Have you ever thought "who am I and how did I get here?" We all feel lost at times and forget who we are and what we want. With spouses, children, jobs, and life somewhere along the way we lose sight of our path. We forget our dreams, our goals, or aspirations. Are you feeling lost?  It is never too late to discover yourself! Introducing You Spend some time getting to know you. What do you like to do, where do you like to go, what are you passionate about? Ask yourself is there one thing can you change in your life that would make you happier. If money and time did not matter, what would you do for a career? Is there something you have always wanted to try but haven’t? Use these questions to start a journal, write down your thoughts and feelings, and create a map to finding you. Keep this somewhere easy accessible so when you feel lost it will help you to remember who you are. Me Time Juggling home, work and friends monopolizes our time, but this does not mean we should neglect ourselves. What does the flight attendant say on a plane…you must put the oxygen mask on yourself first before you can help someone else. Taking a breather not only helps to save you but will help you save others. Make yourself a priority, set a day once a week to have "me time". Whether you spend this time getting pampered, taking a yoga class or sitting quietly reading use this time to focus on you. Once you start taking time for yourself you will begin to feel more relaxed, happier and able to give back to your family and community. Invest in You While discovering yourself you may find your passion, a talent, or a desire to change your career path. These are all normal stops on the road to finding yourself. Investing in you means to invest in your passion, talents or take the leap to change your path. Have you always loved photography, enjoyed planning parties, or had an interest in the medical field? When you turn your passions into a career you will never work a day in your life. Want to learn how transform your passions into a lifelong career? Visit us at Ed4Online.com. We are always excited to help people explore their passions and mold them into a successful career. Investing in yourself will make you feel fulfilled and exciting about life. Everyone feels lost at times, but you do not have to stay lost. Spend some time finding out who you are and what you want. It is not selfish to say what you want and work towards it. When you find yourself you will also find contentment and peace.   First Published at: http://www.milcareered.com/blog/art-discovering-yourself#sthash.Saj3gwbT...          

Have you ever considered a career in Hospitality Management? What exactly are your responsibilities when you are hospitality manager of a hotel? Hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, and strangers (thank you, Webster). Hotels are a service industry. Webster Dictionary defines serves as "the action of helping or doing work for someone". Service and hospitality go hand in hand. You definitely want to offer the best quality when someone is paying to stay somewhere other than their own home. When you study how to manage quality service in hospitality you learn how to treat all visitors as esteemed guests. Who wouldn’t want to feel that way? You learn how to give them the "WOW" factor. You even learn strategies on how to increase your quality of hospitality. Think about some of the more common reasons why people use hotels or resorts : Vacations Travel stops Romantic getaways (this is different than a vacation…no kids!!) Layovers Temporary housing during moves Weddings and reunions Staying for a convention that is conveniently in one of the banquet halls The list literally could go on and on because there is no limit to what a hotel’s provisions can be used for.  Hospitality is important in other areas of tourism and not just limited to hotels. If you study Hospitality Management you could utilize your training and education in restaurants, casinos, on cruises, and with all other kinds of recreational activities and facilities. Before the term "education" throws you and you begin imagining student loans piling up, take a deep breath. Expensive degrees aren’t necessary to have a successful career in hospitality. There are career-based programs that are a fraction of the price of a degree and offered as at-your-own-pace online programs. These programs make you employable faster. Speaking from experience, working in hospitality is fun. It truly is. Why not obtain the training you need to be a part of the management team? It’s possible. It’s affordable. It’s convenient. Learn more about affordable hospitality career programs today! - See more at: http://www.milcareered.com/blog/quality-service-and-hospitality#sthash.7...          

When I left home for college, I was convinced that my calling was to become a teacher. I had been preparing for it my whole life. From forcing my little brothers into my make-shift classroom in the basement every day during summer vacations all the way up to job shadowing my favorite elementary school teacher as part of my senior project in high school, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would spend my life in a classroom. Whoops. My mistake! My time as a teacher was short lived. At 23 years old, now a Military Spouse and mother, I took a long hard look at myself in the mirror one day and realized... I had been wrong. I wasn't happy and I needed a change. Making the decision to redefine who I was as a person and as a professional was scary, but necessary. After spending so much time preparing for a certain career, we also don't want to feel like that time was wasted. But how does the Thomas Edison saying go? "I haven't failed. I just found 10,000 ways it won't work." Ready to change careers? Use these tips to make a successful transition. Step 1: Admit that you're unhappy.  No. I don't mean admit it to yourself. If you're reading this, then you've already done that. Now, I want you to tell the people who love you most. For me, it was my husband and mom. You are going to need encouragement and support as you embark on this new journey. Don't be embarrassed. Honesty is the best policy. You'll thank me later. Step 2: Decide what makes you happy. Most people don't realize this, but many hobbies and interests can translate into meaningful careers. For example, after my son was born I discovered my love for being behind the camera. Eventually (with the help of my friends and family), I realized I would be happier working as a photographer than as a teacher. Talk to your spouse and friends about your interests and cross reference those against career paths. They'll intersect somewhere. I promise! Step 3: Become educated. You didn't think it would be that simple, did you? I didn't just wake up and decide to be a photographer and book 10 weddings! No! I had to have the education and skill set to back-up my untapped talents for photography. As a mother, and a member of a military family that is constantly on the move, I went the online route and I am so glad that I did! Not only did I receive amazing photography training, but I learned how to start my own photography business! The best part: I have an exciting and lucrative career without any debt! Learn more by visiting our website at www.ed4online.com.  Step 4: Create a plan on how you can make money doing what makes you happy.  Whether your plan is to secure meaningful employment or go into business for yourself, creating a plan is a vital step. Where do you want to work? What hours do you want to work? How much money do you need to make? These are all wonderful questions to answer for yourself before walking into your first interview. When I finished school, I wanted to become an entrepreneur and - WOW - was I surprised at how rewarding it felt to launch my own photography business! I couldn't believe how much I had learned from my Photography Entrepreneur online courses, and made the student to small business owner transition so easily. After receiving the right education, creating my 5-year business plan was a breeze, and within a year of opening up shop... I was making a profit! Leave your fears at the door and take a chance! Changing careers as an adult is never ideal, but it's worth it. Your family and friends want you to live your life to the fullest and you deserve to be happy! The only thing left to do is to ask yourself: "What do I want to be when I grow up?" The possibilities are endless. - See more at: http://www.milcareered.com/blog/4-tips-making-successful-career-change#s...          

Have you taken some college courses but have not earned a degree or certificate yet? Have you thought about going back to school, but feel overwhelmed by the cost and complexity of the process? You are not alone. An estimated 32 million nontraditional students across the nation have some college experience but no degree to show for it, according to the American Council on Education. Many of these students may want to pick back up and start again, but aren’t sure how to go about it. For those out there who have started and stopped their education (and who want to start again), the American Council on Education (ACE) has the answer. This past week, ACE announced the pool of courses selected as part of ACE’s Alternative Credit Project,™ a groundbreaking initiative to boost the ability of millions of nontraditional learners to gain a college degree. A national program of the American Council on Education (ACE), and supported by a generous $1.89 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the ACP is designed to help adults finish what they started; get a degree, or a post-secondary certificate. Going back to college is easier than you thought. The 111 low-cost, lower-division general education online courses were submitted by a group of non-accredited course providers, including Ed4Online, chosen to participate in the Alternative Credit Project. Forty colleges, universities and systems are taking part in the project and have agreed to grant credit for a large number of these courses, which include disciplines such as business, critical thinking and writing, foreign language, humanities, mathematics and natural and physical sciences. What Does the Alternative Credit Project Mean for You? The Alternative Credit Project makes a college degree or certification more attainable, especially for students who already have some college experience and credits. Taking advantage of the affordable online courses allows the student to lower the total cost of their degree significantly. Plus, if you opt for online courses, you have the opportunity to complete your studies anywhere, anytime - making it easy to balance your coursework with work and family obligations. After completing courses through the Alternative Credit Project, you can easily transfer to a respected college or university to finish your degree. With dozens of schools to choose from, you are sure to find an academic institution that offers your desired major. ACE’s Alternative Credit Project’s website makes it easy to: Research online courses available. As you do so, you will see which courses are accepted by which institution and how many credits will transfer. Visit Ed4Credit to see the list of the courses offered by Ed4Online. Research colleges and universities. See if they participate in the ACE Project and how your courses might transfer. Put your plan in place. Although ACP courses are low cost; financial aid is available - but only when you have enrolled in a program at your selected college or university. Connect with your school’s financial aid office and determine what steps you need to take now. Register and complete your courses at your own pace. Along the way, you will pick up important skills regarding study habits, work/life balance, how the online learning system works and much more! Transfer! Once you are ready to apply for admission to your chosen college or university, have your ACP transcript sent directly there. It’s that easy! Ed4Online is honored to have been chosen to participate in this ground-breaking initiative to help students further their academic dreams! Sources: https://ed4online.com/press/ed4online-participating-initiative-help-nontraditional-learners-gain-college-degrees-and http://www.bestcollegesonline.org/faq/what-is-the-alternative-credit-project-and-what-does-it-mean-for-online-college-students/ http://www.prunderground.com/american-council-on-education-unveils-alternative-credit-project-course-pool/0064072/ http://www.alternativecreditproject.com/            

The school year has begun and you may find yourself home all alone for the first time in years! The first week or two were probably great and a well-deserved break from a busy summer. However, in time, you may find yourself wondering "now what"? Here are some ideas to keep you busy while your little ones are off learning.  Hit the Gym Let’s face it: taking care of ourselves tends to get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. It’s hard to find time to work out while you’re caring for babies, but with the kids in school you can make time. Put on your workout gear, drop the children at school and head to the gym, find a local park for a walk, or maybe take a spin class. The YMCA has wonderful facilities all over the country and they offer discounts to military families. They also offer many different classes in the mornings and mid-afternoons. Working out will not only help you to feel better, it will give you a chance to meet other parents of school aged kids too. Try something new, you might learn to love it! Find a hobby When you have toddlers running around the idea of a hobby seems impossible. Now with your kids busy for at least six hours a day, finding a hobby doesn’t seem so impossible! Scrapbooking all of your favorite memories can be fun and you will end up with a memory book for you and your family to enjoy. Now is the perfect time to explore hobbies you have always wanted to try like photography, floral design, cooking and catering, sewing or playing a musical instrument. You may discover a hidden talent or passion you never knew you had! Volunteer Every school needs volunteers - whether to help organize the annual fundraiser or simply to make copies for teachers. At the beginning of school year letters are usually sent home looking for volunteers for various things, make sure to sign up and get involved! Join the PTA or PTO. These groups do everything from hosting Muffins with Mom to running the box tops for education program and they always need help. In all my years of parenting school aged children, I have discovered the link between parental involvement and school success. By helping your child’s school succeed, you are helping your child succeed. Go Back to School Going back to school is not limited to children. Moms and dads can join in the fun too! Have you ever thought, "I’d like to go back to school, but I don’t have the time?" Well now you do! Even better, you can choose to attend an online school. One benefit to an online school is you can make your classes fit your schedule. Have you ever wanted to work in the medical field, maybe become an IT Specialist or even an Interior Decorator and Designer? Now you can and Ed4Online would love to help you achieve your education and career goals. If you would like more information contact complete our contact form here. Whatever you decide to do with your newfound free time, do something fun, do something exciting and do something just for you!   Modified from: http://www.milcareered.com/blog/my-kids-are-school-and-i-don%E2%80%99t-k...          

Why do some students start and stop their college education? According to "With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them", a survey designed to compare students who started, but didn't finish, their college education with those who received a degree, of the students who did not complete their college studies: 54% needed to work to support themselves or families and could not balance work and classes 31% could not afford college A long-time proponent of helping adults pursue and complete degrees, The American Council on Education (ACE) has organized the Alternative Credit Project™ (ACP) to create a more flexible pathway towards post-secondary education attainment for the more than 32 million non-traditional students who may have some college credit but no degree. Under the ACP program, students can take courses from an approved list of 100 low-cost classes online and seamlessly transfer those credits to a participating school. Forty colleges, universities and systems are taking part in the project and have agreed to grant credit for a large number of these courses, which include disciplines such as business, critical thinking and writing, foreign language, humanities, mathematics and natural and physical sciences. With both traditional and accredited online institutions engaged in the Alternative Credit Project, students have plenty of choices about where to further their education. Ed4Online is a proud provider of courses for this innovative project! The American Council on Education’s (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT)® has evaluated and recommended college credit for Ed4Online's courses. Visit Ed4Credit to see the list of the courses offered by Ed4Online. Ed4Online CEO, Dr. Rusty Barrier recently stated, "We’re honored to have been chosen to participate in this ground-breaking initiative to assist in helping students further their academic dreams and being part of the solution to reducing the cost of a college degree." For more information about Ed4online, please visit https://ed4online.com/ and https://ed4credit.com/. For more information about the ACP program, please visit http://www.alternativecreditproject.com/. Sources: http://www.publicagenda.org/media/with-their-whole-life-ahead-of-them/ http://www.prunderground.com/american-council-on-education-unveils-alternative-credit-project-course-pool/0064072/ http://www.alternativecreditproject.com/ http://www.cccompletioncorps.org/why-students-drop-out          

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career path is your personal strengths and interests. Being successful is so much easier and rewarding when you are actively pursuing a career doing what you love! Almost every skill set, hobby or interest can translate into a meaningful career and Interior Decorating and Design is no exception. If you love rearranging furniture, decorating and playing with colors and fabrics then a career in decorating and design might be for you! Want to know the best part? Interior Decorating and Design is the perfect portable career, allowing you to become your own boss in an exciting and growing industry. Becoming an Interior Decorator and Designer Entrepreneur will allow you to create your own, flexible schedule, meet new and interesting people, put your creative talents to use and take your business with you if you should need to relocate. So, how do you get started on this path? Choose the right professional education program for you.  Knowing what wall colors compliment a home's carpeting or how to arrange furniture in an oddly shaped room is only half the battle.  As an Interior Decorator and Designer, your clients will expect you to be up-to-date on the latest trends in sustainability and green design, building codes and universal design and building information models.  The good news is, you've got the talent; the rest can be learned. An online Interior Decorating and Design Entrepreneur Program, like this one offered by Ed4Online, will not only teach you about innovative decorating and design ideas for your future clients, and help you create the perfect business, it also allows you to learn at your own pace and complete your coursework when it's convenient for you. Determine start-up costs. The nice thing about starting a business offering services is that you don't need a big budget to get started.  Just be sure to visit your local and county clerk's offices to complete the necessary business license applications. These applications typically cost between $15 - $25.  Then, whether you print business cards, purchase the latest interior design software or travel to meet your first potential client, be sure to keep al receipts and document all mileage; these can all become potential tax right-offs at the end of the year.  If you're nervous about anything, be sure to make an appointment with a business accountant. Most will give you a free 30-60 minute consultation and can assist you at tax time in keeping everything organized and legal. Determine how you will charge your clients.  As with any creative industry, you will be able to raise your prices as your portfolio expands and your expertise grows.  A good rule of thumb for any new Interior Decorator and Designer is to charge $75/hour. Remember: you are being hired to do something your client can't. Create your contracts. Whether your first client is a complete stranger who lives 25 miles away or someone who lives in your neighborhood on the other end of the street, always get your agreements in writing. Contract templates are available online OR you could hire a business attorney to assist you. Begin growing your business. Networking at local home and garden events is a great way to get started in this industry. Be sure to prepare storyboards for client presentations and an online portfolio so that potential clients seeking your expertise online can find you. To get your collection of work started, you could offer to do some free or low-cost work for family and friends. Lastly, be sure to become active on social media! It is one of the best FREE marketing tools available! - See more at: http://www.milcareered.com/blog/starting-interior-decorating-and-design-...          

The holidays, while often a joyful time, can be a source of stress for many, and can bring on feelings of depression and even loneliness for others. Below are some tips to help make the holidays a little easier. Do something good for others The holiday season offers many opportunities to focus on others. Make a donation of money or time to your favorite charity, take a meal to a family who may need one, shovel someone’s driveway, etc. Laugh Individuals with a sense of humor tend to have a higher self-esteem. They are also more likely to develop close, social relationships, which can help them deal with stress. Laughing can reduce muscle tension, increase the flow of oxygen to the blood, exercise the heart, and produce endorphins (naturally produced body chemicals that increase a sense of well-being and euphoria). Say No Rather than trying to do it all, focus on the most important activities and tasks. It’s better to do a few things well and be in the moment rather than to simply go through the motions and do everything poorly. Make yourself a priority Make sure that in the craziness of the season, you don’t neglect yourself. Eat well, exercise often and sleep on a regular schedule. Taking care of yourself is important during these busy times. Eat with moderation Go ahead and enjoy the fantastic foods of the season. However, don’t use the holidays as an excuse for overeating. Look at your eating over the course of the holiday period and try to balance the days of heavy meals with days consisting of more sensible meals. Avoid alcohol Holiday celebrations and alcohol seem to go hand-in-hand for many. Alcohol consumption can be problematic for some (including those who don’t drink often as well as those who may have alcohol abuse issues), so it’s best to abstain completely. Bring a favorite non-alcoholic beverage with you to enjoy while you mingle. If you feel that you have to explain why you aren’t imbibing, it’s okay to have a few reasons on hand such as, "I’m the designated driver tonight" or "I’m taking medication." Exercise Try to treat exercise as a non-negotiable appointment. Exercise is not only a great way to compensate for the extra calories that you have consumed but it is also a great stress buster. Sleep Sleep allows our bodies to repair and refresh, and prepare for the coming day. One of the fastest ways to run yourself into the ground is to cut back on your sleep during the holidays. Try to maintain relatively consistent waking and "going to bed" times. Pretend you are a kid again What activities kindled feelings of excitement and joy in the season when you were a child? Go sledding, decorate some cookies, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, watch a favorite holiday movie, turn on some seasonal music, watch old family videos, etc. Rituals are a way to connect with our past and to make us happy. Plan a time out when stress strikes Tune into your feelings and be honest with yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed and your stress level is sky-high, give yourself a time out. Before an outing or event, have an escape route and plan in mind in case the need arises. And don’t be afraid to use it! Again, caring for ourselves is key to making the holidays happy, healthy and enjoyable.   Sources: https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/maintaining-mental-health-during-the-holidays/ http://psychcentral.com/holidays/ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/12/05/9-ideas-for-coping-with-the-holidays-when-you-have-a-mental-illness/              

For many adults, career goals and aspirations have a tendency to span across a wide variety of industries. How many times have you heard "I don't use my degree for what I'm doing now?" If you're like us: countless. That's not saying a degree isn't worth the time, sacrifice and hard work. It’s simply saying that limiting yourself to only the scope of that degree program may be holding you back more than you thought. Have you ever thought to yourself "I'd like to try a new skill" or "I'd like to pursue this industry" but then listed the reasons why you couldn't? Did time, energy, and expenses make it onto that list? For many, going back to school full-time isn't an option. Swapping a briefcase for a backpack or trading story time for study time is nearly impossible for a lot of adults. There is one area of higher education that is often left unexplored however - continuing education. Continuing education is often misconstrued as a requirement for professionals, medical doctors or therapists. However, continuing education is an entirely untapped world of higher education that provides all adults, young and old, opportunities to pursue new careers, develop personal hobbies and build their resume. Continuing education courses can lead to national certifications, aid in a career change, and even assist in starting or building a business. Continuing education courses can also be completed online, so the class comes to you instead of the other way around. For example, if you're a professional in the hospitality industry and have thought planning events and weddings might be something you are interested in, an online continuing education course in wedding and event planning could provide you with the necessary skills without having to take time away from your current job. For stay-at-home parents who are a little fearful of not having the skills to enter the workforce after the children become more independent, continuing education can assist with keeping resumes current EVEN with long gaps between employment. Showing future employers you have maintained your current skill level or added new skills to your resume makes you an attractive candidate for future job opportunities. Continuing education courses are also much more pocketbook friendly than a second or third college degree. While education is always worth the cost, a continuing education course allows you to learn a new skill or develop a personal hobby without the burden of an expensive student loan repayment plan. The next time you're considering a new career goal or contemplating learning a new skill, consider a continuing education course - you'll be glad you did! Modified from: http://www.milcareered.com/blog/continuing-education-low-cost-career-game-changers#sthash.RorHKJ14.dpuf          

Have A Great Summer

PEP Rally Schedule....CLICK PHOTO)

Bravo to anyone who has the passion and creativity to invent.

Astronauts on the International Space Station continue testing the VEGGIE hardware for growing vegetables and plants in space. VEGGIE provides lighting and nutrient supply for plants in the form of a low-cost growth chamber and planting "pillows" -- helping provide nutrients for the root system. via NASA http://1.usa.gov/1W1CMqb

How To Have A Great First Day Of SchoolAdjust your sleep schedule and take in quality fuel for your body/brain Arrive at school early and find your way around campusKeep a pic of the Bell Schedule on your phoneResearch teacher websites for particular supplies to bringPersonal interactions with friends: ask questions, be positive, don’t judge, be empathicStart a TO DO list and get organized to be a step aheadBe creative and make a memorable first impression with all of your teachers2100+ people can be overwhelming. Reach out to one new friend in every classBring food or money for lunch Use your phone to take photos of info you’ll need laterListen for announcements of events and get involvedBe YOU when it comes to clothing (confident and comfortable) Smile and ask questionsDon’t obsess about what others are thinking about you

One of my favorite scenes from Stephen Spielberg's movie Lincoln captures how Euclid's Books of Logic and Geometry shaped thousands of minds including Abraham Lincoln. "Things which are equal to the same thing are equal to each other." This SELF-EVIDENT truth shaped President Lincoln which in turn shaped the future of our country and millions of lives around the world.I believe my students saw mathematics in a new light today connecting history, logic, decision making, war and peace.Every student should see the entire film of Lincoln.

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