Sunday, March 29, 2020

Brazilian Portuguese Tutoring Online

Brazilian Portuguese Tutoring OnlineAs a result of a large influx of foreign students, many schools and colleges are beginning to offer Brazilian Portuguese tutoring. By offering this service online, students will not have to worry about what to wear or bring, where to meet their tutor, or how to make a good impression. This can be very beneficial for students that have an emotional and cultural issue to overcome.Many people believe that online tutoring is more expensive than regular tutoring because you are talking to someone over the internet instead of face to face. While there are some costs that come with this type of service, most students agree that it is a better option than facing a large group of individuals when you are in class. Most students have heard rumors about foreign students that are being overcharged for speaking in English at schools, so if you are serious about getting an education, you should give online tutoring a chance.Many individuals have left their famil ies and their culture behind in order to become educated in Brazil. Once they get to the United States, they often become disillusioned and start to question their values. While attending school overseas has its advantages, many people do not find it as fulfilling as they originally thought it would be.These students often feel that their instructors are not communicating in the way that they would like them to be. If you are a student in this situation, you will need to find a tutor that you trust. The more familiar you are with your instructor, the more you will be able to communicate with him or her, and the better rapport you will develop.It is important that you try to be as relaxed as possible while speaking to your tutor. If you are having a hard time answering questions, you may want to try to learn another language so that you are not as hesitant to speak up.Tbrazilian Portuguese tutoring online If your student seems to be shy, it may be due to cultural differences. Some s tudents are extremely shy and do not want to talk about their experiences. They are afraid that talking about the subject will scare or embarrass them.Brazilian Portuguese tutoring online is an ideal solution for students who are struggling to learn the language. It is also great for students who are trying to learn an entirely new language and have no idea where to begin. Whether you are planning to go to college or going to a tropical vacation, you will definitely want to be comfortable with the locals so that you can have an enjoyable time with your friends and family.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Cyber Monday 2019 Roundup The Best Deals for Language Learners (Today Only!)

Cyber Monday 2019 Roundup The Best Deals for Language Learners (Today Only!) Cyber Monday 2019 Roundup: The Best Deals for Language Learners (Today Only!) Did you spend this weekend in a post-Thanksgiving daze?Maybe you had a little too much turkey on Thursday and you’re still feeling it?Perhaps you’re still sore from a family-wide football game?Or just sleepy from waking up before dawn to shop for Black Friday deals?Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.But todays the day to shake off your post-Thanksgiving sluggishness, because the weekend is over and Cyber Monday 2019 is upon us!Tons of incredible language-learning websites are offering steep discounts for Cyber Monday 2019. Language learners should absolutely take advantage of these amazing Cyber Monday deals.Please note that this post includes affiliate links that will earn us a commission if you click on them and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). All products and services are thoroughly tested. We provide an honest review based on our experience and not influenced by commissions.These offers are available todayâ€"Monday, December 2, 2019. Get them while you can, because most of them will disappear by midnight!UPDATE: The sales have passed and are no longer available! However, if youd like to check out the products anyway, you can do so at these links:MosaLingua: Available for learning Russian, Portuguese, German, French, Italian  and Spanish.I Will Teach You a Language: Check out the Grammar Hero series, the Make Words Stick courses and Language Learning Foundations.Fluent in 3 Months: Find out why Italian is easy, see  why Spanish is easy  and try the Conversation Countdown program. Why Language Learners Shouldn’t Miss out on Cyber MondayBlack Friday 2019 has come and gone. Maybe you scored a new TV or got a great deal on an e-reader.But if you thought that all the good post-Thanksgiving deals were confined to Black Friday, think again!Cyber Monday has tons to offerâ€"especially for those interested in learning a new language. Check out these Cyber Monday deals, and youll be able to:Finally take the plunge and start learning a new lang uage. Have you been thinking about learning a new language but just can’t decide on the right course (or the right language)? The offers below might be just the push you need to finally take the leap and start learning.Get a head start on your New Year’s resolution. Snagging a new smartphone on Black Friday is all well and good. But getting a great deal on a language-learning program will allow you to acquire a valuable new skill thatll benefit you for the rest of your life. If learning a second (or third!) language is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you simply have to check out the offers below.Find the perfect holiday gift. Everyone has that one friend or family member who’s impossible to shop for. Why not gift them one of the language courses below? Online language courses are a unique and truly thoughtful gift for all of the polyglots, world travelers, culture buffs and expats in your life. Cyber Monday deals mean that you can give them the perfect gift without b reaking the bank.Cyber Monday 2019 Roundup: The Best Deals for Language Learners (Today Only!)MosaLingua:  Fluency Bundle (97% Discount)Language self-learners will likely already be familiar with MosaLingua, which offers comprehensive language courses in English, Spanish, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian and Russian.MosaLingua, which is available in desktop and mobile versions, employs a learning strategy based on psychology and cognitive science. MosaLingua members will gain access to flashcard sets that present vocabulary words in context. Certain flashcard sets also prompt readers to work their pronunciation and speaking skills. In addition to flashcards, users can also access a wide variety of videos, e-books and audiobooks in their target language.Cyber Monday 2019 deal:This Cyber Monday, you can purchase lifetime access to MosaLinguas Fluency Bundleâ€"in other words, every single product available through MosaLingua.Normally, this bundle would cost around $5,000. But for Cyber Monday, you can purchase it for just $99. Thats a whopping 97% discount.If you purchase the Fluency Bundle, youll get lifetime access to the MosaLingua Web learning program described above. Additionally, youll get lifetime access to MosaTraining, a step-by-step training program created by experienced language learners and educators. MosaTraining helps beginner learners get over the psychological hurdles of language learning and introduces them to effective study techniques.Beyond these offers, youll also get lifetime access to The Man With No Name, a MosaLingua original web series available in English, Italian, Spanish, French and German. The web series is designed to help learners perfect their listening comprehension and speaking skills by  listening to native speakers.Finally, theres a special bonus included for ESL students: MosaLinguas Speak English with Confidence masterclass. This course is designed to help ESL students overcome fear when speaking English. It fo cuses on good pronunciation and helps learners stop stressing about grammar rules to help them speak English confidently in real-world settings.This MosaLingua bundle is perfect for polyglots because it includes resources for learning seven different languages. Are you in the process of learning two languages at once? Or, do you plan to learn more than one foreign language in the future? If so, you should jump on this deal, which ends today, December 2, 2019.I Will Teach You A Language:  Beginner Uncovered Courses (67% Discount)I Will Teach You A Languages Uncovered courses teach learners how to speak a foreign language through the art of storytelling and immersion.Each course is based around a story featuring characters who are native speakers of the target language. Each unit in the course takes learners through one chapter of the story. Lessons cover vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture in order to help learners make sense of what theyve read.Olly Richardsâ€"the creator of I Will Teach You A Languageâ€"is an experienced language learner who believes in the value of immersive learning and cultural literacy. Therefore, students learn through immersion from the very first lessons, just as they would if they were living in a foreign country. Mistakes and misunderstandings are encouraged: as Olly (and any other language learner) knows, they are a valuable and inevitable part of learning a new language.Cyber Monday 2019 deal:I Will Teach You A Language is offering steep Cyber Monday discounts on four of its story-based courses: German Uncovered, French Uncovered, Spanish Uncovered and Italian Uncovered.Choose from any of those four courses and start learning through the Guided Discovery method, where learners slowly and surely improve their comprehension by reading, listening and speaking in their target language.By the end of the course, learners will have achieved a B1 (intermediate) level in their target languageâ€"all without poring over conjugation tables or other memorization-based activities.Through December 2, 2019, at midnight (PST), each of these courses is available for only $97. Thats a 67% discount off the regular price!If you need a small push getting started on your language-learning journey, this is the offer for you. Any of these Uncovered courses would also make a fantastic holiday gift for a loved one whos been meaning to learn a new language.Fluent in 3 Months:  Black Friday 2019 Collection (85% Discount)Fluent in 3 Months is a conversation-focused language-learning program for people who want to learn any language in the world.Thats because Fluent in 3 Months isnt a traditional language-learning course. Rather, its a new methodology for learning languages, developed by a polyglot who has learned over a dozen languages himself.Fluent in 3 Months is based on the idea that language-learning can be hacked by employing a few simple principles:Mistakes are okay and encouraged.You can start speaking in a target langu age from day one.Anyone can have a 15-minute conversation in their target language after just three months.Sounds too good to be true? Well, just wait until you hear about these deals:Cyber Monday 2019 deal:Until midnight on December 2, 2019 (EST), you can purchase the Fluent in 3 Months Black Friday 2019 collection for just $97.Youll gain access to the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge: the websites flagship language-learning course. This 10-module, three-month program begins by correcting some common misconceptions about language learning. Then, it starts users on their journey to successfully having a 15-minute conversation at the end of 90 days. The course also includes a convenient daily check-in feature to keep you on track. Plus, youll gain 90 days of access to the Fluent in 3 Months online community.As if all of that wasnt enough, the Black Friday 2019 Collection includes a few other perks:Travel Hacking Workshop: If you primarily learn languages to have immersive travel experien ces, youll love this exclusive web series in which Benny Lewis, the creator of the Fluent in 3 Months program, teaches students how to strike up conversations with people around the world.Conversation Countdown: This one-week program is designed to be an introduction to the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. The course is designed to help complete beginners have their first conversation after just seven days of learning. The Complete Easy Languages Package: Finally, youll get access to six Why _____ Is Easy guides for Spanish, French, German, Italian, English and Chinese. These guides introduce learners to tips and hacks that they can also be applied to learning any language.Any other time of year, all of these resources would cost $675. If you lock in the $97 price, youre getting an 85% discount.Fluent in 3 Months is perfect for absolute beginners, world travelers or anyone who ever thought that they couldnt learn a new language. Its also great for those interested in studying less comm only taught languages, since this program works for virtually any language in the world.Don’t sleep on these incredible Cyber Monday 2019 deals. Whether you’re interested in learning a new language yourself or buying a thoughtful gift for a loved one, these are deals you can’t miss out on.And no, being sleepy from Black Friday isnt an excuse.We’ve done most of the hard work for you. All you have to do is pick from these great deals and start learning today.

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy Desert Trails Preparatory Academy The LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy Hesperia, California, United States OUR MISSION The mission of Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is to provide students from diverse cultures and backgrounds with a classical education in a nurturing environment where students and parents alike feel safe, valued, and involved. OUR VISION Our vision for Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is to equip all scholars, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status, with the tools they need to be successful students throughout their lives. We envision a school where scholars can beOptimisticabout their futures. We envision a school where scholars learn to useWisdomand make wise choices. We envision a school that developsa driveforLife-long learningin our scholars. We envision a school where the measure ofSuccessisa persons ability to respect differences in others,strive for excellence in everything they do, believe in themselves and what they can achieve,and come to the realization that their capacity for learning is never completely realized. OUR PHILOSOPHY Drawing upon the tradition of classical education, Desert Trails Preparatory Academy was established to follow the steps of its mentor, LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy. Academia (docere), discipline (disciplina), and virtuous character (virtus) are integrated in the formation of a Desert Trails Preparatory Academy scholar. These attributes will continue to form scholars minds throughout life, long after they have left their school days behind. The school is committed to educating the individual child andhelping each student in the acquisition of knowledge and the wisdom necessary to apply it correctly. Every child is capable of achieving his of her potential to the fullest extent when afforded respect, fairness, kindness, loving discipline, and appropriate instruction. Dress code will help scholars to focus on learning, academics, development and creativity. Scholars will benefit through the use of a structured program rich with classical curriculum that will provide a strong relationship with their teachers, staff and peers. Scholars will achieve academically, socially, and through their accomplishments will see themselves as important contributors to their lives as well as that of others. Teachers will be allowed to passionately engage scholars in their profession through the encouragement and involvement of staff, scholars, and parents. The Director/Principal, will be empowered to oversee the effective management of the school. Teachers, scholars and the administration will work as a team to accomplish the goal of the most effective and valued learning environment for students. Parents will be able to participate in the day-to-day operations of the school and will be given frequent feedback on the progress of their children. The school is committed to the education of each scholar by helping them to acquire knowledge and the wisdom necessary to apply that knowledge. With the school providing moral and ethical standards, Desert Trails will prepare its scholars to accept the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society that honors and respects everyone. Every child is capable of achieving his potential to the fullest extent when afforded respect, fairness, kindness, discipline and appropriate

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Educational Trends 2017 Maths Mastery

Educational Trends 2017 â€" Maths Mastery 2017 has arrived and with it come some great new educational trends that we, here at First Tutors, have been following. The first trend that we delve into this year is Maths Mastery; a programme that aims to improve understanding, enjoyment and attainment in Mathematics. Many children struggle with Maths and without someone to explain better or some home private tuition many students are struggling to attain at least a grace C in their Maths GCSE. An article in The Telegraph states: Figures published yesterday (25/08/2016) revealed that the percentage of pupils achieving a C grade or above this year saw the sharpest decline since the exams were launched in 1988. It goes on to say: The percentage of all students gaining A*-C grades dropped 2.1 percentage points to 66.9 per cent, as more 17-year-olds resat their English and maths qualifications following Government changes to the system. According to the reforms, all students must now achieve a C in GCSE English and maths, or they will be forced to retake the qualification. Why is Maths so important? Maths is not just a lesson children learn in school but a life skill needed throughout their lives; from learning to tell the time and counting change to making decisions later on in life such as mortgage rates, investment options and understanding data. It is a skill that we use everyday of our lives. Most professions use some form of Maths to perform their duties and the better understanding you have of Maths from a young age the easier life will be for you as you get older. Working out simple sums or calculating certain problems will not need so much of your attention leaving you able to concentrate on other aspects of your life. So, what is Maths Mastery? Maths Mastery is an approach to the way Mathematics is taught aiming to deepen mathematical understanding in all children. It is a professional development programme for teachers everywhere that also offers curriculum resources for classrooms and opportunities for collaboration between teachers. Mathematics Mastery states that: A mathematical concept or skill has been mastered when a person can represent it in multiple ways, has the mathematical language to communicate related ideas, and can independently apply the concept to new problems in unfamiliar situations. Maths Mastery aims to explore different mathematical concepts and understanding which mathematical approach would be the most effective in different situations. Children are encouraged to use visual aids and abstract ideas to represent various mathematical concepts and to apply knowledge gained to real-life scenarios. Key Principles The key principles of Maths Mastery are: Problem solving Children will build skills needed to solve new problems by grasping the relevant mathematical principles. High Expectations Children are encouraged to build up their confidence and resilience with the emphasis on the importance of maths in education. Concrete, pictorial, abstract Helping to instil their mathematical knowledge using pictures, objects, numbers and words to enrich their learning experience. Depth before breadth The great approach that children should be given the time to completely understand and explore what they have learnt before speeding onto new topics. Growth Mindset Understanding that a child's abilities can be developed and enhanced through practice. Mathematical language Introducing key mathematical terms and language to children helping them to build their language and reasoning skills. To Conclude Maths Mastery is an excellent programme that aims to change the way Maths is taught and bring fun and enjoyment to learning mathematics. Maths is an essential life skill that enables us to understand the world around us and enable us to lead a varied life, so any programme that aims to benefit children from all backgrounds and improve their mathematical skills can only be a good thing.

Should You Buy a Chemistry Diagnostic Test?

Should You Buy a Chemistry Diagnostic Test?A lot of people wonder if it is worth getting a chemistry diagnostic test. It's definitely a good idea, but a lot of things need to be considered before you make a decision. The cost of the test can vary from one company to another, so you may not want to go with the cheapest one.There are many different types of tests and they all have different cost ranges. A test for high levels of lead in the blood can run into thousands of dollars, while a simple urine test is relatively inexpensive. A basic test may run under $100, while more detailed tests can be between several hundred dollars and several thousand dollars. There are plenty of reasons to go with a basic test, however. Before you decide to do a test yourself, you should consider what type of results you want.For one thing, urine tests are always more accurate than the more complicated ones, as urine tends to come out more cleanly than other bodily fluids. Urine may even contain a bit o f lead that the other tests miss. Therefore, urine testing is one of the best tests to get. Even though it costs more, it will give you the most accurate results.On the other hand, a blood test can only tell you if there are certain levels of lead or other metals in your blood. Other types of tests that are available can measure the levels of lead in your body over time, which can help you choose the best treatment for you. If you are currently working with children or pregnant women, a blood test may give you the most useful information.There are tests that are for free and there are also some that you can take for a fee. Some of these include the HLA blood test, which can be done at your local pharmacy. This test, which is for the very specific blood group, can only be done once every five years, so the cost is relatively low and will probably save you money over the long term.A basic test is usually free and you can often get discounts for multiple tests. Other tests like the TCA P (a type of blood test) require a payment, and they can be a little more expensive. For example, if you have a high degree of resistance to drugs, a lab that takes your blood will need to have you have a complete drug test as well.Most companies will offer you a test for free to see what they can do for you, and they are open about this. If you are looking for a basic test or one that can be completed online, you can choose your own treatment for high levels of lead. Whether you choose a test that costs hundreds of dollars or a lab that costs pennies, there are plenty of options out there.

Choosing A Ruby Move Tutor

Choosing A Ruby Move TutorIf you are considering a Ruby move from one place to another and are interested in the details, then you might be considering looking into a Ruby move tutor. There are several different types of tutors that can be found. Some of them are by your own choice, while some of them are through a particular company.The first type of tutor you will find is to do with companies. In this case, you will usually have to pay an initial fee. If you don't like it, you can try to go elsewhere. It's quite common for them to give you a certificate that shows that you have received instruction from a tutor.Next, you may choose to go through a different company. These will charge a lot less. This method is more suitable if you want to learn a little bit about moving from another place to your own.Last, you could also look for a search. These are usually found online. Most of them will provide you with a selection of move tutors who are relatively new to the business and give yo u the option of selecting a tutor.With any type of decision tree, you will have to choose the best option for you. As you go through the options, you should go for the tutors that you are most comfortable with. You don't have to just pick up the phone and contact a person.Be sure to check the quality of the tutor before you sign on with them. Make sure that they are qualified means being properly trained. If they have a license or know how to provide instruction, then you know that they have trained well and were competent.If you don't have the time to learn this all on your own, then the best bet is to hire a tutor. Just make sure you get one that is reputable and trained to help you get through the process successfully. It could take some time, but you'll feel much better knowing that you chose the right one.

Express Yourself Italian Words and Phrases for Emotions [Infographic]

Express Yourself Italian Words and Phrases for Emotions [Infographic] Suzy S. Italians are an expressive bunch of people. Below, Italian teacher Liz T.  teaches a lesson in how to  express emotions using common Italian words and phrases The Italian language is one of the most emotionally expressive languages. In fact, Italians are not afraid to speak what’s on their mind, and certainly not afraid to show their emotions. Whether youre traveling to Italy or simply taking Italian lessons, its a  good idea to learn how to express your emotions in Italian.  Below are some Italian words and phrases you can use to express yourself and sound like a true native. Now that youve studied the various different emotions in Italian, its time to learn how to use these words in conversation. To express the phrase I am… use the Italian word  Sono See the examples below: Sono triste. (I am sad.) Sono arrabbiato. (I am angry.) Sono stanco. (I am tired.) Sono innamorato. (I am in love.) Remember, you must conjugate the emotion depending on who you are describing. Masculine words ending in  â€œO” should be switched to a feminine ending “A” and visa versa.  See the examples below: Lei è sorpresa. (She is surprised.) Lui  Ã¨ felice. (He is happy.) Lei  Ã¨ arrabbiata. (She is angry.) Lui  Ã¨ occupato. ( He is busy.) To get more familiar with using these Italian words and phrases in conversation, work with your Italian tutor on some fun exercises. For example, practice these words using flashcards or play a classic game of charades in which the teacher acts out an emotion then asks the student to guess the Italian word. Whatever activity you choose, be sure to practice these Italian words and phrases so you will be able to better express yourself when chatting  with a native Italian. Post Author:  Liz T. Liz T. teaches singing, acting, music and Italian lessons in Brooklyn, NY.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in vocal performance and has a graduate certificate in arts administration from New York University. Learn more about Liz here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

What is it Like to Attend Stony Brook University

What is it Like to Attend Stony Brook University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Tiffany is a senior at Stony Brook University studying Spanish Language Literature. She is a New York City tutor who specializes in SAT prep tutoriing, Literature tutoring, Essay Editing tutoring, and more. See what she had to say about her school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Tiffany: The Stony Brook campus is very large and has a cosmopolitan, mature, and city-like feel to it. The student body is extremely diverse, which I love. It seems like almost every country and language in the world is represented here. I feel very safe on campus, and Security is easily contacted and always available. I commute from home via car. In fact, half of the student body also commutes. On campus, there are always buses running that bring students from one area on campus to another (since its so vast). And the buses run late, which is convenient. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants? Tiffany: My professors have always made themselves very available to me, but the Spanish department at Stony Brook is rather small. Ive heard from my pre-med friends that their Biology professors and such can be hard to contact. But the advising office is open all day long, and you can make appointments with them almost anytime. Some classes have teaching assistants, while others do not. Here, there are lots of tutoring options and a writing center, both in English and for the foreign languages. I tutor at the Spanish Writing Center. I can say that I never felt totally in the dark when I didnt understand a topic. There is always someone there to help; you just have to reach out and be heard. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Tiffany: Im a commuter, so I cant comment on the dorm life here. There are many, many dining options though Wendys, Mexican, Asian, and lots more. Even off campus, dining options are close by and plentiful. Stony Brook University is located right near the LIRR train station, so commuting and traveling is easy. There are also lots of clubs and organizations to join. Im involved in a few of them, including Sigma Beta Honor Society, which conducts community service events on the island. I transferred from a private school my sophomore year, and I honestly love it here. There are so many opportunities and ways to keep busy. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Tiffany: Stony Brook is renowned for its Premedical, Dental, Computer Science, and other Science programs. I chose to study Spanish because its what Im best at, and I find it to be unbelievably useful in everyday life. Im glad I chose Spanish as my major. Its not a common major here, but for that very reason, I was able to get a lot of individual care and one-on-one mentoring. I know all my professors on a first-name basis, which is awesome. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Tiffany: I found it very easy to meet new people, even as a sophomore, but Im a social creature. Joining clubs and going to campus events is a great way to get out there. Or you can just start talking to people, which is what I do. Ive made a few friends just by being friendly while sitting on the benches outside. To be honest, whether or not you meet people totally depends on your behavior. Potential friends are everywhere. You just have to get over being shy if you want to enjoy your college experience. And while parties are always fun, you generally wont meet people who have the same academic interests/passions as you at those sorts of events, so be well-rounded and maybe go to cultural events, too! Im happy to say that Greek life does not play a significant role in the social atmosphere of Stony Brook University. Actually, one of the reasons that I left my first school, a small private college in PA, was because I chose not to go Greek and felt like an outcast as a result of that choice. Thats so not the case at Stony. Here, there are people of every sort imaginable. There really is no excuse not to find a friend just like you. Jocks, nerds, exchange students, etc. were all here! VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Tiffany: Our Career Center is awesome. Theyre currently helping me search for teaching jobs in the states and abroad. Theyre very professional, too. I know there are many opportunities for internships here. Stony has an online program called Zebra Net where you can post your resume, and employers can seek you out electronically. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Tiffany: It totally depends on the time of day. Some study areas are always packed, which is why I choose to go to the less-known ones or walk a few flights up the stairs to find a quiet space. There are plenty of places to hide out in; you just have to know which are the hot spots and which arent. Stony Brook has a lot of computers for student use, though. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Tiffany: Stony Brook, NY itself is not a big, hopping town. There are little strips with restaurants, bars, and other establishments, but I would say that most students travel elsewhere for real fun or stay on campus. Once again, its a different experience for me as a commuter. But since the train station is so close to campus (and it actually is located right on the outskirts of campus), traveling is made easy. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Tiffany: The student body here is absolutely huge, yet Im always running into people I know on campus. Some of my classes were large (like Anthropology 200+ students), while some were very small (less than 20 students). It depends on the type of class it is. Math and Science classes (Bio, Physics, Calculus, etc.) are generally much larger here. But I feel like the classes get smaller the farther along you get in your degree track i.e., the more specialized the classes are. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Tiffany: My favorite class of all time was Spanish 393 Introduction to Spanish linguistics. The professor was Jose Elias-Ulloa, an incredible man. This class made me realize that I want to return to Stony Brook for graduate school, and that my calling in life is linguistics. He and I are still in touch. Ive had a few bad experiences here, but they are truly insignificant in comparison with all the good ones. I love Stony Brook. I wouldnt trade my time here for anything. My advice to new and prospective college students is this: get to know your professors on a personal level, build and maintain good relationships, and be friendly and kind to people. Youre going to need references someday. And if you have a 4.0 GPA, but nobody can speak about you as a person, youre going to face some serious problems in the professional world. Check out Tiffanys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Songwriting Tips How to Write Lyrics To Your First Song

Songwriting Tips How to Write Lyrics To Your First Song Megan L. Are  you learning to play guitar because you want to be able to write your own songs? Guitar teacher  Samuel B.  shares some tips to help you write lyrics to your first song Just as writing a song  on guitar can seem like work for only a select few, so can writing the words to one. Once again, this assumption and the truth are completely unrelated. You dont need to be Bob Dylan or Bernie Taupin to do it â€" you only need to have something to say. I first began writing lyrics as teenager. My summer camp bunkmate frequently played me homemade recordings of his two-person band. He was likely the first person who introduced me to the idea that a songs lyrics dont have to make imminent and immediate sense â€" they need only come from inside you. Themes in his material ranged from Star Trek-esque imagery of ice skating on the surface of the moon to a song about someones bearskin rug. “I write my songs and then interpret them later,” he said. With this in mind, I began doing the same. By the time I was in college, Id become familiar enough with the process that I was finally able to add humor into it and create what effectively became a tribute to the famous childrens book Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs about raining food: I sat and stared at my linguine on my plate. Its origin could be a matter of debate. It looks like weather here. Weather I hold dear. Weather that does not show up here everyday. Heres where a thread to soloing is apparent â€" in writing lyrics its more important to feel than it is to think. Writing words and playing improvised notes are actually two different versions of the same thing â€" theyre intimate forms of expression clouded only by your internal resistance to playing (or writing) what you hear in your head. During a recent lesson about soloing, I told my student that the notes are already waiting there for you â€" you need only play them. The same applies to your lyrics. If you find yourself perpetually wanting to write a song on guitar but arent sure how to begin writing lyrics, I strongly suggest writing blues stanzas. The blues follows a frequently predictable pattern (based on a call-and-response tradition) in which a line is presented, repeated, and followed with a relevant second line: I hate to see evening sun go down. I hate to see evening sun go down. Cause it makes me think Im on my last go-round. Im ready â€" ready as anybody can be. Im ready â€" ready as anybody can be. Im ready for you. I hope youre ready for me. The girl Im loving shes got great long curly hair. The girl Im loving shes got great long curly hair. And her mama and her papa well, they sure dont allow me there. You might try improvising stanzas while playing a twelve-bar chord progression (E-E-E-E-A-A-E-E-B7th-A-E-E/B7th) and seeing where that takes you. Making up spontaneous blues songs may prove an enjoyable (and often funny) first step for you as a songwriter that will begin to teach you to allow your imagery to flourish without red tape. Think of it as an advanced form of Mad Libs. Finally, dont worry about writing too many or too few songs. Arlo Guthrie has used a fishing metaphor to describe the process of “catching” a good one. Bruce Springsteen has traditionally written roughly seventy songs per album and picked out only the ten or twelve that aesthetically fit together best. Some of your songs will be better than others. Dont let this discourage you at all. The good ones will always find you, more often than the reverse. Learn more: Check out our guide to songwriting! Samuel B. teaches beginner  guitar lessons in Austin, TX. He teaches lessons face-to-face without sheet music, which is his adaptation of Japanese instruction (involving a call-and-response method).  Learn more about Samuel here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Matt Gibson