The Two Approaches to Organic Chemistry

The Two Approaches to Organic ChemistryA conversation with a colleague at work led to the topic of synthetic biology and organic chemistry. At first, I felt slightly intimidated by the subject matter and worried that my response would be to protest my intellectual abilities and my lack of knowledge about the subject. After all, a quick online search would reveal a vast amount of information about synthetic biology and a little more than an ounce of information about organic chemistry.I started to read the information I found online and discovered that, in fact, I was much more knowledgeable about synthetic biology and organic chemistry than I thought. It turns out that the two areas are not as different as one might believe. The principles of molecular biology and cell biology are almost identical to organic chemistry. Synthetic biologists will learn about basic techniques and tools that will help them understand the molecular structure of many organisms, and they will also learn how to manipulate their host's environment to develop more complex and useful strains.Unlike pure biologists, synthetic biologists will have the opportunity to observe organisms live and to control their environment. While this sounds amazing, there is also some fear that the new strain of synthetic biologists may, over time, cause evolution to slow down or stop altogether.But even the simplest laboratory experiments can produce startling results. These will reveal the mechanical and biological principles of organismal biology. When combined with simple laboratory experiments, these findings will be able to help scientists discover the processes and biological systems that underlie and govern all living organisms.In organic chemistry, researchers understand that the existence of organisms is determined by forces that act outside of any known natural selection. For example, the process of photosynthesis produces oxygen as a byproduct. Another example is the process by which the genetic material in a cell is transferred from one cell to another, so that the cells have different combinations of genetic material, which are needed to create the cell itself.Because of the interdependence of biology and chemistry, synthetic biologists will be able to identify the principles that underlie the entire process of cell division. They will also be able to apply this understanding to the study of genes, chromosomes, and the structure of chromosomes.A distant cousin of organic chemistry is physical science. The differences between the two can be summed up in the difference between mathematical and physical chemistry. Organic chemistry uses chemistry principles to describe the properties of the materials it studies; physical chemistry examines the physical properties of these materials to determine the chemical reactions that occur during their formation.In both fields, however, at a very fundamental level, they study the same factors at a very fundamental level. In fact, there is not much that organic chemistry does that has not been studied at a physical level by physical chemists. In conclusion, both organic chemistry and synthetic biology are wonderful and interesting subjects, and are equally rewarding to the trained chemist.

IDYLPHIC TUTORIAL: Do You Need to Pick Up a Book for Your Child?

IDYLPHIC TUTORIAL: Do You Need to Pick Up a Book for Your Child?There is no better way to spend an idyllic day than with your beloved child and idyllic tutor, a beloved kid at that. This special event of the year has come to us, a gift for children, which brings joy to everyone. For your child's birthday or any occasion, to say 'Happy Birthday' to your child will do it.Now, this idyllic day has been made a little more special by bringing a book along. It could be anything from a story book to a craft manual, just make sure that you bring something to pass the time. A book to read to your child along with your imaginative chatter would really work as a great fun and exciting experience.Today, a book with a focus on art or a book about animals may just be what you need to complete your wish list. No matter what you are looking for, there is always something that will make you feel content and excited. Books for kids and any other books that can be brought are perfect to keep your child ren entertained all through the day.If you have a kid that is less active, a book that talks about the kids of today will do the trick. In fact, a book that talks about current events that pertain to the age of your child would be a good idea. It would take the world of your child by storm and your kid would be very entertained.When picking out the right book for your child, it is wise to pick a book that you feel would be beneficial to them. What does this mean? It means you must pick the book that will help the child improve their skills and that could even show them some wonderful ideas they would not even have known. Your child will be having a blast in the process and it is definitely a great help.Just remember that a book is a gift and not a need. You can give your child one at any time, but when it comes to a special occasion, it would be a great gift that will leave a great impression on the recipient. And if you want to make your child more active, a book that talks about t heir hobbies, interests, and the like would do it. This will also help your child to enhance his/her capacity to see the world through your eyes and will allow him/her to enjoy life.The world of books for kids has been turned into an endless source of joy, excitement, and of course, entertainment. There is a book for everyone's children and if there is a certain need, a book will probably be what you need. It can be a best friend or a friend that could be always there, no matter how busy your schedule may be.

Summer Tutoring - Find A Tutor In Philadelphia

Summer Tutoring - Find A Tutor In PhiladelphiaSummer tutoring can be an exciting and educational experience for all ages, especially for students that have a love of arts and crafts. Of course, if you have a particular interest in one specific type of art, like fine arts, it is even more fun to be able to learn with a gifted teacher! There are so many great resources available when you are looking for a tutor in Philadelphia. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect tutoring program that fits your needs.If you love to take art classes and you love the idea of being an artist, then there are many options available to you. One good idea is to join a gallery program. Whether you want to work as a studio artist or you have a specific project in mind, the opportunity to exhibit your work allows you to meet the artists that you admire. You might also consider attending a workshop on the same subject at a local museum or art gallery. The workshops usually last a few days and the work s you produce will be displayed in the museum.Art classes that are geared toward children often have flexible options, so you can attend another class at a later date, attend art camp, or attend a special exhibition. Art therapy programs are also becoming very popular as a means of teaching art to people who have been abused in some way. This allows them to recover and become better adjusted in their everyday lives.For older kids who are really into the arts, there are often opportunities for summer tutees. You might work with tutors who have been an avid artist, and they will know the ins and outs of the craft you love to create. Most schools offer a summer camp during the school year, and if you know the local community colleges will have courses for children who are interested in arts and crafts.Some other types of art classes you might find available are in-depth classes in sculpture and painting. Many schools offer programs that involve hands-on studio painting. These studios a llow you to learn how to properly apply paint to the walls of your studio, how to combine several different mediums, and what types of media to use for photos and paper.If you want to become a dancer, but you have never danced professionally, a summer program for dancers can help you become the star of your school's dance competition. Whether you like classical, modern, contemporary, ballet, or jazz, you can find the right class for you.Because of the flexibility of these summer tutees, you will have plenty of choices to make. You can choose the art class that is right for you and the personal interests of your child.

MUST Tuting Center: An Online Tuting Center for Students

MUST Tuting Center: An Online Tuting Center for StudentsIf you are an out of state student needing a good course that you can take that can make a positive impact on your future, then you may be interested in a Minneapolis University of Science and Technology (MUST) Tuting Center. The Tuting Center is an online study program that has been highly effective for many students who have previously attended any of the university's online learning programs.Many students who use this online learning program see great results from the coursework that they complete. The coursework can be used for credit towards M.Ed. programs, and it can also be used to help students obtain the credits that they need to get their degree.One of the best aspects of the online learning program is that it is very affordable. The cost per credit is much less than what students usually pay when they attend a traditional campus-based class. Students also have the opportunity to take the class whenever they want to.In order to keep the costs low for students, the instructors of the program meet with all of the students online, as well as one-on-one through Skype, in order to answer any questions that the students may have. Instructors are available almost around the clock and the students will be able to schedule class times that they are available for and the instructors will meet those appointments.In addition to the regular class sessions, students will also be able to do lab work, work assignments, and even have the opportunity to do independent study for the coursework. While online learning is often thought of as more of a learning experience, it can also be used to complete other types of assignments that can lead to credit for the student.Students will also be able to work with other students from other schools, which is beneficial in some situations. By working with other students from other universities, the student can be able to compare his or her level of knowledge and improve upon it in a small way so that it will also help other students learn from him or her.Online classes are also more affordable than traditional campus-based classes. Because students will be able to sit at home, they will have more flexibility to attend classes during the time that they are most convenient. That will mean that students can make up for lost class time by taking an online class, and it also means that students will be able to finish up all of their coursework at a much quicker pace.

Should Your First Music Lessons be 30, 45, or 60 Minutes Long

Should Your First Music Lessons be 30, 45, or 60 Minutes Long Suzy S. Youve found a great music teacher and are ready to book but if youre not sure how long your lessons should be, youre not alone! Read on for some helpful advice from Greensboro, NC teacher Alanna H... When first starting music lessons, either for your child or yourself, it’s hard to know how long your lessons should be. Eventually many students can work up to 60-minute lessons if they want to, but where is a good place to start? Heres my advice: 30-Minute Music Lessons Young children (elementary school and most middle schoolers) Students who have never played the instrument before 30-minute lessons are great for young children and people brand new to the instrument. If you have a young child (middle school or younger) who is new to the instrument, I would definitely start with half an hour. In addition to not having the playing endurance, young students often don’t have the attention span to get full use of an hour or a 45-minute lesson. There are of course always exceptions, but that is a good rule of thumb. Adult beginners might also find that 30 minutes is the best for them endurance-wise. 45-Minute Music Lessons Children who are serious about learning the instrument Adult students who have never played before 45-minute lessons are great for adult beginners, high schoolers, and younger children with a keen interest in music and longer-than-average attention span. 60-Minute Music Lessons For serious music students, or students preparing for auditions or competitions, 60-minute lessons are ideal. An ideal candidate for a 60-minute lesson practices regularly and therefore has built up the playing endurance to feel comfortable all the way through the lesson. Music lesson length can also be determined by the actual time you have available, as well as budget, and those are perfectly acceptable reasons to choose a certain lesson length. If you still feel unsure about how long the first music lessons should be, contact a TakeLessons Student Counselor, or speak with your teacher about your goals, experience, and schedule prior to your first lesson to get a recommendation. Alanna H. teaches music theory, clarinet, and saxophone lessons in Greensboro, NC.  She received her degree in Music Performance (Saxophone) from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Learn more about Alanna 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  woodleywonderworks

5 Things Your Spanish Teacher Never Told You

5 Things Your Spanish Teacher Never Told You Suzy S. Want to learn a new language? If you took a Spanish class in high school or college, you may have faint memories of simple vocabulary words and Día de los Muertos parties. But Spanish can be much more than just a language elective in school. Read on as Carmichael, CA Spanish tutor  Joan B.  explains Spanish teachers relish the times when their students have “aha” moments; seeing students putting together all of the grammar, vocabulary, and colloquial understanding of the language to speak easily is one of the best parts of teaching the Spanish language. How do Spanish teachers do it? It can be challenging at times to teach the student at a level that is both comfortable and challenging for the student; to make sure that the student is meeting all of the benchmarks for language acquisition; and to keep it fun and engaging all the time. Read on to discover five things your teacher never told you in Spanish class, but that will greatly help you in your journey of learning Spanish now. 1. Your teacher is still learning, too!  Most Spanish teachers decide to teach Spanish because they have a strong passion for exploring the intricacies of the language and sharing it with others. This means that regardless of whether your teacher is a native speaker or learned Spanish just as you are currently learning it, he or she is still learning new ways of expressing things and current slang and trends in the language. It’s likely your Spanish teacher also engages in regular interaction in the language, speaking to other Spanish speakers in a variety of contexts. You can benefit from this knowledge that your teacher is learning alongside you because it can inspire you to view Spanish language acquisition as an enjoyable and enriching lifelong journey. The more you learn, the more you are exposed to the richness and depth of a language that offers conversational, travel, and literary explorations. You can also engage in using Spanish just as your teacher does: on the phone with a Spanish speaker, in line when you hear someone who is a Spanish-only speaker, while traveling, and much more! The possibilities for practice are only limited by your willingness to explore and expose yourself to new contexts. 2. Language learning is a team effort. If you view learning Spanish as a collaboration between you and your teacher, you will progress much more quickly. While teachers do a great deal of work to explain the concepts of the language to you, without your active participation, they are limited in their ability to help you. By listening carefully to his or her suggestions, and providing frequent feedback as to what you find confusing or challenging, your teacher can tailor the lessons more specifically to target areas that are most difficult to you. Viewing it as a collaboration also makes you a more responsible and active learner, meaning that you can explore on your own, look ahead to new material and come back to your next session with lots of questions, which leads me to the next thing your Spanish teacher never told you… 3. Spanish teachers love questions. You might hesitate to ask frequent questions for fear your teacher might think you are not so bright. To the contrary, asking questions signals you are paying close attention, interested in learning and bright enough to ask when you aren’t sure of something. Furthermore, asking questions helps your teacher to get a better idea of your level, so he or she can gain insight into what needs more practice and what is going well for you. 4. Spanish can help you get a job (or improve your resume or current standing in your company). In this economy of hyper-qualified applicants, speaking a second language, especially Spanish, can be the deciding factor between you and other applicants. Not only is Spanish incredibly useful for communication, knowing another language shows that you are persistent, resourceful, and open to learning new and challenging things. Having it on your resume is an asset, and in an interview you can explain further what learning and speaking Spanish means to you and about you. 5. You can go on vacation to learn Spanish. In combination with regular tutoring, taking a Spanish-language vacation can be a great way to immerse yourself in the language and culture and improve quickly. Your vacation could include living with a Spanish-speaking family or an immersion language course, among many other options. Sometimes, study and play go hand in hand, and Spanish language is one of those cases. Now that you know five things that your Spanish teacher never told you, go and explore! In your next lesson, ask your teacher about his or her experience learning Spanish and interacting with other speakers, participate actively in your lessons and ask lots of questions, add Spanish to your resume, and schedule your next vacation. All of these things will enhance your learning and help you to be speaking fluently and confidently in no time. Joan B. lives in  Carmichael, CA  and has been teaching high school Spanish for more than 18 years. A lover of language, she’s studied French, Arabic, and Italian and spent time living in Spain. Joan aims to help students improve on tests and increase their conversational ability when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.  Learn more about Joan 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 The LEAF Project

Office Romance Pitfalls, Problems and Warnings - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Office Romance Pitfalls, Problems and Warnings - Introvert Whisperer Office Romance: Pitfalls, Problems and Warnings There is no age group immune to the potential of an office romance.  There is also no way of telling how one will turn out and the impact it could have on you and your career.  If it happens to you and you are in those early stages of discovery, it’s also somewhat impossible to keep your head about you to realize the can of worms you may be opening up.   Workers get into these relationships every day and everyday people get fired, sued and derailed by what seemed so right. Office romances can spark easily because of the proximity, frequency, and availability of like-minded people.   You have many things in common with your co-workers, and when you add the sexual attraction that comes with it â€" POW!   This also falls into the category of things your mother never told you.   People don’t talk about this issue all that much, so you may not realize what the issue is. Granted there are places, like law enforcement, where “fraternization” is encouraged.  These are the exception, because those jobs demand employees’ time and commitment at a level most people outside of that community don’t understand.  I’m not addressing those work environments. The situations I am addressing are quite common and here are some serious things to consider: Company Policy   Many companies have policies that address their tolerance of inter-office dating. Some companies will go so far as to terminate the offending couple.   Violating policy is clearly a career-damaging act even if you don’t get fired.  It also doesn’t do much to enhance the relationship. Sexual Harassment   If one person is in a position of authority or management, dating can be perceived as anything from sexual harassment to favoritism by the peers. Even if both people enter into the relationship voluntarily, you have to think about the worst-case scenario.   What if the relationship breaks off and the subordinate in the relationship decides to claim sexual harassment?   It’s hard to think things will go bad, but it’s in that context where the worst is likely to happen. You have to also consider the favoritism reaction. The peers will start grumbling amongst each other, and it will eventually work its way up the food chain.   When it arrives at the higher up’s office, most likely there will be demands of fairness, missed opportunities and a whole list of issues.   While none of this is likely to be valid, the perception is the reality for others and that will weigh heavily on many people’s minds.   Your judgment is now questioned.   Not good. Performance perception   As people in the office start noticing the lunch and coffee breaks, they will also start creating stories about both of you slacking off. This creates a dysfunctional environment, because they may not trust that you are focused or as committed as you were before the fling started.   When you miss something (which we all do periodically), it will confirm their belief about you.   You’ve now created your own perception issue. Let’s not forget, this is a romance thing    The statistics aren’t in your favor that it will be a long term relationship. When it stops and you’re still working together, you are now faced with working with an EX.  It won’t matter who had the break-up idea, facing each other will be difficult.   The post break up could negatively impact your performance, which you may be powerless to change.   You are faced with a minimum of uncomfortable situations to a maximum of not holding it together well enough to do your job. It’s understandable how an office romance can develop.   However, there are so many compelling, career- changing reasons to avoid them that I hope this serves as an early warning to stop and take a breather before going further. Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

Molality

Molality Molality The concept of molality arises while studying solutions. Molality is also called as molal concentration. A solution is formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent. Solute is a substance which is dissolved in another substance during the formation of a solution. Solute are usually in smaller quantities. The solvent is a substance which dissolves solute in itself during the formation of the solution. The solvent is usually in larger quantities when compared to the solute. For example, salt is dissolved in water here salt is the solute and water is the solvent. Sugar dissolve in juice, here sugar is the solute and juice is the solvent. Hence when a solute dissolves in a solvent a solution is formed. The solutions in which the solute is evenly distributed throughout the solvent is called as a homogeneous solution. The amount of solute dissolved in the solvents, and the solution formed can all be expressed in terms of concentrations. There are different ways in which the concentration is estimated such as molarity, molality, formality, percent composition and many more. Molality definition: The amount of solute dissolved in one kilogram of the solvent is defined as the molality of the solution. The amount of solute is expressed in moles. Therefore the molal concentration of a solution is the moles of solute in kilogram of the solvent. To find the Molality the required information is Moles of the solute used to form a solution. Amount of the solvent expressed in kilograms. Hence the formula for Molality can be expressed as follows: Units and symbol: The molality of a solution is expressed as m. The units for expressing the molality equals moles/kilograms or mol/kg. Question: Find the molality of 5 moles of Nacl mixed in 2000 grams for the solvent? Here the moles of the solute = 5 moles. The amount of the solvent = 2000 grams. Expressing the solvent in Kilograms = 2000/1000 = 2Kg. Hence using the formula for calculating Molality gives: Simplifying the calculation, Molality = 2.5 m. Question: Find the number or moles of FeO dissolved in 1.5 kg of solvent, if the molality of the solution if 0.3m. Here, the amount of the solvent = 1.5 Kg. Molality of the solvent used = 0.3 m. Hence rearranging the Molality formula for calculating the moles of the solute: This gives Moles of solute = 0.3 x 1.5 = 4.5 moles of Feo. Question: Find the amount of the solvent if 0.24 moles of the solute is dissolved to obtain a molality of 0.48m? Here, the number of moles of the solute = 0.24. The molality of the solution = 0.48 m. Hence rearranging the molality formula for calculating the mass of the solvent gives: The amount of the solvent = 1/2Kg = 0.5 Kg. Finding the moles of the solute: In a few questions the amount of the solute is given, in such cases the moles of the solute need to be calculated before using the molality formula. Here is how the moles of the solute can be calculated: Question: Calculate the molality when 20 grams of KCl is dissolved in 400 gm of the solvent? Mass of solute = 20 grams. Molar mass or molecular weight of KCl = Atomic mass unit of (K + Cl) = 39.0983 + 35.453 = 74.5513 g/mol = 74.6 g/mol (approx.) Moles of KCl = 20/74.6 = 0.27 moles. Amount of solvent in Kg = 400/1000 = 0.4 Kg. Using the molality formula: Therefore, molality of the given solution = 0.27/0.4 = 0.675 m Question: What is the molality of the solution when 15 grams of Na2CO3 is dissolved in a 0.25 kg of solvent to form a solution? Given is the mass of Sodium Carbonate = 15 grams. The number of moles of Na2CO3 is required for finding the molality of the solution. The Molar mass of Sodium Carbonate Na2CO3 = 2 (Na) + C + 3 (O). Refer the periodic table for the atomic mass unit for Na, C and O. Molar mass of Na2CO3 = 2 (22.989770) + 12.0107 + 3 (15.9994) = 105.98844 g/mol = 106 g/mol (approx.) Moles of Sodium Carbonate Na2CO3 = 15/106 = 0.14 Using the Molality formula Hence the molality = 0.14/0.25 = 0.56 m Difference between Molarity and Molality: Molarity and molality are both used to express the concentrations of a given solution. Molarity is the number of moles of solute dissolved in one liter of the solution. Molarity is also called as the molar concentration of the solution. Molarity of a substance gives the concentration with respect to the total solution whereas the molality gives the concentration with respect to the amount of solvent. The units for expressing molarity is mol/L or M. The formula used to calculate the Molarity of a solution is: Another very useful measuring unit used while solving questions related to concentrations is density. Density of a given solution is mass of the substance per unit volume. The units for expressing density are g/ml. The formula for calculating density is: Following are very unique and useful solved examples involving molality and molarity. Question: The molality of a solution formed by dissolving NaCl in a solvent is 0.56m. The density of the solution is 1.8g/ml. What is the molar concentration of the solution formed? The molality of the solution = 0.56m. This implies 0.56 moles of a solute NaCl is dissolved in 1 kg of the solvent. Moles of NaCl = 0.56; Molar mass of NaCl = Atomic weight of (Na + Cl) = (22.989770 + 34.453) = 58.44277 g/mol = 58.44g/mol (approx.) Using the moles formula, mass of NaCl dissolved = 0.56 x 58.44 = 32.73 gm (approx.) Mass of solution = Mass of Solute + Mass of Solvent = 32.73 grams + 1000 grams = 1032.73 grams Density of the solution given = 1.8g/ml. Using the density formula . Volume of the solution = 1.8 x 1032.73 = 1858.91 ml = 1.85891 L = 1.86 L (approx.). Using the molarity formula: Therefore, Molarity of the solution = 0.56/1.86 = 0.30 M Question: The molality of a solution formed by dissolving KI in a solvent is 1.2m. The density of the solution is 2.5 g/ml. What is the molar concentration of the solution formed? The molality of the solution = 1.2m. This implies 1.2 moles of a solute KI is dissolved in 1 kg of the solvent. Moles of KI = 1.2; Molar mass of KI = Atomic weight of (K + I) = (39.0983 + 126.90447) = 166.00277 g/mol = 166.00g/mol (approx.) Using the moles formula, mass of KI dissolved = 1.2 x 166.00 = 199.20 gm Mass of solution = Mass of Solute + Mass of Solvent = 199.20 grams + 1000 grams = 1199.20 grams Density of the solution given = 2.5g/ml. Using the density formula . Volume of the solution = 2.5 x 1199.20 = 2998 ml = 2.998 L. Using the molarity formula: Therefore, Molarity of the solution = 1.2/2.998 = 0.40 M

What is it Like to Attend Old Dominion University

What is it Like to Attend Old Dominion University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Dexter received his Bachelors degree in Business Management from Old Dominion University. He is currently a tutor in Washington, D.C. specializing in business tutoring, economicstutoring, microeconomicstutoring, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at Old Dominion University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Dexter: Old Dominion University is an urban campus in the heart of the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It was originally a commuter school for students from the surrounding cities of Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth, but it has grown to be more of an on-campus institution. Most students have a car, but others prefer biking or taking public transportation due to the high number of parks, trails, and sidewalks that make the campus very accessible. Safety was not an issue while I was there as long as you used some common sense and were aware of your surroundings, there weren't any problems. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Dexter: The majority of my professors were available. They posted their office hours so students could reach out to them if extra help was needed. Academic advising was phenomenal, as were the teaching assistants. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Dexter: Dorm life was an experience that I will never forget! Adjusting to having a roommate was a challenge at first, but I made it work. The food options were above average. Since I was only 70 miles from home, I had the advantage of having a good amount of family/friends in the area, so social opportunities were abundant. Concerts, sporting events, and parties were always going on, so I would have to say there was never a dull moment during my years. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Dexter: Engineering and Business were the two most heavily supported and publicized majors at Old Dominion University, and there were numerous activities, socials, and events for those majors to participate in. I was a Business Management major, so the majority of my friends and associates were Business majors as well. The reason I chose Business Management was because in high school I joined a club called Future Business Leaders of America with some friends, and we became really intrigued about learning how the economy, financial system, and corporations function. I felt we were well supported by the university, and I have no complaints. Overall, I feel as though college is what you make of it. I was determined to walk across the stage and better myself for the future. I'm forever grateful for what Old Dominion University did for me, and I'm honored to be a part of the university. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Dexter: Since I was not far from home and played sports my whole life, I was able to connect with people in class and in the on-campus gyms fairly quickly. Most of my long-time friends are from my college years due to the bond we created at Old Dominion University. Greek life was never an interest of mine, but I had friends who participated and enjoyed what they offered. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Dexter: The Career Center was great at bringing in top companies, holding resume writing seminars, and ensuring all students were prepared for life after college. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Dexter: I have no complaints at all about the libraries, commons, or dorms. All of them had plenty of space, extended hours during peak times (i.e. midterms and finals week), and were very accommodating. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Dexter: Being 30 minutes from the beach was the #1 bonus about Old Dominion University. Granby Street (in downtown Norfolk) was the most popular hangout spot for Old Dominion University students, but with the densely populated Hampton Roads area, every major road had some type of establishment for students to have fun at. I wanted to get away from campus sometimes, so I would frequent the Virginia Beach/Hampton areas when the opportunity presented itself. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Dexter: During my years, Old Dominion University had roughly 15,000-20,000 students (it is around the 25,000 mark now), and some of the introductory classes were extremely large at certain times of the day. Lectures could easily have 80 to 120 students, and more advanced major courses ranged from 15 to 30 students. Overall, I was pleased with the structure and my class sizes. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Dexter: My most memorable experience was with my first Economics professor. I was just fascinated that he was so knowledgeable and never read aloud a book, notes, or slides, but would just discuss topics/issues going on in the world off the top of his head and relate them to what we were learning. Check out Dexters tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.