The Best Quotes About Education

Spending time and money educating oneself is one of the best investments anyone can make. It is far easier to get a good job at the end of the day when you’re educated. But there’s far more to education than just a piece of paper. Here are some of the greatest things ever said about Education, by some of the world’s foremost minds:

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was the leader of an anti-British Indian nationalist movement during the early part of the 20th Century. His views and inspirational messages have motivated people the world over to improve themselves and stand up for what they believe in.

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”

~ Robert Frost

This quote pays tribute to the role of the teacher in Educational systems. The “awakened” in this sense are the students, who end up seeing the world in a different way after they have finished their education. Being more open-minded is a huge benefit of receiving an education!

“The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead.”

~  Aristotle

Aristotle is remembered as one of the most famous philosophers of all time. It’s no surprised that he valued education. This particular quote relates to the difference that education can make in a person’s life.

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

~ Henry Ford

This quote reminds everyone that when you keep learning, the world will always seem fresh, inspired and limitless. By stopping one’s education, whether it is a formal education or not, a person will stop seeking out new answers, new experiences and new lessons. This quote reminds us all to keep learning, no matter how many years we’ve been alive.

“Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is.”

~ Isaac Asimov

Issac Asimov was a science fiction writer, probably best known for short stories. This particular quote is interesting, as it almost seems to imply that going to an institution of learning is not as good as self-study. However, what this quote really relates to is the difference in mindset between someone who is learning because they want to, or because they have to.

What is your favorite educational quote? Post one in the comments!

Are You In the Right Program?

Choosing the right major is serious business. Your major has a lot to do with your overall happiness so it is critical to pick the right one. Many people change programs too often, which cost a lot of time and money. Or they end up staying in a major that really doesn’t suit them. If you want to avoid those two scenarios then read on to learn how to know you’re in the right program. Here are ten indicators that you’re on the right path.

1. You can picture a bright future. You may not be a fortuneteller, but people in the right program can imagine a successful and happy future. That means you’re doing something that you like, and you’ve done your research about what kind of future your program can provide.
2. You are passionate about your education. Passion is a huge indicator that you’re doing what you’re meant to do. Being able to pursue your passion will keep you fulfilled and happy.
3. You’re not too stressed out. One of the major techniques on how to know you’re in the right program is to pay attention to your stress levels. Just like passion is a sign you’re on the right path, too much stress may be a sign you need to switch and do something else. College is stressful, there’s no doubt about it. But students that are stressed because they feel lost or anxious all the time should consider other alternatives.
4. You enjoy going to class. You might not love every one of your classes, but you should enjoy the majority of them – especially the ones that have to do with your program or career field.
5. You get good grades. Being successful in college has little to do with intelligence. It’s has more to do with your level of engagement and hard work. If you enjoy what you’re learning, chances are you’re going to work hard and be engaged. If you have no passion to do well, it may be you’re in the wrong program.
6. Your classes come fairly easy. You’re probably going to struggle because some classes are difficult. But when you’re tapped into the right major, things often just “click.”
7. You’re happy about being in school. People who don’t know why they are in school or are unhappy with their educational experience are often in the wrong program. People in the right program tend to be more satisfied with their college experience.
8. You’re utilizing your natural gifts and strengths. Being in the right program often means you are using your natural abilities. Are you a gifted writer, but struggle with math? Maybe you should reconsider majoring in engineering. Doing things that cater to your strengths makes life more fulfilling.
9. You genuinely enjoy it. Many students have to talk themselves into liking their major. If you have to fake it but deep down you’re not happy – it may be time to reevaluate your program.
10. You just know. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard to explain. Sometimes it’s just a feeling in your gut that you are in the right program.

Are you in the right program? How do you know?

Do You Have a Great Teacher?

A great teacher is one that you will remember for the rest of your life. Great teachers inspire their students to reach their potential and make a lasting impact that resonates for years to come. So how do you know you have a great teacher? Read on to find out.

Teaching is one of the few professions where you can really shape and mold someone’s life. Not all teachers are great in the same way. Greatness manifests itself in many ways. You’ll know you have a great teacher if…

They inspire you to do more than you thought you could. Great teachers will push you to get outside of your comfort zone, and achieve more than you thought you could. Whether it’s math, English or any other subject; the great ones will see your potential often times well before you do. They have high expectations and will empower you to go higher and farther. Think of them like personal trainers. When you think you can’t do one more repetition, they’ll push you to do more.

They engage you in the critical thinking process. Great Brazilian educator, philosopher and author Paulo Freire once said this about education, “Liberating education consists in acts of cognition, not transferals of information.” Great educators know how to teach students to utilize their own critical thinking skills. In his landmark work Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Freire says that too many teachers simply act as information brokers who deposit rote facts into the minds of their students. He calls this type of education “banking education.” The teacher deposits information in to the student who passively sits back and receives.

Great teachers engage students in critical thinking and problem solving. They help students utilize their minds by solving problems and thinking about how to navigate and change their own worlds.

They care about you as a person. Great teachers have a genuine heart for their students. A study conducted by the authors of the book The Freshman Year Experience stated that colleges and universities with the highest retention and graduation rates are those who have quality teachers, advisors and staff. They go the extra mile for their students because they care about their success.

They teach with passion. A passionate teacher is an effective teacher. The passion and love they have for a subject and their students is palpable. It rubs off on the rest of the class and spreads like a wildfire.

They have high expectations. Great teachers do not water down their expectations.  They demand students rise to the occasion. That doesn’t mean they are rigid or heartless either. They have the ability to ride the line between balancing expectations while not being unreasonable. They don’t water down expectations because they respect their students and believe in them. They also believe the material they are teaching demands respect as well.

Do you have a great teacher now or have you had one in the past? How have they affected your life?

Don’t Miss Breakfast!

It turns out that mom’s advice was right. Eating breakfast really does fuel you up for the day. But mom’s advice isn’t just a cheap ploy to get you to eat your oatmeal. It’s sound advice backed by science. So if you really want to know the scoop on breakfast, just look at the facts below. You’ll never leave the house, apartment or dorm room again without eating this important meal.

Eating Breakfast = Better Test Scores

Eating breakfast is proven to increase scores in math, reading and standardized tests. So yes, it turns out that breakfast does make you smarter. It’s a performance issue. When your body has all the necessary nutrients in it, the synapses in your mind fire on all cylinders. The result is better cognitive functioning such as memory recall and focus.

Eating Breakfast Makes You Smarter

Studies on students who eat breakfast show they are better at solving complex problems, paying attention in class and remembering information. It sounds like breakfast is tailor made for college students!

Skipping Breakfast Leads to Skipping Class

Study after study shows that one of the biggest predictors of academic success is going to class. And one of the biggest predictors of dropping out and performing poorly is not showing up. Guess what? Students who eat breakfast have fewer absences than their non-breakfast eating peers. It’s critical to be engaged in class and not miss important information from the professor. Eat a hardy breakfast and you’ll find it easier to get to class.

High Fiber = Higher Grades

Just eating breakfast is great, but eating certain foods helps even more. Breakfasts low in sugar and high in fiber help you to retain the cognitive enhancing benefits of breakfast even longer. That means you should skip the sugary latte and cocoa puffs and try a piece of whole wheat toast, a couple of eggs, water and coffee without the sugar.

Eating Breakfast Helps Keep the Weight Off

One of the most effective ways to battle the “freshman 15” is to eat breakfast. Skipping meals, especially breakfast, will make your metabolism come to a screeching halt. When you do eat your body will conserve the calories instead of using them for energy.  In addition to a slow metabolism you’ll also feel sluggish, which means you will be prone to live a sedentary life style without physical activity.

Those are just some of the reasons why breakfast should never be missed. When choosing a healthy first meal, focus on lean protein and complex carbohydrates. If you don’t have time to cook there are some healthy choices even at fast food restaurants. For example, an Egg McMuffin at McDonald’s has lean protein and only 300 calories. Subway serves breakfast sandwiches with egg whites and lean ham served on flatbread with your choice of veggies. Also, more and more campus eateries are preparing healthy breakfast foods so check them out too.

So there you have it. You’ll never skip another breakfast. So tell us what you like eating for breakfast?

Yoga can be a great study aid!

We live in a stressed out world that is requiring us to be busier and busier all the time. Your boss is calling, you’ve got a test to study for and your spouse is texting you asking what’s for dinner. All of these stressors add up to an overloaded mind and body.

The remedy? Yoga. Sure it’s got the reputation as a quasi-religion whose practitioners run around wearing no shoes, but there are plenty of documented studies showing it can help the mind, body and spirit. Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years, and more than 11 million Americans enjoy it on a regular basis. So in the spirit of serenity and peace, here are 5 reasons to consider yoga a study aid:

#1 Reason to Consider Yoga a Study Aid – Positive Outlook

A study done at the University of Boston showed that one hour of doing yoga poses known as asanas helped improve people’s outlook on life. Why? Yoga increases a chemical in the body known as GABA, which is proven to fight depression. Conversely, low levels of GABA have been linked to depression.

#2 Reason to Consider Yoga a Study Aid – Aches and Pains Go Away

Research shows that people who suffer from chronic pain – especially in the low back – can benefit from yoga. A study conducted on low back pain sufferers showed the back pain was completely eliminated in less than six months doing just two 90 minutes classes per week. Nothing kills your motivation or your ability to think clearly when you’re in pain all the time. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic pain, you can still benefit from yoga to fight off the occasional soreness and achiness that accompanies life.

#3 Reason to Consider Yoga a Study Aid – Better Sleep

The health benefits of sleep have come into the forefront in recent years. Sleep is perhaps the most important thing you can do to have a healthy body and mind. All sorts of health issues are tied to lack of sleep including high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and depression. In one study, people suffering from insomnia fell asleep 20 minutes faster and slept longer. Sleep refuels your body and mind to be able to hit the books hard and retain more information.

#4 Reason to Consider Yoga a Study Aid – More Confidence

Yoga practitioners have been shown to have more self-confidence and a better body image. When you have self-confidence you tend to do better in all areas of life – including school. Yoga’s health benefits include weight loss and a more muscular frame, both of which have been proven to increase self-esteem.

#5 Reason to Consider Yoga a Study Aid – Peace of Mind

The mind becomes cluttered and scattered when there is a lack of peace. When the waters of your mind are clear and calm, you can focus and think critically much better. That’s certainly a recipe for study success.

So what’s your favorite yoga pose? Let us know by commenting below.

Dress Well – See What Happens!

Dressing well has a direct impact on a person’s confidence, success and potential earning power.  Forbes Magazine released an article in January of 2013 showcasing a number of cases where dressing for success provided an open door of possibility.  Individuals carried themselves with more confidence and are seen as prestigious assets everywhere they go.

Dressing well provides a variety of benefits. However, if you are unsure how to dress well, it is critical that you meet with a friend, relative or stylist who can provide you with tips and styles that showcase your physique and personality.

Dressing for success will potentially offer you the following:

Confidence

Want to ooze with confidence? Put on a nice, well-fitted power suit and strut through the office doors.  Dressing well has that effect on people.  When you feel good about yourself, you will come off more confident, poised and articulate.  Dressing well gives you the ability to see yourself differently than you would adorning casual attire.  Allow your confidence to increase at a job interview, in the office or when networking, simply by dressing for the part.

Job Security

When a person dresses for success they allow others to perceive them as a valuable asset.  If you want job security, make sure you dress the part.  You will be perceived as a strong asset to the company or business you work for if you show up looking like a million bucks every day.  If your company has a casual Friday dress code, don’t get too comfortable.  Opt for slacks and a nice blouse or shirt, rather than cargo shorts and flip-flops.  You want to look like you are heading to the Country Club, not the back yard to mow.

Pay Raise

Along with job security, those that dress the part, reap the effect dressing well has on their income.  More and more people are being passed over for raises in the office simply because they show up for work in disarray.  This goes for hair, make-up, clothing and shoes.  People who dress sloppy at work are perceived as being disorganized and incapable.  This is not a recipe for success, especially when money is involved.

The Ability to be Taken Seriously

Another significant effect dressing well has is the ability to be taken seriously.  This is particularly important if you are young.  Dressing well helps others look at you a little differently and forget your age.  While there should be no age discrimination in the workplace, it is important to set yourself apart from others similar in age so that your dress does not mask your maturity level.  If you want your boss to listen to your ideas, don’t show up for work wearing jeans and a t-shirt, especially if you work in a professional setting.

The Ability to Showcase Your Professionalism

Dressing well impacts the perception of your level of professionalism.  When you wear the right clothes you will be perceived by others to be a professional asset to the team, simply by the way you look.  Avoid showing up for a job interview dressed sloppily or you can assure yourself a rejection.

Have you found the recipe for success when it comes to clothing?  Share your ideas and offer advice to others looking for that perfect professional look.

Will Watching Movies Make You Smarter?

Americans love the movies. There’s no doubt about it. In 2011 alone, Americans and our Canadian neighbors spent $10.3 billion on movie tickets. And that doesn’t even count the popcorn and soda. But besides cheap…I mean…sort of cheap entertainment, will watching movies make you smarter?

The answer…it depends. Asking will watching movies make you smarter is like asking whether eating food makes you healthier. It all depends on what you’re consuming. Sitting down to watch a movie like The Hangover isn’t going to do anything for you other than provide some cheap laughs. But watching a documentary or a through provoking drama can add to your intelligence because of its content and subject matter.

But you don’t just have to watch movies that appeal to smarty pants types.  Brian Leaf, a professional tutor and author, has written two books using popular movies to increase vocabulary. He chooses movie scenes that utilize words that show up on exams like the SAT. Who knew that Jim Carrey and Brad Pitt could help you get a better score on your SAT?

But if you’re into documentaries that make you think, you can’t go wrong with the selection of great films we’ve handpicked. Check ‘em out:

• Waiting for Superman – public education is a hotly debated subject with passionate people on both sides. Superman follows families trying to provide their kids the best education possible, but without the access and money it often takes to get into the best private schools.
• Spellbound – what better way to get smart – or at least motivated to get smarter – than watching ten year olds spell words that you have never even heard of or will probably never use in a sentence. Spellbound delves into the lives of kids trying to win the National Spelling Bee while facing challenges all along the way.
• Capitalism: A Love Story – love him or hate him, Michael Moore makes you think. His divisive stance on issues like capitalism and American healthcare cause explosions faster than a match and gasoline, but you’ll definitely get some movie fodder that will challenge and possibly even persuade your opinion on how the world works.
• The Yes Men Fix the World – this hilarious documentary follows the activist prankster duo of Jacques Servin and Igor Vamos. They jokingly portray those who they are making fun of while revealing social injustices that go on each and every day across a variety of industries. It’s both hilarious and depressing at the same time.
• The Canary Effect – this powerful documentary looks at how the United States has treated the indigenous Native American population over the past several hundred years. They reveal some atrocities with strong evidence that neglect and marginalization of Native Americans is and has been the norm.
• March of the Penguins – this landmark documentary about Antarctic penguins required the film crew to be on location for an entire year. The film documents step by step, or in this case, waddle by waddle, the 140 mile round-trip journey Emperor Penguins have to take in order to lay their eggs.

Have you seen any of these documentaries? Do you agree with us that movies can make you smarter? Leave a comment below.

Start Networking Now!

In order to network effectively, one must truly understand the meaning of networking.  There is an art to networking successfully, and if you understand the how, why and when behind this effective tool, you will see how just how important it is to your life.

Below are several reasons why networking is so important to your career, schooling, life and success:

Opens the Door of Opportunities

No matter where you go, as long as you are interacting with people, you are networking.  Networking is so important to you and your business because it opens the door of opportunities.  Whether you are marketing yourself for a new job or trying to get into the school of your dreams, networking can provide doors to be open for you.  It is important to take a chance and remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  The possibilities are endless when you take the risk and open yourself up to meeting others and making valuable connections.

Provides Exposure

Whether you have just finished painting a masterpiece or invented a new product, marketing is a key component to your success.  You cannot sell your ideas, services or products without exposure.  Networking is so important because it provides the opportunity to get you and your idea in front of a large platform of people.  Exposure is critical to success.  That one person you interact with may be able to put you and your idea in front of thousands, simply by networking.

Build Relationships that Last

Making contacts and building relationships are just one of the reasons why networking is so important and critical to your success as a person and business platform.  Most job hires are done through referrals according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  This means that the more people you know, the better off you will be in a declining or increasing job market.  You want to be indestructible no matter what the market is dictating at the time.  There is safety in numbers and the more people you know and are connected with, the better off you will be.

Promotes Learning and Creativity

One of the main reasons why networking is so important is innovation.  It promotes learning and opens the door to creativity when like-minded and different types of individuals meet and share ideas.  When people gather together, ideas are exchanged.  Innovative players who help stretch and grow your ideas by offering a new concept or creative way of thinking may surround you.  You may learn something new that you previously did not know when gathering together.  Knowledge is power and should be gained when networking with others.

Provision of a Common Ground

Networking is so important because it allows you to meet others who are like-minded.  Yes, meeting others who are different than yourself will challenge you, but you can be equally challenged by meeting like-minded individuals who can take you places.  These individuals may be further along in the industry and can provide mentorship or training for you to succeed.

Have you discovered why networking is so important? Feel free to share your reasons and successes in the comments below.

Take Care of your Health!

Generally individuals with college degrees live longer and healthier lives. That may be true over the aggregate, but young people who enter the halls of colleges and universities every day expose themselves to risks of some serious health issues. Below we take a look at the biggest health risks for college students:

Obesity

It turns out that the “freshman 15″ is a true phenomenon. Obesity rates among 18-24 year-olds are skyrocketing. Some of the problem generates from growing up in the era of fast food and immediate gratification, but much of its stems from young people being out on their own for the first time without the skills needed to plan and cook meals.

In addition, many colleges and universities surround students with unhealthy dining options and fast food. Combine that with increased intake of alcohol and the ingredients are there for college students to gain unwanted pounds.

Alcohol/Drugs

Much of being in college has to deal with finding oneself and engaging in experimental, often dangerous behavior. Alcohol and drug consumption and experimentation increase because students do not think about the consequences of such behavior in combination with being surrounded by peers that engage in similar behavior. Anecdotal evidence suggests that marijuana – the most used illegal drug, causes individuals’ appetites to increase. That means increased calorie intake leading to additional weight.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Along the same lines of risky behaviors leading to drug use, risky behaviors such as casual sex without protection can have serious health consequences. STD rates among 18-24 year old college students are among the highest among any other demographic.

Accidents

As risk behavior increases, so does the likelihood of accidents. Recently in Washington State a rash of students falling out of their dorm room windows occurred, leading to one death. Alcohol consumption was a factor in all of the accidents.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug abuse over the last ten years has skyrocketed among college students. Particularly drugs such as Oxycontin that are highly addictive have caused many college students to become addicted, and have even caused death.

Another type of prescription drug classification that has hit the college market are so-called “smart drugs” that are intended to treat legitimate health conditions, but are used by college students to be more productive by increasing energy, cognitive processing and focus.

The most abused drugs are Adderall, Ritalin and Provigil. These drugs are used to treat health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and ADHD. The effects of these drugs on perfectly healthy college students are beneficial in the short term. For example, students experience the ability to focus for 24-48 hours at a time without sleep.

The appeal of these drugs is often too tempting to students who have academic demands and pressure on them to succeed. In fact, a recent article in the New Yorker discussed the prevalence of these drugs among Ivy League students in competitive programs.

Students are able to get these prescription drugs from relatives, underground Internet sites and dealers on campus. These types of drugs are addictive and come with a whole host of side effects including headaches, weight loss, weight gain, and even permanent neurological damage. Experts warn that these so-called smart drugs are currently the biggest health risks for students.

Have you or someone you know experienced any of these health risks? Did we miss one? Let us know by commenting below.

Ready, Set, Go!

For many, owning a business is the definition of the American Dream. In many ways, The United States is held up by the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of small business owners that keep this country’s economic engine running. There are hundreds of reasons to start a business, but when you get down to the nitty gritty, there are basically 5 great reasons to start a business of your own. So what are they? Let’s get to it.

Financial Freedom

Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. That’s the cry of today’s business owner. Are there risks? Of course there are. But the monetary rewards are also great. It’s the lure of escaping the 3% yearly raise and making a lucrative living that draws adventurers away from their cubicles on a daily basis. No longer are you confined by a salary structure or the whims of a supervisor. Your income is solely in your own hands, and you can make as much as you want if you’re willing to work hard.

Pursuing Passion

Does pursuing a living doing what you love sound appealing? For many, a 9-5 job sucks the life right out of them. Maybe you love arraigning flowers or taking photos. Maybe it’s writing or repairing automobiles. Whatever it is, there is something so special about getting paid to do what you love. For many business owners the money isn’t what drives them to keep going – it’s the fact their work means so much to them.

A Great Idea

Maybe you have a great idea that meets an unfulfilled need in the market. Or maybe you have a business idea that improves on an already existing business. In either case, a great idea can quickly turn into a profitable business. If you’ve ever watched the popular television show Shark Tank, you have seen the power of a great idea, and how fast it can turn someone into a wealthy business owner. The show allows aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors with an opportunity to present their ideas to a group of wealthy investors with the shot of getting investment funding right on the spot. Many of the show’s guests have gone on to become wealthy.

Escaping the 9-5 Grind

Another one of the 5 great reasons to start a business is escaping the 9-5 grind and being able to set your own schedule. Too many frustrated parents have missed out on their kids’ soccer games and theatrical productions because they are not in control of their own schedule. Not only are you more in control of your own schedule, but you can make decisions without the need for approval from others.

Creativity and Innovation

There are few organizations that allow individuals to be free to express themselves, their ideas and actually put them into action. Owning your own business means you can do what you want. There are no rules or boundaries. You are free to create processes and methodologies as you see fit. While this is scary, many people find it empowering.

Are you ready to start up you own business? What kind of business would you want to start? Let us know!