College For FREE..... in Germany!

 I bet a lot of you got excited when you read the first half of that heading! Of course upon reading the rest of the heading, you were disappointed fairly quickly, unless you live in Germany! As if they didn't already give us a reason to love them by introducing Oktoberfest to the world, now they have completely abolished University tuition fees. That's right! 100 percent free, for local and international students! No full-ride scholarship required!

 

College prices were already considerably lower than the outrageous prices in the United States,($1,200 vs $25,000 - $60,000) but students were still upset. They, much like myself, believe that if their country was going to prosper, everyone should have the right to a higher education.

The accumulation of knowledge leads to improved problem solving skills, higher tolerance for personal differences, improved decision making skills, and higher paying jobs for anyone who is willing to put in the work. It would also encourage high students to graduate because they would have the realistic hope of being able to receive a higher education. Studies show that people who have been to college have higher self esteem, self respect, and self value. 

My only question now is, when is this going to happen in the United States? When are we going to decide that no one should be able to put a price on education? 

No one should be turned away from the opportunity for a better life simply because they cannot afford it. 

When is the United States of America going to realize that people are worth more than money?

How Students REALLY Feel About Group Presentations

 

For the love of GOD, if you are a professor and you are reading this, please please please please please STOP giving your students group projects. PLEASE!

Okay, maybe that is a little unreasonable. But it seems like for the past 4 years I have been forced to work with irresponsible and selfish people who either leave everything for the last minute, or who skip out on their part of the project only to leave me to finish all of the work. The funny thing, is that most professors do not care, and insist on making it a group grade anyway. 

First of all, if you are professor know this, WE PREFER TESTS!!!!! 

I understand that you get tired of lecturing the class. Sometimes you want to just sit back and watch a nice presentation, but it is NOT our job to teach our fellow classmates. Nor do they care about what one another has to say. They only care about their grade and how they are going to do when they stand up to present. If they are paying attention, 9 times out of 10 its due to common courtesy.

Now, because teachers and professors are probably NEVER going to stop with this, no matter how much we INSIST that we hate it, if you are in a group to do a presentation or project,  BE CONSIDERATE! 

Do not procrastinate of the your portion of the work. Why? Because, something could go wrong, you won't have time to fix it, and someone will have to fix it for you because they don't want you to drag their grade down. Do what you have to do, as soon as possible. We all are busy, we all have priorities and things that we need to get done. That being said, respect the time of your group members. It is not fair to thrust your responsibilities on someone who has responsibilities of their own.

When you leave your group hanging, they get stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated and angry. Which is completely understandable. We ALL know how hard it is because we are ALL going through it. Let's work TOGETHER, instead of for ourselves. 

People are counting on you.  

DO NOT LET THEM DOWN! 

6 Mommy Study Tips

The life of a Kul Mom can be hectic, and honestly, a little overwhelming. Between work, and college, and finding time for studying and homework can some times seem impossible. But I am here to tell you that it is! Here is what I do to keep my grades up and my stress levels down =)

1. Do Homework and Study During Nap Time
• Whether it be 20 minutes or two hours, those precious moments of silence when your little angel is sleeping are golden opportunities. The chores can wait, give your school work some attention. Start that essay, study for that test, complete those logic puzzles! It is much easier to concentrate, knowing that your baby is safe and not having little hands tugging at your legs. 
2. Set Up Interesting Activity Centers
• I set up exciting new play areas in a baby proofed space allowing Nico explore new things at close range. There is a percussion station with old pots and pans (Warning: this one can get pretty loud!), a block station, a laundry bin station (I put different textured items inside the basket and watch his reaction when he pulls them out), a hard book station, and a pillow station. You will be amazed at how much homework I have gotten through with this! 
3. Find a Good Seat
• Make sure that your are high enough so that your little one cannot touch your school supplies, but low enough to be approachable to your child. If you turn them away it might hurt their feelings by making it seem like you are too busy for them. When your baby comes to show you something, or maybe for a hug and a kiss, interact with them for at least ten minutes and then continue what your were doing. They will eventually lose interest too and resume playing. 
4. Do NOT Procrastinate 
• Time management is the absolute key to getting your work done on time! If you know that your baby only naps for hour a day, do not leave your assignment for the night before its due. The earlier you start they faster you finish, and then it is one less thing you have to worry about. 
5. Read Before Your Bedtime Too
• Get ready for a bed a little bit earlier than usual and use the extra time to catch up on your reading for class. Reading helps calm the mind before sleeping, and it is the perfect cure for insomnia 
6. Make Time For Yourself
• It is really important to find time to do what you love. This will help you to feel more relaxed and at ease, so that when it comes time for studying, you will be able to focus on the task at hand. Everyday, make sure that you carve out time in your day to do what you enjoy, and to take care of yourself. Do your nails, do your hair, watch your favorite show. We deserve it! 

So many mothers are going back to school! 

Congratulations to everyone who has made the decision to further their education!