Saturday, April 4, 2020

Whats In It For Me?

What's In It For Me?Chemistry 11th edition is one of the most popular science courses for science students and adults alike. It has a very concise, easily-learned format, but there are many other reasons for its popularity. So, what are the qualities that make this particular book stand out among the other chemistry textbooks?The entire body of Chemistry, including the common books, provides the opportunity to learn how to use chemistry equipment and make materials in a different way. This is an important aspect to learn. Without such opportunities, we would be limited to the same methods. A few simple and uncomplicated materials, and the chemistry would be nearly impossible to learn. Chemistry 11th edition is designed to teach practical skills and techniques.Chemicals used in chemistry are not made with the singular intention of being studied. There are so many methods for making chemicals, and it would be a mistake to expect a single subject to teach all methods. Therefore, as a st udent, you should explore several methods in order to discover your own unique style. The body of the text is designed to assist you to do this.Each chapter of Chemistry, including the topics covered, is created as a type of mini-book, and is dedicated to illustrating the basic chemistry techniques used in that chapter. You can easily follow the order of the chapters in the present, but even if you don't understand everything, you will still learn something from each chapter. Some students find the repetitive nature of the chapters tiresome, but this is a good thing because it helps the students learn more quickly.Science is not just about memorizing facts, as it was also stated before. Chemicals are often considered to be a poor teacher, but all it takes is a little knowledge of chemistry and a couple of their properties and a scientist is able to figure out how things work. The concepts taught in Chemistry are not complicated at all, and most of the material is based on everyday o bjects that you are likely to come across.The value of this book, in addition to all the other benefits listed above, is that it gives the opportunity to participate in the experiments, to enjoy the content and to learn from the interaction with other students. Students feel appreciated for their efforts and are happier with the material that they have learned.Chemistry 11th edition is popular because it provides a whole new environment for learning chemistry, and it will bring with it great enjoyment and satisfaction to those who buy it. It helps those who learn chemistry understand the significance of the subjects, while providing others with the opportunity to appreciate and learn from the content. There are many other qualities that make this particular textbook stand out among the rest.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Interactive Whiteboards for Drawing

Interactive Whiteboards for Drawing A Guide to Creating Whiteboard Art ChaptersWhat is an Interactive Whiteboard?Artists Choose the Top Four IWBsPhone Drawing ToolsA picture is worth a thousand words.This well-known idiom is the basis, indeed the very philosophy that drives today's online whiteboards.These interactive communications tools have become indispensable in today's world of telecommuting, global strategy meetings, and other collaborative work initiatives.The digital world, with all of these new tools and applications, is not restricted solely to business.These days, more and more visual artists are making use of white boards and other apps to create, share and publish their art.Some painters even collaborate on works and post on art forums, so that novice artists can learn from them.Isn't it about time we jump on that bandwagon?Let us discover together the many features offered to artists on whiteboard websites.Whiteboards traditionally featured in business meetings Source: Pixabay Credit: SSPhow to create online art.All of this utility's feat ures are straightforward and easy to use.To collaborate, you simply need to toggle the green button; to save your work, you need only click on export board.The downside to AWWapp is that you must subscribe (and pay) in order to access all of its features.In spite of that, AWWapp is one of the most used online virtual arrays, with more than 200 000 subscribers.FlockdrawUnlike the previously reviewed app, Flock Draw is a free site where you can invite an unlimited number of pencil artists and portrait artists to work together on the same piece.Have you ever wondered what a digital pencil sketch would look like?Are you enamoured with colored pencils?Are you an expert at reproducing manga, or are you just learning how to draw?At Flock draw, you only need a login to start improving your drawing skills  - without needing to buy any drawing pencils or paper.As soon as you establish your account, you too can produce one point perspective art, still lifes... anything from the basics to a ros e with intricate shading.This site permits you to create your own online gallery and study other artists' drawing techniques.You can even export your work into a blog or other website.PixiClipUnlike the other IWBs we've uncovered, this platform does not allow real-time collaboration with other users.However, it is an excellent tool for preparing presentations and other visual media.If you are doing any type of line drawing or dimensional work, such as a graph or a scaled drawing, this application would be ideal.While fairly limited in options for drawing, this site offers a bonus: voice and video recording.Pixiclip is an excellent way to make art videos.You only need to draw your realistic drawing, and then narrate your design before you post it.In this manner, you could sponsor your own drawing course!These virtual drawing and painting sites are not meant to compete with Photoshop or more advanced drawing software.If you think of them as complementary, maybe an additional outlet fo r your creativity, you could get a lot of use out of them.Learn how to use your phone to create art on the go Source: Pixabay Credit: FunkyFocusPhone Drawing ToolsToday's smartphones and tablets are responsive; a necessary quality for the ink drawing and art instruction sites we've just reviewed.Wouldn't it make good sense if these web based, endless drawing paper generators were available on the go?Flockdraw, for one, offers a mobile app for download.A quick search would yield other apps that might just be interesting to download and draw stick figures on.Here is what we found...Groupboard Collaborative WhiteboardThis is a MacOS  application that will turn your Ipad or tablet into an interactive, portable art studio.Just as with any other picture you want to examine closely on your Iphone, you can zoom in when drawing animals or a human face by spreading your two fingers across the screen.Once magnified, you can easily and realistically contour a jaw line or draw an eye.And, thanks to its built-in stylus, your tactile tablet will become a graphic design board.Lensoo CreateThis app for Android and Mac has all of these digital drawing tools: colored pencil, graphite pencil, eraser...But Lensoo has a great feature not found on other apps: step by step instructions.Here is how it works: first you draw your doodle. Each contour line is saved as it is drawn.As you play back the video, you can see your simple drawing create itself, stroke by stroke.Clearly, technology has improved business productivity and teamwork.Why shouldn't digital tools also be used to draw a rose or for drawing people?Anyone taking drawing lessons can draw on a tablet, or draw a rose for immediate display, all at virtually no cost â€" just by using the phone you already possess.Anyone who teaches art drawing may well be called pioneers of this new medium for exposing   novices to the world of digital art.We could go on and on about the wonders of rendering art in this digital age, but we woul dn't want to keep you from your virtual canvas.Therefore we close this article now, with our best wishes for your life drawing and shading techniques.

Friday, March 6, 2020

What is it Like to Attend George Mason University

What is it Like to Attend George Mason University Anita earned her bachelors degree in English from George Mason University. She specializes in English tutoring, elementary math tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at George Mason University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Anita: I went to George Mason University (GMU), which was just switching over from a heavily commuter school to a campus living school at the time I graduated. The area is pretty suburban compared to most campuses. It is surrounded by gorgeous trees and huge lawns to hang out and read a book. Although it is in the heart of Fairfax, the closest cities are D.C. and Arlington. The campus feels so safe, since there are students hanging out at all hours of the night and it is all so well lit. There are buses to get around and the metro if needed to get into the city. Many people still drive into campus, but once you're on campus, everything is within walking distance. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Anita: Everyone is readily available and willing to stay after class in order to help students. For those of us who had team practice right after class (like me), we could just email our professors to get an appointment for office hours! How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Anita: I only lived in a dorm my first year, but I loved it. George Masons campus dorms are state of the art and newly built, therefore there is nothing old to worry about! The dining options are numerous and you can get Starbucks or a buffet only minutes away from each other. Since completing my undergrad, they have immensely updated their dining options. There are so many ways for students to socialize, although most belong to a sorority, fraternity, or group of some kind. Being that GMU ranked as one of the most diverse schools, there are a plethora of clubs and greek life options to join. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Anita: I was an English major, but engineering and STEM subjects are very represented at Mason. The great thing about studying there is that no matter what you want to do, there are so many opportunities in and around the area to hone your skills. Each school within Mason does a great job of providing students with the support they need for careers after college. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Anita: Yes, I think Greek Life does play a major role in socialization. The great thing is that there are plenty of options to choose from in terms of interest. If Greek Life isn't for you, there are plenty of clubs that will help you socialize. There are also many D1-D3 sports to choose from, if that is something of interest. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Anita: Although I did not use the Career Center much, I have friends who would use it and found it to be very helpful. Many got information about internships from the Career Center. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Anita: The biggest study area is in the main building, The Johnson Center. The JC houses eateries, the bookstore, a theatre, a bistro, the auditorium, and three floors of books and study space. This is where I did all my studying, because I enjoy noise when studying. For those who want a quieterspace, the library is always an option and there is plenty of room there. The dorms are great places to study alone or have study groups, because they have large multipurpose rooms for studying. Describe the surrounding town. Anita: The campus itself is situated in the heart of Fairfax, VA and you can easily walk or bike to the town of Fairfax, which houses some great restaurants and shops. You can drive or take the metro (or bus) to the surrounding cities of Arlington or D.C., which is about a 20-30 minute drive from the campus. Although I have seen that most students who live on campus stay on or near the campus, I have seen most parties and outings take place in D.C. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Anita: I was generally pleased with the student body because it was big and diverse. I loved that in a class we could be with foreign exchange students or students from a small town in the Midwest. Class sizes for lectures were actually fairly big (120+ students), but as you specialize in your field, the class sizes are much smaller (15+ students). I had one class with only eight students. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Anita:I would say that I loved my African-American Literature class. The class had less than eight students and had a sense of accountability. The class also had a different feel because the professor had been a teacher prior to getting his PhD, which made the class more engaging. I have sat in many unengaging classes where the professor just reads slides. There was quite a bit of dialogue and the professor was more of a facilitator. Check out Anitas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Learning Chinese at School

Learning Chinese at School Everything You Need to Know Before Learning Chinese at School ChaptersWhy Learn Chinese at School?Learning to Speak Chinese at SchoolStudying Chinese at A Level or Key Stage 5International ClassesLearning Chinese Outside of School“Failure is the foundation of success, and the means by which it is achieved.” - Lao TzuBefore you can speak Chinese, you’re going to have to spend several hours learning to read Chinese characters. However, despite how difficult Chinese can be to learn, more and more students are opting to study it because it's one of the world's most common languages and it belongs to one of the world's biggest economies! There are over 4.5 million people in Secondary and Higher Education.So how can you learn Chinese at school?Here are a few of your options. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Learn Chinese at School?You won’t hear too many British students speaking Chinese during their lunch break. However, more and more students are choosing to learn Chinese at school as a foreign language. Be it at GCSE, A Level, or degree, you can learn a lot of Chinese.Learning a language will also allow you to go out and see the world. (Source: jplenio)So why are some students choosing this language over languages such as French, Spanish, German, and Italian?The rarity of this language is its greatest strength. In fact, very few people in the UK speak Chinese as a second language. This means that speaking Mandarin will look great on your CV and make finding a job easier.  This is especially true in commerce as China is the world’s second-largest economy.If you learn Chinese, you could end up passionate about Chinese culture. A lot of people want to learn Chinese in order to travel to China and make the most of their time in China by learning about the culture and speaking with the natives.Languages lessons are a great way to learn more about a specific culture. However, you don’t have to head all the way to China to enjoy Chinese food. Sometimes you can get Chinese lessons that also come with cultural lessons on topics such as Chinese cinema or Chinese cuisine.  It’s a great way to motivate you to learn a language.Learning to Speak Chinese at SchoolAt secondary school, many students will have to choose which foreign language they want to learn.Studying Chinese at Key Stage 3Key Stage 3 is when a child is in year 7, 8, and 9, or aged between 11 and 14. This tends to be the age where students will learn basic concepts of Mandarin Chinese. Don't expect them to be conversing in Chinese just yet as learning Mandarin is one of the most difficult things for an English native speaker to do.Kids will learn anything quickly if they're engaged in their lessons. (Source: kian2018)Most schools where a child can learn Mandarin London will introduce students to some basic Chinese grammar and phrases, show them Chinese characters, use the Hanyu Pinyin system for romanising Standard Chinese, and familiarise students with the four tones employed in Chinese speaking.Since Key Stage 3 leads on to Key Stage 4 (obviously) and GCSEs, most of the topics covered at this level will form the foundation for the vocabulary, grammar, and phrases they'll need to know to pass the GCSE.Did you know you could sharpen the Mandarin skills you learn at school with a private tutor?Studying Chinese at Key Stage 4 and GCSEKey Stage 4 includes the two years where children study their GCSEs. At this level, schools will have less freedom in what they teach students as they'll have to ensure they're all learning everything they need to know for their exams.Learning to write in Chinese is pretty difficult! (Source: SpencerWing)Like most language exams, the Chinese GCSE includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening parts.The AQA GCSE in Mandarin Chinese, for example, places more emphasis on language production with the speaking and writing parts counting for 30% each whereas the listening and reading parts are weighted at 20% each. This means that students should be focusing on actively producing the language rather than having a passive understanding of it.The listening part of the exam includes pre-recorded listening excerpts spoken by native speakers. The exam lasts between 35 and 40 minutes depending on whether they're entered in the Foundation or Higher tier.The reading exam lasts either 30 minutes (Foundation Tier) or 50 minutes (Higher Tier). Students' reading comprehension will be tested (without the use of a dictionary) by reading extracts from brochures, g uides, letters, newspapers, magazines, books, faxes, emails, and websites. Students are expected to be able to identify key points and, at the higher tier, recognise points of view, attitudes, and emotions in texts.Their speaking test includes two tasks and, unlike the other two parts we've seen, are not divided into foundation and higher tier. Students need to produce their own answers and will be tested on their communication, range and accuracy, pronunciation and intonation, and interaction and fluency.The fourth and final part of their exam is writing. This, like the speaking exam, is marked using a range of criteria. They complete two tasks and each will be marked in terms of content, the range of language, and accuracy.Like other languages at GCSE, a lot of schools give students the option to start learning Mandarin Chinese when they start their GCSEs, which means they don't have to have studied it prior to year 10 in order to study it.Enhance your Mandarin learning experience with lessons at a language school or a Chinese speaking group! NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsStudying Chinese at A Level or Key Stage 5Studying Chinese at A Level is a great idea for students who've already passed their GCSE or those who are interested in learning Chinese at university either on a language course or international business course.Even seemingly simple reading is much more difficult in Mandarin. (Source: hitesh0141)Similarly to the GCSE, you don't ha ve to have studied Chinese before in order to do an A Level in it. Of course, this does mean you'll have to put more work in than a student who's already passed their GCSE.More and more students are opting to take Chinese at A Level, too. In fact, in 2018, the number of students studying Chinese at A Level surpassed German for the first time ever!AS Level and A2 Level ChineseAt A Level, students are expected to improve their abilities in understanding Mandarin Chinese (or develop them if they've never studied it before). By this point, they should be able to confidently communicate in Mandarin and also start learning about Chinese-speaking society, history, and culture.Choosing to Study Chinese at Sixth Form or CollegeSince Chinese isn't the most common subject at A Level, it mightn't be offered at your school's sixth form and you may have to attend a college instead. Depending on your circumstances and your other A Level choices, you'll have to decide in some cases whether or not i t's worthwhile attending a sixth form or college that's worse than your first choice just because it offers Chinese at A Level.Of course, if you're absolutely set on studying Mandarin Chinese at university or working with the language, then this choice won't matter. However, if you're not sure, you should think very carefully about your A Level choices before choosing not to attend a good sixth form or college just because they don't offer Chinese. As you'll see, you don't necessarily need to study a language at A Level in order to learn it!International ClassesWhen it comes to language learning and the Chinese language, spending time in China is arguably the best way to learn Mandarin Chinese.By attending a class with a Chinese teacher in China, you'll soon be conversational in the language. Using your new language every day will ensure that you regularly practise your comprehension and production of the language. Additionally, these give you an opportunity to travel to places like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, for example. However, keep in mind that in a lot of these places, other Chinese languages, such as Cantonese (in Hong Kong and Guangzhou) and the Hu dialect of Wu Chinese (in Shanghai) are also spoken.Learning Chinese Outside of SchoolWhile a lot of Chinese learning takes place in schools, there's nothing stopping you from learning a language outside of compulsory education or a university. In fact, you can learn Chinese online thanks to great resources like YouTube channels, blogs, and websites.Additionally, you can attend Chinese conversation classes, practise with another beginner, or do an online Chinese language exchange where you chat in Chinese with a native speaker for half of the time and then help them with their English for the other half.If those options aren't for you, you can also enlist the help of a private Chinese tutor to help you. They can help you learn to speak, read, write, and understand Chinese while focusing on e xactly what you want to learn. After all, there isn't a syllabus for you to follow!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Study Strategies for HSPT Success

Study Strategies for HSPT Success The High School Placement Test or the HSPT is an exam administered to 8th grade students who are applying to certain Catholic high schools. The HSPThelps to determine admissions decisions, class placement, and scholarship awards. If you are If you are unsure how the HSPT is scored,these points may help you. Here are seven study strategies for HSPT success: Break it down Because the HSPT consists of nearly 300 questions in five separate sections, one of the best study strategies is to break the test into its respective parts. For example, if you begin your prep with the Math section, finish reviewing these concepts before you move on to Verbal. Studying for each section individually can help you reinforce and build your HSPT content knowledge. At the beginning of each study session, review the areas you have previously addressed. Begin prepping early, rather than late. Practice, practice, practice While it may be tiresome to take practice test after practice test, doing so is a phenomenal way to prepare for the HSPT. Completing practice exams can help you in a number of ways. First, you are able to master your timing. Each section on the test must be completed within a certain time frame, so the more you practice finishing the HSPT within this window, the faster you will become. Practice exams can also help you identify your problem areas. You will quickly see where the gaps in your knowledge are perhaps you need additional help in Math, or perhaps a particular kind of Reading question gives you trouble. Write it down Once you have determined where you are struggling, start writing down what you learn. This might mean typing up an outline for later review, or creating flashcards that you can reference during your prep. When we write information down, our brains are more likely to remember it. Find a specific method that works for you, and use it across all sections of the HSPT. Avoid procrastination It can be tempting to wait until the week before the HSPT to begin studying. However, this rarely if ever pays off. Start reviewing as soon as you learn your test date. This way, you can spend adequate time on each section. To help prevent procrastination, create a prep plan early on, and then adhere to it. Be sure to include study goals, as well as to measure your progress toward them. If you are not meeting these goals, it may be time to reassess your prep plan. You may want to consider seeking an HSPT tutorto help you prepare. Designate a study space Try to create a space that fosters effective study habits. This may involve moving your desk to a quieter room, or locating a library with hours that suit your schedule. Your ultimate goal should be to find a space that will allow you to effectively learn and to maximize your prep time. Read a book Another great strategyis to read. The simple act of reading can familiarize you with vocabulary words, foster your comprehension skills, and enhance your understanding of grammar and syntax. Prepare for your test session On your test day, you may feel nervous. This is completely normal. To ensure you do your best on the HSPT, get plenty of sleep the evening before and eat a balanced breakfast. These points may help you succeed on the HSPT! Remember, too, that you have prepared for this day you are more ready than you may believe, so be confident and show the HSPT just how much you know. Success is only a few hours away!

LOI English Teachers Mark Zuniga

LOI English Teachers Mark Zuniga The ones who choose to explore the world, travelling and living in different places, are often passionate about new cultures and experiences. Some of the LOI English teachers are like that, like Mark Zuniga the LOI English teacher with whom I spoke this week.Mark is from Southern California, but is currently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after living in Chile and Mexico. He told me that, while he was living in L.A., he often sought out multicultural experiences and activities.  While living in California,  Mark worked for  STAR Education, a non-profit organization  which provides grant-funded Art, Science and Ecology education to children in low income public schools.In 2007 Mark began working for a firm located in Santiago, Chile, which enabled him to gain professional experience in other Latin American cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. These experiences, in addition to living in Santiago, Chile, further immersed him in the region and soli dified his decision to reside in Argentina. He is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning at the University of Buenos Aires.Mark is used to having students from many different countries, like Brazil, Russia, Japan, Italy and China. He also has the same opinion as others LOI English teachers when it comes to common issues to those who are learning English:  pronunciation difficulties, which depend on one’s native language, do present common patterns and mistakes.   However, he mentioned it would be unfair to approach English learners from the same culture as a homogeneous group, instead of unique individuals.He also mentioned that he has an interactive teaching approach.   He stressed that he believes that a key component to learning any language is being able to feel comfortable and at ease.  That is why  he told me that he sees his sessions as conversation classes with an easygoing environment where he works with the students the way that best suits them, taki ng in consideration their interests, learning style, and strengths/weaknesses.  He added that he knows “first hand” how challenging it is to learn a new language, based on his experience learning Spanish.He recommends listening to news podcasts, talk programs, and music to reinforce the classes, but he did not feel comfortable giving more general advice to anyone who is learning English, because of his vision that every student must be seen as an individual. According to him, each person has different challenges and/or goals and presents a unique situation that he enjoys helping with.

Tutorfair Foundation praised by Sutton Trust

Tutorfair Foundation praised by Sutton Trust The Tutorfair Foundation is delighted to have been mentioned as an ‘innovative model’ by The Sutton Trust. In a press release introducing their new polling of young people and teachers, The Sutton Trust has called for more private tuition companies to provide tuition to disadvantaged pupils for free as well as for greater investment in non-profit programmes that connect tutors with schools. The Tutorfair Foundation (alongside MyTutor and Tutor Trust) was listed as innovative model already operational in this area. The survey of 1,678 teachers, conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), found that a quarter (24%) of secondary school teachers have delivered private tuition outside school in the past two years, with two-thirds of them having done so after a direct approached from parents. This reflects the growing prevalence of private tutoring in the UK, with 27% of 11-16-year olds in England and Wales now saying they have had tuition (up from 18% in 2005). The Sutton Trust recognises that students who receive private tuition disproportionately come from better-off backgrounds, finding that 34% of high-affluence households will engage a tutor compared to only 20% of low-affluence households. They recommend that schools seek out one-to-one and small-group tuition for their pupil premium eligible students, and that the government should invest in projects that can provide tuition to disadvantaged students sustainably. Tutorfair On- Demand Tutorfair’s latest innovation is Tutorfair On-Demand. We’ve built an instant messaging (text and image) platform available completely free on any connected mobile or desktop device. During homework hours, students who post a question or topic that they’re struggling with will instantly be connected to a trained Tutorfair tutor who is qualified to help them. Later, sessions are assessed by our Quality Assurance team to ensure that the standard of teaching always remains high. This is a revolutionary approach to scaling free tutoring â€" taking tuition into hundreds of homes for the first time and providing a uniquely flexible voluntary programme for talented tutors who want to give back. To date, the platform has been piloted with 600 students in 34 schools and we are now seeking funding to help us scale up and gather more robust evidence of impact. If you would like to know more about the programme, please visit  here.

Turn Your Mental Health Struggle Into a Journey

Turn Your Mental Health Struggle Into a Journey via Pexels As a college student, youve probably felt the feeling of anxiety. Your chest tightens, its hard to breathe, you cant focus on whats right in front of you. But its hard to cope with this mental illness. Especially in college, when time seems to move at a faster pace. When everything is overstimulating. When your planner is at its fullest. If youve ever struggled with anxiety, New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Wilson, could be the mentor you need to tackle your mental health struggle. Wilsons novel aims to redefine our societys conversation about anxiety. Instead of this issue being the challenge to living a stress-free life, Wilson describes her journey with anxiety as a spiritual quest. With all the information available about anxiety (mindfulness coloring books, meditation guides, strict diets, etc.) Wilsons novel examines all we have to offer this condition, describing her own successes and failures. Wilsons personal battle with mental health stretches from generalized anxiety to obsessive-compulsive disorder and insomnia. If anyone knows what its like to deal with the challenges of being mentally healthy, its Wilson. First, We Make the Beast Beautiful takes advantage of what the world has to offer regarding anxiety, including interviews, philosophical mantras, and personal anecdotes. Wilson encompasses her journey with anxiety by suggesting anxious people focus on six simple tasks: Become a gracious person. Wilson points out that science has suggested anxiety and gratitude cannot co-exist. By focusing on what youre grateful for, your mind forgets to be anxious. Creating a ritual for being gracious will allow you to let go of obsessing over what triggers their anxiety. Slow down on sugar consumption. Wilson disagrees with those who suggest your diet has nothing to do with your mental health. By eliminating sugar from your diet, you have better control over your mood swings. Create a routine of accomplishment. Simply making your bed every day can put you in the right mindset for the day. Override your anxious habits by creating new, healthy ones. Exercise. Successful individuals will vouch for exercise keeping them healthy physically and emotionally. Give your creativity room to breathe by spending time in the outdoors. If you hate to exercise (as many people do), encourage short walks outdoors. Let go of feeling guilty for skipping social functions. You might feel FOMO (the fear of missing out) if you dont attend all the social functions in college that your buddies seem to enjoy. Knowing its okay to skip out on social interaction to have alone time can change your anxious patterns of giving into that social pressure, which causes your anxiety. Breathe. The most simple way to battle anxiety is to remember to breathe. Wilsons novel lists breathing as one of the best ways to manage anxiety on a daily basis. As our society focuses on controlling anxiety with medication, limiting our notion of anxiety to being dangerous and debilitating, Wilson strives to change the conversation. She sees anxiety as a personal journey, encouraging her readers to embrace their own anxiety as part of who they are. If you struggle with anxious thoughts and patterns, Wilsons novel First, We Make the Beast Beautiful might be the best way to stimulate getting a handle on it.

Punctuation Saves Lives

Punctuation Saves Lives Punctuation saves lives! What? How come? Yes. Here is the example: Lets eat kitty. (Meaning that, we will be eating a cat.) Lets eat, kitty. (Meaning that, you and your friend kitty will be starting to eat.) The above example is a punctuation rule. Your tutor would put it formally like this: Use commas to set off the name, nickname, or title of a person you have directly addressed. More Examples: Yes, old friend, I will. Good day, Captain.