Due to popular demand, this fall's TV lineup is chock-full with melodrama. "90210", set to air in the beginning of next week, is no exeception to this rule, and is poised to intrigue viewers of all ages - and genders.
Why?
Because we love drama. We grew up with drama. We are addicted to drama (and self-diagosing, it seems).
It started as early as The Wonder Years, which debuted in 1988. This classic show detailed drama in its simplest forms: sibling rivalry, puppy love, teenage angst, etc, etc. Later, though, the storylines included drug addiction, abandonment and the new concept of being more than a stay-at-home-mom.
Fast-forward to "Beverly Hills, 90210" (circa 1990). Kids, 'tweens, teens, and even adults sat glued to the boob-tube to watch pure, unadulterated drama bundled neatly together in thirty minute segments. Yes, the show included typical themes addressed in early shows like The Wonder Years. But the drama was relentless, a juggernaut of one-line zingers and apologetic tears that had your adrenaline rising and falling more frequently than a rollercoaster's hills.
But not to worry. If you, like many, tearily departed with the show's last episode in 2000, you're in for a treat! Starting September 2nd, "90210" will be back on prime time television. With a crew of dewy-eyed new high schoolers, can this spin-off be any more dramatic than its predecessor?
Many potential and current college students feel the
pressure of completing their bachelor’s degree. For some, they are soon-to-be
first generation college students, for others, it is a rite of passage. For
other still, college holds the key to a successful career.
But the myth that a four year college degree is a necessary
element to a successful career is not always true.
Some of the fastest-growing and top paying jobs only require a two-year or
associate’s degree, which means more money in your pocket before and after graduation. Check out these top 10 fastest growing jobs
that don’t require a four year degree.
1. Veterinary Technician
If you’re an animal lover, then this may be the job for you!
Individuals in this career perform medical tests, prepare vaccines and serums
for preventative medicine, take blood samples and conduct laboratory tests.
Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
2. Professional
Makeup Artist
Put your makeover magic to use! This niche profession is
used in virtually every industry. Artists ‘paint’ faces to reflect
appropriate age, period and style for each event, commercial, performance or
gala.
Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
3. Esthetician
Also referred to as skin care specialists, these professionals
enable others to let their inner beauty show! Estheticians enhance natural
appearances through cleansing and skillfully applying skin care treatments to
the face and body through a variety of techniques.
Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
4. Physical Therapist
Assistant
If you’re a problem-solver, this is the career for you!
These assistants help physical therapists in the development and implementation
of physical therapy treatments, as well as monitor, document and modify, if
necessary, throughout progress of treatment.
Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
5. Dental Hygienist
Say ‘Ahh!’. These professionals examine, clean and floss
your pearly or no-so-pearly whites, evaluate for oral diseases, take and
develop X-rays and educate on oral hygiene.
Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
6. Environmental Science
Technician
Smell the roses! Typically under the guidance of
environmental specialists, these individuals sample gases, soil, water and
other materials to monitor the environment for pollution.
Degree/Training Required: Associate degree
7. Manicurist &
Pedicurist
Nail technicians are every chronic nail-biter’s best friend!
These professionals clean, shape, polish and decorate customers’ fingers and
toenails with speed and accuracy.
Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
8. Personal Trainer
& Aerobics Instructor
These usually more-than-buff individuals are responsible to
instruct, coach and motivate both groups and individuals in the fundamentals of
sports and fitness. With our
ever-increasing desire to become fit, employment rates are expected to increase
27% by 2016.
Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
9. Preschool Teaching
With seemingly everlasting patience, preschool teachers
instruct young 3-5 year old children in engaging, fun activities that inspire
intellectual growth, develop social skills and promote physical activity in a
safe environment.
Degree/Training Required: Postsecondary vocational award
10. Cardiovascular Technologist
& Technician
Is the 'ole ticker working? These trained individuals test
both pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and assist in electrocardiograms,
cardiac catheterizations, lung capacity tests and measuring pulmonary
functions. Basically, they make sure your lub-dub is performing at its best.
Degree/Training Required: Associate Degree
Like this post? Know of other careers on the rise? Let us know and leave a comment!
Despite imminent back-to-school blues, students have something to celebrate this August. President Bush has signed to renew the Higher Education Act. The act, overwhelmingly supported by both the Senate and Congress, details spending for federal student aid for the next five years.
Bush reportedly signed the 1,000-plus page legislation "unceremoniously", according to Chronicle.com. The newly signed law decrees many new provisions for grant programs that benefit both students and educational institutions. Additionally, the document restricts the secretary of education from "dictating how colleges measure student learning for purposes of accreditation."
According to an article on WallStreetJournal.org, despite the current credit crunch, students may have an easier time finding sufficient funding for their educational goals. The article highlights often overlooked yet effective ways to get the loans you need to pursue your education.
Ask & You Will Receive
Even the most stubborn students should recognize when they need help financially and ask for assistance from the right people. Before applying for either private or federal student loans, individuals should contact their schools first. Finacial aid personnel at institutions work around the clock with current and potential students, enabling many of whom without aid could not reach their educational goals. A school's financial aid office quickly determines who is qualified for federal and private loans and works to negotiate a fair, managable repayment plan.
Make An Offer
For many potential students, securing a loan on your own can be difficult, if not impossible. In order to expediate the loan process, many loan institutions recommend applying with a creditworthy co-signer. As an alternative to federal PLUS loans, students are encouraged to draft an official document stating the student will split or repay all of the loan with their co-signer.
Work Hard for the Money
Though it is a less desireable option for many, students should consider applying for a federal work-study program at their educational institution or an outside part time job. Beginning a job while still in school will alleviate much of the financial burden awaiting a student upon graduation. However, students must devote enough time to their studies.
If you've found our tips helpful, or if you have your own tips on financial aid, let us know! Post your comments below.
Moving into your new dorm room is both exciting and daunting at the same time: on one hand, you’re moving into your own space that you control; but on the other hand, you probably have to do some serious downsizing. And don’t forget the task of blending style with function. Keeping things organized to maximize space is crucial, but you definitely do not want your room to look like a display from The Container Store or Ikea. Finding a harmony between creativity and functionality is what you should aim for while living in a dorm room.
While the creative, more decorative side of styling your new room may seem a much simpler task than the realistic aspect of downsizing, it is no less important. Check out these creative, yet practical items that will help organize your new digs.
Grid Lock - A grid system is perfect because you can easily see the usefulness and creative aspects of this wall piece with hooks for whatever you need as well as shelves that can easily store anything from pictures to snacks.
Opportunity (for creativity) Knocks - Despite what your mother has always said about hiding things under your bed, this is the time to do it! Doors provide a great space for creativity. Tape posters to your door, or tack up a dry erase board. A board provides a space for friends to leave messages, or a forum for a one of a kind art show. If you don’t like either of those options, buy over-the-door racks for shoes, or a door rack that provides extra shelving for books, movies or even clothing.
Disobey Your Mother - Don’t underestimate the helpfulness of under the bed storage. Buying stackable or rolling containers or baskets to store clothing, shoes, or books is a huge asset to a small room no - matter what! For the ambitious, buy clear containers and paint them to match a theme or color scheme in your room.
De-Clutter Your Desk - Your desk will undoubtedly serve many purposes. Keep your school supplies organized on the shelves above your desk with upright magazine files and sectioned drawer organizers. Use the drawer space for clothes, movies or food. A cascading file folder can hold papers for each of your classes and be hung from a hook next to your desk for easy access.
Milk It Up - Milk crates are great for storing everything, and can be stacked in a corner or fit neatly under your bed.
Though these tips prove invaluable to first-time college students moving to a traditional campus, many of these tips can be applied distance learners as well. Just because you are studying from the comfort of your own home does not mean organization can be neglected! All of these tips can be applied to students studying online looking for organization solutions to their school supplies, or even for work or home supplies!
Many of today’s most sought-after jobs are being snatched up by a variety of degree holders – and earning large salaries to boot. If you’re working in the field of e-commerce, special education, counseling studies, general psychology, or technology management, expect big paydays.
According to salary.com, people in the previously listed career fields and working in New York City can bring in the big bucks just as their base salaries! Whether you hold a graduate certificate or a PhD, you’ll be able to support yourself and your family and still have some extra income to put in savings or invest in that new stereo system you’ve been thinking about.
While certain factors such as degree level, position and job title within your company, experience and size of your organization can determine your salary, you can be guaranteed a big payout. Within a company of 25 to 100 employees, you can expect to make anywhere between the following:
Both Senate and House members, as well as college students, await President Bush's decision on the Higher Education Act. The act, which passed in the House 380 to 49 and the Senate by 83 to 8, includes an extended federal financial aid plan to help curtail the soaring costs of college tuition.
While many expect President Bush to sign the bill, White House spokesman Scott Stanzel states, "We will review the legislation to see how it addressed administration concerns during the conference process."
The bill aims to simplify federal financial aid forms, create a two-page FAFSA-EZ form, extend the availabilty of Pell grants year-round, as well as bans gifts and revenue-sharing between insitutions and lenders who offer students private and federal loans. Also, the new law requires publishers to sell unbundled versions of textbooks in order to save hundreds of dollars for students.