Q: If you need to cry on command, thinking of a time when you felt sad can help put you in the right frame of mind for tears. For example, it may  help to think back to the loss of a loved one or a particularly bad breakup. Other emotional triggers might include losing something special to you, getting in trouble with your parents, or missing out on something you worked really hard to achieve. Many people have fears that deep down they are not as strong as they like to believe. Picturing yourself as small and weak might put you in a vulnerable mindset that can lead to real tears.  Once you tap into that feeling, let the helpless feeling flow out of you in the fear of tears. For example, a common exercise in acting classes is to imagine yourself as a small child whom no one cares for. Sometimes, thinking back on a bad experience from the past can lead to real emotions that are hard to overcome. If this is the case, try to imagine something sad that could happen hypothetically rather than thinking of something personal. For instance, you could try thinking of puppies being left on the side of the road. You want to save them all, but you can only take one. As you're holding the one puppy you got to save, you look at all of the other puppies that aren't being held. Try imagining things that make your eyes fill up with happy tears, like a time someone gave you a meaningful gift, veterans being reunited with their families, or someone triumphing in the face of adversity. As long as you’re not smiling, no one will be able to tell if you’re crying happy or sad tears.
A: Think about a time when you felt really emotional. Imagine yourself being weak or helpless. Create a sad scenario using your imagination. Cry happy tears if you don’t want to feel sad.

Q: Many online courses require students to participate in discussion board about class topics.  Posts on a discussion board often count as participation points and are an important part of your grade. Consistently post your responses or assignments to the discussion board on time and make meaningful additions to the discussion. Class discussions are also a great way to connect with your online classmates. Online learning can feel isolating, especially if you are completing your degree completely online. Connecting with other online learners can foster a sense of community.  Some online classes may require group work during the course. While it can be challenging to complete assignments with students that you cannot physically meet with, group work is a great incentive to connect with your online classmates. Reach out to the online university that you are taking the class through. Many universities offer community websites and ways to connect with other online learners.  If you find that you can meet with another online classmate in person, take this opportunity to get to know your classmate and arrange for a group study session. Maintain your relationship with your professor throughout the course by communicating with them about assignments and exams.  Since most of your communication with your professor and peers will be through writing, you must be comfortable reaching out through written communications like email.  Always keep your communications with professors professional and courteous, just as you would with any other instructor. Do not hesitate to reach out to the professor if you are struggling to understand a class concept or if you have questions.
A: Participate in discussions. Reach out to other online students. Keep in touch with your professor.

Q: There are strong arguments on either side — both for and against clipping. Those who caution against it say that birds were meant to fly and we should not interfere with a parrot’s natural inclinations. Clipping the parrot's wings deprives them of this basic freedom. Consider other options first. If you are planning to show your bird, it should never be clipped. Parrots respond very well to clicker training, and you can train your parrot to return to you when called. You can also use clicker training to modify unwanted behaviors, which can help your parrot stay happy and safe. If you are not willing to do the work to train a parrot, then you may want to reconsider if getting a bird is right for you. There are some dangers to letting your bird fly free in your home. They can potentially damage their feathers, knock things over, and consume things that they should not. Many household items can be dangerous to parrots, including toilets and other standing water, lightbulbs and stoves that get hot, ceiling fans, cords to blinds, and windows and mirrors. Ask yourself why you want a bird if you don't want it to fly or don't feel that your home is a safe environment. Consider that a different pet may be more appropriate. Parrots are quick and can take advantage of any open door or window to get out. Once outside, it may be difficult to get bird back if you have not trained them. With clipped wings, the chance of escape is reduced. And if your bird does get out, it’s much easier to get them back. Bird wings should not be clipped until the bird can fly. Clipping too early can stunt the regular growth of the feathers. If you’ve never done it before, it’s advisable to have your vet do it the first time. That way you can see how it works and then decide if you want to continue to do it at home.
A: Ask yourself whether you want to clip your bird’s wings. Train your bird. Clip the wings for safety reasons indoors. Prevent your bird from escaping. Don’t clip a baby parrot’s wings. Decide if you want a veterinarian to cut your bird’s wings.

Q: If you’re able to walk on carpeting or a rug, choose this instead of wood. The extra padding will quiet your footsteps so no one can hear you, and it’s less likely to cause squeaking.  Remember to walk slowly across the floor to avoid making noise. Consider wearing socks if you’re walking across wood. Focus hard on listening to all the sounds around you as you’re sneaking out. If you’re paying attention to any noise, you’ll hopefully be able to hear someone else moving around or coming towards you. If you did a practice run of your escape plan, you should be aware of any doors that creak or make noise. Twist the doorknobs very slowly to stay quiet, and open and close doors very slowly as well. If you’re opening a window, avoid pushing it up too quickly or it will make noise as well. The center of each step is usually the spot that produces the most creaks. Try to stick close to the railing or the wall, tiptoeing down the steps slowly.  Put more of your weight on the wall or the railing to produce less noise on the stairs. The sides of the stairs are where they’re most reinforced, making them less likely to squeak or make noise. Not only will this save you time, but you won’t have to worry about sitting down and tying your shoelaces in the dark or walking in heels quietly towards the door. Wait until you’re outside and out of sight before you put on your shoes. Carry your shoes in your bag so you don’t have to fumble with them in your hands as you’re leaving. If your door requires a key to lock or unlock it, separate the key from the keychain if necessary and have it ready to go in your hand. This will eliminate any sounds of jingling that might wake up someone in the house, as well as save time. Have your key out and ready when you return home as well.
A:
Try to walk across carpet whenever possible. Stay alert so you can hear people coming. Open doors very slowly to avoid making noise. Walk down the sides of staircases to avoid any creaks. Put your shoes on after you’re already outside. Have any keys ready in your hand to lock or unlock doors.