Category Archives: School

Aug27

Bestie Bracelets

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Bestie Bracelets

Hello!!! My two nieces are my A1 besties and Johnny and I adore being their aunt and uncle. One recently celebrated her second birthday and the other is off to kindergarten and I’m ready for them to stop growing any time now! During my last trip to TJMaxx, I wanted to pick up a few “starting school” treats so little lady could have gifts to open while her sister celebrated her birthday. I got her some fun hair accessories, a nail polish kit, and best friends bracelets. I was hoping she would give me one of them because it was inspired by something my mom did for me when I started school. She did and I proudly wear my half of the Bestie Bracelets every day:

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As a new kindergartner, I missed my mom terribly. To help ease that transition, my mom gave me a locket with a picture of us in it. She told me that I should open the locket every time I missed her and I made great use of it and still have it to this day. Johnny’s mom did something similar. She gave him a drawing of a clock with the time that she would pick him up and he was better able to measure the time when he would see her again. This is exactly why I gave my niece our BFF bracelets – so if she ever needed a hug from her TT at school, all she would have to do is look at her bracelet and know how much I love her. Honestly, my bracelet is going to help me too because I am going to miss her SO much while she is at school!

If you have kiddos or lil besties that are about to start their school year, I cannot recommend doing something like this enough. It’s such a simple but effective gesture in combating that back to school angst. It is also something that will be forever remembered. Johnny and I are in our thirties and still think about how our moms gave us something tangible to hold onto when we began kindergarten! Whatever you choose for your little will be cherished and it is definitely worth giving it a try as they start their big adventure. ❤

I am so excited to see how much my niece learns and grows this year and I am so happy that we have Bestie Bracelets together. This proud TT is going to need it, without a doubt!

Did you like going to school? (I sure didn’t lol) What was your favorite subject? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul23

How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

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How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

Mastering a new language isn’t just about ordering a coffee in Paris without pointing wildly at the menu or watching anime without subtitles. It’s an exhilarating adventure in self-improvement that stretches the boundaries of your mind and heart. It’s about connecting with people in a way that transcends the typical tourist experience, and yes, it’s also about feeling ridiculously proud of yourself when you finally understand what that fast-talking Spanish soap opera character is plotting.

Of course, it’s also great to be able to drop in on people who are speaking the language you know or even reading a manga that hasn’t been translated into English. There are so many benefits, but the biggest one is how it changes you. Here’s what you need to know and why learning a new language can be one of the best decisions you can make:

It’s About Breaking Down Mental Barriers:

Learning a new language is a fantastic workout for your brain. It’s like taking your neurons to the gym. Not only are you memorizing vocabulary and grappling with grammar that sometimes feels like it was designed to be as confusing as possible, but you’re also training your brain to switch between different systems of speech and thought. This mental flexibility is a superpower in its own right. For example, if you’re taking beginner Chinese reading classes, you have to think pretty hard and stimulate your brain. Your brain has to think more, so it’s getting stronger. You’ll be able to learn easier with time, understand better in time, and become mentally sharper as well.

Cultivating Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity:

Beyond the cognitive fireworks, learning a new language is a deep dive into another culture. You have to understand that words are the keys to unlocking how people think, laugh, and live. Each new word you learn is a glimpse into the values, humor, and essence of another community. This isn’t just educational; it’s a form of connecting on a human level that can profoundly alter how you see the world.

Here’s a great example: when you learn Japanese, you’re not just learning vocabulary. You’re learning concepts like “wa” (harmony) and “omotenashi” (hospitality), which are central to Japanese culture. It’s the same for Dutch, their culture is very direct, and in their language a lot of words and phrases are blunt too (it’s hard to sugar coat things in Dutch like you can in English). Overall, understanding these concepts can change how you interact with others, making you more considerate and aware of the subtleties of social interaction.

Enhancing Personal and Professional Opportunities:

We can’t forget the practical perks! Speaking a second (or third or fourth) language can open up incredible career opportunities. In our globalized world, companies are always on the lookout for individuals who can navigate different cultures and languages. Whether it’s closing deals in China, managing a project in Mexico, or helping solve a customer’s problem in French, each language you learn adds a unique string to your career bow.

With so many amazing language learning apps and programs available, adding a new language to your arsenal has never been more accessible. Give it a try and enjoy!

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Jul19

Why You Should Get Your Kids A Tutor

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Why You Should Get Your Kids A Tutor

The idea of hiring a tutor for your child may seem like a questionable expense when they go to school all day. However, if your child is struggling at school to keep up or they have asked you for extra help, then getting a tutor is a great idea. It may seem like a luxury to have, but in today’s fast pace of education, sometimes you need to slow down a little and give your child the extra support that they need. Today’s tutors and tutoring programs such as the TSI placement math preparation program, can make a big difference to your child’s education. If you’re still on the fence about it, take a look at this list of positive reasons that you should say yes to hiring a tutor:

Tutors will be one on one with your child:

Tutors have the ability to give that personal attention that your child needs. Rather than feel lost in the classroom trying to answer questions and understand the concept that’s moving too quickly, your tutor could keep your child focused on the task at hand and answer any questions directly.

They can support a specific area of weakness:

Some people choose to hire specifically math tutors or English tutors because they know that their child is struggling in a particular area. Bringing grades up to scratch is so much easier if they have a tutor to help them concentrate on those subjects that they are struggling with.

Your child can grow their confidence:

Oftentimes, pupils with a tutor do not feel as self-conscious about asking for help in their subject areas that need further explanation. There’s no need to feel self-conscious because they have somebody who can help them understand at the level they are at.

It’s easier to absorb skill based learning:

Every skill can be learned, and tutors will check for understanding as they go and use practical explanations and demonstrations to help. Repetition can help students to grasp concepts easier, and when it’s in a one to one model, there’s less classroom noise and more concentration.

You can boost their existing skills and talents:

Maybe your child is already doing really well at school. Tutors are still valuable in these cases because they’ll know the potential, and they’ll know that increasing your child’s potential can improve their level of learning. The same goes for talents. Children with exceptional talent in certain learning areas can have a tutor to encourage that specific area. For example having a tutor to help learn to play the piano or grasp mathematical concepts that are a little bit above their grade is going to help them to feel more excited about learning and doing more.

Back to school is almost here and it’s important to think about how your child can succeed academically this year. A tutor can be a huge help!

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Jan18

Homeschool More Effectively With These Tips

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Homeschool More Effectively With These Tips

If you are a homeschool parent, you want to make sure that you are teaching your children effectively. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this because each child is different. However, there are some general tips that can help you get started. This blog post will discuss four of the most important things to keep in mind when teaching your children at home:

Get organized:

It’s easy for materials to pile up and become overwhelming so it’s important to keep organized. Start by designating specific areas for studying and doing work, like a desk or table. Have all of your materials easily accessible and labeled properly so both you and your children can find what they need quickly. Take the time to plan out your lessons and activities beforehand to save yourself stress later on. Having a set routine can help keep everyone on track and make things run more smoothly.

It’s also important to have an organized system in place for keeping track of grades, tests, and other educational milestones. Create a folder or binder specifically for each child which should include assignment instructions, worksheets, quizzes, graded papers, etc., as well as notes about topics covered in class or any additional resources that you may need throughout the year. Set aside time each week to review the progress of each student – this will help you to identify any areas where improvement is needed and adjust accordingly.

Allow flexibility:

Flexibility is key when it comes to homeschooling. You should give your children the freedom to explore their own interests and learn in different ways. Try incorporating activities that appeal to each child’s unique learning style like hands-on projects or field trips for more tactile learners. Consider allowing independent study time where your kids can pursue topics of interest on their own – this will help them stay engaged and motivated in their studies.

Make lessons engaging:

When teaching at home, make sure to keep things interesting! Use a variety of teaching methods such as videos, games, books, and even music to liven up traditional lectures and make learning more enjoyable. You can also incorporate real-world experiences and visits to museums or other educational sites as this will help your children make connections between what they are learning and the world around them.

Utilize technology:

Technology has made homeschooling much easier! There are so many great educational apps like ABCmouse as well as websites and online tools that you can use to supplement lessons and make teaching more efficient. Take advantage of these resources because they can provide a wealth of information while making learning fun.

Daniel Swersky has talked extensively about how educational technology is changing the course of learning. As a homeschooler, you want to ensure you’re adapting and keeping up with the changing environment and learning methods of a modern-day classroom.

Homeschooling is a unique and rewarding experience. With the right strategies and resources, you can teach your children effectively while also creating an enjoyable learning environment!

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Jun15

Starting Your Own Yoga Studio? Check Out These Tips!

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Starting Your Own Yoga Studio? Check Out These Tips!

Starting your own yoga studio can be amazing. You will be in charge of creating a space that is inviting, will help people on their wellness journey, and can become a sanctuary away from the ills of the world. It is not an easy feat to open your own studio, but with the proper plan, you can do it and you can do it well:

Become An Instructor:

If you are not already, become a yoga instructor so that you can lead some of the classes and work with your clients in-person one on one. By taking a 200 hour yoga teacher training course, you can become an instructor and fully understand the art of yoga and how it can transform lives. Once you have enough time under your belt creating your own flow and way of practicing yoga, you will then be ready to open up your own studio where you can share what you have learned with others.

What Kind of Yoga Are You Practicing?

With all that you have learned, what practice are you sharing with the world? Is it vinyasa, ashtanga, or bikram? This will determine what kind of client base you are going to attract. Younger, more serious yoga students may want to do ashtanga. Vinyasa is more gentle for older clients, while the heat of bikram requires your studio to have different technology.

The kind of practice you are going to advertise will enable you to know who is going to walk through that door and what you need to do to make them feel welcome and at home.

Build a Great Team:

Because you know what yoga you are practicing, that means you know what kind of instructor you need to hire. This will help you narrow down your search and you can start to build a team that is going to make your studio the best. You will know what skill set you are looking for and what kind of experience you want to bring into your studio.

Where Are You Going to Open?

When you have the team in place, the yoga practice in place, and your vision is clear, you can then determine what is the best place to open your studio. Do you want a smaller, more intimate setting? Or a large one with multiple classes happening at once? The clearer the vision the better because it can be a daunting task to research and visit every location if you haven’t narrowed it down.

Creating a space that helps people improve their lives is a formidable goal. A yoga studio often feels like a home away from home for those who practice and your decisions will make that into a reality!

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Jan18

Helping Your Child Choose The Right College 

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Helping Your Child Choose The Right College 

Going to college can be one of the biggest and most exciting things for you and your child, but when it comes to choosing the right one? It can be a challenge, to say the least. College doesn’t suit everyone, and not every college will suit every person, either. Many colleges offer different clubs, opportunities, career pathways, and support. Scholarships, grants, and other funding will also vary from school to school.

So how can you make sure that your child finds the best place for them? One of the easiest ways is to see what others say about it. For instance, it’s a good idea to read Alpine Academy Utah reviews or other colleges to get excited about what they offer. Read on to find out more:

Career goals:

One of the most important things to know about the colleges in question is if it supports your child’s eventual career goals. While many colleges have prestigious reputations, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be the right place. Educational institutions like Rockford Career College often offer a clearer view of career prospects after graduation. You have to work with your teenager to figure out what they want. If they idolize people like Travis Preston CalArts, then it makes sense that they head to places they feel like they’re going to learn. Helping your child to fulfill their goals is exactly what you should be doing and enhancing their career will be an important step in the right direction.

Applications:

After you have created your shortlist, it is time to apply. Make sure that you have all of the paperwork that will be required. The application packs should have all of the information you need about costs. It can also be a good idea to discuss if your child should stay at home while they study or how accommodation might look if the commute is too long.

Be sure to spread the application process over a few days so that you and your child don’t get tired. Each one needs to be as good as possible.

Visiting:

Traveling to visit all of the universities can be an expensive endeavor, but it is essential. This means that you and your child will have a good idea of how it is situated, the student body, and even speak to some teachers. It is vital to find somewhere that your child feels comfortable – it is often obvious where they feel the most at home and which establishment sparks the most joy.

Practical:

It is often our biggest hope that they will get into a prestigious school on a full scholarship and be happy. But this doesn’t always work out. It might be due to grades; it could be because of financial situations or distance. When you first start browsing all of the options, practical things are up for discussion too. It isn’t about quashing dreams but tackling some things on a reasonable level. Ensure that each application they send is somewhere that they will be happy to go and that it makes practical sense in terms of their situation.

When your child is getting ready to leave for college, it is a big thing for everyone. You might have some hesitations about them leaving the nest, but you must move into a supportive role. College is often one of the first times that older children are allowed to spread their wings and see what truly makes them happy.

Arming them with knowledge and support is a must, so here is a great post that can help: 3 Things All College Students Should Know | lifewithlilred.

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Dec3

4 Steps To More Success: Helping Your Children Learn From Home

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4 Steps To More Success: Helping Your Children Learn From Home

As a parent, tutoring is automatically an additional responsibility once your kids are school age. Whether you are helping with homework or teaching them how to do basic research, you are engaging in some form of tutoring. With the COVID-19 pandemic still a real threat, many parents have taken on tutoring their kids full-time to keep up with the schoolwork they may be missing. Other parents have decided to co-tutor with teachers online using the various available technologies. This is the best time for you to step up your game as a tutor so keep on reading for our tips to help you improve:

Incorporate technology:

Technology is driving education, and you must find ways to incorporate it into your teaching. Students of all ages now have access to at least a mobile phone or a laptop – even if it belongs to their parents. There are tons of apps out there that can help you to deliver any conceivable topic from history, science, math, and English tutoring, the choice is yours. You can use these apps for your professional development or you may be able to introduce these apps to your kids as a fun way to learn and explore the subject area.

Prior to teaching your child, you should hop on the computer yourself. You can’t expect your student to get a grasp on the information if you don’t! You can look up everything from teaching methods and lesson plans to American history books for high school. There are plenty of resources to help you in your new role of assisting in at home learning.

There are tons of apps out there that can help you to deliver any conceivable topic from history, science, math, and English tutoring, the choice is yours. For example, innovative educational tools like Age of Learning ride on the back of technology to deliver comprehensive and engaging content for kids no matter where they are. These helpful online resources provide a wealth of information you can use to support your child’s education at home. Indeed, technology has transformed the face of education, providing several benefits. If you are determined to provide the best learning tools, consider exploring beyond physical books and assignments.

Be adaptable:

No two students are the same, so you must be adaptable and quick to realize your child’s learning style. Find a method that he or she identifies with and use that to teach them to increase their participation. Some students prefer to know the subject matter and prepare before the actual class. Others learn best when the teaching is interlaced with some activities that improve their retention. Another thing to improve upon is speaking in terms that will be understood and always encouraging questions when things aren’t clear.

Be patient:

Patience is key to understanding your child and finding ways to make learning easier and more fun for them. While some students are quick to understand certain concepts, others are not. Do not get flustered or impatient. Instead, take your time to explain and break down the idea so that they can grasp it. Other students have problems with retention, and this is quite common. If you do have a student that struggles with information retention, employ the use of memory retention techniques such as mind maps and acronyms, which can be helpful in such a situation.

Remember that at home learning is new for both yourself and your children. Take some time during the day for much needed breaks if you find your patience wearing thin. Break up the day with a snack, free time so your child can read some educational books for teens, or cell phone time to keep things running smoothly.

Seek your child’s feedback:

If your child is struggling, ask for their feedback on what you can do to make things easier. It could be that he or she is not learning in a style that best suits them. Ask them how they feel about your teaching style or approach to a topic when you are helping with homework. You can also ask them how you can make the lessons more exciting or beneficial to them. This will help you improve your teaching methods while giving your kids the opportunity to voice their feelings and have a hands on experience with their education.

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2020 has brought parents directly into the classroom with at home learning. Help them be successful with the tips above!

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Nov19

4 Unusual Benefits Of Learning From Home For Kids

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4 Unusual Benefits Of Learning From Home For Kids

Earlier in the year, schools around the world closed their doors for many months. At the same time, teaching still moved forward and kids still learned. It was all done at home, and there’s every chance we’ll see this again in the future. Nobody really knows what will happen with COVID in the next few months/years, but you could also look ahead to the distant future. Who knows, learning from home might be the common thing in ten years!

Anyway, you might worry about kids not being in school, but there are actually a few benefits of learning from home like the following:

You get to monitor their work:

When your child is in school, you have to assume they’re paying attention in lessons. You put blind faith in the idea that they are working hard at all times. Realistically, this could be far from the truth and they might mess around a lot. But, if they learn from home, you can monitor their progress. You can check that they’re paying attention and being a good student. Effectively, you make sure they do the school work and actually learn while in class!

They develop better computer skills:

All schools will have a system in place where children can speak to teachers as they learn from home. Typically, this is some kind of cloud based teaching software. As such, your children spend a lot of time working on a computer and using different applications. In this day and age, that can be extremely beneficial. They develop better computer skills, setting them up for better job prospects. You pretty much need to be a computer expert if you want a job in the next decade or so. So, while face-to-face learning may be better in some aspects, studying via a computer doesn’t come without its strengths.

In this day and age, kids learning from home can be extremely beneficial. They develop better computer skills, setting them up for better job prospects. In today’s technological world, numerous digital educational resources can be accessed via a computer, tablet, or other smart device. It explains why platforms like Age of Learning are excellent channels for children to learn while enhancing their computer skills. As your young ones become more proficient in computer usage, they can easily access other learning tools designed with similar programs.

Much better school lunches:

Let’s be honest, school lunches are terrible. They might be good in some schools, but they generally reach a very low standard. By learning from home, your child will have access to the entire kitchen – and your cooking. Therefore, you can make them a much better and more nutritious school lunch. This will definitely help fuel them for the rest of the day.

Fewer distractions and more help:

Your child has fewer distractions when they’re learning from home. This is mainly because they have no classmates causing disruptions. As a consequence, they might be able to focus and get through their work a lot quicker. Plus, the other benefit of not being in a classroom is that they can get more help. If they struggle with something, they can ask you for assistance. There’s no need to wait for the teacher to help twenty other kids before eventually getting to them!

See, learning from home isn’t as bad as you might think. So, you shouldn’t worry if schools close again, and your child is back in this situation. Like everything in life, it’s all about finding the positives out of a negative situation. 

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Oct26

Making Sure Your Children Get The Best Education

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Making Sure Your Children Get The Best Education

The responsibilities you take on when you become a parent seems almost endless, and it can often be hard to keep up with their various needs and demands. One area which you may believe needs little intervention is their education, as many parents feel relief dropping their child off at school, knowing they’re in ‘good hands’. This isn’t always the case, and your child should not have to struggle through their education all alone with nowhere to turn for support or guidance besides their teachers, who are commonly too busy to help.

We will be discussing further what you can do to assist your child in their education. However, if you feel like their school is truly lacking what your child needs it doesn’t hurt to shop around! Resources like School Guide helps you compare schools to see which options suit your child best. You can also schedule an appointment with their guidance counselor for any additional advice.

Ensuring your child can get the best education needn’t be difficult, as there are a few key areas in which you can focus your efforts to encourage them to thrive. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips and tricks that you can make the most of today:

Make Things Fun:

One big issue that mainstream education can’t seem to overcome is the fact that learning must be fun. Children will never develop an interest in the topic that they are being taught unless they are somehow inspired by the process, as their imagination is at its peak during early school age and this should be taken into consideration. Turning learning into a game is such a great way to motivate your little ones to get more involved with schoolwork. You could even make learning feel like playtime with kits from KinderLab Robotics, engaging science experiments, and taking the lesson outdoors to explore nature. Getting crafty is also a super immersive tool as well as just being a blast!

Create a kind of reward board for school homework and extracurricular activities that can fill up with gold stars as your children progress, as this is a great fun way to keep them interested and motivated. Rather than simply sitting around the table to complete homework on a sheet of paper, incorporate other materials into the mix which can help them to visualize – this is especially good for mathematics, as things like playtime building blocks can be a great representation for counting and other simple maths.

Explore Alternative Methods:

Many education facilities simply don’t provide their students with enough teachers and resources to inspire them to truly thrive, so it’s a good idea to explore a few alternative or additional methods that might be of benefit. There are many extracurricular activities that your child can explore, from exciting STEM clubs that take part in cool experiments to platforms which offer online resources that can be utilized by you at home! Alternative home schooling is constantly growing in popularity, and this added interest is allowing for continued investment into fun opportunities that your children can make the most of.

If you are exploring homeschooling as an option for your child’s education, then it’s important to make sure that you are utilizing the right tools. For instance, you might want to consider using platforms available from companies like Age of Learning that give you everything you need to help your children grow their knowledge and skills in various subjects. 

Help Them To Understand:

What a lot of people don’t realize is that if you sit down with the kids and talk to them about why certain things are important, they are more likely so be responsive. For example, if you give them a list of reasons why you should study math, they will be able to understand the importance surrounding it a little more. Kids tend to shy away from the things that they don’t understand, especially if they think that it’s not something important for them to know. Work with them to help them understand, and they are going to get more out of their education than ever before.

Help your children continue to blossom in their education with the tips above. You can maintain ultimate peace of mind that they are receiving all of the help they need and you will bond as you play a bigger role in their school experience.

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Sep25

Are You A Science Person?

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Are You A Science Person?

The power of narrative in our lives is quite extraordinary. For instance, have you ever heard somebody say that they’re not “a cat person?” On the face of it, it seems like they’re saying that they don’t like cats. But when you dig a little deeper, it turns out that they are trying to describe their minds to you. “Cat person” has all sorts of connotations that go well beyond traditional preferences.

The same goes for when people say that they’re “practical,” “analytical,” or “intellectual.” It’s more about their identity than any particular facts of the matter. But here’s an annoying truth: we’re all general-purpose thinking machines. A human can do an enormous variety of tasks, from change a nappy to write a symphony. And this suggests that we’re harder to typecast than we imagine.

It’s just not true, for instance, to say that certain people are “social people” or “spiritual people”. We all have these capacities so long as we allow ourselves to access them. Let’s take a look at another example:

Are you a science person?

Nowhere is this mode of thinking more evident than when people talk about the type of academic they are. From an early age, students get the sense that they are “artistic” or “scientific,” and then they tend to run with it for the rest of their lives.

How many times have you heard people say, “I was never good at science at school”? Usually, this isn’t just a statement of fact, but also one of mind. The person saying it genuinely believes that there is some defect in their brain that gets in the way of their understanding of the material, preventing them from ever exploring it fully.

There’s probably no fundamental reason why they couldn’t complete a master of science in engineering management or a foundational physics degree. It’s just that they have this belief that they can’t. It becomes a part of their identity.

These kinds of thoughts are painfully self-limiting. People who engage in them are denying themselves valuable experiences and education that they could have. For instance, learning about engineering could provide them with the skills to figure out whether a project is viable or not. Learning chemistry and biology could help you with environmental projects, like changing single-use plastics to biodegradable SciQuip gloves. Knowing about mathematics could allow them to understand scientific papers or other insights from the academic literature and so on and so forth.

Typecasting people is generally a bad idea. But doing it to yourself is arguably worse because you’re placing arbitrary limits on what you can do. If you don’t believe you can do science, you’ll never get into the science field, and you’ll never get to experience that aspect of life. And that’s a shame.

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Perhaps there are brain differences between people who are great at science and those who aren’t. Maybe Einstein really did have more grey matter between his ears to solve complex problems than the rest of us. But that doesn’t mean that the science parts of your mind are somehow atrophied compared to the norm. Just like everything in life, doing great science requires practice.

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