Lace Up How to Train Your Voice Like an Athlete

Lace Up How to Train Your Voice Like an Athlete Sign up successful But keep in mind that’s with proper training, similar to what an athlete undergoes before competing. Here are some common questions I’ve received, to help you understand: What is a vocal coach? A vocal coach will help you improve your vocal technique and endurance, so you can achieve the best results possible. Just as every athlete has his or her own coach, singers also require this kind of support. With a qualified voice teacher, you can learn how to train your voice in a similar way. Why do I need to work out my voice for singing? Isn’t talking every day enough? It’s important to understand the specific techniques involved in order to get the best results possible for singing. These kinds of vocal “workouts” help teach your body how to behave to be more productive while you build up the strength in the muscles engaged with singing. For instance, in order to sustain notes and reach higher pitches for a longer period, you need to improve your breath control and strengthen your diaphragm and vocal folds. As your teacher, I can lead you through specific vocal exercises to help with this the same way a trainer in the gym helps you target specific muscle groups. Why do I experience hoarseness or discomfort while singing or afterwards? This is a common issue, and is typically caused by not using the proper technique. You may be engaging the wrong muscles to produce the sound, for example. Singing should be easy, delightful, effortless, and without any pain or strain. Imagine what would happen if any athlete participated in a professional competition without the proper preparation, working out, and specific nutrition. How long will it take until I see the results of my vocal coaching sessions? You will feel different and improve even after your first session, because you will understand your body and how to sing smarter. Long-term results, such as building muscle strength and adapting to the new techniques might take a couple of months. What might happen if I keep singing without the proper vocal technique? At the beginning you will notice flaws in your voice and pitch, or experience fatigue. As time goes on, you can cause permanent damage to your vocal folds. The more you repeat the wrong muscle engagement, the more you increase your chances of suffering vocal damages that can reduce your opportunities as an artist and can lead to more serious health issues like nodules, polyps, and contact ulcers. If not treated correctly, these issues might even require surgery. On the other hand, if you practice the right way, you can understand how to train your voice so that you can sing more challenging music pieces. Your body holds the treasure of an amazing music instrument ready for you to master it. The right vocal instructor can show you how to explore its possibilities. Then you will feel free to sing as you always dreamed! I already sing well, but I’ve never taken vocal lessons. Is that OK? Sure, it’s totally OK. If you already sing well without knowing how you are doing it, imagine what you would accomplish with the right training! You already have the most important things: musicality, intuition, passion, and an artistic sense. Vocal technique then will take you even further so that you can become the best singer you can be! Lorna E. is a singer, composer and vocal coach in LA. Born in Argentina, she is of English descent, lived in Brazil, and currently resides in Los Angeles, California. As a vocal coach Lorna uses a proprietary method of vocal technique specially created for developing power and highlighting each singers personal style. Book lessons with Lorna here! 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  Photo  by U.S. Army

Relaxing with Boxing

Relaxing with Boxing Which Are the Best Combat Sports for Unwinding and Getting Rid of Stress? ChaptersHow Does Boxing Help You Unwind?Which is the Best Type of Boxing?Blowing Off Steam with a Punching Bag“Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that's in rhythm or you're in trouble.” - Sugar Ray RobinsonTaking up a combat sport, be it boxing, savate, Thai boxing (Muay Thai), or kick-boxing, is always a good idea.  The thing that martial arts and combat sports have in common is that they all work plenty of different muscle groups in the body. This is one of the many reasons that an increasing number of people are opting to do them. Furthermore, more women are starting the sport, too.Would you like to let off some steam in a boxing club?Here’s how different types of boxing can help you unwind. AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 ( 1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Does Boxing Help You Unwind?Joining a boxing club is a way to improve your fitness a lot more than many different types of sport. Whether you choose traditional boxing, savate, Thai boxing, kick-boxing, Krav Maga, or MMA, training is so intense that you’ll soon start letting go of everyday stress. While you may have other ways to relax, boxing is probably better for your health. (Source: rawpixel)Whether you’re punching or also kicking, boxing is a way to unwind completely.  Warm-ups are an important part of boxing as they help you to prepare your muscles and joints for combat.  Running, squats, skipping, burpees, punching bag, etc...It’s a sport that’s particularly good for improving many physical qualities.  Once you’ve warmed up, your coach or trainer may have you spar with a few different partners.  They’ll be looking for precision, power, technique, and how you can find weaknesses in your opponent.  Through tactics and speed, boxing can help you improve your agility.Boxing also burns a lot of calories, strengthens muscles, improves your endurance, etc. You’ll hone your flexes while also letting off steam.  After a stressful day at work, sedentary activities aren’t always the best way to stop stressing.While mindfulness meditation can be good, looking straigh t into your opponent’s eyes will also help any trivial concerns melt away.  You’ll only be thinking about the present. You can channel your energy into your boxing.Find out more about boxing.Which is the Best Type of Boxing?No particular type of boxing is inherently better than another. There’s a certain amount of subjectivity involved in choosing your favourite type of boxing. While actual matches are far from relaxing, boxing itself is a great way to unwind. (Source: Skitterphoto)All types of boxing are intense and can help you learn discipline and stay in shape. Traditional boxing improves your endurance and helps you channel your excess energy.  Savate combines punches and kicks and can also help you to blow off steam.  Thai boxing allows elbowing and kneeing. This style can help you unwind as you’re too busy concerning yourself with all the possible attacks. Kick-boxing requires concentration and strength and is a great way for amateurs to unwind.All these different types of boxing can be practised by women, too. Similarly, protection is offered at most clubs so you can safely practise. When you train, you won’t be fighting. Instead, you’ll be practising on punching bags or pads and within these clubs.Relieving Stress through Cardio BoxingWhat about boxing without hitting anyone?Inspired by kickboxing and Muay Thai, cardio boxing takes the moveme nts from combat sports and choreographs them in a way that’ll get your heart pumping. This is also known as fitness boxing. Boxing without an opponent is a great way to raise your heart rate, burn calories, and unwind. (Source: harutmovsisyan)Cardio boxing is like kick-boxing but without an opponent. The main goal is to enjoy the aerobic benefits of the movements without any physical contact.  The lessons are often accompanied by music to make them more interesting and entertaining.  Cardio training is rather intense and burns on average 600 calories per session. The warm-ups, exercises, and cool down at the end all work to tone your muscles and improve your cardiovascular system. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to unwind!It's also a great way to channel excess energy and increase your self-confidence. Cardio boxing is available for all levels. You don’t need any prior boxing training to do them and you can get rid of stress without hurting yourself. After all, there’s no chance of you getting hit and you don’t need half the equipment you do for boxing.In addition to helping you unwind, cardio b oxing can also help you to:Lose weightTone muscleReduce stress levelsWork on your reflexes, coordination, and flexibilityGain composureBuild self-confidenceImprove your enduranceEven if you don’t have a sparring partner and you’re just punching the air, cardio boxing comes with a lot of benefits.Find out more about losing weight through boxing.Blowing Off Steam with a Punching BagWhether you’re at home, in a boxing club, or a gym, beginners and professionals alike can get a lot of benefits out of using a punching bag. Almost every type of boxer will have used one of these to train. Working on a punching bag is a great way to release stress. (Source: xusenru)You’re going to have to imagine knocking this thing out...  Punching bags have been considered an essential tool for working on your punching for years. They're a way to improve the strength and speed of your punches (and kicks in some cases).  Punching bags are also useful for working on your footwork as you move around as if it was a real boxer you were facing.Find out more about how boxing is useful for self-defence.The EquipmentTo train, you need the right footwear and certain protection.  In Thai boxing and kick-boxing, for example, no footwear is worn. However, you will need shin guards for hitting the bag.  You’ll also need tape and boxing gloves. You should never punch with bare knuckles. You need to hit the bag well. Finally, you might want to work to the clock.ExercisesThere are five or six types of training:10-round workoutPower trainingSpeed trainingEndurance trainingFootwork trainingPrecisio n trainingThe idea is to increase your speed and power over time and the efficiency of your attacks. Always breathe out as you strike and breathe in between attacks since our bodies function far better with oxygen.  Your arms must move in conjunction with the rest of your body. If not, your punches won’t be as powerful.In boxing, there are 3 axes: the neutral axis, the forward axis (with your weight on your front foot), and the backwards axis (with your weight on the back foot.The axis always needs to correspond with your punching rotation.There’s a great article on the ExpertBoxing blog all about it.Want to work on a punching bag?Have a look on YouTube for some workouts!If you'd like to do boxing, mixed martial arts, or kickboxing classes, consider getting in touch with one of the many talented and experienced tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorial available, face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials, and each type comes with pros and co ns.Group tutorials tend to be the cheapest per student per hour since they're all paying for a share of the tutor's time. Of course, this means that you'll get less one-on-one time with your tutor or coach and they won't be able to tailor the sessions to just you as they'll have other clients that they need to keep happy.Face-to-face tutorials are just between you and your private tutor. In this case, you'll be paying for a bespoke and tailored service and during your lessons, you'll enjoy the tutor or coach's undivided attention. This all comes at a price and while face-to-face private tutorials are the most cost-effective, they also tend to be the most costly per hour.Finally, thanks to the advent of the internet, you can now enjoy online private tutorials. With video conferencing software, a webcam, a microphone, and a decent internet connection, you can enjoy private tutoring from tutors all over the world. Since the tutor won't be travelling to their students and they can sched ule more tutorials each week, they can charge a more competitive rate and online tutorials are usually cheaper per hour than face-to-face tutorials.Think carefully about your budget and your learning goals, look at several different tutors and the different types of tutorials before you make your final decision, and don't forget to make the most of the fact that many of the tutors on Superprof will offer the first hour of tuition for free. While this hour won't usually be a proper session, it's a good opportunity to get to know your potential private tutor, see if you get along with them, discover what their teaching approach is, and discuss the finer details of the type of coaching and tuition you'd like.

How Introverts Can Make the Most Out of Being Mentored at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How Introverts Can Make the Most Out of Being Mentored at Work - Introvert Whisperer How Introverts Can Make the Most Out of Being Mentored at Work A good mentor can be a tremendous asset at work. They can help guide you through your career, they can answer questions when you get stuck, and they can also be a person to vent to when things get tough. But introverts are far less likely to seek out mentors. Often times the daily social contact we go through at the office is more than what we need, practically no one wants to seek out more But research suggests that having a mentor can provide a big boost to your career. So even though it’s difficult, you should try your best to find a mentor and make use of them. However, since mentorship is in many ways designed by and for extroverts, you’re going to have to approach things in a different way.   And here are four ways you can do this. Sign Up For Formal Mentoring Programs To be able to make the most out of a mentor-mentee relationship, you need to first have a mentor. And for most introverts, this can prove to be the most difficult part of the process. And this is where formal mentoring programs come into place. Many companies recognize the value of a mentor, and they offer these programs as a way to help people take advantage of them. And most of these programs will allow you to specify some of your interests so that you stand a better chance of matching up with someone and having a connection. This is helpful for introverts because it makes it more likely you’ll find someone you like to work with. But the real value is that it forces you to meet with someone. As introverts, if we rely on ourselves to make this initial contact, it will never happen. However, if all we have to do is answer a few questions online and put our name on a list, then it becomes much easier to initiate this type of relationship and get all the rewards. Of course, it will still be difficult in the beginning, but this is a great way to get you started and heading in the right direction. Be Open With Your Mentor Part of the reasons we struggle as introverts is because people don’t understand what introversion is and how it affects us. Most of the extroverts who have no experience with introversion will just label you as “quiet” or a “loner.” But this represents a gross misunderstanding of what introversion is. So, to get the most out of working with a mentor, it’s important to be upfront with them right away. If they’re not familiar with introverts, then spend some time talking about it. Maybe even suggest they do some reading about it so that they can be more informed. This might sound weird, or even a bit uncomfortable, but this is where you need to have some faith in people. If someone has signed up or has agreed to be your mentor, then this is a sign they are willing to help. And in your case, to be helpful, they will need to understand what introversion is as well as some of the challenges it can present. This helps prevent you from ending up with someone who tells you to “open up,” or “just be yourself,” or worse, who suggests you join a public speaking group. You need someone who will give you advice that’s going to work, and for this to happen, you need to be open and honest with your mentor right from the beginning. Choose Communication Forms You Like The beauty of a mentor-mentee relationship is that it’s far more relaxed than many of the other interactions we have at work. You don’t need to sit through uncomfortable one-on-ones, or go to loud, chaotic coffee shops or bars, if you don’t want to. In fact, you don’t even need to meet face-to-face all that often. Again, this is part of the reason it’s so important to be open with your mentor from the beginning. If it’s easier for you to communicate via text message or email, let them know. You may want to meet with them in person every once in a while just to touch base, but don’t force yourself into situations you don’t want to just because. Your relationship with your mentor will be much better if you can communicate in ways that make sense for you. Pick Someone You Feel Comfortable With Lastly, it’s important to work with someone who you feel comfortable with. This means finding someone who shares similar interests, or maybe even someone who exhibits some of the personality traits of an introvert. This way you’ll have some things to talk about that aren’t centered around work, which will make it easier to break the ice and develop a more meaningful relationship. Again, this is where formal mentor programs can be great. You can choose from a group of people based on interest and experience, and this will make it easier to find someone with whom you can build a relationship. Don’t Be Afraid of Finding a Mentor It’s true that even with these tactics, the idea of approaching and working with a mentor can still be a bit scary. But hopefully these bits of advice will help make the whole process seem a bit less daunting so that you can find a mentor that will help you take a big step forward in your career. About the Author: Kevin Conner is based in Jacksonville, Fla. He is the founder and CEO of Broadband Search, and enjoys working to help people succeed in their careers and with their business goals. Much of the writing he does online is to promote those looking to take a step forward as he knows we all need help and guidance from time to time. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Types of Polar Graphs

Types of Polar Graphs A point P can be located on an X-Y coordinate plane with respect to the origin and can be plotted easily and is written in the form of (x, y). This is known as the rectangular form. But sometimes it is easier to locate the same point or to graph an equation in the polar coordinate form which is the form written with respect to the radius and the angle , written as (r, ). There are different types of polar graphs and they form circles, cardioids, rose curves etc. Example 1: Convert the polar equation, r = 4 to rectangular form and name the shape of its graph. Square the given equation on both sides. This gives: r2= 16 The important conversions from polar form to rectangular form arex = r cos, y = r sin and hence x2 + y2 = r2 Hence we get: x2+ y2= 16. This is the equation of a circle and it is already written in its standard form - x2+ y2= r2. Therefore, the center of the circle is (0, 0) and its radius is 4. Example 2: Convert the polar equation, r = 2cos to rectangular form and name the shape of its graph. Multiply by r on both sides. This gives: r2= 2rcos We know that, x= r cos and x2+ y2 = r2 Hence we get: x2+ y2= 2x== x2 2x+ y2= 0. Using completing the squares method, we get: (x 1)2 + y2 = 1 This is the equation of a circle, written in the form of (x- h)2 + (y- k)2= r2 Therefore, the center of the circle is (1, 0) and its radius is 1.

Ask an Admissions Expert Amy Jasper

Ask an Admissions Expert Amy Jasper Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Amy Jasper helps students navigate the college admissions process through her admissions consulting service, My College Fit. She has worked in undergraduate admissions at a number of institutions including Duke Universityand the College of William Mary. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Amy: The Common Application and individual colleges do not release their updated applications until the summer before senior year. I encourage students to get the general information sections completed as soon as possible to get them out of the way. The Common Application essay topics are remaining the same for the class of 2015, so work on the personal statement can begin at the end of junior year (many English teachers will have juniors do one in class). I believe the best time is summer. The workload of junior year is in the past and, quite frankly, a student is more mature. Work on your essays, put them aside for a bit, and then revisit them. You can do this when you have time on your side. However, if you begin an application the day before its due, you are not going to produce your best product even if you feel you work well under pressure. Its great to begin senior year with basic information on applications completed and a final or close to final draft of the personal statement completed. The college application process can be like having an additional class in the fall, so seniors should use summer to their advantage. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Amy: I find that many students are looking for a life-altering experience to write about, of which most dont have. Oftentimes, the best topic is really right in front of them. There are many things in your everyday life that you feel strongly about that could actually be quite interesting to someone who doesnt know you. And thats the key. You want to attract and maintain the admissions officers interest. A student should think about what they want the college to know about them and work backward from there. Ask yourself questions about your likes, dislikes and passions. Whats fun to you? What makes you laugh? Was there a moment when life seemed particularly difficult? VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Amy: Of course the good old sports essay is a deal breaker for me. My two children are athletes, and my husband was a high school and college athlete. I do understand the importance of sports and how an injury, big win, or a big loss is impactful. I really do. But what students need to realize is that it is difficult to convey anything unique or interesting about any of those things. Perhaps the worst essay topic choice I ever encountered was an applicant discussing a very personal experience with his girlfriend. No way ever is that appropriate! The key is to remember that admissions officers are people; therefore, how they respond to an essay is going to be subjective. If an essay is boring (sports injury) or pushes the envelope way too far (boyfriend/ girlfriend TMI), it is very difficult to respond to that with, I definitely want to put this kid in the yes pile. And of course that is the response an applicant is working for. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Amy: Although it can be difficult to believe, admissions officers really can tell when someone is not being authentic in his or her application. Make sure your essays are in your voice and your passions come through. Another big mistake is not answering questions correctly. If a college asks, What tweet would best summarize your day? (and I did see that question this year), your answer should be 140 characters or less, because that is a tweet. If a school didnt want a specific answer, they wouldnt ask a specific question. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Amy: Typically, the process begins by reviewing an applicants transcript and counting the number of years they have in the core subject areas: English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. Then the admissions officer will look at the grade made in each course. Weighted GPAs are often not the best representation of grades, therefore many schools look at each grade received in each course. Some colleges recalculate the GPA so all applicants are on the same scale. They would then count the number of honors, AP, or IB classes to reflect strength of courses. The order of the next three items is usually done based on the readers personal preference. The admissions officer would now review a students activities and involvement, highlighting anything found to be particularly stellar or interesting and also looking for commitment. Next they note the students SAT or ACT scores. Finally, the officer would read the applicants essays. Most officers write a few notes or take-aways from the essay like, Great story about climbing favorite tree as a kid. Excellent writer. I want to meet this kid. Didnt get anything about him from this. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Amy: It is important to tell your own story about something that can be perceived as negative. If you leave things unexplained, people will make their own deductions, which may not be correct. Bad grades one semester? Show an improvement in the next semester. Made a bad social choice? Explain what you have learned from your mistakes. Involved in no activities or sports after school because you have to work or take care of your siblings? List those as commitments on your applications - because they are! VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Amy: The best way, of course, is to visit a campus. Prospective student events are definitely planned to create a wonderful showing of all that is good at college, however, they do give you access to professors, students, and organizations that you may not experience on a regular visit. Use it to your advantage and ask questions that are important to you and that will give you a more realistic view. Follow your gut. If you feel like you dont belong there, you probably dont. If you visit a campus for an information session and tour, be certain to ask questions that cant be answered on the website. Ask your tour guide the name and size of her smallest class her freshman year, as well as her largest. If professor interaction is important to you, ask for examples they have had with their professors. Social life? Ask him what there was to do on campus last Friday night. Do remember that tour guides are people and people sometimes have a bad day. Dont blame the college for a bad tour guide. Try to see beyond him or her. After the tour, eat on campus or hang out in the student center. Grab a school newspaper. Again, follow your gut. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Amy: ED, which is binding, is a huge commitment. Not only is a student saying they know what their first choice is in October or November, they are also saying that if they are admitted, they will attend. I only encourage students to apply ED when they are confident in the decision and not applying because it is perceived as an acceptance strategy. ED is not the right choice for a family that will need to weigh their financial aid options from various schools. Early action, which is non-binding, has become quite popular with many colleges and applicants. Early action application deadlines allow a student to get a decision early in the process. What makes early action attractive is that if the student is admitted, they are not bound to go. I recommend this to students who are happy with their grades and do not need first semester senior grades to strengthen their application. The good news is there are still many schools with deadlines in January and even February, so students still m ay have deadlines spread over a few months. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Amy: Grades are definitely important. Many times, students think a low grade in, say, an AP or IB class is okay because of the strength of the class. The reality is, in the applicant pools at selective colleges, there are plenty of applicants who will have taken the same class who received a high grade. Better grades make a student more competitive. Although test scores are never usually the most important factor in the admissions process, they are a factor. If colleges require SAT or ACT scores, then it is important to them. If they did not value scores, they would not require testing. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Amy: Choose a teacher who knows you well. Its best if the teacher is from an academic subject in your junior year. Ideally, you have been an active participant in their class and have done well. You want a teacher who can speak to the type of student you are. If you ask a teacher and they suggest that you perhaps choose another teacher who may know you better, dont be hurt. Be thankful that they were honest with you. That is much better than if they had said yes and sent a mediocre letter. When asking a teacher, be polite and follow-up with an email. Also be certain to understand your schools policies around recommendations. Are they sent electronically? Do you need to provide forms or envelopes? What information does your counselor require from you? All schools have their own way of doing things, and its your responsibility to know and follow the rules. Lastly, remember to thank your teacher after theyve completed the letter. Check out My College Fit for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Should I Go To University of Minnesota

Should I Go To University of Minnesota The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Erik received his Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics and his Master of Science from University of Minnesota. He is currently a tutor in Minneapolis specializing in Algebra tutoring, Calculus tutoring, Mechanical Engineering tutoring, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at University of Minnesota: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Erik: University of Minnesota has one of the biggest student bodies in the country, so there are people of all different backgrounds, as well as student groups for just about everything. There are two campuses. They are linked by a commuter bus which runs frequently and is free for students. The university is situated across the river from downtown Minneapolis, but it is large enough to be more like a small city itself. Almost everyone that you encounter during the day is affiliated with the university somehow. Most students walk or bike to class, but those living on or near the St. Paul campus also take the commuter bus to class. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Erik:The professors at University of Minnesota are very willing to talk with you if you have questions or comments about the course. In every course I have taken, the professor has encouraged me to visit him or her during office hours. In addition, an academic adviser is assigned to every student to help students plan their academic career. Teaching assistants are highly qualified and knowledgeable graduate students whose job it is to help students understand the course material. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Erik:Dormlife is a good chance to get to know other students. Many lasting friendships are made in the dorms, and each dorm organizes activities to help students meet each other. A meal plan is also available. For my dorm, the meals were buffet-style with no limit on quantity. Students can also opt to eat out. The facilities for cooking may be limited depending on which dorm the student lives in. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Erik:University of Minnesota is a huge school, so almost every possible area of study has a major. The school is highly ranked in Psychology and Chemical Engineering. I chose to study Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics because I have always liked math and science, and there are great research opportunities at the university. As an undergraduate, I had access to computer labs, a wind tunnel, and other lab facilities, and I always felt like the professors were there to help me when I had problems. If the student is proactive and motivated, there are a great number of resources to take advantage of, from student groups, to seminars, to public speaking and networking events. VT: 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? Erik:A lot of students struggle when faced with the prospect of making new friends. Fortunately, whether you are very outgoing or not, there are people with the same interests as you at University of Minnesota. That is why it is great to take advantage of all the clubs and activities organized by the school. I struggled with meeting people my first year until I studied abroad in Hong Kong, where I was forced to talk to others and ended up forming great friendships. I did not participate in Greek life, but there are several fraternities and sororities if you choose to go Greek. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Erik:The Career Center has resources like mock interviews, career counselors, and online portals where employers can find your resume and reach out to you. There are also classes (like Careers in Engineering) that teach you what jobs are out there and how to position yourself to succeed coming out of school. There are career fairs in the fall and spring where recruiters from reputable companies come and talk with students of all ages. Many students get interviews through these events that later lead to internships or full-time employment. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Erik:The libraries range from small libraries in specific departments to large buildings that service all the students in a given college. The libraries are usually full of students who are working, and they have cafes or convenience stores attached. Most libraries are open late (until 10:00 p.m. or midnight, with some specific computer labs staying open 24 hours a day). The libraries are never so crowded that you cannot find a seat or computer. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Erik:Minneapolis is a big arts and culture city. There are a lot of festivals, concerts, and public events that are free and sponsored by the city. It has an exceptional number of diverse and highly-acclaimed restaurants, due in part to the large Somali and Southeast Asian populations. As a student, I would frequently take the bus downtown or walk to the West Bank for concerts or to eat at a new restaurant. The location of the campus makes going downtown easy, but there are still plenty of activities on campus if you choose to stay closer. The majority of students stay on campus, but almost everyone goes out once in a while. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Erik:The student body is 50,000+ (including graduate students). Class sizes range from 30-100 students, and they are usually on the larger end in your freshman and sophomore years. I never had an issue with the class sizes because the professors always stop to ask questions, and they are available after class or in office hours. In addition to the larger lectures, there are smaller discussion sections. During these discussion sections, a teaching assistant goes over the material and can answer your questions. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Erik:I remember working on my first engineering group project for the class Aerospace Structures. We worked on a design that was to be submitted just before Spring Break. It was such a learning experience to rely on each other, rather than the professor or a TA, to solve our problems. We met in the library and stayed late, trying to finish before the deadline. These late nights are the most memorable nights of schoolwork that I had, and they were where I learned how to work with others. Check out Eriks tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

If You Won the Lottery - English Listening Exercise

If You Won the Lottery - English Listening Exercise What would you say to your boss if you won the lottery? Its a question made to produce funny answers, which is why American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel had someone go to Hollywood Boulevard and ask pedestrians what they would do.This makes a great listening exercise because there is a lot of slang, everyday English, its funny, and it uses interesting and complicated grammar structures. Watch the short video below, then see if you can answer the questions.Note: In the video, the lottery is referred to as Powerball.Answer the questions below in comments, and well respond.1. How much was the Powerball  worth? What was the record?2. How does he recommend recreating the experience of playing  Powerball?3. If you ___ $600 million dollars, ___ ___ quit the show?4. It seems to be everyones fantasy when they think about winning  the lottery, being able to quit their job  and ___ ____ boss ___.5. What does the phrasal verb in the sentence above mean?6. If you ___ the $600 million Powerball, wh at ____  you say to your boss?7.  Snap! This guys gonna ___ you ___ to ___ and leave you there.8. I am ___ __ ___ I never have to do _______ lunch duty again!9. Id definitely tell him about the time his wife ___ __ ___ __ at the Christmas party.10. What would you tell your boss?

Strategies to Improve Working Memory in Children

Strategies to Improve Working Memory in Children Throughout the course of any given day, children are asked to do a lot of different things, from getting ready to engaging in the classroom, from doing chores to doing homework. In school, your childs job is to learn, but learning is actually quite complex. It requires paying attention, comprehension, active listening, reasoning, critical thinking, making comparisons and organizing thoughtsfor multiple subjects. When all of those activities come easy for children, school usually comes easy too. But if you notice that your child struggles in school and has difficulty remembering important information and focusing on homework, you might wonder whats going on. There could be several contributors, but it is possible that your child has a weak working memory. Working memory is defined as memory that involves storing, focusing attention on, and manipulating information for a short period of time (Merriam-Webster). Years ago, researchers first defined working memory as memory used to plan and carry out behavior (Miller GA, Galanter E, Pribram KH.Plans and the structure of behavior.New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc; 1960.) Put simply, working memory is what helps children remember homework directions long enough to complete the work. It allows them to problem solve when they encounter tricky math homework or a word they do not understand when reading. It helps children recognize when a draft of a writing assignment needs correcting. Children who lack working memory, on the other hand, likely have a range of issues in school, including: Poor memorization skills Difficulty paying attention in class Difficulty staying organized Struggles with completing math calculations in their heads Lots of mistakes in writing (difficulty retaining and remembering grammar rules) Difficulty working independently/easily distracted Often unable to answer questions correctly or thoughtfully when called on in class Often unable to follow multi-step directions Heres the good news: you can help your child improve his or her working memory with brain-boosting exercises and other memory improvement strategies. Here are some easy ways to do so: Make sure your child gets sufficient sleep. Children might roll their eyes at the get more sleep suggestion, but the research doesnt lie: sleep accelerates the improvement in working memory performance. A good night of sleep will help your child improve the memory and increase focusamong many other important benefits. Play memory games. Certain games help children improve working memory because they require them to keep track of moves of their opponents and recall information quickly. Think card games, which require players to remember their cards and keep information in their heads long enough to decide their next move, and games like Simon, which has players memorize and repeat a color pattern that gets increasingly complex. Break down bigger tasks. Have your child break down complex, detailed assignments into smaller steps. He or she should write them down and keep that to-do list visible. To strengthen working memory, encourage your child to use tools like graphic organizers, visual maps and checklists when doing homework. Working memory is one of the most essential functions students needand integral for the cognitive abilities that fuel school success. It is what allows children to manipulate, process and retain information. If you suspect your child has poor working memory, call Huntington. Well evaluate your child to determine his or her strengths and weaknesses and develop a targeted plan of action that focuses on memory improvement, building confidence and improving academic performance. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.