Why Major in Chemistry?

Why Major in Chemistry?A person who wants to become a certified chemical engineer would love to major in chemistry. Chemical engineering is one of the most popular degree programs available and can certainly be a great career choice for anyone who loves to discover new ways to use and create chemicals, as well as maintain safety for people and the environment.Chemists are also trained in other disciplines as well as having been trained in basic chemistry for many years. These jobs often require specialized training, but are in high demand. There are many different types of chemistry that may be required at a job, such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics and quantum chemistry.Those wishing to major in chemistry need to think about what they really want to do. Maybe they are working with acids or heavy metals and don't feel comfortable with it, so they look into engineering. Alternatively, some of these same chemists may be interested in bio-chemical engineering, where they stu dy the actual molecules together to understand how they interact with each other. Of course, there are others who may wish to study the industry, and thus research and development of materials and technologies are their top priority.Students are often required to take classes on pH and other acids and alkalis, with the student labors investigating which elements in nature create the greatest volatility and aid in making toxic substances. Some students may find that their training helps them get an opportunity to work in a hospital setting, where they will be responsible for some of the most critical and difficult patients with a variety of different health issues.While many students are looking into a career in a more traditional field like law or accounting, there are many environmental science majors that also find careers in healthcare. They may be involved in chemical research for dangerous diseases, soil testing for contamination of water supplies, or even in materials research . Many times these chemists need to work closely with doctors and the local government to make sure that they are following all safety protocols. It can be difficult at times, but students must be able to see that the world they are working in is truly important.The beauty of pursuing a major in chemistry is that there are many career options. Students may choose to take jobs in industries such as manufacturing, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and the legal fields as well.Many colleges and universities offer a degree in chemistry as a part of public education departments, and while the field may seem a bit more dated now, many students still love the field of science, and like working with chemistry. There are many great options for students who want to major in chemistry.

Watercolour Painting for Beginners

Watercolour Painting for Beginners How to Get Started with Watercolour Painting? ChaptersBuying Supplies for Watercolour PaintingPrepare Your SpaceTwo Indispensable CompanionsMixing PaintsThe Last, Most Important IngredientA distant memory: my mother and her paint-by-numbers kits. She had two of them; one for landscape painting and one for harlequins â€" don’t ask me how she settled on those two subjects.The experiment was short-lived. For about two weeks, she was full of fervour and the smell of mineral spirits filled the house, and then it was on to other things.Most likely those kits came with preselected tubes of gouache (a sort of enhanced watercolour), meant specifically for that work. The relevance of those kits to our topic today is that they make painting easy... unlike working with the more unpredictable watercolours that are pure pigment, without the benefit of a gum arabic binder.Shortly after Mum’s time of painting ended, our school art class started us on watercolours.I had hoped my artwork would end up looking as precise as hers did but we were n’t painting by numbers. Ours was more of a free-for-all assault on the blank white space that was our ‘canvas’; colours running into one another, saturated paper wrinkling and, in one corner, a gouge made by the brush’s ferrule.My early forays into art convinced me that van Gogh had nothing to worry about. Oh, if only I had had a few pointers!That is your Superprof’s intent: to help you discover the pleasure of creating art on paper without chucking it all in the bin after the umpteenth time your cadmium yellow runs into your ultramarine blue.Let’s get started, shall we? FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPai nting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBuying Supplies for Watercolour Painting At first, you may be staggered by the variety of supplies for watercolor art Image by MustangJoe from PixabayWatercolour paint sets for the (semi-) serious artist are vastly different from the sets meant for schoolchildren that you might find at PoundWorld or on Amazon. Let us discourage you from making your first forays into the world of watercolour painting with one of those sets.Walking into any art supply store, you may become overwhelmed by the dazzling array of choices and products available for art creation.Unless you’ve done a hefty bit of research on your own or you have a painting instructor giving you recommendations, you may wonder what selections would best suit your needs.Consider these points...Choosing Watercolor PaperObviously, not all paper is the same, especially when it comes to artistic endeavours.Washi paper for origami is decidedly different from onionskin paper used to make kites and gliders. Copy paper is different than Inkjet paper and notebook paper is no t even in the same ballpark as sketch paper.So, while your favourite art supply store (or Amazon) may have lots of paper for sale, it would be best to bypass the many varieties of craft paper and steer toward actual watercolour paper.It may cost a bit more but your results will make the extra expense worth it.The Right Paintbrush for Watercolor PaintingYou don’t necessarily have to go top-of-the-line â€" that set of Kolinsky sable brushes can wait till you get a bit more proficient. Or, at least until you are sure you want to make watercolour painting a part of your life.With that being said, you shouldn’t scrape the bottom of the quality barrel for your brushes just because you’re a beginner. In fact, a poor-quality brush can skew your results and even turn you off of painting altogether!Some artists recommend that, before going all out on supplies, spend a little bit of time with artificial-fibre brushes to see if painting truly is for you and to get the feel of working with paint. Once you’ve determined that you do indeed want to paint, that will be the time to invest in some really good, natural-fibre brushes.The difference in feel and performance will so amaze you, you’ll never use an artificial brush again!With that out of the way, which brushes should you buy?Perhaps the best value for your money would be a set that includes small, medium and large round brushes as well as a mop brush and a flat brush. That should do, for starters.You should, however, avoid craft brushes; the bristles tend to be too rough for delicate watercolors. Water colours allow for a wide range of expression while using few resources Image by Stux  from PixabaySelecting Watercolor PaintsHere, finally, you get to skimp â€" but only a little. You don’t need every colour of the rainbow to get started painting with watercolours; just a few of the basic ones. Ideally, you would start out with the primary colours: red, yellow and blue, and add some black. That is enough to get you going.You have the option of buying watercolours in cakes or tubes; perhaps you could select cakes of primary colours and a tube of black or vice versa, just so you can try out which would work best for you.Of course, you always have the option of picking up a kit. Such packs contain anywhere from 12 to 24 colours but the downside is that you won’t be able to mix them up â€" you will have all tubes or all cakes.Other supplies you might pick up while at the art store:A palette: a flat or shallow surface to mix paints on/inDrafting tape: while you could use any typ e of tape to keep your paper on the draft board, most will tear watercolour paper. Drafting tape will not.Tote boards are, essentially, giant-sized clipboards; they come in various sizesPencils and rubbers for making outlines and fixing mistakes, respectively.All other tools of the trade, such as masking fluid and tools for texturing can be purchased later, once you’ve decided that watercolour painting is definitely for you.Also, learn how to create texture in your paintings without relying on paper texture.Prepare Your SpaceYou may have seen, in countless films, how an artist’s studio tends toward the messy. While that is acceptable if you work with oil paints, the very nature of watercolours demands a bit of tidiness.Because watercolours are so fluid and fast, it will occasionally be necessary for you to have ready access to sponges, paper towels and clean water; working in a cluttered environment simply won’t do!First, give yourself enough space to work comfortably, making sure you have plenty of elbow room.Next, place all of your tools, colours and water pots within easy reach of your dominant hand â€" but not too close, you don’t want to risk knocking over that jar of water!You may also consider hanging a small towel from your waistband or another convenient place so that you can dry your brushes as needed. One watercolour artist I know likes to keep a wadded paper towel in her sleeve for ultra-quick access without having to reach for one.Did you know that there are vast resources available to help you master watercolour painting? As you learn to paint with watercolours, trying out colour mixes is vital Image by Stux  from PixabayWhat might you need spare paper for?Unless you have an uncanny ability to gauge a colour’s depth while mixing it, you will need to know that you’ve attained the right shade. The way to do that is by making a few sample brush strokes on paper that is similar in texture to the one you’re painting on.You may consider taking one or two sheets of watercolour paper and cutting them into smaller squares, that way you can use both front and back to test your paint mixing skills.Mixing PaintsThe frugal artist might believe s/he is saving supplies by mixing only a little paint at a time but experience says that there is nothing more frustrating than being fully into one’s work, bold brush strokes and all, only to realise that you’ve run out of paint.Especially if you’re just starting out using watercolour as your medium, it is difficult to gauge how much paint you’ll need to compl ete that portion of your painting, to say nothing of how difficult (read: impossible) it is to match a tone exactly.The moral of that story: err on the generous side when mixing paints.The Last, Most Important IngredientWe don’t presume to know the reasons why you decided to take up watercolour painting but we are glad that you’re going at it with gusto.Besides a lot of technical advice and letting you know that Superprof art tutors are standing by to help you master this medium, there’s really not much more we can do for you other than to clue you into the crucial ingredient to make any venture a success: have fun.We urge you to not see colour bleeds as a failure but an opportunity to experiment. Rather than paint splotches being a source of frustration, let them be a source of inspiration â€" what could you make of them?Forget colouring between the lines â€" or, for that matter, painting by numbers!Have fun with your new learning adventure and see where it takes you; that mi ght be more rewarding than being able to paint a landscape or harlequin... and you’ll probably feel a greater sense of accomplishment, at that!Now discover more about painting with watercolours...

The 7 Best Bass Guitar Songs to Learn

The 7 Best Bass Guitar Songs to Learn Sign up successful So to all the seasoned bass players out there, if you’re just starting to learn the bass, here are seven of the best bass guitar songs to learn with the most recognizable and hip bass lines in music history. The 7 Best Bass Guitar Songs to Learn Queen Under Pressure Difficulty level: 2 This bass line is a staple of the instrument. Its distinct rhythm and groove is instantly recognizable and it is surprisingly not difficult to play at all. Let’s not forget that there is some controversy over whether the pop artist Vanilla Ice used this line for his hit Ice Ice Baby. Red Hot Chili Peppers Give it Away Now Difficulty level: 6 This line is probably more suitable once you have a little more experience under your belt. With a line like this, the term “funk” is instantly incorporated into the music. One has to feel the funk to get down with a bass line of this caliber. Michael Jackson Billie Jean Difficulty level: 5 You can tell from the way that Michael dances in this song that he is getting his groove from this groovy bass line. Its a not-so-difficult line to play but its always moving so you have to keep the groove up. Primus American Life Difficulty level: 9 This is one of the best bass guitar songs on this list. When you hear the bass lines youll automatically think “I want to play that!” Les Claypools bass lines are more like guitar licks or melody lines. He gives the bass a distinct sound and a dominant role in any song he plays in, which also makes his bass lines on the more difficult side. Pink Floyd Money Difficulty level: 4 The bass line that comes in after a variety of clicking sounds is an unforgettable one. This popular song by Pink Floyd is a hit in anyones playlist and this bass line, with its rhythm of 7/4, is one every bassist should know how to play. Johann Pachelbel Pachelbel Canon in D Major Difficulty level: 3 This is not generally a song thought of when talking about bass lines. However, this line known as the basso continuo is in fact a legit Baroque period bass line. It is so legit that it is even featured in more familiar songs, such as Coolio’s “C U When U Get There” and Green Day’s “Basket Case.” This is a rockin’ canon and exemplifies how far back bass history really goes. Herbie Hancock Chameleon Difficulty level: 2 This funky/jazzy bass line is a standard and staple of the bass repertoire that every bass player should know. If bass lines had a holy grail, this might be it. This line is smooth, classy, and above all, groovy. Herbie made this song popular, but it was the bass line that made it immortal. It’s not difficult to play, so why not learn it? These are some of the best bass guitar songs to learn, and they all helped in making the bass the immense instrument that it is today. The songs here give any bassist some good grooves to learn that will develop his or her skills. Christopher S. teaches bass guitar and composition in Jamaica Plain, MA. He received his Bachelors from Humboldt State and is currently working toward a Master of Music degree. Learn more about Christopher S. here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by: Ethan Prater

How To Explore College Dining

How To Explore College Dining As high school seniors explore colleges this fall, one thing they should remember to investigate is the universitys dining facilities. The college dining halls will be one of the biggest differences from life at home. However, different does not always live up to its awful connotation. Dining halls are not exactly filled with retired chefs and grandmas who love you, and sometimes the food is not good. However, it is part of the college experience, and it is something you will be able to overlook. Food allergies can be an issue in the dining halls. Essentially, you will not know what is possibly in whatever they may be making; so tell the workers your allergies because they will know. That is one of the most important aspects to remember about the dining halls. Dining halls also offer many options for food. Dining halls will most likely have a fresh salad and fruit bar and a deli. Your dining hall should offer options for vegetarians. Also, dining halls will likely have hamburgesr, hot dogs, and chicken fingers for more options. However, the main course of dining halls will expand your culinary knowledge. Most of the items will cease to exist on menus at normal restaurants, and at times they may even be difficult to pronounce. However, its a chance to try new food for no additional cost. Think of your dining hall as a cheap buffet. With that many choices youre bound to like something every night. Quantity is a big positive at the dining halls. There is virtually no limit to the amount of food you can eat. Your college may have multiple dining halls with different menus every night, enhancing the options available. Some dining halls even specialize in vegetarian food, healthy food, fast food, fish, etc. A lot of schools also offer options with meal plans. Some schools allow students to use meal plans in markets to buy groceries, others offer food you can pick up, others allow students to use the meals in affiliated restaurants, etc. Most schools offer different types of meal plans in terms of how many meals a week and extra options. You should research your schools meal plans thoroughly before buying one. Beverages are one of the dining halls strong points. They will have enough juices and sodas available everyday to make your dentist squeal, or keep them all employed during the recession. And you can even grab three or four sodas at once if you want to. Also, the salad and fruit bars are well maintained at dining halls. Most dining halls offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and are open seven days a week. However, some are closed on weekends. The best part about the dining hall is not doing dishes, unless you work there. You simply eat your food, and put your tray into the kitchen; then you can return to your studies or socializing. A regular trip to the dining hall takes anywhere from 20-60 minutes, depending on how crowded it is, and how much you want to eat.

4 Communication Styles How They Impact the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 4 Communication Styles How They Impact the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer 4 Communication Styles How They Impact the Workplace Effective communication is the key to a successful work environment. In an age where businesses continue to fail due to rising numbers of disgruntled employees, communication methods matter now more than ever. In fact, experts at Villanova University state that “About 52 percent of American workers aren’t engaged, with 18 percent of American workers being actively disengaged. Only a paltry 30 percent of American workers can say that they feel engaged, inspired, and useful at work.” Utilizing appropriate communication styles is one of the best ways to raise employee engagement, lower workplace stress, and boost overall productivity. Unfortunately, picking the right communication style for you and your employees can be a difficult task. All employees are different â€" ranging from introverted to extroverted or somewhere in between â€" and so it stands to reason that their communication preferences will differ significantly. This can be especially true in regards to introverts, who are often uncomfortable verbalizing their personal communication needs, and so their communication styles are not as well known. Without the appropriate knowledge, dealing with a communication style different from your own can be like trying to speak with an alien species. Here, we will cover four communication styles and their respective impacts on the workplace. According to a recent report by The Economist Intelligence Unit and Lucidchart that covers research by Mark Murphy, there are four different types of communication styles: Analytical, Intuitive, Personal and Functional. While there are always exceptions, an introvert’s communication style can broadly fit under the labels of either Personal or Functional or even a mix of both. Knowledge in regards to these styles not only helps introverts to communicate effectively with one another, but is also useful for introverts and extroverts to communicate with each other. The Analytical Communication Style Analytical communicators love hard data and facts, with a strong preference for clear and precise language. In general, they are put off by people who use vague language and often lose interest when conversations move away from rationality. An example Murphy gives is of being in a meeting and hearing feedback that sales are positive. In this case, an analytical communicator would instantly wonder, “What does positive mean?” and request an actual statistic or figure to indicate the positive sales. One of the major advantages of this style of communication is that it can speed things up in the workplace, due to the rather unemotional and mainly logical nature of analytical communication. On the other hand, this style of communication can unintentionally come across as cold and abrupt, allowing for certain types of people, like introverts, to be taken aback. For this type of communication, it is best to provide as much detail as possible form the very beginning. The Intuitive Communication Style Intuitive communication is a style that significantly differs from analytical communication. As opposed to details and data, intuitive communicators tend to lean towards the bigger picture. They give more importance to broad overviews and don’t like being bogged down with specifics. Rather than focusing on a linear set of instructions, intuitive communicators prefer to skip directly to the key points. Even though this style of communication does not favor nuance, it can promote creative out-of-the-box thinking. Intuitive communicators also are quick to provide answers, keeping the larger picture in mind. The Personal Communication Style The personal communicator is one who values relationships and emotional language above all else. They tend to be better listeners than talkers and see communication as a way to build a few strong relationships with people. Many introverts prefer a personal communication style, as opposed to more hard-line stances. In Susan Cain’s bestseller, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” introverts are defined as those who “have a preference for a quiet, more minimally stimulating environment. Introverts tend to enjoy quiet concentration, listen more than they talk, and think before they speak, and have a more prudent and cautious approach to risk. Introverts think more, are less reckless and focus on what mattersâ€"relationships and meaningful work.” Here, we can see some overlaps with the personal style of communication. Communicators who fit within this category often value time alone to reflect to quietly reflect and organize their thoughts before speaking. Many also prefer to communicate via email, so as to present their thoughts in a more formulated manner. While these characteristics are especially valuable for B2B and B2C outreach, as well as internal communication, it’s important to ensure that those who prefer verbal communication should be adequately courteous in their digital communications. A personal style also offers increased diplomacy and can lead to true vested interests for the tasks at hand. However, this style can also quickly veer off into one-on-one conversations about more emotional matters, leaving those who prefer other communication styles quite frustrated. The Functional Communication Style Functional communicators are those who focus on and thoroughly enjoy processes. They like to think plans through step-by-step, and often want to go over every detail from start to finish so as to not miss out on any information. Some introverts also gravitate towards this communication style. For instance, in a previous article on what introverts can teach you about success, we mention that “An introvert has a tendency to stay with a goal until completion. They can begin with an idea, flesh it out, and follow it to completion with no problem.” These qualities make functional communicators well suited to be leaders and guides, as they are completely aware of every step within a given chain of process. On the other hand, functional communicators are often seen as boring and aggravating, due to their tendency to purposefully go through every single task in its entirety. Putting Your Knowledge to Work Now that you’re broadly aware of the four styles of communication, you can choose how to implement your favored types of communication within your workplace. Depending on the needs of your workplace, you could be a communication pioneer who aims for innovation in communication practices within your organization; a communication veteran, who combines experience and strives to stay ahead of the competition; or a communication coach, who changes an organization by leading employees and management to more effective communication. Regardless of your role, it is vital to pay attention to how your employees naturally communicate. Doing so will give you the necessary insight to categorize different types of communication and then streamline communication procedures so that information is effectively disseminated and absorbed. Finally, you need to give employees the tools and training they need to communicate across various styles, as no two employees are the same. Remember, it is only through creating an open and inclusive environment where employees can freely communicate that your organization will be posed for success. AUTHOR BIO: Frankie Wallace  is a writer from Boise, Idaho who contributes to a wide variety of blogs online. Wallace is a graduate from the University of Montana and enjoys writing about career development and job searching. Source: Pixabay Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Travel English Ireland

Travel English Ireland Up For a Jar Down the Local? A Guide to Understanding English Spoken in Ireland with help from U2. We might feel a certain affinity with Ireland because we enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and the music of U2. However, the English spoken in Ireland is particularly confusing for non-native speakers because it has many terms and phrases taken from Gaeilge, Ireland’s own native language. Here is a brief vocabulary guide to help you out when you visit Ireland.Food and Drink A drink is called a “jar.”A public house is called a “pub” or “the local.”If someone is inviting you for a drink in a public house you might hear “Are you up for a jar down the local.”Slainte is an Irish word used when you drink. It means “to your health.”Cookies are called “biscuits.”A place where you buy fish and chips is called a “chipper.”A soft drink is called a “fizzy” drink or a “mineral.”Sports clothing is called a “tracksuit.”A cup of tea might be called a “cup of scald.†A glass of beer is called a “pint.”If someone is drunk you might hear “plastered” or “langers,” pissed or “locked.”A liquor store is called an “Off Licence.”A carry-out restaurant is called a “take away.”A slice of bacon is called a “rasher.”Social If someone wants to welcome you they might say “cead mile failte” which translated from the Irish language means “a hundred thousand welcomes.”If someone is asking you how you are they might say “what’s the craic?”If someone wants to say thank you they say “cheers” or “thanks a million.”When someone is going home they say “I’m heading off now.”When going to bed they say “Im  ready to  hit the hay.”If it’s raining you might hear “It’s a soft old day.”If someone is inviting you to sit down you’ll here “take the weight off your legs.”When referring to a person whose name they cannot remember they will  call them “yer man” or “yer woman.”If you are blocking the television, you will here “you’re in my light.”If something is fun, it is a “blast.”If something is great, it might be called “savage.”If someone did something considered stupid they might be called a “muppet.”Clothes A clothes closet is called a “wardrobe.”Sports shoes are called “runners.”Hair bangs is called a “fringe.”Trousers are called “pants.”An overcoat is called an “anorak.”Random Mouth is called “gob.” Close your mouth is “shut your gob.”A drugstore is called a “pharmacy.”The garbage is called a “dustbin.”The side of the road or pavement is called the “footpath.”An argument is called a “row.”If someone is very angry they might say “he/she had a conniption.”A strange person might be called “quare.”Getting angry is called “giving out.”A clever person might be called “cute.”A dangerous person or place is called “dodgy.”Someone from Dublin might be called a “Dub.”Someone from outside of Dubl in might be called a “culchie” meaning a hillbilly.A bathroom might be called “the jacks.”Any unspecified object could be called a “yoke.”How was that? Difficult? Don’t worry. As soon as you arrive you’ll start to pick up all the local words or lingo. Speaking of locals, here is a tune from Ireland’s most famous band, U2 with Where The Streets Have No Name.Get travel English classes for especially for Ireland or anywhere else you need to go.

Pen Pals

Pen Pals Do you have a pen pal? Have you ever had a pen pal? Probably not. Writing to a an anonymous correspondent used to be a popular hobby. Not anymore. It has fallen out of favour these days as people spend more and more time on social media websites. Perhaps, you don’t even know what a pen pal is and why it became as popular as it did. What is a Pen Pal? A pen pal is a person with whom one exchanges letters on a regular basis. Pen pals usually begin as strangers who live far away in a foreign country, making face-to-face meetings impossible or unlikely. People start exchanging messages with strangers for a range of reasons. The most common reason is to practice reading and writing using a foreign language. As such, people exchange letters to get meaningful practice in a language they are trying to learn or trying not to forget. In the process, correspondents learn about each other’s life and culture, often sharing personal details about themselves. Snail Mail It is worth noting at this point that whereas individuals can keep in touch with each other using email or an instant messaging application, many prefer to use snail-mail. There is something satisfying about seeing your name handwritten on an envelope. Using the postal service makes it possible to trade postcards, photos, stickers, birthday cards, drawings, and collectible stamps through the mail. Nevertheless, there are a number of websites that offer safe, structured, online pen pal exchanges for those who want to correspond with others over the internet. The Benefits of Being a Pen Pal Pen pal writing is beneficial in several ways. Foremost, it allows people to have a different outlook on the world. They can learn how people from different cultures approach questions of housing, schooling, food, exercise, healthcare, technology, travel, and entertainment, among other things. By sharing the ordinary details of their lives with others, correspondents often create long-lasting friendships. Given the fact that pen pals interact with a person they are unlikely to meet, they quickly open up and divulge intimate details about themselves. Not only do pen pals not only create a trusting friendship, but they also promote greater mental health. After all, it is by sharing our secrets that we discover that we are not alone and that all our secrets are basically the same. Furthermore, pen pal writing does away with the prejudices about people from different cultures. It creates a sense of social cohesion across borders and languages, and it creates tolerance through openness and respect. Many pals benefit from creating a written record of their memories, enjoying a chance for deep reflection about their lives, and the opportunity to develop their writing skills in the process. It is an enjoyable writing activity. It is social in nature, unlike other forms of writing such as essay writing or keeping a diary. The Dangers Despite the many benefits of pen pal writing, there can be disappointments and risks. The first one is that it can be frustrating to wait for a response from a correspondent. Some letters take a while before they are delivered, creating a sense of impatience and disappointment. Furthermore, the responses you receive may not always be friendly. In rare cases, a correspondent can take advantage of the anonymity of the exchange and write insulting attacks on certain sexual orientations, cultures, and lifestyles. Personal details revealed by the writer can be shared with other people, which can in turn create security issues. This is particularly true in the contemporary world, in which identity theft and other criminal acts are on the rise. Social insurance numbers, banking information, credit card numbers, and passwords should never be shared with pen pals. Regardless of the need for some caution, pen pal writing is a fun and enjoyable activity. It allows people to interact, learn, and grow. If you would like to find an online pen pal and exchange with people safely while improving your language skills, visit VirtualWritingTutor.com. Membership is free, and there are people who are eager to meet you from all over the planet. More on the topic Start an Exchange project for students  on the Virtual Writing Tutor. For instructions on how to create an exchange for your students, check out these step-by-step pen pal exchange creation instructions for teachers.Learn about the pedagogical value of letter writing exchanges here.Click here for an article on pen pals that students can read to introduce them to the concept. Get free postcards and start a postcard exchange Please follow and like us: