Author: TWK Admin

Why You Should Continue Your Education After High School

A degree is not simply something to do for a period of time after completing high school studies. Whether it is a four-year college or even another degree program, additional education is becoming more and more of a necessity in today’s world. Here are some reasons why you should consider continuing your education after you graduate from high school.

Do You Want a Larger Income?

There are numerous studies that have compared the earnings of those who have college degrees with those who do not. The results of these studies are always unanimous. According to Cornerstone University, those who have college degrees almost always earn larger paychecks than others. Your skills are more marketable, and employers are willing to pay for it. Of course, being able to earn a living no matter what is always a good thing. Your potential to make a living will be even better with advanced education.

Do You Want Better Financial Security?

Once you have an education, it becomes an asset that you own. It is something that will always be yours no matter what happens. This will mean that you will always have something to offer a potential employer. If your current job does not work out for whatever reason, you have something on which you can fall back. Your education will provide a base that you can build on in the future, either in another position or by getting more education. While education is not a guarantee of a future position, it is always a strong factor in your favor when you apply for a position.

Do You Have a Dream?

Many people appreciate education not just for what it can do for their career and earnings, but also for the sake of learning itself. Your learning can become your passion if you find something that truly interests and enchants you. Not only can learning change your life, but it can also help you to fulfill your dreams. You may have a professional aspiration that you will need a degree in order to be able to fulfill. The truth is that education can have any one of a number of benefits for you.

How Can I Continue My Education?

The good news is that continuing your education is much easier than you ordinarily would have thought. Not only can you attend a four-year college at a traditional campus, but you can also receive an education online at your own pace and leisure. You can take a class every now and then or become a full-time student. Independence University points out that online universities are accredited, offer flexible course schedules, a wide range of programs, and financial aid. It has never been more convenient to receive an education, and you can even take night classes. Additionally, you will find that the amount of offerings has dramatically expanded, meaning that all you have to do is just learn what is out there.

You have every incentive in the world to further your education after high school. Pursuing further education opens you up to a better quality of life, unique life opportunities, and the ability to chase your dreams. The hard part, then, is choosing from all of your options.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with These Snacks

It’s important to see a dentist regularly for a dental checkup, but there are plenty of things that you can do at home to maintain a healthy smile. You’ll want to brush regularly, floss and there are even some foods that are beneficial to your overall dental health. Munching on a few of these foods each day will keep your teeth and gums in peak health — it might not seem like a concern now, but you’ll thank yourself a couple decades down the road.

Milk

Milk has the ability to neutralize saliva that has been acidified by other foods, like candy and soda. Acid can lead to dental erosion, discoloration, sensitive teeth, and a lot more. Having an acidic mouth also encourages plaque growth.

You only need to add one glass of milk to your daily diet in order to reap the benefits. You can also snack on other dairy products, but beware of the sugar content. Yogurt, pudding, and chocolate milk all contain a lot of sugar that could lead to cavities. Cheese is a great alternative low-sugar dairy snack.

Carrots

Carrots are a wonderfully nutritious food that is beneficial for your whole body. While they’re most often associated with eye health, they’re also great for your teeth. The keratins in carrots can reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol (which can be bad for dental health), and also help keep your teeth clean. Raw carrots are the best because they leave more nutrients intact and have that crunchy quality that “brushes” your teeth naturally. Try to munch on some raw carrots each day, but you can also steam them lightly if you prefer.

Celery

Celery is a vegetable that functions as a natural toothbrush. It’s a pretty tough vegetable, so eating it raw can help scrape away plaque, tartar, and leftover food. Have you ever wondered why celery is often served on the side of a meal? You’re meant to eat it when you’re done, in order to freshen up your mouth a bit. You can also get rid of harmful bacteria in your mouth with a snack of celery.

Apples

The more saliva that your mouth produces, the fewer bacteria that you have to worry about. Apples generate a lot of saliva in the mouth. They’re also very refreshing, crisp, and can clean your teeth quite well if you’re in between brushes. Keep some apple slices with you in your bag when you’re out and about.

In general, crunchy and raw fruits and vegetables are very good for your oral health. The vitamins and minerals in produce are helpful when it comes to preventing cavities, keeping your teeth clean, and cutting down on bacteria in your mouth. You can speak with your dentist to find out other natural ways that you can boost your oral health.

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Growing Up Comes with Responsibility— Ways to Show You Can Be Responsible

Many teenagers are eager to prove themselves ready to handle the challenges of adulthood in order to gain more freedom. After all, growing up comes with its fair share of responsibilities that require maturity to handle. If you’re looking for some good ways to show your parents or guardians that you can be responsible, then here are a few pointers to get you started!

Driving

One great way to demonstrate how responsible you’ve become is to drive safely and avoid mishaps. Being a responsible driver not only guards your well-being, but it gives you plenty of opportunities to prove yourself as well.

For starters, make sure you’re driving attentively: A responsible driver is aware that there are several road dangers that cause accidents, so it’s important to be alert and pay attention to the road. Don’t let friends, music controls, or phone notifications distract you and put you at risk.

Additionally, demonstrate your level of responsibility by planning ahead when you go out so that you come home at a reasonable hour and show a solid ability to manage your time.

Working

Getting and performing well at a job is another excellent way to demonstrate to your parents or guardians that you’re more responsible than you used to be.

When you get your first job, make sure you do well with whatever tasks you’re responsible for and ensure that you’re a reliable member of your work team. This will help you demonstrate your value in the adult world and show that you’re willing to learn and work hard.

In addition to showcasing how well you can manage tasks that you’re given, having a job will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility by handling money well. Start saving as much of your earnings as you can and show the adults in your life that you can adhere to a smart budget. Being responsible with your resources is a huge part of adulthood!

Being Proactive at Home

Another way that you can show your increasing level of responsibility is by taking initiative around the house. It might seem frustrating to have to deal with the same chores you’ve been doing since you were a little kid, but completing them more efficiently than ever is a great demonstration of your growth as an individual.

Along with tackling your usual chore list with renewed vigor, try going a step further and taking on some extra tasks here and there as well. Doing the bare minimum is never going to impress anyone, so look for added opportunities to shine.

If you notice that no one’s taken the trash out and the truck’s coming in the morning, then go ahead and take care of it. If someone just brought home groceries, help carry them in and put them away. Seeing what needs to be done and completing tasks without being asked shows tons of responsibility!

Plenty of teenagers are eager for the freedom that comes with adulthood, but most of the time you have to prove that you can handle the responsibilities first. You can start by driving safely, getting a job and being responsible with your money, and being proactive by helping out at home.

How to endanger your chance to receive Federal Financial Aid

For most students, obtaining financial aid isn’t optional. It’s a must. College debt continues to rise, and the vast majority of students would not be able to pay for college without some sort of outside financial support. That makes it all the more important that you be able to qualify for financial aid. Here are four decisions that could disqualify you from receiving it.

Ignoring Graduation Requirements

Receiving federal financial aid means that you actually have to attend college, and doing so means that you must meet all high school graduation requirements. Failure to do so means that you lose your federal financial aid award, and it could also mean that you are ineligible to receive aid in the future. Make sure that you resolve any outstanding academic issues in your high school classes before the end of the school year so you can be sure to graduate.

Following the Wrong Crowd

Pick your friends carefully as failure to do so can expose you to situations that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars or your college career. Certain criminal convictions, such as being convicted of a felony or drug charge, will cause you big problems later down the line. It’s important to remember that, as Michigan Defense Law says, those who commit felonies become ineligible to receive federal financial aid. Not only that, but you could also have trouble getting a job later on. Avoid these potential problems by making sure that you hang around with the types of people who will not pressure you to do illegal things.

Lying on Your Paperwork

Even after you sign all your paperwork, the process of receiving financial aid isn’t complete. Your signature means that everything you’ve filled out on the form is, to the best of your knowledge, true. If something is later found out to be false, and it is determined that the lie was intentional, you can lose all your funding and any eligibility to receive aid in the future. Additionally, if the lie is serious enough, you could face criminal charges and be sentenced to up to five years in jail in addition to having to pay a $20,000 fine, according to Edvisors.

Failure to Meet Academic Goals

According to Student Loan Hero, you will lose your federal financial aid if you fail to meet your SAP, or Satisfactory Academic Progress. The good news here is that if you do lose your aid because of SAP requirements, you can appeal the decision or work to get your grades up. Either of these methods may allow you to receive financial aid again.

Federal aid can help you achieve your dreams, but in order to receive that assistance, you must meet all federal requirements and keep your nose clean. The good news is that these requirements are relatively easy to meet. If you keep your grades up, be honest and stay out of trouble, maintaining your financial aid should be a simple task.

Why you might want to see a Chiropractor

Chiropractic care is not just for adults. Even teenagers can benefit from this type of treatment. While most teens do not exhibit severe back issues, regular chiropractic adjustments can keep everything in alignment and prevent future issues from developing. In addition, they can treat injuries related to sports and help to promote good mental health in the process. Here are three reasons why you might want to see a chiropractor—even as a teenager.

Prevent Future Issues

It is no secret that today’s backpacks are heavier than ever before. While it may not seem like lugging this load around is hurting you now, it can be setting you up for back problems down the road. Regular adjustments can help to mitigate these future issues. According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care can also improve posture as you get older. Using chiropractic treatment as a preventative measure can assist you in staving off future back problems as you age. This is important because minor back issues as a teen can turn into chronic conditions that follow you throughout life. Not only will care as a teenager deliver relief for lower back and neck pain, but it may also reduce the incidence of degenerative joint disease while maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Teens Are Active

According to Congruent Life, chiropractors can help teens manage injuries related to sports. Even if you finish your competitive playing career at the end of high school with no major physical complications, you may carry the nagging sports injuries with you as you age. Treating your back and neck now will ensure that you are limber and relaxed and ready for competition. Regular adjustments will work to help you play better and feel better. They will also help prevent other injuries.

Better Mental Health

Chiropractic care is not just good for your physical health. According to Circle of Docs, consistent treatments can also help to mitigate mental health problems. Because chiropractic care is centered on finding the right mental and physical balance, these treatments provide an all-natural way to boost your emotional well-being. Chiropractic care encourages relaxation and helps you to sleep better. This holistic approach to health is also beneficial in treating anxiety and depression without having to resort to drugs and their side effects.

As one of the least invasive types of medical treatment, chiropractic care can help teens with a wide range of problems. The impact of regular chiropractic sessions can be useful as both a preventative measure and a positive way to treat an assortment of both physical and mental issues.

Here’s another article you might enjoy: 5 Ways to Avoid Stress as a Teenager

What Do I Need to Know About Living in an Apartment During College?

Thinking about making the move from the dorms to an apartment for the upcoming school year? It’s a big step, and one that you’ll want to consider from all angles. While dormitory living can be restrictive, it comes with convenience and affordability—two perks that are increasingly difficult to find in off-campus dwellings. Read on to find out if you’re ready to take the plunge.

Cost

This is by far the most important consideration. Can you afford to pay rent and utilities while attending school full-time? When you take into account that you’ll also be responsible for your own groceries and incidentals, the costs grow even higher. There’s also the fact that you may need to furnish the apartment before moving in. Renting Out Rooms recommends that, while having roommates can help to offset these expenses, you’ll need to sit down and hash out your budget before making any decisions. Also, if the added expense means you’ll need to take on a part-time job, consider whether this will leave you enough time to keep up with your course load.

Noise Restrictions

According to SouthGate Companies, noise regulations are designed to help tenants live in close proximity while keeping disturbances to a minimum. Check to see if the building’s rules or your lease mention anything about quiet hours. You might think that the restrictions are a drag at first, but when you’re attempting to study for finals or write a difficult term paper, you’ll be glad that someone had the foresight to put them in place. If you have a loud neighbor whom you suspect of violating the noise ordinances, pay them a warning visit before alerting your landlord or local law enforcement.

Proximity to Campus

You can bet that the closer an apartment complex is to campus, the quicker the units will be rented out to students who like the idea of sleeping in a bit longer. Walking a few blocks might not seem like a big deal when you’re signing the lease, but a longer commute means less time overall for studying, work, and socializing. University Business says that if you plan on driving to campus every day, ask other students what they know about the commuter parking situation beforehand.

So, is living off-campus more trouble than it’s worth? Not at all. You just have to think realistically about what you can afford, in terms of money and time. Those who are able to successfully commute to college will find themselves well-prepared for the transition to adult life.

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Major Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Papers

Writing papers is a rite of passage for high school and college students throughout the United States. While you may not be a great writer or particularly like to write, learning to do so at an elevated level will make you a better communicator. Here are some serious mistakes to avoid when creating your next composition — your grades will thank you!

Spelling and Grammar Errors

There is no excuse for misspelling a word these days, because in most cases the program that you’re using to write your paper will underline words that are not spelled properly. These programs are also likely point out glaring grammar errors or questionable sentence structures in your prose. It is critical that you don’t make too many spelling or grammar errors as it can undermine your credibility. Your teacher or professor may also take points off for each error that you make, which can have negative consequences on your final grade.

Plagiarizing

While it is acceptable to quote other people in your paper, it is important that you acknowledge your source with a citation. Copying the work of another author is generally seen as intellectually and academically lazy. Plagiarizing has even more serious consequences if discovered in college essays, such as getting kicked out of your program or being expelled. Even if you aren’t a great writer, it is better to turn in mediocre work that you created as opposed to stealing content that the original author worked hard to create.

Repeating Yourself Over and Over Again

Every word that you write should add something to the narrative that you are creating. At best, your teacher or professor will catch on to the fact that you’re making the same point in a variety of different ways as a lazy method of reaching your required word or page count, and you’ll get a note about it. At worst, you will be asked to write the paper over again or get a failing grade. If you’re not sure whether your paper is too repetitive, ask a friend or family member to read the paper before you turn it in.

Failing to Stay on Topic

In many cases, you will be assigned a specific paper topic. For instance, you may be asked to analyze the root causes of the Civil War or the works of Mark Twain. It is important that you stay on topic if you hope to get a good grade as your teacher is likely looking to see how well you understand the material. Going off-topic is a good way to show your instructor that you either don’t understand the assignment or that you simply don’t care to follow instructions. Either way, not sticking to the assignment at hand is a quick way to get a poor grade on your paper.

Those who learn how to write well generally have an advantage both in school and in life afterward. Therefore, it is important that you do your best when writing a paper and that you ask for help if you are struggling to create a quality text.
For more helpful writing tips, read this post next: Practical Writing Tips: Ways To Get Higher Grades on Your Papers

What are the Highest Paying Summer Jobs a Teen Can Get?

If you’re looking for a summer job, the chances are you want to make as much money as possible before the calendar switches over to the fall. The question is, which positions can help you attain that goal? Here’s a list of three possibilities that will earn you plenty of cash to stash away while still allowing for a decent amount of pocket money to liven up your days off.

Tutoring

What’s your favorite subject in school? Would you be interested in sharing some of your knowledge with a younger student who might be struggling with the basics? If so, you might want to look into tutoring. Depending on your age, level of expertise and the subject you choose, you could earn $25 to $30 per hour. Math and science tutors can expect to earn more than English tutors, so if those subjects are your forte, start putting out the word with friends and neighbors that you’re available to lend a helping hand to their kids during the summer. You’ll be doing them a valuable service while lining your pockets at the same time.

Construction

Are you looking for something that requires a little more brawn? You might be surprised to learn that jobs in construction are a viable option for older teen workers. While construction is considered very dangerous, the pay is generally higher because of that. As long as basic safety practices are learned early on and carefully observed, you can hone valuable skills that are sure to serve you well later in life with a job in construction. Note that if you’re under the age of 16, federal law prohibits you from doing any physical construction work, but you can still apply to work in the office or for sales-related tasks.

Caddying

Golf caddies get to enjoy the outdoors and socializing all at the same time, making this gig a perfect fit for energetic, outgoing teens. While the baseline pay isn’t all that impressive, hovering around $10-$15 per hour, you can earn a lot more than that in tips if you are professional and efficient. This may not be the best fit if you’re not a golfer yourself, but if you enjoy the sport, give caddying a try.

The prospect of spending your summer at work can be a bummer at first. Still, when you’re counting your money at the end of August, you’ll be glad you took this first small step into adulthood.
Check out our other money-related resources here!

3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Gap Year

Many high school students are deciding to delay their college education for a year in order to take a gap year. There are many reasons for people to opt for a gap year, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Whether you are looking to travel or just get a head start on your educational and career aspirations, this time to regroup can prove to be extremely beneficial before launching into your next educational journey. Here are three tips designed to help you get the most out of your gap year:

Job Tips

Many students decide to use their gap year to get ahead on their finances before heading into college. Paid internships are an ideal way to make some extra cash while gaining relevant work experience. If you have your heart set on a particular out-of-state school but want to gain the coveted in-state tuition status, getting a job in that state will help you to achieve residency status and qualify for the lower rates.

Traveling Tips

While some students use the gap year to prepare for college, many enjoy traveling and seeing the world. This travel time helps teenagers to mature and gain more life experience before going to college. Before you take off on your global adventure, it is important to be prepared for the logistics of travel. While some places will rent a car to 18-year-olds, these rentals usually come with a separate fee. It is important that you take care of your rental car so that you do not incur even more costs.

Mindset Tips

It is possible that you will never again have the freedom in life that you have during this gap year. To make the most out of this flexibility, be sure to go into the experience with an open mind. Having an open mind will allow you to truly embrace the people and cultures that you encounter along the way. Whether it be through traveling the world or simply settling into the place that you plan on attending college, this time should be free of rigid parameters that you set on yourself.This gap year can be a great time for you to explore a new place, earn some money for your further education, or find a cause to champion. Make sure that you experience all that this gap year has to offer you in order to make the most out of it. But at the same time, make sure that you do all you can to prepare and pay for for the next four years of your college career.

Gaming May Not Be As Useless As Your Dad Claims

If you like to play video games, you’re probably no stranger to your dad complaining about how they’re a waste of time. Today, video games are so commonplace that they appear in many different forms, from mobile apps to VR headsets to handheld consoles. Whether you are searching for the top games of the year or nostalgic classics from the ‘80s, the truth is that video games have not only made a huge impact on society in entertainment value but also in the skills they are able to impart. Here are some of the useful skills video games can help you to develop.

Problem Solving

Believe it or not, playing Zelda games can actually accomplish more than just exploring all of Hyrule. Puzzle games like Ubisoft games and basically all Zelda games train the brain to find creative solutions to complex problems. Research suggests that popular mainstream games such as Call of Duty, League of Legends, and StarCraft can help improve the gamers’ problem-solving skills, attention span, and hand-eye coordination.

Job Preparation

Developing hand-eye coordination skills, better attention span, and problem-solving skills can be advantageous in any workplace. Different jobs may require skills that games can teach such as spatial orientation, information gathering, and better reaction time to emergency situations. According to L3HARRIS, airlines and overland freight companies routinely use simulators to train their workforce. Commercial airline pilots are required to practice emergency procedures in flight simulators and are required to pass a simulator assessment every six months. In addition, technology such as augmented reality made popular by Pokémon Go has already made its way into the workplace of engineering, manufacturing, and production jobs.

Stay Fit

Many professionally competitive gamers have been warned that staying fit is essential to maintain their game skills and reaction speed. Just as there are games to cover many subjects, there are games that can help improve fitness. According to Axtion Tech, activity-based games such as Just Dance and Dance Dance Revolution can provide a great workout. In addition, virtual reality activity games such as boxing, fencing, and speed skating can also provide intensive exercise.

Gaming as a teen is not a useless hobby. More and more people are recognizing the positive attributes that can be developed in a healthy gamer. You’ve just got to make sure to balance gaming with other things in your life. Gone are the days when games and gamers belong at the nerdy table. Contrary to what your dad may think, they can actually be quite useful.