Martin Chemistry WorkNotes

Martin Chemistry WorkNotesMartin Chemistry WorkNotes is an interesting twist on the familiar laboratory notebook, but they are not simply 'invented' by Martin. They have been around for some time and even appear in textbooks and scientific journals, but are new to the public. In fact, many scientists have not heard of them and don't know what they are!Martin Chemistry WorkNotes is actually a rather unique kind of book, a notebook of sorts, although it is far from a typical scientific book. Rather than merely maintaining a standard journal in which the writer tries to remember facts, concepts, and formulas, this book is all about writing about what you are studying. If you think about it, this is what a scientist is all about: working through the problem that is being studied, not simply trying to remember facts, formulas, or equations.There are three sections to Martin Chemistry WorkNotes, all written in the first person: a table of contents, a glossary, and an index. The table of co ntents includes all the topics listed on the first page of the book. The glossary will give you a hint of the various topics. And the index will help you find specific terms.The first thing that strikes you about Martin Chemistry WorkNotes is its unique style. While most science books consist of large, wide-spaced pages with lots of text, Martin's writing is short and to the point. You may notice that each page, including all the text, seems to be drawn from the center of a page, which in itself is unusual, but seems to serve the purpose well.Because Martin's writing is so concise, the ideas he discusses can be more easily remembered than those found in other books. Many students begin with a book that they find intimidating, and with Martin's writing style it will seem simple to them. Plus, his use of 'we' instead of 'I' adds to the clarity and perspective that make it easier to comprehend and remember information.Martin Chemistry WorkNotes also allows for extra comment and feedbac k. When writing, one may find that certain topics have been brought up more than others. As you read, you can make notes about those things and refer back to them later when discussing those topics. This can be a great way to improve your understanding of an area.Finally, the words 'Work Notes' do not necessarily indicate that these are classroom grade level science subjects, although Martin does teach many things that are used in laboratories. Martin does not presume to present a full introduction to each subject, but instead focuses on a specific topic for which there are no readily available resources. These notes are valuable tools for the scientist who wishes to review the topics covered in a course, and for the science teacher who use them to aid in teaching their students.

Electric Guitar Accessories Whats in Your Gig Bag

Electric Guitar Accessories Whats in Your Gig Bag Suzy S. Got the gig? Great! Now… what should you bring? Read on to learn about the electric guitar accessories that Charleston, SC teacher Christopher A. recommends stowing in your gig bag… As you get into playing guitar, opportunities may arise to showcase your talents in a live setting. Regardless of the performance location, be it a bar, coffeehouse, or your high school gymnasium, there are a few essentials you should carry with you in your gig bag or guitar case. Making a list of items you need for the gig allows you to double check that everything makes it into your car, so you don’t arrive missing a key piece of gear, like your instrument cable or microphone. Here are a few staples that most working musicians I know carry to every gig: Extra Strings It’s always great to be prepared in case a string breaks mid-show. Having a spare set can keep you from having to play a five-string guitar for your gig. String winder and pliers These tools allow you to change strings quickly and remove the excess so your instrument looks good should you have to replace a busted string mid-show. Instrument Cables You never know when a cable will break or someone will accidentally step on your pedalboard and break it, so carrying a spare instrument can save you from a silent performance or help out a bandmate who left one at home. Capo/Slide These two tools are key when backing a vocalist who may need to raise or lower a song’s key, and should always be in your bag. The slide, while not used on every song, can easily be clipped into the capo for easy travel, and both can attach to a mic stand for quick access during a show. Strap Bring a spare strap in case your main one breaks. Picks Wait, isn’t it common sense to have a pick on your person for a show? Sure, but when you’re mid-song and your pick flies from your fingers because it’s a hundred degrees and you’re sweating profusely, you will need a suitable replacement, so having a few extras in your gig bag ensures you can shred on. Power Cable Most of today’s amps use IEC type cables that are easily detached before and after powering on your amp, so make sure you carry a spare in case you lose the original on the way or forget to pack altogether. Instrument Stand Manufacturers have figured out ways to make smaller stable instrument stands and having one will allow you to have a spare guitar on that stand or somewhere to rest your instrument during set breaks. No one wants to leave their cherished instrument leaning on an amp during a break only to see it fall as your bandmates rush to speak to their friends in the crowd. Fuses/Tubes There are times power circuits in a club can trip breakers or fry the fuse in your amp. Having a spare fuse or two that precisely match the voltage and amperage your amp needs can save the day. Likewise, sometimes power tubes or preamp tubes fail, and having a spare can allow you to carry on provided you don’t have to re-bias your tube amp on the spot. That brings me to the last item I suggest you carry: Power Amp In the rare instance that your fuse is blown or a tube fails and you’re 30 miles away from home, it’s a good idea to have a spare amp or backup in your possession. Some of my friends use amps like the Crate PowerBlock as a backup that stays in their car for any emergency like this. I use an Electro Harmonix 22 Caliber amp. It is the size of a standard stomp box but has a 22-watt power amp built in that goes from instrument to speaker in your amp, and has a volume and bright switch. Once my band was doing a television morning show and somewhere between my house and the studio the fuse and its retainer fell out. I was ready to play and I flipped the power but nothing happened. Luckily I had the little 22 power amp in my bag, so I powered it up and the show went off without a hitch. Most of these electric guitar accessories you probably already have among your gear. You don’t need all of them to have a successful gig, but having spare strings, cable,s and picks can keep a situation from ruining your show. I didn’t place a tuner on my list because my pedalboard has one, but the clip-type tuners take up little space and can make sure your instrument is harmonious and ready for whatever you want to play on it. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, so take a few minutes and check your gig bag before your next show. Being prepared for anything allows you to focus on making music and not running home or to a music store to save the day. Christopher teaches mandolin, violin, music performance, and guitar lessons in Mount Pleasant, SC, as well as online via Skype and Google Helpouts. He has over ten years of experience in teaching in classrooms and studios, and his  lessons focus on providing the budding musician with the tools to become a proficient player.   Learn more about Christopher here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private electric guitar lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Celebrating Heart Tutoring Students! - Heart Math Tutoring

Celebrating Heart Tutoring Students! - Heart Math Tutoring Celebrating Heart Tutoring Students! Celebrating Heart Tutoring Students! December 10, 2018 Through December 17th, families, tutors, Heart Tutoring staff and CMS school partners will come together to enjoy food and fun as we celebrate students progress so far this year. Heart Tutoring students will receive goodie bags with math games they will play at the party with their families and tutors, as well as at home. We love this special time of year where we get to celebrate students hard work in Heart Tutoring with families and tutors. It is a unique experience where students are surrounded by some of their biggest advocates from both home and school, says Cydney Kramer, Hearts Program Director. We enjoy spreading the holiday spirit and sending students home with math games that they can play with their sibling and family members. See photos of each celebration on ourFacebookpage! Students celebrating at Joseph W. Grier Academy. Heart Tutoring students enjoying the food and games at the holiday celebration at First Ward Creative Arts Academy. Tutors at Montclaire Elementary playing math games with their students during their holiday celebration.

Preparing for Upcoming Student Loan Payments To Defer, or Not to Defer - Private Tutoring

Preparing for Upcoming Student Loan Payments To Defer, or Not to Defer Anna L Apr 9, 2013 Our guest post today is written by Angie Picardo, a financial analyst that knows a thing or two about student loans, repayment, deferment. We hope you enjoy this article and find it helpful. You can learn more about here on her Google Plus Profile. College students with significant student loan debt who also graduate during a down economy are faced with a big challenge. Finding and keeping a job during an economic recession is hard enough for those who have long since graduated, and this challenge becomes even more difficult for new waves of college graduates who often have little job experience under their belt. Finding a job for these graduates tends to be the most important task for them, especially in order to pay back student loans that are accumulating interest. Consider the data; student loan debt has surpassed credit card debt in the United States. According to Pew Research data, a record one-in-five households owe student load debt. In 2001, 12% of American households had student load debt. This number increased to 15% in 2007, and by 2010, had reached a staggering 19%. Recent data from the New York Fed shows that in the first quarter of 2012, the under 30 age group has the most borrowers at 14 million, followed by 10.6 million for the 30-39 group, 5.7 million in the 40-49 category, 4.6 million in the 50-59 age group and the over 60 category with the least number of borrowers at 2.2 million for an overall total of 37.1 million. Many people with student loan debt who have yet to find a job are considering loan deferments to stymie their student loan payments for a short period of time while looking for a job or saving up enough to make their first debt payments. Nevertheless, deferments have their pros and cons. Students pondering whether or not they should defer should conduct solid research about deferment while finding out all of the policies and terms of deferment from their respective lenders. Deferment, sometimes called forbearance, is not for everyone, so it is important for recent grads to analyze their financial situation and determine the best route for them in terms of paying back student loans. Missing a student loan payment is never a good idea. Defaulting on a loan can cause penalties on a person’s credit score or have their loan sent to a debt management firm that can impose other, more dire penalties against the debtor. In a situation in which a recent graduate does not have savings or access to finances to begin to pay off a student loan, deferment is one method that can be used to avoid defaulting. However, many student loans have the option to defer one time only, or one time within a given time frame. If this is the case, graduates must carefully choose when to defer. This is extremely difficult to do since no one can tell the future, making it often impossible for those new to the job market to know what their employment status will be in coming years. Deferring while working at a low-paying job may be a bad idea if the job doesn’t work out and the debtor finds him or herself completely unemployed the year after with no option for forbearance since it has already been used. It is therefore extremely important for all those with a student loan to assess what the lender terms and guidelines state, especially when it comes to deferment. As graduation approaches, current students should do as much homework as they possibly can as they prepare to take on their upcoming loans. Organizing all of a lender’s information and ensuring that important terms and policies in the fine print can be found easily, especially in the event that an important question arises in the middle of a student’s payback or deferment period. Further, students should ask lenders what they monthly payments might be, how long it would take the loan to be paid off (if minimum payments are made), and at which rate the loan will accumulate interest over time. Additionally, some people do not qualify for deferment. Lenders generally have specific criteria that debtors must meet in order to qualify for special student loan repayment programs such as deferment. Many people who find themselves outside of the criteria to receive a deferment option either wind up defaulting on their loan payments or are forced to consolidate their debts through a debt consolidation agency. It is nevertheless important to always keep an open line of communication with the lender, as many are focused on getting paid back, and are therefore more apt to work with recent graduates who might not qualify for their forbearance programs. About Angie Angie Picardo is a Financial Analyst and Content Manager at NerdWallet.com. Her mission is to to help consumers stay financially savvy, and save some money with the best credit cards, financial apps, and personal finance articles and infographics.

How to file your U.S. taxes after teaching abroad or online

How to file your U.S. taxes after teaching abroad or online With tax season in full swing, many current and future teachers who work online or abroad are asking: “What taxes am I required to pay on my teaching income?” If you’re in that same boat, you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to answer all your tax-related questions about teaching abroad and online. Thankfully, filing taxes as a teacher doesn’t have to be complicatedâ€"especially if you’ve kept good documentation along the way! It’s all about having the right papers, knowing when to file them, and keeping good records of your income and work-related expenses. It’s not a difficult process, we promise! Keep scrolling to learn how to file your U.S. taxes as an online teacher or an American ex-pat teaching aboard. After reading our tax guide, if you have additional questions, we recommend speaking to an accountant or consulting the IRS website. Filing a U.S. tax return as an online teacher If you’re an online teacher, the IRS considers you an independent contractor. As a result, you are required to pay about 15.3% in taxes on your yearly income. Throughout the year, it’s prudent to set aside 15.3% from every paycheck into savings to avoid any shocks at tax season. Unlike in-office teaching jobs in America, you may not receive a 1099 Form from your online teaching employer. (For those who don’t know, your 1099 Form states your annual income.) As a result, we recommend keeping a spreadsheet of your earnings, so you aren’t scrambling to add up numbers. As an independent contractor, you are required to file your taxes by April 15 every year. Possible tax deductions for online teachers While the 15.3% tax rate for independent contractors may seem high, we do have some positive news for you: online teachers often qualify for many tax deductions! Indeed, any work-related expenses that you accumulated over the tax year could qualify. These expenses include office rentals, a new computer or office equipment, your cellphone bill, and even the cost of your high-speed internet. Keep in mind, you can’t write off 100% of your phone or internet costs! For instance, if you use your home Wi-Fi for work about 50% of the time, you would 50% of your Wi-Fi as a work expense on your tax filing. Filing a U.S. tax return as a teacher abroad Any American working abroad should file their U.S. tax return. However, unless you’re making over $100,000 per year, it’s unlikely that you will owe any taxes, according to theForeign Earned Income Exclusion. To qualify as a foreign worker (and benefit from the associated tax exclusions), you need to be living abroad for 330 days out of the tax year. The tax rules for American ex-pats exist for several reasons. For instance, in many cases, you may already be paying taxes to the country where you’re employed as a teacher. These paid taxes fall under theForeign Tax Credit, which protects you from double taxation where you pay taxes on income that you already paid taxes on! But even if your income falls below $100,000â€"and let’s face it, it probably does!â€"you should still file a completed U.S. tax return. Indeed, not filing one could result in being audited by the IRS, causing unnecessary hassle for all involved. As an American resident working abroad, if you don’t wish to file on April 15, you qualify for an automatic extension until June 15. However, in cases where you require even more time, you may request an extension until October 15. Keep in mind that if you owe taxes, the interest will begin accumulating on April 15. Possible tax deductions for teachers abroad If your employers don’t cover your housing as a teacher abroad, you can deduct it on your U.S. tax return. These deductions fall under theForeign Housing Exclusion and they can include rent, utilities, parking, and housing insurance. All reasonable expenses are typically deductible up to 30%. Furthermore, if you moved to teach English abroad in the current tax year, you can also declare your associated moving expenses. These could include airplane tickets, storage costs for your belongings in the U.S., and temporary lodging costs in your new country of work (prior to finding a permanent residence). To qualify, you must maintain your ESL teaching position for a minimum of 39 weeks. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Non-exempt taxes for teachers abroad It goes without saying that if you worked in America during the tax year, you are required to pay the associated taxes. So, collect those 1099 forms from your American employers and file your U.S. tax return accordingly! However, there are two non-exempt taxes that you might not have considered: Local property taxes: If you're a homeowner or property owner, you are required to pay the associated property taxes. Capital gains taxes: If you increase your capital by selling bonds, stocks, or other assets in America, you will be required to pay taxes on those gains. Paying local taxes as a teacher abroad Before signing your contract to teach abroad, you should ask your future employer about the tax rules for foreign workers in their country. First and foremost, you need to know whether teachers from abroad are expected to pay local taxes. When the answer to that question is “yes”, you should immediately inquire about the country’s tax rules, including what percentage of your paycheck will go toward taxes. As an example, if you work in South Korea, your employers will simply remove 3% from every paycheck. It’s also vital to know your country of employment’s yearly deadlines for tax filing. Unlike the United States, where tax season happens during the springtime, many nations file their taxes at totally different times of the year. For instance, in Costa Rica, teachers from abroad are expected to file their taxes in October. If your new employer is unable to answer your tax-related questions, look online for the official website of that country’s revenue agency or consult with a local accountant.

7 Incredible, Innovative Apps for Learning a New Language

7 Incredible, Innovative Apps for Learning a New Language 7 Incredible, Innovative Apps for Learning a New Language Setting off to learn a new language?Youve got a decision to make.Will it be the beaten path? The familiar landmarks? The same old, same old?Or will you choose the uncharted route? The unfamiliar twists and turns? You know, the road less traveled?Lets go with that one.Its the perfect time to look beyond the language tools whose names you already know. They can be great, but without diversity in your learning program, youre bound to get complacent and your motivation to learn will dry up.Luckily, there are innovators who are changing the language learning landscape with original apps and tons of unique features for sharpening your skills.Whether you need instant translations of the world around you, connections to native speakers across the globe or science-proven rapid learning tools, youll find all that and more below. How to Get the Most Out of a Language Learning AppFirst things first: dont be afraid to try an innovative app. There are many apps out there that offer new approache s to language education and deviate from conventional methods. One of the huge benefits of technology is that its always possible to find new, more interesting ways to learn a language, so dont be afraid to branch out and see what works best for you!As youre exploring your options, here are some tips to maximize learning:Take advantage of freebies. Many apps offer free trials or basic app downloads. This is a good opportunity to see which apps you like  without putting your money on the line. If you like a new app, terrific! If not, on to the next one.Try to use an app everyday, even if its just for a few minutes. Frequent exposure to your target language is key to retaining and building on what youve already learned.And since apps are a super convenient learning tool, you should be able to cram them into even the busiest schedule. If your language learning time happens to coincide with your bathroom time, so be it.Play around with any app you download to get a broader idea of its f eatures. When you download a new app, it can be tempting to just use the features that are right in front of you, completely ignoring other features or supplementary material you might be able to download for the app. However, this might make you miss out on other great learning opportunities, so go aheadâ€"play around!Mix and match apps for a well rounded language education. Each app has different features and teaching techniques. Some might be great for reading, while others are better for listening. Mixing and matching apps will help ensure you improve multiple language skills.Even if you just mix and match listening apps, youll be exposed to a wider array of speakers and accents, which will make you more likely to understand the language when you encounter it in the real world.7 Incredible, Innovative Apps for Learning a New LanguageFluentUAvailable: iOS | AndroidMost innovative feature: learn mode transforms authentic videos into interactive learning tools.Wouldnt it be nice if you could learn a language just by watching entertaining videos?With FluentU, you can. FluentU is an innovative learning tool that allows you to learn a new language just by watching authentic content like music videos, movie trailers, inspirational talks and news.Each video is captioned, and each word is fully annotated. At the tips of your fingers, youll have access to a words definition, several example sentences and an associated image. If you want to really reinforce a words meaning, you can even click it to see how that word is used in other videos.Whats more, FluentU offers an innovative learn mode. This mode takes video clips, images, pictures and example sentences and combines them into exercises and flashcardsâ€"perfect for anyone looking for a fresh and fun way to approach learning, all while absorbing native speech and target language culture.Since FluentU uses an algorithm that takes into account learner history, the lessons are fully personalized and youll never be in over your head.busuuAvailable: iOS | AndroidMost innovative feature: research-proven rapid learning.Ever wish you could learn a language in 10 minutes a day? Thats busuus wish for you, too.busuu aims to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing in just 10 minutes a day. Through targeted exercises that are personalized to fit your skills, busuu provides innovative and dynamic content to help you learn your language of choice.busuu uses a vocabulary trainer, audio dialogues, quizzes, exercises and games to pack a lot into your 10-minute daily practice. Not only will this keep you on your toes, itll also provide a well rounded language education. Plus, you can also use the app to connect with native speakers, which is great practice and motivation.According to a study by City University of New York, 22 hours of busuu is equivalent to one semester of college language study. By that math, if you use it for just 10 minutes a day, youll be able to complete the equivalent of ne arly three  semesters of college language study in a year.busuu offers 12 different languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Polish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese and Japanese.The initial app download is free with limited content. Subscriptions start at $5.41 per month and include flashcards, grammar exercises, vocabulary training and much more.MondlyAvailable: iOS | AndroidMost innovative feature: chatbot with speech recognition.Mondly has 20 million users. And when you think about it, 20 million people probably arent wrong.Mondly is a flexible option that adjusts to your needs to improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking. Rather than having you memorize long vocabulary lists, Mondly focuses on key words and phrases grouped thematically.Part of what makes Mondly so unique is its chatbot feature, which allows you to practice speaking your target language in a structured environment. The chatbot simulates a real conversationâ€"you speak and th e app replies.Mondly offers more than 30 languages, and it could be a great tool for anyone learning a language that isnt usually catered to by language courses or programs.The initial app download is free, but youll need a subscription to unlock content. Subscription options start at about $4 per month.HiNativeAvailable: iOS | AndroidMost innovative feature: a question template that makes it possible even for beginners to communicate with native speakers.Wouldnt it be nice if you knew a native speaker who could answer all your most pressing language questions?HiNative can help you do just that!HiNative is an unconventional language app. It bills itself as a global QA platform. You can post spoken or written questions in any language you want. You can even use images for additional clarity. With users in over 170 countries,  there are plenty of people on here who could help you out.Language exchange apps like this, where youre put into direct contact with native speakers, can someti mes be intimidating to beginners. However, HiNatives question template feature allows you to build sentences in your target language, which not only opens up communication but also gets you comfortable thinking in the target language.The basic download is free. A premium subscription costs $9.99 per month and offers additional helpful features like the ability to play voice responses to other peoples questions, the ability to use bookmarks and the use of 10 premium tickets each month thatll make your questions stand out.Mango LanguagesAvailable: iOS | AndroidMost innovative feature: voice comparison technology to help learners master the nuances of pronunciation.It can be very difficult to find learning materials if you hope to learn a less common language. Especially if you want a fun, easy to follow, visually appealing format. Thankfully, the Mango Languages app offers all this and more.Mango Languages focuses on teaching culture along with standard vocabulary and grammar for an a ll-around learning experience. The app is colorful but not cluttered, so its easy to use. Youll be learning essential grammatical structures and how to combine them to form your own sentences. Mango Languages also emphasizes highly useful phrases that learners would be likely to encounter in the real world.To help with pronunciation, the app offers a voice recorder and comparison feature that allows you to listen to your own pronunciation alongside recorded audio. You can see the audio waves mapped out and you can slow it down or accelerate to a native pace. This is the up-close, no-excuses way to perfect your pronunciation.Mango Languages offers more than 70 languages, covering common languages in addition to less common ones such as Cherokee, Haitian Creole and Hawaiian. There are even festive specialty courses that focus on special events or themes, such as an Irish St. Patricks Day course.The Mango Languages app is free to download.FlashAcademyAvailable: iOS | AndroidMost innova tive feature: an object translator that shows target language words for any physical object you point your device at.You can still learn a language even if youre in a hurry!FlashAcademy suggests you study just a few minutes a day. Since the app adapts to your learning needs, there wont be as much wasted time.Courses are basic through advanced, so the FlashAcademy app is useful for any level of language learner. Fun, innovative features include quick-fire word games, flashcards with audio and video and useful tips staggered throughout.FlashAcademy also lets you keep your target language top-of-mind even when youre traveling or just out in the real world without your dictionary on hand. With the object translator technology, just point your device at an object and FlashAcademy will instantly give you its target language translation. The app is also integrated with FlashSticks, physical vocabulary stickers you can post around your home or office.FlashAcademy covers popular languages su ch as Spanish, French, Italian, German and more.The basic app is free to download, though additional material requires in-app purchases.BeelinguappAvailable: AndroidMost innovative feature: karaoke-style audiobook presentation for focused reading.Besides having one of the cutest app names ever, Beelinguapp has a lot to offer language learners.Rather than focusing on conventional lessons, Beelinguapp focuses on  audiobooks. While the words are being spoken, the text appears side-by-side in your target language and English. Beelinguapp also boasts karaoke audio reading, where the text is highlighted as its spoken so you can follow along.This innovative approach allows you to engage with the language immediately and build your reading and listening comprehension skills simultaneously.The app includes English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese and Japanese.Beelinguapp is free to download and offers additional in-app purchases.Dont let the tedium of staying on the same familiar road set in. Get off the beaten path and try these innovative language learning apps! Its the best fork in the road youll ever take!

How I Got a Presidential Press Pass

How I Got a Presidential Press Pass My first presidential press pass deserved a selfie moment! As my senior year of college comes to a close, I have had to say goodbye to the activities I have become immersed in over the last four years. Amongst these activities is student journalism, something I have become particularly attached to. On campus, I am a reporter and editor for the Gettysburg College newspaper, the Gettysburgian, as well as the campus editor for Gettysburg’s branch of Uloop News. I love unearthing stories and crafting articles. My keyboard has been my window to the world. Regrettably, as I plan on pursing a career in veterinary medicine this will be the end of my journalism career for the near future. I am a bone-fide over achiever involved in far too many activities to list and as I get ready for the real world I have come to realize that it is time to start focusing on my career goals (scary stuff for all the seniors out there!).  As such, saying goodbye to reporting has been particularly bitter sweet. Nonetheless, I didn’t just want to say goodbye to journalism like I said goodbye to my other campus activities. I wanted to go out with a bang. I wrote double the stories I usually write and covered more than my normal range of topics. But I wanted something more. I wanted to find a hard hitting story that would get people talking. When presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders announced he was coming to Gettysburg I knew I had found my story! In preparation for the Pennsylvania primaries Senator Sanders made his way to the Gettysburg campus to share the “Bern” with the Burg residents. When the email with the announcement went out to the Gettysburg campus, the Facebook chat my other newspaper editors share immediately blew up. For a small campus that hasn’t seen much action since the Battle of Gettysburg ended in 1863, I knew something exciting must have been happening when my phone began pinging out of control. Immediately, questions began to raise over who would get a coveted press pass to cover the event. As sports editor, my chance at getting that press pass was about as far from reality as Donald Trump becoming the Republican nomineeâ€"oh wait that did happen! But I wasn’t letting that stop me. I emailed the campaign directly and waited for my response. My hopes began to sink as the event drew closer and my fellow editors shared their excitement over receiving their security clearance and press passes to represent their various other roles on campus. When I woke up on Friday morning the day of the event, however, I was presently surprised by a confirmation email guaranteeing me a press passâ€"a real press pass! My Rory Gilmore journalism dream had been fulfilled! I was being given exclusive access to cover a real event â€" a national news story â€" and I wasn’t just getting clearance from the college but from the Secret Service and a Presidential campaign press secretary! My adventure didn’t stop there. The event began in the afternoon with the last admittance time for press at 1:30 p.m. Unfortunately for me, as this is the end of the school year, Friday was also the day to hang the photos for my Art Studio senior project. I finished hanging the photos at 1:10 p.m. Giving me just 20 minutes to print my newspaper credentials, grab my camera, and make my way over to the gym. As I arrived at the event I had just 3 minutes to spare. I approached the side doors only to be turned away by two police officers and a Secret Service agent. I was told the gym was filled and the doors were shut. I walked away in dismay. In a panic, somewhere from deep down inside of me, came a very assertive version of myself that I haven’t seen before and I doubt I’ll see again any time soon. I walked right back up to the police officer and insisted I must be allowed in as I had a pre-approved press pass. I waived my badge at the officer and asserted my right as a journalist under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. With 1 minute left to spare I was told I could try the backdoor of the gym but only if I went two blocks around following the barricade. I ran as fast as I could in and made it just in time. The glorious “media entrance” sign was like a beacon of hope at the end of my tunnel! I walked in and was handed my press pass after confirming my ID. If this isn’t the coolest thing you’ve seen you are seriously lacking common sense. My Bernie Sanders and Gettysburgian press pass. I was then patted down by two Secret Service agents as another agent took apart my camera. The Secret Service security check in. And then I was home free! I was directed down a media only hallway and the fun began. The press ONLY entrance. As I entered the gym looking up at the crowd of fellow students and town residents I realized I had the spot everyone wanted. I was at ground level with a roped off section giving me access to all sides of the stage so I could get the best coverage possible. It was a real media event and for once I was being treated like being a reporter mattered. Up close and personal with the candidate himself. I found a central spot right between the Washington Post and NBC teams. National news reporters gearing up for the event. My view was perfect and I had access to all the tools I needed. The campaign press secretary whirled about making sure all of the reporters had the information they required. Center stage at the Bernie Sanders town hall. All that was left was to wait for the candidate himself. The crowd was pumped with enthusiasm. They felt the Bern! The Gettysburg crowd showing their Bernie support. And Bernie didn’t disappoint! He hit home with the college aged demographic notorious for supporting his campaign. The man, the legend, Senator Bernie Sanders. It was a magical journalism experience all around. I even capped the day off by grabbing myself a Birdie Sanders button, even if I’m not a supporter myself. Vendors set up to sell Bernie gear outside the gym. The most popular item? A Birdie Sanders button! So my journalism career came to an end with a bang. I’ve climbed up the ranks of the campus newspaper from paper delivery girl to editor. It has been a marvelous journey worthy of all the late nights, eleventh-hour stories, and panicked texts for last-minute quotes. I’ve become a better writer, team-player, and editor. The skills I have learned will aid me in whatever job I end up in. But more important, the moments and people I have met along the way will be something I cherish for the rest of my life! Signing off for now but not forever! -Bethany