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xxelliewxx · 27 days ago

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Fire and Frost {Ellie x Reader} Ch. 3

MDNI 18+ content

Pairings: loser!(AFAB)Reader x hockey player!Ellie

Synopsis: When y/n is requested to tutor Ellie Williams in organic chemistry, she expects arrogance and attitude from the hockey player. However, she discovers a different aspect of Ellie’s tough exterior, revealed through humor and fleeting glances. This raises the question: why does Ellie go to great lengths to embarrass and harass y/n whenever they are in the presence of others?

Warnings: Mentions of depression, anxiety, sexual/physical assault, alcohol, violence, trauma (if I miss any let me know!)

w/c: 2.8k

an: this is my first time ever posting fanfic on Tumblr, so feedback is completely welcome! this is not proofread and is a work in progress.

Silicon Symmetry

As the clock struck 12:30, anticipation bubbled within you as you headed to your organic chemistry class, determined to confront Ellie and uncover the source of her unpredictable behavior. The emotional whiplash she was putting you through was overwhelming, leaving you feeling dizzy and disoriented. It felt particularly unfair, given that she knew how crucial it was for you to maintain your scholarship; her behavior appeared nothing short of self-centered. You chastised yourself for thinking she was anything but.

Determined to confront her, you hustled to catch up to the student holding the lecture hall door for you, stomping over to where the hockey player lounged, surrounded by her teammates, laughing and joking as if the events of the morning had never occurred. The sight stung, intensifying your frustration. She wants to be that way, fine, two can play that game. As you reached her combat boot-clad feet, you delivered a swift kick to her shin, drawing giggles from her friends. Cat tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips, clearly entertained by your fury, which only ignited your anger further.

"What the fuck, Williams. Do you even care about anyone besides yourself? I can't believe I was foolish enough to think you were capable of anything beyond your own self-interest."

The brunette shot up at your remark, invading your personal space. "Here we go again, pretending you understand me. Let me make this clear, princess: I don't require your assistance, and I certainly won't waste my time on a loser like you."

Emotions swelled in your chest, and you felt a sting behind your eyes at her words. Her teammates erupted in cheers, one even giving her a congratulatory slap on the back as if she had just clinched a last-minute victory. You grabbed your iPad, bringing up the playful sketches the two of you had made earlier that day, the sound of her genuine laughter echoing in your mind. "If you're not interested in being around me, then why did you—"

You were abruptly interrupted as the iPad you had been holding shattered into fragments right before your eyes. Ellie's gaze, usually emotionless, now burned with an intensity of hatred that was unsettling. "Don't you dare approach me like this again. What gives you the audacity to even think you can look at me?"

Tears streamed down your face as you lost control, your hand instinctively shooting out to land a stinging slap across the captain's face, her head snapping to the side from the impact. In shock, you raised your hands to your mouth, a gasp escaping as disbelief washed over you, your eyes wide with astonishment at what you had just done.

Her eyes, once simmering with hatred, now blazed with an intensity that was almost palpable. Gripping your shirt tightly in her fist, Ellie lifted you effortlessly, slamming your back against the wall next to the doorframe. The force of the impact knocked the air from your lungs, leaving you gasping as you clawed at the hands that held you captive. "Lay a finger on me again, and I swear I'll end you."

You caught yourself shifting your gaze from her deep, forest-green eyes to the vivid crimson handprint emerging on her cheek. As you tried to find the right words, they eluded you, leaving your mouth agape in silence. Her eyes, shadowy and intense, revealed a flicker of vulnerability, a crack in her facade. Ellie seemed to carry a weight of remorse for what had just happened, yet her fingers clutched your shirt with an unyielding grip.

As she leaned closer, locking her gaze with yours, a rush of emotions surged through you. Then, just like that, she released you and settled back into her chair, leaving the other students wide-eyed and speechless. A wave of humiliation washed over you, making your stomach churn. In a flurry, you snatched your backpack and gathered the shattered pieces of your iPad, hurling the remnants toward the brunette before storming out.

Dr. Miller hurried from a faculty meeting, her beloved matcha latte spilling over the rim of her plastic cup as she dashed toward her classroom. A look of bewilderment crossed her features when she spotted you racing out of the lecture hall, and she quickly stepped in your path to halt your escape.

Adjusting the items in her arms to free a hand, she softly rested it on your shoulder, her initial confusion giving way to worry. "Y/N, what’s wrong? Did something happen?" You shrugged off her concern, stepping back from her touch.

"Dr. M, I appreciate that you believe in me, but sometimes what you see isn’t really there." With that, you turned away from your compassionate professor and hurried back to the apartment you shared with Dina and Jesse.

The October wind whipped against your tear-streaked face as you sprinted, its icy breath leaving your cheeks flushed and red. The humiliation you felt was unlike anything you had ever encountered. Sure, Ellie had pulled some messed-up stunts before, but this was a new level of cruelty. You were accustomed to her childish antics—tripping you or swiping things from your hands—but completely shattering your iPad was beyond the pale.

Your iPad was more than just a device for taking notes; it was your sanctuary, a place where you poured out your heart and soul. Without it, you felt adrift, a wave of despair crashing over you. Your hands trembled as you fumbled with the key to your apartment, the door creaking open with a reluctant groan. With a forceful slam, you tossed your backpack onto the kitchen counter and stormed into your bedroom. Sliding down the wall, you let out rough sobs that shook your entire body.

Why me? What did I do to her to deserve this? Fuck you, Ellie Williams.

☾⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽☾⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱

You lost track of time as you sat there, tears streaming down your face, until a throbbing headache surged through you. Nausea clung to you as you finally pushed yourself up from the floor. With a heavy heart, you opened your bedroom door and shuffled to the kitchen sink, your hands quaking as you filled a glass with water. The refreshing liquid slid down your throat, but it did little to soothe the relentless pounding in your head.

After setting the glass down, your gaze fell on your backpack, anxiety creeping in as you realized you had no way to study for your calculus test without your notes. The absence of your iPad was a painful reminder of Ellie's relentless torment. Thankfully, Dina was in your calculus class, but the thought of borrowing her notes made you cringe; her note-taking skills were far from impressive.

As you glanced at your phone, a few notifications popped up as you unlocked the screen. Dina had called you twice, and a flurry of texts from both her and Jesse filled your inbox, all laced with concern. You couldn't help but roll your eyes at their messages, a smile breaking through as you appreciated the care they both showed.

You pushed aside the notifications, losing yourself in the endless scroll of social media, desperately trying to avoid the nagging feeling of confinement that came from being without your journal. Suddenly, your thumb halted as you stumbled upon a post from your brother. It showcased a family gathering, a post-summer bash that had completely escaped your notice. The realization hit hard: you weren’t on the guest list. While it shouldn’t have shocked you, the sting of exclusion was still sharp, a painful reminder of how things had changed since last year.

Frustration bubbled up inside you, and you flung your phone onto the couch, wishing the intrusive thoughts would vanish. Staring blankly at the wall, you sank into silence, weighing your options. The clock ticked toward 2 PM, and soon Dina would burst through the door with Jesse, the inseparable duo who seemed to thrive on each other’s company. They were adorable, a fact that only deepened your envy, a feeling you weren’t proud to admit.

A soft knock at your door pulled you from your reverie, irritation creeping into your voice. "Seriously, Dina? Did you forget your keys again?" You rose from your seat and swung the door open, only to be met by an unexpected face.

"Abby? W-what are you doing here?"

Abby Anderson, the assistant captain under Ellie, wasn’t someone you typically chatted with, making her sudden appearance all the more surprising. She offered you a gentle smile, which helped to ease the tension bubbling inside you. "Hey, Y/N. This might seem a bit out of the blue, but I heard about what happened in class today, and I wanted to come by and apologize."

Her words ignited a fire within you; why should she be apologizing for that worthless Williams? "Are you kidding me?" you snapped, fists clenched tightly at your sides, teeth grinding in frustration.

Abby quickly raised her hands in a gesture of peace, her voice rushing to calm you down. "I know what she did was fucked up, I am not denying that. I just want you to know it's not your fault, she's going through some serious shit right now and I really don't think she knows how to cope."

You shook your head at her words, "Abby, I'm not upset at you. I'm upset at her for not being a fucking adult and apologizing to me herself. And to be honest I don't really care what she has going on, that's no excuse to break my shit!"

Abby nodded, her expression understanding. "You're right, I don't disagree with you. I've known Ellie since we were in squirt league together, she's not an easy one to read and honestly I'm struggling to figure out where she's coming from. Nevertheless, she is my best friend and I feel the need to protect her."

Mulling over Abby's words, you let out a sigh. "Would you like to come in? I'm sure Dina wouldn't mind seeing you."

Abby smiled at your invitation, thanking you as she passed through the threshold of your apartment. This was her first time visiting without Dina, and she seemed a bit uncertain about where to settle. Sensing her hesitation, you gestured toward the couch in the living room while you retrieved a couple of beers from the fridge. "Feel free to sit there if you want."

As she took a seat, you cracked open a beer, taking a hearty gulp before offering her one. A burst of laughter escaped her lips. "You do realize it’s not even 3 PM, right?"

You shrugged nonchalantly, "who gives a fuck, it's Friday and I don't wanna think." Abby looked a bit worried at your response, placing her unopened can on the coffee table. You finished your beer, crumpling the can in your hand and tossing it into the recycling bin, already reaching for another. This wasn’t your usual drinking style, but you felt the need to escape, so why not? Fuck it.

Settling next to the hockey player, you glanced at her over the top of your can, raising an eyebrow at her amused expression. Abby chuckled and shook her head. "You’re nothing like I expected."

Laughing at her remark, you nudged her shoulder playfully. "Fuck you, Anderson."

A comfortable silence enveloped you both until she broke it again. "You really are doing her a favor, you know? She doesn’t deserve your kindness or your patience, yet you keep giving it. Why is that?"

Trying to distract yourself, you fiddled with the frayed threads of your ripped jeans, pulling them apart and rolling them between your fingers. With a shrug, you replied, "I don't know, Abby. I guess I can't stand by and watch someone fail at something they've been working their whole life for."

Abby’s gaze fell on your troubled expression, a wave of sympathy washing over her. "Yeah, she really doesn’t deserve you."

Her words carried a weight that eluded your grasp, complicating the situation far beyond your expectations. With a heavy sigh, you murmured, "Maybe I’m not worthy of her. There must be something I did to make her loathe me so intensely. If only she could see the real me, perhaps she wouldn’t wish I didn’t exist."

The blonde next to you appeared to be wrestling with her thoughts, finally reaching for her beer can and taking a long sip. After wiping her lips, Abby turned to you and said, "Hey, there’s a party at the hockey house tonight. Dina was planning to go and mentioned inviting you. You’ll have her to hang out with, but don’t forget about me. Hell, we did share a beer at 2 PM, after all.

You smiled back at her, clinking your can against hers. "Thanks, Abby." The idea of attending a party filled you with anxiety, yet something about the girl beside you made it seem like nothing could go wrong, so you found yourself agreeing to join.

As you chatted, Dina and Jesse burst through the front door, takeout bags in hand. The aroma of Chinese food wafted through the air, making your mouth water. It was common for you to skip meals until dinner, as morning and afternoon nausea made it difficult to eat. But when dinner arrived, it was a different story.

Dina greeted Abby with enthusiasm, clearly thrilled to see one of her favorite teammates. "Hey, Abs! Want to stay for dinner? We could carpool to the party!" She raised her eyebrows playfully, prompting a laugh from Abby.

"I appreciate it, D, but Ellie asked me to help set up for tonight. I was just about to head out," Abby replied, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder and flashing you an encouraging smile before crushing her can and tossing it into the bin next to yours. Dina observed the interaction and decided to bring it up while serving General Tso's chicken and fortune cookies, pouring your share onto a paper plate she had grabbed from the cupboard.

Jesse looked as if he were bracing for an explosion, casting nervous glances your way throughout dinner, which only served to irritate you. Setting your fork down with a clatter, you turned to him and said, "Can you please stop looking at me like I'm about to combust any second?"

A flush of pink spread across his cheeks, clearly embarrassed by his lack of subtlety. Dina rolled her eyes at him, giving his shin a swift kick from beneath the table, prompting a soft "ouch" to escape his lips. "Sorry, Y/N. I heard you had a rough day."

You shot a glare at Dina, realizing you should have expected nothing less from her, considering he was her boyfriend. Shoving a piece of chicken into your mouth, you tried to ignore him, grains of rice tumbling off your fork and scattering into your lap. Just then, Dina reached across the table, halting your movements and preventing any more rice from joining the mess.

"Y/N, I'm really sorry about her, only a few on the team actually find her shit amusing. We're gonna give her hell at practice tomorrow, don't worry. Abby even insisted on it."

The mention of Abby made your cheeks heat up, recalling how kind she had been to you. But that warmth quickly faded as you found yourself longing for that same kindness from another player, a frown settling on your face. "It doesn’t matter, D. Nothing’s going to change. Whatever I did to her is so unforgivable that she’ll never let it go. It’s just absurd; all I did was bump into her by mistake. Before that, I had never even spoken to her!"

Dina instinctively withdrew her hand, sensing your need for some distance after your emotional outburst. She wished she had the right words to comfort you, but the truth was, she was just as puzzled. Ellie was an enigma that everyone was eager to understand, and sometimes it felt like even Ellie was still trying to figure herself out.

"I'm sorry, Dina. I didn't mean to freak on you, I just can't stand this. All I want is to be her friend, but I can’t understand why she’s treating me so poorly." You absentmindedly pushed the chicken around on your plate, watching it scoop up bits of rice from the sticky sauce.

“Y/N, I assure you, you haven’t done anything wrong. No one deserves to be treated like this.” You turned to her, your frown deepening. “Let’s just forget about Ellie for tonight. She’ll be too busy with the party to even notice you. Plus, we’ll be right there to support you! It’s time to break out of that shell; you have so much charisma to share.”

A smile crept onto your face as you appreciated Dina’s ability to lift your spirits, grateful for her unwavering friendship during tough times. “You’re right, to hell with her! I’m getting wasted tonight.”

Jesse hooped and hollered, cheering in agreement. "Fuck yeah! Let's get crunk."

Dina chuckled, shaking her head at the two of you, a playful grin lighting up her face.

@liasxeatt

@vahnilla

#ellie x y/n #ellie x fem reader #ellie x reader #ellie williams #ellie tlou #the last of us #ellie the last of us #@liasxeatt #@vahnilla #dina tlou #abby tlou #abby anderson #abby the last of us #x reader

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t-leaves · 1 month ago

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3 tips for all my adhd shifters trying to learn how to meditate <3

1. Listen. To. Music. And it doesn't have to be calming instrumental music (that almost always has the opposite effect on me). Make it loud and as brash as you want- give your brain something to gnaw on - and bonus points if it includes a beat drop because you can time it to coincide with your exhaling.

2. Speaking of exhaling, do 4,7,8 breathing to the beat of the first couple of songs (I'd reccomend these songs to be more reminiscient of what you would listen to in your dr than songs that remind you of the process of shifting.) This is the perfect concentration game for those of us who need something to focus hard on in order to relax. As you progress in the song your breathing will be out of sync with the downbeat forcing yourself to concentrate hard on counting. I find this super satisfying, especially when your exhale eventually converges again with the downbeat after a couple rounds of breathing. After doing this for as long as I like, I move onto songs more 'shifting coded' - ie end of beginning by djo - and freestyle my breathing, inhaling, holding and exhaling when I want to. (I like to exhale on shifting coded lyrics.)

3. The most crucial point of all: do all this sat up. I enjoy sitting cross legged on my bed with my arms on my knees, lotus style. You can lean against something if it's more comfortable for you but I find the ever so slight discomfort of trying to sit up straight gives me something more to focus on. Plus that moment when you relieve the slight ache by eventually lying down is so bone deep relaxing. I really struggle with lying still on my back when I'm not relaxed because I don't get enough feedback from my body and I imagine other ADHDers may relate (and hopefully benefit from this advice.) Sitting this way and doing this deep breathing makes me feel super light and floaty and my eyes naturally roll up into my head, all indicators of deep relaxation (and hopefully a precursor to the void!)

Well that's just my thoughts after my first time succesfully meditating for longer than 5 minutes, all because I chose to sit up and listen to some music. I hope it helps someone :)

#reality shifting #shiftblr #shifting community #shifting motivation #shifting to desired reality #shifting blog #adult shifters #my plan tonight is to do this until i am suitably relaxed then lie down and listen to alunirs 5 senses guided meditation #i feel really confident I'm on the right path for the first time in ages !

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magneticelysia · 30 days ago

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Identifying Your Red Flags and Transforming into a Green Flag Individual

Self-reflection can be daunting, but it is the bridge between who we are and who we aspire to be. In every relationship—romantic, platonic, or familial—our traits play a crucial role in defining the harmony and growth of the bond. Recognizing our red flags is a powerful step toward personal transformation. Here’s how you can identify and reshape them into glowing green flags.

Step 1: Recognize the Red Flags Within You

We all have red flags, but acknowledging them requires honesty and courage.

1.REFLECT ON YOUR PAST RELATIONSHIPS

Were there recurring complaints about your behavior?

Did someone point out patterns that hurt them or stifled your relationship's growth?

2. SELF-AUDIT YOUR EMOTIONS AND REACTIONS

Are you quick to anger or defensive in conversations?

Do you struggle to express or regulate your emotions?

3. NOTICE REPEATED MISTAKES

Do you avoid accountability, dismiss others' feelings, or make impulsive decisions?

4. SEEK FEEDBACK

Gently ask close friends or family, “What do you think I can improve about myself?”

Be open to their perspectives, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Common Red Flag Traits and Their Roots

1. Jealousy and Insecurity: Often rooted in self-doubt or past betrayals.

2. Poor Communication: Ignoring difficult conversations or resorting to passive-aggressive behavior.

3. Control Issues: A need to micromanage or dictate stems from fear of losing control.

4. Emotional Unavailability: Avoiding vulnerability due to fear of rejection or pain.

Step 2: Transforming Red Flags into Green Flags

Turning red into green requires intentional effort, but every small step creates ripples of change.

1. PRACTICE EMOTIONAL AWARENESS

Start journaling daily. Reflect on what triggered your emotions and how you responded.

Meditate to understand your inner feelings without judgment.

2. IMPROVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Use “I” statements. Instead of saying, “You’re always ignoring me,” say, “I feel unheard when my thoughts aren’t acknowledged.”

Practice active listening: focus entirely on the speaker and acknowledge their feelings.

3. BUILD EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE

Face your insecurities with compassion. Identify areas where you need growth and embrace them.

Develop healthier coping mechanisms like exercising, creating art, or seeking therapy.

4. LEARN BOUNDARIES

Respect others’ autonomy and decisions, even if they differ from your expectations.

Set clear, kind boundaries for yourself and others to avoid resentment.

5. PRACTICE ACCOUNTABILITY

When you make a mistake, own up to it without justifying your actions.

Apologize genuinely and work on rebuilding trust through consistent efforts.

Step 3: Maintain Your Green Flags

Transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey.

Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People: Be with those who inspire positivity and hold you accountable.

Engage in Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul.

Celebrate Small Wins: Every step toward being a better version of yourself deserves recognition.

Affirmations for Your Journey

“I am a work in progress, and that is okay.”

“Growth blooms where honesty and effort meet.”

“By healing myself, I create a sanctuary for others to thrive.”

The Green Flag Glow

Imagine yourself as a beacon of calm, empathy, and understanding—a person who lifts others while standing firmly on their values. Becoming a green flag individual is not about perfection but about intentional growth. Take each step with grace, knowing that self-awareness and effort are the keys to building stronger, healthier connections.

Your journey starts today—because there’s no better time to embrace the best version of yourself.

- luv from Elysia <3

@magneticelysia

#law of assumption #manifestation #affirm and persist #affirmyourlife #affirmations #it girl #personal development #personal growth #affirmdaily #artists on tumblr #success #follow #motivation #aesthetic #growth #self concept #self growth #self care #self love

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theglowsociety · 26 days ago

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New Skill — Master Something New in 90 Days

Learning a new skill in 90 days is both a challenge and an incredible opportunity. It’s a chance to expand your horizons, build confidence, and unlock potential you didn’t know you had. Whether it’s learning to code, mastering a new language, or picking up an instrument, the 90-day framework gives you enough time to make real progress while maintaining focus. Success in this journey requires intention, consistency, and a willingness to embrace the process.

In the first 30 days, focus on building the foundation. This is the exploration phase, where curiosity and commitment collide. Start by clearly defining what skill you want to learn and why it matters to you. Is it for personal growth? Career advancement? Or simply the joy of learning? Clarity will fuel your motivation when things get tough.

Break your skill into smaller, actionable steps. For instance, if you’re learning a language, focus on the basics—common phrases, pronunciation, and grammar rules. If it’s photography, spend this time understanding your equipment and practicing composition. The goal is to build a strong foundation, not to master everything at once. Dedicate time each day to practicing. Even 30 minutes of focused effort can add up to significant progress over 90 days. Consistency is more important than intensity at this stage.

During the next 30 days, transition into the development phase. Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to push yourself further. Identify gaps in your understanding and focus on improving those areas. If you’re learning an instrument, this could mean working on more complex songs or techniques. If you’re coding, start building small projects that challenge your skills.

Seek out feedback wherever possible. If you’re working with a mentor or teacher, ask them to critique your progress. If you’re self-taught, compare your work to high-quality examples or use online forums to connect with others who share your goals. Feedback is crucial for identifying areas of improvement and avoiding stagnation.

At this stage, variety is key. Incorporate different methods of learning to keep things engaging. Watch tutorials, listen to podcasts, read books, or join communities centered around your skill. Immersing yourself in different perspectives will help you deepen your understanding and keep your momentum strong.

The final 30 days are all about mastery and refinement. This is where the skill starts to feel more natural, and your focus shifts to improving performance and polishing what you’ve learned. If you’ve been writing, create a final project, like an essay or short story, to showcase your progress. If you’re learning a language, challenge yourself to hold a conversation with a native speaker. Push your limits and measure how far you’ve come.

Set aside time to reflect on your journey. What worked well? What challenges did you overcome? This reflection helps solidify the skill in your mind and gives you confidence to continue growing beyond the 90 days. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Acknowledge the discipline and effort it took to get here.

Throughout the 90 days, adopt a growth mindset. Understand that mistakes are part of the process, not signs of failure. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn. Stay flexible in your approach, and if something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot. Surround yourself with resources and people that inspire you to keep going.

By the end of 90 days, you’ll have transformed curiosity into capability. More importantly, you’ll have proven to yourself that you can achieve meaningful growth with dedication and effort. Learning a new skill isn’t just about the skill itself—it’s about the confidence and empowerment you gain along the way. Embrace the process, and you’ll come out on the other side with more than just a skill—you’ll have a new part of yourself.

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hayatheauthor · 1 year ago

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Everything You Need To Know Before Editing Your Manuscript

Finishing your manuscript is a big accomplishment, but that’s only the start of your writing journey. Now that you have a manuscript to work with it’s time to start your editing process and perfect your story. Editing might sound easy enough, but it involves a lot more than just correcting your SPAG.

If you’re a new author unsure about how to start editing your manuscript, here’s everything you need to know, from a self-published author.

Self-Editing: The First Step

Editing your own work can be both challenging and rewarding. When you take on the role of a self-editor, you gain a deeper understanding of your writing and the opportunity to refine it to its fullest potential. Self-editing helps ensure you cut down on noticeable mistakes before sending it out to an actual editor so that you can receive more productive feedback.

I would honestly hate having to pay someone just for them to tell me ‘you misspelt xyz’ which is something I could have caught with a quick read-through. Once you’ve finished your manuscript here’s how you can start off with some self-editing:

1. Take a Break Before You Start

After completing your initial draft, it's crucial to distance yourself from your work. Give it some time to breathe. This break can be a few days or even weeks, depending on your schedule. When you return to your manuscript, you'll approach it with a fresh perspective.

2. Read Your Manuscript Aloud

One of the most effective self-editing techniques is reading your work aloud. This process helps you identify awkward sentences, pacing issues, and grammatical errors that might go unnoticed when reading silently. It also allows you to hear the flow of your writing and the nuances of your character's voices.

3. Focus on SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar)

Before delving into more complex edits, address SPAG issues. Look out for common mistakes such as typos, subject-verb agreement errors, and misused punctuation. Utilize grammar and spell-check tools, but don't rely solely on them.

4. Assess Overall Structure and Flow

Consider the broader structure of your manuscript. Does the plot progression make sense? Are there any plot holes or inconsistencies? Verify that your story flows smoothly from beginning to end. Ensure that transitions between scenes and chapters are seamless.

5. Dive into Character Development

Characters are the heart of your story. Analyze each character's arc, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative. Ensure that their actions and dialogue are consistent with their personalities and the story's themes.

6. Refine Your Writing Style

Pay attention to your writing style and voice. Is it consistent throughout the manuscript? Make sure your unique voice shines through, and refine your prose to eliminate unnecessary repetition or verbosity.

7. Trim Excessively Long Sentences

Long, convoluted sentences can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your narrative. Identify and break down lengthy sentences into more manageable segments.

8. Seek Feedback

Consider sharing your work with beta readers or critique partners at this stage. Fresh perspectives can uncover blind spots and provide valuable insights for improvement.

Remember that self-editing is an iterative process. After completing these initial rounds of edits, repeat the process as necessary until you're satisfied with the manuscript's quality

Types of Editing

When editing their manuscript authors often direct their focus to the way things are written and then call it a day. However, SPAG corrections are only the start of your editing process. Unsure of other ways to better your manuscript? Here are some types of editing I think every author should consider when self-editing:

SPAG Editing (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar)

SPAG editing, often considered the foundation of all editing, involves meticulously combing through your manuscript to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. This stage is essential for ensuring the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Tips for Effective SPAG Editing

Use Spell-Checkers Wisely: While spell-check tools can catch many errors, they're not foolproof. Pay close attention to context; for instance, "their" and "there" are both valid words but have distinct meanings.

Proofread Carefully: Rely on your eyes and proofread your work systematically. Reading backward, from the end to the beginning, can help you catch spelling errors.

Punctuation Matters: Proper punctuation enhances clarity. Study punctuation rules, including the use of commas, semicolons, and quotation marks.

Avoid Homophone Confusion: Homophones, such as "your" and "you're" or "its" and "it's," can trip up even experienced writers. Double-check these tricky pairs.

Consistency is Key: Be consistent in your use of tense, style, and formatting throughout your manuscript.

Consider a Style Guide: Depending on your project, adhere to a specific style guide like AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style, or your publisher's guidelines.

Line Editing

Line editing is where the magic of storytelling truly begins to shine. This stage of editing goes beyond correcting surface-level errors and focuses on enhancing the overall writing style, clarity, and impact of your prose.

Tips for Effective Line Editing

Sentence Structure: Evaluate sentence length and structure. Vary sentence lengths to maintain reader interest. Look for run-on sentences and fragments.

Word Choice: Opt for strong, precise verbs and nouns. Eliminate unnecessary adverbs and adjectives. Avoid clichés and overused expressions.

Consistency in Tone: Ensure the tone of your writing remains consistent throughout the manuscript. Be aware of shifts in tone that may disrupt the reader's experience.

Show, Don't Tell: Replace telling phrases with descriptive scenes and actions to immerse readers in your story. For example, instead of saying "She was nervous," show her trembling hands or racing heart.

Dialogue Polishing: Make sure your characters' dialogue sounds authentic and serves the story. Remove redundancies and refine conversations to convey subtext effectively.

Eliminate Repetition: Identify and eliminate unnecessary repetition, both within sentences and across paragraphs.

Read for Rhythm: Pay attention to the rhythm of your writing. Read your sentences aloud to ensure they flow smoothly and have a pleasing cadence.

Example: Line Editing in Action

Before: "He walked slowly into the dark room, and it was filled with an eerie silence."

After Line Editing: "He tiptoed into the dark room, which echoed with an eerie silence."

Line editing transforms a plain sentence into a more evocative and engaging one.

Plot and Structure Editing

Plot and structure editing is where the big picture of your manuscript comes into focus. It involves assessing the overall narrative flow, character arcs, and thematic coherence of your story. This stage ensures that your readers will be captivated by your tale from beginning to end.

Tips for Effective Plot and Structure Editing

Plot Evaluation: Review your plot to identify any inconsistencies, gaps, or unresolved subplots. Ensure that your story has a clear and engaging trajectory.

Character Arcs: Analyze the development of your characters. Verify that they experience growth, change, or transformation throughout the story. Characters should face challenges and evolve as a result.

Pacing: Assess the pacing of your narrative. Balance action scenes with moments of reflection. Avoid overly slow or rushed sections that may disengage readers.

Transitions: Ensure smooth transitions between scenes and chapters. Use transitional elements like hooks, cliffhangers, or thematic connections to maintain reader interest.

Foreshadowing: Check for effective foreshadowing to create anticipation and intrigue. Ensure that events and revelations are set up in advance to make them more satisfying for readers.

Climax and Resolution: The climax should deliver on the story's promises and conflicts. The resolution should tie up loose ends while leaving room for reader interpretation.

Character Development Editing

Character development editing is the key to creating characters that readers will connect with, empathize with, and remember long after they've finished your book. This type of editing focuses on making your characters three-dimensional and integral to your story.

Tips for Effective Character Development Editing

Character Profiles: Create detailed character profiles that include physical attributes, personality traits, backgrounds, motivations, and flaws. Refer to these profiles as you edit to ensure consistency.

Character Arcs: Analyze each character's journey throughout the story. Ensure that they experience growth, change, or development in response to the plot's events.

Dialogue Authenticity: Pay attention to character dialogue. Each character should have a distinct voice and speaking style that aligns with their personality.

Internal Conflict: Explore each character's internal conflicts, desires, and fears. These internal struggles add depth to their characterization.

External Conflict: Consider how characters interact with one another and their external conflicts. Ensure that their actions and decisions are in line with their personalities.

Consistency: Maintain consistency in character behavior, beliefs, and values throughout the story. Avoid abrupt character shifts unless they are well-motivated and explained.

Style and Voice Editing

Style and voice editing is the stage where your writing truly becomes distinctive and memorable. It involves refining your unique writing style and ensuring that your narrative voice shines through consistently.

Tips for Effective Style and Voice Editing

Identify Your Writing Style: Reflect on your writing style. Are you descriptive and poetic, or concise and direct? Understand your natural tendencies.

Consistency is Key: Ensure that your writing style remains consistent throughout the manuscript. Abrupt shifts in style can be jarring to readers.

Narrative Voice: Identify your narrative voice. Is it first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient? Make sure your chosen narrative perspective aligns with the story's needs.

Character Voices: Pay attention to the unique voices of your characters. Each character should have a distinct way of speaking and thinking, contributing to the overall narrative texture.

Finding a Professional Editor

Writing a book is a deeply personal journey, but when it comes to the final steps of polishing your manuscript, it's essential to bring in a fresh perspective. This is where a professional editor comes in. They can help transform your work from good to outstanding, ensuring that it's ready to captivate readers. In this section, we'll explore how to find the right editor for your project.

When to Consider Hiring a Professional Editor

While self-editing and feedback from beta readers and critique partners are valuable, there comes a point when seeking professional editing assistance is crucial. Here are some key indicators that it's time to hire a professional editor:

After Self-Editing: Once you've gone through multiple rounds of self-editing and received feedback from beta readers, it's time to consider professional editing. You've taken your manuscript as far as you can on your own.

Before Publishing: Professional editing is essential if you plan to publish your work, whether traditionally or through self-publishing. It ensures your manuscript is in top shape, ready to impress agents, publishers, or readers.

For Complex Projects: If your project is particularly complex or requires specialized knowledge (e.g., technical writing, academic papers, historical accuracy), a professional editor with expertise in that area may be necessary.

Types of Professional Editing Services

Professional editors offer various types of editing services, each addressing different aspects of your manuscript. Here's an overview of the most common types:

Developmental Editing: This type of editing focuses on the big picture. Developmental editors help you shape your story, refine your characters, and ensure your plot flows smoothly.

Line Editing: Line editors dive into the nuances of your writing. They focus on improving sentence structure, style, and narrative flow, making your prose shine.

Copyediting: Copyeditors are meticulous about grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency in style and formatting. They ensure your manuscript is error-free and conforms to industry standards.

Proofreading: The final stage of editing, proofreading checks for typos, formatting errors, and minor issues that may have been missed in earlier rounds of editing.

How to Choose the Right Editor

Finding the right professional editor is a crucial step in your publishing journey. Here's how to make the best choice:

Research: Look for editors with experience in your genre. Explore their portfolios and read client testimonials. A track record of successful projects is a good sign.

Sample Edit: Many editors offer a sample edit or consultation. Use this opportunity to assess their compatibility with your manuscript. Check if their editing style aligns with your vision.

Communication: Clear and effective communication with your editor is paramount. They should understand your manuscript's genre, themes, and your specific goals for the project.

Budget: Get quotes from multiple editors and consider your budget. Editing can be an investment, but it's essential to find a balance between quality and cost.

Contracts: Before starting the editing process, sign a clear contract that outlines the scope of work, deadlines, fees, and any additional services. A well-defined agreement protects both you and the editor.

Choosing the right professional editor is a partnership that can significantly impact the quality of your manuscript. Take your time, do your research, and find someone who truly understands your work.

Editing Tools and Software

In the digital age, writers have access to a wealth of editing tools and software that can significantly simplify the editing process. These tools not only help catch grammar and spelling errors but also provide valuable insights into your writing style.

1. Grammarly

Grammarly is a widely recognized and user-friendly tool that checks your writing for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style errors. It provides real-time suggestions as you write in various platforms, including web browsers, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs. Grammarly's premium version offers more advanced features like style improvements and plagiarism checks.

2. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is an all-in-one writing assistant that goes beyond simple grammar checks. It offers in-depth reports on readability, overused words, style issues, and more. The tool integrates with popular word processors and even has a Scrivener plugin for authors who use this writing software.

3. Hemingway Editor

Named after the renowned writer Ernest Hemingway, this tool helps you simplify your writing. Hemingway Editor highlights complex sentences, common writing errors, and suggests alternatives to improve readability. It's particularly useful for authors aiming for clear and concise prose.

4. Scrivener

Scrivener is a comprehensive writing and editing software designed for authors. It provides a flexible workspace to organize your manuscript, research materials, and notes. While Scrivener isn't an editing tool in the traditional sense, its robust features can streamline your editing process.

5. Google Docs

Google Docs is a versatile cloud-based platform for collaborative writing and editing. It offers real-time collaboration, commenting, and revision history tracking. Authors can easily share their work with beta readers, critique partners, or professional editors.

6. AutoCrit

AutoCrit specializes in helping authors improve their fiction writing. It analyzes your manuscript for issues like pacing, dialogue, and repetition. It provides recommendations to enhance your storytelling and writing style.

7. Hemingway App

Similar to Hemingway Editor, the Hemingway App identifies complex sentences, adverbs, and passive voice in your writing. It offers immediate feedback to help you simplify and clarify your prose.

8. Evernote

Evernote is a powerful note-taking and organizational tool. While not an editing tool per se, it's indispensable for keeping track of ideas, research, and notes during the writing and editing process.

9. Reedsy Book Editor

Reedsy Book Editor is an online tool that helps authors format their manuscripts for publishing. It's especially handy for self-publishing authors looking to create professional-looking ebooks.

Common Editing Mistakes to Avoid

Editing is a critical step in the writing process, but it's essential to be aware of common editing mistakes that can hinder your progress. By recognizing and addressing these errors, you can refine your editing process and elevate the quality of your manuscript. Let's explore some of the most prevalent editing pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Editing Too Soon

One of the most common mistakes writers make is editing their work too soon after finishing the first draft. While the enthusiasm to refine your manuscript is commendable, it's crucial to give your writing some distance. Take a break before diving into the editing process. This allows you to return to your work with fresh eyes and a more critical perspective.

2. Neglecting the Big Picture

Focusing solely on grammar and spelling (SPAG editing) during your initial editing rounds is a mistake. While these aspects are vital, it's equally important to assess the overall structure, plot, character development, and style of your manuscript. Neglecting the big picture can result in a polished but fundamentally flawed story.

3. Overediting

Yes, you read that right—overediting can be a problem. Constantly revising your manuscript without a clear plan can lead to a never-ending editing cycle. Strive for a balance between thorough editing and knowing when your work is ready to be shared or submitted.

4. Ignoring Feedback

If you've enlisted beta readers or critique partners, their feedback is invaluable. However, it's a mistake to ignore or dismiss their insights. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your work. Remember that not every suggestion needs to be implemented, but each one should be considered thoughtfully.

5. Relying Solely on Editing Software

While editing tools and software are powerful aids, they are not infallible. Relying solely on automated editing tools without human oversight can result in errors going unnoticed. Always use these tools as supplements to your own editing process, not replacements.

6. Rushing the Final Proofread

Proofreading is the last line of defense before publishing. Rushing this step can lead to embarrassing typos and errors slipping through. Take your time to meticulously proofread your work or consider hiring a professional proofreader for the final polish.

7. Neglecting Style Consistency

Consistency in style, tone, and formatting is vital, especially in longer works. Neglecting these aspects can create a disjointed reading experience. Create a style guide or checklist to maintain consistency throughout your manuscript.

8. Dismissing Your Gut Feeling

Sometimes, you might receive feedback or advice that conflicts with your vision for your manuscript. While it's essential to be open to suggestions, don't dismiss your gut feeling entirely. Ultimately, it's your story, and your voice should shine through.

9. Not Celebrating Progress

Finally, don't forget to celebrate your editing milestones. Writing and editing can be long and challenging processes. Take moments to acknowledge your accomplishments and keep the motivation flowing.

Beta Readers and Critique Partners

I want to finally end this blog post by talking about beta readers and critique partners. While some people might argue they shouldn’t be mentioned in an editing blog I think it’s important to also include them.

As an author, it's easy to become deeply immersed in your work, making it challenging to spot its flaws and areas for improvement. This is where beta readers and critique partners come in—a fresh set of eyes and perspectives to help you refine your manuscript.

Why Beta Readers and Critique Partners Matter

Objective Feedback: Beta readers and critique partners offer an objective viewpoint on your work. They can identify issues you might have missed due to your familiarity with the story.

Diverse Insights: Different readers bring unique experiences and preferences to your manuscript. This diversity of perspectives can highlight both strengths and weaknesses in your writing.

Identifying Weaknesses: Beta readers and critique partners can pinpoint areas that might not be immediately apparent to you. Whether it's character inconsistencies, plot holes, or pacing issues, their feedback is invaluable.

Tips for Working with Beta Readers and Critique Partners

Select the Right Readers: Choose beta readers or critique partners who have an interest in your genre and can provide constructive feedback. A mix of avid readers and writers can offer diverse insights.

Clear Guidelines: Provide clear guidelines or questions for your readers to focus on while reading your manuscript. This can help you receive specific and actionable feedback tailored to your needs.

Consider Diversity: Seek feedback from a diverse group of readers to get a range of perspectives and opinions. Different backgrounds and tastes can lead to well-rounded feedback.

Be Open to Criticism: Be prepared to receive both positive and negative feedback. Constructive criticism is essential for growth, and it's a sign that your beta readers care about helping you improve.

Take Your Time: Don't rush the feedback process. Give your readers ample time to read and provide their insights. Rushing can lead to incomplete or superficial feedback.

Ask for Specifics: Encourage your beta readers or critique partners to provide examples and specifics in their feedback. This makes it easier for you to understand and address their suggestions.

I hope this blog on Everything You Need To Know Before Editing Your Manuscript will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks?

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey!

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eliteprepsat · 1 month ago

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📈🧠 Developing a Growth Mindset: Empowering High School Students for Success

In the journey of personal and academic growth, one of the most valuable traits a high school student can develop is a growth mindset. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be cultivated through effort and perseverance. Embracing a growth mindset empowers students to face challenges, learn from failures, and reach their full potential. In this article, we will explore how high school students can develop a growth mindset with specific examples to inspire and motivate them on their educational journey.

1. Embrace challenges

Encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace challenges is a crucial step toward developing a growth mindset. When faced with a difficult subject or task, students should avoid shying away and instead approach it as an opportunity to learn and grow. For instance, a student struggling with math can reframe their perspective by viewing challenging math problems as brain exercises that will strengthen their problem-solving skills. By seeking out challenges, they can transform hurdles into stepping stones toward progress.

2. Learn from failures

Failure is an inevitable part of any learning process, but it can be a powerful teacher if students approach it with a growth mindset. High school students should be encouraged to see failures as valuable learning experiences rather than permanent setbacks. Moreover, students should take steps to understand where they fell short, what they can do to improve, and put in the consistent effort to improve. For instance, if a student receives a low grade on an essay, they should request feedback from the teacher, identify areas for improvement, and work on honing their writing skills. Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success helps students build resilience and develop the determination to bounce back stronger.

3. Encourage effort and hard work

In a growth mindset culture, effort and hard work are valued over innate talent or intelligence. High school teachers and parents can reinforce this perspective by praising students for their dedication, perseverance, and willingness to put in the effort, rather than just their natural abilities. While putting in the best effort may not yield the best results all the time, it’s important for students to be recognized for their hard work–doing so will encourage them to continue putting in their best effort and seek ways to improve.

4. Adopt a "yet" mentality

One simple yet profound word can make all the difference in a student's mindset: "yet." Encouraging students to add this word to the end of their sentences can transform statements of self-doubt into opportunities for growth. For example, instead of saying, "I can't solve this equation," students can say, "I can't solve this equation yet." This subtle shift in language reminds them that their abilities are not fixed, and with effort and persistence, they can improve over time.

5. Go one step further and utilize the power of "yet" journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. Students can keep a "Yet" journal, where they document their challenges, failures, and areas where they believe they are not making progress. Alongside these entries, they can write about the efforts they are putting in, the strategies they are trying, and the small improvements they observe over time. This process allows them to track their growth and recognize the power of their perseverance.

6. Don’t use others as your measuring stick

Many people–including students and parents–see academic success and college acceptance as a competition where students are measured against each other on the basis of grades attained, test scores achieved, and awards won. While focusing on the positive qualities and achievements others have can be a source of motivation, this mindset can also create undue stress and pressure on high school students, resulting in a lack of self-confidence or even despair. Students should instead define specific and concrete goals they can achieve and measure success by the improvements they have made toward those goals.

7. Colleges see who you are, not who you were

It’s important for students to understand that colleges see the whole picture of the student’s academic and personal journey in high school and understand that students are constantly growing, developing, and improving. Colleges do not expect to see perfect individuals in the application; colleges want to see students becoming a better version of themselves. So, while colleges might see a less-than-stellar grade point average on a student’s ninth-grade transcript, they will also see an improvement in the student’s grades in the subsequent years of high school. The version of the student in eleventh and twelfth grades is a better reflection of the type of student they are getting compared to the version of the same student in ninth grade.

Final Thoughts

The journey of growth begins with a belief in one's ability to learn and improve. Developing a growth mindset is an invaluable asset for high school students as they navigate the challenges of education and personal growth. By embracing challenges, learning from failures, adopting a "yet" mentality, valuing effort, and using individual progress as a benchmark of success, students can cultivate a growth mindset that empowers them to achieve success not only academically but also in every aspect of their lives.

Elite Prep offers comprehensive college planning and application services for students in grades 7 through 12.

Meet with our expert counselors to develop a winning strategy to get into your dream school!

#study tips #test prep #college prep #college admissions #growth mindset #productivity

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seepunkrun · 1 year ago

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Improved OTW Board Meetings When?

It's October and the new OTW Board has been seated, and after that dumpster fire of a Board meeting on July 2, I want to know what they're going to do to prevent a repeat and I want them to come out here and tell us, so I've shoved yet another letter into the OTW Contact Form, and I encourage you to do the same.

Here's what I wrote:

Hello, and welcome to the new Board members! Following the astoundingly mismanaged July 2 public Board meeting, what changes do you plan to make to the way future meetings are run to make them more efficient, accessible, and organized? I ask that you announce these improvements now and allow for feedback from the public as it's important we know what to expect from these meetings, as well as what will be expected of us, and it's crucial they're moderated in such a way that provides guests sufficient time to ask questions about the agenda during the business at hand, as well as time to ask general questions regarding OTW projects, progress on the strategic plan, and the organization's work fulfilling its pledge to make the OTW and its platforms a safer, more inclusive space for fans of color. If you haven't yet decided on any changes, please commit to announcing them at least two weeks ahead of the next meeting. Thank you, Punk

Join me in calling on the OTW Board to explain how they're going to make future meetings functional and accessible to the public! You're welcome to borrow or adapt my letter. If you write your own letter, considering sharing it to encourage others, and please, spread the word.

#otw board meetings #organization for transformative works #otw #what are they building in there #fandom #signal boost please

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shanenalberto · 11 days ago

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15 key of definition from the module" Learning to be a better person

1.Mindfulness: Being present and fully engaged in the current moment.

2. Self-awareness: Understanding one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

3. Emotional intelligence: Recognizing and managing one's emotions and those of others.

4. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

5. Compassion: Showing kindness and concern for others.

6. Gratitude: Appreciating and expressing thanks for the good things in life.

7. Positive thinking: Focusing on optimistic thoughts and attitudes.

8. Resilience: Coping with adversity and bouncing back from challenges.

9. Self-reflection: Examining one's thoughts, feelings, and actions.

10. Personal growth: Developing and improving oneself.

11. Kindfulness: Practicing kindness and compassion towards oneself and others.

12. Self-acceptance: Embracing and accepting oneself.

13. Forgiveness: Letting go of negative emotions and resentments.

14. Humility: Recognizing one's limitations and being modest.

15. Self-care: Taking care of one's physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

What learning styles do you find interesting?

My favorite learning interesting for me is Social Learning This style emphasizes learning through observation, imitation, and interaction with others. I'm intrigued by how people can learn from each other, share knowledge, and develop new skills through social interactions.

1. Observation - Observation is a powerful tool for learning, growth, and understanding. It involves paying attention to the world around us, noticing details, and making sense of what we see, hear, and experience.

2. imitation - Imitation is a fundamental aspect of human learning and development. It involves replicating or mimicking the behaviors, actions, or characteristics of others, often with the goal of learning, improving, or adapting to new situations.

3. Interaction - Interaction is a crucial aspect of learning, communication, and relationships. It refers to the reciprocal exchange of information, ideas, and energies between individuals, groups, or systems.

4. Share knowledge -Sharing knowledge is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, collaboration, and progress. It involves exchanging information, ideas, and expertise with others, often with the goal of educating, informing, or inspiring them.

How do you find other learning style such as your partner effective?

Interactive learning Engaging in a dialogue, asking questions, and receiving feedback can be an effective way to learn. I've been designed to respond to user input, provide explanations, and adapt to their learning style.

From the physical, material, spiritual, sexual, political and digital selves which do you want to experience growth with?

Physical self: Growth in the physical self can involve developing healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. It can also involve exploring new physical activities, such as sports, dance, or yoga, to improve coordination, strength, and flexibility.

Formulate a smart goal that will help you achieve this 1. Starts with small, manageable steps (exercising 3 times a week, eating a balanced diet) that can be built upon over time.

How do you prioritize your health in times of challenging situations? In times of my challenging situations, it's essential to remember that prioritizing my health is not a luxury, but a necessity. By taking intentional steps to care for my physical, emotional, and mental health, i can better navigate difficult circumstances and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Applicable Learnings style for me and my partner

1. Collaborative learning: Since you're learning with a partner, collaborative learning can be beneficial. This style involves working together, sharing ideas, and learning from each other.

2. Interactive learning: Engaging in interactive activities, such as discussions, role-plays, or games, can help make learning more enjoyable and effective for both of you.

"And learning to become a better person"

#UTS

# Learning style to become a better person

Author: Shannen Alberto , Sheila Siplao

Professor : Ma'am Blessing Cruz

#sheila siplao

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elysiangroundsforall · 6 months ago

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In The Course of It ...

"You're my only Bambi, Bambi"

Ch-6

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of preparation. Now that the semi-final lineup was announced, our training intensified even more. Every day was packed with vocal exercises, dance rehearsals, and occasional media training sessions. The stakes were higher than ever, and the pressure was mounting.

One afternoon, we were in the dance studio practicing a new routine. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone focused on perfecting each step. The dance instructor, a stern woman with a sharp eye, watched us closely, correcting even the smallest mistakes.

"Y/N, more energy in your movements," she called out, and I nodded, pushing myself harder.

As the session ended, we all collapsed onto the floor, drenched in sweat but satisfied with our progress. Soojin handed me a water bottle, and I took a long drink, grateful for the break.

"You're improving so much, Y/N," she said, smiling.

"Thanks, Soojin. You too," I replied, catching my breath.

Just then, Baekhyun walked into the studio, and the atmosphere shifted. We all stood up, instantly alert. He had that effect on us—his presence commanded attention.

"How's the practice going?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over the group.

"Good, Baekhyun-nim," we responded in unison.

He nodded, then walked over to the mirrors, where we had been practicing our routine. "Show me what you've been working on."

We quickly got into position, and the music started. As we danced, I could feel Baekhyun's eyes on us, analyzing every move. I pushed myself to give it everything I had, feeling the music flow through me.

When the routine ended, we stood there, panting and waiting for his feedback. Baekhyun smiled, a rare sight that instantly lifted our spirits.

"That was impressive," he said. "I can see the hard work you're putting in. Keep it up, and remember to always connect with the music. Make sure your emotions shine through."

His words were like fuel to a fire, reigniting our determination. As he left the room, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest. Over the past few months, my admiration for him had only grown, but now it was becoming something more.

Later that evening, as I sat in the dormitory common room with Hana and Minseo, I found myself lost in thought.

"What's on your mind, Y/N?" Minseo asked, nudging me.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's Baekhyun… I can't stop thinking about him."

Hana looked up from her phone, her eyes widening. "You mean, like, a crush?"

I nodded slowly, feeling my cheeks flush. "Yeah, I think so. It’s just… he’s so talented, and he’s always so supportive. I know he’s our CEO, but I can’t help how I feel."

Minseo smiled softly. "It's understandable. He's a great guy, and he's been there for us through this whole process. But just be careful, Y/N. These feelings can get complicated."

"I know," I sighed. "But it's hard to ignore."

Hana patted my shoulder. "We're here for you, no matter what. Just take it one day at a time."

As we sat there, I realized that this crush was more than just admiration. It was something deeper, something that both excited and scared me. But I knew I had to keep my focus. The upcoming months would be crucial, and I couldn't afford any distractions.

Still, the thought of Baekhyun lingered in my mind, making my heart race every time I saw him. It was a feeling I would have to learn to navigate, especially with so much at stake.

The morning after the semi-final lineup announcement, the air in the dorms was filled with a mixture of relief and anticipation. We were all thrilled to have made it this far, but we knew the real challenge was only just beginning. Every day was a chance to prove ourselves, to show that we were worthy of the final lineup.

Despite the rigorous schedule, I found myself growing more confident with each practice session. My voice was strong, my dance moves were sharp, and I could feel myself improving in ways I hadn’t expected. I wasn’t struggling with high notes or complex choreography anymore. Instead, I was focused, driven by the goal ahead.

The days passed in a blur of rehearsals and meetings, with every moment spent refining our skills. Baekhyun often dropped by to observe our progress, offering tips and encouragement. Each time he entered the room, I felt a flutter of excitement—one that I tried to ignore but found increasingly difficult to dismiss.

One afternoon, after a particularly intense dance practice, I found myself alone in the vocal room, running through the song we were working on. The notes came easily, flowing from me without effort. I was so lost in the music that I didn’t notice when Baekhyun quietly slipped into the room.

“You’ve got a great voice, Y/N,” he said, startling me out of my focus.

I turned, heart skipping a beat. “Oh! I didn’t see you there.”

He smiled, stepping closer. “Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to tell you that you’re doing really well. You’ve made a lot of progress.”

“Thank you,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach.

“You seem more confident now,” he continued, leaning casually against the piano. “It’s good to see. Confidence is key in this industry.”

I nodded, unsure of what to say. Being around Baekhyun always left me a little tongue-tied, not because I was intimidated, but because I was starting to realize just how much I admired him—not just as an idol, but as a person.

He must have noticed my silence because he gave me a warm, encouraging smile. “Don’t let anything shake that confidence, okay? You’re exactly where you need to be.”

I smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. “I won’t,” I promised.

As Baekhyun left the room, I sat back down at the piano, my fingers gently brushing over the keys. The notes I played were soft, almost reflective, as I tried to process the strange mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was focused on my training, determined to secure my place in the group, but there was no denying that Baekhyun was becoming a bigger part of my thoughts.

That evening, as I lay in bed, I replayed our conversation over and over in my mind. I couldn’t help but smile at the way he had looked at me, the way his words had lifted my spirits. It was becoming clear that my admiration for Baekhyun was turning into something deeper, something I hadn’t anticipated.

But as much as I found myself drawn to him, I knew I couldn’t let these feelings get in the way of my goal. I had worked too hard to let anything distract me now. With a deep breath, I closed my eyes, focusing on the future I wanted to achieve—a future where I was on stage, fulfilling the dream I had worked so hard for.

Yet, as I drifted off to sleep, Baekhyun’s smile lingered in my thoughts, a gentle reminder of the new and unexpected emotions I was beginning to grapple with.

After the semi-final lineup was announced, the atmosphere in the dorms shifted. While the nine of us who made it were excited and motivated, there was an undeniable tension in the air. The trainees who hadn’t been selected tried to remain supportive, but some couldn’t hide their disappointment.

One trainee in particular, Eunji, seemed to take the news especially hard. Eunji was incredibly talented—a strong vocalist with sharp dance skills—and many of us had thought she was a shoo-in for the final lineup. But when her name wasn’t called, she grew distant, barely speaking to anyone.

At first, I tried to reach out to her. We had been close during the early stages of training, and it hurt to see her so upset. “Eunji, I know this is hard, but you’re so talented. I’m sure you’ll have other opportunities,” I told her one evening after practice.

She gave me a tight smile. “Thanks, Y/N. I’m fine. Just need some time to process, you know?”

I nodded, hoping she would bounce back soon. But as the days went on, things started to change. Eunji’s distant behavior became more pointed. She would make snide comments under her breath when we passed in the halls, and I started noticing that small things of mine would go missing—hair ties, practice notes, even my favorite water bottle. At first, I thought I was just being forgetful, but then it became clear that something was off.

One day, I was in the practice room going over choreography when I noticed my dance sneakers were missing. I was sure I had left them in my locker the night before, but they were nowhere to be found. I searched everywhere, growing increasingly frustrated. It was just another in a series of strange occurrences, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that Eunji had something to do with it.

Just as I was about to give up, Hana walked in, noticing the distress on my face. “What’s wrong?” she asked, concern evident in her voice.

“My sneakers are gone. I swear I left them in my locker last night, but now they’re missing,” I explained, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

Hana frowned. “This isn’t the first time something of yours has gone missing, right?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s been happening a lot lately.”

Hana seemed to consider something for a moment before speaking. “You think it could be Eunji?”

I hesitated. “I don’t want to accuse her without proof, but… I don’t know. She’s been acting so differently since the lineup was announced.”

Hana sighed. “I’ve noticed that too. She’s obviously hurt, but that doesn’t give her the right to mess with you like this.”

We decided to keep an eye on things, but I couldn’t let it consume me. The final evaluations were coming up, and I needed to stay focused. But the strange incidents didn’t stop. My sheet music would be rearranged, my practice outfits were swapped with ones that were too small, and once, I even found my vocal warm-up notes in the trash.

Despite everything, I did my best to push through. I spent more time in the practice rooms, working late into the night to make up for any setbacks. Baekhyun noticed my exhaustion one evening and pulled me aside. “You’re working hard, Y/N, but don’t burn yourself out,” he advised, his tone gentle.

“I just want to make sure I’m ready,” I replied, not wanting to reveal the turmoil I was facing.

He smiled at me, his eyes full of understanding. “You’re doing great. Just remember to take care of yourself too.”

His words gave me a sense of comfort, but they also made me more determined. I wasn’t going to let Eunji or anyone else sabotage my chances. I had worked too hard to let something like this take me down.

The final straw came a week before the next evaluation. I walked into the practice room early one morning and found a note taped to the mirror. It was in Eunji’s handwriting, and it read: “You’re not as good as you think. Give up before you embarrass yourself.”

My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the note. I knew I couldn’t ignore this anymore. It was one thing to deal with minor inconveniences, but this was an outright attempt to break my spirit.

I took a deep breath, crumpling the note in my hand. I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of seeing me upset. Instead, I channeled all my anger and frustration into my practice. Every dance move was sharper, every vocal note stronger. I could feel myself improving, despite everything that was happening.

When the day of the final evaluation arrived, I was ready. I walked into the room with my head held high, determined to show everyone, including Eunji, that I wasn’t going anywhere.

As I performed, I could feel Baekhyun’s eyes on me, watching every move, every note. When I finished, there was a moment of silence before he stood up, clapping slowly. “Well done, Y/N,” he said, a proud smile on his face.

I felt a surge of pride and relief. I had done it. No matter what happened next, I knew I had given it my all.

As I left the room, I passed Eunji in the hallway. She didn’t say anything, just glared at me with a look that could cut glass. But I didn’t let it faze me. I had come too far to be brought down by her bitterness.

Hana was waiting for me outside, her face lighting up when she saw me. “How did it go?”

“I think it went well,” I replied, smiling. “I think I finally proved I belong here.”

And as we walked back to the dorms together, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I was ready to face them head-on. I had earned my place in this group, and I wasn’t going to let anyone take it away from me.

Ch 7 >>

#In the Course of It ...#exo #xiumin #suho #lay #baekhyun #chanyeol #chen #d.o #kai #sehun #minseok #junmyeon #yixing #jongdae #jongin #kyungsoo #ceo au #trainee #idol au #love

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jcmarchi · 2 months ago

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Joe Philleo, Founder & CEO at Edia – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/joe-philleo-founder-ceo-at-edia-interview-series/

Joe Philleo, Founder & CEO at Edia – Interview Series

Joe Philleo, the co-founder and CEO of Edia, leads the development of an AI-powered math platform designed for teachers and students, aiming to improve outcomes on state exams. The platform operates on the belief that education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ life trajectories. Edia’s mission is to create technology that ensures every student has access to an exceptional educational experience.

Currently, Edia collaborates with over 100 school districts across the United States, including prominent ones such as Fulton County, Loudoun County, and Palm Beach. These partnerships have demonstrated measurable success, with annual improvements in state math exam performance ranging from less than 2% to as much as 5-12%.

You made the bold decision to drop out of USC to work with Joe Lonsdale at 8VC, gaining exposure to groundbreaking tech projects. What were some of these projects?

Working with Joe Lonsdale at 8VC was an incredible opportunity. I left school when I was 20 years old to join his team, and it was my first exposure to Silicon Valley. Working in venture capital feels like living in the future—I met a lot of very smart people who were building self-driving cars, AI doctors, VR glasses, and new software systems to dramatically improve industry.

I spent a lot of time focused on defense, government, and education. I learned a lot. My biggest lesson from 8VC was the demystification of Silicon Valley. I grew up in Indiana, far away from any of this stuff. But spending time with Joe Lonsdale and other great entrepreneurs and investors made me understand that I could also make progress on solving big problems.

You’ve mentioned feeling disappointed that few top Silicon Valley teams were focused on K-12 education, which led you to start Edia in 2020. What specifically motivated you to tackle this gap in the education sector, and why did you feel the timing was right to launch Edia?

School has always been a personal obsession for me. I had three incredible teachers growing up who changed the trajectory of my life, and I also had some very bad experiences with teachers that pulled me in the other direction. Early on, I experimented with different ideas for how we could improve school. In 11th grade, I made a website called “booksarelong.com” to crowdsource AP textbook notes, and in college my friend and I applied Google’s PageRank algorithm to Wikipedia to build microcourses for all of human knowledge.

The real turning point came in 2020. Before then, only 10% of students in the United States had their own school-issued device, which severely limited how teachers and schools could use technology in their classrooms. Then, almost overnight, we went from 10% to 90% of students having devices because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In June 2020, OpenAI launched GPT-3, and it was clear that this was the moment to build something that could shape K-12 education.

What were the initial challenges you and your team faced when building Edia? How did you overcome them?

From the beginning, our team has been led by incredible engineers and designers. So, building our breakthrough math product wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t the hardest part. As outsiders to the space, it took us a long time to distinguish our breakthrough AI math solution from legacy products that made big claims but rarely delivered. We felt that we had to distinguish Edia by showing real impact, which led us to guarantee growth for districts that use Edia—i.e. if they don’t see measurable results within one year of implementing, we offer a full refund. That promise has been a game-changer for building trust.

Can you explain how Edia’s AI math coaching works to provide real-time, personalized feedback for students?

One of the surprising things we realized early on was how little progress had been made in math learning software. Even fundamental challenges like “how do you easily do math on a computer keyboard?” hadn’t been solved before. We invented a completely new way for students to type math, inspired by Pinyin—the method Chinese and Japanese speakers use to type thousands of characters on a keyboard. This innovation makes it easier for students to show their work on a computer than on paper. Once the work is digital, AI can analyze it to understand the student’s thinking, identify where they went wrong, and deliver personalized inline feedback. The learning experience adapts to each student’s needs in real-time.

How does your platform use data to support teachers with small group instruction and data-driven lesson planning?

Small group instruction is one of the most impactful strategies for secondary math teachers, but it’s also one of the hardest to execute. Teachers often have 120 students across multiple classes and subjects, and it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint every student’s gaps, band them together, and create personalized lessons for each group. That’s where Edia comes in. Our platform automatically collects data from classroom assignments, quizzes, and homework to map out exactly where each student is struggling. Then Edia automatically forms small groups and generates customized lesson plans and practice tailored to their needs. This makes small group instruction manageable for teachers and has a huge impact on student outcomes.

Chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge in many districts—how does Edia’s platform address this issue uniquely with AI?

Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% of school or more—has doubled since 2020, and it’s one of the biggest challenges districts face today. The key to solving chronic absenteeism is twofold: districts need to (1) understand and address why students are missing school and (2) rebuild the community’s expectation that coming to class matters. Our platform uses AI to engage parents within minutes of a student missing class to ask why their child is absent.

This interaction reinforces the importance of attendance, and it helps administrators understand the root causes of absenteeism—whether it’s issues with a specific teacher, social anxiety, lack of transportation, or something else. Armed with this information, schools can take meaningful action to address the problem.

Could you tell us more about the AI-driven, multilingual communication system and how it helps to engage families in real-time?

Engaging families effectively requires breaking down communication barriers. Many schools struggle to connect with parents who speak different languages or don’t check traditional forms of communication. Our AI-driven platform tackles this by sending real-time messages in the family’s preferred language, using conversational AI to bridge the gap. For example, if a student misses class, the system immediately reaches out to that family in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, or any other language to let the family know and ask for an explanation – and parents can easily just reply back. It ensures families stay informed and engaged, while also helping schools address issues proactively. It’s about creating a two-way dialogue that fosters trust and accountability.

What is your long-term vision for Edia? How do you see the platform evolving in the next few years?

Our mission is for every student to have an exceptional experience in school. We want kids to look back 20 years after graduating and think, “Wow, I was really lucky. I had such a great time in school.” That’s the kind of lasting impact we’re aiming for. Right now, we’re focused on solving challenges that block students from succeeding. We began by making math accessible for everyone, and we’ve been able to accelerate growth on state exams from 0-2% per year to 8-23% per year, which is incredible. This year, we launched our AI solution to address chronic absenteeism, which is another critical barrier for many students to succeed.

But the possibilities are endless. From improving school budgeting to rethinking the design of school buildings—why do so many schools look like prisons?—to tackling critical issues like school safety, there’s so much to be done. Schools should be places that inspire, support, and protect kids. We see it as Edia’s mission to take on these challenges and ensure schools provide the best environments for growth and learning.

How do you see AI shaping the future of K-12 education?

One of the most exciting possibilities with AI is solving what’s known as Bloom’s Two Sigma Problem. In 1984, Benjamin Bloom found that replacing classroom instruction with one-on-one tutoring could improve student performance by two standard deviations, bringing an average student to the top of their class. But the problem is scale: there are 60 million students in the U.S. and only about 3 million staff. We simply don’t have enough adults to provide personalized tutoring for every child.

That’s where AI comes in. With AI, we have a real chance to give every student the benefits of a tutor. AI can scale this kind of personalized instruction in ways that were never possible before, helping every child reach their full potential.

What is the most rewarding part of your work at Edia, and how does it align with your personal mission in education?

It’s seeing the impact we’re having in such a diverse range of schools and students. We work with large urban districts like Fulton County in Georgia, New York City, and Palm Beach in Florida. At the same time, we’re also helping some of the smallest, most remote schools in northern Alaska, where the only way to get there is by seaplane or boat.

Knowing that students anywhere in America—whether in the heart of New York City or in a tiny Alaskan village—are both getting access to the same cutting-edge AI technology is really fulfilling. We’re giving these kids the experiences, confidence, and support they need to reach their goals, no matter where they are or what their circumstances might be. It’s an incredible privilege to play even a small role in shaping their futures.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Edia.

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