Here are some pointers . . . . 

Additional coursework. If you plan on teaching math or English, it seems fitting to take coursework in these areas. You should, however, expand your horizons a bit and take some classes outside your comfort zone. A teacher with a master’s in English who has sociology and anthropology classes under his or her belt may be more desirable for teaching literature because he or she understands cultural and historical contexts better than a person without the additional coursework. 

Certification exams. Find out which exams you will need to take—like Praxis[i]—in order to be certified to teach in your subject area. Different states may have varying requirements, along with your college, so visit ets.org for more information and to plan ahead. You’ll want to sit for the tests as early as you can (of course, you’ve first prepared and reviewed using some type of workbook or review course). 

Be flexible. If you plan on teaching after earning your graduate degree and working in an elementary school, you should be flexible in your expectations. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is anticipated to rise to around 17% from 2010-2020[ii] which is about as fast as average. However, high school teachers are anticipated to experience only a 7% rise during the same time period[iii]. 

ESL, bilingual, special ed, and math/science credentials. Teachers who have degree credentials in these education areas may find it easier to land a job if they are willing to relocate[iv]. For more information about teacher shortage areas, check out the U.S. Department of Education’s website[v] for an updated listing of states that have critical shortages[vi].

NEA. The National Education Association (NEA)[vii] has wealth of information regarding education on their website[vii] and could be a valuable resource when searching for lesson plan ideas to grants and awards. 

Teaching, at any grade level, may be a rewarding experience if you are passionate about helping children to learn. Earning your graduate degree in education online is another option to pursuing an in-person degree and Education Connection might be able to match you with the right program that best fits your needs. 

_______________________________ 

[i] http://www.ets.org/praxis 

[ii] http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm 

[iii] http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm 

[iv] http://www.besteducationdegrees.com/the-10-best-states-to-find-a-teaching-job/ 

[v] http://www.ed.gov/ 

[vi] http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/pol/tsa.html#list 

[vii] http://www.nea.org/ 

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2013/04/02/education-school-tips-for-success-2

If not, here are some interesting facts about why we celebrate Memorial Day.

These facts are taken from a Memorial Day infographic[i]:

• It was first celebrated on May 30^th, 1868.
• General John Logan first announced the holiday.
• General Logan was a commander of the Grand Army of Republic.
• Was observed by putting flowers on graves of Confederate and Union soldiers who died in the Civil War.
• In 1971, was declared a federal holiday.
• Flags and flowers are popular to remember soldiers by.
• Memorial Day now includes anyone who died for America.
• It was first called “Decoration Day”.
• Red poppies are thought of as the Memorial Day flower.
• The 1^st Memorial Day parade, in over 60 years, was held in Washington, D.C. in 2004.
• The flag should fly at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day then be raised to the top of the staff.
• Burgers are the most popular food for barbecuing.
• Steak is the second most popular food to hit grills.
• 81% of U.S. households have grills which are used around 5x’s per month.
• “Taps” is usually played on Memorial Day in ceremonies.
• It wasn’t until after World War I that the south participated in honoring soldiers who died.
• A National Memorial Day concert is held at the Capitol on Memorial Day[ii].
• At 3PM, the nation holds a moment of remembrance[iii].
• Sporting events like the Indianapolis 500 is usually held over the Memorial Day weekend[iv].

If you are home from college for the summer and relaxing after a harrowing spring semester, here are some ways you can keep the fun and meaning of Memorial Day alive:

1. Place mini-flags along the walkway by your home.
2. Visit a memorial museum.
3. Take a tour of a historic site offered by professional tour guides so you can learn something new.
4. Have a fundraiser to raise money for families who have lost a loved one due to war—it can be as simple as a bake sale or put together a concert event.
5. Place a flag outside your home.
6. Talk to vets who are survivors.
7. Thank service members who are actively serving or who served in the past (thanks, Dad). 
8. Enroll in an online, Amercian history course this summer.

Just because you are a college student doesn’t mean that you are not able to create awareness about an important holiday in our country. You can have majors other than history or political science and still do something to help others remember the real meaning behind Memorial Day. 

___________________________

[i]   http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/Why_we_celebrate_Memorial_Day_11753.aspx

[ii]  http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/

[iv] http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/

[v]  http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500/schedule/ 

http://voices.yahoo.com/how-celebrate-memorial-day-314112.html?cat=37

Of course, you don’t only have to be majoring in environmental science to enjoy Bike Month. Riding your bike to work or around town may be a great way to sneak in some cardio and have a great time! 

Here are some suggestions for making this year’s Bike Month a memorable one . . . . 

Ride of Silence. With Memorial Day coming up soon, you may want to host a Ride of Silence for those men and women who have died serving our country. Maybe you could ask participants to wear red, white or blue or put small flags on their bikes. While official Ride of Silence[ii] events are about remembering those who have died while cycling, you could use the idea to inspire you to support and create awareness for other important causes, too. 

Bike to School Day. What about organizing a group of commuter students who are enrolled in summer classes at your college to bike to campus? Use Twitter and Facebook, as ways to get the word out, and pick a date! Then ride! 

Take a smart cycling class. Various clubs and advocacy groups may offer cycling classes in your area, whether they are geared for commuters, traffic skills or group rides. Check with The League of American Bicyclists[iii] for more information regarding classes or contact your city’s recreational department. It’s important to know the rules of biking so you can enjoy riding safely[iv]. 

Start a bike mentoring program. Match up seasoned cyclists who can ride along with newbies as they commute to work or school. This way, the new bikers have the chance to receive guidance and pointers as they ride. 

Write your mayor. Ask your city or town’s mayor to proclaim May as National Bike Month. You could start a petition on change.org[v] and promote your petition via Facebook and Twitter. Use hashtags (#s) on Twitter such as #Sacramento4BikeMonth to get your point across and rustle up support. 

Bicycle party. If you are of legal drinking age, host a bike happy hour. Either ride together earlier in the day and meet up later a local pub later or have a get-together at your house that includes bike themed accessories and drinks such as Blue Bikes or Biker Boilermaker. 

Host an energizer rally. Bikers need sustenance! Team up with local restaurants and/or grocery stores and find some sponsors for a local bike rally. Sponsors may donate breakfast items like bagels and coffee, if the rally will be held in the morning, or healthy muffins and juice, if the rally will take place in the afternoon. Remember, you’ll have to consider cups, plates, and/or napkins, as well as collecting trash as part of the rally. 

These tips are just some suggestions that may get you excited about National Bike Month. Even if you are unable to host a rally or set up a bike mentoring program, if you have a bike, you can ride and participate in local bike festivities. Remember, biking around your college campus could be a great way to save money on car insurance, gas and the cost of a vehicle, and it is greener than taking a bus.

[i]  http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/

[ii] http://www.rideofsilence.org/mission.php

[iii] http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/courses.php

[iv] http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/rules_road.php

[v]  http://www.change.org/petition 

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/pdf/guide_redesign_2013.pdf

How about a major that is listed as one of the most employable post-college graduation? Yes—some majors have more going for them in today’s job market than others. You should find out which ones are in the top 10. 

Here you go . . . . 

Economics. Okay—while this may not be the easiest major, it has a lot going for it. Do you like to spend hours your lunch break discussing what could be done to fix our country’s economic woes? Do you find pleasure in pointing out new strategies that might help our economic future? With a median salary of $89,450 (2010), according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), it may be the right major for you. While you’ll probably need a master’s or PhD to move beyond an entry-level job, if you can’t wait to dig into historical trends and jump into research, you should consider this major and visit Education Connection for more information. 

Mechanical engineering. Do you love science and math? Are you mildly obsessed with how things work? Does the thought of using a gas turbine thrill you? This major might be right up your engineering alley. Let’s see what the median pay looked like in 2010–$78,160. Not bad! You will need a bachelor’s and some colleges even offer 5 year programs in which you can earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Be sure to check out education.com and find out how you can get started earning your mechanical engineering degree online! 

Pharmacology. This major is one that will require more than a BA but the payoffs can be great long-term. In 2010, pharmacists made an average of $111,570 per year, according to the BLS, and the employment rate between 2010 and 2020 is supposed to increase by 25%. While you’ll need a doctoral degree, if you can’t wait to fill scrips and help patients, this major may be a real option for you. Of course, pharmacists do more than standing behind a counter and filling prescriptions. They may also work with insurance companies, keep up-to-date with the latest research in their field, and train interns or pharmacy techs. 

Student school counseling. You know you love working with children. Not only did you babysit since middle school, you know how to quickly calm down your little sister when she gets frustrated with her tying her shoelaces or how to help her learn her reading flashcards. Majoring in student school counseling could be great for you if you want to earn your master’s and work in a school setting with kids. You might collaborate with teachers to create individualized learning plans for students, promote awareness about bullying through presentations or provide counseling to groups or individuals. Student school counselors earn around $53,380 (2010 figure according to the BLS) and the job growth from 2010-2020 is supposed to be 19%. 

If you are interested in obtaining more info about any of these majors and would like to find out if these degree programs are offered online, head on over to education.com and chat with a consultant today. Don’t wait! Your future career awaits you! 

http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/01/art5full.pdf

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Economists.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Economists.htm#tab-4

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Economists.htm#tab-2

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacists.htm#tab-1

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm#tab-2

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacists.htm#tab-2

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Community-and-Social-Service/School-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-4

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Community-and-Social-Service/School-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-2

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Community-and-Social-Service/School-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-1

According to Statistic Brain, the total amount of money spent on Mother’s Day in 2012 was $671 million[i]. I’m sure most moms appreciated the show of affection. But do you remember what she used to say to you as a kid? Something about how homemade gifts are so special? Or how thrilled she was when you called home from college just to say you needed money how much you missed her? 

I’m not telling you to forget Mother’s Day or to pass on the flowers and card. But maybe there are some other things you can do throughout the year to let her know how much you care. 

Here are 5 tips . . . . 

Use your planner. Whether it’s Google Calendar, a Day Runner or Siri, input your parents’ anniversary, your mom’s birthday, and any other important dates that are special to your mom. Schedule reminders, for the week prior, so you can plan. Then you might not be frantic trying to find that last minute gift, and you should be more relaxed if you call her. Make the time. 

Remember her on your birthday. Whether you send her an eCard, put a note in the mail or create a special photo album filled with pictures of the two of you, it’s a great way to show her that you are grateful. You know she most likely remembers your birthday better than you do—remember, those looong hours of labor?—so a thoughtful gesture may mean the world to her. 

Look to her for advice. While you may not usually turn to your mom for words of wisdom, chances are she has some pearls. Pick up the phone and call her to ask her opinion or meet for lunch and talk in-person when you need some direction. If you’re not the type of college student to do so, once she gets over her initial shock, you could make her day—maybe even her week or month! 

Special interests. Even if you think that you don’t have anything in common, you probably do. Try and discover what it is. Maybe you are both passionate about art. Make a date to check out the new, corner gallery when you head home for summer break. Could be the two of you are crazy about Nascar. Plan on watching the Coca-Cola 600 together. Is your mom the only person in the family to have perfected Nonnie’s secret culinary masterpiece AKA her marinara sauce? Beg her to show you how! If nothing comes to mind, talk to her about trying out a new restaurant together or going to a movie. There must be something you both enjoy—even if it’s as simple as romantic comedies. 

K.I.T. Nothing says, “I love you,” like staying in touch. Yes, your schedule is hectic, you’ve been pulling all-nighters to cram for finals, it’s you and your GF’s anniversary this weekend, and . . . and . . . do it anyway. Pick up the phone. Text her. Email her the crazy meme that you think will make her laugh when she sees it. 

While Mother’s Day is important because you are honoring your mom, try and incorporate a couple of the tips mentioned above. Your life—and hers—may be richer because of it. I’m not talking monetary wealth, more like emotional capital. If your mom isn’t around, for whatever the reason, reach out to a special woman who has acted like a mother to you and let her know you appreciate her. 

Telling your mom how much she means to you doesn’t necessitate parades or banners flying behind planes (thanks, Mom, for loving me). It does require simple thoughtfulness. 

_______________________________

[i] http://www.statisticbrain.com/mothers-day-statistics/ 

Here are some suggestions:

GPA in your major. If you’re considering grad school, you should check your GPA in your major. If you have more As than Bs, it could be a positive indicator that you are familiar with the field and may do well post-bachelor.  If you have a lot of Cs on your transcript, might be time to rethink your game plan. Speaking of game plans . . . . 

Don’t make up your mind too early in the game. It’s a good idea to wait until you have around half of your courses completed in your major before thinking about grad school—particularly upper-division classes which may be more challenging. 

Try it. If you have the opportunity to take a graduate level class as a senior in college, do it! This trial run may be just the chance you were looking for to see what you think about the field. If you aren’t able to take a grad class, consider an advanced research project or internship with a professor in your major. Possible bonus—a great letter of recommendation from someone in the field. 

Letters of recommendation. It’s not enough to gather any three letters of recommendation and turn them in with your application and GRE scores. A letter from your uncle attesting to how great you are in computer science isn’t going to get the job done. Ideally, your letters of recommendation should come from tenured professors who have some clout in your field of interest. If you received As in their classes, save some of your graded papers, and make an appointment to meet with your former professors. Go over your work so that he or she may include informed details in his or her letter of recommendation for you. 

GRE scores. GRE scores aren’t the only determining factors when it comes to being accepted into grad school but they could enhance your application and desirability, and they are usually required. Find out what are the preferred scores are for the colleges you want to apply to and sit for the exam more than once, if necessary. 

Personal statement. Your personal statement isn’t the place to delve into every single detail of the certificate that accompanies your bachelor. It is the right spot to reveal your intellectual plan for what you want to accomplish in grad school such as a project you hope to work on once accepted. Don’t be too long-winded. Keep it relatively short—half a page to a page. 

The sample. If you need to produce a writing sample, ask about the details regarding suggested length[iv]. You don’t want to attach a sample that is only 5 pages long if the college wants a 30-page paper. Stay focused on your topic and try to show what a great argument you can make for your case. 

Making the decision to attend grad school can be a big one and it is something you shouldn’t gloss over lightly. Begin planning before you complete your bachelor’s and ask questions so you can begin prepping early. 

_______________________________                                                 

[i] http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372 

It comes on the heels of three other announcements dated March 1^st, 2013[iii], March 15^th, 2013[iv], and April 5^th, 2013[v]. These announcements explained how sequestration would affect Title IV student financial aid and spells out the subsequent reductions (as percentages) for grants like the TEACH and Iraq-Afghanistan Service programs. 

The percentage reductions for both grants—TEACH and Iraq-Afghanistan—have been recalculated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The most up-to-date information about the programs is listed below: 

TEACH Grants. In a prior notification by the IFAP, it was stated that the TEACH Grant awards would be reduced by 12.6%. The new figure reduces TEACH Grants by 7.1%–from what students previously would have been able to receive. This reduction is for awards in which the first payment was distributed after March 1^st, 2012—included are 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 awards. 

Iraq-Afghanistan Service Grants.  A previous announcement by the IFAP said that these grant awards would drop by 37.8%. Instead, they will drop by 10.0% for any initial disbursements made after March 1^st, 2013—also included are 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 awards. 

Any schools that have already awarded students money from these two programs based on the former percentages—12.6% and 37.8% respectfully—need to give the additional funds to students. Also, schools must update information that was already reported to Common Origination & Disbursement (COD)[vi]. 

______________________________________ 

[i]   http://ifap.ed.gov/ifap/

[ii]  http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/042613UpdatedChangesInSequestReqReductions.html#fachat

[iii] http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/030113ImpactofSequestrationonTitleIVFSAProg.html

[iv] http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/031513SequestrationTitleIVStudentFinancialAssistance.html

[v]  http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/040512UpdateImpactOffSequestrationOnTitleIVPrograms.html

[vi] https://cod.ed.gov/cod/LoginPage

At least, rethink the process. While you may not consider some of these acquaintances as people you will be interacting with after you graduate, you should consider the big picture. You don’t know what your life will be like post-college and you may be surprised at some of the insights you could glean from others—even if you are not best buddies. So wait and keep reading . . . . 

That junior who helped you out as a freshman. You can still remember what it was like back then—you were trying to find out where your classes were, once you found them you needed a crash course in organization, and you were clueless about which professor you’d want for Western Civ the following semester. Thankfully, you had help in the form of a wise upperclassman. Fast forward to now—that same, knowledgeable upperclassman has been working full-time in the “real world” for a few years. Exactly! Why would you click “unfriend?” This person could be one of your greatest allies after graduation—don’t do it! 

That professor you had once when you took a class outside your major. Again, even if you haven’t kept in touch within the last few years, this person may prove to be invaluable. Despite the reality that you probably wouldn’t contact her for a glowing job recommendation, chances are you may be employed outside your field. If so, this professor might be just the contact you need to point you in the right direction or help you brush up on those non-major skills. Professors are walking, talking fountains of information. Value them and respect their expertise. 

Your ex. Okay—this tip isn’t for everyone. However, if your split was amicable and both of you remained casual friends, who’s to say that, if you find yourself packing up and accepting a job in his hometown, that he won’t point you in the right direction of nice areas to rent? Maybe one of his friends has a friend who knows someone and that person is employed with the company you will be working for. His college connections could become your connections! 

Your accounting TA. TAs are blended combos of teacher and students. While you knew them from class, it didn’t imply you were hanging with them outside of the classroom. If you are still Facebook friends and you know that she is working in your desired accounting industry, why not reconnect? She may be able to steer you in the right direction and have some great pointers if you decide to go to grad school. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll wind up as a TA and who better to converse with about those kids who continually text in class and think they are so discreet or the ones who surprise you with those unexpected, killer essays. 

Remember, while your Facebook friend list may not seem imperative for your future after graduation, it can be a resource all too often overlooked. So don’t be hasty when you get the urge to trim down that friend list. You may regret it later if you overboard with defriending! 

However, what about the students who are victims of financial aid scams? What can you do to avoid being conned? Is financial aid information really free? 

Here are some tips to spot a scam:

Advanced-fee loans. If you stumble across a dreamy, low-interest, college loan that necessitates an upfront fee, step away from the computer. Better yet, report the lender to the Better Business Bureau or call the Federal Trade Commission hotline. Legit lenders deduct fees when the disbursement checks are issued—not prior. 

Where’s the number? If there is no phone number by which you can reach someone to ask questions regarding the aid, be wary. Most companies, in addition to an email address, will provide a phone number so you can contact them. 

Sweeps. “You have been selected as the winner of an incredible scholarship in the amount of ____!” Um—you never entered a contest. Wait, there’s more. You just have to call the provided phone number and pay a small redemption fee. It is very small compared to the amount of your scholarship sweepstakes win so why not fork over the $15? Nooo! Just another scammer . . . . 

First come, first served. Quick! The sooner you apply and send in your application fee in the amount of $30, the better chance you have of scoring an incredible amount of college cash. Stop—why are you even considering shelling out that $30? Forget about it—time to move on past the con. 

Redemption fees. As mentioned above in the Sweeps scam, a required fee may be referred to as a redemption fee, a processing fee or a disbursement fee. Legit scholarships and grants do not require students to pay to receive an award. Think about it—thousands upon thousands of unsuspecting students paying $30 per person equals a lot of quick cash for the scammers! 

Affiliation claims. The scammer sounds legit and they appear to be endorsed by the state since they throw around terms like federal, national, administration or foundation around. Alert! Just because you spot a Washington, D.C. address somewhere on the flyer doesn’t mean that it is automatically a federal or state agency. Do your homework and first check out the U.S. Department of Education website. 

Guarantees. You pay and you are guaranteed to be awarded a full-ride scholarship. Don’t think so. Read the fine print and remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to financial aid. Again, you should not have to pay a fee to receive a scholarship or grant. 

Unclaimed scholarship money. “2.2 billion in scholarship money went unclaimed last year!” Hmm—no legit financial aid providers would ever make such a statement. Have you ever seen a monetary amount of alleged, unclaimed, scholarship money on a website such as the U.S. Department of Education’s site? Don’t think so. Keep searching. 

Remember, there are lots of financial scams out there. Don’t fall prey to them. When in doubt, report suspicious activity to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or the OIG (Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General). 

A great first step to seeing if you are eligible for many different types of federal aid such as grants, loans or work study programs is to fill out a free FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. You should never have to pay a fee to complete the FAFSA.

You can also check out your state grant agency, your financial aid office or legit non-profit agencies for more financial aid information. When in doubt, ask for help from a trusted friend or grown-up when it comes to filling out financial aid forms. Sometimes an extra pair of eyes and ears can help you spot scammers before you become a con artist’s next victim.

http://studentaid.ed.gov/types

Here are some additional ideas . . . . 

Fellowship. While landing a fellowship might not be an easy process—you will have to plan ahead, clearly communicate your research ideas, and format your proposals properly—if you are granted one, it might be a great way for you to pad your resume and delve more into a subject area that you are passionate about. There are different types of fellowships; some are federally funded like the Fullbright Program or the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, while others may be offered by various universities and colleges in different subjects like humanities or STEM. One great place to begin your search is at grants.net. If you have a particular college in mind, you should check out the school’s website to see which fellowships are available and how to go about applying for them. 

Freelance. Although you might automatically think of writing when you hear the word “freelance,” there are many other types of freelance work (not that writing isn’t wonderful—it is). If you just finished your bachelor’s in computer science and you are the first person your friends and family call upon when they have computer tech issues, you might try becoming a freelance contractor. Say you are great at photography and have always wanted to be paid to conduct photo shoots—try it! In addition to having flexible hours, you can select which jobs you want to take on and you may even be able to work from your home (and save money on commuting—cha-ching). If you are grammar inclined, copywriting could be your ticket to breaking into the writing industry and gaining some real-world experience.

Gap year. It’s not uncommon for college grads to want to see another part of the world. Exploring another culture and way of life can be an exciting option before settling into a career. If you plan it right, a gap year abroad may better prepare you for your future job. By learning a second language like Mandarin, you may bump up your desirability in the eyes of potential employers—especially if you possess a business degree. Yes, it might be a little scary to take the plunge so, if you want added reassurance, stop by a campus career center and check out websites like goabroad.com. 

Whether you decide to take a year after graduation to head to a new country, participate in an internship or start your own business, you may find that the memories you made during that time could be ones you remember fondly. Of course you want to be responsible with regards to your checkbook, but this value does not mean that you have to forgo your dreams—as long as you do your research first before diving in.