What do students want?

In my teaching experience I have learned that the majority of students want...

1. Rules and consequences (structure)

2. Respect

3. Attention (praise/recognition)

4. Knowledge

Those four things need to be present at all times otherwise they will not be great students. If there is no rules they will be  a behavior  problem, if you do not respect them they will not respect you, if you do not care for them they will not care for you, and if you do not teach them then why are you a teacher? 

First day of the school year

I have learned that the first day of school as a teacher will be the easiest day of the entire school year. Students will never be as attentive as the first day. Students will never be as quiet and coperative as the first day. Why? well because they like you are nervous and do not know what to expect. They might not like what they hear but they will not say anything. Until they feel comfortable and that will take some time like a day :) if you are unlucky maybe less. Therefore I have learned is very important to go over your rules and consequences so they know. Most important enjoy your first day.

Getting the first symptoms of a cold

We can all tell when we are getting a cold but by now we all know that there is no cure for them just treatments. So here are some of the things that I do when I start getting the symptoms to prevent getting worst and avoid a doctor's visit.

1. Drink a lot of water.
2. Take Vitamin C or drink a lot of orange juice.
3. Eat healthy avoid the greasy food for at least a week.
4. Rest and Rest.

Life is not fair

Life is not fair; but it makes you stronger. And then you die. So remember to enjoy every minute of it no matter what.

We all know by now that life is not fair. We never get what we deserve. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. But life has taught me I that it does not matter how many times you fall what matters is that you are still alive;  So you can keep fighting for what you want and deserve in life.

My life experiences have taught me to never give up. Fight for what you want. Be positive. Be grateful and just be happy for what you have.

 

Decisions

When we are young we are full of dreams and we think we can achieve anything or everything but along the way we realize that life

 "...it's not always rainbows and butterflies. It's compromise that moves as along..." Maroon 5 "She Will Be Loved" Lyrics.

Even though this song talks about something else I still feel that is how life is in general.
We all want health, love, money and happiness in our lives but sometimes we cannot have it all at the same time; we need to make sacrifices. Life has taught me that when life changing decisions come along you need to look at the pros and cons, before making any decision. Take some time to think about the consequences, before you decide. And even though, sometimes decisions do not turn out to be as great as you hoped. You will know that was the best decision at the time.

Take the bus in LA

Although, I drive now, there was a time when I took the bus everywhere. I would take the bus to school, to the mall, and to run errands. During that time learned many things about taking the bus, one being that is not as scary, unsafe or unreliable like many people think.  Public transportation is not perfect but it can be fun, safe and reliable. Second, in Los Angeles there are two main bus lines the Metro and Foothill transit and they both use the tap card system. Third, you can actually take the bus to go anywhere in Los Angeles and most important is cheaper than driving yourself.

The following are five tips to take into consideration when using the bus:
1. The bus will never be on time so plan for it.
2. Now all buses including subways use the Tap card system.
3. Do not fall asleep nobody will wake you up.
4. Sit in front of the bus is safer and keeps you alert.
5. Be alert most likely nothing bad will ever happen to you in the bus, but be alert. Make sure you do not leave anything in the bus before you get off.

Five tips to survive graduate school

Applying for graduate school can be tough and time consuming but once you’re in it can get harder. I am half way my Master' program and I would like to share some tips on how to survive your first year of graduate school.

1. Take advantage of your professors because most likely they are most knowledgeable people in your area of academics. Make sure you visit them and ask as many questions about everything, but do not exaggerate. Do not forget they are the most likely to provide letters of recommendations for future employment. 

2. Do not procrastinate graduate school is not the same as undergraduate where you could do assignments the night before and still get a decent grade. Graduate school is not about getting good grades is more about learning. You actually need to learn you material not just memorize, since you will most likely need that knowledge throughout your graduate school and beyond.

3. Be ready to read and take initiative because there is no one to hold your hand like in your undergraduate education. You need to actually read the assignments prior to class and become an expert.

4. Get organize and manage your time wisely. You need to make sure you have time for school, work, friends and family. You should create a schedule for the first two weeks and make changes as you see it fits.  

5. Do not forget about yourself. Most of you are managing work, classes, homework and family and you tend to forget about yourself. I will suggest pampering yourself and this is different from having fun with friends and family. This is taking a 30 minutes nap, going to a spa, taking a long bath, or going for a jog. Go for something that reduces your stress and takes your mind off responsibilities for at least 30 minutes a week.