Category Archives: School

Feb28

Social Media Tips & Tricks

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Social Media Tips & Tricks

Hii everyone! Last week, I enjoyed spending some time at my old high school talking about lifewithlilred and social media with the students in the Theater Arts Career Academy (TACA). The TACA program was something that I attended back in the day and I still keep in touch with the wonderful teacher who was in charge of the program.

A few weeks ago, he posted a link to my blog on the TACA Facebook page, and I was so flattered! So, I offered to come in for a visit and teach the students about some social media dos and dont’s, especially since all of them are applying for colleges and part time jobs. I was also able to share information on initially setting up social media pages, including how to get sms online verification without using your main details to further protect your identity. We had a great discussion and some of the students even took notes, which I thought was so cute!

You can read some of the key points that we talked about below but, bear in mind, that I came up with these according to their age group. However, a lot of these tips apply to many, especially if they work in the world of freelance, like writing or theater! Let’s get to it:

No Partying, Please:

Ohhhhh my goodness. This one should go without saying, but I’ll repeat it again. If you are underage (And, frankly, even of age!), no one wants to see pictures of you getting wasted. No one wants to see pictures of the ten bag of weed you just bought. And, no one wants to hear your drunk Facebook babbles… Although, those can be pretty funny.

Employers and colleges, alike, are not keen on any of the above behaviors, because it all has the potential to reflect poorly on your work. And, if you think that employers and colleges aren’t checking your social media pages, then you are living under a rock. Maintaining a squeaky clean image is important for future successes and it all starts with your social media pages.

Stay Clear Of Controversy:

We are living in a politically charged world right now and so many people have the mindset that if your opinion is different, then you are an automatic enemy. Who’s to say that your future bosses and deans are going to be any different? This is not saying to not have an opinion but, if you are posting really radical points of view, you might be shooting yourself in the foot, so to speak.

I’ve heard from many friends who work with talent agencies that political and religiously driven posts are a no no if you are working for them. And, all posting that type of info does is create arguments on your page, laden with profanity and off color remarks. Do you really want that featured on your profile if people who could benefit your future are looking at it? Not so much.

If you absolutely must share your opinion, talk about it over coffee with your friends. Put it in an argumentative essay. Or, maybe join a debate club. But, social media is not the best place for it.

Spread Positive Gossip:

Spreading good news about yourself is far different from bragging, as long as you approach it properly. If you are proud of your volunteer project, invite your friends to join. If you nailed an audition for a play, let the people know! Sharing the good stuff that is happening to you is far better than being a Debbie Downer on your page.

And, I get it, the world is not sunshine, rainbows, and puppies. But, searching for the positive in a not so great situation shows that you have a great attitude, which is an asset to any business or college campus. An example that I gave for turning a negative post around, was when I was driving to school and I spilled my coffee on literally everything but my white shirt. I was pissed about my coffee but, how lucky was I that a crisp white shirt didn’t suffer an unfortunate stain?! It’s all about perspective, baby!

Pick The Right Profile Pic:

I think that it is so important to have a profile picture that is easily recognizable as you. And, by this, I mean that the picture should be the version of you that people are most likely to see if they run into you on the street. So, if you got glammed up for prom, that’s probably not your best choice. And, if you took a selfie while you were sick in bed, that isn’t a good option, either. Choose a picture that you would like future employers or professors seeing. And, always make sure that the picture is just of you. Nobody wants to guess who you are in a group photo!

I was happy with how receptive the students who I talked with were about these ideas. And, all of them agreed on these tips making sense, being helpful, and something that they could implement on their social media pages. I felt really proud of that and I am happy that I had the opportunity to spread some knowledge at my old school. 😀

What are some of your social media tips and tricks? What is your preferred social media platform? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov20

3 Things All College Students Should Know

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3 Things All College Students Should Know

Being in college is often painted as being one of the easier times in life, but anyone who has actually been there will know that it is quite the opposite. It is often very hard being a student in many different ways and wanting some advice or help is absolutely fair and not a sign of failure. If you are keen to try and improve your own college experience, you might want to look into some of the things that you can do to make sure that it is as easy and enjoyable as possible. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the things that all college students should know if they are to both enjoy college and get as much out of it as possible:

There Is Always Help To Be Had:

Because it’s usually your first time away from home, you will probably find that you end up feeling a little alone at some point or another. A big part of this is the sense that you can’t really do anything to be helped out, and that you need to suffer or struggle alone. However, this is not the case, and if you want to get ahead in college you will need to remember that there is always help to be had, no matter what. Whether you buy essays to help you out with your work or calling home for a friendly voice, it is worth bearing in mind, so make sure that you remember that as best as you can.

Grades Can Be Improved:

In most cases, you will get the chance to take mock exams and submit early drafts of essays before you actually finalize them, and that is an incredibly useful thing to be able to do. Knowing that your grades can essentially always be improved means that you can hope to reduce any anxiety you might have around your studies, and put a little less pressure on yourself to get it right the first time around. Grades can always be improved in time for them to matter, so don’t worry so much and instead just try to do your best whenever you can.

There is also plenty of help to be had if you are struggling with your grades. Study sessions and tutors are usually available on campus so you can get a better grasp of your classes. There is also lots of resources online like this student research guide as well as sites like Grammarly if you have a hard time proofreading essays and even YouTube videos to help break down difficult math equations. These are all wonderful tools so use them well!

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Study up!

Friends Are Sustenance:

If you don’t manage to make many friends, it is much less likely that you will have a great and useful time at college, so it is definitely something that you should try to do early on. Making friends is an important part of the whole experience for most people, and it’s something that everyone is perfectly capable of if they know how. If you feel that you sometimes struggle with this, you might want to think about some of the things you can do to ensure that you are going to be able to make more friends in the future, so that you can hope to enjoy college life all the more.

College, although stressful, is a fun and exciting time so use the tips above and make the most of it!

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May3

Duolingo Progress

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Duolingo Progress

Howdy! Thanks to everyone’s recommendations to me about the Duolingo app, I have been obsessed for close to two months now. For funsies, I finally completed their French program for an enjoyable review and to sharpen my skills. Although it was tedious, it was well worth the time and effort and it felt good to finish the lessons that I started for a language that I love.

I have now moved onto Duolingo’s Spanish program and have been working on it for the past week or so. Once I complete these lessons, Spanish will be the FOURTH language that I’m familiar with, which is pretty good for an American! I haven’t taken a Spanish course since grade school, which has been over a decade ago, and I am already pleased with the progress that I have made.

My only complaint about the Duolingo app is the new update, where there are now three levels to complete per topic. I wish that they just did more extensive training on the subjects rather than having to go back to each one twice more once you complete level one. Three levels means a really repetitive curriculum, which was confirmed when I tried some of the advanced French levels only to find that it was a lot of the same thing over again.

When people ask me my level of fluency in French, I always reply with “If you transported me to Paris right now, I am sure that I would get along fine”. So, I can’t say that I will complete the additional levels for it. However, if I feel the need, I will certainly go back and give it a go. Spanish, on the other hand, will probably require all three levels of training, as I am completely unfamiliar with the language – despite eight years of it in grade school!!

Which languages are you learning on the Duolingo app? How many languages do you know and how did you learn them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan15

Is Further Education Worth It?

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Is Further Education Worth It?

Going into further education after leaving school seems like the best option for many. At eighteen years old, you don’t know what you want to do. So instead of going full time at a job you despise and would love to bring down from the inside, you choose to pursue the highs and lows of university life.

But is it all worth it? Tuition fees have skyrocketed, and continue to raise, leaving graduates mired in debt. Furthermore, the jobs you wanted aren’t available, too many applicants, not enough positions. Was your three, four, or five years sitting hungover in lecture halls a waste of time?

Finances:

Paying for college is expensive and a student loan will ease a lot of money troubles when at university and websites like SoFi (read here) can help to find the best loan for you. While some choose to work while they study, there are others who don’t want to or can’t and will need to consider what financial shape they will be in upon graduating.

While there are national student debt relief programs available to help graduates through this, you should also consider other ways of paying off your loans. It is smart to begin paying back as soon as you graduate. Otherwise, you will find it hard to start prioritizing your debt when you need to pay for rent, food, and everything in between.

Keep in mind that there are less expensive alternatives to a full on university. Trade schools will give you all of the knowledge you need to start your career as soon as you graduate. Online schooling can also help cut costs. If that is something you are interested in, you can take a look online to See Learn Now IGCSE courses, or you can get in touch with one of your local community colleges.

Health:

You are allowed to let loose at college. If you aren’t there for the social side, then you will miss out big time on some priceless experiences. But doing this can cause your health to suffer in the long run. People get so into the party lifestyle that they can develop conditions such as alcoholism or nicotine addiction due to their actions while studying.

It’s hard to keep on top of your health; you eat what and when you can and many often suffer from the Freshman Fifteen when first starting. You have so much free time at university that it pays to get into good habits then and not try to repair the damage later. Furthermore, the stress that comes from student debt and deadlines can hurt your mental health, as well. However, universities will offer free counseling if you find yourself struggling to cope with the demands.

Career:

Studying something at university is supposed to set you up for entering a related career in the future. But how many people have you met who studied something, say marketing, and are still droning away behind a till?

It takes time to find the job that you want, and getting it straight out of university is unlikely, but now we are seeing people some five or more years in the future still working away at the same job they had in school. Some people have taken steps towards fixing this by retraining later in life to give them much-needed experience, without having to quit their job.

Or, it might be the case that you are looking to further your existing career and education is the way that you can do this. You can look into something like dod cysp if this is relevant to you such as if you are a whiz with computers and want to help the government to help you pay for your further education.

So, if you want to go to university, then go for it. This isn’t supposed to warn you off pursuing further education. But you know yourself, and you need to be aware of what the future may hold upon graduation. Most people who graduated will tell you that university is worth it, but not necessarily in the way that you might think.

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Dec27

Fitting Self-Improvement Into A Hectic Lifestyle

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Fitting Self-Improvement Into A Hectic Lifestyle

The new year provides us with the opportunity for a new start. This is perhaps why so many of us make vows and resolutions to change and become better people. Do you want to start going to therapy? Or you’re searching for Gyms in Wokingham, or nearby, to work on your fitness? Regardless of your resolution, you get to start a completely clean page. Moving on from the past events of the previous year and heading into a brighter future.

But if, like many of us, you have a relatively hectic and chaotic day to day routine, how are you supposed to fit grand ventures of self-improvement into the equation? Well, the good news is that with a little organization and forward thinking, the world is your oyster and endless opportunities abound! Here are just a few ways to become a more rounded being without throwing your already busy lifestyle into disarray:

Education:

Increasing numbers of people are returning to education at a later point in their lives. There are various reasons for this. Perhaps they want to boost their resume. Maybe they want to explore subject areas that they don’t have much previous experience in. They might even want to specialize their existing knowledge. Regardless of the reason, a return to education doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to commute to campuses, sit in extensive lectures, or attend group seminars. The increasing efficiency of the internet means that you can now engage in distance learning, AKA taking courses online. Take online msc in international accounting and finance, as an example. This course offers everything that a standard degree course would, but you can complete it from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to schedule your education around your existing responsibilities. Perfect!

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 Study up!

Exercise:

While it may seem like you’re run off your feet all day, chances are that you haven’t managed to schedule a proper workout for a little while. Though an exercise class at the gym or a quick circuit of the machines may only take half an hour or so, showering and changing afterwards and the commute back and forth to the gym itself can mean that you’re out of the house for hours at a time. Instead, why not try to exercise at home?

This means that you don’t have to spend time getting to the gym and you can work out before you’d usually shower in the morning or go to bed at night. While you may not have the same equipment or professional trainers at hand, there are several things you can do to ensure that you get your heart beating and energy flowing. Consider exercise apps with tutorials in yoga and Pilates, squats, planks, push ups, and sit ups. They will monitor your progress and give you a basic understanding of how to achieve certain positions or poses all straight from your phone.

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#werk

While education and exercise are just two methods of self-improvement, you can see that they can easily be incorporated into already busy lifestyles. Take the same reasoning and thinking to whatever it may be that you want to improve about yourself. You will see positive changes taking place in next to no time!

Dec22

Getting Educated And Qualified Without Quitting Your Day Job

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Getting Educated And Qualified Without Quitting Your Day Job

No matter if you’ve already passed your initial schooling phase in your teens or late adulthood, it is never too late to get educated. Studies show that a considerable chunk of people would like a career change of some sort, and branch off into something that they are more interested in. Sadly, that is not always possible without the correct qualifications or the know-how.

Fortunately, we live in a time where education does not always have to be a completely full-time ordeal. Now, more flexible schedules which allow you to still work at least part-time are more than realistic. Not only that, but you could go ahead and get yourself qualified with some short courses, which take a few weeks or months rather than several years of school. No matter which scenario might suit you more, both are just as feasible for the average person and can be arranged if you just take the correct steps forward:

Getting educated:

Due to the nature of the modern working world, it is not always possible for everyone to take a few years out from work to fully dedicate themselves to studying, while the rent goes unpaid. Working at least part-time is a necessity for a large majority of adults in most countries and, unless you are able to balance working and studying simultaneously, then chances are you won’t be able to indulge in the sweet enriching world of education.

Before you give up completely, you should at least check out the different schedules available, and get familiarized with the different timetables available to see if you could make it work somehow. Always wanted to become a doctor? Go ahead and check the medical school tuition fees, and see if it is something that you could feasibly get invested in. Feel like programming is something which you would like to do as a career? Go and see if you can find local computer science courses. The sky’s the limit, so get out there and start planning your future in a field that you are truly passionate about.

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Knowledge is power!

Short courses for busy people:

If getting involved in any sort of long-term education is a big red flag for you, then there are always shorter courses which still provide you with industry standard qualifications in various fields but take considerably less time to complete. Whether you want to learn how to play the guitar or find out how to publish books, there will be a course out there which will catch your eye.

A somewhat popular series of courses are provided by companies certified by Adobe themselves, which run training courses in the Adobe Creative Suite which can result in you getting the title of a “Adobe Certified Associate”. Not only does it sound prestigious, but it is just as useful as it sounds. Depending on what you are interested in, you can pick up some certificates for any program in the suite that is relevant to your interests. Whether you want to create websites with Adobe Dreamweaver or logos and illustrations with Adobe Illustrator, courses as short as one week could get you on the right path to becoming a full-fledged professional somewhere down the line.

It is never too late to start some type of further education. Gather information on your program, study hard, and reach for the stars!

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Dec8

A Perfect Match: How Education Can Fit Around Your Life

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A Perfect Match: How Education Can Fit Around Your Life

When you think back on your life, achievements that can really change your circumstances are some of the most important changes you can make. If you feel that you have more to give and would like to go back to college or start studying again, you can make it happen. With work and family commitments, many people write it off as a pipe dream. But with today’s flexible educations styles and virtual platforms, it doesn’t have to be a choice – you can fit your continuing education goals into your life. Studying for a degree while also having a career, especially if you work irregular hours, can certainly be a challenge, but putting a little thought into your approach can make it work.

Many institutions recognize that people are wanting to study later in life and have designed programs specifically for working adults. These are structured flexibly from purely online modules taken in your own time for some courses that involve a mix of virtual learning and physical seminars. Many are designed to complement an existing career, such as a bachelor of policing program designed for actively serving officers. Here’s how to get started:

Research Your Options Carefully:

Choosing the right program for you is much more of a considered decision when it needs to fit around your life, so make sure that you do plenty of research to find the right provider for your individual needs. If you have existing college credits, some programs will take that into account, allowing you to graduate faster. If you don’t have the capacity to travel, a degree delivered via online learning is a good choice. Hundreds of universities now offer bachelor and graduate degrees in subjects like public administration, criminal justice, and management skills. Or if you feel you want some in-person contact, try a hybrid degree that combines online with sessions of traditional classroom learning across evenings and weekends.

Work Out A Sustainable Schedule:

Studying can be a big time commitment, so the key to making it work alongside a job and a busy life is being strict on scheduling. Plan all your classes and study hours alongside household commitments, working hours, and time to spend with family and friends – all of these areas are important. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members to collect kids from school, prepare meals, or help around the house. You have to be organized to make all these elements work together so plan in advance and batch-make meals to fill up the freezer.

If work commitments get intense, don’t be afraid to speak to your degree supervisor about adjusting your study plan to avoid conflicts if necessary. Take full advantage of any study resources offered, as well. Most places have academic centers to help make your study skills better. Also be sure to use study groups to connect with fellow students and share tips and coping strategies. Make sure that you have a quiet space to study when it comes time, and don’t allow outside distractions to pull you off course. The trick is to give 100% to whatever you’re doing at that time, and try to shut the rest out.

It’s never too late to begin a new career, and with constant advances in classroom technology, there is no time like the present to start!

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Dec1

Why You Should Encourage Your Kids To Study Abroad

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Why You Should Encourage Your Kids To Study Abroad

There are lots of reasons parents should encourage their children to study abroad. This article will offer an insight into the situation and help to identify all of the benefits. Hopefully, this post will answer your questions and highlight all the reasons your loved ones should travel for their education:

Learning about a new culture:

One of the best things about studying abroad is that your kids will experience a new culture first hand. This should help to turn them into well-rounded individuals with empathy for alternative ways of life. It could even encourage your child to adopt parts of the culture themselves.

Meeting a varied group of friends:

It’s vital that everyone has a varied group of friends if they want to understand the world with a better perception. Studying abroad could help to knock down some of the barriers that might prevent your loved one from following things that happen around the world while ignoring propaganda.

Getting a better level of education:

There is no getting away from the fact that some universities and colleges in foreign countries perform better than those at home. So, by sending your kids abroad; you could ensure that they get the best education possible.

Now that you know about some of the main reasons why you should encourage your kids to study abroad; it’s time to research schools and universities in some of the most popular locations. Put a plan in place as early as possible because there are many things to consider when putting your child on a plane to a new country.


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Sep28

Can I Trust My College With My Student Loans?

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Can I Trust My College With My Student Loans?

Congrats! You’re going to college. All of those years of studying hard and living at home have finally paid off. Within a couple of months, the bags and boxes will be full and you’ll be ready to meet your roommate. What a time to be alive (lol). Well, it is as long as you make it that far. If there is one thing that we know about higher education, it’s the price. According to The Economist, the average student loan debt is $37,172. It doesn’t matter how many weekend jobs you have because you ain’t going to save that money.

So, this is where the government comes in handy and finally pulls its weight and lends you the money. And, you gladly hand it over to the college of your choice without a second thought. Wait a minute, though. What if that was a mistake? These are the signs that you can trust a college with your student loan, because things can go south very quickly:

Retail Price:

Career coaches won’t tell you to do this, but what’s the point of being a teenager if you aren’t going to rebel (YOLO.)? Think of a college like property. Before you make an offer, the savvy thing to do is check the prices throughout the neighborhood. That way, no one gets conned over the price. Universities are the same because they will try and charge extra for a course which is no different to its competitors. They might have an “excuse”, but it has to be a good one. As a rule, the majority of the courses throughout the major colleges are the same, barring a feature or two. An establishment that is trying to milk you for as much as possible isn’t a trustworthy one.

The Paper Trail:

The foundations of a con doesn’t change from the bottom to the very top. Whether you’re dealing with a petty criminal or a rogue college, they all require trust. Not to be cynical, but keep your cards close to your chest. Again, not something a counselor would advocate, yet an important piece of advice, nonetheless. Fake unis and colleges attempting to improve their bottom line act like butter wouldn’t melt. So, the idea of education fraud doesn’t even appear on a potential student’s radar, not unless it’s on Call of Duty. However, it’s a problem which is impacting the school systems around the world. The good news, is that a receipt of payment is a simple fix. I know you wanted something a bit more James Bondish, but there are no fancy gadgets here. Nope, it’s just a piece of paper with the time, date, and a total amount.

Their Reputation:

Universities aren’t exempt from the rumor mill. Whether it’s Oxford and Harvard or a community college, campus gossip is something that you shouldn’t always take with a grain of salt. There will always be rumors and experiences from previous students. If you hear anything that sounds sketchy in the murky underworld that is higher education, don’t be afraid to investigate. A little piece of gossip can be the difference between tens of thousands of good debt, and a fraud case.

Keep in mind that all colleges aren’t the beacon of morality of which they claim. Some are dishonest and unreliable, plain and simple. Do your research, because your student loans are going to impact you until you finally pay them off.

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Sep27

Why It Is Never Too Late For School

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Why It Is Never Too Late For School

The initial decision to forgo post-secondary education does not have to spell doom for your aspirations in the long term. Of course, having a day job, family, and other obligations makes it hard for people to fit college into the picture. However, where there is a will, there is certainly a way. Do not let anything weigh you down and inhibit your dreams. You are not alone, either, as an increasing number of people are giving academic life another chance. No matter what stage of life you are in do not rule out school just yet: Education has no expiration date.

Getting back on track:

Fear and uncertainty are perhaps two of the most common factors that hold people back. Yes, studying is a huge commitment, but it does not matter that you didn’t start right away. It is much better to make your way to the finish line late than never. Moreover, being an independent adult can have its advantages. In all likelihood, you are in a better position to bear the financial burden of education and fund the studies. It might be possible to even entice your employer to cover the costs.

The list of reasons to go to the party late goes on. Nowadays, with advances in modern technology, you have more options than ever before. A vast ocean of information and education resources lies right at your fingertips. You have a chance to take advantage of online lessons, tutorials, and courses. Even prime, world-renowned universities offer such opportunities to people across the globe. If classes online or in person make you nervous, you can also always hire a private tutor to play it safe and sound.

Do not miss a thing:

Furthermore, many successful professionals have that sense of reaching a point where just focusing on the career does not cut it. After all, college graduates tend to have a higher income and access to better career opportunities compared to those without a degree. Most employers seek individuals who are well-qualified and possess expertise in a certain field. What is more, the pay gap is only getting bigger and bigger.

Getting into college is also a great way to expand your skill list. Critical thinking, analytical capability, problem-solving, community service – all of which look amazing on your resume. These skills enable you to set yourself apart from the crowd in the job market, land a promotion, and get a foot in the door. It also helps that you network with colleagues and professors. Thus, with a degree, older workers find it much easier to compete with the ambitions of a digital generation.

But, greater financial stability is not the only reason to consider school. Namely, years of intensive learning and research are no cakewalk, but studying can be a pleasurable and fulfilling experience. You are also able to gain a sense of self-validation and actualization as you meet loads of new people and soak in new ideas and knowledge. Your brain enters full-swing mode and you feel the inner curiosity being awakened. It is (Almost!) always preferable to give school the old college try than to deal with constantly feeling like you’re missing out.

Give it a go:

Furthering your education could be the driving force behind a positive change. So, if you feel higher education is right for you, show initiative and perseverance and do not shy away from taking the plunge. Pave your own path to success and do not just let the chips fall where they may. Improve your employability and advance up the career ladder quicker. As you embark on the journey of self-empowerment and personal growth, you will witness the benefits spilling over to all areas of life.

As someone who went to college later, I can testify to all of the above. But, of course, college is not always right for everyone – and that’s okay!! The option is there, and it is up to you to see how it fits (or doesn’t) in your lifestyle.

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