Should I Go To Duke University

Should I Go To Duke University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Rachel is a Kansas City tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring, ACT prep tutoring, Writing tutoring, Literature tutoring, and more. She graduated from Duke University in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Literature and International Comparative Studies. Check out her review of her alma mater: 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? Rachel:Setting foot on Dukes campus is an amazing experience. It is often referred to as the Gothic Wonderland, a title that reflects the gorgeous Collegiate Gothic-style architecture situated within thousands of acres of gardens and the Duke Forest. Although Duke is located in the heart of Durham, the campus provides a safe, insular respite from urban life. Although Duke is technically divided into three campusesEast, West, and Centralthe distinctions are primarily for housing purposes. All are within walking distance from one another and connected by a bus system that operates day and night. While living on campus, some students choose to have cars, but many rely on bikes or borrowing cars from friends when venturing into Durham. I chose to have a car only after I moved off campus my junior year, which saved money I would have otherwise spent on parking during my freshman and sophomore years. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Rachel:I was always impressed with the availability of my professors and advisers. This was incredibly important during my freshman year, when I had many questions regarding the transition to college life. My First-Year Advisor was a faculty member who actually lived in my dorm with his familyits hard to beat that level of accessibility. During my sophomore year, I was assigned a faculty adviser within my major whom I met with at least once a semester to navigate my academic planning. I was able to build strong relationships with many of my professors, particularly in courses that employed papers rather than exams as the basis for students grades. My professors and their teaching assistants invested significant time and effort in evaluating my written work and were always willing to meet with me to provide guidance and suggest areas for improvement. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Rachel:One of my favorite aspects of the first-year experience was living on Dukes East Campus, which exclusively houses freshmen students. Simply referred to as East, the campus features its own dining hall, gym, library, computer lab, coffeehouse, and post office, in addition to having several buildings where classes are held. Although courses offered on East are open to all undergraduates, the campus primarily serves as the epicenter of freshman life. I felt that Easts unique community fostered strong bonds among the students in my freshmen class, and it made the move to dorm life much less intimidating. I absolutely loved dorm life at Duke. Each freshman dorm houses roughly 125 students and represents its own tight-knit community. Although my room wasnt particularly palatial and the community bathrooms took some getting used to, it was impossible to feel lonely, and sharing close quarters served as the foundation for some of my strongest, most lasting friendships. I recently attended the wedding of two of my freshman dorm-mates, which was an incredible reunion of old friends. 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? Rachel:Duke students enroll in one of two undergraduate programs: Pratt School of Engineering or Trinity College of Arts Sciences. Its difficult to say which majors are best represented or supported, as Duke offers over 100 majors, minors, and interdisciplinary certificates, and over 80% of students earn multiple degrees. Im reminded of the countless academic paths that students can follow when I think back to the diverse degrees earned by my friends, such as Economics Chemistry, Public Policy Art History, Journalism Religion, and Womens Studies Philosophy, just to name a few. I was able to major in both Literature and International Comparative Studies due to the interdisciplinary nature of the liberal arts program. Duke places a great deal of emphasis on Global Education, with nearly half of students spending a semester studying abroad, which correlated well with my course of study. Within the International Comparative Studies major, my regional concentration was Western Europe. I was able to spend an educational semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain, where I took several courses that counted toward my major requirements. 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? Rachel:As I mentioned earlier, living on East Campus made it incredibly easy to make friends and get to know my fellow freshmen. The rush process for fraternities and sororities does not take place until second semester, so freshmen have ample time to formulate friendships before deciding whether or not to participate in Greek life. While fraternities and sororities do play a significant role in the campus social scene, the majority of Greek events are open to all students. Dukes fraternities and sororities dont have chapter houses, although fraternities have designated sections within West Campus dorms. Selected Living Groups including multicultural, co-ed, and sober living environments offer an alternative to Greek life, with each group maintaining a section similar to those of fraternities. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Rachel:The Career Center provides valuable services like DukeConnect, which is an online database of job listings posted by Duke alums. Twice a year, the Career Center hosts a sizeable Career Fair featuring employers from a wide array of industries. Since I planned to attend law school shortly after graduation, I didnt have much interaction with the Career Center, but several of my friends obtained employment in consulting, finance, and design through Dukes career services. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Rachel:Dukes campus provides diverse study areas to accommodate any type of learning environment. The libraries are enormous, featuring large spaces and classrooms for collaborative study, and countless isolated spaces for private, uninterrupted learning. Many students also study in dorm lounges, the student union, on the quad, or in the Duke Gardens. I enjoyed varying my study locations and took advantage of working outside whenever possiblewhich was often, thanks to North Carolinas lovely climate. 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? Rachel:Durham is a sizeable town of nearly 200,000 citizens that continues to expand its cultural opportunities. At times, the town-gown relations between Duke students and local residents can feel somewhat strained, but this relationship is generally amicable. Durham offers a wealth of amazing restaurants representing a multitude of cuisines. Off-campus events sponsored by fraternities, sororities, or other organizations typically take place at the same dozen venues, which has its pros and cons. While it can feel somewhat repetitive frequenting the same establishments time and again, the upside is that students are likely to encounter friends and peers whenever they venture off-campus, which I found to be comforting. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Rachel:I thought that Dukes 6,500 undergraduates constituted an ideally sized student body. Less than five of my classes had an enrollment of over 50 students, and the majority of my courses had a class size between 10 and 20 students. I loved the small, seminar-learning environment because it facilitated close relationships among students and teachers and promoted an active, engaging learning environment. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Rachel: My most memorable class at Duke was a seminar entitled Representations of the Holocaust, taught by a visiting professor from Israel. I was enrolled in the class during the second semester of my freshman year, and it was my first significant exposure to cultural studies and critical theory, which influenced my course of study throughout the remainder of my time at Duke. We studied poetry, memoirs, novels, and visual art created both during and in the decades following the Holocaust. Engaging with such emotive materialparticularly as it was taught by an expert in the fieldwas an incredibly rewarding academic undertaking and unlike any other Ive experienced. Check out Rachels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How You Can Learn to Sing Online

How You Can Learn to Sing Online Multimedia Tools Apps to Improve your Singing Voice ChaptersKaraoke AppsHow Can You Download Karaoke Videos?Tools for Recording Your VoiceThe Best Sites for Learning Music TheoryThere are plenty of benefits to singing: It’s good for moral, can improve your mood, and also comes with a number of physiological benefits. There’s also studies showing that singing can improve your vocal muscles and reduce snoring.Rather than detailing all the benefits of working on your singing voice, in this article, we’re going to go over a unique type of vocal training to help you learn how to sing.Do you tend to break into song at random moments throughout the day?Are you unashamedly one of those people who always sings in the shower?If so, this is the article for you. If you’re too nervous to sing a song in public because you’re afraid of singing out of tune, here are some tips to find your voice and improve your singing quickly...Singplay: Firstly, it’s free! Secondly, it can convert the mp3s from your smartphone or tablet into karaoke tra cks.Yokee: This app has an impressive library of tracks and allows you to add effects to your voice. While it’s free, there are in-app purchases which can actually set you back a significant amount of money.The Voice: On Stage: If you’re a fan of the TV show, you’re going to love this app. Put yourself in the shoes of a contestant and unlock new songs through your performances. Competitive people will love it.Sing! Karaoke by Smule: If you want to compare yourself to other singers, this is the app you’ll need since you can sing with other connected users. By paying a few quid for the premium version, you’ll gain access to 800,000 titles which should keep you busy for a while.You can also check out Red Karaoke Sing Record or StarMaker...Generally, karaoke apps allow you to record and work on your voice, to share your performances on social networks, and add effects to your voice (reverb, echo, etc,). Not only will these features help you improve your singing, they can help make the learning process more fun. Bit by bit, you’ll start gaining some self-confidence.If you're living in a big city, find singing lessons London or  singing lessons Manchester and start to learn how to sing like a pro. Or check out singing lessons online.How Can You Download Karaoke Videos?Now that we’ve established the essential mobile apps that every amateur singer should download, let’s have a look at how you can download karaoke videos.In just a few clicks, you can prepare an evening of party games.Make your parties more interesting with karaoke! (Source: pixabay.com)There are a few options available to those who’d like to download videos and instrumental versions of songs with the lyrics. Don’t forget that YouTube has an impressive number of karaoke videos. As always, in terms of music, it’s your best friend for successful karaoke nights. Don’t forget to look for singing tutorials online, too. You’ll find tonnes of useful tips and tricks for improving your voice.Similarly, you could opt to pay for Karafun and enjoy the platform without adverts and having to look all over the place for karaoke videos. When you subscribe, you can access a database of around 27,000 titles and save your favourites to your computer.There are plenty of sites that also allow you to directly download karaoke videos. You can use them to build your own personal repertoire of karaoke songs for practising your singing or making your evenings unforgettable.If you want to get things moving along even more quickly and improve your vocal technique, you should consider downloading the best (free) apps so that you can work on your singing.Kanto Karaoke: A veritable professional studio, this singing app includes a mixing deck and the option to easily record your voice. You can also convert midi files into mp3s and build your own personalised playlist.Siglos Karaoke Player: This app, which plays and records karaoke, also allows you to change the key of a song that doesn ’t correspond to your range.Karaokay: Simple and easy to use, this singing app is really useful for those who’ve just started singing.Tools for Recording Your VoiceSinging your favourite tunes in front of the mirror is fun. However, if your goal is to improve your singing, you have to regularly work on your singing and the songs you’d like to perform. This starts by first recording your own voice.This is a simple and effective technique even though it can be a little disappointing the first few times you hear yourself singing. While the recording’s accurate, you’ll need to move on from it. Motivate yourself to keep trying and improving. You’ll soon become aware of the qualities and flaws of your voice.Investing in good equipment pays dividends when it comes to improving your singing. (Source:  pixabay.com)So let’s not waste any more time and get the necessary equipment for recording your voice. It’s quite simple to create a home studio or mini recording studio with j ust a few carefully-chosen devices and programmes:Microphone: This is essential. Recording yourself with the built-in microphone on your computer isn’t the best way to achieve good sound quality. It’s much better to get a good external microphone with anti-pop and a stand.Headphones or speakers: These are useful for listening to your recordings without affecting the sound quality.A Programme like Audacity. This programme is the most downloaded and, best of all, it’s free! It’s easy to use and a favourite amongst amateur artists and music lovers. It can record digital audio files (.wav, .mp3) and inlcludes a number of functions such as filters, tempo, volume, voice changers, etc. You can also remove the vocals from songs in order to turn them into instrumental versions.Before recording your voice, try to create the perfect conditions:Find a calm and quiet place where you won’t be bothered by background noises that’ll be picked up on the recording.Test your microphone in o rder to check the levels and settings (it can be pretty pointless to finish recording a song only to find out that you can’t even hear your voice!).If possible, you should film yourself as you record your voice since if you want to perform in front of a audience, your stage presence is as important as your singing!The Best Sites for Learning Music TheoryIt’s not enough to just sing in order to improve your voice, you need to understand the underlying concepts of music and, in particular, music theory. Good musical training is really important when it comes to being able to sing well.Do you have a good ear for music and a beautiful voice?If you want to become a good singer, this is an essential part of it. Singing by just listening has its limits. Furthermore, this can open a whole wealth of new possibilities. Whether you want to sing in a group or on your own, you should read the music and learn the notes. That means you’re going to have to learn music theory.While this might seem impossible in the beginning, the internet is here to help you. You can easily learn music theory activities online.Which are the best sites for easily learning music theory?You can find plenty of sites (including ones for children) with fun tools for learning the names of the notes, reading sheet music, understanding the differences between sharps and flats, learning scales, etc.If you want to improve your singing, you'll need to study music theory. (Source: pixabay.com)WebsiteContentOne Minute Music LessonThis site is one of the best around. It includes short video lessons covering even the most basic concepts of music theory.MetronimoYou can learn music theory with games thanks to this site aimed at children. There’s an app you can download for free.MusicTheory.netThis site has interactive music theory activities for you to practise what you’ve learnt.TeoríaThis site includes varied resources on music theory and tutorials. There are also exercises for training your ear.T oneSavvyThis site (which was formerly known as eMusicTheory) includes a plethora of music theory resources for both students and teachers.Despite all the tools available, learning to sing can be really difficult if you never take a single singing lesson and don't get help from a singing teacher. It’s all up to you to objectively analyse your performance and singing techniques, choose the right warm up exercises to train your vocal chords, and making sure you're in tune.If you want to improve quickly, you should also try and develop good habits:Warm up your voice with vocal exercisesDo breathing exercisesAdopt the right positionBroaden your vocal rangeLearn to breathe correctlyArticulate yourself wellEtc.When learning without a vocal coach, we can sometimes pick up bad habits. With the right vocal warmups, you’ll be able to sing better without straining your vocal chords too much.If you have the chance to go to a singing school or take private tutorials with a singing coach, you should definitely consider them as you’ll soon become the star of your karaoke nights! With a bit of talent and the help of YouTube, you might become the next big star!

Stop! 6 Musical Theatre Audition Songs to Avoid at All Costs

Stop! 6 Musical Theatre Audition Songs to Avoid at All Costs Suzy S. Selecting the right repertoire is a big part of a successful audition but be careful, as there are so many overdone musical theatre audition songs out there. Here,  Molly R.  shares six songs to avoid and what to try instead! With musical theatre auditions, often the toughest part isnt the audition itself, but instead making a decision on what to sing. I’m here to help narrow it down by telling you what NOT to sing in an audition the overdone musical theatre audition songs. Keep in mind that audition panels have been listening to actors/singers all day long (or much longer!), and there are many songs they would rather not hear ever done again, even if they are done well. Don’t annoy these panels. Instead, make them love you by kindly avoiding these overdone musical theatre songs. 1. “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables OK, so it worked for Susan Boyle. But that’s the problem! People have already been singing from Les Miserables for more than 20 years but once she became an Internet sensation, even more women went into auditions with this ballad. Not a smart choice. Save it for the shower! If you like singing from big, bold musicals, I suggest you look at Frank Wildhorn shows instead. “Scarlet Pimpernel” is very similar in style to “Les Miserables,” but no one ever sings from this show, as it was a big flop! A solo you may like from Scarlet Pimpernel is “Only Love.” 2. “Corner of the Sky from “Pippin” This number has been overdone for more than 40 years now! Tenors, you have much better options than this song. If you like this one, why not try another Stephen Schwartz song, like “All Good Gifts” from “Godspell”? It’s still a song that a panel will know and love, but it’s not something they hear every night at auditions without fail. 3. “Anthem” from “Chess” Sure, it may be a lesser done musical, but this is one of the most overdone musical theatre songs for tenor and high baritones (baritenors). It’s truly a wonderful, dramatic song but again, panels hear it way too often. For a better option, try “Love Can’t Happen” from “Grand Hotel” by Maury Yeston. It’s every bit as soaring and impressive as “Anthem” (if not more so!). 4. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl” “Glee” has been great for promoting the art of musical theatre, but  as a result, certain show tunes have become way too popular at auditions. Belters, we all love this song, but there are so many other great tunes that will let you show off your voice! Try either “Look What Happened to Mabel” or “Wherever He Ain’t” from the criminally overlooked “Mack Mabel” by Jerry Herman. Both are incredibly fun and sassy numbers. I promise panels don’t hear them often enough! On another note, do avoid “People” from “Funny Girl,” as well. Many professionals firmly believe this belongs to one singer and one singer only: Barbra Streisand! Lastly, overdone musical theatre songs for kids  include: 5. Where is Love? from Oliver! Boys, look beyond this option, please! There’s a very funny number from the newer musical “A Christmas Story” that you’ll love. Its called “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun, and its Ralphie’s solo. Its a lot of fun to sing, and the audition panel will really enjoy hearing it.   6. Anything from Annie Girls, no “Annie” ever…. unless a panel specifically asks for it. No “Maybe,” and definitely definitely no “Tomorrow”! “Matilda” is a new musical for young girls that is taking Broadway by storm. Look into the tune “Naughty. It will show off your acting skills too! Need more suggestions for which songs are good options at an audition? The video below sums it up perfectly, complete with recommendations for each voice type- Your voice teacher is likely to have lots of other helpful suggestions on interesting musical theatre audition repertoire that will suit you! Don’t have a voice teacher? No problem! TakeLessons is the best place to find one. You can also find more great audition songs  in our list of 400+ songs to sing for every occasion! Post Author: Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. Learn more about Molly  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  Eva Rinaldi

Skills for Resume - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Skills for Resume - Introvert Whisperer Skills for Resume When you write a resume, highlighting your most relevant skills is crucial if you want to impress the hiring manager.     Listing all of your skills without honing in on the most applicable ones to the job you’re applying to is a mistake.   To make sure you’re on the right track, check the job posting if you’re unsure what skills are relevant to a role, and then find ones that match your own skill-set to use on your resume.   There are two types of skills for a resume: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are learned in school, on the job, and even during training. They’re things you either know how to do or don’t â€" like driving a car, using JavaScript, and knowing how to insert an IV drip.   By contrast, soft skills are related to your personality, and are ever-evolving throughout your lifetime. Examples include your communication skills, your leadership skills, or whether you prefer to work independently or within a team.   Most jobs require a balance of hard and soft skills. For example, a nurse’s soft skills include communication, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Their hard skills include administering injections, changing bandages, and taking vital signs.   Many job seekers struggle to showcase their skills on their resumes. This infographic breaks down the core differences between hard and soft skills, and then shows three ways to showcase them in a resume by using the introduction, the work experience section, and of course, the skills section.

How Can You Become a Cake Decorator

How Can You Become a Cake Decorator Your First Steps: Decorating Cakes for Fun and Profit ChaptersIntroduction to the Sugar ArtsBuy Tools and Play With ThemWork With Various Types of IcingWorking in a Cake Shop or Supermarket BakeryFlying Solo: Starting Your Cake Decorating BusinessWhen one thinks ‘artist’, generally, thoughts run to painting, singing, dancing, writing...So, it logically follows that most people, when asked about their artistic and creative abilities, will assert that they are not in the least the creative sort. That can’t be true.Creativity is a concept that covers a wide scope of the human experience: we find creative solutions to business problems, personal relationships and even to arrange our lives so that they are most pleasing, productive and peaceful.Taking that last thought a step further: we coordinate our clothing, match our jewellery and arrange our dinner table and our food so that it is most appealing.Decorating cakes is a natural extension of that very common, very human impulse.You might have sauntered past a cake shop and, enticed b y the sweet smell emanating from within, lingered over the display in the shop window. Or maybe your best mate recently got married and the cake was the highlight of the reception party.Perhaps you are a fan of The Great British Bake-Off...Wherever you came by the idea that you’d like to try your hand at cake decorating, your Superprof would like to help you get on your way to becoming the sugar artist you never thought you could be. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1 st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsIntroduction to the Sugar Arts Cupcake decorating is the new decorating frontier in our weight-obsessed times Image by Free-Photos from PixabayThe sugar arts are a real thing and those who create luscious confections are called sugar artists.They range from chocolatiers at Godiva and Richart to the cupcakes at the Hummingbird Bakery chain in London.Wedding cake makers have long been in the spotlight; their sugar flowers adorning or cascading down the tiered cake is a highlight of any wedding celebration. Just think of all of the press dedicated to Harry and Meghan’s cake, and the one at his brother’s wedding a few years before.Today, the discerning party host/ess will ensure their event finishes with a lavishly decorated dessert suited to the occasion.Birthday cakes are a big deal but so are cakes for retirement parties, seasonal events â€" we are coming up on All Hallow’s Eve. Cakes for baby showers, graduation, fancy dress and themed parties... the list goes on and the market for designer cakes is huge!You ’ll note that we said ‘decorated dessert’ rather than ‘cake’; there is a good reason for that.Our country’s current focus on healthy eating and portion control has driven miniature cakes to the forefront of cake decorating ideas.Lately, the craze has centred around cupcakes â€" the American name for fairy cakes. The most famous cake shops in London tout cupcakes as though they were always a British thing but it is their American name that gives them such cachet.For those rigidly monitoring their sugar intake, cake pops are just the thing. They amount to a two-bite portion of cake, wildly decorated and mounted on a stick. Often, you can find a display of cake pops by a restaurant’s or coffee shop’s cash register. Their resemblance to a lolly makes kids, especially, clamour for them.The sum total of this exposé is that there are plenty of ways to express yourself as a sugar artist; as many ways as there are types of cake and reasons for them. You don’t have to decid e just yet what types of cake you will work with â€" tiered cakes, layer cakes, cupcakes or cake lollies; the best place to start is to see what you can do with the tools and supplies at your disposal.Buy Tools and Play With ThemFor those who are now actively considering a career as a sugar artist, investment in cake decorating tools is no longer idle speculation but the next logical step on the way to their goal.The trick is, what should you buy? And how does one learn how to use their new toys?The second question is easy: you can take a cake decorating course that will feature the most common tools and how to use them. If you’re of a hardy type, one who enjoys discovering things on your own, you can experiment without the benefit of any instruction.The question of what tools to buy is a bit more complex because there are so many tools and accessories designed for decorating cakes!At the very least, you should have:Spatulas: straight, offset and several rubber spatulas (for stirr ing and for scraping)A cake stand: it functions as a turntable so that you can pipe icing on with one hand while turning with the otherPiping bags: reusable or disposable; you should have more than oneDecorating tips in various sizes; also include at least one rose nailAs you get more advanced â€" or more adventurous, you may consider adding an airbrush set to your arsenal, along with some silicone molds to practise making different decorations. You may also consider adding a few stencils to your toolkit so that you don’t have to make the same design over and over again.Now that you have a well-equipped toolkit, it is time to start working with different icings.You can start with videos and tutorials online or invest in a few books about cake decorating. If you don’t care to invest in such books, you may find them on loan at your local library. A cake stand is more than a fancy serving platter; it can help you decorate cakes Image by Terri Cnudde from PixabayWorking in a Cake Shop or Supermarket BakeryOnce you’ve built up a sizable portfolio â€" you should always take pictures of your creations, even if you’ve copied other cake designers (be sure to give them credit for the design!), you will be ready to apply for a position as a cake decorator.Your work there will entail dealing with customers â€" helping them select the cake design best suited to their occasion. If no such model is available for them to see, you may have to sketch your idea out on paper.Besides dealing with customers and decorating pre-baked cakes, you may be tasked with helping to maintain inventory and ordering the ingredients, decorating supplies and tools you need. You may also be charged with generating new business; that may involve handing out samples or coupons in the store’s aisles, if you work in a supermarket.Please note that, if you inte nd to work in such a commercial enterprise, you will have to have a Level 2 food hygiene certificate. You should learn how to decorate biscuits; it is the next big thing in cake decorating circles! Image by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto from PixabayFlying Solo: Starting Your Cake Decorating BusinessPragmatic matters like earning one’s living aside, the reason you became a sugar artist is to express yourself in your preferred medium. As such, many such artists feel that decorating cakes on demand, in a supermarket or bakery, is too confining.If you echo that sentiment, it may be time to consider starting your own business.Here again, you have to heed certain rules and laws: you will need a food hygiene certificate and you will need to register your business with HMRC.Besides those two non-negotiable mandates, you will have plenty of leeway. You can work out of your home or open a shop (beware of overhead costs!).You may consider building a website and, as many other fabulous cake decorators do, post video tutorials online. You could also partner with a catering firm or two; that’s a great way for your work to gain exposure!Finally, you could host cake decorating classes â€" not quite as self-defeating a proposition as it sounds. Just because you show others how to tap into their artistic potential using buttercream frosting as a medium, doesn’t mean they won’t come to you for their future cake decoration needs.The key is to launching a successful business is getting your name out there; any way you can think of to do that is a step in the right direction. Some sugar artists trade on their online presence - social media, especially Instagram.Thinking back on the keen child that you were, scribbling and colouring on every available scrap of paper you came across, would you dare to say that you don’t have an artistic bone in your body?It’s not possible. More likely is the fact that you simply haven’t found your medium of expression yet. Could sugar be it?Now delve deeper into the art of making cakes...

Tips for Reviewing the Midyear Report Card

Tips for Reviewing the Midyear Report Card The school year has reached the halfway mark, which means it is report card time. Co-Founder and CEO Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says that while some parents and children dread this time of year, report cards present an opportunity to make adjustments if needed and get children back on track. The midyear report card is a great chance for parents to assess their childrens strengths, weaknesses, progress and study skills, she says. Parents should open the lines of communication with their children and childrens teachers and guidance counselors and formulate a plan for the rest of the year to address any parent concerns. Huntington offers parents these tips when reviewing the report card: Its important to focus on progress. Too often, parents jump to the letter grades and dont spend time looking at much else. What you should look for is your childs progress toward mastery of grade-level standards. How is your child growing this school year? Pay attention to progress indicators and benchmarks. Effort matters most. Parents who are involved in the homework routine at home should have a good sense of how their children are doing on school work, but the report card will shed additional light. Look for marks and comments on the report card that highlight your childs effortand whether that effort is reflected in his or her grades, as it should be. Look for common warning signs. Low grades are one problem, but keep an eye out for other common red flags, including any indicators that your child has poor study skills, lacks focus, struggles to keep up or has difficulty with essential skills like organization and time management. If youve noticed a change in your childs demeanor and these kinds of issues are showing up on the report card, a discussion with the teacher is a good idea before the crisis period worsens. Content knowledge is just one measure. Yes, it is important to review your childs grades on content knowledge in the core subjects, but in todays education landscape, there are many other measures of students performance. Review the report card for comments and marks on your childs higher-level thinking, problem solving, comprehension and other similar abilities. Attitude is everything. Childrens attitudes about school are very tellingand a child who seems indifferent or angry about school is likely dealing with low confidence and feelings of hopelessness. Pay attention to any comments from the teacher (and probe further during the parent-teacher conference) on your childs motivation and overall attitude about learning and his or her grades. Report cards are a valuable tool for parents to gain a detailed understanding of how their child is performing in school. And no matter what the midyear report card looks like, Huntington encourages parents to keep in mind that no problem is insurmountable. If your childs midyear report card highlighted areas of concern, call Huntington, she says. There is plenty of time to address and correct issues before the end of the year, and help your child re-build his or her self-esteem and finish the year strong. 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. 2019 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

How to Find a Private Tutor Near Me What You Need to Know - Private Tutoring

How to Find a Private Tutor Near Me What You Need to Know BobbiM May 1, 2017 The most common phrase we hear from parents and students is, I want to find a private tutor near me!   Because when you realize that a course (or semester) isnt quite going the way that you would like, getting fast and effective help is what you are looking for.   Any current or past student will be able to tell you that education, and the exams that come with it, aren’t all that easy. Sometimes a little extra help is exactly what students need to help them reach their full potential and those higher grades â€" and that’s why you want to find a private tutor near you. What to Look For In a Private Tutor There are hundreds of private tutors out there, and if you’re going to spend money on extra tuition you want to make sure that out of those hundreds, you find the right private tutor for you. The first thing you should check is their qualifications. Before you start paying a tutor, you need to know that they’re qualified to teach the subject and at the level you need help. If you need tutoring for a specific subject, look for a tutor who has graduated in that subject area, taken several related courses on the topic someone who is a specialist in that field. Or if you need a tutor for a younger student, who hasn’t yet narrowed down the subjects that they’re studying, a tutor with a teaching degree and experience working with children of similar ages might be more suitable. Everyone has different learning styles, so if you need lessons that are more specific than general teaching methods to help you take everything in, ask potential tutors if they’d be able to cater to different learning styles. You could even ask for a sample lesson plan. If you’re seeking tutoring before an upcoming exam, it’s also worth asking tutors if they’re familiar with your exam board and mark schemes. This way, they can help you learn exactly what you need to know, and give you tips on how to present answers in an examiner friendly manner. The private tutoring cost is also something you want to consider when looking for a tutor. Generally, tutors charge per hour, and the cost is usually between $15 and $45. How much a tutor charges can be an indicator of their experience. Tutors that have cheaper hourly rates may not have that much experience, but equally, if a tutor is a little on the expensive side, you should check that they can justify their private tutoring cost with relevant qualifications and experience. Why Is It Important to Find a Private Tutor Near Me? Why Not Just Use an Online Tutor? It’s all very well to find the perfect tutor ready and able to assist you in whatever course or area you are looking for, but if they’re located hundreds of miles away, they’re not going to be much help. You need a tutor that’s only a stones throw away. There are a lot of online tutors and resources nowadays, which might seem like the easier option, but finding a tutor who will deliver lessons in person will help you progress much more quickly. Often, online tutors and resources are for generic use by many students. A tutor near you will get to know you personally, and cater to your individual abilities and learning style. A local tutor is more likely to be familiar with your school’s syllabus and exam processes and requirements, as most of their students will attend the same schools. Often, local tutors are in contact with the teachers at local schools, and work with them to improve students’ points of weaknesses. So hiring a private tutor near you means that you’ll be getting personal support from all angles. If this is the case, you might find that local tutors can even deliver their lessons within your school, so that lessons can take place in a safe and familiar environment, and make use of all of the possible resources. You Might Also Be Interested In: Home Tutors Private Tutors If you plan on having the lessons either at your own home or your tutor’s home, obviously you’ll need your tutor to be close by. Having a private tutor near you will make it much easier to plan lessons last minute should you find out you quickly need help in some area or before a test, and at times that suit you both. The closer your tutor is, the more flexible you’ll be able to be with lessons and schedules generally. The closer the tutor, the less the private tutoring cost will be. If you have to travel to them, remember to take into account the cost of fuel on top of their hourly rate. If they travel to you, you might find the hourly rate is a little more expensive to cover the cost of their journey, or they may even ask for fuel money on top of the lesson price.  A local tutor  in your area will save both of you the hassle of any additional mileage or travel expenses. How Can I Find Private Tutors Near Me? Now that youve made the decision to find a private tutor near you, the next step is to determine just how to find one near you.   Most of us dont have a long list of tutors readily available for whatever topics either we or our child might need. One of the easiest ways to be put in contact with reliable tutors near you is to use an agency or website that offers top notch private tutors. Tutors that work with an organization are usually required to undergo background checks, and have to meet certain levels of qualification and experience requirements, so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.   And theses days, making sure that there is some qualifications checks as well as verification of the tutor themselves adds a level of safety and security that is important for you and/or your child. A private tutoring site also makes it easy to find a whole range of tutors in one place. Rather than continuously searching different websites, you can just search their database of tutors to see the wide selection of tutors that might be able to help you. So whether you are looking for college math tutors or just want to know how to easily find a math tutor for your child, this is a fast, secure and easy way to do that.   No matter where you live, there is bound to be a range of suitable tutors near you. Another advantage to using an organization is that you’ll be dealing with a company rather than just an individual. If your tutor can longer make a lesson, you may be able to quickly find a replacement. Or if you have any issues, the company will help you resolve them in the best way they can. There are of course other ways to find private tutors. You could also find private tutors near you by asking your school if they know any tutors that they’d recommend. Teachers will know what their students need to help them progress and excel at the course as well as the subject matter, and will be able to suggest tutors that the school knows are reliable, trustworthy, and suitable for your needs. The only trouble with finding a tutor this way is that the school may be in contact with limited tutors, so searching online is definitely the best way to go. You don’t even have to search for too long, in fact, you can search for tutors right here on our site. We have a huge database of tutors, ready to teach you everything you need to know and help you pass any upcoming exams with flying colors.   Plus, we make it super simple with our Good Fit Guarantee!   Try a tutor and see if theres a fit and if they can help, and if it doesnt work out.   You dont pay for the first session.   What could be easier than that? So simply type in your zip code and subject or subjects in the 2 boxes and before you know it, youll have tons of qualified, affordable and knowledgeable tutors that meet your criteria of a private tutor near me that are ready to help you reach your goals starting right now! Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson

Stories for Snowy Days

Stories for Snowy Days Stories for Snowy Days For many of us, the winter season means cold weather. Wind, sleet, snow, iceâ€"we can expect to deal with it all at some point.   Whether you enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, or simply building snowmen, there’s plenty of fun to have in the snow. However, there will also be times that you just want to stay warm in front of a fire or under a cozy blanket. On those days, why not curl up with a good book? And if it’s still warm where you live? What better way to get a taste of the cold than in the pages of a book with your imagination! Here are some great choices from Kumon’s Recommended Reading List to get in the winter spirit. Preschoolers and Beginning Readers Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young  collected by Jack Prelutsky The perfect book to read with your child, no matter how young! This poetry collection features rhymes on many topics, includingâ€"you guessed itâ€"winter! Filled with wonderful illustrations that will keep your kids enthralled, it’s also a great introduction to beloved authors like A.A. Milne and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Red Book by Barbara Lehman A book with no words? Ideal for building pre-reading skills, this illustrated book allows your child to tell their own story. The pictures begin with a child finding a red book in the snow, which is sure to kick-start the imaginations of kids who are escaping the snow themselves! The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Few experiences can compare to playing in the snow for the first time. This classic children’s book, which young readers can tackle on their own, follows the adventures of a boy named Peter as he explores his snow-draped city. Elementary School Students The Mitten by Alvin Tresselt A fun story about a mitten that gets left in the snow and the woodland creatures that find it.   Beautifully illustrated, your kids will get lost in the tale. But watch out! The bestselling book is so fun, they might be tempted to drop their own mittens in the snow to see the story come to life. Snowed in with Grandmother Silk by Carol Fenner This heartwarming story shows that even two people who are seemingly very different can have more in common than they think. When Ruddy gets snowed in with his grandma, he’s forced to find ways to have fun. This book will teach your kids some important lessons, while giving them some great ideas on how to spend a snowy day! The Snow Walker by Margaret K. and Charles M. Wetterer Kids can get a glimpse of history while immersed in a thrilling adventure set in the late 19th century. Based on the real-life Blizzard of 1888, this book tells the story of a young boy and his father who venture out into the snow-covered streets of the Bronx to help their neighbors during an epic snowstorm. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater This beloved children’s book tells the story of an ordinary housepainter who one day finds himself in possession of a penguin, and then another, and then another. As Mr. Popper’s group of penguins grows, so do the hijinks. After your child reads the book, you can cuddle up on the couch together and watch the movie! Older Kids The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Another story that was immortalized in film, this classic is worth taking the time to read. (The movies are great, too!) The first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series introduces the reader to the magical land of Narnia, where a spell has been cast so that it is “always winter but never Christmas.” Follow the adventures of the Pevensie children as they explore a new world. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Little introduction is needed for this Dickens classic that has been told time and time again on stage and screen. But nothing can beat the original! Read all about Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits who teach him an important lesson. Explore the entire Kumon Recommended Reading List! You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: The Snowy Day 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Kumon Staff Pick: Were Going on a Bear Hunt Kumon Staff Pick: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Stories for Snowy Days Stories for Snowy Days For many of us, the winter season means cold weather. Wind, sleet, snow, iceâ€"we can expect to deal with it all at some point.   Whether you enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, or simply building snowmen, there’s plenty of fun to have in the snow. However, there will also be times that you just want to stay warm in front of a fire or under a cozy blanket. On those days, why not curl up with a good book? And if it’s still warm where you live? What better way to get a taste of the cold than in the pages of a book with your imagination! Here are some great choices from Kumon’s Recommended Reading List to get in the winter spirit. Preschoolers and Beginning Readers Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young  collected by Jack Prelutsky The perfect book to read with your child, no matter how young! This poetry collection features rhymes on many topics, includingâ€"you guessed itâ€"winter! Filled with wonderful illustrations that will keep your kids enthralled, it’s also a great introduction to beloved authors like A.A. Milne and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Red Book by Barbara Lehman A book with no words? Ideal for building pre-reading skills, this illustrated book allows your child to tell their own story. The pictures begin with a child finding a red book in the snow, which is sure to kick-start the imaginations of kids who are escaping the snow themselves! The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Few experiences can compare to playing in the snow for the first time. This classic children’s book, which young readers can tackle on their own, follows the adventures of a boy named Peter as he explores his snow-draped city. Elementary School Students The Mitten by Alvin Tresselt A fun story about a mitten that gets left in the snow and the woodland creatures that find it.   Beautifully illustrated, your kids will get lost in the tale. But watch out! The bestselling book is so fun, they might be tempted to drop their own mittens in the snow to see the story come to life. Snowed in with Grandmother Silk by Carol Fenner This heartwarming story shows that even two people who are seemingly very different can have more in common than they think. When Ruddy gets snowed in with his grandma, he’s forced to find ways to have fun. This book will teach your kids some important lessons, while giving them some great ideas on how to spend a snowy day! The Snow Walker by Margaret K. and Charles M. Wetterer Kids can get a glimpse of history while immersed in a thrilling adventure set in the late 19th century. Based on the real-life Blizzard of 1888, this book tells the story of a young boy and his father who venture out into the snow-covered streets of the Bronx to help their neighbors during an epic snowstorm. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater This beloved children’s book tells the story of an ordinary housepainter who one day finds himself in possession of a penguin, and then another, and then another. As Mr. Popper’s group of penguins grows, so do the hijinks. After your child reads the book, you can cuddle up on the couch together and watch the movie! Older Kids The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Another story that was immortalized in film, this classic is worth taking the time to read. (The movies are great, too!) The first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series introduces the reader to the magical land of Narnia, where a spell has been cast so that it is “always winter but never Christmas.” Follow the adventures of the Pevensie children as they explore a new world. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Little introduction is needed for this Dickens classic that has been told time and time again on stage and screen. But nothing can beat the original! Read all about Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits who teach him an important lesson. Explore the entire Kumon Recommended Reading List! You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: The Snowy Day 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Kumon Staff Pick: Were Going on a Bear Hunt Kumon Staff Pick: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry