The Value of Education

Word of the Week - Fervor

2015-09-27T16:25:00.003-04:00

mid-14c., "warmth or glow of feeling,"

from Old French fervor "heat; enthusiasm, ardor, passion" (12c., Modern French ferveur), 

from Latin fervor "a boiling, violent heat; passion, ardor, fury," from fervere "to boil; be hot" (see brew (v.)).

noun

great warmth and earnestness of feeling:

to speak with great fervor.

intense heat.

Origin of fervor

Middle English

Anglo-French

Latin

1350-1400; Middle English fervo (u) r

< Anglo-French < Latin fervor heat (see fervent, -or1)

Synonyms

1. ardor, passion, zeal.

SOURCE:
fervor. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved September 27, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fervor

Quote of the Week - 9/23/15

2015-09-23T09:35:00.004-04:00

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, become more, You are a Leader."

~~~ John Quincy Adams

Word of the Week - Affable

2015-09-23T09:30:00.004-04:00

adjective

pleasantly easy to approach and to talk to; friendly; cordial; warmly polite:

an affable and courteous gentleman.

showing warmth and friendliness; benign; pleasant:

an affable smile.

Origin of affable

Latin

1530-1540

Latin affābilis that can be spoken to, courteous, equivalent to af- af- + fā- speak (see fate ) + -bilis -ble, perhaps via Middle French

Word Origin and History for affable

adj.

late 15c., from Old French afable (14c.), from Latin affabilis "approachable, courteous, kind, friendly," literally "who can be (easily)spoken to," from affari "to
speak to," from ad- "to" (see ad- )+ fari "to speak" (see fame (n.)).
Related: Affably.

SOURCE:

affable. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved September 23, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/affable

Quote of the Week - 5/18/15

2015-05-18T22:54:00.000-04:00

"To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge."

~~ Confucius

Word of the Week - Parley

2015-05-13T08:57:00.000-04:00

noun, plural parleys.

a discussion or conference.

an informal conference between enemies under a truce, especially to discuss terms, conditions of surrender, etc.

verb (used without object), parleyed, parleying.

to hold an informal conference with an enemy under a truce, as between active hostilities.

to speak, talk, or confer.

Origin of parley

late Middle English

Middle French

Word Origin and History for parley

"conference, speech," especially with an enemy, mid-15c.,

from Middle French parlée, from fem. past participle of Old French parler "to speak"(11c.), from Vulgar Latin *paraulare, from Late Latin parabolare "to speak (in parables)," from parabola "speech, discourse," from Latin parabola"comparison" (see parable).

late 14c., "to speak, talk, confer," probably a separate borrowing of Old French parler "to speak" (see parley (n.)). Related: Parleyed ; parleying.Meaning "to discuss terms" is 1560s, from the noun.

SOURCE:

parley. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/parley

Quote of the Week - 5/11/15

2015-05-11T17:59:00.000-04:00

Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.

~~ Bill Gates

Word of the Week - Responsible

2015-05-06T08:52:00.000-04:00

adjective

answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power,control, or management (often followed by to or for):

He is responsible to the president for his decisions.

involving accountability or responsibility, as in having the power to control or manage:

promoted to a responsible position in the firm.

chargeable with being the author, cause, or occasion of something(usually followed by for):

Termites were responsible for the damage.

having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable;capable of rational thought or action:

The defendant is not responsible for his actions.

able to discharge obligations or pay debts.

reliable or dependable, as in meeting debts, conducting business dealings, etc.

(of a government, member of a government, government agency, or the like) answerable to or serving at the discretion of an elected legislature or the electorate.

Origin of responsible

Latin

Word Origin and History for responsible

adj.

1590s, "answerable" (to another, for something), from obsolete French responsible (13c., Modern French responsable, as if from Latin*responsabilis), from Latin respons-, past participle stem of respondere "to respond" (see respond ). Meaning "accountable for one's actions" is attested from 1640s; that of "reliable, trustworthy" is from 1690s. Retains the sense of "obligation" in the Latin root word. Related: Responsibly.

SOURCE:
responsible. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/responsible

Quote of the Week - 5/4/15

2015-05-04T05:00:00.000-04:00

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

~~ Albert Einstein

Word of the Week - Potential

2015-04-28T08:46:00.003-04:00

adjective

possible, as opposed to actual:

the potential uses of nuclear energy.

capable of being or becoming:

a potential danger to safety.

Grammar. expressing possibility:

the potential subjunctive in Latin; the potential use of can in I can go.

noun

possibility; potentiality:

an investment that has little growth potential.

a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.

Grammar.

a potential aspect, mood, construction, case, etc.
a form in the potential.

Electricity, electric potential (def 1).

Mathematics, Physics. a type of function from which the intensity of a field may be derived, usually by differentiation.

10.

someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility:

The list of job applications has been narrowed to half a dozen potentials.

Origin of potential

Middle English

Old French

Late Latin

Word Origin and History for potential

adj.

late 14c., "possible" (as opposed to actual), from Old French potenciel and directly from Late Latin potentialis "potential," from Latin potentia "power,might, force;" figuratively "political power, authority, influence," from potens "powerful" (see potent ). The noun, meaning "that which is possible," is first attested 1817, from the adjective.

SOURCE:
potential. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/potential

Quote of the Week - 4/27/15

2015-04-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.

~~ Maya Angelou

Quote of the Week - 4/20/15

2015-04-20T18:03:00.000-04:00

We Keep moving forward opening new doors and doing new things because we're curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

~~ Walt Disney

Word of the Week - Curriculum Vita

2015-04-16T20:42:00.000-04:00

Curriculum Vita:

brief account of one's life and work," 1902, from Latin curriculum vitae, literally "course of one's life" (see curriculum). Abbreviated c.v.

Word Origin and History for curriculum:

n.

1824, from Modern Latin, transferred use of classical Latin curriculum "a running, course, career" (also "a fast chariot, racing car"), from currere (see current (adj.)).

Used in English as a Latin word since 1630s at Scottish universities.

SOURCE:

curriculum. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved April 16, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/curriculum

Dialing Codes 211, 311, 411, etc.

2015-04-16T15:17:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what those dialing codes like 411 or 811 are for? I have. So I did some research. This is what I discovered. NOTE: These numbers pertain to the US only.

211: This is the number for the United Way. They provide assistance with crisis + emergency, human trafficking, food, health, housing + utilities, jobs + support, reentry, and for Veterans. They can help you locate your local United Way office, too. I especially like their website (211.org). It has lots of information, and their assistance is available 24/7 and in many languages.

311 is unique to New York City (I am not talking about the band 311). 311 is a city-based website that points you toward the information or assistance you may need for public housing, food stamps, birth certificates, even employment opportunities. There are many helpful links on their website. You can access 311 online at http://www1.nyc.gov/311/index.page.

411: Many people already know how to use 411. When you dial 411, you are calling for a phone number, whether for a person or a business. It is also called Information Assistance, and there is an online version of this popular telephone number (www.411.com).

511 is a very useful number to remember if you travel a lot by automobile. This number gives you the latest updates regarding traffic and travel information.

611 is the number to call your cell phone service provider (AT&T) to make changes to your service or get troubleshooting assistance. This number, however, is dialed from your cell phone, not your land line.

711 is used for Telecommunications Relay Service or TRS. This service provides assistance to customers with speech or hearing disabilities. You can get more information about this service at http://www.fcc.gov/guides/711-telecommunications-relay-service.

811: Before installing a satellite dish or a tree in your yard, you need to call 811. This service notifies local utility companies, and they will set up little flags as markers of pipes, cables, or underground lines. Calling them is a safety measure that protects you, your family, and your property.

911: This number is to be used for extreme emergencies only.

Although landlines are not as popular, they are very useful. These numbers are easy to remember and services are usually available 24/7. Just remember to use them wisely and cautiously.

~~ G.

Quote of the Week - 4/13/15

2015-04-13T03:30:00.000-04:00

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

~~ Malcolm X

11 Things I Wish I Knew... By Ravi Raman

2015-04-07T12:30:00.002-04:00

As I worked on other projects, I came across some great advice that I would like to share with you. Ravi Raman wrote a great article about 11 things he wishes he had known when he first started working. As I read each item on his list, I nodded in agreement.

Although these may seem targeted to the younger generation, it can be applied by anyone anywhere. These life lessons address personal and professional improvements. What I especially liked about his article is that he explains why it is necessary to address the personal needs in order to be successful professionally. This is very important in order to lead a balanced lifestyle.

One great suggestion is to "Become good at things outside of work". Being a workaholic is not good for one's health or social life. Ravi encourages his readers to pursue extracurricular activities. He explains how he pursued yoga and it helped his career. By pursuing outside interests, Ravi reports that he was happier, found new friends, and enjoyed new ways to spend his free time.

Whether you are a student, an employee, a housewife, or unemployed. learning a new sport or leisure activities can help you branch out to new skills or adventures. It will help lower your stress, help you focus, as well as meet new people and network with them.

I highly encourage to take a look at Ravi's article and read between the lines to see what small changes you can make to improve yourself. Click here to open Ravi's article in a separate window. Let me know what you think and what your takeaway is from Ravi's experiences.

Until next time....

Dr. G.

Quote of the Week

2015-04-06T17:34:00.000-04:00

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

~~ Albert Einstein

Transmedia Storytelling

2015-04-04T22:31:00.001-04:00

A colleague of mine, Dr. Elaine Raybourn, gave a presentation at TedxABQ Education on the effects that media is having on our learning - transmedia storytelling.

This methodology of teaching and learning uses popular websites and applications to relay the information in an engaging format to which the user can identify. By taking advantage of familiar tools, the user (or student) is inherently learning new concepts and techniques. It is a passive method of learning and an effective one at that.

In her presentation, Elaine provided an example of how her niece used media to tell a story of what she learned at a science camp about "operant conditioning". Her niece, Rebecca, used social media to share with others her lesson learned and engage her audience in the process.

You can see Elaine's presentation at http://tedxaba.com/watch/ (starts at 56:45).

For Rebeccas's 30-second video, go to https://youtu.be/Wu8czhzNA9E.

Word of the Week - Ability

2015-04-01T17:39:00.000-04:00

Ability:

a combination of -able and -ity, found on nouns corresponding to adjectives in -able:

capability.

Origin

Middle English

Latin

Middle English -abilite ≪ Latin -ābilitās

Word Origin and History for -ability

word-forming element expressing ability, fitness, or capacity, from Latin -abilitas, forming nouns from adjectives ending in -abilis (see -able ). Not etymologically related to ability, though popularly connected with it.

SOURCE:

-ability. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved March 29, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/-ability

Quote of the Week

2015-03-29T16:06:00.001-04:00

One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.

~~ Eleanor Roosevelt

The Value of a Mentor

2015-03-26T19:10:00.001-04:00

Whether it be for your education or career, having a mentor is a must. According to Merriam-Webster, "a mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person." A mentor will guide you throughout a process and be available to you for as long as agreed upon. The mentor will provide you tools, references, and feedback to help you make better decisions about your future.

Before seeking a mentor, you will need to define your mentoring needs. For example, are you needing guidance in identifying a career, deciding which degree to pursue, or need personal development advice? Then, you need to identify the length of your mentoring program. Will it be for 3 months or 6 or until you achieve your goal? A mentoring program is usually temporary and may end once the goal is achieved. Although bittersweet, it serves as a testament to the mentor's ability to assist others.

Once you have a plan, you need to find a mentor. When approaching a potential mentor, be specific about your mentoring needs and what you hope to accomplish. A mentor can be obtained through a variety of methods. You can ask someone you know and admire to mentor you, whether it is a co-worker or a relative. A college counselor may also help you find a mentor based on your needs. There are also some websites of people who coach and mentor others, usually for a fee. If you are a military spouse, however, I highly recommend eMentor. (Click on eMentor to open the website in a new window.) This service is free and you can choose your mentor based on their experience and other qualifications (language, location, etc.).

As a protege (the person being mentored), it is your responsibility to be open with the mentor. Be clear of your expectations, your goals, and your availability. You will also need to identify how you want to communicate with your mentor, whether by email, phone call, visit, or other. Your mentor may provide you some activities to work on. It will be your responsibility to work on these assignments. Be sure to work with your mentor often so that you maintain a momentum and not lose focus or interest. This ongoing communication is crucial to your experience and success.

Deciding to get a mentor and going through a mentoring process is an investment in yourself. It is a useful tool, and it can be fun, too! Your success will depend on you, though. You will need to be proactive and keep your mentor informed of your progress. Before you know it, you will have achieved your goal. This experience can be rewarding to both the mentor and the protege. Soon, you too will be mentoring others. Enjoy the process and learn as much as you can.

Gina.

Quote of the Week

2015-03-15T23:24:00.002-04:00

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

~~ Dr. Seuss

How old is too old?

2015-03-15T16:27:00.000-04:00

How old is too old? For what? The answer will depend on what it is you are trying to do. If you wish to join the military, you must not have reached your 35th birthday before completing Basic training. But, if you want to go back to school to get your high school diploma or GED (General Education Development), then it is never too late.

Deciding to go back to school is a major decision...and an achievement. I commend you for wanting to do this. Pursuing an education has no age limits and if you allow it, it can be fun!

Now that you've made this important decision, where do you start? If it has been a while seen you have been to a campus, do not be intimidated. To help you get started, here are a few suggestions.

For a high school degree or local GED program, you may want to visit one or more of these locations:

local school district
neighborhood library
nearest college
online resources.

Once you have gathered information on schedules, cost, location, etc., you will need to prepare mentally. Consider this a new adventure and an investment in yourself. Think of the possibilities once you have reached this goal. Then go celebrate YOU and your accomplishments. Congratulations!

Cryolophosaurus or Elvisaurus

2013-08-14T00:10:00.000-04:00

This morning as we watched the Dinosaur Train (a cartoon whose characters are based on dinosaurs), we learned about the Elvis Dinosaur. The cartoon was cute and I recognized the "tone" of voice and words spoken by the Elvis Dinosaur before it was stated that it was called the Elvis Dinosaur. I kept telling my son that this dinosaur sounded like Elvis Presley. In my mind, I found it funny that they would use the Elvis figure for a children's story. Children don't know who Elvis is/was, so why would they use him as a figure in a cartoon? Well, I learned about it after the cartoon story was over. A paleontologist appears to talk about the Elvisaurus. I then realized the value of the cartoon and look forward to other stories in it.

I look forward to other episodes of the Dinosaur Train. I never expected to learn from a cartoon. Another lesson learned....

Note: For more about the Dinosaur Train, please visit PBS.org or check it out at http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/episodes/season-1/.

Until next time, keep reading and learning....

Gina.

Cursive Q

2013-08-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

My son is going to third grade. Technology is slowly creeping us away from handwriting. So I want to make sure he learns and masters the art of writing by hand, not just by keyboard. To do this, he has been practicing his handwriting during the summer.

I purchased a practice book for cursive writing. I noticed a few differences from the cursive I learned as a child. As a child, I was sent to a penmanship course, not because I had sloppy writing, but because it was the thing to do. So I feel that I am qualified to discuss this topic.

Of interest was the capital letter Q. It was no longer written in the manner I was taught. Why? Needless to say, I was perplexed. When had this changed? Why did it change? Is the old way of writing acceptable? Should I teach my son my way of writing? Why or why not? It was time to do some research.

I found an article in the Baltimore newspaper dated April 30, 2000 in which this same concern arose, I was shocked at the date - 2000! Wow! Really?! It took me thirteen years to find this out?! I had a lot of reading to do. I then proceeded to read the article and seek answers to my questions.

Stay tuned for a synopsis of my findings.....

Re-read a Good Book Lately?

2013-07-17T22:59:00.000-04:00

I was doing a late Spring cleaning this week when I came across some old textbooks of mine. I perused some of them, while others I read a few lines, here and there. As I handled each book individually, I remembered the excitement of learning from that book or in that class. But an interesting thing happened. This simple action brought back the excitement and the verve that inspired me to study Computer Science. I recalled the feelings, the dreams, and the optimism of a better life for me. I doubt anything else could have given me that sensation.

Education is not only about learning a new subject. It is about life, new experiences, new opportunities. I learned that I had a passion for that line of work and I am glad I followed my heart / my calling when I decided to major in Computer Science. This instant was an opportunity to learn about Me. I learned what I liked and how I still like it today (computers), I learned that I was passionate about learning, and I learned that I could reach my goals - regardless of how insurmountable they may appear.

As you look back at your accomplishments, take a moment to revisit the path that got you there. Review an old textbook and picture yourself in the classroom. Listen to the instructor, read a paragraph, feel the experience, re-live that moment.

Priceless!