scholarships are available to help students fund their educational expenses. These scholarships may come from a range of diverse sources and be awarded for an assortment of reasons. Each type of scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process. Because there are so many offered, it's important for students to identify the ones that can be of use to them.

Scholarships and Grants from the U.S. Government

The government (at the state and federal levels) provides a number of funding opportunities for eligible students, in several forms. There is need-based federal aid, which is intended for those who are coming from a financially disadvantaged background. These aid programs include: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Federal Work Study. They also oversee the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, Federal PLUS loans, Alternative Student Loans and a number of others.

To be considered, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once submitted, the Student Aid Report (SAR) is sent to the student or an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) is sent to the school he wants to attend. These documents reveal the amount of aid that a student is eligible to receive.

College Specific Scholarships

Additionally, colleges and other secondary education facilities often have their own scholarship money available for qualified students. Eligibility criteria for college-based scholarships may center on a range of factors other than only the student's financial need. For example, they may be based on factors like a student's academic achievements, GPA, athletics, intended major, extracurricular activities and affiliations. Students who play sports and are looking to play in college have added opportunities with college-based scholarships. Talk to the financial aid department of the school or the particular department that oversees your major; they can answer any questions you have and inform you of other types of scholarships their school offers. University scholarships are generally broken down into four types: merit based, major-specific, fellowships and athletic scholarships.

Other Sources

Numerous types of scholarships are also administered by corporations, organizations, chambers of commerce, school districts and clubs. The association a student has within an affiliation, such as a labor union, the military, a trade, religious practice, gender, ethnicity, background, political party, charity and community, is significant when obtaining funding from such sources. The high school that a student graduates from may also provide financial awards to their alumni.

Businesses and Organizations

Corporations offer scholarships for current and prospective employees to promote entry into their corporations. They may even have scholarship opportunities intended for the children of their employees. Target, Bank of America, Coca Cola and Chevron are examples of large corporations that offer scholarships. Religious organizations frequently grant scholarships to assist their members in paying with their college expenses. Contact your religious group to become aware of the scholarships they provide. Unions also award a number of scholarships. The AFL-CIO website (www.aflcio.org) has a scholarship search.

Ethnic organizations also have scholarship opportunities aimed to help to members of specific ethnic groups and heritages. Service clubs like the PTA, Booster, Key Club and Rotary offer numerous prospects for funding your education.

Special Scholarships

In addition to merit-based scholarships and academic awards, which are based on a student's academic standing, GPA or standardized test scores, look for scholarships that take into account your personal talents and skills in a specific area. These awards focus on specific skills, whether it's creative or scientific.

Students, who come from special circumstances, like if they have disabilities, may be entitled to a number of other scholarships as well. These scholarships are usually administered from specific organizations or groups.

Tags: college-based scholarships, come from, have scholarship, have scholarship opportunities, Loans Federal, offer scholarships

Jesus The Carpenter Crafts

An ancient Jewish boy's education included learning his father's skilled trade and Jesus was no exception, learning building skills from his earthly father, Joseph. This is often translated as "carpenter." Carpenter crafts teach kids to work with their hands as Jesus' did to gain a sense of the architectural features which Jesus referenced in his illustrations.

Foundation

In Luke 6:48-49, Jesus draws on his knowledge of construction in relating the story of the wise and foolish builders to emphasize the importance of a solid foundation in building both houses and a strong spiritual base. Children explore this concept with a storm surge simulation craft. Using salt dough or craft dough, mold a coastline around the outside edges of a foam plate, sloping down into the plate as a basin. Cover the dough with sand and gravel in different areas and place a large flat rock in one coastal area. Construct small houses using sugar cubes, twigs, craft sticks, dough or other materials. Press some into the sand, some into the gravel area and some on the rocky cliff. Fill the basin of the plate with water and turn a hair dryer on it to simulate a storm surge. Note which houses were flooded or washed away and which were safe. Discuss how Jesus' architectural analogy relates to building a personal foundation of faith.

Cornerstone

Jesus refers to himself as the chief cornerstone in Mark 12:10 as he quotes from Psalms 118 as a fulfillment of prophecy. The cornerstone, or quoin, as it is known in the field of architecture, is the first stone laid at one corner of a building by which the rest of the building is measured, kept straight and level. It also serves as an important load-bearing fixture, without which the entire building would collapse. Cornerstones were often decorated or inscribed. Children make their own cornerstones around which to construct a sugar cube house. Give each child a plain wooden cube larger than a sugar cube. Let them decorate their cornerstones with markers and then use sugar cubes as bricks to build a house. The wooden cornerstone in one corner helps line everything up. Use white frosting as the mortar and decorate the house with hard candies.

Tower

Jesus demonstrates knowledge of how a builder goes about his business, estimating costs and checking resource availability before starting a project such as the tower mentioned in Luke 14:28. Based on your own available resources, children try their hand at many different tower building challenges. PBS Zoom Sci suggests trying to build a tower out of only straws and straight pins or sheets of newspaper. A marshmallow and toothpick tower is another option. Challenge the children to a friendly competition to see which design holds the most pennies and avoids the ill fate of the tower of Siloam in Luke 13:4.

Like Father, Like Son

Considering Jesus' demonstrated knowledge of architecture, it is reasonable to conclude that he followed the family apprenticeship custom in his early years. Children can honor the life lessons they learn from their family just like Jesus learned his trade from Joseph. Glue stones on the surface edges of a plain picture frame. Use different sizes, shapes and colors to create an interesting design that fits together as a stonemason fits pieces together in construction. Fill in the gaps with sand. Insert a picture of the child's family playing or working together to remind her that families learn many things from one another.

Tags: some into, storm surge, sugar cube, sugar cubes, their cornerstones, with sand

What Is Needed To Get Into Medical College

A career in medicine begins with preparation for medical college.

From age 5 on, whenever someone asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, the answer was, "A doctor." Now, you're planning your college career with the same goal in mind: to become a physician. To eventually secure your place in an accredited medical school, you'll need to meet certain requirements in your academic and professional life.

The Basics: Coursework

Obviously, a future M.D. will need a strong background in the sciences. Medical schools expect well-rounded enrollees, so it's important not to neglect the liberal arts side of things as well. Coursework in the humanities and social sciences (for example, communication and psychology) can help demonstrate that you will eventually be a physician who can communicate with her patients.

While each medical school has its own requirements for admission, there is a list of common requirements for admission at most medical schools. These include two semesters of general chemistry, plus lab; two semesters of organic chemistry, plus lab; two semesters of general biology, plus lab; two semesters of physics, plus lab; two semesters of English; and calculus, often needed for physics class. Most schools also recommend some coursework in biochemistry, including a lab if possible, and genetics.

Testing, Testing.

Not only did you need a stellar score on your ACT or SAT just for admission to college, now you need to plan for another grueling standardized exam, the Medical College Admission Test. Administered several times annually, you can take the MCAT up to three times within each calendar year. According to the website Student Doc, an estimated 70 to 80 percent of medical students opt to take a professional MCAT preparation course to ensure the best possible score.

Completed Application and Well-Written Essay

You have worked for years to keep a good grade point average in all those science courses, and you've studied for weeks to get a high score on the MCAT. It must be time to let things slide. No, it is not. It's crucial that you don't neglect your application for each medical school you're considering. What you present to prospective schools on your application determines your future, so be certain it is 100 percent correct. This is not the time for careless typos. Since part of your application includes letters of recommendation, you should cultivate relationships with professors and professionals who can recommend you as a medical student. A hastily written, last-minute letter from the English professor you had in your sophomore year is not going to do you any favors.

The Softer Side

While medical schools concern themselves primarily with your academic record and MCAT scores, they will also consider many other aspects of your college career. They will note your extracurricular activities and any volunteering or research you performed while completing your bachelor's degree. Activities that look impressive on your application include those that show your commitment to the medical field. These might include volunteering at the free clinic, peer counseling through your university, or working as an emergency medical technician.

Tags: plus semesters, your application, medical school, chemistry plus, chemistry plus semesters, college career

How Much Money Can A Student Borrow In School Loans Per Year

Getting a college education is an expensive endeavor, particularly if it involves postgraduate studies. However, if a student hopes to get a degree and the opportunity to make a good living, it's an expense that he will need to find a way to pay for. For many people, that means taking out expensive low-interest student loans. Although the interest rate on these loans is low, you will still wind up repaying much more than you borrowed.

FAFSA

The first step in determining how much money you can borrow for a school loan is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use the FAFSA information to determine your financial aid package, including federal student loans. These may be either direct subsidized loans or direct unsubsidized loans. Unsubsidized loans are not made on the basis of financial need but subsidized loans are.

Limits

There are limits on how much you can borrow, not only each year but as a total amount. To some extent, the amount will be based on the cost of tuition at the college you are attending as well as other factors and could be less than the maximum amounts. You are able to combine subsidized and unsubsidized loans if the maximum amount you receive in an unsubsidized loan doesn't cover all of your education expenses.

Dependent Undergraduate Limits

In 2011, undergraduate students who can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's taxes can borrow a maximum of $5,500 during their first year of college with more than $3,500 being subsidized. These amounts increase by $1,000 for the second year of college and another $1,000 for the third year and beyond. The maximum debt you can borrow in federal student loans is $31,000, with no more than $23,000 being subsidized.

Independent Undergraduate Limits

Undergraduate students who are independent and cannot be claimed on someone else's taxes can borrow a maximum of $9,500 during their first year of college, with more than $3,500 being subsidized. These amounts increase by $1,000 for the second year of college. For the third year of college and beyond, you can borrow another $12,500 for the third year and beyond. The maximum debt you can borrow in federal student loans is $31,000, with no more than $23,000 being subsidized.

Graduate and Professional Limits

The maximum that can be borrowed annually for graduate and professional programs is $20,500 with no than $8,500 being subsidized. The total amount that can be borrowed is $138,500 with no more than $65,500 being subsidized. However, if you are studying certain health profession programs, you may be able to get additional unsubsidized loans beyond the limit. In this case, your total amount that you could borrow would be $224,500 with no more than $65,500 being subsidized.

Tags: being subsidized, more than, than being, than being subsidized, more than being, with more

Answer Diversity Questions In An Interview

Prepare for an interview.

In order to effectively answer diversity interview questions, you must first understand the diversity vision of the company at which you are applying. Companies commonly want to build an environment that maximizes the talent of a diverse employee base in order to properly serve the multicultural communities in which they do business.

Instructions

1. Read the company diversity statement. You will find this statement usually in the 'About Us' section of the company's website. Alternatively, the statement may be located in the in the 'Career' section of the website.

2. Determine how you can contribute to the company's mission in diversity. Practice explaining how your past career experiences relate to the company's diversity mission. If no specific examples exist, think abstractly about how your values coincide with the company's overall mission of diversity.

3. Prepare yourself for challenging questions regarding diversity that ask you to place yourself in a hostile setting with a fellow coworker and resolve the issue. Again, focus on values and striving toward effective communication, rather than proving another person wrong. Conflict resolution questions require interviewees to address their communication skills.

4. Research sample diversity questions online and think critically about your answers. Avoid embellishing to make an answer sound politically correct. Answer with sincerity so that you appear comfortable and in control in your interview, demonstrating your ability to communicate under pressure when asked to address difficult issues.

Tags: about your, company diversity, mission diversity