Problem: Article: When writing about your achievements and activities, avoid going into details about unimportant aspects. Keep your descriptions to-the-point; this will make them more powerful to the reader. Ideally, a resume shouldn’t be more than a page or two long. Any longer and the reader will begin to gloss over the content.  Bad example: “I was on the Student Council, and attended the meetings every week. We had a lot of good debates in these meetings. Most of the debates were about how the school should be run.” Good example: “Elected to Student Council, led the council in many debates about school policy.” While you should never lie, or even embellish, on a resume you should draw attention to your accomplishments. You aren’t trying to get your fellow students admitted, so focus on what you have done.  Bad example: “Took Student Council notes.” Good example: “Managed all Student Council documents and meeting minutes.” When you write your descriptions, begin each point with an action word that will make it pop out to admissions officers. This will help keep your descriptions concise and impactful.  Never use “I” in a resume.  Bad example: “In charge of several committees, including the Homecoming and Prom committee.” Good example: “Chaired the Homecoming and Prom committees.” If you received good grades in high school, be absolutely sure to draw attention to them. Include a GPA score if over 3.0, and list your class rank or percentile if you have access to it. Good SAT or ACT scores as well as any honors programs should be listed as well. If you have space, you can list some of the AP and college-level course you have taken. If you have a lot of extracurricular activities to list, then space on the resume can become an issue. When listing your extracurricular activities, pay special attention to anything that you took a leadership role in. This could be a section leader in the marching band, a team captain, volunteer coordinator, new student orientation, and much more. A strong volunteer section on your resume will help show that you care and take the initiative to help others. Try to have at least two or three volunteer entries to help you stand out. Throughout your academic career, you may have become fluent in a foreign language or mastered one or more computer software programs.  These are things admissions officers look for and should be included on your college resume. Before printing and sending out your resume to colleges with your applications, have your resume proofread by at least two other people. Try to have a guidance counselor take a look at it to see if they have any recommendations. A resume should never be sent out with grammatical errors or misinformation.
Summary: Be concise. Don’t be modest. Use powerful verbs and action words. Showcase your grades. Focus on leadership. Show that you care. Highlight special skills. Proofread your resume.

Problem: Article: Don’t feel like you have to stay in your house because you’re spending your holiday alone.   Go shopping. Even if don’t want to spend a lot of money, take your time perusing stores, and treat yourself to something small that you’ve been wanting. In some areas during statutory holidays (e.g. Christmas and Easter) you may be out of luck as many venues will be closed, so check at least the day before, if not sooner. Go a movie or a play. Going to see a movie or show alone can be a fun experience. Pick something that you really want to see. Take a class. Use your holiday as an opportunity to try something new like swing dances or painting. Check community newspapers for a calendar of classes and events during your holiday. Use sites like Groupon to find discounted classes in your area. Take the time out of your holiday to pamper yourself.  If you’ve been putting it off, get a new haircut or color. This will make you feel your best. Get a luxury treatment you wouldn’t normally, like a massage or a facial. If you don’t want to pay for a treatment, you can create your own spa day. Whether you want to go out to your favorite restaurant or cook at home, splurge a little on food.   This could be as simple as stocking up your fridge before your holiday, so you don’t have to worry about going to the grocery store. Get a little fancy. Make a cheese plate, and buy a nice wine just for you. Or, just spend some time plating up your favorite junk foods instead of eating them straight from the bag. Even though you’re on your own, clean up right after you eat to keep your holiday and space relaxing.
Summary: Go out and do something. Get a treatment, or create one at home. Eat your favorite foods.

Problem: Article: Sodium bicarbonate is a medication you can take to raise the pH of your urine. Medications to raise urine pH are only appropriate for certain conditions, and taking it improperly can cause serious health problems – only take it as directed by your doctor. Usually, the medication is given in your doctor’s office as an injection.  Don’t use sodium bicarbonate if you are vomiting, you have alkalosis (too little acid in your body), or you have a deficiency of calcium or chloride.  Let your doctor know if you’re taking any other medications or supplements, you have any allergies, you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have disease of your heart, kidneys, or liver. Some medications are appropriate for specific medical conditions caused by acidic urine. Ask your doctor about potassium citrate (Urocit-K), a medication used to treat a specific kidney condition and resolve kidney stones. This medication can have many side effects and is not used to treat all causes of kidney stones. This medication might be helpful and appropriate to increase your urine pH. It depends on your condition, symptoms, and what is causing your urinary problems. Ask your doctor if this medicine is right for you.
Summary: Take sodium bicarbonate. Inquire about potassium citrate if you have kidney stones. Ask about calcium citrate as a treatment option.

Problem: Article: Sometimes women struggle to be heard in the workplace. They are more likely to be interrupted or dismissed. Be an advocate for the women in your workplace. If you see a woman trying to break into the conversation, say, “I’d like to hear additional thoughts on the issue. Julie, what do you think?” Women often are not given enough credit for what they do in the workplace. If your female colleague comes up with an innovative way to streamline office communication, take some time at the next team meeting to say, "Let's all thank Kate for her great ideas about implementing this new system." People tend to give women vague feedback, such as simply saying “good job” or “you need to improve.” Men typically receive much more specific feedback, which helps them to improve. Make it a point to give the women you work with helpful feedback. If you’re a manager, you might say, “I really liked your ideas about how to improve productivity. Next time the subject comes up, I’d like you to volunteer to take the lead on implementing changes.” Women are much more likely than men to receive negative comments about their personality. For example, a strong woman might be labeled “bossy” or “shrill”. The next time you hear someone make comments like this about a woman, ask them for a specific example. You can also say, “Would you have the same reaction if a man had acted the same way?” Women often don’t get enough credit for their accomplishments in the workplace. Make sure to acknowledge their contributions. You could say, “Julie brought in the most new accounts this year. Let’s all give her a round of applause.”  Help increase female confidence by encouraging them to go for promotions or new positions. You could say, “You definitely have what it takes to be the team lead. You should apply!”
Summary:
Listen to women. Make sure women receive credit for their ideas and work. Give women constructive feedback. Challenge gender expectations. Celebrate and encourage women.