6 Reasons To Consider Career Planning

Two key focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and General Education. As a professional, your education never stops but instead continues evolving. Depending upon what you’re looking to achieve, planning is critical. The following contributed post is entitled, 6 Reasons To Consider Career Planning.

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Career planning is about preparing yourself for the future job market. This is as vital as having a career itself. You should know who you want to be in the not-too-distant future, say five to ten years. Going to work every day without having a sense of direction could mean you lack a career plan, which can result in regrettable mistakes in the future. A clear career plan is a roadmap for making crucial decisions to excel and achieve financial stability. Here are some benefits of trying considering this process.

1. Self-development

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A career plan fosters self-development. It helps you stay disciplined, focused, and motivated to choose a good career path and stick to it. Developing these traits will pay off in the long run. Track your progress as you grow, and evaluate your career plan every six months to ensure it positions you to achieve your long-term professional goals.

2. Job contentment

These days, finding workers who are satisfied with their career path is hard. Unfortunately, career contentment can impact your physical and mental health and the quality of your work output. Developing a career plan that boosts your morale will help you discover your purpose and stay happy.

3. Retirement plans

Having a career plan doesn’t always mean you have to only look for your dream job. It’s more about facing the realities of the future. Many professionals understand that they can’t work for the rest of their lives. A career plan may help make investments or savings allocations toward a happy retirement. Admittedly, your journey may not start on a smooth journey; there may be setbacks here and there. However, the good news is that you can never go wrong by creating a career plan that ensures your retirement life will be easy.

4. Finding educational and learning opportunities

Your career plan can also help you discover further education and learning opportunities. Once you evaluate your career trajectory and identify things that are not working, you can take proactive steps, such as upgrading your resume. You can also determine where you need more education, which would mean getting more certifications, taking online courses, and seeking funding for higher education. Healthcare scholarship opportunities, for instance, can help remove financial barriers for those interested in the emergency medical services (EMS) field.

5. It gives you full control over your career

Several things in your career may be beyond your control, but career planning isn’t one of them. It gives you complete control over your professional life because only you can tell what’s good or bad for your career. Careers eat so much of your time. According to the HuffPost, people spend up to 13 years working and only 328 days socializing with friends. One big mistake you may not want to make is choosing a career path that gives you zero work-life balance.

6. Boost knowledge of career opportunities

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You will increase your knowledge of various career prospects as you plan your career. Although everyday life has become fast-paced and competitive, a solid career plan can give clarity to help prioritize professional objectives.

In Case You Missed It: A Science Discussion On Peer Review And Pal Review

“The Pal Review system blurs the lines between what real science is versus tainted science that is impacted and shaped by politics and outside interest groups with specific agendas.”

Science, Peer Review vs Pal Review

I discuss numerous science- and technology-related topics on my YouTube channel entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. I took an interest in the climate change discussion about a year and a half ago after being aggressively confronted about it one to two years ago. The YouTube algorithm coincidentally later presented me with a video from the Independent Institute where Dr. Willie Soon was a featured speaker. I have since become a fan of Dr. Soon. Listening to his talks have given me a better understanding of this climate discussion though maybe one that some may not like.

Dr. Soon discussed the concepts of ‘Peer Review’ and ‘Pal Review’ in that initial talk described above. These two concepts are interestingly at the heart of the polarizing and volatile climate discussion. Something Dr. Soon discussed is that science is headed towards more of Pal Review system which is dangerous for everyone. The Pal Review system blurs the lines between what real science is versus tainted science that is impacted and shaped by politics and outside interest groups with specific agendas. The video below is my discussion on Peer Review vs Pal Review.

The article I discussed in the broadcast published on Forbes deals with Climate Gate, an important event in this climate discussion that most of the general public knows nothing about. This is critical because most people make their life decisions such as voting based upon that they know and don’t know. This has long lasting ramifications for everyone.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

For the next phase of my writing journey, I have started a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, the Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from this blog and my first blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. Finally, I will share updates for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Your personal information and privacy will be protected. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is some issue signing up using the link provided, you can also email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com . Best Regards.

How Games And Apps Can Turbocharge Your Education

Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Technology. While many people think that technology can waste a lot of time, it can also provide tremendous value, particularly in the realm of education. The following contributed post is entitled, How Games And Apps Can Turbocharge Your Education.

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https://unsplash.com/photos/WE_Kv_ZB1l

We all have to make sure that we are learning something new each day. If we don’t quite manage that, then it’s absolutely fine, but we should strive to do so anyway. If we sit still for too long, we will only go backward in terms of our intellect. The brain needs to be exercised all of the time and learning new things makes us happier. The good thing is that there are plenty of ways we can educate ourselves. In this post, we are going to be talking about digital systems and games – and how they can play a huge part.

The entire planet has more than embraced the digital world in 2023, and it’s a great way of educating young people and adults alike. You can learn so much using certain pieces of software and applications. Games can even educate you along the way. Here are just a few ways games can help this out:

The Way You Engage With The Environment

Video games and other kinds of digital applications have the unique ability to create engaging environments. When you dive into a particular game, you are immersing yourself in a world of challenges and things to discover. Some traditional learning methods can be tedious, but this world that is created for you can provide you with lots of different pieces of stimulation. You stay motivated throughout and you have lots of reasons to succeed. It might be a case of using lateral thinking or simply solving intricate puzzles – but you ultimately learn things in an exciting way.

Cognitive Skills Get A Boost

Games have the ability to boost everyone’s cognitive skills. It’s not just a case of having fun and completing certain tasks in order to win, you have to do things that require brainpower along the way. Your problem-solving skills and decision-making skills come into question as well as very basic abilities. You gain the ability to remember certain things and recall them when necessary. These can then be transferred to other areas of life that can serve you in the future.

Lots Of Different Interactive Scenarios

You can be thrown into all kinds of different interactive learning scenarios whenever you play games. There are even games that have the express purpose of teaching you historical facts or important tidbits. You may even wish to play a game in which you create a nation and learn about politics in a simulated political world. These kind of immersive approaches allow you to grasp all kinds of concepts.

Progressive Learning

As time moves on throughout the game, you progress more and more and things become more difficult. You have to use your brain more and more frequently. This might be a case of learning new things but it also might be a case of applying your cognitive skills more significantly. This can then mirror real-life learning experiences and allow you to, again, transfer these skills to more important areas of your life.

Is College Necessary for Everybody?

“Going to college is a highly personal decision no one can make for you. While your teachers and parents might want you to find a good school, it’s not necessary for success. Instead, consider the type of career you want and whether pursuing higher education is worth it.”

A key focus of my blog is General Education. College is often thought to be the magic bullet for success for everyone, but is this the case for everyone in every arena? The following guest post looks this further and is entitled, Is College Necessary for Everybody?

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When kids are in school, their parents and teachers tell them to work hard to get into college and get a good job. As a result, many people attend college after high school, while others go to college later in life to increase their earning potential. But is college necessary for everyone? You might not want to attend college if you don’t enjoy school. Meanwhile, you might not be able to afford college even if you love school. Luckily, you don’t have to go to college to be successful, but it can help. Whether you have a bachelor’s degree or GED, anyone can succeed and find a career they love.

Does College Predict Success?

Many people thank their college education for their ability to get a high-paying job that allows them to pay for basic living expenses. In addition, some degrees have a high return on investment. For example, nurses with master’s degrees typically earn more than those with associate’s degrees, making it well worth investing in a lengthier college program. However, many jobs don’t pay enough to make a college degree worth the expense, and there are several top-earning career fields you can enter without a degree.

Before you can determine whether college is crucial to your future career success, you should consider the type of career you want. For example, if you love pets and want to be a vet, you’ll need a degree. Meanwhile, if you prefer building things with your hands, you don’t need a woodworking degree to become a successful carpenter who owns their own business.

In general, going to college provides experiences to help you make connections you can use to further your career. However, a specialized degree isn’t necessary for most positions. For example, anyone can become a digital marketer with the right skill set, especially if they’re lucky enough to find job opportunities that offer training.

The Case Against College Degrees

A college degree is required for some careers, but not all. Therefore, the most important step is determining which type of career you want and the requirements for entering the job market. First, you should look at the general career path to determine if a degree might be required down the line. For example, you may be able to find an entry-level job where a degree isn’t necessary, but if you want to become a manager, you might need one.

Of course, anyone can be successful with or without a college degree. Therefore, you must determine the skills necessary for your chosen career path and find ways to excel in them.

The Case For College Degrees

While some people can become successful without a degree, attending college can improve your chances of success. College graduates typically earn more than those with a high school diploma, and education is increasingly important to employers. Knowing you graduated college can show employers that you’re goal-oriented even if you don’t have a relevant degree. Even if the type of field you studied doesn’t matter to an employer, they may still look for candidates with bachelor’s degrees.

In addition to increased earning potential, many people believe college is essential for the experience alone. For most people, college is the best time of their lives because they’re finally free to make their own decisions independently. Furthermore, many people learn how to become adults, meet new friends, harness a network for professional opportunities, and gain valuable work experience while studying at a university. In addition to the college experience itself, you can get more information about your chosen field, including certificates and internship opportunities you can’t get anywhere else.

If you should go to college depends on several factors, including the industry you’re entering and your definition of success.

Industry

Some industries require specialized degrees, while others don’t. For example, to become a psychologist, you’ll need a degree in psychology. Meanwhile, other careers prioritize relevant skills, such as technology and business. Meanwhile, those looking to enter creative fields may not need a degree; the hiring managers will look for relevant experience and a good portfolio.

Your Definition of Success

How you define success will determine whether college is necessary for you. For example, maybe you’re someone who defines success based on your happiness at work. Individuals doing what they love may earn less, but their overall happiness makes their jobs easier and more enjoyable. Meanwhile, you might define success as starting your own business without a degree or getting a specialized nursing degree to work with a particular type of patient. Whatever the case, you must know what success looks and feels like for you to determine whether you need a degree.

Other Options

College isn’t necessary for everyone, and there are other educational opportunities to help you advance your career.

Trade Schools

Trade schools can help you gain valuable experience in a particular field, such as automotive, plumbing, electrical, or aviation. You can also find medical trade schools offering programs for nursing, billing, and allied health jobs. Meanwhile, other options include culinary schools, tech schools, and beauty schools, depending on your interests.

Certifications

If you’ve already been in the workforce, you might not have the time to return to college. Certifications can be used in place of college degrees, especially if you already have relevant experience in a particular field. For example, you can get certifications in project management, digital marketing, website development and design, and teaching.

Experience

Sometimes real-life experience is more important to employers than a fancy degree. For example, if you can find a good job, you might be able to work your way up in a company and learn the skills you need to get a management position.

Should You Go To College?

Going to college is a highly personal decision no one can make for you. While your teachers and parents might want you to find a good school, it’s not necessary for success. Instead, consider the type of career you want and whether pursuing higher education is worth it.

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.

The University of Michigan Department of Pharmacology hosts 2023 Pharmacology in Color Symposium

“Once you are maxed out, you need to learn something new!”

On June 9, 2023, the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan hosted its Pharmacology in Color Symposium. Alumni were invited back to the department to share their career paths and experiences for the first time in person since the Covid-19 Pandemic. On Thursday June 8 there was a dinner gathering for alumni, current students and faculty. On the morning of Friday June 9, students gave seminars on their research and alumni gave talks on their educational paths and current careers throughout the rest of the day. In the afternoon there were breakout sessions where students asked direct questions of alumni before the address by the keynote speaker (described below). Finally, there was a happy hour and a second dinner in the evening.

The students that presented their research included:

● Anthony Garcia, Osawa Lab, “Pharmacological Modulation of Hsp70 Selectively Removes Misfolded nNOS”
● Juan Valentine-Goyco, Auchus Lab, “Biochemical Characterization and Pharmacological Inhibition of Aldosterone Synthase”
● Chanté Liu, M.S., Satin Lab, “Understanding the Mechanisms of Pulsatile Basal Insulin Secretion”
● Loyda Morales-Rodriguez, Puthenveedu Lab, “Location-Biased Activation of the Proton-Sensor GPR65 is Uncoupled from Receptor Trafficking”

The alumni invited back to the department to speak included:

● Colleen Carpenter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Biology, University of Richmond (Keynote Speaker)
● Nnamdi Edokobi, Ph.D., Patent Agent, Choate, Hall & Stewart
● Mohamad Shebley, Ph.D., Head of Clinical Pharmacology Neuroscience, AbbVie
● Rashonda Flint, Ph.D., Office of the Dean, School of Medicine and Advocate Health, Wake Forest University
● Diamond Thomas, M.S., Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Michigan
● Anwar Dunbar, Ph.D., Pharmacologist, Health Effects Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, United States Environmental Protection Agency
● Tigwa Davis, Ph.D., Director, Health Economics and Outcomes, Inovalon

Opening remarks on June 9 were given by Dr. Lori Isom, Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Dr. Steve Kunkel, the Executive Dean for Research and the Chief Scientific Officer of the Michigan Medical School. Closing remarks were given by Dr. Alan Smrcka of the Department of Pharmacology who played a key role in organizing the symposium. The sessions were moderated by alumnus Dr. Chiamaka Ukachukwu and student Hongyu Su.

“Once you are maxed out, you need to learn something new,” said Dr. Mohammed Shebley of AbbVie, a native of Southeastern Michigan. As with all the speakers, Dr. Shebley discussed his journey to and through the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. He further discussed his career at AbbVie and keys for success for working in the company. His quote involved the importance of professionals continuing to evolve and figuring out new career directions, particularly when levels of personal and professional comfort are achieved. Dr. Shebley worked under Dr. Paul Hollenberg for his doctoral studies at the University of Michigan where he worked on projects involving Cyrochrome-P450s.

“I was blown away by everything, the commitment to students – all of it,” said Dr. Colleen Carpenter discussing her arrival at the Department of Pharmacology. Dr. Carpenter worked under the tutelage of Dr. Margaret Gnegy in the areas of Amphetamines and Dopamine signaling. Dr. Carpenter discussed her introduction to science in her native Jamaica, her educational path before arriving at the University of Michigan and her research afterwards. She is now an assistant professor at the University of Richmond where she uses Zebrafish and technologies like CRISPR to screen new drugs.

The alumni in attendance worked in multiple sectors including academia, industry, government, and patent law. One of the key themes that emerged in all their talks was that no career path was a straight line. That is all experienced some form of adversity or made decisions to explore other parts of the Pharmacology world and beyond. The students in the audience were further encouraged to enjoy and take advantage of the expertise and training available to them. Dr. Anwar Dunbar who worked under Dr. Yoichi Osawa for his doctoral training, noted in his talk that science is a culture, a craft, and a way of being which is unique and not well understood by other segments of society. Dr. Dunbar’s thesis project involved the inactivation and cellular degradation of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase.

The department endeavors to provide the best science training for its students. While academia is the classic career path following Pharmacology doctoral training, it attempts to expose them to all the career options. To learn more about the University of Michigan Department of Pharmacology, its stellar faculty, students and research, visit the department online at: https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/pharmacology .

Essays on the Science of Drugs and More

Pharmacology is the science of drugs, specifically how they modulate biological processes to treat disease and sickness. If you want to learn more about this exciting science, there is an essay discussing Pharmacology and its many aspects right here on this platform. There are similar essays on ADME/Drug Metabolism, Toxicology and Inhalation Toxicology. There are also essays describing the world of Basic Research, and the Transferable Skills learned from science training. Finally, there is a personal story regarding the challenges surrounding doctoral training as a minority.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

Thank you for reading this piece on the Pharmacology in Color Symposium hosted by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. There are several other science-related essays here on my blog with more on the way. As a writer, I have started a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, The Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from my writer’s blog and this blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. One of those channels is a science and technology channel. It is entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. Finally, I will share updates for my book project entitled, The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is an issue with the sign-up form, you can email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com. Best regards.

Career Planning and Advancement: Tips and Insights for Professional Growth

Two focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and General Education. A Career is more than something you just show up and make money from. It is about forming a life trajectory and fulfilling a purpose in a given field. The following guest post is entitled, Career Planning and Advancement: Tips and Insights for Professional Growth.

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• Career growth requires planning, skills, and work-life balance. Technology assists remote work, productivity, communication, and learning in the workplace.
• Take charge of your career by setting SMART goals, seeking feedback, and building a network.
• Balance career goals and personal life by setting priorities, time management strategies, and learning to say no.
• Remote work allows for flexible schedules and work-life balance. Utilize technological tools to increase productivity in the workplace.
• Career planning involves assessing strengths and skills, creating plans, and pursuing challenging assignments through conferences and workshops.

Having a successful career involves more than just working hard and excelling in your job. It requires careful planning and intentional steps toward professional growth. A career is essential, and achieving professional growth is crucial for personal and financial fulfillment.

Your career offers a sense of purpose, structure, and development, making them a critical factor in defining who you are. Thus, every professional should invest time and effort in career planning, advancement, and management, to achieve goals and live up to their potential.

This post will share tips and insights on developing your career, maintaining a work-life balance, and exploring new opportunities. These insights will be invaluable whether you are just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level.

Role of Technology in Career Advancement

The use of technology in the workplace has made it easier for people to advance their careers. Here are some ways technology is improving career advancement opportunities.

Enabling Remote Work

Thanks to advancements in technology, remote work is becoming increasingly popular. This means you can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who cannot work from a traditional office, such as those with disabilities or those who live in remote areas.

Remote work also offers more flexibility, allowing you to schedule and work at your own pace. This can lead to a better work-life balance, as you have more control over your time and can prioritize your personal life.

Improving Productivity

Technology tools can help you stay organized and increase productivity in many ways. For example, project management software can help you keep track of deadlines, assign tasks to team members, and monitor progress.

Time-tracking apps can help you manage your time more effectively and identify areas where you may be spending too much time. Automation tools can help you streamline repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and save time for more important tasks. By using these tools, you can work more efficiently and accomplish more in less time.

Enhancing Communication

Communication is key in any workplace, and technology can help facilitate clear and efficient communication. An omnichannel communication platform allows messages to be delivered across multiple channels, such as email, chat, and video conferencing.

This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and eliminates misunderstandings. It also encourages collaboration, as team members can easily communicate and share ideas. By improving communication, you can increase productivity and achieve better results.

Providing Learning and Development Opportunities

Technology has revolutionized how people learn, and there are countless opportunities to develop new skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Online courses, webinars, and other learning resources are easily accessible and can be completed at your own pace.

Learning new skills can open up new career opportunities and increase your value in the job market. It also helps you stay engaged and motivated in your current role as you grow and develop professionally.

Taking Charge of Your Career

To advance your career, taking charge of your personal growth is essential. Here are some tips to help you:

Set SMART Goals

Setting SMART goals-specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound-enables you to focus your efforts and achieve success. This helps you stay motivated and track progress.

Seek Feedback

Getting feedback from colleagues, managers, and mentors is critical to your professional growth. Feedback helps you identify areas for improvement, overcome blind spots, and enhance your skills.

Build a Network

Networking is vital to advancing your career. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with colleagues on social media. Your network can offer support, guidance, and mentorship as you navigate your professional journey.

Job Path and Lifestyle Choices

Career Planning and Advancement

To achieve professional growth, you must have a career plan.

• Assess your strengths, goals, and preferred work style.
• Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or career advisors to identify areas for improvement. Once you clearly understand your skills, create a plan to develop them further.
• Consider taking courses, attending conferences or workshops, and seeking challenging assignments.

Overcoming Career Obstacles

Obstacles are inevitable in any career, but how you approach them makes a difference.

• Stay positive and maintain a growth mindset.
• Look at challenges as opportunities to learn and develop.
• Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or coaches, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Take time to reflect on your experiences and learn from them.

Balancing Career Goals and Personal Life

Balancing work and personal life is difficult, but it’s essential for your well-being and overall success.

• Start by setting priorities and time management strategies.
• Create a schedule that allows you to pursue your career goals while caring for your personal life.
• Learn to say no and focus on what’s important.
• Take time to disconnect and recharge your batteries. This will help you maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Self-Care and Mental Health

It’s essential to prioritize self-care to maintain good mental health, particularly when pursuing professional growth.

• Learn to recognize the signs of burnout and seek support when necessary.
• Take care of your physical and mental health by engaging in activities that bring joy, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness.
• Connect with your family, friends, healthcare professionals, or self-help resources.

Achieving professional growth requires careful planning and intentional steps. By setting SMART goals, seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors, building a solid network, taking courses to develop skills, overcoming career obstacles with positivity and support, and maintaining work-life balance through effective time management strategies.

Moreover, by prioritizing self-care for mental health well-being and exploring new opportunities in the industry, you can make significant progress on your path toward success. Investing in yourself is the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving long-term stability in your career.

The Best Ways To Excel In Your Sports Career

“You might be in a place in your sports career where you feel the need to move forward yet something is stopping you.”

Sports careers exist beyond the football field, the basketball court, or the soccer pitch. Often there are people and organizations behind the teams you see competing. If you have a career in this sector of sports, there are keys to success. The following contributed post is entitled, The Best Ways To Excel In Your Sports Career.

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You might be in a place in your sports career where you feel the need to move forward yet something is stopping you. You might lack the experience to take the new role at a higher league football club or you might lack the knowledge to teach older children golf. Being proactive about your career life will enable you to excel and move forward.

From staying up to date with industry trends to acquiring more skills, here is how to excel in your current sports career.

Jeffrey Rusert of Jefferson County, a dedicated Buffalo Bills fan, believes that staying informed about the latest trends in the football industry is crucial. He often emphasizes the importance of understanding new technologies and how they can enhance players’ skills. Check out his website for insights inspired by decades of passion for the game.

Photo by Lukas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-formal-suit-jacket-653429/

Understand the latest trends in the specific sport

Knowing about the latest trends in your industry means you can speak knowledgeably in meetings and use the information to complete tasks.

For instance, you might play golf semi-professionally. To enhance your career, it can help to understand what new technology can assist with improving your skill.

Hence, researching the latest golf technology trends will enable you to utilize them in your play, enhancing your skill and success.

Prove yourself to your manager and team

Although you might be you should not have to prove yourself, it can help if you want to climb the ladder in your current sports career. Things are different if you have your own business. You do not necessarily need to prove yourself to anyone unless you wish to win over more customers.

Proving yourself in the sports world is a great way to excel in your current career as it will prove to your manager and your team what you are capable of. Ashley Roberts Tampa Police captain has gone on record as explaining how important proving yourself in sports is in boosting confidence in all other fields, so aim to impress your peers. If you show them what you are capable of, it might encourage them to promote you and for other clubs to give you an opportunity.

Showing off what you know should not be something to be afraid of. If you know you have more skill than the current position, show yourself off to prove what you can offer to the team or another (better) team if they promote you.

Take on more responsibility for greater sport success

You might currently lack love for your sports role because you do not feel fulfilled, which could be a result of not having enough responsibility or success.

To feel more fulfilled and prove yourself, it can be smart to ask for more responsibility. If you have a meeting with your manager and make them aware of your desire, they should be able to fulfill it. It will help them if you can take on more work. Plus, it will help you prove yourself and show that you are capable of excelling at the company.

For example, you might wish to take on similar golfers for future competitions to give you more options to win and be challenged. The challenge might fire you up to feel happier and more motivated to win.

Take more solutions to your manager

If you often take problems to your manager, they might appreciate it as they can improve the team. However, if you twist the problem into a solution, you will show your initiative and prove that you are capable of enhancing the team.

Proving that you are a problem-solver and care about the team will look great. It will show your manager you wish to help the team achieve greater success.

Figure out your sports career goal

If you have a goal in mind, you will know what to strive for. If you lack a goal, you should take this as a sign to make one.

Creating a sports career goal for the next 5 or 10 years will enable you to understand where you want to be. No goal is too big. If you wish to become a football manager in 10 years time, it is a big thing to strive for but can be possible.

Having a set goal will allow you to create small steps, which will help you get there.

Be willing to listen and learn

Being a willing listener and loving to learn from Ashley Roberts can pay off if you wish to excel in your current sports career.

First, if your manager complains about your effort and offers some tips, ensure to appreciate the help and take it on board to improve your future efforts. If you are a good listener in your team, you will better understand the team goals and what you can do to help enhance the team, which will result in enhancing your sports career.

Second, having an eagerness to learn will enable you to attain new knowledge and skill, which you can use to climb the sports ladder. Learning new things could be all it takes for you to climb up the career ladder in your current team. You can slowly understand new things, which will be necessary to pursue more success.

It is not impossible to excel in your sports career in a matter of a few years, unless you are scouted or get a great sponsorship. With the right skills, understanding, and energy, you can push yourself up the sports career ladder in no time.

5 Ways To Get Your Kids Into Science

Three focuses of my blog are General Education, STEM and Technology. A significant number of careers of the future will involve science and technology. That said money cannot be the only driver and a love for these disciplines should be sparked and cultivated early. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Ways To Get Your Kids Into Science.

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Pexels – CCO Licence

Science can be an exciting and rewarding subject for children to explore, as it offers a window into the world around them and encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. However, some children may not immediately gravitate toward science or may view it as too complex. As parents, it’s our responsibility to inspire and foster a love for science in our kids. Here are six ways to get your kids excited about science and help them develop a lifelong passion for learning.

1. Encourage Curiosity and Ask Questions

Curiosity is the foundation of scientific exploration. Encourage your children to ask questions and express their curiosity about the world around them. Start by asking open-ended questions like “Why do you think the sky is blue?” or “How does a plant grow?” These questions can stimulate your child’s imagination and encourage them to think critically.

When your child asks a question, resist the urge to provide an immediate answer. Instead, work together to investigate and discover the answer, fostering a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

2. Conduct Hands-On Experiments at Home

Nothing sparks a child’s interest in science more than hands-on experiments. Simple, age-appropriate experiments can be conducted using everyday household items, such as making a homemade volcano, growing crystals, or creating a simple circuit.

When conducting experiments, explain the scientific concepts behind each activity, and encourage your child to make observations and predictions. These experiments not only provide a fun learning experience but also help your child develop essential scientific skills like observation, hypothesis formation, and data analysis.

Pexels – CCO Licence

3. Introduce Science Through Play

Toys and games can be a fantastic way to introduce scientific concepts to your child in a fun and engaging manner. Look for age-appropriate toys that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, such as building sets, chemistry kits, or robot-building kits.

Incorporate these toys into your child’s playtime, allowing them to explore and learn at their own pace. As your child becomes more comfortable with these scientific concepts, gradually introduce more advanced toys and activities to challenge and engage them further.

4. Read Science Books and Watch Educational Programs

A great way to inspire a love for science is by exposing your child to a wide range of age-appropriate books, documentaries, and educational programs – something you can find more info about here. Choose material that covers a variety of scientific topics, from biology and chemistry to astronomy and physics.

As you read or watch together, discuss the content and encourage your child to ask questions and express their thoughts. This shared experience can help deepen your child’s understanding of scientific concepts and foster a love for learning.

5. Visit Science Museums and Nature Centers

Visiting science museums, nature centers, and other educational institutions can provide your child with interactive and immersive experiences that bring scientific concepts to life. These venues often offer hands-on exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations that can captivate and inspire young minds.

Make the most of these outings by engaging in discussions, asking questions, and encouraging your child to participate in activities. Frequent visits to these institutions can help reinforce scientific concepts and ignite your child’s passion for science.

As you can fostering a love for science in your child is a rewarding and enriching experience. It can also set them up for the future, so what are you waiting for?

The Power of a Good Physics Teacher

“For a class like Physics, I think using real world applications is critical for learning it, especially for beginners.”

A Journey Within a Journey: Multiple Adversities

Sometimes things come together all at once and that is the case for this essay. As I was finishing up edits for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story, I did a broadcast on my science and technology YouTube channel for Black History Month. It focused on the Physicist Dr. Sylvester James Gates, Jr. and his peers. I started the broadcast by noting that I struggled with Physics during my junior year of high school, an important part of the story arc in my book.

I further noted that having the right Physics teacher can make all the difference in the world. Dr. Gates stated the same thing in the interview with him I read during the broadcast. He shared that an early Physics teacher inspired him to start his storied journey using an intriguing physics demonstration/experiment for he and his classmates. The sum of all of this was the genesis for this essay discussing learning Physics, and the critical role teachers play when giving instruction on the Grandfather of all the sciences.

The Grandfather of the Sciences

Physics is often referred to as the Grandfather of all of the sciences. I recall hearing that somewhere. Simply put, this just means that Physics is the basis for all of the other sciences. While my doctorate is in Pharmacology, Physics touched every aspect of my graduate research at the University of Michigan. My thesis project asked questions about drugs and their effects in living systems. That said all of the instruments we used to ask those questions used physics-based principles in one way or another. That goes for our columns used for chromatography, our orbital shakers, our mass spectrometers, our 96-well microtiter plate reader, our high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) devices, etc. In short, no matter the science or application, Physics touches it.

My High School Physics Teacher

My Physics teacher at Hutch-Tech High School six years earlier was Mr. Kenneth Boudreau. As you can deduce from his name he was of French descent. He was a skinny man who typically wore a white button down shirt, fitted black slacks and black shoes. He had gray hair, a gray beard and wore glasses. He could have been your stereotypical government scientist at NASA or any observatory. Everyday he brought a thermos to class and seemed to be wired on caffeine. A classmate actually joked once that he never blinked. Finally I noticed that he frequently popped chewable antacids in his mouth. He was in fact robot-like and spoke in a monotone way.

Our Teacher’s Level of Effectiveness

“It is that simple folks!” Every time Mr. Boudreau explained something to us or showed us a calculation on the board, he ended by enthusiastically saying, “It is that simple!” I only remember a few things from that entire year under his instruction. I remember an initial lesson on scalars and vectors. I also remember hearing the word Mechanics which was the chapter dealing with the movement of objects, impulses and velocities. I am certain the Electrical Technology and Mechanical Technology majors at Hutch-Tech remember more. They had to as Physics was the basis of their majors. The Electrical Engineering majors particularly had to understand electrical potentials, currents and resistance.

“Is there a way you can make this more exciting and interesting?” I also recall a classmate asking our teacher potentially the most important part of learning Physics, especially for beginners. As described later, Physics is a calculation intensive science and unless you know why you are doing those calculations, it is easy to get lost. While our teacher knew his calculations and formulas, there were not many demonstrations so we could see their applications.

By the way I am not sharing these stories to beat up on Mr. Boudreau. As I will describe later, he did something very important for me towards the end of that year. That said, making classroom material interesting is a larger educational skill and transcends Physics. It goes for pretty much every subject.

I also struggled with Physical Science in the eighth grade at Campus West, the precursor to Physics. The teacher was also a little on the dry side. He shared the same last name as a famous singer from the group ‘The Rat Pack’ whose first name was Frank. Okay it was Dr. Sinatra. I excelled at Life Science the previous year under another teacher who brought a lot of enthusiasm and creativity to our classes. That was Mr. Radamacher. My undergraduate Physics professor at Johnson C. Smith University also did not make the subject particularly interesting either but at that point, I knew how to approach the class.

Early Struggles and Gradual Progress

My junior year was marked by a mysterious injury suffered when running cross-country, a basketball season that came off the rails, and struggles in both Course 3 Math and Physics. While I struggled early in Physics, my math grade was average but dipped during the adversity from my basketball season. After my basketball season came to its early finish, my math grade rebounded once I refocused.

Physics is a different way of looking at the world,” my father said over the phone during my struggles. He majored in Physics in college but there was minimal help he could give from five hours away with no internet. I did not understand his riddle immediately but I eventually figured it out.

My progress in Physics was incremental after starting off with a grade in the high 60s after that first semester. As described in my essay entitled, The Keys To Learning College Level Physics, once I sat down and started going over the materials and the problems, things started making sense. I wrote a similar piece about Chemistry. Physics was a quantitative science and it was calculation intensive. There was a formula for most of the principles whether it was a car accelerating or a rocket jettisoning into space. Once you understood the principles you could identify which formula to use. You could then plug in the numbers given in the word problem. Oh yes, all of the problems were word problems, so reading comprehension was also critical. Afterwards it was simple Algebra as Mr. Boudreau stated.

Turning Things Around

“I want to congratulate you for turning things around this year! You have made a lot of progress!” Late in the year, Mr. Boudreau sought me out in one of our classes. I sat in the back of the room goofing off with some classmates. He watched me struggle in his class early that year. He further observed when the switch turned on for me and when I started to understand things. I did not become the top student in the class by any means, but I was no longer scraping the bottom either. His acknowledgement of my progress was his greatest gift to me from teacher to student. It was an encouragement that I never forgot. It was an important step for me academically and in my future education and career as a scientist.

Understanding the Applications of Physics

As I end this essay, I want to acknowledge that teaching is one of the hardest professions out there. It can be exponentially more difficult depending on the district you are in and the students you have. It is a profession I do not know if I have the patience for. There are several factors that go into how well a student performs in a particular class. The teacher is just one of them. In some instances outside factors can impact how students learn. In some instances like mine, the seeds are planted early but do not bloom until later.

Regardless, for a class like Physics, I think using real world applications is critical for learning it, especially for beginners. Years later while volunteering at the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, I saw firsthand why planetariums and fulldome shows are important, especially for young people. I further understood the advantages kids who attend them regularly have over those who do not. Planetariums and fulldome shows about outer space spark curiosity and the imagination. They also show how subjects like Physics are applied. They show that the calculations can be fun.

One such kid who got to attend a planetarium regularly was Raphael Perrino. I met Raphael through his father Ralph whose tutoring company I worked in for a little while. Eventually all three of us worked together while volunteering in the group, The Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium. After finishing his education, Raphael started working in the aerospace industry. He was gracious enough to agree to the interview on my science and technology YouTube channel below. Early in the discussion, he acknowledged his high school Physics teacher and trained actor Dean Howarth, another planetarium volunteer, for creatively, effectively and enthusiastically teaching him and his classmates.

Basketball, Physics and Life: What’s the Connection?

As discussed in the opening of this piece, my early struggles with Physics was a part of my early basketball journey chronicled in my two-part book project entitled, The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. As I went through my struggles, my coach at the time Ken Jones suggested tutoring by one of our team captains who also did not finish out that year. He will remain anonymous. Me and this captain were not particularly close and when I called him seeking his help, he did not respond in a way that encouraged me to further pursue his help. I thus took a risk and decided to figure it out on my own.

When I look back on the whole thing, a couple of things come to mind. The first thing I think about is my lack of mental toughness. Our basketball season hung in the balance and I should have done whatever I needed to do to keep myself academically eligible even if it meant a little bit of joking and ridicule. It was a two-way street though, and the second thing I thought about is that winning teams are cohesive units that stick together. Thus If a teammate is struggling, it is important for teammates who have the ability to help, to help them for the good of the team.

Closing Words

This concludes this piece. Thank you for reading it if you did. Some of the images used in this essay were lifted from an issue of Understanding Physics. If you have a child or know one who is struggling in a course like Physics, you might also consider getting a tutor. As described earlier, I worked in the tutoring world for a little while. It was fun coaching struggling students up and it generated some extra income for me. Also consider visiting your local planetarium or nearby science demonstrations. You might help that struggling student by doing so, and you may inspire the next great scientist! Best regards.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

For the next phase of my writing journey, I’m starting a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, the Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from my writer’s blog and this blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. Finally, I will share updates for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Your personal information and privacy will be protected. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is some issue signing up using the link provided, you can also email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com. Best regards.

Everything You Need to Know about Studying in the Philippines

A key focus of my blog is General Education. If you are relocating to the Philippines and thinking about pursuing your education, you should have a feel for the academic landscape there. The following guest post is entitled, Everything You Need to Know about Studying in the Philippines.

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The Philippines is an excellent option for international students pursuing higher education abroad. With its tropical climate, vibrant culture, and diverse range of universities, it’s easy to see why studying in the Philippines is attractive. But what do you need to know before you leap? Read on to find out!

The University System in the Philippines

The educational opportunities available to international students can vary significantly from country to country, and knowing your options is essential before making any decisions. You need to understand the university system in the Philippines and what each type of institution offers.

Types of Universities in the Philippines

The Philippine university system is divided into three types of universities: state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and private universities and colleges (PUCs).

SUCs are government-run institutions that taxpayers fund, while LUCs are privately-funded institutions that local governments or other authorities have authorized. PUCs, on the other hand, are entirely privately-funded universities. All three types offer higher education programs for international students.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for each type of university may vary depending on where you plan to study. Generally speaking, most universities will require applicants to submit a complete application form and certified copies of their transcripts or diplomas from previous studies.

Depending on your chosen program, you may also be required to submit additional documents such as letters of recommendation or a statement of purpose. Additionally, many universities require applicants to pass an entrance examination before being accepted into a program.

Living Costs for International Students

Living costs for international students vary depending on where they choose to study. Generally, living costs in cities such as Manila are higher than those outside major urban areas. It’s important to factor this into your budgeting when considering your study options in the Philippines.

However, if you plan to enroll in one of the big cities in Manila, looking for a Ortigas center condo for sale would be much more cost-effective than renting an apartment. This is because you will most likely stay in the country for a more extended period. It can be more affordable than renting, and you will have the added benefit of owning your home when you finish your studies.

Visa Requirement for International Students

Visas are required for all foreign nationals entering the Philippines for study purposes. The visa application process can be lengthy and complex, so starting early is essential and ensuring all paperwork is completed correctly. It can be confusing and intimidating, but the process can be easy with the correct information and preparation.

Gather Your Documents

Before you apply for a student visa, there are several documents that you must gather and prepare. These documents include proof of residence, passport pictures, birth certificate, and financial statements from your parents or guardian to show they can cover tuition fees and living expenses during your stay in the Philippines.

School records such as transcripts or diplomas from previous schools attended and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate where you will be applying for your visa are also required.

Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all of your documents, it’s time to submit your application. This can be done online or at the nearest Filipino Embassy or Consulate office near you. Ensure all your documents are complete before submitting them, as incomplete applications will not be processed.

Attend an Interview

Once your application has been submitted, you will likely be asked to attend an interview with embassy staff if deemed necessary by their evaluation process of applicants. During this interview, they will ask why you want to study in the Philippines and what field you intend to pursue there. Answer all questions honestly and accurately, as this is crucial for the approval of your application.

The Bottom Line

Studying in the Philippines can be an incredible experience for any international student pursuing higher education abroad. With its rich culture, tropical climate, and diverse range of universities offering public and private education options-it’s easy to see why this Southeast Asian country is becoming increasingly popular among mid-career professionals worldwide seeking a new challenge!

However, prospective students must do their research beforehand when considering studying in the Philippines-ensuring that they familiarize themselves with both visa requirements and living costs ahead of time so that there are no unpleasant surprises down the line!