Are Private Home School And Private Tutoring Tax Deductible?

Are Private Home School And Private Tutoring Tax Deductible?There are two ways to make is private home school and private tutoring tax deductible. The first way is to set up a charity or non-profit organization where you have registered teachers teaching their students.The second way is to offer your services on a for profit basis. By doing this you can earn tax deductions on your tuition fees as well as anything else that you teach. It is advisable however, that you keep any books and all of the computer software for your students, that you have purchased for your own use.You can also get tax deductions on all of the materials that you used to teach your students, such as workbooks, classroom supplies, and other instructional items. You must keep all of your records for your home school and private tutoring efforts to the IRS. If you fail to file these records with the IRS, you could find yourself facing IRS penalties for failure to pay taxes.The second way to make is private home s chool and private tutoring tax deductible is to set up a for profit corporation or LLC. It is not as difficult as it may sound. In fact, if you want to set up your own corporation or LLC, there are online services that will assist you in this matter. You need to follow certain steps, which will ensure that you are fully compliant with the laws and guidelines set forth by the IRS and the state where you want to operate your business.The information that you will need is the address of your training center, the name of your parent, the location of your training center, and any other information that you may need to confirm the tax deductibility of your training center. In some states you will also need the location of the office of your Tax Preparer, which will in turn help you todetermine the kind of company you will establish.For example, if you operate your training center at a highway rest stop, you will have to choose a different location than a crash, and that should be a good i ndication of what kind of tax deductibility you will enjoy. You must determine the size of your school as well as the staff that you want to employ before you ever start a for profit corporation or LLC.Be sure that you make a detailed plan for how your company is going to function, and then set it up in order to take advantage of all of the benefits that come from setting up a corporation or LLC. Remember that you will need to pay taxes on the funds that you have earned as a tax deductible business.

Asking and Giving Permission in English - Intermediate Level English

Asking and Giving Permission in English - Intermediate Level English How do we ask permission to do something? What are the ways in which these requests can be  given (granted)  or refused (denied)?There are many ways to achieve this and here are some of the words, expressions and idioms  for asking and giving permission in English.The request can be formal and the response formal too. Equally the  request can be more informal with a corresponding informal response.We are always reminded that a polite request is more likely to be met with a positive outcome  (result)  but not always. Asking and Giving Permission in English Polite Formal Requests Do you mind if….Would you mind if….May I…Could I possibly…Is it possible ….Is it possible for me to…. Polite Formal Responses No,  not at allYes you mayYes, of courseOf course, be my guest…Yes,  it’s my pleasureCertainly be my guest…. Examples of Asking and Giving Permission in English (formal) Do you mind if I take off my coat it is very warm here? No, not at all,   be my guest.Be careful here. In the reply the first word is NO but this is not a  refusal.  NO is used here because we asked do you mind so we are actually saying No, I do not mind so it is a positive response. Could I possibly close the window it is a little cold here? Yes of course.or Please help yourself. May I put my own furniture into the apartment? Yes, you may indeed. Just let me know what you  would like to remove. Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: Polite Formal RefusalsI am sorry that will not be possibleI am afraid that is out of the questionI would rather that you didn’tI am afraid notExamples of Polite Refusals in English (formal) May I go to my friends party on Saturday and stay overnight?  I am afraid that is out of the question. We are going to see your Grandmother on Saturday and you haven’t seen her for months. Would you mind if I took next Friday off work as I am moving apartment over the weekend and I  need to get ready? I am afraid that will not be possible. It is the end of the month and we simply have to get those accounts closed. May I open the window a little? I would rather that you didn’t. I have just recovered from the flu and  I do not wish to get ill again. Informal Requests and whether they are granted or refused Can I have the last piece of cake?Have you €10 you could lend me?Yeah sure..   (granted)Go ahead..   (granted)Not a problem  -(granted)Not a chance   (refused)Go away, no..  (refused, very rude) Some examples of Asking and Giving Permission (Informal) Can I skip class later I need to go to the dentist? Yeah sure, just make sure you tell the class teacher. Can I have the last piece of cake? Go ahead, nobody else seems to want it. Have you €10 you can lend me until I get to the bank? Yes, not a problem.Take your time pay me back next week. Can I have an advance (early payment) of my pocket money? Go away, no, you are always asking… Idioms connected with Asking and Giving Permission in English The idea got the thumbs up/thumbs down. The idea was accepted/rejectedIt was shot down in flames. It was rejectedThey pooh poohed it. Something was turned down, rejected (informal)I got the green light. Green for go, something was approved or accepted.Examples:I presented my idea to the board suggesting changes to our business practices. They gave it the thumbs up or they gave it the thumbs down.I thought my marketing plan was a stroke of genius (really goo) but the management board did not like it and the shot it down in flame.The idea was pooh poohed immediately without much consideration. (This is more slang than informal.)My project was approved by everyone. I got the green light and it starts next week. Iam really excited.

7 ways to cope with exam stress

7 ways to cope with exam stress No matter how much revision you have done and how many past papers you have worked through, when it comes to sitting an exam, it's easy to let nerves get the better of you. While a little stress around exam time can be a good thing, too much can derail all your hard work. Here are 7 ways to help you deal with exam stress. 1. Understand how stress works It's important to understand how stress works so you can combat it effectively. When you first become stressed about exams, your brain stimulates you to focus on your work. However, when this stress is prolonged, your body stays permanently on high alert. Focus then turns into worry and anxiety, and you will be unable to focus. To bring your stress levels down try mindfulness. This is a technique, which helps you to focus on being fully present in the moment. Learning to bring your attention to the present then reduces your stress levels and enables you to focus. To learn about mindfulness, try the Headspace app. 2. Keep your exams in perspective When you stress about the unknown, it's easy to imagine the worst possible outcome. The problem with this kind of thinking is it makes your mind spiral downwards and stops you looking at the problem logically. While it's reasonable to worry about failing an exam, it's not helpful to imagine that everything in your life rests on your exam results. Firstly if you have done the work you will be fine, secondly if the worst does happen there are always other options. Help yourself by having a more balanced view. 3. Work on your feelings of panic Feeling a sense of panic about impending exams is normal to some degree, however like stress, it can easily spiral out of control. If you feel panic before, during or after an exam, stop and take some deep breaths. Breathing slowly will help refocus your mind and allow you to deal with your nerves. If a question during the exam makes you panic, again stop, breathe and then break the questions down into manageable chunks and then try it. 4. Reframe your thoughts When you are stressed it is easy to forget all the revision time you have put in and how far you have come. What you need to do to combat this is to believe in yourself and all the hard work you have put in. Every time a negative thought pops up in your head, tell yourself that you are fine and that you have this covered. It doesn't mean looking at the world through rose-tinted glasses but it does mean consciously focusing on a balanced view. If your negative thoughts become irrational and overwhelming to the point that you can't study, speak to your teachers for help. They can offer you more one-to-one support to get you through the exam period. 5. Practice self-care As in, look after your mental and physical health during the exam period. Pulling all-nighters, eating junk and drinking too much caffeine will cause your anxiety levels to rise, and exam nerves to get worse. Sleep for at least 7 - 8 hours and eat well. If you feel your stress is out of proportion talk to someone about your worries. Tackling all of these elements will make you feel more confident as you approach your exams. 6. Know what you need to do Aside from doing past papers in timed conditions, make sure you fully understand what examiners want from you and also how questions are marked. This is where a tutor or teacher can also help. Knowing this key information will alleviate a lot of your stress about your exam performance. Being organised in a practical way will also calm you down. From knowing when your exams are, to knowing what equipment you need for each exam is key to keeping you calm on the day. 7. Practice positive exam habits Unrealistic goals, letting friends work you into a post-exam frenzy or over analysing your answers after you have sat the exam are all negative exam habits. Once you have sat an exam, move on, as you can't change anything so it pays to focus on what lies ahead. Remember ruminating will get you nowhere, so put your focus on the future to lower your stress and anxiety. For help and advice about any subject and at any level we have tutors that can help.

Know Your Candidates The 2016 Presidential Election

Know Your Candidates The 2016 Presidential Election Photo Via: http://i2.cdn.turner.com Election coverage has been everywhere for months now you can’t turn on the TV, check your email or log into Facebook without Trump and Hillary supporters and haters flooding it with news of the election. But the percentage of those supporters that are actually well-versed on the issues is miniscule. In fact, so very few know what the candidates stances are on the big picture issues, though they may be very knowledgeable about the rumors and cons of each candidate. While you’re going to like who you like, and dislike who you dislike, it’s important that you at least make these decisions as an informed, U.S. citizen. So before we begin hitting the polls for the presidential election, here are the candidates stances on the big ticket issues so you can make informed arguments in the future. You’re welcome! 1.  Economy: The Issue: Back in 2009, the U.S. economy was in one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression. Since Obama took office, this hasn’t changed much, though he has passed a stimulus package meant to change it. Everyone has a different stance on whether or not this bill helped the economy. Either way, if there is change, it’s happening so slowly it almost doesn’t matter. Donald Trump: His economic plan has to do with some trade deals that he believes will “level” the playing field. Perhaps the one issue Trump is most qualified on, he vows to cut taxes without changing the major programs from which they come (Medicare and Social Security). He also plans to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and away from China. With these policies, he believes he can get rid of the U.S. debt in two terms. Yes, he is already considering a second term. Hillary Clinton: Clinton’s plan also involves some tax cuts, though she plans to specifically slash the taxes of the middle class. She also hopes to create more U.S. jobs by spending some more on clean energy and infrastructure. She also wants to make it far more difficult for corporations to skip out on their taxes. So her plan in a nutshell: spend more to save more. 2.  Education: The Issue: The problem is twofold: one, early education isn’t where it should be and two, college graduates continually owe way more money than they are taking in. In terms of early education, high school graduation rates are very low in minority and low-income areas, which is a major problem. And in the meantime, those that are able to continue on through college walk out with thousands in debt due to student loans. Donald Trump: Basically says that the current early education policies in effect, including Common Core and No Child Left Behind, just aren’t cutting it. He thinks that education reform should be completed at the local level, rather than allowing schools to teach to test. He also believes that the U.S. shouldn’t be making money off of student loans. Hillary Clinton:  She doesn’t have an issue with the plans currently in place regarding early education. Sure, it’s not working at the moment, but this is a step in the right direction and we should continue through this course of action. She also takes on Bernie Sanders’ stance in regards to loans, as her stance is that college should be made more affordable to help slash these debt rates for college students. 3.  Abortion: The Issue: The issue is very simple, though very, very controversial. On one side, you have pro-life supporters that believe abortion in any and all capacities should be illegal, and on the other side, you have pro-choice supporters that believe abortion is a case by case issue and the decision should be left up to the woman in question. Donald Trump: He claims to be a pro-life advocate, but caveats this with some exceptions. So essentially, females shouldn’t have the right to make their own decision unless there are underlying circumstances that he deems “alright.” Hillary Clinton: She claims to be a pro-choice advocate in that women considering abortion have the right to do so. She leaves the decision up to the female in question and her doctor. The diplomatic approach. 4.  Gun Control: The Issue: Another very heated debate in the U.S. right now, the gun control issue is also very binary. You’re either for guns, or against them. The problem is they are extremely easy to get, for everyone, and that to deny citizens guns is infringing upon their rights defined by the Declaration of Independence. But with the recent mass shootings etc., calls for change have been deafening. Donald Trump: Guns are not the problem people are. The issue at hand is the mental instability of the culprits behind such attacks, not the fact that guns are available. Guns are a right. Hillary Clinton: We need regulations. It’s far too easy for people that shouldn’t have guns to get them. We need to get rid of these loopholes and make sure that universal background checks are involved. Guns are a privilege, not a right. So if you’re a domestic abuser or a criminal, sorry, you lost that privilege. 5.  Foreign Policy: The Issue: Essentially, foreign policy at the moment entails the takedown of ISIS, a brutal terror group that’s behind numerous terror attacks in the past few months. And the problem is only getting worse. While Obama has been attempting to make some changes in terms of our involvement in the Middle East and these giant threats, no one is pleased with where we’ve ended up. Donald Trump: Shut-down: it’s time to close off the borders to all countries that impose a terror threat of any kind to the U.S. Lock ‘em out! No refugees and cut down the group at its source by blocking their internet access to halt their recruitment efforts. He also wants to pressure other countries into joining the fight by supplying air support against the terror group. Hillary Clinton: Obama has the right idea basically, continue doing what he’s been doing. Also, let refugees in that need it. This is America, and we are supportive of everyone when they need it. 6.  Climate Change: The Issue: Essentially, this is a global warming problem. There’s extreme weather everywhere (including the recent droughts in Syria) and it’s only going to get worse from here, according to scientists. Obama’s platform included change, though this wasn’t implemented until last year with a new deal that’s going to give monetary rewards to developing countries for decreasing their emissions. It’s a start. Donald Trump: This isn’t actually a problem. Sure, it might exist, but it’s not making a difference. Of course, he’s open to being proven wrong. Hillary Clinton: Yes, it is a problem, and we’re going to be the solution. She wants the U.S. to become the example for everyone else. Time to be a role model, people. 7.  Immigration: The Issue: It’s pretty self-explanatory, but basically, we have a huge problem with immigrants entering (illegally) and staying (illegally) in the country with little to no repercussions. So it’s a problem, and needs to be stopped, but that’s also easier said than done. Donald Trump: If you don’t know his stance by now, you live under a rock. Does the word, “wall,” ring any bells? No more immigrants from Mexico, no more immigrants from terrorists, more jobs for American people. In an ideal world. Hillary Clinton: We’re not banning people we’re just asking them to immigrate legally. She wants to change the path to citizenship, something that’s perhaps been a long time coming. It’s without a doubt the less drastic of the plans, but will it make any difference? That’s the question. 8.  Civil Rights: The Issue: Right now, police and black citizens are in the midst of a violent duel in which no one can win. Racism still exists in the U.S., and the time for change was yesterday. Sure, we just had a black president for the first time in American history, but the race card is still being played left and right, and it’s about time we take it out of the deck before anyone else gets hurt. Donald Trump: He’s going to make America safe again. We need to stand behind police that protect this country while also acknowledging that citizens have to feel safe, regardless of their race. #AllLivesMatter Hillary Clinton: Racism is real and alive and something needs to be done, now. Time to change laws and systems that are taking opportunities away from minorities and put everyone on a level playing field. The past is in the past, time to move forward. So now that you know the main issues and Trump and Clinton’s stances on said issues, go out there and argue to your heart’s content. And don’t forget to vote during this election! Every vote counts!

Primary school pupils taught t`ai chi to combat exam stress - Tutor Hunt Blog

Primary school pupils taught t`ai chi to combat exam stress Primary school pupils taught t`ai chi to combat exam stress Primary school pupils taught t`ai chi to combat exam stressPrimary schoolsMy doctor recently recommended I join a gym, but when I visited my local health club all the activities looked a little too strenuous for my delicate constitution. I couldn`t imagine myself lifting weights, and all that running on treadmills looked like a lot of energy spent getting you nowhere. I was about to leave the building, already composing in my mind some excuse to tell the doctor, when I happened to pass a large, glass walled room. Seated on the floor of this room were a number of people, each of whom seemed to be performing some kind of breathing exercise. They all had their eyes closed, and appeared to be in a state of perfect tranquility. An instructor requested that they stand, and each of them began copying his movements, making gentle flowing motions with their arms, complimenting these actions by tracing their legs in small arcs. This looked like something I could get along with I thought. Asking a receptionist what the class was, I was informed it was T`ai Chi. Originally developed as a martial art back in the 13th century in China, it is now primarily employed as a health promoting exercise, and practiced around the world. Because of its graceful movements, and slow practiced routines, T`ai Chi puts minimal stress on the joints of the body. Because of this many people favour it over sports such as tennis or football, or activities like running, which can have gradual deleterious effect on the cartilage of the bones. The practice of tai chi is praised for improving circulation, while increasing muscle strength. It is hugely popular amongst all age groups, but especially in those aged over 65. If practiced properly it can improve general mobility, balance and posture, and there is even evidence that it can attenuate the symptoms of arthritis. Another benefit of T`ai Chi is reducing levels of stress. Many studies have shown that if undertaken regularly, the practice can reduce nervous tension and even lower blood pressure. Recently some schools have begun incorporating T`ai Chi classes into their weekly schedule, in order to reduce levels of stress amongst its pupils. The Chinese martial art is apparently in greatest demand during the run up to exams. The Snap Dragon T`ai Chi club has worked with `hundreds of schools and thousands of children throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire South Yorkshire during the past 15 years,` according to its website. `Children are under pressure from parents, they pile stuff on them. But if they are anxious, they have no way to cope - nobody teaches you how to mitigate the stress and get rid of it all,` its owner Paul White has said. When I first heard about T`ai Chi being used to reduce levels of stress amongst pupils, I assumed this concerned sixth formers, or pupils preparing for their GCSE`s. Not so - apparently the majority of `in school` T`ai Chi lessons are for primary school children. Mr White teaches T`ai Chi mainly to school children aged between four to eleven, along with running a specialised course for Sats preparation. We have never put school children under so much exam pressure as we do today. I don`t believe I took a single serious exam before I went to secondary school, but now pupils have to face daunting tests from KS1 (starting at age 5) onwards. Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, last month stated that schoolteachers are heightening exam stresses among their pupils, and `manufacturing anxiety.` She went on to say that teachers are `encouraging children to feel anxious,` and that exams are only a source of stress when `people make it so.`` In China, the country that introduced the world to T`ai Chi, it is a common event for pupils to practice the art form before lessons. But it is not used specifically as a way to treat anxiety - it`s not employed in a medicinal manner, to calm down stressed pupils. Instead of being introduced after a problem develops, it`s used as a preventative, with pupils performing the breathing exercises and movements before class begins, as a way of keeping them relaxed all day. 7 months ago0Add a Comment

The Generation iGap

The Generation iGap When I turned fifteen I couldnt wait to get my driving permit, which was allowed when you turned 15 1/2, back in the 1960s in California. All I could think about was the freedom having wheels would give me. Man, the world would be mine. Somehow that has changed drastically in recent years. Back in the day, every rite of passage a young man would go through was usually happening in his car. The first date at the drive-in movie was a big one. I don’t even think there’s more than a few of those drive-in movies left in the entire country now. How can you sneak three friends into a walk in movie if you don’t have a trunk to stash them in? Thirty years ago almost half of 26 year olds had a license. By 2013 it has gone down to twenty eight percent. That’s a huge decline. Kids just are not in a hurry to take on the expense of a car, especially when they are all connected twenty four seven through their iPad, iPhone, PC, Mac, social media, on and on it goes. Also getting a license is a bigger pain than ever and with all the cut backs in schools, drivers training classes are few and far between. Here’s another interesting statistic; 75 percent of 18 34 year olds prefer shopping on-line rather than driving around to stores. Well, OK me too, but I’m just a little lazy. Given a choice of losing their IPhone, computer or car, 65 percent said they would go without their car. Adolescent staples are music, clothes, and books. They are communicating with each other via social networks.   Everything and everyone is only a mouse click away. My friends’ 16 year old daughter says she’d rather have the latest iPhone than a car. Huh? What happened to physical contact? Isn’t that the best and worst part of being human, our physical interaction with one another? Now the car companies are getting scared. Jack Hollins who heads marketing for Toyota brand cars in the U.S. says the current generation will buy fewer cars than the previous one. In 1985 15 20 year olds accounted for 3.4 percent of new car sales. Last year 2012 dropped 2 percent to about 300,000 cars purchased. Well if all this is true why does it take my wife 45 minutes to get a whole 8 miles from work to home every day? If there are fewer cars on the road, I sure don’t see it? Sounds like just a bunch of us old folks driving around.

Top Qualifications For a Va Bar Tutor

Top Qualifications For a Va Bar TutorIf you have a nursing diploma and a Va Bar diploma, you have the perfect education for your job! In the workplace, you will learn how to work as a nurse, and even enjoy the recognition from patients and the medical staff. In case you are a working professional and you want to pursue your nursing degree, you must first search for a school that provides this kind of program. Here are some of the schools that offer excellent services to their students:* Bella Vista University - This school offers programs in higher education, which includes a certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and staff certified courses. The school is affiliated with the AACSB National Board for Registered Nursing. The degree includes certificate programs in clinical nurse practitioners, a service representative, a registered nurse, and an advanced practice nurse.* University of Phoenix - This is one of the best known for its training programs, and it has many options. Yo u can choose among the programs like M.S., MSN, MBA, CNA, and MD, and more than 70 different courses.* University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - The school offers some great advantages for those who want to go for nursing. You can study as a student nurse, or an assistant nurse and an assistant registrar, or a registered nurse, as well as a student nurse practitioner, a vocational nurse, or a registered nurse.* University of Phoenix - This school also offers competitive online programs, which are offered through the use of technology and online communication methods. You can join a program and have the required certification.* School of Nursing at Northeastern University - The online programs include the master's in nursing degree, which provides you the necessary education to become a certified nurse. It is available at two locations, and the price of the online program varies depending on the location. With all these choices, you are guaranteed that you get a high quali ty education, and you will get certified in time to achieve the goal set by the professionals. It is a good idea to compare prices and programs offered, so that you can find the one that suits your needs and helps you save money.

What Is Chelation in Chemistry?

What Is Chelation in Chemistry?What is Chelation in Chemistry? Chelation is a treatment for serious health problems which you may have experienced due to the toxicity and high levels of free radicals that are present in your body. A human being is always at risk of health conditions due to their lifestyle.In fact, some people have been reported to have died as a result of liver failure and heart attacks as a result of too many free radicals in their blood stream. Such high levels of free radicals can cause several different health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and even DNA damage. One example of such high levels of free radicals is the 'Blood Brain Barrier' which is present in the brain and regulates the flow of important nutrients that are essential for proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system.For example, such high levels of free radicals can cause the creation of toxic molecules such as Hydroxyapatite which has the ability to block the natural functioning of the brain and nervous system by preventing the flow of essential neuroactive substances such as Neurotoxins and Dopamine. Another example of the brain's natural ability to regulate the flow of such Neurotoxins is the 'NAAT' which is an abbreviation for Neurotoxin. There are two other diseases related to the brain and its neurological system which are related to the excessive production of neurotoxins and lack of normal neuroactive substances.These two diseases are Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. If you suffer from one of these two conditions, then it is essential that you consult a highly experienced doctor so that they can prescribe you with a highly effective and safe chelation treatment to prevent further degeneration of your brain and nerves.According to the study conducted by Dr. Mary Holton and her team of researchers, it was determined that a human being can be exposed to high levels of free radicals if they are exposed to environmental toxins, especially those f ound in foods and drinking water. It has also been revealed that an individual who has the highest exposure to free radicals will have the highest levels of risk for developing such serious health conditions as heart attacks, brain diseases, and various forms of cancer.Dr. Holton has also discovered that these high levels of free radicals also contribute to the various types of diseases as an indicator that the body is suffering from many different health issues. This is also shown in the case of the common occurrence of people having low immunity and having low levels of metabolism, both of which will directly cause the presence of toxins in the body.What is Chelation in Chemistry is not something that is done by a medical professional or by someone who is just passing through the process. It is a form of treatment that are developed by scientists and has been verified by medical experts, and for a proper treatment to work, it is best to consult a medical doctor to ensure the prope r diagnosis and treatment.

What is it Like to Attend University of St. Thomas

What is it Like to Attend University of St. Thomas The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences, as well. Jenna is a Houston tutor specializing in ACT tutoringand SAT prep tutoring. She is currently a junior at University of St. Thomas studying Mathematics, Theology, and Secondary Education. Check out her review of University of St. Thomas: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Jenna: University of St. Thomas is located in the middle of Houston, very close to the Museum District. Because of its urban location, the university purposely focuses on safety. Blue emergency call boxes and a University of St. Thomas police force are present around campus, but they are rarely needed due to the generally safe environment. Numerous students commute via the public bus system, but there is also plenty of parking in the Moran Parking Garage for students who drive to campus. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Jenna: All of the teachers and advisers are devoted to individual student success. They all hold office hours, but most of them are also more than willing to meet you outside of those hours. They are almost always available to answer any questions or to assist with assignments. VT: How would you describe the dorm life - rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Jenna: Many students who attend the University of St. Thomas live in the Houston area, so we only have two dorm options: Guinan Hall and Young Hall. Guinan Hall is a traditional dorm, co-ed by floor. Unlike most dorms, each room has its own bathroom and balcony, which makes it feel more like a hotel. Young Hall has on-campus apartments for upperclassmen. There are various apartment sizes, including single rooms, double rooms, and units that hold up to six people per apartment. Residence Life works hard to put on events, including weekly Wonderful Wednesdays with food and activities, as well as monthly campus-wide events like costume dodge ball. Our dining hall has been undergoing some serious changes, including getting a Subway. Our meal plans consist of flex dollars that can be spent in the cafeteria, Subway, or the coffee/smoothie shop. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Jenna: We have a lot of students who are involved in the Cameron School of Business, which has AACSB accreditation. Nursing is also very popular. We also boast a very high medical school acceptance rate for those students on the pre-medical track. I am studying Theology, Mathematics, and Secondary Education. The School of Educationis phenomenal, and it has been nothing but accommodating in helping me achieve my goal of three degrees. They have worked with me to create a functioning class schedule that satisfies all of my requirements. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Jenna: We do not have Greek life on our campus, but it is really easy to meet people. Freshman orientation was a great, fun way to get to know your fellow students. Having small classes also makes it easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger. As a student who came from a different state, knowing no one, I can say that I easily made friends that I will have for the rest of my life. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Jenna: The Career Center is great for working on resumes and job applications. They are awesome at helping you find places to apply. As a smaller university, we do not have as many of the recruitment options as larger universities. However, University of St. Thomas is located near Rice University and the University of Houston, which host many career fairs and other such events. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Jenna: Dormitories have study rooms on every floor, so there are plenty of places to study without leaving the building. Our library has many places to sit down, study, and do research. We also have a central lounge and lounges in many of the buildings. Many of the departments also have houses where all of the professors have their offices, and many of those buildings have places that students can sit down in to get work done. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Jenna: As I said before, we are in the middle of Houston. There are parks, free concerts and events, amazing food, great nightlife, places to shop, etc. We are only a few miles from Rice Village, which is filled with shops and nightlife. A few miles in the other direction will put you in the Museum District with plenty of great places to spend the day, including art museums or the zoo. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Jenna: We have about 1,500 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students. General classes will have 20-30 students, but I have classes geared toward my major that only have a small handful of students. It is a great way to work with your professors and get one-on-one attention. It also forces you to come to class and learn the material, something that certain college students ignore and later regret. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Jenna: One of my classes was on the Trinity, a concept not easily explained or understood. I had to write a research paper for the class, and I was beyond confused. I went to my professor's office three or four times with different drafts of my paper. He took the time to read through each draft, ask me questions about what I meant or what I was confused about, and give me guidance toward key resources. I had never gone to a professor like that before, and it was definitely a good decision. I learned a lot about the subject, but also about my strengths and weaknesses. I really appreciated all of the time my professor spent working with me. Check out Jennas tutoring profile. 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