A Day in the Life at University of Wisconsin-Madison

A Day in the Life at University of Wisconsin-Madison The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. John received his Bachelors degree in Zoology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently a tutor in New York City specializing in algebratutoring, chemistrytutoring, and geometrytutoring, among other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at University of Wisconsin-Madison: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? John: The campus is very easy to navigate, whether by bike, foot, or public transit. Because the campus resides in Wisconsins capital city, the bus system is superb. Madison (the city) is not very big, and it interacts wonderfully with the university to create a safe and healthy campus environment. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? John:Despite being a large university with several thousand students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison prides itself on the accessibility of its professors and staff. There are always opportunities to track down university staff its just important to motivate yourself to take advantage of those opportunities. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? John:Dorm life at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a blast, and each part of campus provides a unique experience. The school is constantly growing and renovating its dorms, so they offer all of the necessities for students to feel at home in Madison. There are always various dorm events for underclassmen to attend and to get the chance to socialize with one another. 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? John:The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the top research institutions in the country, so the sciences are very well represented. The school also prides itself on excellent Business and Education programs. I studied Animal Biology and dabbled in Environmental Sciences. Ive always had a keen interest in the environment and the life that it supports. Animal Biology allowed me to delve deep into these areas of study. I felt incredibly supported as I pursued my major. There were great opportunities to learn, both in and out of the classroom. 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? John:I had no difficulty meeting people as a freshman. Thats one of the great things about dorm life it throws you into a fun environment with hundreds of your peers who are going through the same transition as yourself. It makes it really easy to connect with others. Greek life is present at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but it does not play a significant role in social life. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? John:The University of Wisconsin-Madison has an incredible amount of student support services, along with the Career Center. I found them all to be very helpful. The important thing is to make sure you take advantage of these services. Many reputable companies recruit on campus. There are several career events on campus throughout the year where companies send representatives to the university to meet with students and to help give them an idea of their post-collegiate future. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? John:There are more than enough study locations on campus. It really just depends on what a student is looking for. There are highly social environments for group study, there are quieter spots that support privacy, and there is everything in-between. You never have to feel confined to one space while studying. 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? John:The university and capital city are tied to one another in a very positive fashion. There is plenty of stimulation outside of academia whenever a student needs to experience college life beyond the classroom. Downtown Madison is a great spot for meals out, live music, dancing, and shopping. Madison is also a very physically active city, with many chances to satisfy ones itch to experience the outdoors. The campus and downtown are essentially adjacent to one another, so its very easy to find any number of students downtown at all times. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? John:The student body is very large. I enjoyed being a small fish in a big pond. There are so many opportunities when youre at a large school, and theres no end to the services provided by professors and staff in and out of the classroom. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. John:I took Entomology, the study of insects, one semester. My professor was incredibly passionate about the subject, and he instilled in his students that same passion. I remember on two different occasions going on class field trips to some of the nearby natural land preserves to search for insects and get an idea of field research. I really had a great time on those adventures. Check out Johns tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Piano Lessons In Cardiff

Piano Lessons In Cardiff Try Your Hand At A Piano Course In Cardiff ChaptersDo Piano Tutors Only Teach A Certain Age Range?Piano Lessons For All Ability RangesWhere Can I Learn Piano In Cardiff?How Do I Decide What Style Of Piano To Play?Where Else Can I Find Piano Lessons?Cardiff is a wonderful place to learn music. Not only is there the Cardiff University School of Music, but there’s also the Conservatoire, the Royal Welsh College of Music Drama. So, if you’re committed to playing the piano at an advanced level, it’s great to know that there are lots of highly respected establishments where you can improve your skills.However, even if you’re not a seasoned piano player, there are still lots of tutors in Cardiff that can help you play the piano, regardless of whether you’re a beginner, looking to play for fun, or want to get more serious about your piano skills.This article outlines some places where you can learn the piano in Cardiff, and what to consider before taking the plunge and booking your first lesson.Want to go through the grade s and achieve grade 8;Would like some specific assistance playing a certain piece,A piano tutor should be able to support you and help you become the best player that you can be.If you've always wanted to learn to read sheet music, a piano tutor could help you (Image Source: Pixabay)Piano Lessons For All Ability RangesAs we mentioned above, lots of piano tutors accept students regardless of age. Equally, many teachers are also happy to teach a wide variety of ability levels, from absolute novices to seasoned pianists.Whether you play a little piano or keyboard as a child and would like to get back into music, you’ve never read music or you have never played the piano in your life, or you’ve passed grade 8 and want regular piano practice, your tutor should be able to adapt to your needs during your lessons.If you’re not sure whether a tutor teaches students at your ability level, don’t forget that you can always reach out to them and ask before making any bookings. After all, it’s better to know in advance whether a piano teacher can help you before you spend any money on lessons!, and also teaches students the style of music they prefer, from modern, rock, jazz, and beyond!Alternatively, you can learn the piano from Kath Thorne-Thomas, who is a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and is “primarily a classical piano teacher”. Lessons can also be provided to students hoping to take formal exams in piano, although if exams don’t interest you then there’s no obligation to take them.David Pert is another piano teacher in Cardiff that you might want to take piano lessons with. He is “a fully qualified and experienced piano teacher” and actively takes bookings either as a solo pianist (for example, for piano recitals or chamber music recitals) and also as a duo or ensemble.If you wish to take lessons with David, then take comfort in the fact that he accepts students of any age and is also able to help those preparing for ABRSM examin ations.If you’re looking for something different, then you can also consider the Music Rooms Pontcanna, which looks to “motivate talented musicians for careers in the creative industries”.The piano teacher, Frances Jenkins, has a 100% pass rate in the practical exam for the ABRSM classical and jazz syllabi. What's more, she also takes advantage of the Russian Method and Suzuki Method in her lessons. Students that are grade 6 and above need to take weekly 90-minute lessons.While the above list of piano tutors in Cardiff isn’t exclusive, it does highlight that when looking for a piano tutor in Cardiff, there are a few things to think about:The location of the piano tutor, and if it’s easy for you to travel to them;Whether the tutor has experience teaching your ability level and the style of piano you’d like to play;Whether you’d like to take piano exams, and if your future tutor can support you as you complete them; andHow regularly you can commit to lessons, and if they ’re affordable for you.Many piano lessons are held on a one to one basis so that you have the time during your piano lesson to practice playing the piano (Image Source: Pixabay)How Do I Decide What Style Of Piano To Play?The piano is a wonderful instrument to learn, not least because it works so well in many different styles of music.For example, you can play the piano in styles such as:Classical, with pieces from Beethoven, Bach, as well as more contemporary composers;Jazz, with Thelonious Monk being one notable jazz piano player; andPop, along the lines of Elton John.The style of music you’ll play during piano lessons may be decided by the tutor or you may have a say in the type of music that you’ll learn to play.Some teachers, for instance, are classically trained and prefer to keep their classes within the same vein. Other music schools and teachers are happy to let you play a wider variety of styles and are even willing to let the style be set by you.If you have your hear t set on a certain type of piano music, such as jazz, then double check with your potential piano teacher that they are familiar with that style and are happy to teach it to you.Equally, if you’re new to the world of piano and you’re unsure which style would suit you best, don’t be afraid to try a few different styles out to see which one resonates with you most. For example, you might think that you’ll love playing modern piano pieces when you end up enjoying the classical pieces the most! It’s all about experimenting to see what works for you.If taking formal music exams is of interest to you, then a piano teacher can help you prepare for your piano exams (Image Source: Pixabay)Where Else Can I Find Piano Lessons?If you’re looking for piano lessons in Cardiff but are struggling to find a tutor that seems to be a good match, another avenue you could consider is hiring a private piano tutor.Private tutors can be a great option if you are looking for flexibility in your p iano lessons.If, for example, you have a very busy schedule, it can sometimes be difficult making set times for piano lessons.With a private tutor, you can set lessons for when you would like, meaning that you can fit lessons into your schedule in a way that works best for you, and hopefully, in a way that means you can continue having regular lessons. Even if you’re only interested in having a short, intensive set of lessons, private tutors can help.Should you wish to focus on a defined aspect of the piano, for example, how to read sheet music, then private tuition can be a good option, as you can use your lessons to focus on the areas you care most about.In general, students sometimes opt for private piano lessons because:They can cost less than going to a music school;They have the flexibility to have lessons as often (or as irregularly) as they like;There can be less travel involved; orThe lesson content can be decided by the student, to a certain degree.If you think that priv ate piano lessons in Cardiff might work for you, why not head on over to Superprof to see the different piano teachers available near you? You can review a potential tutor’s profile during your search and choose the teacher that you think might be the best fit based on your learning goals and interests when it comes to developing your piano skills.If you're not sure if a Superprof tutor is right for you based on their profile, feel free to reach out to them and ask them any questions you may have outstanding before you decide whether to proceed with a booking.Piano classes in the UKPiano classes in LondonPiano classes in GlasgowPiano classes in BirminghamPiano classes in LeedsPiano classes in ManchesterPiano classes in EdinburghPiano classes in Belfast

Fixed English Expressions about Health Learn English with Harry ??

Fixed English Expressions about Health Learn English with Harry ?? Here you will learn English fixed expressions about health and also learn how to describe your symptoms to a doctor if you have nose problems. Fixed English Expressions about Health Hi there, this is Harry and welcome back to my English learning podcast Speak Better English with Harry where I try to help you better understand the English language, learn new English vocabulary, and improve your English listening and speaking skills.So this episode contains some English fixed expressions or English collocations related to health. As you might know, some of the collocations are fixed, meaning the words stay fixed and you can’t change them.So the first few here I’m going to give you, are fixed collocations do not change them, do not change the order of the words.BATTERED AND BRUISEDMeans how somebody after they have had difficult times. It might be actual where they’ve had a car accident, or fallen off their bicycle, or horse, whatever it might, and somebody asks them:How do you feel?Oh, I’m battered and bruised.Meaning I’m sore everywhere. We don’t say bruised and battered.Of course, it’s not always physical, you can also have this feeling after youâ €™ve been sitting with your boss for your personal review. You come out of it feeling:I’m battered and bruised after listening to all his complaints or criticisms. Fixed English Expressions about Health ACHES AND PAINSBe careful, not pains and aches but aches and pains.Meaning you wake up in the morning, you’ve got touch of a fever, maybe a little temperature, you ring into to say:I can’t come into work today, I have aches and pains everywhere.Everywhere I touch my back, my throat, my legs everywhere is sore, aches and pains everywhere.CUTS AND BRUISESAgain when something physical has happened. You’re running in a field, you slip over, you fall into a hedge, or fall down small little hill, and you end up with a few cuts and bruises.So somebody asks you:Well, how are you after your little accident?Ah, it’s nothing to worry about, just a few cuts and bruises.I had that myself a few times, when I was cycling my bicycle and I went round the corner too fast, or got into some gravel where the bike skids.And then finally, COUGHING AND SNEEZINGOh, I can’t come into work today. I woke up this morning coughing and sneezing.In fact, I was coughing and sneezing all night. The first signs of “man flu”. Describe your Health Symptoms in English Ok, while we’re on the theme of health, and this is the season when people tend to have a little cold, I have a few more health expressions for you concerning the nose. Let’s learn how to describe medical symptoms in English if you’ve got nose problems:RUNNY NOSEPart of that cold process. Every time you cough or sneeze, your nose runs, so you have to have constant supply of tissues to wipe your nose. When you’re describing symptoms to the doctor, you say:I’m coughing and sneezing and I’ve got a runny nose.So we can get some sprays or something to help prevent it.Or if we’re feeling less polite we can also use SNOTTY NOSEAnd a snotty child is when you see a little child with a fever and they can’t get rid of it, and they’ve got nose problems.It’s the same as RUNNY NOSE but it’s a little less polite. It’s not rude, it’s more informal and more slang. The third expression is MY NOSE IS DRIPPINGSo somebody rings you and asks:How are you feeling?Oh, don’t ask, I’ve got a terrible headache, I’ve got runny nose. In fact, my nose is dripping.It’s dripping like a tap. You know, if you sometimes leave a tap open in the kitchen and it makes those sounds ‘drip, drip, drip’. Well, that’s sometimes how our nose feel when we have a bad cold.And then finally when you’re getting near the end of flu symptoms, or you’re getting near the end of the cold, you might have a few days when you’ve got BLOCKED NOSE.Meaning you find it difficult to breathe.You’re breathing through your mouth instead of through your nose because when you try to breathe in, it’s very very difficult.So blocked can be a problem, you might need some tablets or nasal spray.There are the expressions to describe your nose problems to a doctor in English:runny nosesnotty nosemy nose is drippingblocked noseHopefully, you’re not suffering in that way. Pleas e join me again soon for improving your English. And as always, visit me on englishlessonviaskype.com and listen to Speak Better English with Harry Podcast on iTunes, Spotify and Stitcher.

5 Online Flashcard Tools that Can Boost Learning and Motivation

5 Online Flashcard Tools that Can Boost Learning and Motivation Finding the motivation to study can be hard when you have ADHD and having ADHD can make it harder to memorize important information when its not related to something that you find particularly interesting. One of the keys to studying with ADHD is figuring out which strategies work for you and doing little things to make these strategies as engaging and fun as possible. Flashcards are one study tool that can be great for ADHD. They build confidence through repetition, so youll feel prepared going into your exam and you can build in visual cues that make the content easier to recall on test day. You can make them interactive and engaging when you use them with friends or parents, and when you build in memorization goals and rewards. While old school flashcards on paper or index cards can work well, online flashcards take things to the next level with features like definition libraries, pictures and images, flexible scoring, and premade card stacks for popular topics. As a bonus, all of the information is stored online, making it possible for you to study from anywhere as long as you have a phone or tablet with you. There are many online flashcard programs available, each with different features. Heres my take on some of the most popular feature-rich programs to choose from. Cram. Creating flashcards in Cram is straightforward: you have a front, a back and a hint section that you can choose fill in. You can add photos or create text-only cards. As a bonus, you can choose from two study modes: Memorization and Cram. In Memorization mode you go through each flashcard in your set at your own pace and get a performance report at the end. In Cram mode you go through the same set of cards, but you cant move on from a card until you get it correct. This can force you to look up information if youre not sure of the answer or stay focused on a card until youve really processed the concept. https://www.cram.com/ Quizlet. Quizlet is full of features for visual and auditory learners. With Quizlet you start by creating a study set of all the terms and definitions that you need to master. Your definitions can be text, images, or even audio recordings. Next you publish your study set to your account, where you can save multiple study sets saved for multiple classes. You can quiz yourself from either the website or the app, and tailor the scoring method to meet your preferences. For example, if you want to focus on progress rather than perfection, you can enable flexible scoring which gives you credit for multiple answers or partial answers. Similar to Cram, Quizlet offers multiple study modes, with Flashcard mode (one at a time), Learn mode where you need to provide a correct answer before youre able to move on to the next card, and Match mode where you can work on improving your response time. Quizlet also offers a library of flashcards that other users (some of whom are teachers) have published for sharing. http://www.quizlet.com StudyStack. StudyStack takes a more game-like approach to studying, which can help tremendously with motivation! You can create basic flashcards, or use your stack to create crossword puzzles, matching games, word searches and more. A quick note: StudyStacks free version does contain advertising, but an ad-free version is available for a small fee. http://www.studystack.com Adobe Spark. Adobe Spark is a tool thats great for visual learners. It was originally designed as storyboarding program, so they really do take the visual components to the next level. You start by picking the size and shape of the cards, then you select a theme, add images and text, and download your completed cards. While this tool might not be great for studying math concepts, it really stands out when it comes to more visual subjects like geography, art, and even history. https://spark.adobe.com/make/card-maker/flashcards/ Brainscape. Brainscape was developed by a team of cognitive researchers who wanted take findings from academic research and put them into practice where they could help people learn more effectively. An enormous library of premade flashcards is included in the app, which draws on sophisticated research to implement patterns of repetition, color, social interactions, breaks, sounds, humor, animations, achievements, and rewards! All in an effort to improve learning! The tool started out in the cognitive science lab at Columbia University before it was rolled out to the public, and it now includes components for high school students as well as college students (and adults studying for professional certification exams!). There are many features within Brainscape that are free, and a subscription model can be purchased to unlock even more features. http://www.brainscape.com With so many online flashcard programs to choose from, you are bound to find one that is the right fit for your learning style. If you start with one app and find your motivation lagging over time, mix it up by trying a new app with different features. Sometimes it just takes a small change to get your motivation and focus back on track. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center 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 of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

TEFL Jobs in the UAE

TEFL Jobs in the UAE Teach ESL in the UAEAre you a TEFL teacher who wants to teach in Abu Dhabi? Teach Away is excited to announce new jobs in Emirates across the UAE open to experienced TEFL teachers.One of the most popular destinations for teaching abroad, the UAE has strict requirements for teachers. TEFL teachers who have been waiting for an opportunity to teach in the UAE can now apply for these positions, which start in August 2013!Teachers will be instructing students at a vocational school with locations in several Emirates throughout the country. This school aims to prepare secondary and post-secondary students for further education by providing education in English, math, science, and study skills. Teachers will work as part of an international team in a technologically advanced environment.See the full job details here.Job BenefitsTeachers earn a competitive, tax-free salary consistent with the standards in the UAE. In addition, these positions provide the following benefits:Accommodation allo wanceAirfare reimbursementHealth insuranceRelocation allowance (if relocating from overseas)Bonus of 1 month's salary per yearRequirementsAll candidates are required to have a Bachelor's degree.Candidates must have one of the following:A Certificate-level ESL certificate (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA) + 3 years of teaching experience, orA Diploma-level ESL certificate (DELTA or equivalent) + 2 years of teaching experienceVisit the job posting for full information.ApplyApply for this opportunity by creating a profile at /teacher/register.

What I Wish You Knew About Borderline Personality Disorder

What I Wish You Knew About Borderline Personality Disorder Image via: Unsplash This happened two years ago and honestly, I feel no closer to reaching peace with my condition. As a matter of fact, it took every bone, muscle, and cell of courage to write this article. After all, I am very passionate and serious about mental health and eliminating the stigma associated with it. I was inspired by a friend of mine who created a social media campaign to educate others about Borderline Personality Disorder and decided that my condition was nothing to be ashamed of. Its a part of me. It may not be the best part of me, but Im choosing to turn my struggle into education and support for others forced into silence out of fear of judgment or ostracization. So, buckle your seat belts and get ready to learn more about borderline personality disorder and things that those who have the illness wish you knew. Lets get started. What is Borderline Personality Disorder?   The medical definition of Borderline Personality Disorder is a personality disorder that typically includes the following symptoms: extreme emotional reactions, impulsive behavior, and history of turbulent or unstable relationships. To be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, you must demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms: Distorted and unstable self-image Intense and highly changeable moods Chronic feelings of emptiness and/or boredom Inappropriate, intense anger, and/or issues controlling temper Intense and stormy relationships Extreme and/or inappropriate reactions Impulsive and typically dangerous behaviors, such as drug and alcohol addiction Chronic suicidal behaviors or self-harm Borderline personality disorder got its name in 1938 and the term was used to describe patients who were thought to be between, or on the borderline, so to speak, of psychosis and neurosis. In other words, Borderline Personality Disorder is a very difficult disorder to diagnose and an even harder illness to treat. Image via: Pexels The worst part of Borderline Personality Disorder, besides the symptoms and the occasional inability to separate your emotions from symptoms, is the stigma surrounding it. I can count the number of people who know about my condition on one hand, as a matter of fact. I created this article in the hopes of changing how people view Borderline Personality Disorder, otherwise known as BPD. Its an extremely misunderstood and widely feared condition. One of the first things people ask when I disclose this information is typically Didnt Jodi Arias have that?  or As long as you dont brutally murder me, were cool.  Comments like this are hurtful and made me afraid to have such a serious condition, even though people made those comments in joking. So, lets leave stigma, misconceptions, and judgment at the door. Here are things I wish you knew about Borderline Personality Disorder*: People with Borderline Personality Disorder Arent Monsters Lets get one thing straight right off the bat. Borderline Personality Disorder is not an inherently violent condition. In fact, people with BPD are much more likely to be a danger to themselves than anyone else. Yes, intense anger and other emotions are a part of BPD symptoms, but that doesnt mean that theyre at risk for hurting someone else. The key word of BPD tends to be self-destruction, meaning that those with BPD are more of a danger toward themselves than they are to those close to them. People with Borderline Personality Disorder Feel Things Very Deeply Imagine for a moment if you were born without skin. Imagine how intense every single sensation would be. Now, imagine being punched in the gut. Sounds pretty agonizing, right? Emotionally, people with Borderline Personality Disorder have no outer shell to protect their emotions from triggering events and upsetting news, whether its a breakup or a last minute cancellation. Unfortunately, its easy for someone with Borderline Personality Disorder to interpret any change of behavior as abandonment. Imagine being terrified (like, life or death terrified) of your significant other breaking up with you. You now have some insight into what it feels like to have a BPD brain. People with Borderline Personality Disorder Are Not Manipulative Theres a really horrible myth that people with BPD manipulate others and seek attention for the fun of it. However, there is nothing fun or enjoyable about this condition. Actions that appear to be attention-seeking or manipulative typically originate from fear of separation or abandonment from those that they care about. This behavior isnt malicious in the slightest; rather its an attempt to seek relief from their anxieties about abandonment. People with Borderline Personality Disorder Dont Threaten Suicide/Self-Harm for Attention This is important, so Im going to write it twice. Here we go: Always take suicide threats seriously. Did you hear that? Let me say it again: ALWAYS TAKE SUICIDE THREATS SERIOUSLY. Often, people assume that suicide threats and self-mutilation are attempts to get attention or manipulate others into doing what they want. However, this is not the case. Statistics reveal that 10% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder will commit suicide and many more engage in self-mutilating behavior, like cutting, burning, and more. Even if you feel like someone is holding themselves hostage for you to come to the rescue, you must take any and all suicide threats seriously. Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder Are Not the Same Conditions   A common misunderstanding people fall into is thinking that Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, when this is the furthest thing from the truth. First off, one is a personality disorder and the other is a mood disorder. Both are very different types of mental illnesses.   Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania that can last for days, weeks, or even months. Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by mood swings caused by interpersonal conflicts and can last for minutes, hours, days, and weeks. Remember that the abbreviation for Bipolar Disorder is BD, while the abbreviation for Borderline Personality Disorder is BPD. People with Borderline Personality Disorder Are Not All the Same I found a very sweet post on Reddit that someones boyfriend wrote about their girlfriend who was diagnosed with BPD. After scrolling a little further, I found a post that broke my heart. A young man made a post about a new girl he met with BPD and if she would be worth dating. Of course, being the Internet, people had nothing nice to say. Some of the comments that stood out to me were: They dont have personalities. Theyll steal yours and make you fall in love with them.   Run for your life. Shell ruin your life.   Of course, I found these comments to be incredibly painful to read. So, I feel the need to put it out there that  not everyone with BPD is the same.  Sure, there are genuinely cruel people out there, but just because someone has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder doesnt inherently make them evil or out to ruin your life. As a matter of fact, people with BPD are typically considerate, caring, loving, and loyal people. This brings me to my next point People with Borderline Personality Disorder Are Not Unlovable or Unbearable   Okay, lets be real. Its a challenge to live with or be in a relationship with anyone who has any kind of disorder or illness, whether its mental or physical. While its a challenge, its not impossible to learn how to live and function in a healthy, happy way. So, to call people with Borderline Personality Disorder unbearable, unlovable, or unworthy of love is a strong, not to mention cruel, generalization. Every person is different and has their own set of issues to deal with. People who have Borderline Personality Disorder tend to find success and inner peace with the help of medications, therapy, and DBT therapy. Image via: Unsplash People with Borderline Personality Disorder Can Never Be Cured   This statement is both true and false. With that being said, unfortunately, there isnt a cure for Borderline Personality Disorder, but with the right treatment plan, those with BPD can find peace and happiness. A cure for Borderline Personality Disorder means the ability to tolerate distress and regulate emotions. Someone who has been cured of Borderline Personality Disorder is serious about treatment and improving their situation. There isnt a cure that will make BPD completely vanish, but there are ways to make life enjoyable and worth living nonetheless. I hope that I achieved my goal of educating you about Borderline Personality Disorder and getting rid of some of the myths about the condition. I received my diagnosis of BPD two years ago and Im nowhere close to finding my own cure, but I know with hard work, persistence, and treatment, I will find peace. If you have Borderline Personality Disorder, no matter where you are in your treatment plan, you are strong and you will make it. *These are things that I, personally, wish other people knew about Borderline Personality. Every person with this condition is different in their own way and struggles with different issues. To learn more about Borderline Personality Disorder, check out the following resources: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder/index.shtml https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Borderline-Personality-Disorder https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/borderline-personality-disorder-bipolar-disorder#1

What Every Parent Should Know About Hiring a Tutor

What Every Parent Should Know About Hiring a Tutor Why do we Need Tutors? During pre-modern times a formal education was reserved for religious leaders and the very wealthy, including royalty, who enjoyed a one-on-one relationship with their teachers. Labor skills, however, were passed down in the age-old fashion of apprenticeships whereby a student or very small group of students learned from the master by watching and working side by side with him for many, many years. Girls learned domestic skills as they grew up working in the home by imitating their mothers. In none of these scenarios was the student-teacher ratio as great as it is today, with K-12 classes averaging 30 or more students per instructor. The individual attention that so carefully shaped the skills of past generations has been replaced by overcrowded classrooms full of underdeveloped talent. The earliest American schools were modeled after English institutions. However, unlike the privately funded schools of England, American schools set the first precedence for publicly-funded education. But “publicly-funded” often equates to “under-funded” and, even from the start, American schools lacked the essential necessities for formal learning: books, writing utensils, and appropriately-trained teachers, to name a few. So how have parents been able to prevent their children from falling between the cracks? Well, in a word, tutors. Tutors range from peers who are also students, to professional teachers trained in specific subjects and to accommodate specific learning styles. There are also learning centers that offer a franchised form of tutoring, like Sylvan and Kaplan. So how does a parent decide who to hire? Here are some basic guidelines. How to Find a Tutor Like doctors and dentists, people traditionally rely on referrals to find a good tutor. Parents often turn to other parents, or to teachers for tutor recommendations. However, what if you cannot find someone who knows a good tutor? What if a recommended tutor cannot accommodate your budget or schedule? What if your child’s learning needs are different from that of your friend’s child? You could flip open the yellow pages and start cold calling to set up interviews with various tutors and learning centers; but this is tedious and may still result in a poor match. A better option, thanks to the computer age, may be to hop online where you can now find various listings for tutors on the internet. Multiple agencies post tutor profiles, some even screen their tutors to ensure quality. One particularly useful site is www.tutorz.com, which compiles tutor profiles from multiple listing sites so that users can shop for a tutor from one location rather than searching all over the internet. In fact, Tutorz boasts the largest database of tutors in the world, with over 30,000 listings. Even better, starting in Fall of 2011, Tutorz will facilitate tutor ratings so that clients can post reviews of tutors, similar to how online travel sites like TripAdvisor and Orbitz enable users to rate travel accommodations. So parents will be able to use Tutorz to search for highly rated tutors, in addition to preferences like cost, location, and subject. What to Look for in a Tutor Select a tutor with a teaching style, personality, and schedule that specifically meets your child’s needs. Although it would be nice if teachers could provide the one-on-one help that students need, this is not always an ideal option. First, if the student did not understand the material the fist time, the way the teacher explained it in class, maybe he or she will benefit from the different perspective a tutor can offer. Second, based on individual personalities and preferences, kids do not always feel comfortable working so closely with every teacher. Teachers that are engaging and approachable to some students may be intimidating or irritating to others. Third, many teachers do not have enough time to provide students with the amount of one-on-one instruction they truly need. Secondary teachers are responsible for planning, preparing, and delivering curriculum to more than 200 students. Grading assignments, preparing for classes, adjunct duties like coaching or policing the hal ls, staff development and parent meetings leave teachers with little or no time for “Extras” like phone calls home and tutoring. Children with learning disabilities can easily fall between the cracks at school. If you suspect your child has a learning disability like dyslexia, a condition in which individuals see letters and numbers in reverse order, find a tutor or learning center that has the ability to test for such. Private tutors are generally less expensive than tutoring centers and tailor their instruction specifically to their students, while tutoring centers often use their own curriculum which may or may not work for your child. Consider a tutoring center if your child is fairly self-sufficient and not easily distracted, learns better in a group setting, or has a specific learning disability that the center specializes in. How to Make the Most of Your Child’s Time with the Tutor Create a tutoring plan with your child and tutor that defines the goals your child is trying to achieve, and how the tutor will help him achieve them. Start by identifying your child’s weaknesses, especially where he is below grade level. Do not forget to consider your child’s study skills as a potential area of weakness. Next, outline a plan for how the tutor and your child will use their time together to work on these areas of weakness, and how your child will continue to do so outside of the tutoring sessions as well. For instance, you might specify that the tutor spends 75% of her time reviewing mathematics concepts, one chapter each week, and 25% of her time addressing reading comprehension, which can be augmented by assigning your child books to read between sessions. Also discuss how you, as parents, can assist in reinforcing concepts reviewed in tutoring. For example, if your child is struggling with basic math, then opportunities like adding up groceries at the store or helping to measure ingredients during meal preparation should not be missed. Home improvement projects are a great way to reinforce algebra concepts. Helping calculate and pay the monthly bills will reinforce math and economics skills; and there are ample opportunities everywhere that exemplify science, from the physics of foo tball and chemistry of cooking, to the biology behind hand-washing. Finally, make sure that tutoring supplements and does not supplant learning at school. That is, make sure the tutor is reinforcing concepts that have already been covered in class and is not getting ahead of the teacher. Remediation should be top priority. Plus your child will be bored in class and lose interest if he already knows the material. Facilitate communication between your child’s teachers and tutor by introducing them or exchanging their phone numbers with one another. Provide copies of each teacher’s class syllabus to the tutor. Not only will this help the tutor know what material to cover, it will also help her know how your child’s grade is calculated in each class so she can help your child learn to organize and prioritize his work around these requirements. If teachers do not provide your child with a syllabus for each class, request one in writing. They are required by law in most states. It is important to remember that a tutor should not be employed to help your child with homework. The purpose of homework is for students to practice concepts they have already learned. An appropriate role for the tutor is to re-teach any concepts needed to understand the homework using alternative practice questions. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late Even those of us who took calculus once upon a time would probably find it difficult to recall enough to be of any assistance to our kids today. While some parents are capable of tutoring their own children, many lack the time, ability, or desire to do so. It is important for parents to employ a tutor as soon as possible if their child is beginning to struggle in school, in order to head off frustration, impaired self esteem, and compounding academic deficiencies. The Federal government is so confident that tutoring is an effective way to improve student achievement that it’s No Child Left Behind act mandates that low performing schools in year two of school improvement must provide tutors free of charge to their low income students. However, the tutors must be approved by the state. You can find out which schools are required to provide free tutors for students, which tutors are approved for each state, and how to apply to receive services for your child by visiting www.greatschools.net.