A Crash Course in Chemistry Can Really Improve Your Experience in Science

A Crash Course in Chemistry Can Really Improve Your Experience in ScienceGetting your crash course in chemistry can really make a difference to the way you learn and the way you interact with science. If you are interested in finding out more about how science can help you with your personal life, here are some things you should know about getting a crash course in chemistry.You need to find out what you are passionate about. Do you like gardening? Do you like traveling? All of these hobbies are great ways to get a crash course in chemistry and to really connect with a new hobby. Find something that you love to do and you will always want to find ways to keep yourself busy!You also need to talk to your school counselor or science teacher. They can help you decide if a crash course in chemistry is right for you. They will also let you know how to go about finding a classroom that offers it. They will most likely help you with the required textbook and even provide help in the form of a certified teacher. Sometimes they may even lead you to a class that is not currently offered, which may lead to more interest in a different subject and a better class!You will need to schedule your class. Once you get the course, you will need to make sure you can attend it and that it fits into your schedule. If you do not have enough time to attend a class, the best thing to do is take a science course online and you can always find the time to study later!Keep in mind that when you get your course in chemistry, you will be taught in classes and this means you will not be on your own. The class will follow a schedule and you will likely have a teacher for most of the class. You will need to make sure that you are familiar with the basic concepts that will help you understand more about the subject matter and other areas.The course you get depends on the school that you choose. You may have to attend a class a few times before you start getting a complete course. This will depen d on what school you chose and your personal interest. However, if you are willing to put in a little extra time and a little extra effort, you can find a really great way to get a crash course in chemistry!A crash course in chemistry can really improve your experience in science and make it more enjoyable. You will be better able to communicate what you are studying, your skills, and even your interests. If you do not have enough time to participate in science or if you want to find a way to connect with a new hobby, you should look into getting a crash course in chemistry!

Invest in being a Better Version of Yourself - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Invest in being a Better Version of Yourself - Introvert Whisperer Invest in being a Better Version of Yourself Invest in being a Better Version of Yourself “Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is the true wisdom. Mastering others is a strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” Lao Tzu It demands ample of hard work and mental fight to change oneself for good. We haven’t become what we are in a day or two. It was a gradual procedure. So, expecting to change these behavior patterns in one go is not a viable solution. Well, we have a perfect plan for you but be consistent in its execution. Know yourself Sounds easy, right? Well, it’s the hardest thing to do. We feel like we know each and every bit of what and who we are. But take a more in-depth look of yourself. What are the qualities that you possess? What is the purpose of your life? What are your weaknesses and what are your strengths? What is the factor that’s holding you back? Just try to judge yourself but stay true to oneself. Chalk them out and use them in the goal and plan formulation. Set your goals and formulate a plan What’s the image in your mind that is pushing you to seek that change in yourself? Create that image, analyze where you lack and formulate a perfect elaborate plan for its accomplishment. The plan formulation won’t work until and unless you start striving for it. Get out of your comfort zone. Ask yourself if you have improved as compared to yesterday? And remember that there is no shortcut to consistency. The day you start prioritizing other things, your self-development goal would get stagnated. Live in present

A Guide To The GCSE Art Sketchbook

A Guide To The GCSE Art Sketchbook Nailing The GCSE Sketchbook Component ChaptersA Guide To Your AQA Art GCSE OptionsHow Will You Be Assessed?Perfecting Your GCSE Art SketchbookSketchbook IdeasSketchbook Cover IdeasMore than half of your final grade in Art Design will be determined according to your portfolio, which is why your sketchbook artwork and research has to be just right. No pressure there! The remaining points will be offered in conjunction with your performance during the ten-hour exam... nobody said that Art was going to be an easy option, did they?!But before we go into what should be in your GCSE sketchbook (in terms of scale of work, written work vs artwork, presentation style, etc...), let's recap what your pre-college GCSE Art course will look like (based primarily on the AQA GCSE Art Design syllabus, one of the most common in the country).Three-dimensional designThis particular section offers those wishing to express themselves artistically with the opportunity to do with varying mediums and within different settings. For example, this module is made up of architectural design, sculpture, ceramics, product design, jewellery and body adornment, interior design, environmental/landscape/garden design, exhibition design, three-dimensional digital design and designs for theatre, and film and television.PhotographyFinally, budding photographers will no doubt be drawn to this area of study because it allows them to develop their skills and experiment with portraiture, location photography, studio photography, experimental imagery, installation, documentary photography, photo-journalism, moving image: film, video and animation, and fashion photography.Are you still wondering about the benefits of studying art at GCSE level?How Will You Be Assessed?When it comes to assessment, this Art Design course is structured as so:There are two compulsory components.  Students must complete both components.Component 1: PortfolioA portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sus tained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study.See further details below on how this component is assessed:No time limit 96 marks 60% of GCSE Non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the school/college and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June.Component 2: Externally-set assignmentStudents respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.See further details below on how this component is assessed:Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time 96 marks 40% of GCSE Non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA; marked by the school/college and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June.Search for  online art courses  on Superprof now.As you can gather, the majority of your final grade will be given in conjunction with your sketchbook or portfolio (i.e. the work that you complete throughout the two-year period) whilst 40% will be based on how you perform in your final assessment and the final piece of artwork that you produce as a result of those 10 hours of supervised work.Learn more about how to ace your final piece!Search for  art classes near me  now.a place to think.Any ideas that enter your mind should be put down as they all add to your artistic journey. It doesn't all have to be finalised ideas that make an appearance, you can use the space provided to brainstorm, experiment, analyse and refine your ideas. It should, in theory, be deep and personal and provide a backstory to your entire project, leading the examiner to the end product, or the culmination of your journey.Most sketchbooks are A4 or A3 in size and are pre-bound for ease. An A3 book is obviously better because it allows you to fit more on a page whereas A4 ones are often p referred because they fit into a backpack or schoolbag much easier.There are no rules as to how you use the space on the pages (you can use them in portrait or landscape mode ) and you'll find that the pages are made using quality paper so that you can use a multitude of mediums on them (including wet and dry).Don't forget, however, that if you need to use a specific material to make markings on then you can always glue these materials onto the page. Don't worry about your sketchbook not closing properly - some might say that the bigger the inside of the sketchbook then the more diverse its contents are!Your sketchbook will be made up of quality paper on which you can use wet and dry mediums. Photo credit: vavoir on VisualHuntFinally, one disadvantage of using materials like wet paints (for example, watercolours) in a sketchbook is that the other pages are likely to get wet and bumpy too. You can avoid this by either using a separate sheet and sticking it in, or by placing cardboard in between the page in use and the rest of the book and waiting until the piece of art is dry before attempting to close the book.Learn more interesting facts about the GCSE art syllabus...How Should I Display My GCSE Art Projects?Your portfolio should be a good representation of your academic journey in this subject, so the content is as important as the presentation.For instance, you should ensure that it responds in some way to a theme, subject, task or brief set out by your course and that it provides evidence of how you have engaged with this subject matter and how you came to your final piece. Your intentions, therefore, should be made completely visible so the examiner can recognise them.To prove that you have engaged with the subject matter during your course, you should evidence a clear personal connection to the topic in question, and explain the personal context surrounding the work, as this may not always be obvious to an outsider.Secondary materials are vital to show t hat you have learned and been influenced by others but you must also fill the sketchbook with your own visual material which yet again supports the theme of the project in some way. Don't just put drawings in there for the sake of it - everything should link back to the journey you have embarked on during the art curriculum.You may be better at using one particular medium, but don't forget to show a wide range of mediums and materials in your art projects.This may include, textured paper, drawings, papier mache, news cuttings, plastic sheets, old wallpaper, glossy photographic paper and other collages surfaces, for example.Look up for  art classes Edinburgh  now.When it comes to drawing mediums, you might like to experiment with charcoal, colouring pencils, chalks, acrylic paints, dyes, spray paint, wax and other pastes and glazes.One very important thing to remember is that this component is marked as a whole, so every single visual representation should be to the highest of standa rds.There is no use having a few amazing pages in your portfolio followed by an incomplete and bare-looking page, as this will only bring your markdown. The examiner wants to see that you have put in the effort and that you have really engaged with the task at hand rather than just sticking things down unnecessarily to cover blank white spaces or writing things down that have little or no meaning to you or your project.Find  art classes London  now.Be sure to use a range of colour and mediums in your sketchbook. Photo credit: roberthuffstutter on VisualHuntGCSE Art Projects Presentation TipsAs we've mentioned above, the key to a good sketchbook is to keep it consistent.White, empty spaces will just be an eyesore next to those other jam-packed and colourful sheets. That said, more doesn't always mean better.Sometimes, keeping it simple and not over-working it can have more impact and come across more confident than if you were to go crazy and include elaborate decorations on each and every page.Try using a consistent style in your presentation, i.e. keeping writing to a similar size throughout, and attempting where possible to let the pages flow from one to the next. Do feel free to mix things up a bit though and to  vary page layouts to make the observational journey more interesting and appealing. If you have started in portrait orientation, then it would be wise to continue that so that the journey is broken up and made complicated to follow.Finally, try to order your work in a way that it shows a true development of ideas.What options do you have with your AQA art GCSE?Working backward or leaving blank spaces to fill in later isn't recommended as your story won't come across genuine, neither should you attempt to bulk up your portfolio with poor or rushed work right at the end of the course. If you have engaged with your subject matter and put in the effort along the way, then you should have everything you need by the time you come to your final exam and a re ready to submit your art projects to the examiner.How To Annotate Your GCSE ArtworkYou have discovered what your GCSE sketchbook should look like, now here are a few last tips on how best to annotate your work.Show your personal responseWrite clearlyDemonstrate subject-specific knowledgeAnalyse work criticallyCommunicate your intentionsAvoid stating the obviousReference any image, text or idea that is not your ownSketchbook IdeasNow that you have an idea of what is expected of you and how your sketchbook will be appraised, let's take a look at some ideas to refine your artistic expression; to present your talent and ability as an artist in the best possible light.Art is such an all-encompassing concept, especially when one considers the possibility of overlapping media.It is quite possible for the burgeoning artist to become overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing a theme, selecting a medium or two, and then progressing from an ephemeral idea to a fully formed work of art.We now take a look at some of the more popular theme selections to give you some ideas on how to enrich your subject; to make your renderings unique.The Human FormLet's suppose you would choose this most popular subject. How can you populate your sketchbook in such a way to make it outstanding; far superior to other GCSE art candidates' works?You might, for instance, start with pencil sketches of some of the more difficult aspects of drawing life forms: a hand, for example.If you have opted for an A3 sketchbook, you may draw a progressive series of hands: infants' hands unconsciously fisted, a toddler's hands grubby from outdoor play; adults' hands engaged in various tasks and elderly hands, symbolic of a lifetime of work.The eyes have it!Human eyes are a fascinating study of themselves: different colours and shapes, conveying different expressions under brows that could be trimmed, shaped, light or heavy.How about this idea?Divide your page into bands approximately five centimetres wide. Within each band, draw as many pairs of eyes as you can: green and blue and brown and hazel; close-set or wide, almond-shaped or round... even the eyes of somebody afflicted with Waardenburg Syndrome!Besides colouring the eyes - which gives you a chance to adopt another medium be it pastels, chalk, coloured pencils or watercolour, you may consider adding makeup to select pairs: eyeshadows and liners, even mascara.Don’t forget to include a pair of eyes cut out from a magazine advert, just to show you are comfortable using diverse media!As your proficiency at pencil drawings grows, you may highlight the human form in action: a  basketball player leaping for a dunk shot, a twirling ballerina; a fisher reeling in a big catch or a chef, busy in the kitchen.These representations may be rendered alternately in pencil and colours â€" again, the choice of medium is all yours.As you progress through your sketchbook, your work should culminate in representations of a fully formed humans.The latter pages of your sketchbook might be filled with photographs or paintings, portraits and posed subjects, and should display your mastery in representing the human form through a variety of media.Animals can have such soulful expressions; a real challenge for an artist to capture! Source: Pixabay Credit: ivanovgoodMaking Animals Your ThemeFurry, funny, wet and wild; sassy and sly and sluggish and slow: no matter what the creature, these life forms engender in most of us a sense of wonder, awe, and a desire to protect and preserve them. Thus, they make a great theme for your GCSE sketchbook!You may start with your family pet: a tabby or trusting pooch; one who was your constant companion in your younger years.What aspect of this animal do you find most endearing?You may start your sketchbook with an assortment of drawings and/or photos of your family pet in a variety of actions and poses: eating, sleeping, chasing a toy; walking sedately or sitting up to beg - or demand, should yo ur family pet be feline.You could then sketch, draw or paint different breeds of dogs: Maltese and Yorkie - with cute hair bows, of course! Chihuahuas and terriers and Pinschers and Pekinese; Shi Tzu and Shar pei, Dobermans and Dalmatians.On another page, you might display a single breed in all of its sizes; maybe a poodle? Such a breed would indeed be challenging to draw or paint because of its unique, curly coat!Start with a toy poodle and work your way through the sizes: miniature and medium, all the way to a standard poodle.  Your work may show them in repose or active, their coats of many different colours and barbered into many styles.Other categories of expression for dogs may include working dogs such as sheepdogs, service animals, security dogs; short- and long-haired animals; dogs from different regions, shown against a backdrop of their native origins.How about sketching a husky team running the Iditarod?  The Endless Possibilities of LandscapesClaude Monet is undoubtedly one of the most renown impressionist painters, yet he painted the same scene, Grainstacks at Giverny, no fewer than 25 times.He also painted the Houses of Parliament 19 times, all from the same perspective but in different weather conditions and at different times of the day.In a sense, you might say that Andy Warhol replicated Monet’s idea through his repetition of Marylin Monroe likenesses all done in different colour schemes, and his Campbell’s Soup Cans series consisting of 32 canvases.The only change from one to other is the type of soup the tin might contain.Obviously, neither Ms Monroe’s likeness nor tins of soup are in the same thematic field as landscaping but all of these examples set a precedent for the idea of replicating a scene with each rendition presenting minor changes in tone and hue.As you have a fairly large sketchbook to fill, you may consider borrowing that idea.Take a look outside your window: what do you see? Something remarkable? Something mundane?Eit her way, it is a view that is uniquely yours, both from the perspective only you can have on it and for the way you interpret it.You might start your sketchbook drawing your street scene through a four-year-old’s eyes: bold colours and uncertain lines, without much definition at all, rendered in coloured pencils or wax crayons.Remember how, as a child, you drew houses? A façade somewhat resembling a face: the door being a mouth and the windows representing eyes, all under a pitched roof?You could lend such characteristics to your current project.Start with infantile expressions of feeling safe at home and then looking out; marking the passage of years and your growing awareness of the world outside your window in the detail you provide with a maturing of your artistic talent.Naturally, you would graduate to more exacting technique and demanding media; by the end of your sketchbook, you would have presented a complex street scene at any given time of day (don’t forget nighttime, when the streets are empty!).What if you don’t live in a big city? What if the view outside your window is nothing but countryside?In that case, you may invoke your inner Monet, devising impressionistic versions of the same scene, differently lit and through a variety of media.How would you render this explosion of colour? Source: Pixabay Credit: ValiunicSketchbook Cover IdeasNow that you have some ideas on how to fill all those blank pages within your sketchbook, what will you put on the cover?Ideally, your sketchbook cover should give a snapshot of the artistic journey you have undertaken.Just like a person’s first impression of you determines their opinions and attitude towards you, how you preface your artistic journey will influence evaluators’ opinions of your work.In other words, your sketchbook cover should give some clue of your artistic talent and developing abilities but not tell the whole story.You might, for example, place your name in the middle of the page and sketch objects related to your theme all around your name, using different media.If the human form is your theme, you might try doing a self-portrait in pencil or charcoal and then surrounding your likeness with various other faces and/or posed figures.If your chosen medium is paint â€" oils or gouache, a Pointillist cover would certainly attract attention!Not only would Pointillism demonstrate your command of colour and control over your brush but it would lend weight to your sketchbook cover that could be interpreted as a certain gravitas.What if your chosen field is graphic art?Such a sketchbook should be attention-grabbing, perhaps a collage of hand-drawn and computer-generated imagery in bold colours with distinctive lines.You may also include quotes from one or more established artists of the same genre you aspire to make your mark in:I dream my painting and I paint my dream â€" Van GoghI don’t paint dreams or nightmares; I paint my own reality â€" KahloHave no fear of perfe ction; you’ll never reach it â€" DaliThere are no lines in nature; only areas of colour, one against another â€" ManetThere are two ways for a painter: the broad and easy one or the narrow and hard one â€" CassattWhy shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world - RenoirArt is not what you see but what you make others see - DegasEdgar Degas’ assertion is most on-point when it comes to your GCSE sketchbook.Your work should be an assertion of what you can make others see: in you, in your artistic flair and, mayhap, in the world around them.These suggestions should help you do that.

The Loog Guitar Revolution Guitar Lessons for Kids Will Never be the Same

The Loog Guitar Revolution Guitar Lessons for Kids Will Never be the Same ksurmacewicz As a music educator and performer, I’m always interested in learning about new products and tools that can help students succeed.   When I discovered the Loog Guitar, a 3-string interchangeable guitar designed with children in mind, I immediately took notice. I was excited to find out more about the Loog because I took guitar lessons when I was 8 years old, and it proved to be easier said than done. The guitar was added to the list of instruments that were uncomfortable for my tiny hands (which I thought would grow eventually, but never did â€" to this day, I still struggle to reach the octave on the piano!). I became discouraged and quit after about 6 months, and eventually took up the ukulele many years later â€" which has been much easier for me to maneuver but even now, the ¾ size guitar is problematic for me. Many of our TakeLessons instructors prefer not to teach guitar to young children for this very reason.  Now, with the Loog Guitar in the picture, instead of teachers having to focus on finding alternate fingerings and keeping a frustrated student focused on the difficult task of mastering an adult-sized instrument, they can focus on teaching the child to make music!   And isn’t that really what it’s all about? I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview Rafael Atijas, the creator of the Loog Guitar, who provided insight into how his concept came about and what the benefits will be for children who want to learn the guitar. ______________________________________________________________________________________ When did you realize that there was a need for a guitar made especially for kids? I saw my 6 year old niece trying to make music with one of those $30 guitars when I thought There has to be a better way. It was then that I realized that kids’ guitars are usually just cheap, scaled-downed replicas of classical guitars.   They are not really designed with kids’ needs, comfort or even safety in mind. Where does your knowledge of guitars come from? I studied guitar and was in different bands during high school and college (as was almost every other kid I knew). I was very much into rock music and at some point I just fell in love with guitars especially vintage electric guitars. What age group do you feel would benefit the most from the Loog Guitar? Time will tell, but I think kids ages 6 to 9 will be the ones that will get the most out of the Loog Guitar, since this is the guitar that allows them to build chords without the need to form complicated shapes with their little hands. Where did you get the idea to call it the “Loog?” It is my subtle but very meaningful homage to Andrew Loog Oldham, the first manager and producer of The Rolling Stones. I always found him to be a fascinating character (Im a rock nerd, as you can see) and back when I had a band, I had a chance to meet him and he was super kind to us. What types of learning materials are you planning on coming out with to assist with the learning process? We plan to include a manual on how to play with three strings, and we will also offer video tutorials on our website. What does this product mean for kids who have an interest in learning guitar? Kids will have a friendlier instrument that will stimulate them to make music and get creative with it. What I like about the Loog Guitar is that it works whether you already know how to play guitar or not. And that’s what I hope it means to kids who have an interest in learning guitar: a fun and easy way to play music. Anything else you wish to add? I am truly humbled by the response the Loog Guitar project got on Kickstarter (the website that helped raise the money to launch the product), and one of the things I like the most is that so many people from the education field have reached out to me and had very positive things to say about the Loog Guitar. I know TakeLessons.com reaches a lot of music teachers, so I want to use this opportunity to extend my thanks to all of them. ______________________________________________________________________________________ There you have it, folks.   I’m personally thrilled that there is now a product out there that will make learning guitar simpler for young children.   For teachers, what have you experienced in teaching guitar to young children? Parents and students, what are some of the challenges that you’ve faced learning guitar yourself or watching your child learn guitar?   I’d love to hear your feedback, so please leave comments below if you feel so inclined!   Now if only I could travel back in time and learn to play guitar on the Loog, maybe I would have stuck with it! To learn more, visit www.loogguitar.com or check out the Loog Guitar in action below: The Loog Guitar in Action from Loog Guitars on Vimeo. Monet Payne is the Community Manager for TakeLessons.com. She is dedicated to providing the latest on music education and technology to those who seek it. By night, Monet is a professional singing actress, starring in musicals, operas, and everything in between. Monet has her Bachelors in Music, with a concentration in Vocal Performance, and enjoys teaching voice, involving herself as Vocal Director in several productions. She proudly co-founded a non-profit organization for Voice Education and her next venture will be to start her own theater production company. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

A Guide to Common Russian Verbs

A Guide to Common Russian Verbs Verbs in Russian with Tenses: Common Verbs and How to Use Them ChaptersA Few Russian Verb BasicsThe Russian Verb for “to be”Learn Russian Verbs of MotionSome Other Useful Verbs For Studying RussianWhen learning Russian grammar and vocabulary, verbs play an important role. Together with nouns and their pronoun forms, they make up the core of a sentence. Of course, you will need to learn the greetings, cardinal numbers, days of the week and interrogative pronouns, but unless you want to speak in grunts and single Russian words, learning Russian verbs is a must!Now, as much as we would like to give you a list of all the Russian verbs out there, you would probably be better served in that by buying a Russian-English dictionary or downloading a Russian dictionary app.Instead, here are some of the most common verbs used in Russian phrases to help you get around on your next trip to Moscow or St. Peterburg.Discover how you can easily learn Russian London here.several places, used ??????. So as long as you are going somewhere on your own two feet, t his is the verb you should use.However, as soon as you are travelling or taking a form of transportation, you should use ????? for unidirectional motion and ?????? for multidirectional motion. The mode of transportation is irrelevant - whether it is a car, bus or segway, is the verb for going somewhere with it.There are some fun Russian games you can play to help you give directions in Russian.Where to go? Russian verbs of movement can help. Photo credit: Hiro Otake on VisualHunt.comSome Other Useful Verbs For Studying RussianWhen taking Russian language courses, you might find some of these verbs useful. They are among the most common words in spoken Russian. Be careful of the spelling when learning your Russian vocabulary - try learning with flashcards, but instead of just saying the word out loud, write it down as well. That way you will practice the pronunciation of your Russian words and phrases and the Cyrillic alphabet at the same time.You can also use quizzes and games to le arn Russian language skills.Remember to learn the perfective/imperfective pair for the proper Russian verb conjugation! You might also want to say the verb conjugation in some of the tenses out loud when you study, just to make sure you conjugate irregular verbs right and understand how the imperative mood works. This site has a table with the conjugation of frequent Russian verbs.MeaningImperfectivePerfectiveTo speak???????????????To know???????????To like or want?????????????To see?????????????To stand or stand up??????????????To think???????????????To speak??????????????????To give??????????To work??????????????????To love??????????????To answer or reply????????????????To write??????????????To remember????????????????To sit??????????????To eat?????????To read???????????????To have??????????

What is it Like to Attend Ohio University

What is it Like to Attend Ohio University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Kedrin is an Atlanta tutor and a 2013 graduate of Ohio University where he studied communications, English, and theater. He currently specializes in math tutoring, English tutoring, and numerous other areas. See what he had to say about his time at Ohio University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Kedrin: The campus setting can be overwhelming at first. Its the first time that you are on your own in a sense. Activity is vast and extensive; its almost as if you dont know exactly what to engage in first. However, its all about catering to your intereststhe campus setting has something for every individual. You will find an eclectic selection of people on campus; its the equivalent of getting your first taste of the real world. It can be both exciting and intimidating; however, everything will be just fine. Campus is both urban and safe. Its like being in a hip, upbeat city with your peers where there is time for fun and academics. Theres always something to do whether it be a gathering, social event or an event hosted by the school itself. Security is always on duty at all hours of the day and night. If you would like someone to escort you back to your dorm late at night, there are security officials on hand for that. Most freshmen are not allowed to have cars; this is where bus es become useful transportation. In addition, you can catch campus buses to/from your classes as well (freshmen or not). You dont need a car/bike on campus, but most upperclassmen like to have one when its allowed. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at Ohio University? Kedrin: Professors, academic advisers and teaching assistants are very accessible. The most common way to contact these officials would be via email. Most of these individuals are usually very efficient when it comes to responding promptly. In addition, you can always set up appointments to visit with professors, academic advisers and teaching assistants in your spare time. I would recommend this as well. Its always nice to be able to communicate in-person with staff on campus. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Kedrin: Dorm life is something that I think all students should experience. Its not the most glamorous way of living, but its also one that you will always remember. The rooms are usually much smaller than your room at home. I wouldnt suggest bringing everything you own. In addition, you are likely to have a roommate or roommates (unless you request a single room). Dining options usually fall under the category of a meal plan. A meal plan consists of a specific amount that you are given to spend each week on food. This amount is loaded onto a card weekly that you just swipe for purchases. There are small grocery stores on campus, dining halls, food courts, etc. all for food options. There are also always fast food restaurants that you can eat at, but you will have to spend your own money at those places. Meal plans usually dont apply. The location of dormitories is central to everything you will need as a student. In fact, its so central that you will be able to walk to everywhere yo u need to be (class, events, to eat, etc.). Some walks may be longer than others, but its never too bad! The opportunity to socialize with other students is all around you! Dorm life is the perfect opportunity for this. You naturally and organically get to know the people that stay in the same residence hall as you. There are activities and social gatherings specific to your residence hall, which also allows you to socialize with other students. Also, getting involved on campus is a great way to connect with students. I would recommend joining a club or organization that you are interested in. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Ohio University? Kedrin: I would say the major or program that is best represented/supported would be anything in the School of Business. Business is a typical and popular area of study for a lot of students. A degree in business opens the door for a range of opportunities in the workforce. Also, communications is well represented and supported at universities (for the same reasons). I studied journalism with a focus in broadcast. Ive always been interested in entertainment and television. I also had minors in Theater and English. I felt these areas of studies reflected my interests. I didnt want to choose another area of study just for the sake of security after college. I recommend studying what interests you and the opportunities will come. The university did a fabulous job of supporting my area of study. The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is one of the most noted in the country. 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? Kedrin: It wasnt difficult for me to meet people as a freshman. Im a people person and can get along with almost anyone. I think it really depends on the person and his or her personality. Its important to keep an open mind because you will meet several people that are different than you are (which makes the college experience what it is). Greek life is very present on campus. For me, it didnt influence my social life one way or another. At the end of the day, they are students and people just like everyone else. Greek life has just always been something that a certain group of people cater to. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Kedrin: The Career Center is a resource I would suggest all students take advantage of while it is accessible to them. A college campus prepares you for life after college. It would only make sense that resources relating to careers, employment, etc. be reachable for students. There are career fairs and events that several reputable companies come to for the purpose of recruiting students for potential employment. Its a great thing given that students get to see what awaits them post graduation (and options that they have). The Career Center is beneficial for helping you narrow down what you may be interested in as a career. A lot of times students go through their undergraduate years unsure. Career resources on campus help you get rid of some of this uncertainty. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Kedrin: Libraries, the student union and dorm lounges are good for a number of things. Studying, organization meetings, social gatherings, or just to hang out; these are all things that take place in these particular places on campus. As a student, these areas are always easily accessible to you. However, depending on where you are in the semester (or the time of day), the issue of over-crowding could be active. This usually occurs during finals week. A lot of studying takes place during this time. You will find that libraries are full of students when finals are about to take place. Its all part of the college experience. Describe the surrounding town at Ohio University. Kedrin: The surrounding area is a small town. The university is actually the main attraction in Athens, Ohio. However, all of your normal establishments are still there (Walmart, Kroger, McDonalds, a movie theater, bowling alley, etc.). The university itself is what makes Athens fun, and a town to always remember. Athens doesnt have a downtown or city area. The uptown area on campus actually serves as the substitute for what one would consider downtown. Individuals who do not attend the university would sometimes make their way to uptown for entertainment. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Kedrin: The student body is very large at Ohio University. Students love the university given that its like its own little town where memories are created. I was pleased with the typical class size. It really helped create the experience of what its like to be a college student in a college classroom (while also being part of the general student body). If the class size had been too small, it would take away from the experience. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Kedrin: One class I loved the most was a theater/acting class that I took. I am a lover of the arts and entertainment. I enjoyed this class so much that sometimes it didnt even feel like a real class. We were required to go see plays, movies and things relating to the arts. Ill never forget The Addams Family Musical came to campus, and it was our assignment to go see the show and write a review. How cool is that?! Check out Kedrin's tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

What to Expect from your First Dance Lesson

What to Expect from your First Dance Lesson Learning to Dance: Preparing for Your First Session ChaptersGetting to Know Your Dance TeacherWarming Up: Taking Your First StepsYour First Dance Lesson: Learning More about the DisciplineStretches for Ending the LessonGetting Ready for Your First Dance Lesson“Dancing is like talking in silence. It's saying a lot of things, without saying nothing.” - Yuri Buenaventura.More and more people are getting into dancing both as an art form and as a sporting activity.  Whether you’re learning ballet, Cuban salsa, hip hop, dancehall, pasodoble, bachata, cah cha, Oriental dance, or Zumba, anyone can learn to dance.To help you take your first steps, here’s how what your first dance lesson should be like. you have to stretch the various parts of the body.Some tutors will put on some calming music to help their students to relax at the end.This part of the lesson will last between 5 and 10 minutes. In your very first lesson, the tutor will probably spend some extra time showing the students exactly how to do this.Don’t forget to stay hyd rated and drink fluids during and after each session. Learning to dance requires time and effort. Whether you’re in a dance school, academy, studio, or private lessons, you have to do your stretches.It doesn’t matter which discipline you’re studying (bachata, Oriental dance, African dance, contemporary, Kizomba, the Waltz, modern, rumba, flamenco, etc.).Come to your lessons prepared! Discover must-have dance accessories...  Getting Ready for Your First Dance LessonWhen you go to your first dance lesson, you mightn’t be sure of what to wear. Some students get in touch with their teacher before their first lesson so they know exactly what to wear. If you can’t do this, here’s some advice.Choosing Your OutfitWhat should I wear?A lot of people ask themselves this question before their first dance lesson.While you might always learn in the same place, you mightn't always wear the same outfit. (Source: Sendoku)When it comes to dancing, you’ll need to move around a bit. Your clothes need to be flexible and comfortable. There’s no point in wearing jeans to your first lesson.Leggings are very useful as you won’t catch your feet on your trouser legs.Some even wear a Sirwal. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it because it’s harder to move around in. Of course, this comes down to personal preference so try it out first!You can wear a vest top or a wrap-over top. To save yourself time, it might be worthwhile getting changed before you get to class. However, most dance schools and studios will have changing rooms if you can’t.Getting Your Bag readyDancing doesn’t require that many accessories. You can bring a bag with a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated and clothes to change into after if you want.Now discover this complete guide to dancing for beginners...

Predicting the Future 3 Simple Visualization Strategies

Predicting the Future 3 Simple Visualization Strategies Suzy S. Here at TakeLessons, were big fans of visualization. Its great for helping you reach your musical goals (or any kind of goal, at that!), as well as a method of practicing without actually needing your instrument (See: 5 Ways to Practice Without Your Guitar). On the other hand, for some musicians its all too common to mistake visualizing for well, daydreaming.   If you sit down and close your eyes, intending to memorize a piece of music, make sure to catch yourself if you start thinking of other things other (unrelated) goals, your concert tickets this weekend, or what youre going to have for dinner tonight, for a few examples. In order to really help you succeed with your visualization strategies, we found these 3 great tips over on the Classical Guitar blog that are right on the money.   Check out these strategies and focus on one at a time.   Spend a good chunk of time on the technique, and who knows you might find yourself a visualization convert: 1. Visualize the Piece This is the most basic of visualization techniques. Simply find a quiet place and visualize the piece you wish to mentally rehearse. See your fingers moving and hear the piece in your mind’s ear. At first it’s okay to move your fingers a bit while visualizing, but try to ween yourself off of that habit as soon as possible.   Since youre not allowing your fingers to go on auto pilot and finish the piece for you, this sort of visualization will greatly enhance memorization. 2. Visualize the Performance For those of us don’t play a concert every week, stepping on stage can be terrifying. Another mental rehearsal technique is to imagine yourself on stage. More importantly, imagine yourself after the performance. Imagine the feeling of success. See yourself walking on confidently and walking off after the successful performance. Capturing these feelings of success before the concert can play a critical role in building your confidence before even setting foot on stage. (This is an excellent strategy for overcoming stage fright!) 3. Think Ahead of Your Hands The final method is so effective youll wonder if you accidentally sold your soul for more guitar skills. This method should be done while playing or practicing, and is essentially thinking and looking ahead of your hands. After your left hand plays a note, your eyes should shift to the location(s) where the finger(s) will be placed next. Imagine your left hand in this new positionâ€"see it there with your mind’s eye. Unlike the physical preparation of your fingers, this practice method deals with mental preparation. For more tips, continue reading the article here. Your turn: what visualization techniques help you the most?   Share your own experiences head on over to our Facebook page and join the discussion! Want to learn more?   Sign up for email updates to learn more guitar tips and tricks! You might also like Stop Stressing: 3 Remedies for Musical Frustration How to REALLY Maximize Your Practice Time 5 Quick Fixes to Improve Your Guitar Playing