JACKSBORO MIDDLE SCHOOL
TIGERS’ ROAR
8thCAREER NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2016
Counselor: Mrs. Stretcher
QUIZ: What’s Your Study Style?
“Quiz: What’s Your Study Style?” by Katie Macpherson. The Next Step Magazine (Jan/Feb 2003) pp.23.
- Your history teacher mentions that you’ve got a massive project coming up about the Revolutionary War. The first thought that comes to your mind is:
a)Please, pretty please let it be a group project! I have to work with my friends.
b)I can totally score well on this project. That research paper I did last year on the Constitution will be a huge help.
c)Sweet! That awesome new exhibit about George Washington just opened at the museum; I should go check it out.
- Where do you feel most comfortable?
a)In my room, with the door closed, listening to music by myself.
b)Cruising around town searching for adventure with my best friend.
c)At a concert, completely surrounded by a jumping, screaming crowd!
- What kind of reader are you?
a)I hate reading! Watching a movie or looking something up on the Internet helps me so much more.
b)I read out loud to myself. It helps me absorb the materials, and I seem to remember things better.
c)I need to read in absolute quiet. Any other noises totally distract me.
- It’s time to choose which activity you’ll be participating in during gym this semester. Which most appeals to you?
a)Floor hockey. It’s fun to run around with your teammates and try to get some wins for your team (even though you have to wear those nerdy goggles).
b)Fitness. You can work out by yourself and really concentrate on the body parts you think need the most work.
c)The ropes course. OK, so the harness is a little embarrassing. But it’s really cool to be able to complete challenging courses and overcome your fears.
- Your mom decides to pull out home videos of you as a little kid. Besides being the cutest kid who ever walked the planet, what are your other noticeable qualities?
a)You’re really good at sharing. All the other kids loved playing with you because you were so generous with your cool toys.
b)You’re always making a HUGE mess! Either you’ve got your face covered in birthday cake, or you’ve got mud all over your once-impeccable outfit.
c)You sure do love that pacifier. In fact, you hardly made a peep through the whole video!
- You’re at a party. Suddenly, you have the idea to start up a wild game of . . .
a)Charades! You, after all, do have a flair for the dramatic, and you know your team will be able to win with your hilarious acting.
b)Spin the bottle. You always wondered what it’d be like to kiss your lab partner.
c)Solitaire. Everyone at this party is really boring, so why not entertain yourself?
KEY
- a) 3 pts. b) 2 pts. c) 1 pt.
- a) 1 pt. b) 2 pts. c) 3 pts.
- a) 2 pts. b) 3 pts. c) 1 pt.
- a) 3 pts. b) 1 pt. c) 2 pts.
- a) 3 pts. b) 2 pts. c) 1 pt.
- a) 2 pts. b) 3 pts. c) 1 pt.
15 to 18:Social studier
Your favorite hobby? It’s not sitting home by yourself! You love to be surrounded by your buddies, and you feel the most confident when you’re with them. Studying with your amigos can be good way to gain new opinions and knowledge through discussions and study games, but make sure that your “study parties” don’t lose the studying aspect. Although studying with friends can make a seemingly boring topic more interesting and enlightening, individual study is important as well.
10 to 14:Tactile teacher
Reading a book or listening to a boring lecture is SO not for you. You need to experience things first hand through creative activities and visual aids, such as visiting a museum, doing an experiment or making some sort of project that is related to the topic that you need to study. These alternative studying methods are good ways to absorb dull information and help make subjects come alive.
6 to 9:Low-key learner
The traditional study methods such as reading, highlighting and making flashcards really work for you. And that’s just fine, because honestly, you have it the easiest of any of these categories. You’re able to depend on yourself for studying and absorb information without depending on other outlets that can be more time consuming and distracting. You’ve adopted efficient techniques that get the job done. Keep in mind, however, that it’s OK to bust free once in awhile and have some fun while studying. It doesn’t always have to be a completely humdrum activity.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
It is never too early to start thinking about the kind of job that you want to prepare to have in the future. Each month, I will highlight two or three careers and will provide information about the qualifications for that particular career. Information on the careers listed comes from the following websites: , , , , and .
\Lawyer
Job Description
Lawyers, also called attorneys, act
as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters. Whether acting as an advocate or an advisor, all attorneys research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply the law to the specific circumstances faced by their clients.
The more detailed aspects of a lawyer’s job depend upon his or her field of specialization and position. Although all lawyers are licensed to represent parties in court, some appear in court more frequently than others. Trial lawyers, who specialize in trial work, must be able to think quickly and speak with ease and authority. In addition, familiarity with courtroom rules and strategy is particularly important in trial work. Trial lawyers spend the majority of their time outside the courtroom, conducting research, interviewing clients and witnesses, and handling other details in preparation for a trial.
Most lawyers are in private practice, concentration on criminal or civil law. In criminal law, lawyers represent individuals who have been charged with crimes and argue their cases in courts of law. Attorneys dealing with civil law assist clients with litigation, wills, trusts, contracts, mortgages, titles, and leases.
Work Environment
Lawyers do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients’ homes or places of business and, when necessary, in hospitals or prisons. They may travel to attend meetings, gather evidence, and appear before courts, legislative bodies, and other authorities. They may also face particularly heavy pressure when a case is being tried. Preparation for court includes understanding the latest laws and judicial decisions.
Salaried lawyers usually have structured work schedules. Lawyers who are in private practice may work irregular hours while conducting research, conferring with clients, or preparing briefs during nonoffice hours. Lawyers often work long hours; of those who work full time, about 37% work 50 hours or more per week.
Education
Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school---4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Law school applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission.
Although there is no recommended “prelaw” undergraduate major, prospective lawyers should develop proficiency in writing and speaking, reading, researching, analyzing, and thinking logically---skills needed to succeed both in law school and in the law. Regardless of major, a multidisciplinary background is recommended. Courses in English, foreign languages, public speaking, government, philosophy, history, economics, mathematics, and computer science are useful.
Acceptance by most law schools depends on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate an aptitude for the study of law, usually through undergraduate grades, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the quality of the applicant’s undergraduate school, any prior work experience, and sometimes, a personal interview. All law schools approved by the American Bar Association require applicants to take the LSAT.
Competition for admission to many law schools---especially the most prestigious ones---is usually intense, with the number of applicants greatly exceeding the number that can be admitted.
To practice law in the courts of any state or other jurisdiction, a person must be licensed, or admitted to its bar, under rules established by the jurisdiction’s highest court. All states require that applicants for admission to the bar pass a written bar exam; most states also require applicants to pass a separate written ethics exam.
Wages
The earnings for a lawyer range from $69,910 to $145,600. Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size, and location of the law firm they work for. Lawyers who own their own practices usually earn less than those who are partners in law firms. Lawyers starting their own practice may need to work part time in other occupations to supplement their income until their practice is well established.
Most salaried lawyers are provided health and life insurance, and contributions are made to retirement plans on their behalf.
Related Jobs
Insurance Adjusters; Government Property Inspectors & Investigators; Judges; Paralegals & Legal Assistants; Law clerks; Criminal Investigators & Special Agents.
Dietician
Job Description
Dietitians and nutritionists plan
food and nutrition programs, supervise meal preparation, and oversee the serving of meals. They prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications. For example, dietitians might teach a patient with high blood pressure how to use less salt when preparing meals, or create a diet reduced in fat and sugar for an overweight patient.
Dietitians manage food service systems for institutions such as hospitals and schools, nursing care facilities, promote sound eating habits through education, and conduct research.
They also confer with doctors and other health care professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs. Some dietitians specialize in managing the care of renal (kidney), diabetic, or critically ill patients. In addition, in nursing care facilities, small hospitals, or correctional facilities they may manage the food service department.
They counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent disease and promote health. Working in places such as public health clinics, home health agencies, and health maintenance organizations, they evaluate individual needs, develop nutritional care plans, and instruct individuals and their families. Working in home health agencies they provide instruction on grocery shopping and food preparation to the elderly, children, and individuals with special needs.
Increased public interest in nutrition has led to job opportunities in food manufacturing, advertising, and marketing. In these areas, dietitians analyze foods, prepare literature for distribution, or report on issues such as dietary fiber, vitamin supplements, or the nutritional content of recipes.
Work Environment
Dietitians and nutritionists usually work in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. However, some work in hot, congested kitchens. Many dietitians and nutritionists are on their feet for much of the workday.
Most full-time dietitians and nutritionists work a regular 40-hour week, although some work weekends.
Education
Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor’s degree. This usually requires a degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area. College students in these majors take courses in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology. Other suggested courses include business, mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, sociology, and economics.
In states that require licensure, only people who are licensed can work as dietitians and nutritionists. States that require statutory certification limit the use of occupational titles to people who meet certain requirements; individuals without certification can still practice as a dietitian or nutritionists but without using certain titles.
High School
In high school, students interested in this career choice need to take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, health, and communications.
Wages
The annual earnings are between $29,860 and $68,330 with the average income being $49,045.
Related Jobs
Food Service Managers; Health Educators; Dietetic Technicians; Registered Nurses.
COLLEGE INFORMATION
It is never too early to start planning for your future. Habits you established in middle school can have positive and negative results when you enter high school, and after graduation. Start researching and gathering information about requirements that colleges and universities require. By the time high school graduation arrives you will be in a position to attend the college or university of your choice.
In each newsletter I will highlight and give details about a college/university and a junior college in Texas that you might want to take a look at more closely and see if this would be an institution that might be of interest to you. I will include a web address for each school that will help you do some more extensive research if you are interested. College costs are approximate prices for a full-time student (15 – 16 hours), living on campus, for a full year (Fall and Spring semesters) as reported to the College Board College Handbook 2017 and
Austin College
A private 4-year college that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It was founded in 1849 and is located in Sherman (60 miles from Dallas) and awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Class Size: 67% of classes have 20 or fewer students, 30% have 20 – 39 students, 2% have
40 – 49 students, less than 1% have 50 – 99 students. Special Facilities: environmental research center and prairie restoration project (174 acres), tissue culture facility for study of cellular molecular interactions of eukaryotic cells, high performance numeric and graphics computing facility for advanced scientific computing and 3-D graphics, observatory with 24-inch telescope. Basis For Selection: academic transcript record, test scores (ACT: 22 – 28; SAT critical reading: 540 – 650, math: 540 – 640, writing: 500 - 630), recommendations, extracurricular involvement, essay important. Interview considered. Interview recommended for all; audition recommended for music, theater (required for scholarship consideration); portfolio recommended for art (required for scholarship consideration). High School Preparation: College preparatory program required including 4 credits of English, 3 – 4 credits of math, 2 – 3 credits of social studies, 3 – 4 credits of science (1-2 credits in laboratory sciences), 2 – 4 credits foreign language, and 1 – 2 credits of visual/performing arts. Need-Based Financial Aid: 306 full-time freshmen applied for aid; 257 were judged to have need; 257 of these received aid. Average need met was 95%. Average scholarship/grant was $28,997. 83% of total undergraduate aid awarded as scholarships/grants. Non-Need-Based Financial Aid: awarded to 330 full-time undergraduates, including 227 freshmen. Scholarships awarded for academics, alumni affiliation, art, leadership, music/drama, religious affiliation. Special Study Options: double major, exchange student, honors, independent study, internships, student-designed major, study abroad, teacher certification program, Washington semester. Credit/Placement by Exam: AP, CLEP, institutional tests. Support Services: learning center, study skills assistance, tutoring. Most Popular Majors: biology (12%), business/marketing (16%), foreign language (8%), history (7%), psychology (9%), social sciences (17%). Additional Majors: biochemistry, computer science, environmental studies, English literature, philosophy, physics, economics, international relations, political science, sociology, and others. Computers On Campus: 286 computer workstations are in the dormitories, library, computer center, and the student center. The dormitories are wired for high-speed internet access and are linked to the campus network. Online course registration, online library, helpline, student web hosting, and wireless network are available. Housing: guaranteed on-campus for all freshmen. Coed dorms, single-sex dorms, apartments, and themed housingare available. Language emphasis residence; suite-style housing for upper-level students with private bedroom, common area, kitchenette. Activities: bands, campus ministries, choral groups, dance, drama, international student organizations, literary magazine, music ensembles, Model UN, musical theater, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, Alpha Phi Omega, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Black Expressions, Young Democrats, Service Station, Los Amigos, Habitat for Humanity, Activators. Athletics: NCAA. The school colors are maroon and gold and the team mascot is the Kangaroos (Roos). They participate in baseball, basketball, cross country, diving, football, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball. Intramurals: basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball. Student Services: chaplain/spiritual director, career counseling, financial aid counseling, health services, personal counseling. Freshmen Class Profile: 3,357 students apply for admission; 1,816 are admitted; 355 enroll. Enrollment: 1,250 (52% Female, 48% Male; 7% Out-of-State; 3% International; 7% African American, 13% Asian American, 19% Hispanic American, 1% Native American, 1% multi-racial).
Tuition & Fees$ 37,315
Room & Board$ 11,793
Books & Supplies$ 1,250
Personal Expenses$ 2,300
TOTAL (app. per year)$ 52,658