Heidi-VZ

A lot of teachers will go on about not using wikipedia as a source.

“It’s bad,” they say. “I will deduct points if you do it.”

Well wikipedia is actually a great source of information and fuck what your teacher said, you absolutely can use it.

The key though is knowing

A.How to use it.

B. How to source it.

and

C. whether it is good info or trash.

NowFirst Lets look up something on wikipedia. Say your writing a paper on Gregor Mendel and Mendelian Inheritance.

So you zoom over to the Wikipedia page on Mendelian Inheritance.

Now there is a lot of information here. Not all of it is strictly necessary for that essay you are writing. So you read through and suddenly you see something that is good info for your essay.

Boy oh boy this information is useful. To bad your teacher said No Wikipedia Ever.

However there is a loophole.

It’s right there.

No. Go closer.

You see that little four? Its a citation number. Think of wikipedia as it’s own essay. It got it’s information from other sources out there. Just like you are trying to right now. And since there is a citation, it’s going to be listed at the end of the wikipedia article.

Look at citation number 4

Look at that you have your first citation. From Wikipedia.

And look. Do you see it. There is a link. It’s the blue words with the boxy arrow thingamajig.

That thing. Click it.

Why did you leave wikipedia you ask? Wikipedia is great. You have several sources from there. But There is more than what the put in to that wiki article. Those sources Wikipedia gave you are helpful. And now that you are at the source, you can utilize it.

But what if its a book that’s the source.

You can either head to your local library and see if they have it, order it, or avoid the book source. Online sources are just as valuable.

Also do not quote directly from the wikipedia. Quote from the source and then use quote citation.

And MLA citation. Use MLA citation. Since you are linked to the sources cite them. Not the wikipedia.

Your teacher will never know. And now you can finish that sweet essay you got planned.

1. No matter how long it takes, and how beaten down you are, refuse to give in, or to relinquish your dream. Just get up one more time and then decide to try again.

2. We all slip up, and encounter obstacles. Just determine to keep going, and to get on track again. It doesn’t mean it’s over. It’s all part of the course.

3. We all need support and encouragement in life – so eliminate the negative, or toxic, influences. You don’t need those people who are quick to criticise, and don’t really help you to move closer to your dream.

4. Surround yourself with people who are similar to you, who have the same ambitions, outlooks and points of view. They’ll help to spur you onwards, and provide support you need.

5. Be inspired by other people who overcame defeat … who built a life from nothing … or turned their life around. Learn from their perseverance, and their will to succeed.

1. Take a break from your thinking. Often we find we go around in circles, and just feel bad, when we think about our problems. Sp distract yourself for 5 minutes, or an hour, by doing something fun that changes how you feel (like listening to some music or going for a run.)

2. Try to evaluate and simplify the problem. We can blow small things out of all proportion, or we can start to feel as if everything is wrong. So, try to be rational and break the problem down – and sort out what’s an issue from peripheral stuff. Usually, doing that will help to change your perspective – so you feel less hopeless, and less overwhelmed.

3. Try and act as if you’re feeling laid back and confident. That can change the way you feel – so you feel much more relaxed, in control, and less bothered about the pressures you are facing. And when you feel more confident you’ll usually find your thinking’s clearer - and you can find solutions that will help reduce your stress.

4. Take control of situations – so you don’t feel like a victim. There’s usually something you can do to regain your sense of power. (Even if it’s really small – it will make a difference.)

5. We all have weaknesses – it simply means you’re human. So focus on your strengths as they’re a part of you as well. Don’t minimise or overlook your good points or achievements. They’ll always be with you and they’ll help you to succeed.

6. Your time is valuable so try to use it well. Don’t fritter it on worrying about the situation. Remember all the things you can be grateful for. Choose to focus on these instead of thinking about problems.

1. Grasp that it’s YOUR life, and no-one else’s life.

2. Decide to “live on purpose”.

3. Recognise that achievement has a price tag attached to it – and decide you’ll pay that price.

4. Work on constantly maintaining your focus.

5. Chose a skill or a field and become competent, or an expert, in that area.

6. Find other people who will hold you to your goals – and will believe in, and encourage you, to strive to reach your dreams.