Be Successful In Nursing School

A nursing school is where nurses attend classes to learn the basics of nursing practice. A nursing school may be a separate institution or it may be part of a larger college or university. While attending classes, potential nurses study subjects such as chemistry and anatomy. After basic coursework has been completed, they master nursing-specific material in a supervised hospital setting. Attending nursing school can be a stressful experience. To make this process easier, there are certain steps you may wish to follow.

Instructions

1. Master the basics. Nursing is built on a foundation of knowledge. Gaining a thorough knowledge of biology can make mastery of microbiology much easier. Make sure you fully understand any unit before proceeding to the next one.

2. Take copious notes. Nursing classes often involve memorizing lots of information. One of the best ways to learn any new information is to write it down. Take notebooks with you when you attend class. Exchange information and notes with fellow classmates to make sure you haven't missed anything. Consider forming a study group with fellow students to help study more effectively.

3. Practice techniques. Some nursing classes take place in a hospital. During this time, nurses are expected to master certain procedures, such as intravenous needle medication insertion and proper administration of medication. Study these techniques closely. Whenever possible, practice them on items such as oranges and lemons or even real-life volunteers. Considering purchasing a microscope for home usage so you can learn microbiology techniques more effectively. Practice will help you gain confidence.

4. Attend class full time if possible. Many nursing classes often involve mastery of difficult material such as statistics. In addition to attending classes, homework is often assigned. Learning such material can take hours and hours of attention. If possible, avoid holding a job while attending class. Consider taking out a student loan to provide sufficient household funds. Graduating from nursing school and being employed as a nurse will make it easy to pay back any loans.

5. Find a mentor. A mentor can help guide you through the often difficult process and confusing maze of undergraduate classes and state certification. Consider contacting any nurses you know and asking for their help. Attending meetings at a professional nursing organization can help make contacts that may be useful later, as well as provide role models to emulate once you have graduated.

Tags: nursing school, attending classes, classes often, classes often involve, effectively Practice

Write A Scholarship Recommendation Letter

When a student applies for a scholarship, recommendations from faculty often factor into the committee's decision of whether or not to award the scholarship. If you are asked to write a scholarship recommendation letter for a student, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Follow these tips for writing a scholarship recommendation letter.

Instructions

1. Review the scholarship committee's requirements. These include how the letter should be structured, whether it should be sent to the committee or directly to the student and whether you need to answer any specific questions about the student.

2. Ask the student for an updated transcript and some samples of work he has done for your class. Although you may have some of this information on file, it's helpful to let the student choose which materials he provides. This will clue you in to what he thinks is his best work.

3. Address specific situations in which the student has excelled in your letter. While you may mention grades, try to point out how the student's intellect, passion for the subject and drive to learn have motivated her.

4. Use examples from the student's work to help illustrate why she deserves the scholarship. Many scholarship recommendation letters are too vague, and being detailed and showing the committee the student's own work will help your student gain an edge over other applicants.

5. Talk about the student's character. Many scholarship programs have a more personal component, so unlike job recommendation or other recommendation letters you may write, those needed for a scholarship should mention what kind of person the student is.

6. Include information about the student's potential in his chosen field of study. It's helpful to sit down with the student and determine his overall career goals, which you can talk about in the letter.

Tags: about student, Many scholarship, recommendation letters, scholarship recommendation, scholarship recommendation letter, student work

Choose Between Two Lovers

It is difficult being in a relationship with one person, let alone having to choose between two different people. When emotions are involved it complicates things even more. However, if you have to make that decision, you want to make sure you make the right choice. These simple steps will help you choose between two lovers.

Instructions

1. Decide who you have more in common with. People like people for different reasons. When you’re trying to choose between two lovers, you really need to ask yourself who you have more in common with. While opposites do attract, in the long run they tend to clash.

2. Decide if one is love and one is infatuation. If you’re in love with both of them this decision will be very difficult and you’ll have to move on to the next step to make your decision. However, if you realize that one is mere infatuation and the other is true love, you’ll know where you stand. Realize that love goes beyond physical attraction.

3. Recognize the strengths of each person. Surely if you have two different lovers there are different reasons why you love each one. It really helps to make a list. Get a notebook and jot down the strengths of each person. Compare the list and recognize who seems to have more positives.

4. Recognize the faults of each person. Make a list of the faults that each individual has. Recognize that everyone has faults. However, some faults you can live with and others you can’t. Think of every possible thing that you can come up and write it down. It is important to realize that you need to be honest with yourself.

5. Compare your lists. Once you’ve written down the pros and cons of each person, compare the lists. Look at what you came up with and decide what you feel you can handle. Seeing everything on paper puts things into perspective.

6. Make a decision and stick with it. Once you’ve figured out the pros and cons, it’s time to make a decision. It’s important to understand that having two lovers is not fair to anyone. It’s not fair to you and it’s certainly not fair to either of your lovers. Make a decision about who you want to be with and stick to that decision. You may need to cut off contact with your other lover in order to move on. Once you are focused on one person, your relationship will flourish because three is company and not a relationship.

Tags: each person, have more, between lovers, choose between, choose between lovers, common with

Write A Resume For Freshmen

As a student, it might seem difficult to create a winning resume.

For new students, it can be difficult to create a resume that demonstrates your ability. This is because you have yet to earn any formal academic degrees and your work experience is limited. However, it is possible to create a well-developed resume that shows your strengths as a candidate. Even if you are not applying for a paid position, it is always a good idea to have a resume on file for internships or volunteer positions.

Instructions

1. List your contact information at the top of your document. This includes full name, phone number, address, email address and website, if you have one. Many word processing programs feature ready made templates that can make formatting a resume simple.

2. Write an objective statement that indicates what you are looking for. Feel free to add weight and interest to this section by including some background information about you. However, avoid first person speech such as "I" or "my." For example, "English literature student seeks a position as an intern for a magazine publication."

3. Create a section titled "Education" that lists your academic experience. List your high school, diploma received and graduation year. If you are a freshman in college, list the name and location of the school you are currently enrolled in, your degree field and expected graduation date. In a bulleted list under each institution noted, list a few highlights about your skills. For example, "maintained 3.5 GPA" or "member of National Honor Society."

4. Create a section titled "Work History." Because you are a freshman, this is not expected to be very in-depth. Any paid or volunteer experience you have can be listed here, along with the dates you worked there, your title and a bulleted list of your main duties. Even if your work history is not relevant to the work you are applying for, include some information that might help your consideration. For example, if you have worked as a sales associate and are applying to be a receptionist, you could indicate how you are customer-oriented and good with people.

5. Create a final section that lists any special skills that would make you especially qualified for the position. If you are bilingual, can play the saxophone, can type 80 words per minute or are proficient with any computer programs, list this information here.

Tags: bulleted list, Create section, Create section titled, difficult create, resume that, section titled

Become Independent

Independence means different things to different people. Moving out, moving on, ending a relationship, changing a relationship, gaining autonomy at work or getting rid of your roommate. Whatever the reason for your freedom, put your fears aside and follow these steps to break the chains and become independent.

Instructions

1. Plan your day around you, not anyone else. People who are most dependent on others allow their worlds to revolve around the needs of other people or other things. Plan your day according to your own schedule--make a list of what you want to do, what you need to do and what you should have already done.

2. Secure your finances. True independent living relies on financial freedom. Pay your own bills, drive your own car, sign a personal check for your rent. If you don't have the money for these expenses, save aggressively. Not only will you gain financial freedom with your savings, but the money you keep to yourself will give you an incredible feeling of independence and motivation.

3. Avoid letting others do things for you that you can do for yourself. At the same time, don't do everyone else's work. This can be applied to any situation. If your mother still makes your lunch, start spreading the peanut butter and jelly yourself. If your coworker is picking up your slack at the office, work more efficiently. If you're in a relationship and you are the one doing all the chores or having them all done for you, start dividing tasks equally.

4. Leave your friends and family at home. This is a difficult step on the journey to independent living, but you must start doing things on your own. You do not need two girlfriends to escort you to the bathroom at a bar. You do not need to drive with someone to the restaurant, because you can meet them there. Go shopping alone, spend at least one or two evenings a week by yourself. Work on activities that force you to lead, not follow.

5. Think critically. The hardest step to becoming a truly independent person is to become a critical thinker. This does not mean you criticize everything. Critical thinking means you are taking the time to think about things analytically. Ask questions--why, when, who, what and how. Don't give up so easily. Don't agree with someone just to make them happy. Engage in lively debates with people. You will find that thinking for yourself is the best thing you can do to create an independent lifestyle.

Tags: financial freedom, freedom your, independent living, Plan your, with someone

The Best Economics Degrees

Economics students learn to analyze trends indicated by economic data.

The best degrees in the field of economics are offered by the schools that are considered to have the top economics departments at the graduate-degree level. No official rankings list exists for undergraduate economic departments, but it stands to reason that undergraduate economics students also benefit from studying under the top scholars in the field. Most of the rankings lists generally agree that a few schools make up the "cream of the crop" among economics programs.

Harvard

Among the top-ranked schools to study economics, Harvard University offers students opportunities to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics. Harvard has been ranked as the best economics school in 2010 by PhDs.org, "U.S. News & World Report" and Research Papers in Economics, a website devoted to research in economics. Harvard offers undergraduate concentrations in economics as part of its bachelor of arts program. The department's website notes that the undergraduate major in economics is one of the most popular offered at the university. Harvard's graduate program in economics leads to a Ph.D. Harvard admits Ph.D. students on the basis of perceived aptitude, undergraduate preparation and creativity. Harvard's graduate students work with some of the top scholars in the field and are expected to produce research that contributes to the common body of knowledge in economics.

Harvard University

Department of Economics

Littauer Center 201

Cambridge, MA 02138

617-495-8927

economics.harvard.edu

MIT

The top publications and websites devoted to ranking economics programs also agree that the programs offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are among the best. Whereas some top programs focus on graduate education to the detriment of undergraduate education, MIT's economics department website notes that the school takes particular care to divide its energies equally between undergraduate and graduate teaching duties. The undergraduate program requires courses in statistical methods in economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics and economic research and communication. The degree program offers a basic economics concentration or one in the field of development economics.

At the graduate level, MIT also focuses exclusively on the Ph.D., rather than offering a master's degree. The core curriculum of the Ph.D. requires courses in economic theory, econometrics and mathematics for economists. Students spend two years completing coursework before moving on to their dissertations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Department of Economics

50 Memorial Drive

Cambridge, MA 02142

617-253-8787

econ-www.mit.edu

Princeton

Princeton University is regularly placed among the top universities for the study of economics. Princeton placed from No. 1 to No. 3 among the publications ranking economics programs for 2010. Princeton's undergraduate degree program in economics is one of the most popular offered on campus. Students are admitted to the program based on undergraduate performance during their freshman and sophomore years. Courses offered as part of the bachelor's degree include economics of development, economics of the labor market and portfolio theory and asset management.

Princeton offers the Ph.D. as its primary graduate degree program in economics. The program is highly selective in its admission of applicants. Students come from diverse backgrounds and more than 30 countries. Courses of study include behavioral economics, econometrics and international trade.

Princeton University

Department of Economics

Fisher Hall

Princeton , NJ 08544

609-258-4000

princeton.edu/economics/

Tags: degree program, Department Economics, economics programs, program economics, agree that

Write A Literature Review

A literature review is a report or overview of literature found relevant to an area of research or study. It provides an overview of current literature that is available on a given subject, usually in academia. Include the elements listed below for a complete and concise literature review.

Instructions

1. Find materials that are relevant to the subject being presented. Choose literature that aids in the understanding and validation of the topic being discussed. Make sure the authors have the correct level of expertise and credentials and that the argument is convincing.

2. Include an overview of the subject or theory being presented, and the objective of the literature review in the introduction. This is basically a thesis statement and should make the writer's objective clear.

3. Divide the works into categories that support of the position, those against, and those offering alternative stances.

4. Include an explanation on how each work varies, and show similarities. Some experts may agree on one thing, but disagree on another. Include the most valid points, whether they are contradictory or not.

5. Conclude with which arguments were the most convincing and the most relevant to the proposed theory or subject. Insight as to how the topic relates to a broader topic is often included in the conclusion.

6. Edit and revise. Like any writing, check spelling, grammar and punctuation. Make sure thoughts follow a logical order.

Tags: literature review, being presented, literature that, Make sure

Loans & Grants For College

There are many grant and loan programs available for college students. These programs can make college affordable for many students. Students can apply for a variety of financial aid programs that can fully cover college expenses including books, tuition, transportation and living expenses.

Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA)

The first step in getting financial aid for college is to fill out a FAFSA form. The FAFSA can either be filled out online or mailed. The FAFSA will ask for information about the student's family income, assets and dependents. These factors will determine how much aid a student will receive and how much his family will be expected to contribute to educational costs. The amount of money the family will have to pay is called the expected family contribution (EFC). A student must reapply each year to continue to receive aid.

Federal Pell Grant (PELL)

If a student has not yet received a degree, he might be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. The annual award for PELL is up to $4,731, as of 2009. A student can receive a PELL grant for up to five years.

Academic Grants

Individuals must qualify for grants such as the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) or SMART Grant. ACG is for first- and second-year students and provides up to $1,300 a year. The SMART Grant provides $4,000 a year for third- and fourth-year students pursuing math and science majors. Recipients of the ACG and SMART grants must maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep their grants.

State Grants

Most states also offer their own financial aid programs. New York's TAP program will provide up to $4,800 a year toward tuition expenses for residents of New York who attend a college in the state. State aid must be applied for separately. A student can receive both federal and state aid to pay for college costs.

Low Interest Government Loans

If a student doesn't receive enough grants to cover educational expenses, he can consider taking out a low-interest government loan. A dependent undergraduate student can borrow up to $7,500 per year under the Stafford Loan program. Interest rates are low. For the 2009-10 educational year, rates were 5.6 percent. These loans don't have to be repaid until the student is finished with school.

Federal Work Study

Low-income students can receive up to $1,850 a year in federal work study awards. Students earn part of the money for their education by working up to eight hours a week. Some students are given jobs on campus and others serve as tutors for area public schools. Work study earnings are paid biweekly directly to the student and can be used for tuition, books or living expenses.

Tags: family will, Federal Pell, Federal Pell Grant, financial programs, living expenses

Write A Recommendation Letter For A Nursing Student

Recommend the nurse you feel is up to the job.

When it is time to venture away from the safety of nursing school and actually acquire a position in the field, many nursing students find themselves in need of recommendation letters. If you have worked closely with a nursing student and been impressed by his skill, you may be just the person to compose such a letter. To ensure that your letter leads to positive results for your recommended nursing student, carefully compose this potentially important letter.

Instructions

1. Obtain the necessary contact information from the individual for whom you are writing a reference. Find out the contact information of the person the reference should be addressed to so the proper inside address and salutation can be included. While writing a generic reference letter that the student can use for multiple job applications is acceptable, it is often not as desirable as a customized one.

2. Format your letter in business letter style. Align all parts of your letter to the left using standard block style to create a well-structured and professional-looking business letter.

3. Introduce yourself and state your relationship to the nursing student in the first paragraph. While this letter should focus on the student, not on you, it is appropriate to include some information as to who you are to prove your qualifications for judging the student's merit.

4. Explain why the nursing student is appropriate for the position. List specific skills that the student posseses that make her supremely appropriate for the job in question. By doing so, you can make it clear to the recipient why she should choose your candidate over the rest.

5. Include an anecdote about your experience with the individual. While not entirely a requisite, a personal account of your experience with the nursing student will likely make the letter more engaging. It will also prove to the reader that you have a broad base of experience with the individual you are recommending.

6. Conclude with permission to contact you as well as your contact information. Provide several contact methods, including your cell phone number, your email address and your fax number to ensure that the individual can contact you easily.

7. Add a complimentary close and signature. Select a standard "sincerely" or "yours truly" as your closing.

Tags: nursing student, contact information, experience with, your letter, business letter, ensure that

Forensic Medicine Colleges In New Jersey

Each day, thousands of crimes occur that may result in the loss of life. It is upon forensic professionals to determine the reasoning, events, and underlying psychological issues behind these events. A degree within the forensics field, especially for New Jersey residents, is offered in a variety of institutions and disciplines.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey provides an undergraduate and graduate certificate in Forensic Psychology, Investigation or Science. The mission of the school is to allow students to acquire practical experience, gain confidence in their career choice, and comprehend classroom knowledge within the realm of practical employment. The school provides research, study abroad, and internship opportunities.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

Jimmie Leeds Road

PO Box 195

Pomona, NJ 08240-0195

609-626-6034

stockton.edu

The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey, School of Science, offers an undergraduate degree in Forensic Chemistry. The program was established in Fall 2004 and graduates receive a Bachelors in Science. The mission of the program is to develop a forensic chemistry concentration that exemplifies the field, increase student training opportunities with staff, and create courses that allow students to explore and understand the most up-to-date knowledge on forensic medicine systems. The school provides internship, research and fellowship opportunities.

The College of New Jersey

School of Science

Science Complex, Rm. P105

PO Box 7718

2000 Pennington Road

Ewing, NJ 08628

609-771-3290

tcnj.edu

Institute for Forensic Science Administration

The Institute for Forensic Science Administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University provides a graduate degree in forensic science administration. Fairleigh was founded in 1942, with the College of Florham, where the FSA institute resides, established in 1958. The school's mission is to improve the criminal justice system's forensic science administration and the understanding of the legal, political, and social aspects of forensic science. Through this degree, individuals will learn reduce the error rates of the forensic science field. The institute provides research, outreach, and committee activities.

Institute for Forensic Science Administration

Silberman College of Business

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Madison, NJ 07940

973-443-8500

staging.fdu.edu

Tags: College Jersey, College Jersey School, Institute Forensic, Institute Forensic Science, Jersey School, Richard Stockton, Richard Stockton College

Write A Quick Essay

Whether you are taking a timed test with an essay portion or you've waited until the last minute to do your assignment, sometimes you have to write an essay quickly. The key to being quick is knowing the requirements for the essay and the steps you need to take to fulfill them. If you concentrate on accomplishing the steps, and don't stop to second-guess yourself, you should be able to finish in time.

Instructions

1. Glance through the rubric and highlight the main requirements. Be sure to note the length of the essay, the topics it can focus on, and how many and what sort of sources are required.

2. Brainstorm possible topics. Come up with as many as you can think of, then choose the one that seems like it will be easiest to write.

3. Get your sources. If you need to do research, the earlier you have your sources the better. Be sure to note which sources are admissible and which aren't - a research essay will probably require a trip to the library.

4. Create a rough outline. Standard formal essays usually require an introduction, a thesis (the staement your essay intends to prove), three support paragraphs, each with a couple of pieces of evidence, and a conclusion. Standardized test essays are similar, except that you can usually omit the intro and conclusion.

5. Write the thesis and the body paragraphs. Unless you are writing a test essay, just sketch it out as quickly as possible without stopping to think about proper wording and the transitions that lead from one paragraph to the next. If you are writing a timed test essay, try to get the wording right the first time, since you probably won't have time for a full rewrite.

6. Write an introduction. The introduction should start out broad and end narrow. So, for example, if you were talking about a particular poem by William Blake, your introduction should begin by discussing romanticism, then discuss Blake's place in it and finally lead into your thesis statement. If you are writing an essay on a timed test, you can probably skip this step as well as step 7.

7. Write a conclusion. The conclusion is the opposite of the intro - it starts out narrow and ends broad. Begin by summarizing the essay, then relate it to a larger context. To return to the Blake example above, you could discuss the points you made about the poem and then talk about how that poem is still relevent today.

8. Rewrite the essay. Eliminate idioms (figures of speech) and informal language, and make sure that all your arguments make sense. Add in quotes from some of your sources, and check that any sources have proper citations. Your rubric should tell you how the teacher wants you to cite sources. If you are writing a timed essay, you will probably only have time to rewrite one or two small sections.

9. Do a final rewrite for grammar, punctuation and other mechanical issues. Make sure that your essay is the correct length and is correctly formatted.

Tags: timed test, your sources, essay will, essay will probably, have time

Change The Inverter Board On A Toshiba Satellite A55

The inverter board supplies power to the LCD screen.

The LCD screen attached to your Toshiba Satellite A55 requires a different amount of power to run than the other hardware components inside the laptop. The laptop uses a part called the inverter board to ensure the correct voltage is used for the screen to function. Images on your A55's screen will appear extremely dim if the inverter board is damaged or stops working. To fix the issue, you can remove the LCD screen's cover and change the inverter board.

Instructions

1. Turn off the Satellite A55 and disconnect each of the cables attached to the laptop. Shut the top display lid and flip the A55 over.

2. Locate the black, rectangular battery release latch at the top right corner of the A55's case. Slide the latch to the right and then pull the battery pack out of the Satellite laptop.

3. Turn the A55 laptop over and lift open the top display lid to 90 degrees. Position the edge of a flathead screwdriver underneath the seam of the plastic securing strip located directly above the A55's keyboard.

4. Wedge the screwdriver underneath the strip and lift upward to disconnect it from the A55 laptop. Pull the strip off the laptop's case.

5. Slide either your fingernails or the edge of the flathead screwdriver underneath the seam of the LCD screen's plastic cover piece. Start at one corner and work your way around the cover until the entire piece is disconnected. Pull the cover off the A55's LCD screen.

6. Locate the thin, green inverter board positioned at the bottom of the A55's LCD screen. Remove the cables connected to the left and right sides of the inverter board.

7. Pull the inverter board out of its holder. Place the new board inside the holder and then connect the cables on the left and right sides. Push the plastic cover back onto the A55's LCD screen.

8. Push the plastic cover back onto the LCD screen until it snaps into place. Replace the A55's keyboard securing strip and the battery pack.

Tags: inverter board, plastic cover, screwdriver underneath, back onto, back onto screen, battery pack

Write A Proof Of Residence Letter

Proof of residence letters need to be clear and concise.

You may need a letter proving your residency if you apply for school, a driver's license or other item that requires you to prove where you reside. There are two ways to write a statement to show residency. Write a formal letter based on the relationship between parties, such as with correspondence between a customer and a business. Use an affidavit, which is a statement of truth, for legal purposes such as depositions and public notaries. Ask the person who is writing your letter to follow the standard acceptable format of either the letter or the affidavit.

Instructions

1. Insert, on the top left-hand side of the letter or affidavit, the name, address and primary telephone number of the person writing hte letter. Align these lines to the left. Skip a line between each line in the heading.

2. Begin your letter with "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam."

3. Insert the first paragraph for the standard formal letter, which will read, "This letter is to verify that (your name) is an occupant of residential property (address) since (month and year). He (or she) pays (monetary amount) per (month/day/year)."

4. End the standard letter with, "If you have any other questions or need any other relevant documentation, please feel free to contact me at the information provided above."

5. Skip a line after the final paragraph, and type "Sincerely," flush with the left margin. Skip two or three lines for a signature and then type the name of the person signing the letter.

6. Print the letter and havce the person verifying your residence sign in ink between "Sincerely" and the typed name.

7. Complete an affidavit by entering the following instead of the letter's first paragraph: "I, (name of person verifying residency), of (primary address), hereby state that (your name) is my (tenant/child/relative, etc,.) and resides with me at the address mentioned above." No other information is necessary unless requested.

8. Close your affidavit with "Sincerely," as you did the letter. Skip two or three lines and type the person's name who is verifying your residency.

9. Notarize the affidavit if required. If you do use a notary, have the person signing the letter do so in the presence of the notary herself.

Tags: first paragraph, formal letter, letter affidavit, letter with, month year, name person

The Best Master'S Degree Programs

University of Pennsylvania's top-ranked Executive MBA program lies in Philadelphia.

With countless graduate degree programs in colleges and universities across the country, designating the top programs is not an exact science. However, U.S. News & World Report annually ranks the top graduate programs in the country in a variety of fields including aerospace engineering, special education, accounting and Executive MBA. In 2010 the top graduate programs in these areas lie in the states of California, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

California Institute of Technology: Aerospace Engineering Masters Program

Listed by U.S. News & World Report as the top graduate program for aerospace engineering, California Institute of Technology offers Master of Science degrees in aeronautics and in aerospace engineering each requiring one year to complete. The program also features a two-year dual master's degree program with the French state-run university Ecole Polytechnique.The program accepts students who have an undergraduate degree in a related field and who have studied intensively in physics, chemistry, mechanics, calculus and thermodynamics. The school also requires students to take the GRE exam before applying.

California Institute of Technology

1200 E. California Boulevard

Pasadena, CA 91125

626-395-6346

caltech.edu

Vanderbilt University: Special Education Master's Program

Students studying special education at Vanderbilt University's top-ranked master's program are involved in one of three degree programs: early childhood, high-incidence disabilities and low-incidence disabilities. The early childhood program teaches students techniques to educate very young children and work with their families. The high-incidence disabilities program focuses its curriculum around preparing for a career working with students and young adults with mild retardation, learning disabilities and behavior problems. The low-incidence disabilities program is for students wishing to work with severely mentally or physically disabled children. Each program requires approximately two to three years of coursework to complete depending on if the student already has a license to teach.

Vanderbilt University

230 Appleton Place

Nashville, TN 37203

615-322-7444

vanderbilt.edu

University of Texas: Professional Accounting Master's Program

The University of Texas holds the top master's degree in accounting program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. The program features a track of study that lasts 12 to 18 months and accepts students from any undergraduate background. The university also offers a three-year integrated master's degree program where undergraduate business students at the school who are sophomores graduate a year after they normally would but with both a bachelor's and a master's degree.

University of Texas

McCombs School of Business

1 University Station

Austin, TX 78712

512-471-5921

utexas.edu

University of Pennsylvania: Executive MBA Program

U.S. News & World Report lists the University of Pennsylvania's Executive MBA program as the top such graduate program in the country. While the university's main campus sits in Philadelphia, the program also features an out-of-state campus in San Francisco. The program allows for only full-time study to be completed in two years and students in this program often have six more years of experience on average than students in the traditional MBA program. All classes take place on Saturdays and Sundays every other week.

University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School

G21 Jon M. Huntsman Hall

3730 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

upenn.edu

Tags: master degree, News World, News World Report, University Pennsylvania, World Report, aerospace engineering

Apply For Federal Grants For College In Nevada

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your ticket to college grants.

Paying for college can be a substantial burden, but it's not one that families have to bear on their own. There are a wide range of federal grants and loans that can help students finance their education and lessen the strain on their families. Federal grants are not state-specific and can be applied for via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Instructions

1. Determine your dependency status by visiting the FAFSA Dependency Status Worksheet at fafsa.ed.gov and entering your information.

2. Locate the School Code for your selected university. This can be done via FAFSA’s Federal School Code Search page.

3. Apply for a Federal PIN number at pin.ed.gov. This number works in conjunction with your Social Security Number and other personal information to help secure your identity when working with the FAFSA and other student aid agencies.

4. Double-check the deadline for your FAFSA. The FAFSA must be submitted before the officially set deadline to guarantee your financial aid will be applicable at the time you wish to attend school.

5. Complete and submit your FAFSA either on paper or online. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you should receive a response within a few weeks.

Tags: Application Federal, Application Federal Student, Apply Federal, Federal Student, Free Application

Study Family Law

Law libraries are a good source for family law resources.

Whether you are a lawyer, law student, or have a personal family issue you are trying to resolve, there are a number of resources available to help answer your legal questions. Family law is a specialization of legal practice that focuses on the laws that relate to family interactions. Subcategories of family law include marriage, divorce, child custody, support, property and adoption. Each state has its own statutes and case law that govern the legalities of family interactions. Follow these guidelines to study family law issues that interest you.

Instructions

1. Visit a local law library for resource materials. Law schools and most major metropolitan courthouses have extensive law libraries. Law firms that practice family law and in-house counsel for entities that handle family law issues also often have legal resources pertinent to their practice.

2. Read your state's family law statutes and legislation. The written statutes are often codified. For example, access the Texas Family Code to find laws pertaining to family issues in Texas.

3. Study a treatise on family law for a broad understanding of family law issues. Law students refer to the treatises as hornbooks, which are single-volume books written primarily for law students. They are similar to encyclopedias in that they summarize the various aspects of that type of law. They are not state-specific, but will provide references and footnotes to cited cases. As hornbooks are on subjects typically covered by law-school courses, several are available for family law.

4. Review legal study guides and BARBRI outlines for family law. Study guides generally explain the basic issues without providing detailed analysis. BARBRI outlines are general subject outlines for students preparing to take the Bar Exam.

5. Volunteer or intern at a family legal aid center. Impoverished people seeking legal help for their problems present a multitude of issues to workers at legal-aid centers.

6. Watch court proceedings in local family courts. Most judges have full dockets with a variety of legal issues before them, ranging from child-support hearings to divorce trials.

Tags: family issues, BARBRI outlines, family interactions

Illinois Pell Grant Guidelines

It's hard to pay for higher education. According to FinAid.org, a website that helps students find ways to pay for college, nearly 60 percent of undergraduate students graduate with student loan debt. On average, these students leave with about $18,000 in student loans, a number that does not include certain types of federal loans. Grants, especially the Illinois Pell Grant, can help ease the financial burden of obtaining a degree.

Requirements

The Illinois Pell Grant is financial aid for students enrolled in a university or college approved by the state of Illinois. As long as you complete your classes for the semester, you do not need to pay it back. If you change to part time, withdraw from your classes or have failed to maintain GPA guidelines in previous semesters, you may not be eligible for the Pell Grant in the current semester. The total amount you can receive changes each year, based upon Illinois' current funding and the cost of attending a state school. Pell Grants are applied to your tuition costs before student loans are considered.

Applying

To apply for the Pell Grant, you need to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document can be completed online through the U.S. Department of Education's website or through the mail with a paper application (available from your university's financial aid office). The FAFSA requires your financial information, so have bank account statements and last year's taxes for you and your parents (if you are still a dependent).

Qualifying

Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), based upon your financial information. If your EFC is below the current year's threshold, your university will request a Pell Grant, on your behalf, from Illinois. Your EFC also dictates how much you can receive, with lower EFCs receiving a higher grant amount.

Receiving the Grant

Illinois sends the grant directly to your school. Your grant will come in two installments, split equally between the fall and spring semesters. You cannot receive the full amount for only one semester, even if you do not enroll in the other. If you are enrolled less than full time each semester, you will receive a lower grant per semester, but may be able to apply the difference to interim sessions, such as the summer semester. The remaining amount of the grant cannot be applied to tuition for out-of-state schools or those that are not approved by Illinois.

Limits

You cannot receive a Pell Grant for more than 18 semesters, or five full years of school. You can elect to refuse the grant in certain semesters, if you plan on paying for it yourself or have other scholarships available. Your school may issue a refund check or make the difference available for books and supplies if your grant amount exceeds your tuition costs. Talk to your school's financial aid office each semester you receive the Pell Grant. Illinois changes the rules governing it annually and it's important that you understand how new rules may affect you.

Tags: Pell Grant, Illinois Pell, Illinois Pell Grant, based upon, cannot receive

Create Hyperlinks On A Message Board

A hyperlink is a direct link to a website or a webpage. Hyperlinks are one way to enhance a message on a message board. Add a hyperlink on a message board in a variety of ways or add a hyperlink to a message board in a matter of minutes.

Instructions

1. Type the hyperlink into the message surrounded by parentheses. When the message is submitted, the hyperlink appears underlined with parentheses around it. Make sure to always include the "http" or "https" before the link's web address.

2. Insert an email address by typing the web address into the message. For example, type: John@123.com. This makes the email address appear in the message underlined. When someone reading the message board clicks on the link, their default email browser opens the link.

3. Add a link without parentheses by using brackets. To do this, type: "[url]linkinformation[\url]. Your hyperlink then appears on the message board underlined. The entire hyperlink is needed for this to work properly.

4. Input a hyperlink behind text. To do this, type: "[url="link"]text[\url]". The text you type appears underlined and a hyperlink is placed behind the text. When a reader clicks on the text, they are taken to the link's website, webpage or email.

Tags: message board, appears underlined, behind text, email address, hyperlink message, hyperlink message board, into message

Consequences Of Defaulting On A Mortgage

Foreclosure is a consequence of defaulting on your mortgage that will wreck your credit score.

Having a mortgage loan on your credit file can help your credit score, if you pay your lender on time each month. Although homeowners have good intentions and many plan to fulfill their end of the loan agreement, circumstances such as loss of employment can cause a homeowner to default on their mortgage. There are consequences to defaulting on a mortgage. Before you skip a payment, it's wise to reflect on the possible repercussions.

Damaged Credit

Lenders regularly report to the credit bureaus, which benefits borrowers who pay their mortgage on time. But if you have a habit of skipping payments or being more than 30 days late on your mortgage, you can expect your credit rating to drop. A lower score can stand in your way of acquiring additional lines of credit such as auto loans, a second mortgage, credit cards and other types of loans. And if you were to apply for a new home loan, your new lender will take note of your poor payment history upon reviewing your credit file, and possibly deny you a mortgage.

Late Fees

Mortgage payments are traditionally due on the first of the month. Depending on your mortgage lender, you may have a 15-day grace period, wherein you can submit your mortgage payment up to the 16th of the month without penalty. Defaulting on your mortgage loan not only results in a damaged credit score, you can also expect your mortgage lender to charge additional fees.

Foreclosure

Foreclosure occurs when you fail to submit a mortgage payment for months. Lenders start the foreclosure process at different stages. One lender may wait until a borrower is three months behind on payments before beginning the pre-foreclosure process, whereas another lender may delay the process for six months. A foreclosure will devastate your credit score, and it may take several years to qualify for a new mortgage loan.

Deficiency Judgment

Even if your mortgage lender sells your home after a foreclosure, they may hold you responsible for any remaining balance. Banks may list their bank-owned properties with real estate agents or hold an auction to unload the properties. They want to recoup their loss, and they'll attempt to sell the property for the balance owed. If your lender has to accept a lower offer on the property, they may take legal action and come after you for the balance.

Tags: your mortgage, your credit, credit score, mortgage lender, mortgage loan, your credit score, your lender

Advantages Of Cell Phones For College Students

Advantages of Cell Phones for College Students

College students have many reasons to consider using a cell phone, since cell phones are one of the most versatile electronics on the market. Besides the obvious communication advantages, newer cell phones have features, such as cameras and Internet access, that can help college students with all aspects of their college experience, from their studies to their social lives.

Emergency Communication

Many colleges are located in urban environments. Even if the crime rates are low, students may find themselves in situations where they feel unsafe. Cell phones allow students to call for campus security when they feel they need an escort. In a real emergency, where a student needs medical attention, a cell phone could prove lifesaving.

Parental Connection

College students are usually away from their parents for the very first time when they move to college. While this milestone is often celebrated, parental communication can make students feel more secure in their new environment. Cell phones allow an instant connection to mom and dad so the student will never feel alone.

Studying and Research

Smartphones and the iPhone offer direct connection to the Internet, which is the first line of research with today's students. There are many applications for BlackBerry phones and iPhones that are made specifically for studying, such as Evernote and MyHomework. Most college classes have an online presence where students can download notes and information from class--all of which can be accessed quickly, at any time, from an Internet-enabled cell phone.

Capture Memories

Most cell phones have built-in cameras that allow users to take pictures anywhere. The college experience is one of the most memorable in most students' lives, so capturing these memories is important. Cell phones can also send photographs to an email address or another cell phone, so students can share their experiences with their parents and friends.

Social Networking

Making social connections is an important aspect of college. Cell phones allow college students to have an always-on connection to their social network. They can send text messages, access websites such as Facebook and MySpace or talk on the phone with their friends at any time.

Tags: cell phone, cell phones, Cell phones allow, phones allow, Advantages Cell, Advantages Cell Phones, Cell phones

Compare The Lymphatic System To The Circulatory System

Many systems including the circulatory and lymphatic systems maintain our bodily functions.

Networks of vessels, capillaries and organs move fluids through our bodies to distribute nutrients and filter waste. There are several systems but two of them -- the circulatory and lymphatic systems -- are particularly similar. They share comparable elements -- such as the exercise of fluids through vessels -- but perform different tasks. The lymphatic system removes waste from organs and creates protective lymphocytes that attack bodies that make us sick. The circulatory system moves oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, through the heart and around to all of our organs and tissues.

Instructions

1. Blood is composed of plasma, red and white blood cells and platelets.

Notice that the fluids of the systems are similar but are comprised of different materials. The blood of the circulatory system is a mixture of red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma and is responsible for the collection of nutrients and the distribution of these nutrients to the body. Lymph is a waste product of proteins and excess water from tissues and muscle.

2. See how these fluids move through different systems. Blood is pumped by the heart through a closed system of capillaries and vessels while lymph is moved through its open system by smooth muscle movement with no pumping action. You can hear the circulatory system working when you listen to your heartbeat, but you cannot detect the movement of lymph.

3. Lymph is filtered and deposited into the bloodstream to attack the antigens in the closed circulatory system.

Compare how the capillaries and vessels make up both the circulatory and the lymphatic systems' roadways. They are distributed throughout all muscle and tissue and are the means of distributing the nutrients and removing the waste. These systems are separate, however, and are composed of tissue. The capillaries and vessels of the lymphatic system comprise a closed system together, but are open to receive the waste of the organs because of their membranes. The circulatory system is closed to maintain the singularity of the tasks of the blood cells.

4. Recognize that separate organs filter and move lymph and blood. The kidneys are responsible for removing waste from the blood while the lymph nodes filter lymph before depositing it into the bloodstream. The heart is the primary organ that moves blood through the system and back and forth from the lungs. The lungs collect oxygen and enrich blood with it so the circulatory system can then enrich the remaining organs and tissues. Lymph is the waste product of organs and is not processed or moved by any but is aided by the lymphocyte production of the spleen.

Tags: circulatory system, blood cells, capillaries vessels, circulatory lymphatic, circulatory lymphatic systems, lymphatic systems, blood cells platelets

Write A Personal Statement For A Ph D

Write a compelling personal statement for your Ph.D. program.

Personal statements are common requirements for doctoral program applications. These statements give admissions committees insight into the Ph.D. applicant that they cannot gain through transcripts and test scores. Moreover, personal statements give the applicant an opportunity to express his academic specializations and research goals which prove important to doctoral programs. A thoughtful, well-written personal statement can make the difference between an acceptance letter and a rejection letter.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm about your statement. Personal statements are generally open-ended questions, so you need to organize your thoughts before putting pen to paper. Consider your knowledge of the field of study. For example, if you are applying to an engineering doctoral program, discuss your professional and academic experience as a chemical engineer and what it has taught you. Also, consider any obstacles or hardships you have faced or any gaps or problems in your academic record worth explaining, as suggested by the Purdue Online Writing Lab.

2. Draft an outline of your personal statement with a specific focus in mind. Carnegie Mellon University recommends that your focus should be "a value or an observation that has shaped you as a person." For example, if you are applying to a doctorate program in nursing, talk about how your brother's successful battle with cancer pushed you to help others through medicine.

3. Write your first draft. Use the value or observation identified in your outline as your guide. Make sure that this value is sustainable-you don't want to risk repeating yourself. Identify specific experiences that relate to this value. For example, the nursing applicant can write about how she observed the nurse's care of her brother and wanted to provide that level of care with patients of her own.

4. Consider the program you're applying to as you write. Rutgers University's School of Education encourages its Ph.D. applicants to explain their plans for graduate study, research interests and career plans in their personal statements. Incorporate your research and career goals into your personal statement to show that your interests align with the program's goals. An engineer might want to focus his research on chemical engineering, while a nurse might want to focus on oncology.

5. Proofread the statement with your admissions committee in mind. The Purdue Online Writing Lab offers this question: "What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?" Revise your personal statement by looking at each point you make in the statement and ensuring that it serves as a convincing reason to admit you to the Ph.D. program

Tags: personal statement, your personal, your personal statement, about your, admissions committee, doctoral program, example applying

Write A Personal Statement For A Pgce

Write a Personal Statement for a PGCE

Consider the personal statement the heart of your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) application. Just as the PGCE will give you credentials to teach in most schools, the personal statement details your credentials to begin the course. It gives you an opportunity to describe how your experiences, achievements and talents make you a strong candidate for advanced study in education. Most likely, the university or other Initial Teacher Training program you're interested in will view the personal statement as a key factor in whether to grant you an interview. Here's some advice to help your personal statement reflect your best qualifications for postgraduate teacher training.

Instructions

1. Be specific. Explain why you want to teach, and how you selected the age group you want to teach. Avoid restating your academic qualifications, as those are well covered in the rest of application.

2. Highlight your relevant work and life experiences. Discuss how these have shaped your desire to make teaching a career. If you've worked with young people in other roles, explain out how it was a positive experience that influenced your career choice.

3. Evaluate your skills. What can you offer that will help you be a better teacher? Can you offer career or life experience that would allow you to contribute to classroom discussion or help in the education of other students in a PGCE program?

4. Demonstrate your understanding of the course work needed to teach at your chosen level. Include examples of how you are prepared to succeed in the classroom.

5. Follow the instructions carefully. Keep the statement within the line count allowed. Draft your PGCE personal statement in a word processor and use the spell check program to avoid errors in spelling or grammar.

6. Ask for advice. Have an academic adviser or career counselor review your statement before you submit it.

7. Look for more help online. The Training and Development Agency for Schools has a web page devoted to application tips. The University of Manchester also offers online tips, and University of Kent has some sample personal statements to use as examples (see Resources).

Tags: personal statement, experience that, tips University, want teach, Write Personal, Write Personal Statement

Celebrate Cultural Diversity In Grade School

Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity is a great way to help children learn how people are different. The best place to do this is in elementary school. Celebrating what makes different cultures unique helps children deal with differences and recognize similarities. Use cultural diversity celebrations during holiday seasons as a part of social studies lessons or anytime of the year to enhance your curriculum.

Instructions

1. Determine what time of year your school wants to set aside for cultural diversity week. This can be done near holiday celebrations, around Thanksgiving or as a culmination to a year long study in the spring.

2. Assign each classroom a different country to study. The choices should reflect the cultures and countries that are represented in your school. Study your student population to determine what will be offered and then fill in with other cultures that aren't represented.

3. Send home information packets to parents. Ask for volunteers to come in and talk about their culture and how it makes their home different from someone else's throughout the year.

4. Have children do research projects on the country the class is studying. Divide the topics into categories like holidays, language, traditions, legends, food and clothing.

5. Work on these presentations throughout the year, including posters, costumes and story writing about customs and traditions.

6. Have each class prepare a portion of a timeline detailing how their particular culture was introduced to the United States and how it all fits together to make up the diverse society we have.

7. End your study with a multicultural fair at school. This should be done in the evening so parents can come around and see all the different projects and presentations. Each class should prepare refreshments that are unique to the culture they represent.

Tags: cultural diversity, throughout year, your school

Write A Personal Philosophy Statement

writing a personal philosophy statement

A personal philosophy statement serves as an introduction to you, focusing more on your beliefs and values than on life experiences and biographical data. These are most often used in teaching programs and apply specifically to your ideas about teaching and learning. However, you might be asked to write a personal philosophy statement as a college assignment or for an application when applying for a job, a scholarship, or for admission to a university or program.

Instructions

1. Contemplate your philosophies. If you have never thought a lot about your specific values and beliefs, do some self-reflection to identify what is important to you. Think about turning points or significant events and people in your life. How did these events and mentors shape who you are? Also, think about your educational and career choices. What has drawn you to these fields? Keep a list of the important words, phrases and events.

2. Talk to a friend or peer about your philosophies. According to the Iowa State University Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, "most of us become more thoughtful about the 'big' questions when we bounce them off of our colleagues, consider their responses, re-evaluate our positions, revise, talk some more." Continue taking notes of significant words and phrases.

3. Structure your ideas into an outline. The University of Minnesota Center for Teaching and Learning says you should "read through your notes and underscore ideas or observations that come up in more than one place." Group similar ideas together to create sections of your outline.

4. Write the introduction to your personal philosophy statement. Begin with a strong sentence that clarifies who you are. Consider telling a brief story about a significant event or person in your life or starting with a well-known quote. Then, explain how this connects to your philosophy.

5. Write paragraphs about each of the sections of your outline. Incorporate a topic sentence for each theme, and add supporting details. The University of Minnesota Center for Teaching and Learning website states, "it's important that you provide concrete examples from your teaching practice to illustrate the general claims you make in your teaching philosophy." This advice applies to fields other than teaching, as well.

6. Add a powerful conclusion. End with a paragraph that summarizing your main points and overall philosophy. Leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Tags: personal philosophy, philosophy statement, about your, personal philosophy statement, Center Teaching

Scholarships For Black Males In High School

Scholarship funds can help to increase a student's likelihood of paying for college.

Black males in high school who need assistance with meeting the costs of a college education can apply for help through a scholarship. The scholarships provide help with covering tuition, books and other education-related expenses. Some scholarships are provided by funding through private organizations or the state and federal government.

100 Black Men of America Scholarship

Black males in high school in need of financial assistance to meet the cost of a college education can apply for the 100 Black Men of America Scholarship. Students must meet or exceed the minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) requirement to qualify. As of the 2009-2010 academic school year, the scholarship provided up to $3,000 to selected winners. Students must be willing to provide at least 50 hours of community service within the 12 months.

NAACP-Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) sponsors the Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students. The scholarship is open to male high school seniors and college students. High school seniors who apply for the award must plan to enroll in a four-year college and major in engineering, mathematics, chemistry or physics. As of the 2010-2011 school year, recipients received up to $2,000 in assistance. Applicants must meet a 2.5 grade point average requirement and demonstrate a financial need. Applications for the scholarship are available through the United Negro College Fund.

Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

The Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is offered by Tomorrow's Black Men, Inc. As of the 2009-2010 academic school year, the scholarship awarded up to $2,500 to selected winners. The scholarship is open to both black males and females who are graduating from an accredited high school within the organization's targeted area. The area includes Prince George's County, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia. The organization offers regional and state awards. Depending on the award, students must meet either a 2.0 or 3.5 GPA requirement.

Adair Scholarship for African American Males

The Adair Scholarship for African American Males provides assistance to black males in high school in Arizona. As of the 2009-2010 academic school year, the scholarship awarded up to $1,500 per academic year. Selected winners must be members of the Achieving a College Education (ACE) program to qualify. Winners must also attend one of Maricopa County Community Colleges. Applicants need to meet or exceed the 2.5 GPA requirement.

Tags: school year, 2009-2010 academic, 2009-2010 academic school, academic school, academic school year, must meet, school year scholarship

Lvn Program Requirements

Making a real difference and helping others can be very rewarding, especially if you can earn a living at it. If a career change is in your future and nursing has always been a passion or dream, you can train to become a licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, in a short period of time and you can have a career that is not only in high demand but is also highly respected.

Definition of a LVN

In some medical settings, an LVN is often referred to as an LPN, or licensed practical nurse. LVNs usually work directly with individual patients and provide a number of both medical and nonmedical patient services. Most LVNs will work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or doctor, depending on the type of medical facility, and are responsible for assisting other medical professionals with physical exams and other diagnostic tests and procedures.

Training and Requirements

If you are in training in becoming an LVN you must first take and successfully pass an entrance examination. A high school diploma or acceptable GED is required to take the exam, which consists of around 50 questions in the areas of math and English. Prospective students who do not pass on the first try can retake the test up to three times.

LVN training programs can usually be found through vocational or technical schools that are approved by the state Board of Nursing, or in junior colleges, and generally take about 1 year of full-time study to complete. Training consists of classroom lectures, laboratory hours and a clinical internship in a medical setting.

Classes usually include patient care, anatomy and physiology, drug administration, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, first aid and nutrition. Graduates must sit for a final examination with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing before obtaining a license to work.

Duties

LVNs provide a great deal of the bedside care a patient receives while in a hospital or other medical setting. It is the LVN who will periodically take your vitals, including temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. LVNs also assist patients with bathing, walking and feeding when necessary. LVNs also monitor and record catheter output and change dressings. Some LVNs are also given the responsibility of performing routine tests. Most LVNs are not allowed to give injections or run intravenous fluid lines unless that particular state has approved the policy to do so.

Work Environment

Many LVNs--particularly those who may want to work evenings, nights or weekends--choose to work in the fast-paced environment of a hospital or medical center. There are also a lot of other employment opportunities for trained LVNs including private doctor's offices, schools, clinics and convalescent homes. Many LVNs also choose to work with home health agencies, where they travel to different patients daily, visiting and treating them in their homes.

Salary and Job Forecast

Depending on the geographic area that you live in, the median starting salary for a first-year LVN ranges from about $30,000 a year to $35,000. LVNs can also earn more with holiday, overtime and differential pay. Like many jobs in the medical profession, the job forecast for LVNs is predicted to grow above average through the year 2016. The aging baby boomer population and the number of older nurses expected to retire in the next decade will create the biggest demand for these LVN professionals.

Tags: LVNs also, about year, medical setting, Most LVNs, other medical

Student Grants In Texas

Grants help finance your education and do not require repayment.

The Lone Star State offers a number of programs for students looking to finance their education. While student loans, subsidized or unsubsidized, have to be paid back, grants and scholarships are free money for qualified students. When looking to finance your education in the state of Texas, consider what your options are in grants and scholarships to avoid large student loan repayments later.

Career Colleges and Schools of Texas Scholarship Program

The Career Colleges and Schools of Texas have a scholarship program for students pursuing a vocational education at the post-secondary level. Careers covered by the program include design, aviation, business, health care, culinary arts and performance arts among others. Over 25 cities in Texas have participating schools. The program allows for high school guidance counselors to award 10 of the $1,000 scholarships to students of their choice. For further information, talk to your high school guidance counselor.

Career Colleges and Schools of Texas

823 Congress Ave Suite 230

Austin, TX 78701

866-909-2278

careerscholarships.org

Emerging Texas Artists Scholarship Program

The Emerging Texas Artists Scholarship Program was set up by the Texas Arts and Crafts Educational Foundation in 2002. As little as eight and as many as 15 students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate arts programs in the state of Texas are eligible for awards ranging between $500 and $2,500. Interested students should download and fill out the application which is available on the website.

Texas Arts and Crafts Educational Foundation

4000 Riverside Drive East

Kerrville, TX 78028

830-896-5711

tacef.org

Mary E. Bivins Foundation Ministry Scholarship Program

The Mary E. Bivins Foundation has a Ministry Scholarship Program for those seeking an education related to being a Christian preacher. An emphasis is placed on students who wish to serve at the pulpit. Undergrads must have at least a 2.75 grade point average, while graduate students are required to maintain a 3.00. The foundation awards $2,500 per semester to students who qualify as juniors or seniors, while graduate students are eligible for $3,500. The scholarship is exclusively for students who are permanent residents of the Texas panhandle.

Mary E. Bivins Foundation

301 South Polk, Suite 860

PO Box 1727

Amarillo,TX 79105-1727

806-379-9400

bivinsfoundation.org

Ozarka Natural Spring Water Every Drop Counts Scholarship

Ozarka Natural Spring Water has a scholarship for Texas students seeking education in the earth sciences. In 2009, the fund awarded $30,000 to students. The fund is divided up to allow a diverse profile of students to receive scholarship awards. Four high school seniors, in places where Ozarka water has springs, receive awards of $2,500, while two undergraduate students from Texas receive $10,000 that can be applied to a four year non-profit college. Award winners must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Ozarka Natural Spring Water Company

3407 Steen Street

San Antonio, TX 78219-2331

(210) 222-0523

ozarkawater.com

Tags: Scholarship Program, Bivins Foundation, Career Colleges, Career Colleges Schools, Colleges Schools, Colleges Schools Texas, high school

Write A Newspaper Article

Learning write a newspaper article can be a rewarding experience because you are sharing information with a potential audience of thousands or more. If your articles are good enough, you may even be able to make a living as a reporter.

Instructions

1. Come up with a good story idea. This can be as simple as covering a local event, or as complex as an in-depth investigation of a political scandal.

2. Gather a notebook, pen, and a voice recorder if possible. Venture to the location where you will be gathering your facts or conducting your interview.

3. Begin your research for the story. Write down possible questions. Then attend the event, or schedule and perform your interview.

4. Come up with a good introduction of one or two sentences that will interest the reader and give them an idea of what the article will be about.

5. Begin writing the meat of your story. Be sure to cover the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the subject. Most news articles are between 200 and 500 words. However, newspapers typically quantify the amount of writing in terms of inches, so ask your editor how many inches he or she requires, and how many words that equates to approximately.

6. Edit your article and come up with a suggested headline. Send these to the editor for review.

Tags: Come with, Come with good, with good, your interview

Wrap Perfume

Perfume is a thoughtful gift for many occasions, whether it is Christmas, Valentine's Day, a birthday, anniversary or any other gift-giving event. Although individual tastes in scents differ, you can make your gift alluring by customizing how you present it. Use different colors or patterns of cellophane wrap to make each gift suit the recipient's personality as well as the occasion. You can also include the perfume in a gift basket that includes other scented products, such as lotions, soaps, oils or body sprays.

Instructions

1. Place the perfume bottle into a box if it does not already come in one. Perfume boxes are available at cosmetic or craft supply stores and vary according to the size of the bottle, such as 2 ounces, 4 ounces and up.

2. Cut a sheet of colored cellophane wrap at least double the size of the perfume box. Spread the cellophane on your work surface and place the boxed perfume in the center.

3. Bring the wrap up around all sides of the box and bundle it at the top. Snip 8 inches of silk ribbon, secure it around the bundled top and tie it into a simple bow.

4. Write the name of the perfume, the name of the recipient or any other message on the self-adhesive label and affix it to the front of the wrapped perfume.

Tags: cellophane wrap

Associate Degree In Early Childhood Education

An associate's degree in early childhood education opens doors to jobs working with small children.

If you enjoy helping children from infancy (0 to 1 year old) to middle childhood (6 to 11 years old), you might consider a career in early childhood education. At Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, for example, obtaining an associate's degree in this discipline takes two years of study.

Admissions

To be considered, a high-school diploma or its equivalent is required. Requirements also include completion of a college application and taking the necessary placement tests.

Course Work

Studies include child growth and development. The physical and nutritional needs of children are highlighted. Developing communication skills with parents and children are essential.

Training

Students must complete co-op assignments under the supervision of experienced mentor teachers and faculty coordinators.

Award

Upon graduation, the student receives an associate of science degree in early childhood education. North Carolina community colleges have articulation agreements with state colleges and universities that allow the transfer of credits toward an undergraduate degree.

Job Prospects

Employment opportunities are available in child development, child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, Head Start programs and school-age programs.

Tags: early childhood, childhood education, degree early childhood, early childhood education, North Carolina