What is Required When You Join the University of California?

What is Required When You Join the University of California?UCSC Chemistry has the faculty and students of the most advanced education, to prepare and nurture you to become an excellent chemist. It is a superb option that will transform your life. You can earn an excellent amount of money and have the opportunity to serve mankind by educating others about its benefits. For sure, the excitement that you get to work in this industry, will make you be inspired to excel in the field.There are many things that you need to keep in mind while joining the UCSC Chemistry. The most important thing that you need to remember is that these programs are designed by the experts in the field. This faculty and staff know exactly what they are doing when it comes to their subjects. They will guide you from the beginning till the end so that you can understand every single step. So what exactly are the key points that you need to keep in mind?To know what is required in any program in the UCSC Chemistr y is the first important point that you need to keep in mind. These types of programs are usually available in the form of internship programs. The students will have to complete various internships that will help them grow as individuals. This is very vital as students are not encouraged to change their mindsets while studying. So, the students must be educated thoroughly so that they will be able to choose which university to attend after they graduate. The first thing that you need to do is look for a program in the UCSC Chemistry that you feel you will be interested in.It is best if you will prepare the required material before you go to class. This is because students who study right before they go to class, will learn more during the course. This will also help you maximize your studies time. With a proper way of planning, you will be able to focus on all the lectures while sitting in the classroom. All these will also make you the more confident during the course.The next imp ortant aspect of attending UCSC Chemistry is that you should have a good knowledge about your subject. You must have enough knowledge about it. In fact, the faculty will give you tips so that you will be able to research well. This will help you maximize your knowledge, which is necessary to become an outstanding scientist. There are many courses that you need to attend. The aim is to make you a professional in the field of chemistry so that you can give your best to your colleagues and friends.Another important aspect of attending UCSC Chemistry is that you should enjoy the atmosphere. You should be able to enjoy the lectures and the process of learning. Just like any other education, these courses will not provide you with knowledge on all subjects. You will have to specialize and learn different subjects. If you are willing to make the most out of your studies, then you must plan your schedule so that you will not be disturbed.You will be required to present your papers and essay s on a weekly basis. The basic course content will also help you to showcase your talent to the world. To ensure that you can keep the same level of interest, you should also make sure that you will do well in the syllabus. This means that you should focus on every aspect of the course so that you will learn the main concepts. Finally, it is best if you will keep a check on your studies so that you can continue to learn as much as possible.

Language Learning 101 Top Strategies and Tools

Language Learning 101 Top Strategies and Tools Language Learning 101: Top Strategies and Tools Kató Lomb is my favorite polyglot.She was, to put it mildly, a total badass.She became one of the first simultaneous interpreters  and learned 16 languages.The primary part of her learning method involved reading books.Let me say that again: She taught herself languages to the point where she was able to do the most mind-bogglingly difficult kind of interpretation, by reading.But how? Like, what exactly did she do?Id love to know, because Id like to do it, too.Lombs book  How I Learn Languages  goes into some detail about her methods, but not as much as you might expect considering the sheer level of awesomeness she achieved.Polyglots today, too, willing as they may be to share their language learning philosophies and opinions, can often be difficult to emulate.It can even seem like many people who have learned languages have basically no idea how they did it.Thats not to say you shouldnt try to gain useful tips from language learning superstars. And yes, there are strategies that h ave actually been shown to be effective for language learning.But more importantly, there are multiple strategies that seem to be effective for language learning.As a learner, you owe it to yourself not to be limited by any one persons idea of what works.Today, were going to take a long, relaxed look at some tools, strategies and resources that seem to be helpful for learners. Well also see what research and science have to say about them.Consider this post a sort of dashboard you can use to maximize the comfort, efficiency and fun of your personal language learning.Ready to get started? Language Learning 101: Top Strategies and ToolsThe Best Way to Learn a Language: What Language Learning Strategies Really Work?Below are some language learning methods that show promise.Its important to remember that no study about something as subjective as language learning will be 100% definitive.Its also worth mentioning that one approach probably wont do everything for you. In fact, theres ev idence that using more strategies can mean more successful language learning.And one more thing before we begin: We talk about learning styles in the language learning community a lot, with the best of intentions. But you should know that, scientifically speaking, the idea of learning styles is bogus.Sure, you may prefer certain ways of learning to other ways of learning, and if they help you feel inspired to study, great! But again, theres no reason to limit yourself based on a preconceived idea of how you learn best. This is an open bar, so help yourself.Spaced RepetitionYou may have seen some language learning programs advertising that they use some form of SRS, meaning a spaced repetition system or spaced repetition software.  Simply put, the idea behind spaced repetition is that when youre studying to memorize something, reviewing the material at spaced intervals is more effective than mashing it into a single session.Spaced repetition isnt just about algorithms in apps, its a broader concept thats been shown to be generally effective. What this means in plain English is that regular review is important and helpful.Many hardcore learners swear by the flashcard system Anki, which has become a staple of input-based learning. Some use it as their regular method of study and to learn a lot of vocabulary very fast.Heres something to keep in mind, though: Its not necessarily important to make SRS-based learning your main study approach. For many people, thats not even realistic, especially if youre making your own flashcards. Continually creating your own learning system is a lot of work.Thankfully, you dont have to be an input hound to take advantage of SRS. In fact,  using SRS for review for just a few minutes a day can improve your retention by leaps and bounds. One study involving EFL students showed that students who spent as little as three minutes a day on computer-generated spaced repetition exercises  retained nearly three times as much vocab as other students.Later on in this post, well look at some specific SRS-based tools you can use for your learning.Comprehensible InputComprehensible input is a term used by linguist Stephen Krashen to describe a concept that means pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Its the idea that learners need to be able to understand the material theyre reading or listening to in order for natural learning to take place.This doesnt mean that you cant be taking in material thats a bit over your head. In fact, thats part of the idea: By deducing the parts you dont know from what you do know, you learn the language.Comprehensible input  seems to be  effective for vocabulary retention. Theres additional evidence that input-based study can have many positive effects on language acquisition.So thats all well and good, right? But it may not immediately be obvious how you can apply this to your own studies. How can you ensure your study material meets comprehensible input standards?Here are a few ideas:Use graded readers. These make it easier for you to select and read more material at your level, which gets you more appropriate input, faster.Learn core vocabulary first.  This doesnt directly provide you with level-appropriate material, of course. But learning the most common words in a language first will give you a greater variety of texts and listening material to choose from. Which will, in turn, give you more input.Listen to and read your input extensively. In order for comprehensible input to be effective, it doesnt just need to be comprehensible. You also need to actually take in a substantial amount of it.For some insight on what exactly extensive reading and listening is, read on.Intensive and Extensive Reading and ListeningYou can read for enjoyment over a longer period of time (extensive), or read in shorter bursts in order to more closely analyze and interact with the material (intensive). You can do the same for listening.Both of these types of input are important and ca n help your learning in different ways.Theres evidence that extensive reading can not only aid in vocabulary retention but also increase motivation. Extensive reading may be more effective overall because it provides exposure to more material. However, intensive reading may be more important at the lower levels of learning  (the article in this link downloads automatically).As with extensive reading, there are indications that extensive listening may not only increase proficiency, but also motivation. Intensive listening may have its own distinct benefits. In one study, students who did a series of dictation exercises even discovered that  their speaking capabilities were positively affected by the listening exercises.Weve already discussed some ways to implement extensive reading above, including using graded readers. If you find readers that include reading comprehension questions or exercises for short texts, you can use these for intensive reading as well. Otherwise, try searchi ng [your target language] reading comprehension practice to find online reading exercises.For intensive and extensive listening, you may want to try keeping a listening journal. An article by Anthony Schmidt  details suggestions for engaging in and tracking intensive and extensive listening using a journal. These involve using sites like FluentU (more on this below) and TED Talks. The article is written from the perspective of an ESL teacher, but the activities can easily be adapted by independent learners for their own studies.ShadowingShadowing revolves around a pretty basic concept: You read along with an audio resource, matching its pace, intonation and pronunciation as closely as you can.It was introduced under the name shadowing by polyglot Alexander Arguelles. In its original, now rather quaint incarnation, shadowing is weirdly specific. Youre supposed to go outside with a text, corresponding recording and headphones. Then, you stand up straight while walking around, blasting yourself with the language and speaking along with it as simultaneously as possible in a loud voice.Arguelles is another one of my favorite polyglots and I love that this technique is a thing. However, Ive tried shadowing the old-school way and Im not entirely convinced that the fresh air and exercise part of it is in any way crucial.Look, it makes logical sense to me that attempting to speak along with a recording could be really effective for pronunciation. It also makes sense that occupying yourself with walking and reading while also speaking might help override your normal inhibitions and allow a deeper level of learning.But sort of like with making large amounts of SRS-optimized vocabulary input ones primary learning method, I dont think its a realistic option for the average person. I get stressed out having to go to the grocery store some days; Im not going to be out in a park seven days a week yelling in Korean and opening myself up to any number of awkward interactions.Ho wever, multiple studies have shown the basic technique of shadowing to be an effective learning method. And its simple enough to do the reading and listening part on your own, indoors or wherever you want. Its also simple to alternate shadowing with any listen and repeat prompts you encounter in language learning materials.Speaking of types of learning materialsLearning with Authentic MaterialsThere are certain advantages to using materials specifically designed for language learners. As weve explored above, learner-based content can better aid comprehensible input by better pinpointing a certain level.But there are marked advantages to using authentic materials, or materials intended for native speakers, too.From the study mentioned in the extensive reading section above, we already know that extensive reading itself may increase motivation. However, a separate study on extensive reading with online content showed that  authentic texts, specifically, may be motivating for students. Also,  the value of learning with authentic materials is somewhat self-evident. After all, interacting with authentic material is the goal, the dream. Its the ideal outcome, something that any learner will need to do eventually.The trick is balancing the need for authenticity with level-appropriate material for comprehensive input. To an extent, this is a balance you can achieve as a learner. There are some sites or programs that sort out authentic material for you. You can also use certain tricks to find level-appropriate content.Once you get to an intermediate or advanced level, the exact level of authentic material tends to be less of a concern. When youre still a beginner, however, you may find appropriate authentic material on:Shopping sites.Travel or real-estate sites.Childrens educational sites.Wikipedia.Some Wikipedia articles contain more complex sentences, sure. But they also tend to contain more cognates than your average reading material, making them easier to decipher. Additionally, they follow a certain basic format of headings and subheadings that can help you make more accurate guesses at what youre reading about.Learning with FeedbackThe importance of feedback, especially early in your learning process, is also somewhat self-evident. If you dont have any opportunity or capability to correct your mistakes, its tough to improve your language skills. The question surrounding feedback is more a question of when and how much.Feedback in the language classroom is a complicated and delicate subject. There are ongoing discussions about exactly how corrective feedback should be applied. As a learner, you dont necessarily have control over how any tutor or teacher you work with might choose to incorporate feedback. (Though you should certainly feel okay about taking some control over your own lessons.)When you learn independently, however, you dont have the potentially extremely valuable personalized feedback that a teacher can give you.But theres also something to be said for taking responsibility for your own learning.  One study  showed that students who worked out the correct answers to their own errors with other students and a teacher improved their language skills more than those who were only given corrections and a possible follow-up to ask a teacher questions.Whether or not youre primarily learning with a teacher, it may be beneficial to go over your wrong answers from tests, quizzes or apps with others. You could do this with friends, or you can get in touch with native speakers  through HiNative or another language exchange app.If youre learning on your own and have questions that require more detailed explanations, you may want to get an online tutor, even if only temporarily.Now that weve looked at some strategies you can apply to your language learning, lets look at some resources that align with them.Are Language Learning Apps and Online Programs Actually Beneficial?The short answer is yes. Heres the long answer:In 2018, The Atlantic published a piece by David H. Freedman titled How to Almost Learn Italian,  which details the authors experience using the popular language app Duolingo.In the article, Freedman talks about how he was sucked in by Duolingos addictive features but found, a week before leaving for Rome, that he didnt have the Italian language skills necessary for basic interactions. He quickly grabbed some other resources, including a phrasebook, and found he was able to cram practical language pretty effectively.In other words, it seems Duolingo hadnt given him the exact vocab he needed, but it had given him an understanding of the language that made vocab memorization easier and faster. He later got in touch with the CEO of Duolingo, Luis von Ahn, who verified that the way the app had worked for Freedman was the way it was supposed to work.This story illustrates a couple of important aspects of language apps. One is that theyre still new enough that we often dont really know what to expect from them.Another is that its only logical to assume that an app that drills you with complete sentences and gets you to study every day would be effective up to a point. It doesnt make sense to expect a language app to do everything for you, no more so than expecting a textbook to do everything for you.That doesnt mean, though, that we cant expect greater and greater developments from language apps in the future. It also doesnt mean that they arent already a wonderful tool to use now. In general, studies have linked positive results to popular language apps (well look at some in a moment).They may offer some unique positive benefits as well. For example,  researcher Fernando Rosell-Aguilar suggests  that learners may find apps useful for making errors privately and quelling performance anxiety.Here are some apps (also available to use online) you may find useful for your own learning.FluentUFluentU is unique in that it already brings together many of the strategies discu ssed above, and gives you material to practice all of them.FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news, commercials, vlogs, speeches, comedy skits and moreâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons.The program sorts these authentic videos into six levels and gives you interactive captions, customized quizzes and multimedia flashcards that can be used in a variety of ways.All of this means that you getThe opportunity to use authentic materials early on, and comprehensible input via authentic materials.Level-appropriate materials and features for both intensive and extensive reading and listening.Corrective feedback through quizzes, along with explanatory grammar notes.SRS that helps you know when its time to review words, but that you dont have to adjust yourself or think about too much.Audio that can be used for shadowing.FluentU is a great way to consolidate your learning and to hit a lot of important points in your studies. Plus, it keeps tr ack of all the vocabulary you learn, so you get a 100% personalized experience.DuolingoA study done with learners of Spanish  suggested that for beginner learners, an estimated average of 34 hours with Duolingo was roughly equivalent to a semester of college. It was found to be more effective for beginners than advanced students. It was also more effective for those who were motivated by the prospect of using the language for travel.This all seems consistent with the story linked above, and probably with what most of us already know about Duolingo: Its fun, its popular, its geared towards earlier learners and you have virtually nothing to lose by using it.Getting started is easy, and the format is simple. You work your way through a variety of quiz-like exercises that serve as lessons, and there are grammar explanations available if you need them.With Duolingo, you get corrective feedback that you can explore further on your own. Input should be fairly comprehensible since its doled out by level.Duolingo tests both your reading and listening skills, though the robotic audio can sometimes give you pronunciations that sound a bit off. It also spaces out your learning by letting you know when its time to review material youve learned.Youll eventually need more, but Duolingo has likely gotten a lot of people learning a language who wouldnt be doing it otherwise. For more on what you can expect from Duolingo, check out this New York Times article on the subject.BabbelQueens College conducted the study on Duolingo above and did a similar one on Babbel, which showed that Babbel may be even more effective than Duolingo. It was found that beginner users only needed 15 hours with Babbel to cover the equivalent of a college semester of Spanish.Ive tried Babbel myself and I havent found it as engaging as the two apps above. However, thats not the same as saying that its not effectiveâ€"in fact, I understand why it would be. Babbel is a bit more sophisticated than Duolingo and some similar apps. It focuses on practical language and situations. It allows you to interact with the language through a variety of exercises, some of which include voice recognition.With Babbel, you get intensive work with the language. You get native speaker audio thats comprehensible for your level. As with most apps, you get  corrective feedback.What you get with Babbel is probably more like what you get with classroom learning than any of the other apps on this list. If youre more of an independent learner like me, you may find that stifling, but if you want a lot of guidance, you may find its perfect for you.busuubusuus lessons are topic- and communication-based. The program covers level-appropriate material and prompts for  reading, writing, listening and speaking. With busuu, you can easily track your progress and test your level at any time. I think this is all fantastic.Personally, however, I find busuu a bit too involved for my tastes. There are different stages of each lesson you have to passâ€"there are activities and rewards and opportunities to connect with native speakers, too.For me, that feels like a bit much for one app. I enjoy gameification, but I like to have more control over my learning than busuu offers. That doesnt mean that it doesnt have advantages for those who want it all, though.Im bringing up my personal feelings about busuu and Babbel to show that, regardless of whats supposed to be efficient or effective, individual preferences can make or break whether youll actually get any studying done.On the other hand, you can miss out on a lot if you just listen to what other people say about a given product. If I wanted, I could gripe about how these apps are actually bad for language learners just because I dont prefer them myself, when solid research suggests exactly the opposite  is true.busuu has also gotten high marks in the efficacy department, falling between Babbel and Duolingo in terms of how good it is at replacing coll ege coursework (which, it should be stressed, isnt everything). Like Babbel, Im including it here because research indicates that it gets results and that a lot of people like using it. You could very well be one of them.50LANGUAGESI dont have a study to cite for this app. Im including it here because, like FluentU, it offers content that aligns well with some of the strategies discussed in this post.Its pretty basic, but its free and includes great material for beginners. Lessons are vocabulary-based, with complete sentences for context and audio recordings of each word or phrase that can be played separately or together.This makes it compatible with shadowing, comprehensible input for earlier learners and material for intensive reading and listening.It also offers corrective feedback in the form of flashcards and quizzes.Online Language Learning Course Resources: Your Structure and SupportOnline language courses come with their challenges and may not give you as thorough of an exp erience as an in-person class. However, they may still be a good option for learners who arent currently in a college class, due to the low cost and accessibility.The main catch to taking online courses may be that it takes self-discipline to actually finish them.  Harvard Business Review reports that only 4% of people who watch a Coursera lecture (see below) actually go on to do the whole course. However, many people who do complete courses report they experience practical benefits as a result.Heres where you can get your language learning course fix online.CourseraCoursera is a big name in online learning and currently has courses for Spanish, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, English, French and Russian.Its always worth checking the latest offerings. Courses are taught by professors from actual universities but can enroll thousands of people. You can generally join and complete open courses at any time for free, with certificates available for a fee.AlisonAlison is more of an all-you-can -eat buffet when it comes to language courses. You can pick and choose between specific subjects in a language, like tourism, dining out, writing skills, conversation skills, etc.They currently offer courses for English, Spanish, German, Irish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Swedish and Japanese. Like Coursera, Alison provides free materials to learners, but charges a fee for certificates.Open CultureHeres a list of free course resources that may be especially helpful if youre learning a lesser-taught language.Open Culture includes materials here for learning Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Luxembourgish, Maori, Urdu, Tagalog, Romanian and many more.Language Learning Podcasts: An Underestimated Study SupplementPodcasts can be fun, informative and, best of all, anyone can have one, right? As it turns out, the podcast format may be just as useful for language learning as for dispensing any type of information.  Multiple studies have shown podcasts to be a great all-around learning tool.Na tive-language podcasts are perfect for extensive listening practice, and some podcasts intended for language learners are great for intensive listening practice, particularly for beginners. Lets start with those.Innovative LanguageInnovative Language delivers some lessons that are available on their YouTube channels for free; others become accessible when you subscribe. Either way, you can carry engaging, level-appropriate audio featuring native speakers on your phone with you throughout the day. Lessons are currently available in 34 languages.Coffee Break LanguagesCoffee Break Languages gives you podcast-style lessons that teach French, Italian, Chinese, German and Spanish. You can access lessons for free on their website but have the option of signing up for additional content. Lessons include discussions of cultural subjects, grammar points and more.News in SlowThis collection of slowly-spoken news podcasts is fantastic for learners of Spanish, French, Italian and German.Simplifi ed audio based on cultural material is such a good language learning tool, especially around the intermediate levelâ€"though News In Slow is available for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners. Its essentially learner-friendly material with an authentic flavor.More Language Learning PodcastsLooking for more podcasts for a specific language? Here are a few lists to get you started:The 9 Most Riveting Korean Podcast Resources for Language Learners9 Elite Russian Podcasts for Winning Learners10 Awesome French Podcasts for French Learners9 Awesome German Podcasts to Accelerate Your Language Learning8 Japanese Podcasts for Accelerating Your Learning7 Italian Podcasts for Mastering the LanguageNative Language Podcasts and Radio: Necessary Language Listening PracticeSo now about that extensive, authentic listening. We already discussed why extensive listening is important. However, you may also be interested to know that even passively listening to speech while doing other activiti es  can be beneficial to your learning.Here are a couple of sources to provide you with a continuous stream of your target language.TuneInTuneIn gives you access to stations and podcasts from all over the world. Browse by language or location to find what youre looking for.RFI LanguagesDont want to spend time searching? RFI (Radio France Internationale) broadcasts world news in 16 languages.More Authentic Language PodcastsWant more? Below are some lists of radio stations and podcasts for specific languages:Authentic Brazilian Portuguese Listening in 11 Podcasts6 Native Chinese Podcasts for an Authentic Learning ExperienceThe 5 Best Spanish Talk Radio Stations to Give You Spanish Ears5 Great French Talk Radio Shows for Your Learning and Listening PleasureImprove Your German Listening with 9 Made in Germany PodcastsThe Best 3 Japanese Radio Stations and Their Top Talk Radio ProgramsTune In to the 6 Best Italian Radio Stations for Learning the LanguageLive and Breathe Russian? Check Ou t These 10 Radio Stations for Language LearningLearning Korean with Radio: 7 Essential Tips for Streaming SuccessYoull Need Lots of Foreign Language Reading Material, Too!And all the better if its free. Here are some accessible resources for your intensive and extensive reading needs.Project GutenbergYou wont find the freshest reads here, but you do get public domain texts in over 60 languages.The Foreign Language Library OnlineThis is a simple, non-intimidating resource you can use to read short articles in your target language, provided your target language is English, French, Spanish, German or Russian.You can search by language or topic category. Categories include Literature, Movies, History and In the News.Deutsche WelleHeres another news site offering up a linguistic smorgasbord. Choose from current events in 30 languages.Everything Else: Language Learning Websites for Additional Language PracticeSo at this point, weve covered almost everything in terms of language learning r esources you can access from a computer or phone, but not quite everything. There are always those resources that serve their own very specific purposes or are just handy to have bookmarked.Here are a few you might find helpful for practicing and testing your skills along the way.italkiOn italki, you can quickly find an online teacher and pay by the lesson with no long-term commitment. This makes it a convenient resource for getting speaking practice or having your language skills evaluated.Its also a great resource for  getting in-depth feedback or explanations of concepts youre struggling with.Lang-8With Lang-8, youre able to test your other language output skill: writing. On the Lang-8 website, you can write posts thatll then be corrected by native speakers, and you can provide the same service for others.Its like an open pen pal platform thats focused on corrections and more convenient for everyone. This is a good way to get personalized feedback without a teacher.Freerice.comHe res a straightforward vocabulary game that includes quizzes for English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Latin. Theres nothing mind-blowing about it, but its an easy and fun way to memorize new words.If you play regularly enough, youll see some of the same words go by again as you work your way up through the levels, which will help you get in some review and repetition.Plus, as you play, youre earning donations for the World Food Programme.BBC LanguagesBBC Languages is just an all-around good free resource to be aware of. It gives you access to audio and video courses and links to sources for authentic materials.  Content is available for 40 languages.Whew, thats a lot! Hopefully, you see now that effective language learning isnt about any one big solution. Its more about applying certain key principles and strategies when and how you can.Most of the resources above are instantly accessible, and many of them are free. So theres no reason not to start building up a language rou tine that works for you right now.Happy learning, and have fun!

Why this NBA star is setting up a school in the Democratic Republic of Congo [Video]

Why this NBA star is setting up a school in the Democratic Republic of Congo [Video] This offseason is proving to be a busy one for basketball player Bismack Biyomo Fresh off his first season playing for the Orlando Magic, former Toronto Raptors player Biyombo is hard at work on his latest passion project - helping to build schools in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Biyomo has a deep connection to the DRC. Despite having left at the age of sixteen to play basketball professionally around the world, Biyombo’s heart and mind have never strayed far from his home country. That’s why, this summer, he’s lending a philanthropic hand to his home country by setting up a bilingual school for vulnerable children living in Goma, one of the DRC’s most war-torn regions. Biyombo recently visited the Teach Away HQ to meet the team and fill us in on his latest project: Kivu International School is set to open in September 2017, enrolling male and female students at the primary and secondary level. Children in Goma - where rebel groups, despite peace accords, continue to thrive - are at high risk of being forcibly recruited as child soldiers. In the DRC, there are limited educational opportunities for young people. More than three million children are out of school in the country right now - in fact, one in five Congolese children have never stepped foot in a classroom. Millions of children across the world who live in conflict are at grave risk of growing up without the skills they need to contribute to their society and country’s economy, exacerbating an already desperate situation. In times of instability, schools don’t just offer a safe environment for learning - they restore much-needed normalcy and stability in children’s lives and play a critical part in protecting them from the trauma and physical dangers around them. Biyombo learned to play basketball never having owned a pair of shoes, walked two hours to and from school each day and frequently went hungry. While basketball helped Biyombo and his family move out of poverty, he knows that option isn’t available to every kid. That’s why we’re excited to be teaming up with Bismack Biyombo’s charity organization, to help find teachers who are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ready to be a part of something big? Apply for a job teaching at Kivu International School today!

Happiness Is Not Something Ready Made

Happiness Is Not Something Ready Made Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. A quote by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Dalai Lamas are the head monk of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The current 14th Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, and is also well known for his lifelong advocacy for Tibetans inside and outside Tibet. TutorZ has Buddhism tutors working for.

Dos And Donts Of DIY Beauty Treatments

Do's And Don'ts Of DIY Beauty Treatments My personal sugar scrub. I store it in a cool, dry place and inside of an easy to open container. In an episode of  RuPaul’s Drag-U, it was said that the acids in Pepto Bismol “will pucker and tighten [one’s skin].” As tempting as it might be to emulate something you’ve seen someone do, be it on television or even in a tutorial, no treatment is flawless. In fact, in an Elle Magazine article, a doctor offered comment that Pepto “could be too drying which goes, “for any but the most oily skin.” At that point, it might be best to consult with your doctor about how to treat your skin and, if you do make a mistake and dry your skin out using a DIY beauty treatment, you may need to see the doctor anyway. So, take the extra precaution and consult a medical professional in person even if there is info floating around on the internet about it. DO NOT: Ignore your allergies in favor of a beauty treatment. No beauty treatment is worth risking your well-being.(https://pixabay.com) This should go without saying, but men, women and anyone really will sometimes put their looks before their health. I’m guilty of it and I know that I have friends and family who are guilty of it, but putting your well-being on the line in the sense of having an allergy or asthma trigger around is by no means worth it. You’ll end up creating much more of a hassle by out-right ignoring something that makes you sick and/or might cause you to break out your EpiPen. The best thing to do here is to either look for an alternative beauty hack, or even go and get yourself some pre-made hypoallergenic formula at the store while you continue on in your search for a health-friendly DIY. DO: Take precaution. This might go without saying, but sometimes our impatience can get the better of us. What I mean here is, if your DIY beauty treatment involves heat or anything that could possibly be harmful, do not throw caution to the  wind. A friend recently shared a Buzzfeed video about Sugar Wax with me and the video cautions to wait 10-20 minutes for the wax to cool before using it on your body. So, the thing to do there is to actually time out the 10-20 minutes. Now, it might be wise to to time it to closer to 20 minutes because a hot wax burn could take you to the ER and no one wants that. Even if you’re not applying something hot directly to your skin but perhaps mixing it into some other ingredients, do be sure to pour slowly as not to splash the hot water everywhere and cause yourself unneeded pain. Being cautious and mindful of your actions with any DIY is a must. DO NOT: Tweak the ingredients of the DIY. This could lead to issues in the sense that, more than the recommended amount being mixed could create issues. For example, I once found a wonderful sugar scrub recipe through Pinterest. Now, I decided that I wanted to go off script and change the color of the scrub. I wanted a nice pigmented sugar scrub and decided to add an excessive amount of food coloring to my mixture. The tutorial only recommended adding about half a drop of red food coloring.  I added blue food coloring, an entirely different color than the one that was recommended. While I found the scrub to work wonderfully anyhow, I ended up with ‘Smurf hands and cheeks’ because I was so determined to have blue sugar scrub even if the blue unintentionally ended up staying on my face. While my case with the food coloring was mild, tweaking ingredient amounts might have the power to potentially make the final product less effective. Sticking to the script of a beauty treatment recipe is also a much safer route to go if you’re using something that could potentially dry out skin, such as baking soda. Happy Do It Yourself-ing but, please remember to take these dos and don’ts  of beauty treatments into consideration. https://pixabay.com

How to Choose a Tutor For Tutoring For Adults

How to Choose a Tutor For Tutoring For AdultsEvery person wants a great education and an increased sense of self-worth, but tutoring for adults can be a bit tricky if you're not sure what you're doing. Like you, they want to get the most out of their education and to make sure that they achieve this, they need to find a good tutor to work with.The first thing you should consider when looking for tutors is the reputation of tutoring for adults in the particular state or city that you live in. Tutoring for adults is important and you want to be sure that you're choosing someone who's reputable so that you can learn as much as possible. If there are any red flags or accusations of fraud or abuses of power, you want to find someone who isn't vulnerable.Second, look for someone who has experience with tutoring for adults. Some tutors don't actually need to be there all the time, and you might want to take them off the table. This could include someone who works at the college or universit y in which you wish to attend. You also want someone who has a lot of experience and knowledge working with students who are working toward your career goals.Third, find someone who has experience working with tutors who are new to the tutoring industry. Tutors who are working with tutors who aren't experienced at the beginning of their careers could easily confuse you or make some of the more difficult concepts confusing, because they are unfamiliar with how the process goes.Finally, don't choose a tutor based on how many hours they've spent working with individuals who are tutoring for adults. The reality is that the standard time frame you would be looking for in a tutor is someone who works with tutors who are in the professional world.Keep these points in mind when choosing tutors for tutoring for adults. It's always a good idea to do a little research beforehand so that you can choose a tutor who's really going to help you achieve your educational goals.When you find someone w ho will work with you to provide you with an individualized education, you'll be able to confidently show your future employers. It's a rewarding feeling knowing that you put in the time and effort to make a difference and you can show your future employers just how dedicated you are by working with an expert tutor.

Korean Church Tutoring in GA - Important Information

Korean Church Tutoring in GA - Important InformationKorean church tutoring in GA is a beautiful experience. There are many students learning English in the very Bible Belt that Koreans call Korea, and English is not the first language for many of them. Some have not ever learned to speak English, others do not even speak the language, yet there are always people who are willing to teach.Some of them are women, but I've found that men as well as women also find that they enjoy teaching their brothers and sisters in the English church. Some of them do well with children, and others have been making English and Korean programs since they were little kids themselves.The best thing about teaching other people is that everyone is always learning, whether you are teaching yourself or someone else. By teaching each other, you not only help to build more of a relationship in your own church, but you also help to make friends. So that helps to keep the faith alive in the home.Teaching yourself also helps because you can test your skills in the classroom setting without having to deal with the other foreign people in the class. However, your best bet is probably going to be an English teacher to teach your class, or to have a friend teach it for you. If you don't have a friend to do it for you, at least get your parent to do it for you.When you are teaching your school your English, it is a great place to learn because you are allowed to meet and mingle with many different types of people in many different cultures. For example, I think I can say that I know just as many Chinese as Chinese people in one class. I think it will help you understand and appreciate the cultures of your new country, and that will help you learn.Korean church tutoring in GA has been around for years and people continue to teach other classes even today. This shows how it is here in the south of America, and that teaching itself is not as difficult as some might assume. It's one of those things t hat is happening already.And of course if you are thinking of starting your own business and it can be beneficial to help your fellow man to learn to speak English, then you are doing the right thing. It can be a very rewarding experience for all of us. Do what you love and feel good, and do something that will keep the faith alive.

Video Whats it Like to Take an Online Singing Class

Video Whats it Like to Take an Online Singing Class Suzy S. Is it possible to learn to sing online? With TakeLessons Live, you can attend online group classes to improve your skills, improve your confidence, and get a taste of working with a private voice teacher! But we get it: the idea can be pretty daunting if youre a total beginner. Whats it like to take an online singing class, anyway? How should you prepare? We know you might have questions, so we asked singing teacher  Reina M. to address some of the most common questions and concerns. Watch the  video here,  and read the transcription below! Hi, my names Reina and Im a TakeLessons teacher. I offer a customized, holistic approach to learning the voice during my one-on-one sessions. In addition, I have the privilege of teaching some pretty awesome group classes online  using TakeLessons Live. Online teaching is still relatively new and I get questions every day about how it works. Id like to run through a few of the more common questions I get, and show you what to expect when you sign up for a class. So lets get started with the number one question What are the pros and cons to online classes versus in-person? The pros are that theres a lot of personal space, so sometimes if youre a new singer, it  can be kind of intimidating to sing in front of your teachers. Having that technological barrier can be super helpful, just making it more comfortable. Secondly, youre more likely to show up because you can be in your jammies, it could be raining outside, and all you have to do is turn on your device. And lastly, you can take lessons anywhere; as long as you have an internet connection and an up-to-date device, you’re good to go. The cons would be that the teacher can’t give you a hug at the end of class and tell you what a good job you did. You can get an online high five, but it’s not the same. Sometimes there can be technical difficulties so its really important to test your internet strength and to use the most up-to-date device that you have. What are the pros and cons to group classes versus private? The pros are that youre not alone. It’s really nice to know that other people can be on this journey with you, and its way cheaper [than private lessons]. The cons are that the classes are not customized, so if you’re a level thats higher or lower than the class is designed for, you may find yourself either wandering off because you get a little bit bored, or you could get frustrated because it’s just a lot of information at one time. Secondly, you cant cover as much information just because it is geared towards the general populace of the class and it’s not one-on-one. What types of students attend online classes? All types! I get young students, old students, beginner students, advanced students, hobby singers, and professionals. The classes are all-inclusive, they’re open to anyone that wants to learn, and every class is different. What types of students excel in online group classes? This answer is really easy: it’s the type of student that practices. Group classes, and all music lessons for that matter, are  intended to help you practice on your own. You’re not going to get good in one hour, a week,   or two 30-minute lessons a week. The type of student that excels in group classes is the type of student that can take notes, asks questions, and practices the information and techniques that they’ve learned. What will I learn by taking online group classes? Each group class has a different focus. Some of the classes are geared towards beginners and they might focus on basic techniques. Other classes might be more intermediate or advanced, and they’re going to focus on more difficult techniques. So be sure to read the descriptions for each class that’s offered and dont be afraid to ask questions. Can I actually get better by taking online group classes? Yes, absolutely! I have noticed no difference in growth or technique retention between my online students versus my in-studio students. If you continue to show up and you practice, youre going to see growth; easy as that! Do I need to have anything prepared? Most of the time, youre not going to need anything beyond a pen and paper for taking notes, and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated, but be sure to read the descriptions carefully. There are a few classes that may have special requirements. Will I need to sing in front of the class? Well, this depends. The teacher is never going to force you to sing if youre not comfortable, but there are classes, like the audition prep class, where its just not going to be as helpful to you if the teacher cant hear where youre at and what youre doing as youre singing your song. Some of the more intro classes are more information-based and singing live isn’t even a part of the class. If you have a specific question or concern you can always log onto the class early and speak with the teacher in the  little chat box, and just let them know a little bit about yourself. If I could offer one piece of advice what would it be? This is the easiest question by far and the answer is its that you can sing. Dont ever let anybody tell you otherwise, not even yourself! The voice instrument takes practice and patience, just like any other instrument, and if you apply yourself and work diligently, you can master your voice. Group classes are a great way to learn. They awaken your excitement for a new skill, and they can deepen your   appreciation for singing. I definitely recommend signing up for an online group class today through TakeLessons Live. Cheers and congrats on your new journey! Ready to learn to sing online? Check out our online group classes for free today! Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Ancient Civilisations

Ancient Civilisations Taking a Look at the Earliest Civilisations ChaptersMesopotamia: a Land of FirstsAncient Greeks: in Pursuit of Human PerfectionThe Inca: Masters of PoliticsAboriginal Australia: Visiting the Stone AgeThe Mayan: Mathematical GeniusAncient Egypt: the Preeminent CivilisationThe Aztec: Master AgrariansWhen people think of ancient worlds, Egypt, Greece and Rome come quickly to mind. There are more...Humanoids have been wandering around the planet for nearly 2 million years.Our branch of the hominid tree, Homo Sapiens, has only been around for about 300,000 years but we learned from our ancestors how to make and use tools.You might wonder what that has to do with anything...While it is true that many animals use tools, only human build or create ever more complex tools, meaning that the capacity to visualise is much greater in humans than in other species.And, if we can visualise, then we can entertain complex ideas â€" of leadership and power, and ponder philosophical questions which lead us to establish religions.To draw ourselves inwards, to make use of our ability to think, we must assure ourselves of physical security: enough to eat, some sort of shelter and making sure we’re safe from predators.Very early humans realised there is safety in numbers. Clans banded together to hunt and forage, but it was not until they mastered the ability to grow food that they settled in one place.Once they did, most societies built a stronghold to live in, established a system of laws and government, designated hierarchies â€" leader, preacher, merchant and so on.They created myths to explain their purpose and origins and turned their eyes to the heavens, attempting to unravel the mysteries of the stars. They fought anyone who would attempt to encroach on the lives they’d made for themselves.And, in turn, they fought to secure more resources for their tribe.Are all tribes created equal? What distinguishes a culture from a civilisation?The following are characteristics that define a civilisation:Large cities: establish ed settlements, complete with infrastructure â€" roads, water and public buildingsSignificant architecture: churches, temples and so forthComplex institutions: government, education, peacekeeping and religionforeign trade may also be counted as such an institutionSpecialised workers: tradesmen and merchants, farmers, teachers...such workers would provide social stratification, another indicator of civilisationA written languageTechnologyNow, we will look at seven ancient peoples; measure their accomplishments and examine their legacy to determine if they were indeed civilisations or only impactful societies.Dust off your archaeologist’s toolkit and come along! MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5. 00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMesopotamia: a Land of Firsts The Sumerians gave us our first writing system as well as a treasure trove of art to study Image by Mariusz Matuszewski from PixabayNestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, this land has been dubbed the Fertile Crescent â€" both for its abundant water supply and for its rich soil.Most of the major settlements hugged the east bank of the Tigris. The stretch of land between that river and the Zagros mountains proved especially benevolent; soon great cities sprang up.There was squabbling over land, crops and cattle. Often, each side would enlist representatives from a city that was not involved in the fight; thus alliances were born. Those cities would then establish relations that involved trade, cultural exchange and diplomacy.Inevitably, one tribe conquered the entire region, thus establishing an empire. Once a central government had been established, they would go on to acquire other lands.Mesopotamia was ruled in turn by emperors, kings and dynasties.After the Akkadian Empi re fell, Mesopotamia accommodated two empires: the Assyrians to the north and the Babylonians to the south.What permitted the Babylonian Empire to thrive was the ingenious way they devised to irrigate their more arid lands and drain their mudflats.In fact, it is now thought that the screw pump formerly attributed to Archimedes was being used to water the Hanging Gardens of Babylon!Technological achievements of Mesopotamians are remarkable.Not only did they discover how to control water but they invented ploughs to work their land, musical instruments and a counting system â€" base 60, or sexagesimal.We still use the Sumerian numeral system to mark our seconds, minutes and hours.They also invented cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems. It was in this form of writing that King Ur-Nammu left us his legacy: the world’s oldest, most complete legal code.Actually, it might not have been him that wrote it. Scribes were responsible for writing and maintaining records â€" a positio n that elevated them above merchants and soldiers in the social hierarchy.In Mesopotamia, we found social stratification, complex institutions, large cities with significant architecture â€" even today, their temples and ziggurats stand. We also found specialised workers, written language and technology.All of that qualifies Mesopotamia as one of the first human civilisations.Ancient Greeks: in Pursuit of Human PerfectionIf you know anything about world civilizations or history, you surely know that the Ancient Greeks let nothing stand in their way of... not just survival but of advancing their culture, come what may.Archaeological finds date human presence in the area we know as Greece to the Paleolithic age; a time that ended 10,000 years ago.In the Aegean Sea, the Cycladic islands were so favoured as trade route stopovers that, in the 3rd millennium BC, their culture flourished as a civilisation in its own right.Meanwhile, on the island of Crete, the Minoan civilisation â€" some say the first advanced European civilization, was busily trading with everyone in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas.With these trade relations necessarily came cultural exporting â€" finding a common language, currencies to trade with and, inevitably other elements such as music, foods and stories.The Cycladic civilization did not wane so much as become subsumed by the Minoan culture.The Minoans, with their advanced technologies (indoor plumbing!) and more concretely established religion incorporated the positive elements of the Cycladians while providing desirable aspects of civilization to the island dwellers.Why the Minoan civilization declined is unclear: did the Santorini (A.K.A Thera) eruption wipe them all out or were they invaded and conquered?The evidence shows remnants of Minoan life above the layer of volcanic debris, suggesting that invasion was the most likely end of the Minoans.The Myceneans built the first advanced civilization on mainland Greece; they are kno wn for many things, among them a palace-centred system of ruling that is well outlined in the writings they created.These writings detail, among other facets of their society, early installations in the Greek pantheon of gods.This society waned, revived and ultimately fell when the Dorians invaded, bringing on the Greek Dark Ages â€" a time when people scattered across the land, forming small farming communities.The indomitable might and spirit of the Greek refused to be suppressed.Coming together again, emerging from the Dark Ages to reform their cities and societies, Greek civilization once again rose, this time disseminating their culture far and wide.From the Mediterranean to Anatolia, the Greek civilization was touted as the most advanced. The parthenon, Athena's temple, is one of ancient Greek civilisation's most renown monuments. Image by Nonbirinoko on PixabayThe Inca: Masters of PoliticsUnlike the Sumerian and Greek, the Inca did not develop a writing system, as such.Today, scholars believe that quipus, an assemblage of knotted strings, served both as recordkeeping and communications devices. The work of deciphering quipus is ongoing; so far, what they have to say eludes us.What we understand of life in Incan civilization comes from depictions on pottery and from Spanish records.Sadly, what might have been magnificent art forged in precious metals was melted down by the Spanish. They then sent all of the Incan gold and silver to Spain.Upon arrival at Inca lands, the Spaniards were surprised to find everyone purposefully engaged in various tasks; there were no beggars, idlers or drunkards to be found.They learned that the Incan system was to keep everybody busy serving the empire in whichever capacity their societal status and abilities permitted. They enforced this system of duty through effective politics and by encouraging people to report idleness.Family was very important to the Inca, so too were children â€" a fact that made their high infant mortality rate especially painful.Before a child could be considered a true part of the family, s/he would be called ‘wawa’ or ‘baby’ for the first few years of life.Once it was determined that the child would continue to live, a ceremony called ‘rutuchikuy’ took place to formally welcome it into the family.Their gender would be recognised and s/he would be given a name. Oddly enough, the ceremony entailed having their hair dispersed throughout the family, one lock per member.For all that the Inca were advanced in the medical field â€" they were among the first to perform brain surgery, and use anaesthetics, they could do little to stave off either the diseases that the Spaniards brought or the causes of their babies dying.What intact po ttery remains, along with the amazing structures they built â€" roads, aqueducts and, of course, Machu Picchu is all we have left of the Incas.They did indeed build an empire and the only criterion they were missing to qualify as a civilisation is a written language.But, as archaeologists learn more about their recordkeeping devices, their quipus, we may discover from their coded messages that they were more sophisticated than previously thought.Should that prove to be true, that would make that country’s first inhabitants the first human sea goers.However they arrived, evidence of human activity has been found that dates back at least 65,000 years.No written records exist of life in Australia prior to British colonization because early Australians did not establish any form of written communication.They did sometimes communicate with other groups through a message stick: a piece of wood about 30 centimetres long, onto which marks would be etched â€" a crude form of writing but, b y definition, not a written language.For millennia, indigenous Australians lived as one with the land. Their belief systems did not give them stewardship of it; still, they saw it as their duty to take good care of both the land and its inhabitants.It might have been for that reason that they never established any cities; perhaps intuiting that doing so would scar their land.  That theory would explain their outrage over the British building colonies.On the other hand, the fact that they were hunter-gatherers probably had a lot to do with why they never stayed in one place too long, too.Perhaps their most remarkable accomplishment was mastering the use of fire; early Australians were assiduous fire farmers.They would regularly ‘fire’ the undergrowth in their jungle to encourage diversity in their food plants. Fire was also used to drive game and ward off dangerous creatures such as poisonous insects and snakes.For all of their harmony with the land, there was violence â€" agains t other tribes and against women and children within the tribes.As cliché as it sounds, the boomerang was their weapon of choice during inter-tribal conflict although stone-tipped spears worked better at close quarters.The aboriginal Australians did not develop a system for writing their languages, nor did they establish any cities, governments or other major institutions.Although females were generally seen as less than males â€" a type of social ranking, there were no specialised workers or leaders to provide social stratification and there was certainly no architecture.For all that they are remarkable, under these criteria, early Australian societies were not a civilisation. Uluru, also known as Ayer's Rock hold special spiritual significance for indigenous Australians Image by Wallula from PixabayThe Mayan: Mathematical GeniusIf any civilisation qualifies for the title, it would have to be the Mayans.Brutal and bloodthirsty though they were, they nevertheless created complex societies with a distinct hierarchy, they most certainly created magnificent architecture and large cities and they made ample use of technology.Upon discovering the glyphs that adorned Mayan buildings, statues and pottery, archaeologists thought they were not much more than elaborate doodles until 1952, when Russian linguist Yuri Knorosov deciphered them.At the time, credibility in anything Russian was strained due to the Cold War. Besides, ‘mainstream’ archaeologists thought the symbols were commemorations; more like tributes to gods.It wasn’t until Tatiana Proskouriakoff, a prominent Mayanist, discovered a glyph at the base of a temple that included three dates, two of whic h had an accompanying symbol.She realised that these dates corresponded with the birth and ascension of the king that was buried there, and the date of his death.The world collectively gasped at the realisation that Mayans were not a peaceful, religious, learned people but quite brutal and bloodthirsty.Much to the relief of scholars, the Mayan’s long history, once thought virtually destroyed save for Spanish recountings of it, lies completely exposed on virtually every lintel, stelae and temple for all to see; it needed only interpretation.The Mayans had been writing since the third century BC and they were not shy about reporting on their military conquests and their disposal of prisoners.Imagine how much more we could have learned had the Spanish bishop not burned all but four of their books...Ancient Egypt: the Preeminent CivilisationPicture the scene: you and your tribe have been walking north for days. You come from the central region of Africa and you have been following the river. It is getting larger, more powerful and the further you walk, the greener the land gets.Food here is abundant; plenty of beasts to hunt and lots of vegetation. Your tribe decides to stay in spite of other tribes scattered about; after all, there is plenty here for everyone.Far be it for us to say that is how the ancient Egyptian civilization got started but the truth can’t be too far off.As early as 5,000 years ago, individual colonies were established up and down the Nile, each one making their own advances in creating tools and possibly establishing trade with neighbouring tribes... or fighting. Or both.Along comes Menes who, through a combination of diplomacy and war, unites the two halves of Egypt; the Red land in the Delta and the White land to the south.He founds Memphis right on the border of the two realms, calls it the capital and proclaims himself king.  So begins nearly 3,000 years of dynastic rule of Egypt.Like so many ancient civilizations, progression to esta blished cities with functioning governments was not linear: it did not go from barren outpost to a just society with laws and institutions without pitfalls.Three times in this country’s long history, social, political and military upheaval caused the collapse of civilisation; each time, it was built anew.Some kings were so arrogant they raided the coffers to establish their legacy, others were so pious they rejected all gods in favour of only one. Some kings were too young to rule; their mothers functioned as regents until they reached a proper level of maturity.And one king was happy to let his mother rule until her death.The papyrus and the pyramids; the paintings and the statues have much to inform on; the civilisation of ancient Egypt is just waiting for you to discover it... The Sphinx and the pyramids are immediately recognisable symbols of Egypt Image by Marcin Chuc from PixabayThe Aztec: Master AgrariansThe Aztec civilisation is known for many things, among them the brutality of their warfare and the ruthlessness of their sacrificial offerings.Aspects of their short-lived dominion that seem to pale in comparison to the amount of blood they spilt include their treatment of women, their educational mandates, and their amazing floating gardens.The people initially known as the Mexica presumably migrated from North America; no one is really sure.However, one fact stands out: they were one of the last of the nomadic tribes to arrive in Mesoamerica. For that, they suffered the indignity of having to ask for a parcel of land to settle on.Was it cunning political manoeuvering that led them to beseech the king for favours time and again? Or did their seeming arrogance develop later â€" as their city, population and reputation grew?Because surely, it was more t han a bit of bluster that led them to subjugate first the king’s foes and then, after a horrible event that caused the king to drive the Aztecs from the land he had granted them, to dominate the tribes around their city.Well, that’s not quite true.Once the Aztec spotted what they thought was a divine sign that they had arrived at the land they were destined to occupy, they set about building a city to rival all others in Mesoamerica.Never mind that the land they felt destined to occupy was an island in the middle of a lake; the clever Aztec only saw opportunity.They soon got to work building magnificent temples, a royal palace and public buildings: government offices, schools and mercantile.Because they only had so much land â€" remember, they lived on an island, they engineered an ingenious solution to their agricultural woes.Because their society was so complex, they also devised an elaborate writing system to record official transactions as well as events in their daily lives .Every Aztec learned to read, write and do maths â€" boy or girl, rich or poor. And then, based on their demonstrated aptitude, they went on to study medicine, astronomy or history.The Aztecs had it all: an elaborate social structure underpinned by complex institutions, housed in a large city that was home to magnificent architecture.This was a society advanced by technology; a society we know of today because of the vast number of codices or books they left behind. These books form a record of their lives.Considering the remarkable progression from nomadic tribe to established civilisation within less than 100 years, isn’t it such a shame that they are mostly remembered for their bloodlust and barbaric sacrifices?It is said that there are six cradles of civilization located around the world, so named because it was there that people, long ago, established how humans will live: in societies with a system of laws and spiritual/religious beliefs.Those people, our ancestors, built ma gnificent structures to honour their gods and leaders, invented and employed technology to establish their legacy: those population centres, large and replete with infrastructure.Not every ancient society is a civilization but all of humanity’s ancestors have made our legacy as rich as it is long... haven't they?