Get Fafsa Funding After I Get An Associate'S Degree

Eligibility for federal student aid is determined when a student submits his application for aid to the federal government. Having a degree like an associate's may affect how much a student can borrow at the undergraduate level. Availability to additional funding often depends on how much the student borrowed previously from the government and how long it took to attain the associate's degree.

First Year of Undergraduate

You are still allowed to file your federal application for student aid (FAFSA) even after you receive an associate's degree. You are eligible to receive federal student aid for a subsequent undergraduate degree as long as the institution you are attending is accredited and recognized by the federal government. As of January 2011, the total amount in federal student loans you are able to receive as a dependent student in your first year of an undergraduate program is $5,500. If you are an independent student without parental support this amount increases to $9,500.

Second Year of Undergraduate

Your ability to borrower higher amounts in student loan money from the federal government increases as you accumulate college credits. These increases in student loan funding are determined by credit eligibility. This means just because it's your second year in school doesn't mean you're a sophomore unless you have enough credits to qualify. The maximum amount you can borrow from the federal government as an official sophomore in an undergraduate program is $6,500 if you're considered a dependent. An independent student without parental support may borrow up to $10,500 in her credit-eligible sophomore year.

Third Year and Beyond

Student loan borrowing for an undergraduate program caps in your third year of undergraduate at $7,500 if you're a dependent student and $12,500 if you're considered independent. If you choose to pursue a graduate degree your eligibility for federal student aid changes. As a graduate student you my borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal student loan money up to a total of $138,500 as of January 2011. Once this total is reached you are no longer eligible for federal student aid at the graduate level.

Federal Pell Grants

If you have an associate's degree and are planning on working toward an additional undergraduate degree, you are eligible for a federal Pell Grant. Eligility is determined by your expected family contribution or EFC, calculated from the information on your FAFSA application. As January 2011, The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act or SAFRA has changed the thresholds for Pell Grant eligibility from $4,167 to $5,273. This means if your EFC falls below this mark you may be considered eligible for a Pell Grant. The amount of aid is determined on a sliding scale depending on your EFC. This is student aid you are not required to pay back and it does not affect your eligibility for a federal student loan. As of January 2011, the maximum amount for a federal Pell Grant is $5,550.

Ramifications of an Associate's Degree

Getting an associate's degree cannot hurt your ability to get federal funding for student aid unless you borrowed from the federal government to fund your community college experience. The money you borrowed to attain your associate's degree is applied to the maximum allowable amount for an undergraduate degree which is $31,000 as of January 2011. Since an associate's degree takes only two years to complete, the money spent to attain it shouldn't significantly impact your ability to borrow the maximum allowable amount from the federal government.

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Arizona'S Child Support For Student Laws

Arizona law allows child support payments for students.

As part of a divorce or custody case, the court may order one or both parents to pay child support. In many states, child support payments will continue until the child reaches the "age of majority," or 18 years. However, if a child turns 18 while they are still in school, support payments may continue past the age of majority. In Arizona, there are statutes that explain the requirements for support payments to students.

Emancipation

Most child support orders will continue until a child reaches "emancipation," or freedom from parent. In Arizona, a child is emancipated when they get married, reach the age of majority, get adopted or die.

Qualifying Students

Child support may continue past the age of majority if the child is a student. However, only certain students are eligible for continuing support payments. If the child is actively attending high school or an equivalency program, the support payments may continue until they graduate or finish their program. Although support payments may continue while the child is attending school, they will end as soon as the child reaches the age of 19, whether or not they have graduated or finished their program. Students attending college do not qualify for continuing child support payments.

Automatic Payment Cancellation

Many child support orders will "automatically" end when the child reaches 18 years of age. However, if your child is still actively attending high school or an equivalency program, you may have to inform the court. In this circumstance, you must file a Motion to Modify Child Support to request that support payments continue. Your motion should include specific information about your child's birth date, the school or program she is attending and her expected date of graduation/completion. Forms for support modification are available at your court clerk's office or child support enforcement office.

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Scholarships For Becoming A Teacher

Find the money to go to school and earn a teaching degree.

As the country strives to improve national test scores and student comprehensive levels, teachers find themselves increasingly in the spotlight. Educator, counselor and encourager are roles teachers fill for many students. Adequate training helps teachers to meet these and other school-related demands. Scholarships designed specifically for educators help teachers to gain essential training. The scholarships are available for education majors to take advantage of whether they are attending college to earn an undergraduate or a graduate degree.

Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation Scholarships

Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation's Prospective Educator Scholarships are available to high school students and current teachers who are continuing their education. High school seniors who are members of the Future Educators Association, majoring in education and a grandchild of a Kappan in good standing, or who possess a reference letter from a Kappan in good standing, are eligible to receive the scholarship. Additionally, high school seniors who are selected to represent a local Phi Delta Kappa chapter based on information provided on their scholarship applications (e.g. extracurricular activities, community involvement), and college undergraduates who are members of a Phi Delta Kappa chapter are also eligible to receive the scholarships. As of 2011, approximately 15 scholarships, in the amount of $1,000, are given out each year. The funds cover tuition and lab fees.

Bright Horizons Future Teachers Scholarship

Annually, Bright Horizons' Future Teachers Scholarship awards three scholarships to students who are pursuing a degree in early childhood education or in a related field. As of 2011, their $1,500 scholarship is given to students who are seeking an associate's degree and who are entering their second year of college. Juniors are eligible to receive Bright Horizons' $2,500 scholarship. Students going to college to get their master's degree in education are eligible to receive the organization's $2,500 graduate degree scholarship. Full-time enrollment at an accredited post-secondary school, experience working with children younger than 8-years-old, and academic excellence are required to receive one of the scholarships.

Journalism Education Scholarship

The Journalism Education Foundation awards up to three scholarships a year to students who major in education and intend to use their degree to teach scholastic journalism. Awards are given to seniors attending an undergraduate education program and to students seeking a master's degree. Scholarship recipients are required to teach journalism at the secondary school level. Educators already teaching journalism are also eligible to receive a scholarship. Amount of the scholarship is $1,000 as of 2011. Applicants must write and submit a 250 word essay with their scholarship application.

National Federation of the Blind Educator of Tomorrow Award

The amount of the National Federation of the Blind Educator of Tomorrow Award is $3,000 as of 2011. Legally blind students who are pursuing an education degree and who plan to work teaching elementary, secondary or post-secondary students are eligible to receive the scholarship. Award recipients must reside in the United States, Puerto Rico or the District of Columbia. They are also required to attend the annual National Federation of the Blind convention and participate in all scheduled scholarship related activities.

Prospective Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarships

The National Council of Teacher of Mathematics sponsors the Prospective Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarships. As of 2011, one scholarship is awarded each year in the amount of $10,000. Half of this amount is awarded in the student's third year of college; the other half is awarded during the student's fourth year of undergraduate study. College sophomores who are pursuing a degree to work as a certified math teacher at a secondary school are eligible to receive the scholarship. Membership in the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics is also required. The scholarship covers the costs of tuition, fees and books.

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Study For The Texas English Proficiency Test

The TOEFL and the TELPAS combine listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in each focused portion of the test, so it is important to combine these functions when you study.

To study for a Texas English proficiency test, you will need to prepare for four sections, each of which evaluates a different aspect of proficiency: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Texas has two English proficiency tests: the Texas English Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TELPAS comprises Reading Proficiency Tests in English (RPTE), which are administered to students in grades two and three, four and five, six through eight and nine through 12. The TOEFL is taken by any ESL student planning to enroll in a college or university in Texas.

Instructions

1. Locate a video news report that you can listen to for practice.

Find a news report online that you will be able to replay. CNN has a good video site for breaking news (http://www.cnn.com/video/).

2. Listen to the passage once for content and a second time for structure.

Listen to the news report and take notes on the main points and highlights of the story.

3. Take notes on what you understand to be the main points and highlights of the report and passage.

Listen again to the report, this time taking notes on the structure of the information; that is, note the order in which the details are given and whether those details are given via pictures, interviews, or verbal summary from the newscaster.

4. Read over your notes and then write a brief (three to four sentences) summary of the news report.

5. Practice conveying the main points of what you have heard by summarizing the passage to another person and have him or her correct your pronunciation and grammar.

Without looking at your notes, explain to another person the content and structure of the news report. Ask the other person to critique the pronunciation, grammar and pacing of your speech.

6. The TOEFL and TELPAS use passages from actual history textbooks, so these are logical texts to use in preparation for the test.

Randomly choose a paragraph in a history textbook and ask another person to read it aloud to you. Repeat steps 2 through 5: take notes on the main points and structure of the paragraph, write a summary of it in your own words, and verbalize a summary of it to the other person as he or she critiques your pronunciation, grammar and pacing.

7. Have the other person ask you questions about the content and structure of a randomly chosen paragraph in a history textbook and practice responding verbally to those questions.

Tags: news report, main points, Texas English, another person, other person, pronunciation grammar, TOEFL TELPAS

Get Financial Aid To Attend Graduate School In New York State

Paying for graduate school can be exceptionally difficult, particularly if you are applying as an independent and will not be able to work while you are in school. Also, while many colleges and universities have recently changed their undergraduate financial aid policies to limit or eliminate loans, this decision does not really affect graduate students. The following are some tips for securing financial aid for graduate programs in New York state.

Instructions

1. Apply to schools at which you will be at the top of the applicant pool. Schools that have merit-based financial aid use it to reward the strongest applicants. By applying to schools where you will stand out (provided they offer merit-based money), you increase your chances of getting scholarships (this is particularly important if you or your parents make enough money to disqualify you from receiving need-based aid). Make sure to find out if schools offer such aid before applying, and check whether your undergraduate record puts you in the running for it.

2. Read the general financial aid information provided by all schools to which you are applying. When must you submit the FAFSA? Will you automatically be considered for aid, or do you need to submit an application? The sooner you can gather this information, the smoother the process will be.

3. Fill out and submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). If you wish to receive a need-based aid, you will almost definitely have to submit a FAFSA. Do this as soon as possible, keeping in mind it requires information generated when you compile your taxes.

4. Get information about state-wide funding through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. Of particular note is the state-wide Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which may provide funding to you.

5. Consider special deals for education degrees. If you are seeking a graduate degree in education, you may have some other options. First of all, there is a special box to check on the FAFSA about this--checking it qualifies you for certain other aid options. Also, if you participate in Teach for America or the New York Teaching Fellows program, you will receive a free or subsidized Master's degree, which means you won't need financial aid to begin with.

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Scholarships For African Doctors

Scholarships can help offset the cost of higher education.

For residents of developing nations, such as those in Africa, the costs of higher education can be virtually insurmountable. In sub-Saharan African countries, only 5 percent of the population pursues higher education. However, a 2006 Harvard University report on the state of higher education in Africa states that "higher education can assist countries with technological catch-up and thus improve the potential for faster growth." Fortunately, several organizations provide scholarships to Africans pursuing doctoral or medical degrees.

South African Medical Research Council

The South African Medical Research Council offers the Research Training Scholarships for Medical Doctors program. Recent MBChB or BChD graduates who have "registered with the health professions council and have completed their internship and community service and registered for a Masters degree in a specialist field or a research area" can apply, according to the council's website. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents to qualify. Applications are due by June 30 each year. Preference is given to Black Africans, women and applicants with exceptional academic performance.

Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is a joint project of the World Health Organization, the United Nations and the World Bank. The TDR's Career Development Fellowships program offers funding to "established researchers who already hold a medical, Master's or doctoral degree in fields relevant to TDR's priority diseases and activities," according to the program's website. Eligible applicants include residents of developing countries, such as those in Africa. Historically, fellowships have been awarded to doctors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Gabon, Chad and Ghana. Funds can be used to support medical research, leadership training and diploma programs in areas such as public health.

Rattansi Educational Trust

The Rattansi Educational Trust provides scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing education, including medical education and doctoral degrees. The trust's mission is to "provide education for the needy in the society to help light up their path to development," according to the organization's website. The trust provides funding in the form of bursaries to educational institutions throughout East Africa, including the Kenya Medical Training College and the University of Nairobi. Applications are accepted year-round.

Oppenhemier Fund

The University of Oxford offers scholarships to South African doctoral and graduate students through the Oppenhemier Fund program. Each year, two South African nationals who are applying for graduate coursework at the University of Oxford receive the scholarship. Participating schools include Medical Sciences and Philosophy and the Said Business School. Scholarships range up to $10,200, as of October 2010, and can be used for tuition, fees and living expenses. Most scholarships are offered for one year, but can be extended based on an annual review and satisfactory academic progress.

Tags: higher education, South African, Research Training, African Medical, African Medical Research

Patterns To Make A Japanese Kimono

Japanese kimonos are long robes that literally translate to mean a "thing to wear." Kimonos first emerged in Japan in the late 700s and were used to separate ranks of formality. Today, kimonos are mostly only worn for special occasions, and they are mostly only seen on women. The pattern of choice for a kimono is what defines the person wearing it. While it once described a person's rank, it now describes a person's age, marital status and personality.

Pattern History

When kimonos first emerged in Japan, the pattern of the kimono represented a person's rank in formality. Three types of kimonos were recognized: the Komon, the Tsukesage and the Homongi. The Komon demonstrated the lowest level of formality, and this category included one stenciled or painted pattern that covered the entire kimono. The Tsukesage was a higher level of formality, which displayed designs that began at the hemline, and were sewn upward to the top of the shoulders. The Homongi pattern was the most formal category. These showed off asymmetrical patterns that continued without a break from the seams. In order to accomplish this style, the kimonos had to be sewn, painted, taken apart, dyed, and then re-sewn.

Current Patterns

Today, repeat patterns are still considered informal, whereas multiple patterns of free-style colors are considered customary and accepted. A kimono includes two main strips of cloth that cover the body, two more main strips used for the arms, and smaller pieces of material used for the front panels, the collar and the belt. Because a traditional kimono uses at least five to six different patterns, each one of these material strips is usually a different pattern. Multi-layered kimonos used to be customary, but now a single layer is acceptable.

Young women show off more extravagant patterns and colors than older women, and single women wear sleeves that extend all the way to their wrists. The patterns of choice complement the season of the year, much like in U.S. clothing. Spring kimonos represent bright colors or floral patterns. Summer kimonos show off watery designs and pastel colors. Autumn kimonos display fall color patterns, such as falling leaves. Winter kimono patterns include bamboo, pine trees or plum blossoms, all of which signify wealth and luck for the New Year.

Kimono Creation

To create a kimono, choose how many patterns you want to use, and what type of patterns to display. Once you have your patterns picked out, then you can use a basic, self-made sewing pattern to piece and sew the kimono together. Measure from your neck to your ankles, for the length of the kimono; measure the width of your back and the width of your front, for the width of your kimono; measure the length from your shoulder to your wrist, for the length of your arm pieces, and then measure the length from the top of your arm to your waist, for the width of your arm pieces. Add about 2 to 3 inches to each measurement, to make up for the hemming. (For both easy and difficult sewing patterns, see Resources.)

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Assemble A Care Package For Someone In School

A care package is a thoughtful gift and often constitutes a much needed ration of supplies for a struggling student. Include nutritious snacks, study aids and entertaining surprises.

Instructions

1. Send coffee beans, tea bags or flavored instant coffee drinks for those sleepless study nights.

2. Pack nutritious energy foods that are easily accessible for students on the go. Include sports bars, dried fruit, graham crackers, nuts, instant soups and instant hot cereals.

3. Toss in a few sweets. Chocolate and baked goods do wonders for the spirit.

4. Add an uplifting or entertaining element: a favorite CD, a small book of wisdom, a mini photo album or a movie rental certificate.

5. Include special toiletries that may be impossible to buy on a student budget. Fancy scented soaps, bubble bath, candles and scented lotions are welcome and relaxing gifts.

6. Remember obscure, but practical, little gifts that every student needs. Throw in a few pairs of good socks, a scarf to help beat the cold or a new set of gloves.

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Scholarships For Kids With Divorced Parents

Scholarships for Kids With Divorced Parents

Divorce wreaks havoc on the family in many different ways. For children, there are many emotional and social issues to face. On top of that, the financial devastation that often occurs through divorce can leave kids wondering if they can afford the high tuition costs of a college education. Fortunately there are resources available to this specific demographic.

Raise the Nation Scholarship

There are non-profits specializing in helping single parents meet the demands of raising children alone. As part of this dedication, some organizations offer scholarship programs to the children of single parents. Raise the Nation is one such organization. To qualify for this scholarship, a student must have a single mother who claims them as a dependent on their taxes. Students must be enrolled in a post secondary school and be under 24 years of age.To learn more about this scholarship, go to RaisetheNation.org.

Hope Scholarship

The Hope Scholarship is the result of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 designed to make education more accessible to students of moderate incomes. Children of divorce can use this scholarship for the first two years of enrollment at post-secondary schools. Students can get up to $1,500 per year that pays tuition and fees. Students must be enrolled at least on a half-time basis to qualify for the loan.

The Advantage Scholarship

The Advantage Scholarship was created to support single parent families who have high-achieving children. It focuses on students with high-academic achievement who are accepted at the University of North Carolina. These scholarships are privately funded through university endowments that seek to help children who would otherwise not be able to attend an accredited university. By taking away the "how will I pay for college," students do not need to work as many hours while in school and can focus on taking advantage of the educational resources available. Contact the Student Aid Department at UNC.edu for more information.

Tags: this scholarship, Advantage Scholarship, Divorced Parents, Hope Scholarship, Kids With, Kids With Divorced

California Law For Drugs Near Schools

The use of marijuana in schools is a concern.

Possession of marijuana in public schools leads to a number of questions. On one hand, many parents want to keep their children safe from the temptation to use marijuana, but many casual or legal users want to smoke marijuana without concern for unexpected problems with the law. Below is a general overview of California's laws regarding the possession, use and sale of marijuana on school property during active hours.

Possession of Marijuana in School

California law does place stiffer penalties on the use of marijuana at a school.

California law does place special penalties on possession of marijuana "in school grounds, going to or coming from school, during lunch period both on or off the campus and during, going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity." Anyone in possession of less than 28.5 grams of marijuana but not in any of the situations above faces nothing worse than a $100 fine, but even a minor can face a fine of up to $250 for a first offense and one of up to $500 as well as a 10 day detention in "a juvenile hall, ranch, camp, forestry camp or secure juvenile home" for any thereafter for possession of marijuana under any of those conditions. Worse, anyone 18 or older in possession of 28.5 grams of marijuana or less in any of these conditions may face a fine of up to $500, face up to 10 days in actual jail or both.

Concentrated Cannabis

California law differentiates between marijuana itself and the refined resins of the plant.

California law also places stiffer penalties on the possession of marijuana resins than on possession of marijuana itself. Anyone in possession of such "concentrated cannabis" may face both a $500 and a year in jail regardless of location, though California law does not seem to place further penalties on the possession of this substance on school grounds. Of course, many people consider these resins to be simply another form of marijuana, and so the legal difference may be important.

Selling Marijuana on School Grounds

Selling marijuana to minors carries a stiffer penalty than selling it to adults.

California law does not seem to specify stiffer penalties for selling marijuana on school grounds, but it does set stiffer penalties for selling marijuana to minors. Anyone selling 28.5 grams of marijuana or less to a non-minor faces only a $100 fine, and anyone selling more than that amount to a non-minor faces a sentence of two, three or four years in state prison. However, anyone selling or attempting to sell any amount of marijuana to a minor over 14 faces a sentence of three, four or five years in state prison, and furnishing or administering any amount of marijuana to a minor under 14 can result in a sentence of three, five or seven years in state prison. Hiring a minor to transport, sell or cultivate marijuana can also result in a three, five or seven year sentence.

On Medical Marijuana

The medical use of marijuana grants a limited immunity from prosecution to qualified patients and their caregivers.

The Compassionate Usage act does permit qualified patients to use marijuana and lets both those patients and their qualified caregivers legally purchase, possess and transport marijuana without prosecution. However, the California Department of Justice has issued guidelines for the use of medical marijuana, and these guidelines do prohibit the use of marijuana at or within 1,000 feet of a school, recreation center or youth center unless within a home.

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Make Prussian Blue With Steel Wool

A pigment used in laundry bluing, Prussian blue helps alleviate yellow staining on white fabrics by tinting them with slight bluish tone. Prussian blue can be made into an ink, a paint, or simply used as is for your laundering needs. Making Prussian blue from steel wool provides you with a traditional endeavor used for many centuries. Eliminating the need of expensive fabric dyes and laundry treatments, homemade Prussian blue made with steel wool proves useful and cheap.

Instructions

1. Place the steel wool into the glass bowl.

2. Pour the water into the bowl, allowing the steel wool to absorb a lot of it.

3. Add the small amount of dish soap to the bowl and stir the steel wool around with a plastic spoon to mix the solution.

4. Let the bowl sit for about two days in a cool, dark area.

5. Put on the thick rubber gloves and remove the balls of steel wool from the bowl. Squeeze them to release the Prussian blue pigment into the water. Return them to the bowl and let them sit for another two days, repeating this step.

6. Pour the opaque, grey-blue solution after squeezing the steel wool a final time, into a large plastic bottle. Cap it and store it for later use.

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Canadian Board Certification In General Surgery

Board certification in general surgery in Canada is handled by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Surgeons in Canada receive board certification in general surgery after completing a residency program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and completing the examinations administered by the college.

Qualification

To take the board examinations administered by the college, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited residency program. The college lays out particular qualifications that ensure the residency program receives specific accreditation for general surgery. Applicants must pass a preliminary assessment of their qualifications before applying to take the examinations.

Written Component

The written component of the board examinations takes place in various locations and is comprised of the Principles of Surgery examination, which can be taken when at least two years of specialty training in general surgery are completed. The Principles of Surgery exam must be passed successfully before the Final Written Examination is undertaken. The Final Written Examination is comprised of two sections lasting three hours each, and contains only multiple-choice questions.

Oral Component

The Oral and Clinical Examinations take place in Ottawa, Ontario, and are approximately two hours in length. Candidates respond to questions from examiners that cover clinical surgery and other areas, including basic sciences.

Final Evaluation

After successfully passing the general surgery examinations, the candidate must pass a Final In-Training Evaluation Report (FITER) before receiving board certification from the college.

International Medical Graduates

Passing the board examinations is the usual route to certification. However, there are alternate routes for qualified individuals such as internationally trained medical graduates. Information on this can be found on the College's website.

Tags: general surgery, board examinations, residency program, administered college, board certification

Have Your Own After School Program At Home

After school activities are important especially in the formative years of learning, because it supplements the education taught in the classroom and develops skills that are critical to being well-rounded. There may be times as a parent or guardian when you don't have the time and resources to send children to after school programs sponsored by the school or community. Developing a program at home for kids may suit your schedule better and allow you to accomplish more at home. Here are the steps to developing a program.

Instructions

1. Structure the program by creating a schedule. It is best to start an after school class for the kids an hour or so after school so that they are still in the mindset of learning. It will be easier to pool them together in a room rather than later when they're engaged in other activities. Choose an hour or two time slot and be consistent with it. Schedule the days for the program, either every day or three times a week.

2. Decide on the program's curriculum. An after school program can be many things--it can be educational, enrichment or recreational, or all three. First, have an overview of which subjects the kids are having difficulty in, and create lessons that focus on these subjects. Reinforcing a lesson in fun, creative ways makes the kids more engaged. On certain days, take the kids to a museum or park for an enrichment trip and have the lesson there. Some museums also offer weekend classes for kids for free. When a kid shows a natural skill or leaning toward an activity, try to foster this by signing him or her up for training lessons such as music or swimming lessons.

3. Track progress by posting a grade sheet on the fridge. Being able to check their progress allows the kids to be more mindful of how they are doing. Try to grade them by stars, shapes or other methods than the traditional grading system of As through Cs. This way, there is a separation between school and home. Encourage them frequently and try to inspire a little competition among them which will drive them to do better.

4. Create contests and give rewards. Another way to make learning more fun is by creating contests and giving incentives. For vocabulary, create flash cards and drills. For concepts like sciences or language arts, try to create a contest in Double Jeopardy format. Give prices to the high scorers and smaller consolation prices for those who didn't do as well to keep them motivated.

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Salary Range Of Textile Designers

Textile designers apply fine arts and graphic design skills to develop fabrics.

Whether it's the pattern on an upholstered couch or the texture on the fabric of an evening gown, artists work behind the scenes designing patterns for fabric and other textiles used in a variety of industries. Although many work for textile manufacturers, some create custom patterns for apparel or home furnishings manufacturers to aid in-house design teams.

Average Salary Range

Average salaries for textile designers range from $38,690 to $67,462, according to PayScale.com. This range represents the middle 50 percent of salaries reported in the field, and individual earnings may differ greatly. Experienced designers with more than ten years of experience typically earn more -- $49,579 to $86,128 annually -- than entry-level positions -- $26,531 to $47,816 -- although middle-experience salaries are closer to the average ranges.

Salaries by Location

Textile designers report radically different salaries around the country, and many may work part-time as consultants or freelancers for textile manufacturing companies. Textile designers in Boston fare the best of the cities included in Salary Expert's survey, earning $36,241 a year on average. Those in Indianapolis earn the smallest average annual salary, $21,627. Half of the cities surveyed by Salary Expert reported average annual salaries between $23,715 and $26,995 for textile designers.

Comparison to Graphic Design Salaries

Although many textile designers receive specialized training for fabric design, most have a basis in graphic design or fine arts. Because of this specialization, textile designers earn larger salaries than their counterparts in more traditional graphic design fields. Graphic designers receive median average salaries of $43,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The midpoint for textile designers' salary range, $52,076, is 121 percent of average graphic designers' salaries.

Benefits

Many textile designers receive medical benefits as a condition of their employment. Medical benefits are most common, with 73 percent of full-time textile designers enrolled in an employer-sponsored health care plan. Only 35 percent receive vision coverage from their employers, although 58 percent receive dental coverage.

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Postgraduate Medical Schools

Medical schools train students to meet healthcare needs.

Postgraduates who wish to pursue the path of medicine must continue their education at a medical school of their chosen discipline. There are 133 accredited medical schools and approximately 400 major teaching hospitals in the United States. Represented by the Association of American Medical Colleges, they prepare students for the needs of the nation's health system. Located in all 50 states, a complete list of medical schools is maintained by the AAMC.

Harvard Medical School

Located in Boston, the Harvard Medical School has programs for M.D., Ph.D. and Dental Medicine. Harvard looks for diverse students that have a full educational background in both sciences and humanities. Some of the criteria they take into consideration are the student's academic records, summer jobs, extracurricular activities, life experiences and experience obtained in the field of health either through research or community work. Applicants will also need to submit an essay, letters of evaluation and test scores from the Medical College Admission Test.

Duke University School of Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine is located in Durham, N.C. They have several programs available including those for M.D., Ph.D and Biomedical Sciences. Duke seeks students who have proven character and ethics along with strong educational records. A history of volunteer work, leadership skills and a proven desire to be in medicine are also required. The student must have completed a minimum of 90 hours of approved college credits in courses specified by Duke along with completion of the Medical College Admission Test.

Mayo Medical School

Part of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., the Mayo Medical School gives entry to only 50 medical students each year. They offer programs in M.D., Ph.D. and Medical Scientist Training. Mayo looks for exceptionally strong academics along with abilities in observation, communication, conceptual, behavioral and motor skills. Letters of recommendation and the Medical College Admission Test are also required. Mayo has an Admissions Committee that reviews and interviews the applicants.

Stanford University School of Medicine

Stanford University School of Medicine, located in Stanford, Calif., offers M.D., Ph.D., master's and multiple-degree programs. A high proficiency in academics along with strong observation skills, communication, motor function, quantitative abilities, behavior and ethics are some of the areas that are considered. Prospective students are required to take the Medical College Admissions Test and apply through the American Medical College Application Service.

Tags: Medical College, along with, Medical School, School Medicine, University School

Medical Billing Courses In New York

A number of schools in New York offer medical billing courses.

The New York State Department of Labor predicts that the demand for medical information technicians such as billers and coders will increase by 10 percent from 2006 to 2016. A number of schools throughout the state offer programs to teach students the medical terminology, health insurance coding systems and technology necessary to work as a medical biller.

Trocaire College

Located in Buffalo, New York, Trocaire College is a private, Catholic career-training school that offers a certificate program in medical coding and reimbursement. To enroll, students must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, high school course work in biology, a previous course in medical terminology and typing experience. Those admitted to the program spend two years taking the required classes, which include anatomy, information science, medical office systems, pharmacology and coding. Students must complete a one-term internship before graduation. The school participates in state and federal grant and loan programs and offers a limited number of institutional scholarships and work-study opportunities to help students offset the cost of tuition. Career counseling and job search assistance is available.

Trocaire College

360 Choate Ave.

Buffalo, NY 14220

716-826-1200

trocaire.edu

The Manhattan Institute

The Manhattan Institute is a private, for-profit career school in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The school accepts students who do not have a high school diploma or GED certificate into its medical biller certificate program, but requires them to pass a placement examination. The program requires only two months of full-time study to complete. Evening and weekend study options are also available. Students take classes in Medicare, group and individual claim forms, Medicaid, admissions records, data entry, patient registration and owning a coding business. The school does not offer financial aid.

The Manhattan Institute

255 Fifth Ave.

New York, NY 10016

212-564-1234

manhattaninstitute.com

Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College is a public, two-year institution with more than 12,000 students at its campus in Valhalla, New York, a community 15 miles northeast of Yonkers, New York. The school's medical billing program culminates in a certificate and is open to students with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Required courses take one year to complete and include classes in medical terminology, office administration, information management and business communications. In addition, students choose one elective from keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet and databases or integrated office management software. Eligible students can take advantage of federal, state or veteran's financial aid as well as private lending programs offered through Westchester Community College. A child care center is available on campus to provide low-cost day care for children of students. Personal counseling and academic advising services are also available.

Westchester Community College

75 Grasslands Road

Valhalla, NY 10595

914-606-6600

sunywcc.edu

Tags: Community College, high school, Westchester Community, Westchester Community College, diploma certificate

Georgia'S Teacher Scholarships

Students seeking to become teachers in Georgia can seek financial aid.

Many types of financial aid are available to help alleviate some of the financial burden of paying for college. The state of Georgia offers a wide range of scholarships. Three scholarships, in particular, address the needs of students seeking higher education in preparation to become an educator in Georgia. These scholarships range from loan reimbursement programs to forgivable loan funds to merit-based awards.

HOPE Teacher Loan Scholarship Program

The HOPE Teacher Loan Scholarship Program is a service cancelable loan allotted to students pursuing an advanced degree in education in "critical shortage fields of study." There are three types of eligible recipients for this award: current teachers seeking a master's degree in a critical field of study; current teachers or individuals already in possession of a master's or specialist's degree pursuing another master's or authorization in a critical field of study; or individual residents of Georgia pursuing an advanced degree in a critical field of study. With the HOPE Teacher Loan Scholarship Program, awards are calculated based on hours of study completed. Public school students receive $125 per unit of study and private school students $200. There are many specific eligibility requirements for this scholarship, the most noteworthy being an agreement to teach in a Georgia public school in their chosen critical area of study.

PROMISE Teacher Scholarship Loan

The PROMISE Teacher Scholarship Loan is a forgivable loan. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree and wish to teach in the Georgia public school system. The award for this scholarship is only allotted during junior and senior years of college, with the maximum of $3,000 per year. Like the HOPE Teacher Loan Scholarship Program, there are numerous eligibility requirements for the PROMISE Teacher Scholarship Loan. The most significant of these requirements includes an agreement to teach in a Georgia public school at a preschool, elementary or secondary level for one academic year for every $1,500 awarded.

Charles McDaniel Teacher Scholarship

Unlike the PROMISE Teacher Scholarship and the HOPE Teacher Loan Scholarship Program, the Charles McDaniel Teacher Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship and requires no repayment. The scholarship is awarded in three annual $1,000 payments. A student eligible to receive this award must be a U.S. citizen or national, a full-time student at a Georgia public university in his junior or senior year admitted to the department or college of education, a Georgia resident for at least 12 months, a graduate of a Georgia public high school, must agree with all Selective Service registration requirements and have earned a 3.25 grade-point average or higher.

Tags: Teacher Scholarship, Georgia public, HOPE Teacher, HOPE Teacher Loan, Loan Scholarship, Loan Scholarship Program, Scholarship Program

Salaries For Respiratory Care Therapists

Respiratory care therapists provide oxygen and other therapies to people with illnesses or diseases the affect the lungs or cardiovascular system. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field of respiratory therapists will grow by 23 percent through 2016, resulting in the creation of 23,000 jobs.

Average Income

In May 2008, respiratory therapists averaged an annual salary of $53,150.

Salary Range

The lowest paid 10 percent of respiratory therapists received salaries around $37,920, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $69,800 in 2008.

Largest Employers

The largest employers of respiratory therapists in May 2008 were general hospitals and specialty hospitals, where therapists earned average salaries of $52,870 and $55,350, respectively.

Highest Paying Employers

In 2008, the highest paying employers of respiratory therapists were junior colleges, medical staffing and employment agencies, and local governments. Therapists working in these fields averaged between $60,110 and $68,770.

Highest Paying Areas

In May 2008, the states with the highest paid respiratory therapists were California at $65,440, New Jersey at $63,910, Nevada at $63,800, Maryland at $62,210, and New York at $61,390.

Tags: respiratory therapists, employers respiratory, employers respiratory therapists, highest paid, Highest Paying, paid percent, respiratory therapists were

Rules And Criteria For A Postermaking Contest

Engage adults and kids alike with a poster contest.

Many organizations use poster creation competitions as a way to both alert the public to their aims and create promotional material. By establishing a contest and offering prizes to participants, you can increase awareness of your organization's goals. While no two poster competitions are exactly the same, there are an assortment of rules and regulations that commonly dictate the type of posters accepted.

Deadline

Organizations holding poster contests often begin by setting a deadline for entries. When selecting this date, they often consider the purpose for the poster creation. For example, if an ecological organization wants posters for their Earth Day celebration, they might set an April date to ensure that they receive all submissions, prior to the event for which they plan on using the posters. Additionally, this date ensures that the organization receives all posters prior to beginning the judging process.

Age Range

To ensure that children are not pitted against adults, poster contest organizers generally set an age range. In some instances, contest planners will create several age ranges and judge posters in each range separately, to ensure that older creators do not have an unfair advantage over their younger counterparts.

Geography Requirements

While some contests are open to individuals across the country or even globe, others are only open to individuals who live in a certain geographical area. This is particularly common if a state governmental organization is sponsoring the contest, as organizations of this type are generally only looking for poster submissions from individual's living in the state in question.

Thematic Guidelines

Poster contest organizers almost always set a theme for the contest. This practice ensures that the poster creators all plan their designs around an appropriate topic. By setting a theme, organizations can ensure that all of the posters they receive fit the event for which they are intended or mesh with the organization's goals and efforts.

Size Limitations

In most instances, poster creators are given a specific size limitation and told that their creations can not be smaller or larger than the range provided. In some cases, the size limitation is very specific, including exact dimensions. Organizations intending to use all of the created posters at one event may want to set a specific size to ensure that all posters match in dimension and look aesthetically pleasing, when displayed as a group.

Materials Regulations

Poster contest regulations often dictate what materials creators can use to craft their posters. In many cases, creators are prohibited from using computers to create their designs. In some contests, creators are told specifically whether they must use paint, markers or another artistic tool in the creation of their posters. This practice ensures that all posters blend well together and appear to belong to the same collection.

Tags: ensure that, ensures that, that posters, contest organizers, ensure that posters

Roy Adaptation Theory

She can help patients adapt.

Roy adaptation theory is an approach to nursing developed by Sister Callista Roy while studying pediatric nursing in Los Angeles in the 1960s, according to Boston University. Inspired by the mental resilience of children undergoing hospital treatment, Roy suggested the purpose of nursing was to help patients adapt mentally and emotionally to their situation. In the years since then, Roy has updated and revised her theory based on nurses' feedback.

Adaptation

Roy's theory defines adaptation as the process by which an individual or group makes conscious choices to cope with his or her situation. Adaptive responses increase people's ability to cope, and to achieve goals including survival, growth, mastery of their lives and "personal and environmental transformation." Successful adaptation integrates a bad situation into an individual's life, or at least helps compensate for the problem.

Four Modes

Roy's theory states that a patient's adaptation involves four different modes:

• The physical mode, which covers basic needs, such as eating, sleeping and protecting the body.

• Self-concept group identity mode, which refers to an individual's beliefs and feelings about him or herself.

• Role function mode, which involves the perception of where the individual fits in the social network, how he or she relates to other people and should behave toward them.

• Interdependence mode, which refers to the personal relationships he or she has with friends, family and life partners.

How Nurses Help

In Roy's theory, nursing helps patients expand their ability to adapt, and a nurse's goal should be to promote adaptation in all four modes of life. To do this, a nurse assesses a patient's behavior and other factors influencing the patient's power to adapt, and intervenes to help adapt better.

The Nursing Process

A nurse's first step is to assess the patient's adaptive behavior. The nurse then identifies the stimuli influencing the behavior, both the immediate ones--a sick parent, an upcoming operation--and the more general stimuli in the patient's life. The nurse then assesses the patient's adaptation problems; sets goals for improving it; takes steps toward the goals; and finally evaluates the success of the treatment.

A Case Study

Currentnursing.com gives an example of the Roy method at work. A Hindu patient with an amputated foot was troubled by the cost of treatment, the fear his condition would grow worse and the fact he had the breadwinner role in his family and had nobody to replace him in that role. After analyzing the situation, the nurses drew up a plan:

• Help the patient adapt physically by teaching him the use of crutches and the procedures to keep his leg in good shape.

• Reduce his stress by providing peace and quiet, and making it clear the regular inspection of his amputation site was routine, and didn't mean there was a problem.

• Encourage the patient and his family to ask questions so the nurses could resolve anything they were worried about.

• The nurses concluded there was nothing they could do to help the patient adapt to his financial problems.

Tags: mode which, assesses patient, help patients, help patients adapt, mode which refers, nurse then, patient adapt

Hbcu

Before 1964, the United States was racially divided in a very strict way. Even places of higher education tended to supply resources to students of a certain race over others. Hence the creation of the HBCU, or the Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This is a term that describes those universities that were, and in most cases still are, primarily there to serve the black American community.

Time Frame

There were a few HBCUs opened prior to the Civil War, however most were created afterward. Not all continue to operate, though there are still plenty that offer classes.

Types

There are a few different types of HBCUs. These include 2 and 4-year universities, colleges and community colleges.

Definition

As previously mentioned, the role of an HBCU was to serve the higher educational desires of blacks in America. This is the definition given to them by The Higher Education Act of 1965.

Amount

Today there are 105 operating HBCUs in America, including all types of institutions. Most of these were built in the very early 1900s, though some came around in the middle of the century.

Considerations

While there are a number of colleges that have formed after 1964 to cater toward the black community, they are not considered HBCUs.

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Pharmaceutical Education Training & College

Pharmaceutical giants in the United States are always pioneering efforts in drug research. Aside from the obvious work of dispensing drugs in pharmacies, pharmaceutical professionals have promising career options in the laboratories of major manufacturers. Education and training can open doors to a fulfilling life in the pharmaceutical industry. Like other medical professions, pharmacists need to be licensed before they can practice.

Significance

The pharmaceutical industry in the United States is constantly involved in researching and developing innovations in medicines. As such, it creates a demand for pharmaceutical careers requiring proper education and training. Having a degree in pharmaceutical education can lead to more highly skilled occupations in companies standing at the forefront of medical research.

Features

At least two years of post-secondary study is prerequisite to acceptance in the Pharm.D. program, which replaced the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. There are about 92 colleges and schools of pharmacy duly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Some require an admissions test before students can enter the Pharm.D. program. From college, most students go forth to master's and PhD programs to gain specialized skills in drug therapy.

Graduate courses explore pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy administration and pharmacology. Usually, graduate degrees lead to research posts in special institutions or faculty jobs in prestigious universities. A pharmacist needs to have a license before practicing. Licensure exams vary from one state to another. Pharmacy graduates from foreign countries can also apply for U.S. licenses to work as pharmacists, provided that they pass equivalency exams and the mandatory TOEFL and TSE exams.

Further Studies and Training

The Pharmaceutical Education and Research Institute (PERI) offers a wealth of training programs to promote life-long learning to pharmacists. They provide extensive study and training to assist pharmaceutical professionals in their career advancement. Their programs include clinical investigations, date management, marketing, quality assurance compliance and drug regulatory affairs.

Considerations

In order to be successful in your pharmaceutical education and training, you must have an aptitude for the sciences. Good interpersonal skills and keen sense for detail are also necessary in training to be a pharmacist. As the main line of work is dispensing medicines, a student of pharmacy must prepare to entrust into their hands the lives of many people.

Demands in the Pharmaceutical Careers

Challenges are up ahead for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Drug research is always key to eradicating serious ailments such as Alzheimer's, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of money and use breakthrough innovations in their research studies. Pharmacists working on their laboratories are privileged to take part in this noble cause.

Tags: pharmaceutical industry, Pharm program, Pharmaceutical Education, pharmaceutical professionals, United States

Save 10 Easy Ways To Save Money At Home

Find Easy Ways To Save Money At Home

We are all looking for ways to save money these days. Discover 10 easy ways to save money at home, without the hassle.

Learning save money at home is not as hard as you may think.

Instructions

1. Save money when you buy groceries.

Buy meat in large quantities and split up a large pack of chicken, ground beef, or turkey for several meals. Properly wrap and store in the freezer. You will discover that it really doesn't take that much meat for a family meal.

2. Eliminate soft drinks.

Convenience stores charges upwards of a dollar and a half, and larger quantities are no better. Buy a five pound bag of sugar and make tea, Kool-aid, or drink water. This can save a lot of money at home.

3. Save electricity. Try turning off the lights in rooms that no one is in. This can save several dollars on a electric bill. Turn off computers, televisions, and anything else using electricity, when not in use.

4. Use what's in the freezer. Many people store and store, yet never use.

Get out the vegetables from the garden or the deer meat. Try and use something from the freezer in every meal. This way, you are not raiding the freezer, but using stored food a little along to save money at home.

5. Cook rice or noodles often. Rice or noodles can go with or in a lot of meals:

Noodle Soup

Red Beans and Rice

Macaroni and Cheese

Noodles and Spaghetti Sauce

6. Wash full loads of clothes.

An additional way to save money at home is when you wash clothes. Wash one large load, instead of 2 small loads. This saves on water.

A lot of us are guilty of washing 3-4 items, 3-4 times a day. This wastes water and you can save money at home, at least a couple of dollars a month, by washing a larger load.

7. Cook larger meals and use the leftovers. You can save money at home by taking last nights supper to work tomorrow.

Also, have a meal of leftovers, instead of leaving it in the fridge to ruin.

8. Pay off one credit card that's just looming.

Do this especially if it's a small amount. Interest rates are almost as much as the minimum payments. This can save you upwards of $15.00 month.

9. Pay bills on time. This is a great way to save money, even if only a couple of dollars.

Companies that have electricity, water, gas, and phone offer one amount before a certain date (usually the beginning of the month) and another amount after a certain date. Use this to save $15.00 - $30.00 a month, just by paying bills on time.

10. Stay home. If you not going, you're not spending. At home, your not spending money. It's free there.

Tags: money home, save money, save money home, save money, bills time, certain date

Florida Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

Colleges and universities in Florida provide a variety of online degrees.

Pursuing an undergraduate degree online can be the key to a better career, or more career options within your current career. Online degree programs have become increasingly prevalent in today's world of higher education. Within the state of Florida, a number of colleges and universities are now offering a greater number of online undergraduate degrees.

Florida State University

Located in Tallahassee, Florida State University is one of the best recognized institutions of higher learning in the state. The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and it offers undergraduate degrees in three primary fields that include nursing, computer science and an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree in social science. As a member of the Southern Regional Education Board, Florida participates in the Academic Common Market, which allows students of member states to pursue degrees outside of their state and receive tuition costs similar to that of a resident student.

Florida State University

502 S. Copeland St.

Tallahassee, FL 32304-4356

(850) 644-2794

learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/index.cfm

Nova Southeastern University

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University has been recognized by Online Education Database as the best university offering online degrees for 2009. Princeton Review has also rated Nova as a top online graduate school. The university currently offers undergraduate degrees online in business administration, computer information systems, early childhood education, child development, elementary education, exceptional student education, entrepreneurship, health science, human resource management, international business administration, leadership, management, marketing, nursing, primary education, psychology, biology education, math education and substance abuse studies.

Nova Southeastern University

3301 College Ave.

Carl DeSantis Building, Fourth Floor

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796

(954) 262-2000

nova.edu/

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida offers online degrees in 26 different fields. Located in Pensacola, West Florida has been recognized for excellence in online teaching development with the 2008 Sloan Consortium's Online Teaching and Learning Award. The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and it allows students to pursue undergraduate degrees in career and technical studies, engineering technology, exceptional student education, health sciences, information technology, maritime studies, nursing and oceanography.

University of West Florida Online Campus

Building 77 Room 149

11000 University Pkwy.

Pensacola, FL 32514

(850) 473-7468

onlinecampus.uwf.edu

Tags: undergraduate degrees, West Florida, Florida State, Florida State University, Nova Southeastern, Nova Southeastern University

The History Of Coronet Limoges France

"Limoges" porcelain ware is a generic term, because various factories and different studio artists manufactured and decorated a wide range of these wares during the 19th and 20th centuries. The first porcelain factory was established in Limoges, France, around 1771, a few years after the discovery of kaolin, or white clay, in nearby Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche. The expansion in factory production from five factories and seven kilns in 1808, to 35 factories and 120 kilns by 1900, reflected the increasing demand for Limoges porcelain ware.

"Coronet"

"Coronet" Limoges generally refers to the maker's mark that appeared on the back of selected Limoges porcelain items. This particular mark is linked to Limoges porcelain ware manufactured in Europe and decorated in studios in Limoges, Paris and Germany before being exported overseas. As its name suggests, the mark is a crown with the brand name "Coronet," usually in green or blue colors.

Borgfeldt

George Borgfeldt, an importer based in New York, brought Coronet Limoges to the United States. His line of wares included plaques and plates ornately decorated in the Limoges tradition and bearing the signature of the artist. Many items of Coronet Limoges date from the period 1906 to 1920. The Borgfeldt company was in business from around 1881 to 1976.

Flowers & Fruit

Among the most popular themes of Limoges porcelain ware were flowers, in particular roses, and fruit. In 2007, an online auction featured a vintage Coronet Limoges charger, circa 1906. The charger is hand painted in a pattern of white roses. It has a heavy gold trim and a scalloped rim. The same year, a Coronet Limoges gold-trimmed and scalloped plate with a design of roses and grapes also sold in an online auction.

Fowl & Fish

Game birds, fish, shellfish, natural scenes and animals were other themes of Limoges porcelain ware. Consistent with this were special plates sold by George Borgfeldt/Coronet Limoges, such as a 10-inch, mallard duck plate. In addition to the Coronet crown mark, it bears the signature of the artist, L. Conderly, on the back. This gold-rimmed collectible came from an estate sale and was sold at an online auction in 2007.

Background

George Borgfeldt was born in Meldorf, Germany, in 1833, and immigrated to America in 1855. He established a trading company in Nashville in 1861 and moved to New York in 1881, where he founded the Borgfeldt Trading Company. His Coronet maker's mark was not exclusive to Limoges. It was also used as a mark for pottery imported from Czechoslovakia. "Coronet Registered Czechoslovakia" was a back-stamp of the Borgfeldt Company.

Tags: Coronet Limoges, Limoges porcelain, Limoges porcelain ware, porcelain ware, George Borgfeldt, online auction

College Fight Songs

A trip to any sporting event at a college or university will surely include hearing the school's fight song. The tune proudly played by the school's band is as much part of the college's identity as its school colors or mascot. College fight songs are unique musical tributes to the school's roots and history.

History

While some colleges and universities in the United States date back nearly four centuries, most of the oldest college fight songs were written in the early 20th century. For example Harvard University, which was founded in 1636, is the country's oldest institute of higher education, but its fight song, "Ten Thousand Men of Harvard," wasn't penned until 1918.

Function

Fight songs are primarily played at sporting events to pump up the crowd and celebrate scores and victories. At many schools, the band will play the fight song to welcome a team onto the playing field, court or ice and then again after a touchdown or goal. Many students and die-hard fans will sing along with the fight song in celebration while jeering the opposition.

Identification

Most college fight songs are easily recognizable. Some of the most notable fight songs in the country are Notre Dame's "Victory March," Michigan's "Hail to the Victors," University of Southern California's "Fight On," Georgia Tech's "Ramblin' Wreck," Boston College's "For Boston," Oklahoma's "Boomer Sooner," Tennessee's "Rocky Top," Army's "On Brave Old Army Team" and "Aggie War Hymn" of Texas A&M.

Some smaller schools set their fight song to the tune of another, most notably "On Wisconsin" of the University of Wisconsin or Notre Dame's "Victory March."

Most fight songs reference the school's colors or mascot.

Significance

Many college fight songs are played at venues other than collegiate athletic events. During parades and in formation, the marching band of the United States Naval Academy will frequently play its fight song, "Anchors Aweigh." Fight songs will also be played at college and university events, such as graduation or convocation.

Misconceptions

At some colleges and universities, the fight song and school song are not the same. For example, the University of Maine lists its school song as "The Stein Song" while its fight song is "For Maine." In cases like this, both songs will often be played at different points during athletic events.

Tags: fight song, fight songs, athletic events, college fight, college fight songs, college university

Getting Free Scholarships For Online College Students

Graduation

Free scholarships are available to all students, including online students. Scholarships can be found for all majors; the requirements vary for each. Free scholarships for online students are based on academics, community service, work experience and essay skills.

Instructions

1. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, required by many colleges. The sites in the resources section offer information about filling out and submitting this form for free.

2. Determine your possible majors and colleges. Research the college's financial aid section and apply for any scholarships available. Look specifically at the college's distance-learning section.

3. Set up an account at FastWeb.com. This site provides access to hundreds of scholarships tailored to your needs. Scholarships are available year-round and range in cost from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

4. Talk to your employer as many offer scholarships to those wishing to further their education. Scholarships are offered to both traditional and online students.

5. Apply for internships. Many internships provide scholarships during and after your employment. Internships also look great on scholarship applications.

Tags: online students, Free scholarships, scholarships available

Start A Memorial Fund

A memorial fund is a good way to remember a loved one.

The loss of a loved one is hard enough, but trying to find a way to remember them in an honorable way can add additional stress. Many people today are suggesting that friends contribute to a memorial fund set up in the name of the deceased instead of sending flowers. Setting up a memorial fund is fairly easy, and many banks and foundations will help you set up the fund free of charge.

Instructions

1. Choose a charity or group where the money from the fund will go. This should be a group that your loved one took part in, or one which she had ties. Some people will leave note in a will, or tell a family member or friend where they would like memorial fund money to be sent.

2. Name the memorial fund. This should include the name of the person to whom the memorial fund is dedicated. The name of the memorial fund may also include what the fund is for, or what type of a fund it is. For example, you may want to call a memorial fund "The John Doe Scholarship Fund," or "The John Doe Memorial Fund for Writers." These titles indicate the fund will be used to provide a scholarship, or a scholarship or funding for writers.

3. Create a description of the fund. Make sure to include a short biography or obituary of the person being memorialized by the fund, and also provide a short description of the recipients of the fund. If the fund will be providing money to a charity, indicate what the charity does, and how the chosen charity ties in with the deceased person, if it is not obvious. If the fund will be a scholarship fund, explain the guidelines the recipients must meet in order to qualify to receive the scholarship.

4. Designate a fund administrator to open the account at a local bank. The bank staff can help you set up the fund and explain how you go about removing the funds to provide the charity or recipient with the monies from the fund.

5. Give friends and family notice about the memorial fund. Some obituaries include a mailing address for memorial funds and ask people to donate to the fund rather than contribute flowers at a viewing or funeral. Make sure to set up the fund as early as possible, so people can make donations before or at the funeral if they would like.

Tags: memorial fund, fund will, from fund, fund also, fund explain

Tips On Learn A Foreign Language Quickly

You can practice your foreign language skills in a variety of ways.

Acquiring any new skill can be a daunting task, and learning a new language on your own -- without the benefit of formal, classroom-based language instruction -- is no exception. Simply put, reading a dictionary or phrasebook is not going to cover all the aspects involved with learning a new language. There are many helpful learning methods to aid you as you go, however. Immersing yourself as much as possible in your target language is the key to fluency. With ever advancing technology and a shrinking globe, learning a new language has never been easier.

Instructions

1. Buy a set of language flashcards in your target language. Flashcards come in sets for vocabulary and grammar. Go through the cards -- or a portion of them -- whenever you have a spare moment. You can use them at your desk, during lunch or even on your commute.

2. Read magazines and newspapers in your new language. In the process, use a highlighter to mark any words you are not familiar with. Be sure to have a dictionary readily available so that you can look up these words. This step assumes, however, that you have at least a basic familiarity with the language in question.

3. Write new words you come across while reading newspapers, magazines or books on blank flashcards. Try to work these words into your daily repertoire of language instruction and practice.

4. Take advantage of various media offerings. For example, listen to podcasts in your new language. You can find many news broadcasts in a variety of languages as well. Watch movies in your target language, using the subtitle option to aid in comprehension.

5. Use memory tricks to grab as much vocabulary as quickly as possible. Rote repetition can be tedious and often does little to help solidify knowledge of the language. The use of mnemonic devices -- a system of association -- will help you remember new words when you need them most. Here, learning is aided by associating vocabulary with easily remembered words, phrases, images and ideas.

6. Utilize hidden, seemingly unproductive moments in your day for learning and practicing your language. Listen to news podcasts while brushing your teeth or washing the dishes, for example. If you look hard enough, there should be plenty of five to 10 minute time increments that you can take advantage of for language learning purposes.

Tags: learning language, target language, your language, your target, your target language, language instruction, these words

Ways To Pay Off Student Loans Quickly

Some student loans don't incur interest until after you graduate, while others incur interest over the life of the loan.

College tuition continues to rise, as well as the cost of housing, books and other course fees. This has caused more and more students to take out loans to be able to afford a higher education. While college loans are an investment in your future, being able to manage your loans and pay them off quickly is an important part of the student loan process.

Start Repayment Early

Some student loans, like a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, incur interest throughout your college education. Other loans, such as a Direct Subsidized Loan, have a deferment period of up to six months after you drop below full-time college attendance; during this period interest is not incurred and payments are not due. To pay off your student loans quickly, either take out a Direct Unsubsidized Loan and opt to pay interest during your college education or, to save money and pay off the loan quicker, take out a Direct Subsidized Loan and pay toward the balance of the loan whenever you have a little extra money. The amount that you pay while still in the deferment period will not incur interest, therefore saving you money in the long run. If you then don't have to pay as much in interest when your loan goes into repayment, you may also be able to pay off your loan in fewer monthly payments.

Increase Your Payment

Most student loans, once they've reached repayment, require a designated payment to be made monthly. This payment can be a fixed amount due until the balance is paid off, or it can be a sliding scale where the payment amounts gradually increase based on the idea that a student will make more money over time. Contact the institution that you have the loan with if you'd like to change your monthly payment amount. If you can afford to pay more each month, have them set a higher payment. By paying more than the minimal amount each month, you will be able to pay off your loan sooner and not have to pay as much interest.

Use Other Sources of Money

To pay off student loans quickly, consider using money that you get from other sources to pay down the balance of your loan, such as a cash gift, or money from a work bonus or a tax refund. If you pay toward the loan that has the highest interest rate with this extra money, it will allow you to save money in the future.

Only Borrow What You Really Need

One of the biggest mistakes students make is taking out a loan for too much. The more money you borrow, the more you will have to pay back---with interest. If you are working while in school, even part time, and you can afford to pay for a few things without having to borrow money, do it. Even something as simple as paying for your books each semester with the money you make will help you have less debt when you graduate or exit college.

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