As we move into a new decade, it is important to consider what your education will cost you. There are many reasons for this and can vary from person to person. Some people may be looking at getting their degree because they want to advance in their current career, while others may be looking at the long-term opportunity to get an advanced degree or certificate that could potentially exponentially increase their earning power. Whatever the reason, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to finance your education in 2021.
This post covers easy ways to finance your education in 2021, which include;
1. Getting a scholarship
Getting a scholarship is one of the most popular ways to finance your education, as it doesn’t usually require repayment. Some examples are academic scholarships, which may be based on GPA or SAT scores, and athletic scholarships for athletes who showcase their skills at various universities during recruiting events.
Scholarships are determined by the college, which means that you should be proactive about applying for them. The best way to do this is to research scholarship opportunities and find ones that match your academic interests or lifestyle preferences to increase your odds of getting one. In addition, there are also scholarships available through private organizations.
2. Student prizes
If you’re a student looking for easy ways to finance your education, consider entering some of the many competitions geared towards students. These could range from beauty pageants and academic contests.
Students can also enter essay or photography competitions sponsored by companies such as Microsoft.
Some companies offer a scholarship to the top three finalists in their essay or photography contest. The only requirement is that you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate student and at least 18 years old. One of these scholarships may be enough for your entire education, so it’s worth entering if you’re eligible.
3. Getting an online loan instead of a student loan
One of the easiest ways to finance your education in 2021 is by taking out an online loan. This type of loan should be taken as a last resort, but some people may find that they’re unable to get any other form of financial aid because their credit score isn’t high enough or they don’t have any assets (for example).
The good news is that some loan providers like CashFlex offer online loans for students without a credit score requirement and can be applied through an easy process in just under five minutes. No paperwork or faxing is required.
Online lenders don’t rely on your credit rating to approve the loan application, so it’s worth considering.
However, there are some downsides to taking out an online loan for your education as well; the APR rates can be much higher than what you would pay with a student-loan provider, and they may also require collateral such as a car or house to ensure that the person takes out payments on time.
4. Part-time jobs
If you don’t want to take out an online loan to finance your education, there are other ways that you can earn some money. One of these is getting a part-time job on-campus or off-campus during the school year and summer break.
This could be anything from being a peer tutor for students who need help working in the campus cafeteria.
The bottom line with part-time jobs is that you need to do your research beforehand without letting any opportunity slip away.
5. Student grants
There are also some student grants available for students to apply for that can help with tuition or living expenses. These could be either merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both.
The first step in applying for these grants is to fill out the form and see if you’re eligible. You’ll know that you are once your financial aid award letter arrives with a list of scholarships, loans, or other types of student-aid available to you. This can take some time, so it’s important not to wait until the last minute.
Conclusion
Financing your education in 2021 is easy. With different ways available, it’s a good idea to get started early and figure out which one is best for you. To do this, we recommend researching scholarship opportunities and what other types of financial aid may be offered to you.
6 Things You Need to Rock Your Next Interview
Changing jobs to advance your career or getting your first professional job after college can leave people overwhelmed with anxiety. There are so many things to consider in the process, it’s hard to know where to start. If you’ve been holed up in your house working remotely for the past year and a half, the added stress can make the thought of change even more unbearable. The good thing is that you can walk into your next interview with confidence when you do these things.
Professional Resume
Spruce up your resume. Those Microsoft Office templates might provide a good start, but if you really want to stand out in a sea of applicants, have a professional resume writer offer you suggestions to improve. You’d be surprised at the difference they can make. It’s not just about putting information on paper, it’s about the look and feel of the resume as well. For people in creative industries, the layout can make or break your chances of even getting invited for an interview.
Along with your professional resume, a good cover letter tailored to the job you’re applying for is critical. No “Dear Sir or Madam” greetings will do. Take the time to research the company and the names of the people who you want to get in front of. It’s not as hard as you think to find out who the HR director or Marketing VP is at a company. A good resume and cover letter will set you up for success once you get the interview.
LinkedIn Profile
A lot of companies do some sleuthing online to learn more about potential candidates. A professional photo and complete LinkedIn profile is a great way to stand out. Leverage this powerful social media tool to network, connect with thought leaders, and others in your industry. Share valuable content on occasion to help you stand out when recruiters come looking. With a good first impression online, you’ll be able to rock your interview.
Confidence
Human resources professionals don’t pick the worst candidates, they choose the best. Wear confidence that you were one of the best of all the applicants. You don’t need to feel self-conscious, you can walk with confidence that you have the skills they need and you are one of the best options. Too many professionals think they might not be good enough for a role, but the truth is, if you were selected to interview, you passed the first test.
Clothes
Unfortunately, what you wear matters. You can be the most brilliant mind, but if you walk into an interview looking sloppy and dirty, it’s unlikely you’ll get the job. Wear something stylish but subdued. You don’t want to be distracting, but there is no need to wear outdated pant suits when you can wear a pair of cute bottoms with a simple button-up shirt. Use accessories sparingly, but don’t feel like what you wear must be devoid of fashion.
Preparation
Learn about the company you want to work for. There is no reason you need to walk into a company blind. You can find out gross revenue for the previous year, read annual reports, and check out their social media profiles to discover their voice. Interviews are as much for you as they are for them. Be prepared with good questions about company culture, corporate policies, and job-related questions.
Find out about how they approach advancement, bonuses, and other career building opportunities. You’ll want to discover how supportive they are of further education and families. What is their take on work/life balance? All of these are important ways you can prepare for your interview.
For the technical interviews, you may also experience tests like brainteasers and IQ tests. You can test you Edgar Allan Poe knowledge here with this fun quiz.
Don’t Share Too Many Personal Details
Your interviewer doesn’t need to know that you were out late drinking last night or any of your personal financial problems. It’s important to keep your interview focused and professional. If they try to dig in to anything that’s outside the scope of the job interview, it’s up to you to redirect the conversation. An interview should be a back and forth, give and take between the parties. But it should not be a juicy tell-all. Hold back on anything related to home, family, or personal life. You don’t want to give the impression that you aren’t planning to be committed to the job.
How to Make Safety an Integral Part of your Outdoor Cooking Experience
Outdoor cooking has become a fresh idea again. Lots of restaurants have had to move their dining facilities outside to accommodate COVID concerns. Many restaurants have been discovering the joys and headaches of serving people outside. It is easy to do on a nice day. Add cold and rain into the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. The solution is expensive. Big restaurants have adopted tent-like structures with integrated heating. The entire system still has to have access to open air for safety. But the heaters have to run hot and constantly to fight the chill of the air. It is not without a hint of danger.
The threat of fire is real and present. Do you know what to do if your building catches fire? What about the outdoor space where you are cooking or eating? Fire safety is one of the big reasons why smaller restaurants are having a hard time setting up appropriate facilities. When you add outdoor cooking to the mix, you have a situation that is even more fraught. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. It just means that you have to do it with safety built into the process. Here are a few things to consider:
Safe Equipment
When setting up your U shaped outdoor kitchen, the first detail you should consider is the components of that kitchen. Will you be using a gas, charcoal, or electric grill? You have to be as concerned about fire with an outdoor setup as you do an inside setup. Some people just love the ritual that involves charcoal, lighter fluid, and a long match to get it all started. Others find a gas grill much safer, and something with an electric start even more safe. The key is to start with safety and figure out flavor later. You can always make food more flavorful. Adding safety after the fact is a lot harder.
The physical arrangement of the kitchen might also contribute to safety. A cramped space is likely going to be less safe than a larger space where there is room to spread out. A larger space will also make it safer for more than one person to be in the kitchen at the same time. When too many people are in too small of a space, accidents happen. To reduce the chances of fire, start with quality equipment chosen for the setting in which it will be used.
Safety Gear
A lot of people have a fire extinguisher inside the house. But do you have one outside as well? If you have an outside fire that blocks your entry to the house, you are in trouble. This is one of the most important safety tips that people forget when it comes to outdoor cooking.
A lot of outdoor fires start because people don’t build campfires the right way. But even those fires could be stopped before they become news with the simple expediency of having a fire extinguisher near to hand. When cooking outdoors, your fire extinguisher needs to always be near to hand. You should not consider it safe to start the heat until you have the fire extinguisher nearby.
Insects
Cooking outdoors means giving insects more access to you and your food. Some insects carry disease. Some cause allergic reactions. And you never want to accidentally bite into one. That is the kind of thing that can easily put you off your lunch.
While nothing will completely eliminate pests, you should have your pest control service spray outside. They have chemicals that can greatly reduce pests. You can also use bug zappers and those torches that have insect repellent in them. These measures can help. What you don’t want to do is use any type of aerosol around your cooking area. It might kill the bugs. But it will also ruin your food and endanger your guests. It might seem like a small problem. But for a mostly insect-free outdoor cooking and dining experience, you should call in the professionals. It doesn’t cost as much as you think, and will help more than you think.
To enjoy your outdoor cooking experiences, start with safety. Only use quality products installed by professionals. Keep the fire extinguisher near to hand. And let the professionals deal with the insects before you set up your kitchen.
Here’s How to Use Giveaway Bottled Water to Promote your Brand
Whether it’s for your conference, launch, or a daily on-site promo, supplying people with customized bottled water is a great way to boost your brand. Giveaway items are a super way for guests to remember you, but a gift like water goes a step further: it promotes your values and shows you care about your customers’ health.
But how do you give out bottled water in an effective way? Here’s a complete guide on how to make this strategy work for your business.
How Does the Promotional Bottled Water Giveaway Work?
Giving customized, promotional bottled water to your guests is quite simple. The idea is to hand out water bottles with your own branding rather than corporate labels.
But won’t people throw them away when they’re done using them?
Not if you invest in aluminum bottles they can reuse and take wherever they go. This makes your giveaway much more memorable and usable long-term.
To create this giveaway, you usually have to customize your own labels or aluminum bottles through a professional service, which give you full creative control. For example, https://myownwater.com/ lets you choose the material of your bottles, like recyclable plastic, glass, or aluminum.
You should include items on your bottle label such as:
- Your logo, branding, company colors
- Company name and or slogan
- Address
- Contact details
- Website
How to Present Your Giveaway
1. Reception Area Promo
Offering free water at reception is a lovely way to make guests feel comfortable. You will remind customers of your branding throughout the day and much longer if you go with aluminum.
Ask your receptionist to offer water to anyone who comes by.
2. In Meetings
Having water readily available helps people for more comfortable in board meetings, presentations, conferences, or team-building events. It is a small touch that goes a long way to creating a good impression.
3. At Charity Walks/Runs/Golf Days etc.
Whether your company is hosting, collaborating on, or participating in a charity day, handing out branded water to participants is a great way to gain visibility. You can have them at the finish line and/or at hydration stations.
By having employees get involved, your team will interact with the local community and establish new relationships.
4. In Swag or Tote Bags
Everyone loves getting a bag of goodies to take home after a conference, launch, or any event, really! If you are collaborating with other companies, tell them you’ll supply the water with your branding.
Make sure to have your branding on the swag bag itself and the other items in it if it’s an in-house affair.
5. At Markets or Trade Shows
Wherever you go to showcase your company, take your promotional water along. Chatting with all the traders and looking at what they offer is draining work. Visitors to your stall will be grateful to get that free bottle of water when they really needed it.
Make sure the water is clearly visible at your stand to draw people in.
6. Sponsorships
If your company doesn’t sponsor any local school programs and sporting, arts, literacy, or theater clubs, consider doing so immediately. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the people who support your business and reach new potential customers. As part of your sponsorship of projects and events, you can include promotional water. Parents will respect you for being a part of these youth development programs and are bound to support you in return.
7. Community Events
There’s always something going on in a thriving community — craft fairs, ladies high teas, sporting days, you name it. Having a stall handing out water alongside company pamphlets is another way to connect with your community and get your name out there. It’s also loads of fun to be a part of these community gatherings!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, handing out bottled water to employees, clients, and community members shows your company cares. It’s an effective way to market your company and thereby generate more business leads. So next time you’re considering buttons or pens, try your hand at designing water bottles instead!
Forrest Walker Conner: Choosing the Right College Major
Everyone finds their purpose in different ways and at different times in their lives. Some instinctively know what they are called to do at a young age and plan their whole academic career around that. Others test out various things to discover their passion and talents.
Picking your college major is a big decision, and, frankly, some heading to college aren’t certain of which direction to go. Nashville rising businessman Forrest Walker Conner said it was a trip in the summer after his eighth-grade year at Montgomery Bell Academy that set him on his path.
A Program That Changed His Life
That was the summer Forrest Walker Conner studied Lithuania and the Baltic countries during World War II. The fortitude of these smaller countries to remain free impressed Forrest Walker Conner and prompted him to participate in any exchange program available.
His family hosted German and Lithuanian students, and Walker traveled to Australia to study in between his junior and senior years in high school. After high school, Forrest Walker’s travels and experiences led him to enroll in University of the South, Sewanee.
Picking a Major in College
A rising junior, Forrest Conner is majoring in economics and minoring in business. Forrest Walker is also a paid intern in Washington, D.C., while participating in an economic and public policy program called the Fund for American Studies.
He said the toughest decision of his college career was picking a major.
“I know it doesn’t sound like that crucial of a choice,” Forrest Walker Conner said, “however, understanding that it will affect my life further down the road definitely adds more pressure to the decision.”
Learning from Experiences
Forrest Walker said he enjoys new places, people, and experiences, which led to many opportunities. He pays attention to relationships and listens to mentors. He said he tries to learn from every experience. All of that has helped him come to decisions about his major.
Those who are having trouble deciding which major is the right one can do some of the things Forrest Conner did to help you decide.
Forrest Walker Conner participated in extracurricular study programs, like the one in the Baltic States, which piqued his interest in foreign countries, the economy, and freedom.
He also started seeking out foreign exchange programs to learn more about the world, which ultimately led him to the nation’s capital. Learning about different topics can put you in a direction that you wouldn’t have expected.
Expand Social Circles
Forrest Walker Conner also expanded his circle of relationships. That can be beneficial in multiple ways because, as he stated, it opens up opportunities. More opportunities mean you could find something you really enjoy that you hadn’t pursued before.
Most of all, he listened to those he respected. Forrest Walker Conner said that included family, friends, teachers, those at church.
Forrest Walker said he knows he still has much to learn and is eager to continue learning both in the classroom and in life.
Find Your Interests
Those who are having a challenging time deciding what interests them should take an interest inventory test. This is offered through guidance counselors’ offices, and some are even online.
Answering simple and fun questions can clue you in on parts of personality you haven’t thought about before. After calculating your answers, the inventory test will list several possible jobs that you may have the skills and interest in pursuing.
It doesn’t hurt to do some part-time or temporary work or even volunteer in different industries to see if you’re a fit for that job. You can earn some money, gain some skills, meet new people who can help you advance your career, and find out if you truly like a job before you pursue it as a career.
That is what Forrest Walker Conner is doing in participating in a paid internship. He said he is learning that public policy and business often work together, and the experience is teaching him how government policies affect the economy and business environments.
Take on Challenges
He advises young people to try as many new things as possible, even if it appears to be challenging.
Forrest Walker said trying new things may seem intimidating, but they can be some of the best experiences of your life.
He said the more you challenge yourself, the less scary things become. Then you can face the next challenge with confidence.
“Then before you know it, there isn’t much that will intimidate you anymore,” Forrest Walker said.
Picking a college major doesn’t have to happen the moment you hit the college doors.
You can take some basic courses while you think about it. Just don’t put it off. Search different avenues and make the most of every opportunity so you can move ahead when you figure out which major you want to pursue.
Favorite Techniques for Action Loving Traders
Some people love the chase and the non-stop action of the daily securities markets. Whether it’s stocks, options, futures, commodities, forex, or precious metals, there’s something about non-stop price movement that gets the adrenaline pumping for certain kinds of investors. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for those who want to be in the thick of things, making dozens of trades per session and always having a fresh one in view. If fast-paced buying and selling is your cup of tea, here is a short summary of four ways that you can get involved. The best part is that you won’t need to put a ton of money on the line, nor does it take months of intense study to learn how to use any of the techniques.
Precious Metals Scalping
Precious metals scalping is not for everyone, but those who like fast price action and the chance to make a daily income from speed-based transactions love nothing more. Unlike day trading, precious metals scalping only involves the four precious metals, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Additionally, the size of each trade tends to be larger than a standard day trade, and lasts for much less time.
Day Trading
Day traders make multiple round trips (a purchase and associated sale) per session and don’t hold positions overnight. That’s the basic definition of the strategy that many people engage in every day of the year. The good news is that learning how to day trade only takes a couple of weeks, and you can get started with a modest amount of capital as soon as you feel ready to go live. If you’re attracted to this kind of activity, remember to seek out a broker that is day trade friendly and offers plenty of educational resources to new account holders. Also, make sure that whoever you end up working with has a simulator available so you can practice quick order placement for a couple weeks before putting real money on the line.
Options
Stock options have long been a favorite among people who like to balance higher-risk investing with high potential rewards. Options contracts are complex instruments and there are unlimited mathematical strategies for setting up positions. However, sticking to simple vanilla options, contracts that give you the right to buy 100 shares of the underlying stock, can be the best way to get started in this fast-paced niche where prices often change rapidly.
Commodities Futures
Buying futures contracts on commodities is a favorite strategy for investors who like to take part in active markets. Prices change quickly on individuals’ commodities, which is why so many who follow this approach diversify their holdings among five or more assets at a time, like cotton, oil, copper, and wheat (just to name a few of the most frequently traded commodity’s futures). There are mini contracts for most of the major categories, so don’t expect to have to put thousands of dollars on the line to get started. Additionally, futures brokers usually offer high leverage to traders and the markets are very liquid.
8 FIELD TRIP IDEAS IN BRANSON, MISSOURI
Looking to treat your students to a field trip in Branson, Missouri? Nothing rewards great effort and builds morale while also providing an educational experience quite like a field trip.
Whether your school is located right in Taney County or whether you’re looking to travel to Branson from elsewhere, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in the Branson area. Here are eight top field trip ideas your students will love!
1. Visit the Titanic Museum Branson
The tragic sinking of the Titanic holds an important place in world history. To reinforce their knowledge of the event, consider taking your students on a trip to the Titanic Museum Branson.
Here, they will be able to explore a life-size recreation of the famous vessel. The museum is filled with all sorts of authentic artifacts that have been recovered from the ship, as well as stories and exhibits that provide greater context for the incident and the events leading up to it.
As the museum offers self-guided tours, students can work through the information at their own pace. Staff members are also scattered throughout the facility to fill in knowledge gaps and answer questions as needed!
2. Check out The Butterfly Palace
If you’re currently teaching your students about biology, zoology, or another branch of science, The Butterfly Palace might be the perfect destination for a Branson field trip. This attraction is home to more than 1,000 exotic butterflies, as well as other animals—such as birds, reptiles, and more.
At the Palace’s main exhibit, the Live Butterfly Aviary, your students will not only get to learn about and encounter butterflies of all shapes, sizes, and colors but also have the opportunity to feed them!
When you’ve finished exploring the Aviary, be sure to catch the museum’s 3D video, “Flight of the Butterflies.” Round out your excursion by exploring the Rainforest Science Center. Here, your students will be able to view and pet live amphibians and reptiles!
3. Feed the trout at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
The Branson area is home to Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, which is responsible for producing between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds of trout every year—the majority of which are used to stock Lake Taneycomo.
This 155-acre facility features a free conservation center that has been allocated to the public. Here, your students will be able to view the trout up close, feed them, and learn more about aquatic life.
Fish food can be purchased from the many vending machines located on site—just make sure that you and your students bring plenty of quarters!
4. Spend the day at Silver Dollar City
While it’s true that a productive field trip should have some level of educational value, end-of-year trips are a different story.
To celebrate another successful school year, considering treating your students to a day at Silver Dollar City—a hometown favorite that is filled with thrills, shows, shopping, and food!
This eclectic park has something for every child to enjoy. For the thrill-seeker, Silver Dollar City offers close to 40 rides and attractions. For those who prefer water activities, the park is home to 10 different slides and pools.
What’s more, Silver Dollar City provides shows and live music around the clock. Be sure to check the park’s schedule when planning your trip!
5. See the wildlife at Promised Land Zoo
Give each of your students the chance to see their favorite furry friend in person by taking them to the Promised Land Zoo—a family-owned animal attraction that has been named as one of TripAdvisor’s top 25 zoos in the nation.
This facility spans across 75 acres, giving your students plenty of animal exhibits to explore—from live animal shows to self-guided safari adventures. With VIP admission, your students will even get to take part in exclusive encounters with fishing cats, owls, ring-tailed lemurs, and two-toed sloths!
If you happen to visit during the wintertime, you might even be able to catch Branson’s Let There Be Lights drive-thru adventure—a festive safari filled with animals and an impressive light display.
6. Get creative at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
If you sense that your students are growing tired of the mundane classroom dynamic, get the creative juices flowing again by visiting the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Branson.
This museum offers 8 galleries and over 450 unique artifacts that are sure to not only keep your students engaged and entertained but also challenge their developing minds.
After a field trip filled with art, illusions, and brainteasers, your students will return to the classroom feeling refreshed and eager to learn once again!
7. Take a stroll through Table Rock State Park
While the classroom may provide a great learning environment for children, it’s important that your students also exercise regularly and spend time outdoors. You can promote physical activity, fresh air, and time spent with nature by visiting Table Rock State Park.
This recreational site utilizes every mile of its 356-acre location, offering all types of on-site activities for you and your students to enjoy—whether it’s a challenging hike or bike ride on one of many park trails, a boating adventure across the marina, or an impressive view of the Table Rock Dam.
What’s more, campgrounds and picnic areas are scattered across the park, allowing you to stop for lunch and break up the day’s activities!
8. Explore Talking Rocks Cavern
There is so much natural beauty to discover below the earth’s surface. With a guided cave tour at Talking Rocks Cavern, your students will have the opportunity to explore cave formations, learn more about various rock types, and even mine for precious gems.
After you’ve filled your students’ heads with knowledge about stalagmites and stalactites, wind down by entering a SpeleoBox maze or with a game of mini-golf at Cave Country—the cavern’s very own on-site course.
Before you leave, stop by the cavern’s gift shop, where your students will be able to pick out a rock to commemorate the experience!
What Should You Do If Your Building Is On Fire?
When you’re a college student, you probably share a space in some form or another with other people. This can include being in a dorm or an apartment building.
While that’s part of the quintessential college experience, it can have downsides.
For example, you’re at risk because of things other people do. If there’s a fire, it can be out of your control, but there are things you can do to keep yourself safe in this situation. There are also preemptive steps you can take to avoid being someone responsible for a fire in your building.
The following are things to know about fires in a dorm or apartment, especially if you’re a college student.
Dorm and Apartment Fire Safety
If you live in a shared space, you want to make sure that you have fire alarms on your floor. If you don’t see them or aren’t sure, talk to the RA or apartment manager. It’s their responsibility to ensure there are working fire alarms on each level of a multi-story building.
These alarms should also be outside every sleeping area and in every bedroom.
Talk to the person who’s in charge onsite and figure out when the last battery test was.
There should also be fire extinguishers available on each level of your apartment and, if applicable, in the kitchen.
Proactively you also need an escape plan. Think about what your route will be and give yourself different options.
When you live in a multi-unit residential building of any kind and you’re living close to other people some of the most significant fire risks include:
- Cooking: Even if you live in a dorm and there aren’t kitchens, other people in your building might be using hotplates, microwaves, electric kettles, or other small appliances. It’s essential that if you are using any of these items, you don’t ever leave them unattended. You need to turn them off as soon as you’re done preparing food. If you live somewhere with a kitchen, be especially careful of grease or oil and keep your clothing and combustible items away from flames.
- Heaters: There should be at least three feet of clearance space around heaters. Things like fireplaces aren’t as common in apartment buildings, but if you do have one, you need to make sure you have it professionally cleaned and maintained.
- Candles: Probably one of the most significant fire risks, if you’re a college student, are candles. You should never leave a candle unattended, and make sure they’re placed far from things like curtains or anything combustible. Before you go to sleep you should put any candles out, and you might need to check your lease or dorm agreement because they might not be allowed at all.
- Smoking: If you’re a college student, never smoke indoors in your dorm or apartment. Not only is it very likely against the rules, but you’re putting yourself and others at risk if there’s a fire.
A few other fire safety tips include:
- Use surge protectors for all of your appliances
- Don’t run cords under rugs
- Don’t have cords running between rooms
- Don’t store anythingcombustible
So what should you do if your building is actually on fire?
Never Ignore a Fire Alarm
If you hear a fire alarm, you shouldn’t ignore it. You should get your room or apartment keys and let the people around you know as much as possible. It’s essential to take your keys in case you have to turn around because of any flames in the hallway or smoke, or a blocked entry. You may need to go back into your apartment.
Begin to act right away, but try to stay calm. If you’re on your bed, roll-off and crawl to the door. Remain low in case there are fumes or smoke.
Check doorknobs before opening them. If there’s heat that you can feel on the doorknob, it can indicate there’s a fire behind the door.
If there’s an elevator, don’t take it.
If you can’t leave, stay where you are. This means that your apartment isn’t immediately threatened. You can put wet towels or rags under your doors and cover the vents to prevent smoke from coming in. Call 911, and open a window to wave a brightly colored cloth or towel outside the window. If possible, you might use a flashlight as a signal.
If you have to escape through smoke, along with staying low, you should close doors behind you.
If you have a window, don’t break the glass unless you have to because it can draw the smoke in from the outside.
If you see a small fire somewhere in your building and you’re comfortable doing so, you might be able to use a nearby extinguisher.
You should not enter a smoke-filled room, even if it doesn’t look like there’s any fire.
Other key takeaways in the event of any kind of fire include:
- Activate the fire alarm if that hasn’t already been done
- Alert people in your direct area
- Avoid fumes and smoke
- Try to identify an exit you can access
- Don’t attempt to go back into a building until you’re told it’s safe. If you’re worried there are pets or other people still inside, notify the first responders.
When you live in a shared building with other people, it’s so crucial that you’re proactive about fire safety. You might not think about it until it’s too late. It could save your life to know what your escape plan is.
If you’re on a high floor of a building, you might even invest in an escape ladder.
There are just so many variables around you when you’re sharing this kind of space with other people, and there are many things out of your control.
If you have any concerns about fire safety in your building, whether it is a dorm or an apartment, talk to someone who’s in charge about what those are and what you think can be done.
Can You Get a Business Degree in 2 Years?
Earning your business degree can put you on the path toward becoming a manager or running your own company. You may not be interested in an undergraduate degree, but you still want to further your education by attending college and earning at least an associate’s degree. There are some cases in which you can earn a bachelor’s in business in two years, but this would require transferring credits from a previously earned degree into a new program. For people with no past experience, two years of study will allow you to earn an associate’s in business administration or applied business.
How Much Does an Associate’s in Business Cost?
Tuition varies from state to state and college to college, but you’ll find that two-year degree programs are more affordable in terms of both cost and time. This makes them appealing for someone who wants to advance their education without going into serious debt or losing years to rigorous study. An associate’s typically costs half the price of a bachelor’s, so anticipate a total cost of approximately $8,000 to $20,000. There are options for paying for your degree that make it a manageable expense. You can use a student loan payoff calculator to compare private student loan rates and see how much you’d have to pay per month with each before making any final decisions.
Applied Business Associate’s Degree
An AAB degree allows you to choose from a variety of different disciplines to align your education with your career goals. Some of the most common specializations are human relations, financial management, marketing and accounting. You could also pursue an AAB with a focus in paralegal studies if you’re interested in working in law. The benefit of an AAB is that it qualifies you for entry-level work upon graduation and can easily be transferred into a bachelor’s program if you want to earn a four-year degree later.
Associate’s in Business Administration
If you’re more interested in business principles and management skills, then an associate’s degree in business administration could be a good fit for your career path. An ABA introduces students to the fundamentals of business with a strong emphasis on project management and communication skills. Just like an AAB, ABA degrees can be used as a stepping stone toward undergraduate programs either immediately upon graduation or after you’ve begun working.
Why Earn an Associate’s Degree?
The purpose of associate’s degrees is to build hirable skills in a short period of time, making you a worthy candidate for a number of positions or providing you with the knowledge you need to confidently pursue your professional goals. You are able to secure a job in a field you enjoy while earning a salary that allows you to provide for your family and gain financial stability. In today’s highly competitive job market, you need every credential possible to stand out. Earning a two-year degree shows future employers that you’re dedicated to the field and have taken the time necessary to develop the skills it takes to succeed.
College Education Amidst The Pandemic: 5 Ways to Cope Up
Studying in the pre-pandemic times was stressful enough, but the online learning setup has proved to be an additional challenge to millions of students worldwide. The difficulties come with the drastic change of modes of learning; gone are the routinary days spent in actual classrooms with good friends and classmates. Instead, students now spend hours on end in front of their computers, dreading the next class and the upcoming deadlines–all within the same confined space where they do other activities.
Coping Up With College Education Amidst The Pandemic
There’s no denying it–online learning is very stressful. With the ongoing global pandemic, it seems like college courses online will continue to be the best way for education to proceed.
How can one cope with such drastic and occurring change? Take a look at the list below:
- Stay Organized
Nothing beats someone who can maintain control. Being organized is all about keeping things in order. Taking charge of your life, especially now that instructions and learning are done remotely, is one of the crucial adjustments students have to make.
However, being organized doesn’t always have to mean being over the top. It can be as simple as taking meticulous notes of each task and deadlines per class. Designating a portion of your study desk for important papers and files goes a long way, too.
Since almost everything’s virtual and digital now, it’s also efficient to utilize free cloud storage services, like Google Drive, where documents can be directly saved and accessed in neat digital files.
The key is constructing a system of doing things that best serve you. Keep it tidy, simple, and easy to work through.
- Never Chase The Deadline
Deadlines are notorious for putting students to high levels of stress. Chasing deadlines amidst the pandemic is another thing. Procrastinating until a project is nearly due is the typical cause of cramming. It can also be due to poor time management skills and other unique factors.
Still, it can be largely avoided if one immediately proceeds to do the task given. Whether it’s because you’re a perfectionist or procrastinator (or both,) it doesn’t matter. To stay ahead of deadlines, you have to do things now rather than later.
Never mind the need to get things right the first time. As the saying goes, you can never work with a blank page. Aim to do your task in realistic and efficient increments. Setting personal deadlines a few days before the actual deadline allows you to have more time to rework, edit, polish, and sit with your project or paper. This is a foolproof way to reduce stress and anxieties caused by overwhelming deadlines.
- Break Sweat, Not Tears
Students in the time of the pandemic are prone to a sedentary lifestyle. This means little to no physical activity measured by the time spent sitting or lying down. This comes in the form of watching television, playing video games, spending a significant amount of time in front of a computer screen and scrolling through social media for hours. Such a lifestyle comes with preventable health risks.
However, it’s not merely about keeping your physical health in check. Exercising also promotes a recreational way to destress. Breaking sweat after spending idle hours working on assignments balances your overall physical and mental state.
Take note to sleep right, look after your nutrition, and check your eating habits, too.
- Set Clear Boundaries
It’s easy to get overwhelmed these days. Ever since the pandemic, almost all activities have taken place online–from attending Zoom classes to catching up with friends, the virtual world feels immediate, instant, boundless, and repetitive. This adds to the stress and anxiety experienced by a lot of people, most of all, students.
That being said, it’s best to set clear boundaries. Identify a time within the day where you should stop checking your emails and messages. Know when things get overwhelming for you and learn to say no. Take the weekends off as strictly for rest and leisure. Set rules and stick by them, and assert your need for time and space to maintain balance in your life.
- Extend Kindness
Just like yourself, everyone’s going through a lot of things as they deal with the same impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the world. People cope in different ways; some take more time, others even more so.
Attending classes and collaborating with people for projects all require an awareness of each other’s unique situations. Understanding how difficult it can get is humbling. This is because it brings empathy to the table and allows you to connect better with other people.
What makes things easier is kindness. Build support networks, get in touch with friends, be patient with teachers and technology, and reach out to others who might need help.
Final Words: Online Learning Is Possible
Even with the present challenges posed by the pandemic, fruitful learning can still happen. The best way to cope with difficult situations and unique circumstances is to find ways to work with what you have. Taking control of things, setting priorities, and extending yourself to others requires a positive mindset geared towards remaining steadfast and resilient.
As with everything else, college education amidst the pandemic takes will, effort, and patience to arrive at good outcomes.