Things you should know about online learning

Many students sign up for online classes under the premise that they can complete courses at their own pace, they can remain anonymous because they aren’t required to participate, and that online classes are easier than taking classes on campus.

These things are rarely true in an online learning environment.

Although online classes allow for you to dictate your own schedule, it’s not usually in the way people expect.  Most online courses still follow the regular semester calendar.  Your assignments still have due dates and there are assigned times to take tests and participate in group discussions.  Some classes even have attendance policies where students are required to log a number of hours online as part of their grade.  The biggest benefit of online classes is that the time of day you log on to complete your course work is up to you, if you have a full time job and can only log on in the evening you’re capable of doing that but, you are still required to follow a course schedule which allows the class to move cohesively at the same pace through the course material.

Another common misconception among students is the belief that in an online learning environment they won’t be required to interact with other students and professors.  Truth is, the majority of online classes offer discussion forums with both the instructors as well as other students.  In some cases these interactive components are necessary and participation in them is used to calculate a student’s grade.  Students can gain a lot from online discussion as well. Large lectures often don’t allow for intense discussion simply because of class sizes.  An online forum, on the other hand, permits students to contribute when they are available and also gives introverted students the ability to participate in a non-threatening environment.

The biggest myth about online classes is that they are easier to complete than traditional on campus courses.  This one is probably the most important thing to remember.  Online classes can be extremely demanding.  In order to complete them successfully students have to be determined, disciplined and self motivated.  It’s easy to procrastinate when you don’t have a class to attend and the daily demands of working, a social life or parenting seem more important.  It’s critical that online students be prepared for a heavy workload filled with reading and are capable of managing their time efficiently.

No matter which learning style you prefer online or on campus, the life of a student is hectic at times.  Choose an environment that best suits your learning style and pick classes you enjoy or that interest you until you get into a productive routine.  The transition can be hard but, it’s definitely worth it!

Diabetic Pastry

If you are wondering how to become a pastry chef, one way to differentiate yourself is to learn how to bake for specific dietary needs such as diabetes. Diabetic foods present a challenge in keeping flavor, sweetness, and body while substituting sugar for artificial sweeteners and alternative flavors. All it takes is some practice, experimentation, and following a few tips.

Here are some common problems when removing sugar from baked goods and tips for being successful:

Dryness

When you remove sugar from a recipe, the end result will be a much drier cake. One alternative substitute is a naturally sweet syrup called agave nectar from the agave plant. This adds both moisture and a delicate sweet flavor.

Rising to the occasion

One of the roles sugar plays in baking is helping batter to rise. Eliminate sugar and baked foods will look more flat. To make up for this,  simply add a couple additional tablespoons of flour to give more volume and an extra half teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of flour to give baked goods more height. A smaller pan will also force the same amount of batter to rise higher.

Sweet golden brown

The trademark of the most treasured baked goods is that light golden brown color that is so inviting, but without sugar even the best blue ribbon pie will look lackluster. Adding a couple tablespoons of molasses or honey will do the trick as well as misting the batter before baking with cooking spray.

Cookies that will not flatten

Artificial sweeteners in cookie dough will not flatten when baked. An obvious solution is to simply press down the cookie dough before baking.

Weird aftertaste

One way to rid that awful aftertaste of artificial sweeteners is to combine two different sweeteners together. Doing so enables you to use half as much sweetener with a much stronger sugar flavor. Vanilla also gives a sugar flavor.

You too can become a diabetic pastry chef and create your own brand of baked goods that could quite possibly open new doors for a successful career. The key is to learn more about sugar and its various forms as well as the various sugar alternatives and then use this information by trial and error to find your own unique recipes. Friends and family are often quite willing to be your test subjects!

Pastry chefs are not limited to just baking bread and desserts. A good education in becoming a pastry chef opens all sorts of doors: opening your own business, being a food critic or writer, or teaching. An experienced pastry chef can make over $60,000 a year and it is a rewarding career limited only by your own creativity.

The Challenging Field of Computer and Information Security

Computer, information and internet security is a continual challenge for computer programmers and software developers that is constantly changing and evolving. In this uncertain age of global terrorism and the constant threat of identity theft, our government, banking industry, and computer industry are faced with this issue constantly and as a result create a demand for innovative people who can rise to the challenge of staying ahead of new technology.

One such challenge is protecting the BIOS, "Basic Input/Output System", which is the most fundamental software in the computer system that initializes the hardware components before the actual operating system starts. Because it works at such a fundamental low level below normal system security levels, changes to the BIOS that are either malicious or accidental pose a major security risk that could be part of a targeted attack to an organization's systems and operations. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, (NIST), is constantly updating it's BIOS Protection Guidelines for computer hardware manufacturers and security professionals.

Other applications of computer security include network servers and infrastructure, e-commerce, web site development, software application, firewalls, virus and threat detection, to name a few.

A typical career path for a security professional would be a System Administrator, with a annual salary range of 34 to 54k, Information System Security Officer with an annual salary range of 47 to 90k, Information System Security Manager with an annual salary range of 72 to 126k, and the Chief Information Security Officer with an annual salary range of 104 to 213k.

System admin or help desk positions are generally considered entry level for a career in computer security requiring some experience and a basic computer science degree, that gives someone the opportunity for hands on experience while still being in the process of attaining their BS or Masters degree. This type of scenario is perfect for online college education or the part time student.

Elements of computer security are used in a variety of other cool information security type of jobs:

Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert, System-Network Penetration Tester, Forensic Analyst, Incident Responder, Security Architect, Malware Analyst, Network Security Engineer, Security Analyst, Computer Crime Investigator, Security Operations Center Analyst, Prosecutor Specializing in Information Security Crimes, and Disaster Recovery Manager.

Regardless of the current economic and job environment, computer and information security will always be in high demand and evolving to open new opportunities. According to the U. S. Treasury Department, last year global computer crimes exceeded drug trafficking in illegal profits for the first time. The next decade is expected to see unprecedented growth in information security positions.

A Career in Aquaponics

If you have an interest and passion for the "green" movement, and love of agriculture and science, you may want to consider a career in aquaponics.

Aquaponics is combining fish farming and hydroponic agriculture into one production system. Water from fish tanks is circulated to a soil-less growing system that feeds plants roots and is then circulated back to the fish tank. No chemicals are used in the nutrient system other than the natural nutrients supplied by fish waste. Fish waste is produced first as ammonium and is then converted by bacteria into nitrate, a form of nitrogen that plants are able to use.

The aquaponic farmer breeds and raises fish for consumption without affecting native fish populations, and produces totally organic produce while conserving natural resources.

The technology for wide scale commercial application is a bit complicated and has been steadily advancing over the last two decades with a big jump in the last ten years. It has opened up new areas in the fields of scientific study and research, biology, fish husbandry, and agriculture that require a full range of educational degrees one can attain from the best colleges online.

Fish Species

Typical fish species being farmed include tilapia, bass, trout and perch, however most commercial operations are focusing on tilapia, a white fish that is growing in popularity with consumers. Tilapia is a warm water fish that is tolerable of fluctuating water conditions and adapts well to the re-circulating tank culture.

Plant Species

The selection of suitable crop plants directly relate to the stocking level of fish and the concentration of plant nutrients they produce. Specialty greens, herbs and lettuce have a low to medium nutrient requirement while crops such as fruit bearing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers have a much higher nutrient level need. Other factors include the light and humidity needs of the plants which are all things one gains from the study of agriculture and plant physiology. Managing a commercial system also requires a background in engineering.

The Basics

While the commercial operation of aquaponics is at a grand scale, the basic principals of the science can be applied to small scale home operations. With a small aquarium, house plants can grow from the top of the aquarium, or water may be pumped from the aquarium to a second container that houses a variety of plants and pumped back to the aquarium in a set up that is easy to build. Hobbyists who have aquariums often change the water and use the dirty water to feed house plants, or use plants to filter the aquarium water. This is an easy way for a student to experiment with aquaponics and see first hand its affect on plant growth.

The field of aquaponics is dramatically growing with future opportunities for students who have a passion for the environment and want to choose a career that makes a difference in the world.

The Expendables 2.

 “The Expendables” follows a team of mercenaries who have been given the assignment of taking out a corrupt military leader, as well as a rouge CIA agent on a Latin Island”. With a plot like that, it is not hard to see why it was so successful. If you were a fan of the first movie you will be happy to know that “The Expendables 2” is set to hit the big screens on the 17^th August 2012.

 It looks as if it will contain just as much action as the first installment and still includes all of the biggest names in action, such as Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone. Arnold Schwarzenegger will even be taking part in an action sequence, as opposed to the short speaking role he held in the first movie. However, there is one actor missing that for me would make the movie complete. Steven Segal. He is the original action hero, he is a real life martial arts expert and the last time I saw him on TV, he was teaching someone how to become a cop. That’s right Steven Segal is a member of the real life police force. That being said it still looks set to be one of the best actions movies of the year.

The story follows Mr. Church as he sets out to reunite his team of mercenaries for an easy paycheck. However the mission was not as simple as they first thought, and to the teams anger one of them is killed in action. The team’s priority changes from making cash, to seeking revenge, and in my opinion this is the recipe for one incredibly action packed movie.

If action movies are your thing, you may be also interested to know that 2012 will also bring the much-anticipated “The Dark Knight Rises” as well as the third men in black movie. It’s going to be a great year for action! 

Bombay Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club is a four-piece indie band from London, UK. They have been playing under their current name since 2006, and they have just recently released their third studio album “A different kind of fix” through the major label, “Island Records”.  I was personally a huge fan of their first two albums, they had surprised fans by adapting there sound massively and maturing at an impressive rate.

This album was not an exception. The first single from this album “Shuffle” definitely lives up to it’s name.  I defy anyone to listen to that track and at the very least not tap his or her foot. At the opposite end of the spectrum you have songs like “still” which is an emotional cannon. It features just piano and falsetto vocals from the lead singer Jack Steadman, it is truly like nothing that they have ever done before and yet it is probably the most touching track on the album. There is a huge amount of honesty in their lyrics and you don’t need a psychology major to figure out what they are trying to say. This is one of the reasons I think people find it so easy to relate to their music. 


There is nothing pretentious about this band; their songs come across in a humble yet impressive way. In an age were what you wear seems to be more important than what you have to say, it is refreshing to see a band like this reach such popularity. They have already played all of the biggest music festivals in the UK and have also been relentlessly touring the US. With such flawless songs and what would appear to be a very strong work ethic, these guys deserve everything they get and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Bombay Bicycle Club. 

Real life CSI.

I love watching TV shows like NCIS and CSI and I can remember when they first aired. Everyone suddenly wanted to be a Crime Scene Investigator, but before you get too excited about fast cars and high-tech gadgets there are probably a few things you should know.

 You won’t be packing heat or kicking down doors. Only a very small number of CSI members carry guns, and they are usually firearms specialists. So all the police work will be done by the police, most of your time would be spent in the lab. 

   Although, on TV the team usually drive $60,000 hummers you will most likely be the proud owner of a late 90’s pickup truck.

    On TV they are able to gain almost immediate results. In reality even the fastest DNA test takes up to 48 hours. So in reality the job is a little slower paced.

     TV police often enhance dark or far away images from being almost unrecognizable to being able to see a suspects face clearly. Although enhancement is possible is has its limits.  I saw an episode where they zoomed into a mans eye and found the criminals face in it’s reflection, safe to say this is not going to happen anytime soon.

   The members of CSI we are used to seeing are always stylishly dressed with immaculate hair. When handling a real dead body you might want to leave your new shirt at home. Actual members of CSI usually wear full body suits because lets be honest a dead body probably isn’t very hygienic.

Contrary to popular opinion Crime Scene Investigators are not always busy solving homicide cases in fact this makes up a very small part of the job.

Here are the numbers.

• Natural causes – 60 %

• Accidental – 26 %

• Suicide – 10 %

• Homicide – 2 %

• Undetermined – 1.5 %

I still love these shows regardless but I might reconsider my career options.

Hobbies in the dorm room

So you are away from home in a strange place where you are supposed to be focused on your studies and, oh yes, your whole future! Does that mean you should give up your hobbies that you enjoyed from the comfort of your own home? Would it be a distraction from your performance as a student? NO, not necessarily!

Staying current with your outside hobbies and interests only enriches your college experience as long as you do not become obsessed with it. In some cases a hobby may relate to your educational interests and have aspects of science, mathematics, or history. If you can tie your hobby into your studies, your pastime becomes a tool and a passion reflective of your studies.

One such hobby is aquariums. When keeping aquariums you are putting to use principals of biology, marine biology, water chemistry and other science. It is an opportunity to observe animal behavior, reproduction and other aspects of the hobby that may directly correlate to your classes. Freshwater planted aquariums open you up to subjects of photosynthesis, plant nutrient uptake, the affect of aquatic plants in the Eco system, and various environmental issues.

Web sites such as Aqua Botanic provide much of the information one needs to know to get started in the hobby and an introduction to the science behind it that could be applied to your studies. Here are some examples:

Rhizomes and Tubers

The Role of Photosynthesis in the Aquarium

Water Plants 101


What to consider


When considering bringing a hobby into the dorm room, think about how it would affect the comfort of your room mate, and how much time and resources it would take.

An aquarium takes up space, may create some noise from equipment, and needs a source of water and power. Depending on the type of aquarium set up and approach, it requires a certain number of hours per week of maintenance. This can be your time to enjoy and observe the aquarium as well, but you may want to consider researching various low maintenance approaches to keeping an aquarium or planted aquarium. Also consider the cost of bringing your hobby to the dorm: equipment, materials, and supplies.

Take notes!

A hobby that involves science is particularly useful to school if you take notes! Create a diary of your hobby where you can write observations, daily activity, problems or issues that required resolution and how you fixed the issues. This can be valuable information for not only improving your hobby, but to learn wonderful lessons- hands on experience that may help you in how to choose a career. Just do not blow up the dorm in a mad scientist experiment!

New years resolutions

Of course everyone is aware of the tradition of making New Years resolutions. Most often they are lofty ideas that are not taken too seriously or they represent unrealistic ideals that never come to fruition.

I believe taking time to reflect is very useful and positive as long as you do not get too bogged down in it. As a student, this is a good time to reflect without judgement on your past achievements and where you would like to go in the coming months or year. Entering college you undoubtedly have already set long term goals for your education and working career. You have looked at all your options from the best schools online to campus alternatives and set a course.  Why not take a little time to look at steps and milestones for the coming year?

To take advantage of this opportunity and truly make it useful, you should set goals that enhance your scholastic experience and are reasonably attainable. Organizational skills, time management, study habits, social interaction, are all important tools to a rewarding educational experience and can be areas of improvement that when accomplished and recognized give you fuel to tackle larger goals.

I begin by making a list of things that I want to improve on. Next I list what steps and accomplishments I have already made for each of these things no matter how small or insignificant it may first appear. Then I continue by making a list of things I could do to expand on what I have already accomplished to meet the end result goal. This gives me a road map to meeting my resolutions.

Keep your goals moderate, reasonable and attainable, and acknowledge all the baby steps that take you there. Give yourself a pat on the back as you accomplish each baby step and remind yourself of the goal you are aiming for. Gretchen Rubin states "Little accomplishments provide energy for bigger challenges. The humble resolution you actually follow is more helpful than the ambitious resolution you abandon. Lower the bar!"

Attitude and positive thinking play an important role in education. Setting a course for attainable school year goals will boost your confidence to not only meet them, but set a foundation for attaining your long term goals as well.

Panic attacks in the classroom

The term "panic attack" is often thrown around. You may have heard a friend say, "Oh I am having a panic attack today about this test!" For many people an actual panic attack is a serious problem and not something to be taken lightly. It is more than just having a bad day or feeling anxious about an upcoming exam. It can be a traumatic experience that is frightening and sudden.

Anxiety is a normal reaction shared by everyone to stressful situations. Normally it is a defensive reaction that helps us to to focus on dreaded tasks and is a coping mechanism, but a panic attack goes way beyond the normal feelings of stress.

A panic attack happens suddenly and without prior notice and is a feeling of intense fear for no apparent reason- giving you a feeling of total loss of control and even a feeling of death or a heart attack. Here are common symptoms from MedicineNet.com:

• "Racing" heart
• Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
• Sense of terror, of impending doom or death
• Feeling sweaty or having chills
• Chest pains
• Breathing difficulties
• Feeling a loss of control

Understanding the nature of an attack is key: it is a disorder not an actual life threatening situation. Take deep breathes and turn your thought to a subject that is calm and relaxing- SAFE. If you are in a public setting or classroom and feel you need to leave, step out for a few minutes to gather your thoughts, let it pass and then return to the place you left. Do not let the fear of the experience reinforce the anxiety. If this is your first experience with such an episode, go to a hospital to be diagnosed and be certain that it is not a physical problem.

Most panic attack episodes start suddenly, usually peak at ten minutes, and then linger for a few hours. Some people may experience this once every few years, or quite frequently. If you have frequent attacks, you should consult with a medical professional for treatment. If left untreated, this disorder can lead into other serious problems including drug and alcohol abuse, thoughts of suicide, depression, phobias and isolation.

Self awareness of the problem is a very important first step. The other day I caught a television talk show that had a member of the rock band Guns n Roses on talking about his problem with panic attacks. He suffered frequent attacks from his late teens through his 30s without ever realizing what was really happening to him. To escape the trauma and feeling he was going crazy he turned to drugs and alcohol and almost ended his life. He stated if he new what the problem actually was he would have been able to deal with it from the start. Recognize the problem for what it is and seek help. Depending on the severity and frequency there are many different unobtrusive treatment options. Whether you are considering an online degree or going on campus, the college experience does not need to suffer because of this disorder.

For more information on panic attacks visit the following links:

Mayo Clinic

WebMD

Helpguide

Education methods are evolving, like it or not!

When I began my education as a 4 year old I was sat in front of a wooden table with an ink well, the legacy of a bygone era of quils and ink. Nowadays the classroom environment abounds with projectors, laptops and interactive whiteboards. Education has moved so far in such a short period of time (I am not a dinosaur that schooled in the 1910's. Really!!!).

When I completed my junior school there was one computer in the classroom that was shared between 30 children and was rarely turned on because the teacher just didn't get it. Now I am sat on a laptop routinely pouring out a stream of consciousness relating to the current state of education in the 21st Century. A state where you can do a degree online, where essays are emailed to tutors for perusal and physical presence is no longer required.

Search for "online university usa"

The best online schools have amazing online functionality for sharing documents and imparting learning that incorporate fundamental psychological principles. All this adds up to a schooling system which can be more cost effective, more efficient and just maybe could open up education to more people around the world. Gone are the days when the likes of the UK Open University were the only choices for learning at distance. A simple search on google shows how huge the online education market has become.

Like it or not education is movin online. Personally, I am a traditionalist. I love the lecture hall far more than the webinar. I love the group tutoring session sat in circles far more than than the Skype conference call. But sadly I think I am in the minority and the drivers pushing the move online are so powerful that momentum is building fast. With the ever improving technology and internet connection speeds maybe my grandchildren will describe the univeristy classroom environment with fondess harking back to a bygone era when Degrees were done in person. Well maybe I am going a bit far but you get my point...

So you want to be a Criminal Psychologist? Are you sure?

Silence of The Lambs

Ever since I read my first book on forensic psychology I was hooked. It was a Paul Britton book called "The Jigsaw Man" and recounts the input that Paul made to dozens of criminal investigations. The way in which he used the available clues to profile criminals and predict future behaviours was incredible. He took pyschological truths and translated them into the criminal field in a way that changed the way police work on serious crime.


In the UK there was a programme called "Cracker", starring Robbie Coltrane. Coltrane portrays a character, Fitz, "an abrasively eccentric forensic psychologist that aids in the solving of difficult police cases". The character's personal life is littered with failure and he lives a pretty dark existence. He becomes consumed by his work. If you haven't seen the TV Series it is well worth a watch if this is a discipline you are interested in (I think Paul Britton contributed as a consultant- although I am not 100% on this).


Many of us have seen films such as the Bone Collector, with Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington (1999), and been inspired by the methods of a Forensic Psychologist. We all have the detective mentality in us fighting to get to the surface and provide it's analytical stamp on puzzling situations. By our natures we are inquisitive and enjoy a puzzle.

Could you be a Forensic Psychologist though? Or would you want to be? When I first came across the work of Paul Britton and the field of Criminal Psychology I was already studying Psychology. I was doing my first degreee and deciding where to specialise. Should I go for Clinical Psychology, Sports Psychology, Occupational Psychology or any other of the many arenas in which psychologists ply their trade. On deciding whether Forensic Psychology was the route I wanted to take one thought became the deciding factor. That thought was that "if you want to understand the way a criminal is thinking you have to start to think like them".  With this in mind I knew I was not tough enough to do the job even if I do possess all the other mental attributes required.

So what do you need to be a Forensic Psychologist? For a start you need a great deal of education, which of course requires money hehe. You also need to be intelligent, be able to assess situations quickly to dechiper the truths, be able to accept close scrutiny of your work and be able to work in an environment where confrontation is the norm. Add to this an ability to work alone, a comfort with details, and a naturally inquisitive mind and you have some of the package.

Just found this interesting site on the topic of criminal psychology that may be worth a look to find out more.

Time is money, or so they say!

When my brother was on holiday from University he looked around for opportunities to earn a fast buck. He scoured job sites, newspapers and networked with all his mates to try and find what would be the most lucrative way to spend his holidays.

Now, when I was paying my way through my studies I worked in factories. It was a hard slog with long hours and meagre pay for really hard graft. So you can imagine how I vexed when my brother told me what Medical Assistant Salaries were for agency staff. He was earning somewhere approaching $20 an hour and drank far more cups of tea in a day than I did in a week working in the factories. Don't get me wrong, I want my kid brother to do well. But I  felt the green eyed monster swelling within me as I recounted the difficulty with which I had sustained my college lifestyle.

Well time has passed and now I am married to a nurse. We have two beautiful kids and I have a new even more expensive lifestyle to sustain than that which I enjoyed in my formulative years. Remembering my brothers job search I recently delved into the world of nursing agencies to see what kind of salary my wife could command as a freelance worker. I am smiling. She can earn $50+ per hour. We are now looking into the possibility of our lives becoming more flexible, more lucrative, and more family-focused. Too many of us live to work when the reverse should be true.

As I recount my days working in the factories and enjoying the fruits of my labour during term time I feel a warm glow. I worked hard for my fun and I think becuse of that I enjoyed it all the more.  The money I earned was hard earned. Perhaps I missed something when I first felt that burning envy for the salary my brother earnt as a medical assistant. Perhaps the amount of money we earn is less important than the journey, and it is the journey and experiences that will stick with us in future years, not the hourly rate.

Sadly, I know that if our family income increases and my wife takes the plunge into self employment, after studying all the permeatations, pros and cons, then ignoring them all and looking at the money, our lifestyle will expand to meet our means. Isn't that what happens to everyone? Sooner or later we will be looking for a more lucrative way to spend our working time and meet our lifestyle needs. Oh the joys of living a time is money trapped existence. I really need to find a way to earn money while I sleep. Anyone got any ideas?

A Career in Education

Have you ever thought of a career in education? If not, you should consider it. A career in education can be very rewarding as you have the power to teach young minds. You can work with children, work within subjects of your specialty, as well as the opportunity to work with children of different ages and grade levels.

Now while you might think that a career in education may not be a good idea due to all the cuts in state and federal education budgets, education is still a prospering career. A career in education involves a lot of work and education. In addition, teacher licensure requirements are different depending on the state in which you are planning to teach. Most states require at least a Bachelor’s degree in either early childhood or secondary education, or a specialty subject, such as Math, English, or Science. However, other states require a Master’s degree in education.

For example, Massachusetts requires at least a Bachelor’s degree in either early childhood education or secondary education, or a specialty subject. Massachusetts also requires a Master’s degree in education, a passing score on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), and at least five years of full time teaching in order to qualify for tenure and entrance into the teacher’s union. All in all, you will need to research what your preferred state requires to become a teacher.

Now while this field seems to require not only a lot of undergrad and graduate coursework, there is also a lot of field work and testing requirements. However, luckily there are many online Master’s degree programs you can take advantage of. Online courses are becoming extremely popular today due to the convenience and flexibility of the Internet. As a result, many adults are taking advantage of online courses, as well as it gives students the ability and flexibility to work and go to school at the same time.

If you continue your education and achieve a doctoral degree, you can even teach at a university level. You can make your own schedule, have summers and vacations off, and work with higher ed students in helping them choose their own careers. Once you have completed your education degree program, whichever level you choose, you will be in the process of beginning an exciting, stimulating, and fulfilling career as a teacher.

Why choose a carreer in criminal justice?

Many people watch CSI and wonder about jobs in criminal justice.  Is it really as exciting as they make it out to be on TV?  I can't say for sure, that's obviously up to you at the end of the day, but there are many practical reasons to take a job in the criminal justice field.  Unlike a lot of boring desk jobs, criminal justice offers a large diversity on a day to day basis. 

One good reason to join the criminal justice field is that it is recession proof.  People are always going to be committing crimes, probably more so when the economy is down and people are out of work.  This means that you will always be in demand, your job won't be tied directly to the economy like many jobs out there.  There will always be a need to study criminals and bring them to justice.  Even with more technology, it will never completely replace the need for people in this field.

Another great reason to be in the criminal justice field is that most jobs are through the government which gives you many advantages.  Not only are you recession proof, but it affords you all sorts of government benefits.  You will have a 401k plan, health insurance and more stability than most jobs.  There are also many different fields within the criminal justice umbrella that you can pursue.  From being in law enforcement to working in a court house, there are many options that all fall under the same label of criminal justice that might not have crossed your mind.

Working in this field will also give you the sense that you are bringing law and order to our society.  It can help you feel a sense of purpose in your community that you are helping your fellow citizens and neighbors.  People in this field usually enjoy studying the psychology of the criminal mind and what makes people turn into criminals.  Working in this field will also open many doors for you, as it will show other employers if you decide to leave the field that you value society, law and order. 

There are many reasons to go into the criminal justice field, but make sure that its for you.  Do your research and maybe talk to some people that are in the field.  The benefits of working in law enforcement and criminal justice are plentiful and can open doors to many other industries that may have never crossed your mind.  Just remember as with any job, at the end of the day you have to be happy with yourself and your life.  

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu  Words have never rung truer in my mind.  Traveling has always been an exciting passion of mine and as it sits I have had the luxury of growing up around the world.  When I started backpacking, more than 10 years ago, it was a totally different scene than it is today.  Today most backpackers have a computer or iPhone, Facebook and every other conceivable way to stay connected on the road, able to have an adventure without losing connection with friends, family, even work.

Today is different, today I have actually started my very own adventure blog all about backpacking on a budget, going to amazing different places in the world and having an adventure that suits your particular needs and comforts.  I have seen so many different types of travelers over the years and it seems that everyone has a different goal or destination.  It’s a lot like playing telephone when your a little kid in a circle, someone whispers to the next person and by the time it gets to the last kid the idea is totally different then when it started.  You start your trip with a goal in mind and it morphs and changes into reality in a completely different way then you expected.  That has to be my favorite part of traveling, never knowing what is coming next.

So here is the view from my rooftop, and well I guess I am pretty fortunate to be able to travel to such amazing places.  And now with online bachelor degree programs you can study from wherever you choose to make your home.  The world is so huge, but daily it seems to be getting smaller.  The internet is connecting everyone to everything and making the travelers life even easier.  Why not get a degree while you travel, or find a job that you can do from anywhere through the internet.  It seems like this is the future, space seems to be the final frontier, but until that pans out for the masses we are here exploring our crazy planet.

So today I leave you with one final thought,
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with one step”  -Lao Tzu

And in much the same way a blog of millions of pages must begin with one word.

How to eat better and feel great

A lot of people are in a rush these days.  I mean it's Christmas, the holidays are here and everyone is in a rush to do something.  Whether it be to get presents or just trying to catch up with work, or taking care of your family.  Everyone has something to do and no one has time for thinking about eating healthy and taking care of your body.  It happens every year and then people start making their crazy new years resolutions to make up for all the bad habits they have allowed themselves to fall into over the holidays.

It wasn't that long ago that I was in college, and it was very stressful.  At the time I was considering switching to an online degree because I figured it would be easier if I decided to move or travel I could still keep working towards my goal.  It was just stress coming in from all angles and I didn't know what to do or how to handle it.  So I did what most college kids did I ate lots of fast food, got lazy didn't work out and by the end of the holidays I was fatter than I'd ever been and definitely not happy.

I realized that it was a combination of everything that had gotten me there and I promised myself that I would not let it happen again.  I vowed right there that I would make a real difference in my habits everyday.  Let's be honest that lasted all of two days before I was back to my usual habits.  So over a course of a couple weeks I realized I really needed to make a change and I needed to stick to it.

I realized I was doing a lot of work at home and that making a change had to be about a daily change.  So I put a notepad on the fridge and everyday I would write down everything that I ate, anything I felt was bad I put in a big black marker.  Anything I ate that I felt was healthy and putting me towards my goal I put in a nice colorful marker and then everyday before I went to bed I would review the list.  It amazed me as I saw all the black on the list instead of nice colorful writing. 

The more I reviewed the list the more I would remember to make a change each and everyday.  When I would go to the fridge I would see the list from the day before and try and make changes every time I ate.  I also made other simple healthy choices.  I realized it was unrealistic for me to go to the gym everyday.  I simply didn't have the time, so instead I made quick easy changes.  Instead of driving the couple blocks to the grocery store and being lazy, I would walk it.  Instead of driving to school everyday and searching for a parking spot wasting gas, I bought a bike and rode to school.

It doesn't seem like much, but after a while everything started to click.  I realize these are very easy changes that anyone can make, but the more I made them, the more my subconscious would kick in and start making them automatically.  The moral of the story is when the holidays end and you decide to make your new years resolution, be realistic with your goals. 

Don't tell yourself you'll work out everyday or that you will eat healthy everyday.  It's not impossible, but it just won't happen overnight.  Instead start making small gradual changes and you will see that overtime it will become not only easier, but the subconscious decision in your head.  I still eat a fast food burger every once in a while, but my subconscious healthy decisions have evolved and now I work out 3 times a week, ride my bike to work, and almost always have a nice yogurt and fruit breakfast and a healthy salad with dinner.

How Do I Become a Zoologist?

So maybe you are studying biology or animal biology, but aren’t sure what to do? You could become a Zoologist! A Zoologist is any person who works with animals. You could become a veterinarian, work in a zoo, or even a museum. So how do I become a Zoologist?

Since you are most likely working on your undergrad, it is best to study zoological science or animal biology, or a related field. However, as a potential Zoologist, be ready to continue your education. Most Zoologists achieve Master’s and even doctoral degrees. You can absolutely find a job with a Bachelor’s, however, know that there is little room for advancement in this area. The key here is the more education you complete, the higher your position, which also means higher pay.

Now while this may seem like a lot of work, and it definitely it is, remember that today you can take a number of your courses online. With the flexibility and convenience of the Internet today, there are a number of accredited online schools to choose from. If you’ve never taken an online course before, you should give it a try! They are similar to a regular classroom lecture, however, you can “attend class” by sitting in the comfort of your own home, or while commuting, or even while you are on vacation! These days you can complete your entire degree program all online without ever taking a step on an actual college or university campus!

All in all, a career as a Zoologist can be a lot of fun! When we were young, the majority of us wanted a career working with animals. Well, you should know that this doesn’t have to be just some childhood fantasy, you can actually develop a well-rounded and fun career as a Zoologist.

So while you’ve got a lot to think about, particularly on all the school you may have ahead of you, keep in mind that education is never wasted. Zoologists that complete their Master’s or doctoral degrees can make up to $100,000 in some government positions! So with that high earning potential, six or seven years of school doesn’t seem all that bad, especially if you can work towards your zoology degree online.

How To Get An Internship

1. Ask around. The best way to get an internship is through people you know. Ask friends, family friends, acquaintances. Put a request out on Facebook and Twitter. Someone must know someone else. Think six degrees of separation. If you are only six people away from the person who can give you an internship that will change your life, it makes the task seem less daunting.
   
   
2. Brush up on your activities; An active, community spirited person is more likely to be hired than someone who has nothing to say and spends their time doing nothing. Make yourself sound as interesting as possible. 
   
   
3. Lose the sense of entitlement; No-one likes someone who thinks the world should give them everything, you are no more special then anyone else. Arrogance is off-putting, confidence is key. 
   
   
4. Work Harder than anyone else. Employers love people who help themselves. Do an online degree, the more skills you have the more likely you are to get an internship. Employers love people who go for it. 
   
   
5. Think about what is stopping people giving you an internship, and then remove it. Take the feedback that you are getting from other people. If you are trying to get into finance do you keep getting told you need another qualification? Get it. Are you trying to become an actor and people tell you you need to be able to dance? Take some dance lessons. Remove the obstacles. 
   
   
6. Account for gaps on your CV; Think about what you could say when asked about these. Bad things to say are; sitting around the house or watching TV. Say that you were learning French or something similar that could add another string to your bow. 
   
   
7. Be likeable; It's a simple one but people like working with nice people. Try to smile even if you don't feel like it, say please and thank you and hold doors open for people. People will remember you as a good, decent person. The kind of person who gets hired!
   
   

Good Luck.

Top Ten Ways to Get Along With Your Fellow Students

How to get along with your fellow students whether you are studying for a masters degree or are doing a part time course. 

1. Don't take things personally. It is very easy to get off on the wrong foot with someone. Just because someone doesn't like the same thing as you, doesn't mean they are criticizing you. Everyone likes different things. You will probably have some stuff in common.
   
   
2. Don't ask personal questions: It is best never to ask people questions about age, politics, religion and sex. Asking people questions about these explosive subjects is the quickest way to an argument....
   
   
3. Agree to disagree. If you cannot agree with someone then just respect their opinion and ask them to respect yours. Don't just state that you are right and they are wrong. This will not make you any friends. 
   
   
4. Be Polite: Manners cost nothing. Even if you do not like someone you should be nice to them. A good person treats people nicely even when that person can do nothing for them. 
   
   
5. If you can't be kind, be vague. Least said, soonest mendest, as they say! 
   
   
6. Respect other people's boundaries. Don't invade other people's space, talk over them or hit on their partners. Have other people's feelings in mind. 
   
   
7. Don't talk behind other people's backs. Not only will it probably get back to them, but the person you are being indiscreet with won't trust you either. 
   
   
8. Reputation is everything. Protect yours. As Bob Dylan says: 'You're dignity is something that you can sell, but you can't buy back'. 
   
   
9. Say sorry. If you do something that upsets someone, apologize. It may be the last thing you want to do, but it will make you the bigger person. 
   
   
10. Talk it through. It is easy for misunderstandings to happen. Always be brave enough to talk things through with people. They will respect you for it. Be honest. Maybe there wasn't even a problem in the first place! It's easy for misunderstandings to escalate into something bigger. Stop it from doing so immediately.