Articles written by EJ Young

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About me - EJ Young

My Helium experience allows me to combine my passion for writing and editing with my areas of interest. A strong advocate for change in public education, I can write about topics in my former career field and still explore new interests in other areas. With

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Arts & Humanities > American Literature The Scarlet Letter: A treatise on hidden sin: 1 of 11
Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter amazes me for two core reasons. Although Hawthorne's style can be a bit tedious, this book is packed with symbolism, solid character development and a multi-layered plot. The work serves as a great example of eloquent prose and use of literary techniques. The book deserves its place as... More..
Arts & Humanities > Citizen Journalism An introduction to link journalism: 1 of 7
Author's note: The following article examines this title with a broader focus, as it is the writer's contention that the introduction to link journalism is not a recent event. Additionally, links are provided throughout the story to give readers a real-time reference to link journalism. The over-the-top style is intentional i... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Bathroom etiquette: 1 of 7
Ms. Manners may not have written the official version of urinal etiquette, but the need for such a publication exists. It is an excellent idea to stay informed on the latest trends in proper procedures regarding all types of toilet use. Whether in the workplace, in a public restroom and or at a friend's home, there will be ti... More..
Education > Education (Other) Tips for teachers dealing with mixed emotions during back-to-school time: 1 of 7
As teachers deal with mixed emotions during back-to-school time, it is a good idea to remember the reasons why you decided to become a teacher. Even though the profession can often be a great challenge, it also provides great rewards. The reward of experiencing success with a student and knowing you made a difference in his ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: What I am thankful for: 4 of 26
As I grow older and just a little wiser, I realize wallowing in a pity party over life's hardships is a waste of precious time. But, dealing with divorces, financial bankruptcy and a decade of raising three children on my own, hardly prepared me for my daughter's terminal cancer diagnosis. Her challenge pulled me through a di... More..
Education > Education (Other) Teaching tips: Using peer critiques and peer grading effectively in the classroom: 1 of 6
Peer critiquing can be a great experience for students and teachers alike. However, effective peer critiques and peer grading activities require careful preparation on the part of the classroom teacher. These activities should not be misused as a convenient tool to aid teachers in correcting objective papers. Rather, the purp... More..
Home & Garden > Home Interior How to furnish a great room: 1 of 6
Great rooms and open floor plans are a popular choice in today's homes. Great rooms are a practical use of space, but can present some design challenges. Placing the right furniture pieces in well planned groupings is the key to mastering defined spaces with a great flow. When the furniture groupings work, the remaining ... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Teachers: 3 of 17
A day if the life of a metro high school teacher working in a crowded classroom can be crazy. Fortunately, it can be crazy fun or crazy chaos. It's all about perception. Reflecting on my career, a sense of humor often made the difference between escalating a tense situation or diffusing it with laughter. Humor also helped me... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) Common pitfalls to avoid in homeownership: 3 of 15
With mortgage rates at all-time lows, record numbers of foreclosures flooding the market, and government stimulus money sent to the rescue, more people are reaching out for the American Dream of homeownership. Today's market definitely favors the buyer in the real estate game. However, many pitfalls await if the home buy... More..
Education > Primary School Issues Understanding school phobias: 2 of 9
Can you say Didaskaleinophobi? If not, just use the more common term of school phobia. School phobia seems to be about as complicated as the real word is to pronounce. Many professionals no longer use the term in either form, but prefer to call the disorder school refusal. Whatever the label, the disorder is easily separated ... More..