Build a Stronger Life

 

I’m going to take a break from the recap to talk about something that’s very important to me, personally.

 

In many of his letters, Carlos Coy talks about how you should build your life on a firm foundation, to educate yourself, to succeed honestly. If you’re in school, obviously, that’s going to be a fairly straightforward endeavor. Go to class, pay attention, and do your best.

 

But what if you’re out of school, and don’t feel like you got the foundation you need? Or what if you’re struggling in school, and the system is failing you? Never, never, never despair; there are resources online that are absolutely amazing, and I’m going to share a few of my favorites with you. These are all completely free of charge; all you have to do is sign up. There’s going to be work involved, and if you want to get anything out of them you’re going to have to put a lot of effort in, but please; remember that no matter how busy you are, or how hopeless you may think it is, you are worth it. Don’t sell yourself short.

 

 

KahnAcademy

 

Need some math? Whether you want to continue your advanced algebra, or need to start back at addition and subtraction, this is the place for you. These videos are not made by professional teachers, but by students and professionals who are excited about what they are learning and doing.

 

If you ever watched Numbers and liked the idea of being a genius with a whiteboard, go here. Math, economics, biology, computer science, history, art history, and many more subjects, totally free.

 

Duolingo

 

 

Whether you need to hone your English skills, go from pseudo-bilingual to fluent in Spanish, or just want to learn how to tell someone ‘Free SPM’ in Italian (liberare il Sud Parc Messicano?), Duolingo can help with that. You learn your chosen language while helping to translate the internet, with a points-based program that feels like a game.

Again, free.

 

EGO4u.com

 

I don’t claim to be a grammar guru, but I love to write and I am convinced that being able to communicate clearly in writing is the key to success. If you feel like you could use a little help in that area, try ego4u (it stands for English Grammar Online). There are lessons, exercises and games to help you progress. I haven’t been using this one very long but I’m impressed with how comprehensive it is.

 

Also free.

 

When you’re in a plane they say that in the case of an emergency you have to put your own oxygen mask on first, and then help those around you. Sometimes in life you have to do the same thing; spend some time on yourself, educate yourself, and then you’ll be better equipped to help your friends and family up. If you want to know how you can help this effort, first ask what you can do to improve yourself, your education, your life.

 

If you know of any other great (free) educational programs out there, please list them in the comments.