Why You Should Pursue an Internship in College

Why You Should Pursue an Internship in College The following is a guest post written by Alexa Styliadis of NextStepU. As the job market gets more competitive, students graduating college find themselves facing a tougher job market. Getting a college degree is important and is a critical step in the right direction, but to put yourself ahead of the others, you need to be more qualified than those around you. A way to greatly enhance your chances of employment while gaining real-world experience is by doing internships in college. While many colleges do not require you to do an internship, you should find at least one, if not more, to do during your junior and/or senior years. Here are some things to know about internships Internships add to your resum and portfolio What better way to add to your resum than by providing real-world work youve done? When youre interviewing for future jobs, you will be able to show them work you have completed for other companies. This experience is phenomenal for students to have. Internships provide students with great portfolio pieces they can carry with them beyond college, and they look great on a resum. [RELATED: How to Prepare for Your First Internship] Internships could result in a job Some students are offered a job at the end of their internship. The closer you are to graduating, the more likely it is that an internship can turn into a full-time position. This is why it is recommended that you complete internships your junior and senior years of college. When you graduate, trying to land a job can be stressful, so having one already lined up is a relief. Being offered a full-time job is one of the most rewarding outcomes of an internship! Internships teach you what you like and dont like Lets say you start college and know exactly what career you want. Your junior year you might do an internship in this field and realize that its not a good fit for you. Was this internship a waste of time? Absolutely not! By doing this internship, you not only learned what you dont want to do, you have a better idea of what you do want to do. Theres no better way to figure out your passion than by trying a little bit of everything. Internships sometimes count for college credit Many colleges offer students college credit for internships. Not only are you gaining real-world experience, but youre also working toward your degree at the same time. This means one less class for you to take! You will have to complete a certain amount of hours at your internship to get credit. Check with your college to see the requirements if this is applicable to you. Internships are not always paid, but thats okay Students usually try to look for internships that are paid, but those are often few and far between. If you choose to accept an unpaid internship, dont worry! Sometimes youre going to be doing work and feel like you should be getting paid for it since everyone around you is. What you need to realize, however, is that what youre actually getting in return is priceless. The experience you gain by completing internships is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Internships give you connections By interacting with professionals in the company youre interning for, you will gain new connections to other people in your field as well. Internships give you the opportunity to network, get references, and potentially find new job opportunities. If the company youre interning for thinks highly of you but they do not have an open position, they may recommend you to another company. Sometimes its not about what you know; its about who you know. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Pyramid of Biomass Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Pyramid of Biomass Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace The ecological pyramids represent the trophic structure and also trophic function of the ecosystem. In manyecological pyramids, the producers form the base and the successive trophic levels make up the apex. Thepyramid of biomass for an aquatic ecosystem is inverted; the base is much smaller than the structure itsupports. Biomass refers to the total weight of dry matter present in an ecosystem at any one time. The pyramid ofbiomass indicates the gradual reduction in biomass at each trophic level from base to top. In terrestrialenvironment, the basic trophic level is occupied by the autotrophic plants. The herbivores occupy the next trophic level. The total biomass of producers is much more than the total biomass of herbivores. Likewise thetotal biomass of the third level or primary carnivores or secondary consumers will be less than the herbivoresand so on. Similarly in the marine ecosystem the phytoplankton occupy the basic trophic level and the nexttrophic level is occupied by zooplankton. The third and fourth levels are occupied by carnivores such asworms and molluscs and carnivorous fishes respectively. Here too, the biomass falls in a graded manner fromthe basic trophic levels to higher trophic levels. Thus the pyramids of biomass are generally upright. But in case of parasites, the pyramid of biomass isinverted. Similarly if organisms of lower levels are much smaller than those of higher levels, biomass pyramidmay be inverted. In a pond, size of the producers is very small and that of the consumers is large. Hence,biomass shows an increase towards the higher levels, making the pyramid inverted in shape.

Beating Burnout Before It Burns Your Career - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Beating Burnout Before It Burns Your Career - Introvert Whisperer Beating Burnout Before It Burns Your Career It’s a high-speed, ninety-five in a nine to five kind of life. Burnout feels like a hidden evil in your benefits package, but it’s something everyone’s come to expect and accept as “just part of the job.” If you’re experiencing burnout, you’ll notice that deadlines stretch out and never seem to end. You may feel apathetic toward aspects of your life that you should feel excited and grateful for. The pounding in your ribcage isn’t chest pains: It’s adrenaline, right? You get your morning coffee, and go, go, GO! Your passion for your work doesn’t have to fizzle out. Here are ways to beat burnout before it burns up your career: Set Personal Boundaries to Ensure Work-life Flow Don’t burn the candle at both ends! Sure, you might get more done if you take work home. In fact, there’s no getting around taking work home. Let go of some of these “facts,” and recognize others. Work-life balance is dead and outdated to many, but the flow of your life and its priorities is still vital. Having a personal life is important to your well-being. Establish strong boundaries between your personal and professional life. It’ll be a rewarding change, even if it’s taken in small steps: Don’t check your work email an hour before bed or an hour after you wake up. When you take work home, take manageable tasks and the breaks that should go with them. Take your lunch hour at the gym once a week, on a specific day. Don’t change it. Tell your boss you don’t accept work calls after eight p.m. unless the building’s literally on fire. Use your time to connect with others, no matter if you are at home or work. Use your time to check in with yourself, no matter what you’re doing. Setting personal boundaries is not about building a brick wall between your personal and professional life. So what if work-life balance is dead? Find your flow, and remember to connect with loved ones. Follow Your Passion Many still don’t believe that there’s a place for passion in your career, unless you’re giving to charity. Passion is equivalent to getting a hobby to deal with burnout â€" it’s a nice thing that everyone needs but has no place at work. This is only a fact if you choose to believe it. If you’re consistently experiencing burnout and feeling depressed, the problem is deeper. Your career makes up a significant part of your time here on Earth. Do you want your tombstone to read “Paid the bills”? You’re not doing what you want and need to do with your talents. Following your passion is a laughable pipe-dream for some, but realistically your passion may simply be working for a company that has goals in line with your own. Being practical does pay off, but sacrificing who you are is costly, too. Feed Your Soul and Your Body! Passion and doing what you love is important, but don’t get a hobby. Get a lifestyle that you desire and deserve, and one that isn’t about all about paying the bills and getting shiny gadgets. Live your life, and seek out experience for fulfillment. Even science says life is better when you live it: Spending your income on experience instead of material items improves your happiness and health. Experience, here, also includes both the practical and passionate aspects of learning that build your career. Don’t just do what you have to do to survive. Nourish your body so that burnout won’t land you in the hospital due to a chronic illness, with symptoms you’ve always played down. You don’t want your body putting on the “Take a break now!” brakes like that, do you? The basic routines of properly eating, properly sleeping and spending time with friends and family are important to your health. Listen to your mother and your doctor, and attend to your daily needs to prevent burnout before it happens: Establish regular sleep periods to ensure you’re well-rested: Go to bed at your bedtime! Wake up at your wake up time! Drink more water, and eat your vegetables. Get your check-ups regularly. Move that body! Get your yoga on. Walk around the local park. Read a book. Read five. Join a book club. Take that pottery class! Then take another class. Say “No” when you mean it. Stop apologizing so much. Most importantly, check in with yourself. Are your needs being met personally and professionally? Nourish your body and your mind, and don’t view essential daily needs as burdens in your way of doing your best job at work. Don’t Excuse Burnout Culture Sure, awkward work-life balance is just the way that professional life works, but at what cost? If occupational burnout becomes an accepted standard within work culture, what does that mean for professionals? “Burnout” was a term first coined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s, to explain the chronic stress and high idealized standards of those in the helping professions, such as nurses and doctors. Lately, occupational burnout or “burnout syndrome” has been reported so much among professionals and the media that researchers have been giving “burnout” serious consideration as an illness. Though burnout may have roots in depressive disorders, it’s becoming distinguished in other ways: Emotional exhaustion: You feel overloaded, apathetic and drained. Physical symptoms experienced: You have issues with stomach pains and digestive issues, primarily. Alienation from work activities: You are becoming exceedingly frustrated at your job, and express a cynical attitude. You may notice yourself becoming more isolated at work and even at home. Eventually, this leads to your performance at work suffering. You find it hard to focus or think originally enough to offer creative solutions. If you’ve noticed some of these signs of burnout, take steps to extinguish burnout before your career and personal well-being suffer. Burnout isn’t part of the job, and you weren’t born to pay bills and die. Find your work-life flow and protect it while nurturing your mind and body. Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is it Like to Attend the University of Central Florida

What is it Like to Attend the University of Central Florida The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Jennifer received her bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida. She is currently a tutor in Orlando specializing in psychology, statistics, math, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at the University of Central Florida: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Jennifer:The University of Central Florida, being one of the largest colleges in the country, offers many opportunities for students to get around the area easily. Not only does the university provide shuttles to campus from nearby apartment complexes (both school-affiliated and non-affiliated), it also provides a shuttle that simply transports students to different locations on campus, making it almost impossible to miss class due to transportation issues. Additionally, the school provides students who live on campus with a bus that goes to a local shopping center on Friday and Saturday nights for staple items that may not be available at the campus convenience stores. If those times dont work for you, though, you also have the option of renting a car from on-campus Zipcar locations for a low hourly rate. As far as the area is concerned, the University of Central Florida works to make students feel safe both on and around campus. While the University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, the campus is situated far enough from the urban areas to make it feel like a college town. The police station on campus works with Orange County to patrol surrounding neighborhoods and provide alerts of any suspicious activity on or near campus. If shuttle busses arent your style, you should feel plenty comfortable joining the large number of students who prefer biking or long-boarding around the area. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Jennifer:Due to the large student body, the University of Central Florida provides academic advisors at every turn. Freshmen on campus are paired with an advisor who works specifically with first year students; students are required to meet with their first year advisor in both semesters. Sophomore year, students have the opportunity to meet with second year advisors, as well as an advisor in their academic college. After this point, students have advising resources within their academic college, as well as in their specific major. Professors and TAs (teaching assistants) are also available for guidance in regards to academic and career pursuits. They make themselves available during office hours at least one day a week, but often offer additional times for meetings by appointment. The availability of the professors may vary, but there are minimum office hour requirements that are enforced. That being said, I have had professors who have given out their cell phone numbers to students for quick inquiries, and I have never known a professor at the University of Central Florida to respond to an email outside of a 48-hour window. My experience has been wonderful in regards to the availability of assistance that the university provided in answering any questions I may have had throughout my undergraduate experience. How would you describe the dorm life? Jennifer:The University of Central Florida is a huge proponent of student involvement. As a freshman and sophomore I lived on campus and rarely had an opportunity to feel bored. RAs put together social events at least once a month for the floor or housing community, and the Campus Activity Board on campus works to host at least a few on-campus events every week throughout the entire semester. Campus housing at the University of Central Florida is very diverse, ranging from dorm style housing with two people to a room and a bathroom shared by four, to apartment style four bedroom/two bath units with a full kitchen and living room. These dorms are located throughout campus, all fully furnished, and all conveniently situated near dining and recreational areas. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Jennifer:I studied psychology, which is the most popular major at the school, as well as earning a minor in education. I chose this for the purpose of continuing a career in Educational Theory and Research, a path that I decided upon in my third year in the psychology program. I feel that the university did a wonderful job in supporting my field of study, as it encompasses the largest number of students. Advisors were available specifically for psychology majors and had offices located in a classroom building specifically for psychology courses and research. The university employs many prominent and highly qualified doctors of psychology who work to provide connections within the field via research opportunities and conferences hosted on and off campus. 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? Jennifer:Meeting friends as a freshman is made easier by the hundreds of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), both social and academic. The Campus Activity Board also organizes a week-long chain of events during the first week of classes that are specifically geared toward freshmen. These events include pool parties, movie nights, comedy shows, and more. At any university, the absolute best way to meet friends is to take part in organizations that best interest you, because there you will find individuals with similar interests. There are many opportunities to find social connection in Greek life at the University of Central Florida, however as someone who did not participate in Greek activities, I did not notice that it had any significant impact on the campus social life as a whole. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Jennifer:A notable benefit of attending school in Orlando, or a city like it, is the fact that many large companies looking for entry-level recruits are located in your backyard. The University of Central Florida holds numerous career and internship fairs, oftentimes focusing on specific fields. In these instances, large name companies such as Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Disney, Rosen, etc. come directly to you offering invaluable work experience. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Jennifer:The main campus of the University of Central Florida has many study areas, one of which will be suitable to your needs. There are lounges located on multiple stories of the Student Union, near which you have access to free printing, free scantron sheets, and a food court-style array of cuisine. There are also lounges located in every classroom building, perfect for catching up on reading or meeting study groups between classes. The library is conveniently located at the center of campus and has a policy that dictates a quieter atmosphere on every increasing floor (making the top floor of the building almost silent). There are also two study lounges that are open 24/7 and are both located a few paces away from the two dining halls. Study lounges are also located on every floor of student housing. Describe the surrounding town. Jennifer:Going to college in a premiere vacation destination does more than just lower the gas prices. The University of Central Florida offers student discounts to all of the surrounding attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Wet n Wild, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center. Campus is also situated about 30 minutes west of Cocoa Beach, where many students spend holiday weekends. There are also many cultural events that are held in downtown Orlando or neighboring towns like Winter Park, such as street art festivals, parades, food and wine festivals, and more. In my first few years at the University of Central Florida, I spent most of my time participating in campus events, which remain some of my best college experiences. After moving off campus, however, I started exploring the area to find that there is always something to do nearby. Additionally, it has become well worth the investment to obtain an annual pass to a nearby theme park, as it is an easy way to spend a day without having to spend much money. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Jennifer:Class sizes at the University of Central Florida truly depend on your major. I will say that as a freshman, in taking general education courses you will find yourself in a lecture hall with 200 other students, which can be daunting. Understanding how to use resources, such as professors office hours and TA review sessions, helps to overcome the disadvantages of lecture classes. While I tended to enjoy my smaller classes more, the large class sizes did not keep me from earning a 4.0 in both semesters my freshman year. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Jennifer:Many college classes are built around the textbook assigned to that class, where the lectures build from the text. That being said, my favorite class at the University of Central Florida was one where there was no assigned textbook. It was a cognitive psychology class that sat about 40-50 students, and my professor would simply lecture and stimulate discussions on a given topic. She would assign reading materials that were often research articles that related to the topic we had discussed in class, but there was no textbook to refer to. Despite the fact that it was one of the very few classes I fell short of an A in, I came out of it having learned more than in any other class at the University of Central Florida. Check out Jennifers tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

FAQs About Life Coaching

FAQs About Life Coaching What is a Life Coach? ChaptersFAQs About Life CoachingWhat Happens During a Life Coaching Session?Different Types of CoachingIs Life Coaching Different from Counselling?What Goals Can a Life Coach Help With?How Many Sessions Will I Need?Are Life Coaches Qualified?Finding a Life CoachA life coach is someone who aims to help and empower others to make, meet and exceed personal and professional goals. This can include achieving promotion in the workplace, becoming happy and fulfilled in your relationships, or exploring your potential and achieving other ambitions.Using techniques based on psychological principles and their own intuition, life coaches provide their clients with the tools to face difficult situations and push past any emotional barriers that might be stopping them from achieving their goals.A life coach will never try to tell you what to do. Life coaching is about objectivity and empowerment; they can’t do something for you but they can help you do it for yourself.Life Coaching can help you transform your life source: Pixabay - LazareWhat Happens During a Life Coaching Session?Life coaching sessions typically last between 45 minutes and 60 minutes (depending on the coach you choose). Sessions are conducted over the phone, face to face, over email, via Skype or even through instant messaging.During the session, your life coach will ask you several questions, such as what you want to get out of life, what areas you want to change and where you see yourself ending up. Although a life coach will work with you, it is ultimately up to you to reflect upon certain ideas or to challenge your own perspective to help you move forward to achieve your goals. You will never be forced to make any decisions you don't feel comfortable with and all sessions will be confidential, allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings privately.Life coaching is a partnership between you and your life coach, who will encourage you to explore how to make positive changes in your life. A life co ach will also offer support and feedback to help you to stay focused on your goals and keep you moving forward.Different Types of CoachingThere are many different coaching techniques used by coaches to address different situations, whether it be a relationship goal, personal goal or business goal.Business CoachingLife coaches can cover all manner of subjects, but some specialise in specific areas. Business coaches, for example, have expertise in the business world and therefore choose to coach people looking to achieve different goals in business. This could include entrepreneurs, company owners, managers or even employees. AntonellaLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IsamLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyLife coaching Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr. UzomaLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (4) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MicheleLife coaching Teacher 4.73 (7) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PimmiLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (10) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliverLife coaching Teacher 4.33 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JennaLife coaching Teacher 4.80 (5) £85/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsIs Life Coaching Different from Counselling?One difference between counselling and life coaching is that counselling can investigate the underlying causes of mental health problems, and often focusses on what has happened in your past to help you understand your current issues.Life coaching focuses more on the future to encourage personal-development and self-improvement to help you achieve whatever goals you are aiming for.Life coaches are not medical professionals and so are not qualified to diagnose or treat any health-related problems.Coaching can help you with your business goals (Image Source: CC0 1.0, rawpixel, Pixabay)What Goals Can a Life Coach Help With?Life coaches help their clients in all aspects of life. Your goals don’t have to be monetary or business related, they can be as personal as you like. If you've ever struggled with something - learning a language, moving out of your comfort zone, or even sticking to a diet, then talking to a life coach could help you.A life coach will approach things pragmatically. Through questions and exercises, they will try to get a good idea of how you see the world. From this, they will be able to identify the most effective route to your goal.You might feel intimidated by the idea of change and so need to take things slower. In this case a life coach might divide goals into smaller bite-sized pieces. Other people might be impatient to make changes, so their coach might introduce stronger incentives to help them reach their goals.No matter your approach to life, your life coach will tailor sessions to fit you. Life coaches can help you with the following and more:-                   Love life â€" From having the co nfidence to approach someone, to commitment, to divorce, a life coach can help you understand your live life and help you start improving it.-                   Business life - Starting and running a business is hard work. Sometimes we get so absorbed in hard work we neglect ourselves. Life coaches can help with confidence, leadership, decision-making and work/life balance.-                   Personal life - There's so much to see and do in the world, but often a lack of confidence, time and will-power can mean we don’t make the most of it. Life coaches can use their skills to motivate clients to do all the things they want to doHow Many Sessions Will I Need?You can have as many or as few sessions as you like. Because many life coaches operate over the phone or via the Internet, the sessions can easily fit around your schedule and can fit into your budget!Some people hire a life coach once every few months when they have a tough decision to make or they feel like they need a helpi ng hand. Others will have a session once a week to keep them on track long-term with their goals.Ultimately it is entirely up to you to decide when and for how long you want to see a life coach.Are Life Coaches Qualified?In the UK, life coaching is an unregulated profession, which essentially means anyone can call themselves a life coach. Because of this, it is essential to do your research.Search online directories to find coaches that have memberships with a professional body and have the appropriate insurance cover and qualifications.Having said this, qualifications and memberships don’t mean much if you don't get on with your life coach. Rapport is one of the most important factors of life coaching. If you don’t feel comfortable with your coach, it is unlikely you’ll gain much from the session. It’s a good idea to get in touch with a coach before you book a session. This way you can get a feel of what the coach is like before you commit your time and money. Don’t feel obliged to continue if you don't want to â€" this is not a sales pitch, you are choosing someone to help your personal goals so make sure you find someone you’re comfortable with.Finding a Life CoachThere are many resources online where you can find the right coach for you. You can search for specialist business coaches, relationship, spirituality or even creative coaches (if you need some help finding creativity in your life!).Sites like Superprof are full of resources to find a coach. Simply type in your postcode or town and hit the search button to find a coach near you. Here you’ll find different profiles which describe who they are and what they do. Chat with them on the phone before you make a decision, check their references and be picky.Life coaching is all about you so whoever you choose if your decision!Even if you’re not dealing with a crisis in your life right now, life coaching is something we can all benefit from. It can help all of us find different perspectives on life and anything that can enrich our lives and help us lead a happier one sounds pretty good to me!

7 Online Tutoring

Get Homework Help- Online Experts Provide 24/7 Online Tutoring 0SHARESShare Educated tutors offer live online tutoring sessions using the whiteboard technology. The technology is easy to use and affordable too. Math has often been called the queen of the sciences. If you want to work on a math problem and look for an expert to teach you some fundamental concepts; Tutor Pace is an online tutoring website that provides online math experts for all your doubts. Our problem solvers are experts in all areas of math. If you get stuck with math answers anytime, you can simply log in into our session and avail guidance from an expert. It’s a 24/7 service that may be attained anytime from anywhere. There are many websites offering online sessions for those who need extra guidance for mathematics.  The sites allow sharing of whiteboard, live chat session, viewing videos right at home on your computer. The sessions may be recorded for future use. We provide highly experienced tutors who are experts in Mathematics. We facilitate students to chat with an online tutor and get live math homework help, English, science and other subjects! Online tutoring enables the tutor and the student to discuss doubts and find out answers in real-time. This service works best for students who need effective tutoring for specific subjects. Get instant help in math, science, or English from a live tutor. [starbox id=admin]

Can Anyone Learn to be a Great Leader - Business English

Can Anyone Learn to be a Great Leader - Business English Do you think it is possible for any company or business leader to become great? Do you think its possible to follow a formula, or pattern, that can make you the next Steve Jobs, or make your company the next Apple?Honestly, Ive seen and read lots of blogs, videos and books that claim to have the right advice to make you and your business successful, and Im skeptical. I think that ideas and philosophies about business can be helpful, and can give you an advantage, but ultimately it always takes hard work, day by day, and hour by hour, year after year to really make things happen.Still, I find the very popular TED video below interesting. The speaker uses a lot of phrases that are common in business English, especially in the tech industry. Watch it, then see if you can answer the questions below in comments.The video is long (in internet time) so weve made the exercise for the first 5 minutes only.Answer the questions in comments, and we will respond.1. How do you explain when others are able to achieve things that ___ ___ __ __ _______?2. Why does he use Apple as an example?3. The Wright brothers ___ them __ __.4. What does the phrasal verb above mean?5. Theres something else __ ___ here.6. What does the above phrase mean?7. Do you agree that all successful leaders and organizations  all think, act, communicate the exact same way?8. People dont buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Do you agree with that statement?Interested in business English classes? Check out our executive English course.

Volunteers With Heart Jim, Denise and Walker Ratchford

Volunteers With Heart Jim, Denise and Walker Ratchford Volunteers With Heart: Jim, Denise and Walker Ratchford Volunteers With Heart: Jim, Denise and Walker Ratchford April 29, 2015 Volunteering with Heart Math Tutoring is a family affair for The Ratchfords. Denise and Jim Ratchford are members of Social Venture Partners Charlotte, which helped launch Heart in 2010, and alumni of Wake Forest University. The husband and wife became partner-tutors last fall at Billingsville Leadership Academy, where they tutor two second grade students on Mondays (Denise) and Wednesdays (Jim) at lunchtime. Their son Walker, a full-time student at UNC Charlotte, started in January, “after hearing us talk about how much we enjoyed it,” said Denise. Why do you all volunteer? “We all love to work with children and believe that early intervention and one-on-one teaching pay big dividends in a childs education.” What are some of your favorite moments from working with the students? We play card games to reinforce the math skills the children are learning, and some of my favorite moments are when competitive natures come out. They forget they are learning and working but just want to win! Also, its great when youve built a relationship with a child and they share stories about their families and whats going on in their lives. Theres a level of comfort there, and real learning can begin when theyre at ease. What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer? “Heart makes it so easy for volunteers to tutor. They have all the materials for you, and the lessons are easy to understand. Its so rewarding to invest in another person. As the children progress, they are so proud of themselves, and its great to observe that and be a part of it. With a firm foundation, theres no telling how far theyll go! *** Thank you to the Ratchfords for their dedication to students at Billingsville! At Billingsville 74 weekly volunteers are helping more than 60 Heart students in grades 1- 5 gain foundational math skills and enthusiasm towards academics. Want to volunteer? Heart Math Tutoring will need more volunteers for the 2015/2016 school year! With a commitment of one hour per week, community members can help a struggling student gain the skills and confidence he/she needs for long-term success. Click here to see times/locations and express your interest!