Morgan for our Schools

Sometimes it starts while you are waiting on station to begin your round. Possibly stepping into the box on the first or last field initiates it. For others, it may be constant during a tournament from start to finish.

Attending a Zone shoot one weekend, a State shoot the next—re-packing—then attending another distant tournament, I see many familiar faces. There’s something else that is very familiar at competitions, regardless of sport, location or skill level.

Body language, facial expressions and general commentary all reflect the fact that today is the day. Everyone has their game face on. This is serious. Every target counts and scores will be posted on the master score board later. For many of us, the atmosphere around us turns electric the split second our tires roll onto the tournament grounds. We are glad to be here or we wouldn’t have come. But the hard realization that our skills, patience and a host of emotions will soon be tested, often produces a well spring of palpable uneasiness.

There are multiple causes of this phenomenon, and the degree of affect it has on the individual varies from person to person. I thought we could look at some of the causes and maybe a few suggestions to manage these emotions more effectively.

First, I think it’s important we recognize that tournament conditions can have this affect on us. If we acknowledge it to ourselves, openly, this in itself begins to dismantle the tension we are building inside us. You are not alone with these feelings and thoughts. More importantly, the affects of tournament pressure do not have to be disabling.

“I’m glad no one else can hear my heart pounding when I step into the box.” Trust me, there are legions of people in sports who share the same experience. But, an increase in heart rate when you step into the tournament box is normal, not abnormal. Once you begin to believe this is normal, you’ve drastically reduced the disturbing affect it can have on you. Some competitors actually use these feelings to motivate themselves. They’re wisely turning a negative reaction into a positive one, using it to their advantage. Provided the mind isn’t going like a casino, the increase in adrenaline flow can be a real performance advantage…….

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This Sporting Clays Article was previously published in Sporting Clays Magazine by Dan Schindler in July 2002.

The Paragon School of Sporting is now making available the remainder of this article as well as numerous others, available for download on The Paragon School of Sporting Website.

Sporting clays continues to be an elegant sport born of long tradition, fulfilling our wingshooting passion to experience the wing and shot. Feather and clay, inescapably tied, grants us so many learning opportunities to hone our skills, a path of personal growth that affords us a refreshing, unbiased look at ourselves. Time and again, my students have learned how entirely more capable they are than once thought. The American sporting clays shooter can honestly and proudly say, in a very short period, he has indeed advanced to take his rightful place among the best in the world. And, let’s not forget, no one is having more fun out here than you and I are.

The events, times, places and persons in my articles are all true. While I changed a name here and there, 100% of the information came from my experiences with you. Each tournament, each lesson, each experience with you generated the material for my work. I am grateful.

We hope you enjoyed the first part of the article and will visit us online to browse the numerous collection that is available. Until then, happy Sporting!

For More Information, Please Contact Us At:

The Paragon School of Sporting 

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Flat Rock, NC 28731

Tel: (828) 693-6600

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The field of radiologic (x-ray) technology offers an excellent career option to those interested in the allied health field. An x-ray technician, or radiologic technologist, is the individual responsible for performing diagnostic x-ray procedures in hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient imaging centers.

The training period for an x-ray technologist is usually 2-4 years in an accredited college or hospital based radiologic technology program. Training will be split between classroom instruction and hands on clinical training in a healthcare setting. The x-ray student will obtain a thorough working knowledge of radiographic physics and anatomy, radiation safety, proper patient positioning and technique, quality control, and darkroom skills. In addition, the student will receive instruction in infection control, sterile technique, body mechanics, and patient privacy. The successful student will also possess good communication skills and demonstrate an ability to quickly adapt to different situations.

On completion of training, the x-ray technologist will be eligible to take a national registry examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is a comprehensive examination which will address many of the skills required of the x-ray technologist. Successfully passing the registry examination will allow the student to add the designation RT to their name to signify that they are credentialed as a registered radiologic technologist. Many states will also require a state licensure for radiologic technologists. The requirements for state licensure and continuing education will vary from state to state, however licensure is generally necessary for employment in states that require it.

The employment prospects for radiologic technologists will tend to remain strong due to the health care needs of our aging population. While most x-ray technicians are employed by hospitals, a significant number are employed by freestanding imaging centers and outpatient clinics. Others may find employment in private physician offices such as orthopedic or urologic practices, portable x-ray services, or in sales support.

The x-ray technician has a number of opportunities for advancement by acquiring proficiency in specialized diagnostic imaging areas. Among them are MRI, Cat Scan, Mammography, and interventional radiology. These fields require specialized training that may be acquired through on the job training or additional college or trade school based programs. The technician will be eligible to take an additional registry examination for the specialties listed above that will identify them as proficient in that area. Generally speaking the more specialties an x-ray technologist can demonstrate proficiency in, the greater the employment options are.

There are myths in this world and then there are realities. Many people have preconceived notions about graduate school that may not necessarily be true. We have compiled some of the more common myths that prospective students have about attending graduate school, along with the truths or the realities. Hopefully, reading through them will alleviate some of the anxiety you feel about possibly attending graduate school.

Myth: Graduate school is hard to get accepted into.

Truth: There are many different graduate schools that have many different minimum criteria for accepting to applicants. Some programs do not require GMAT or GRE tests to be taken at all. They may base acceptance on work experience and undergraduate GPA, other degrees earned, etc.

Myth: Graduate school is not convenient for me and won’t fit in to my hectic schedule.

Truth: Now that graduate programs are being offered online, it is very simple for students to be more flexible with their class schedule and time. Online MBA courses and programs allow students to sign-on at times that are convenient for them and work at their own pace toward earning their degree. With online programs, graduate students may never have to step foot inside of a classroom.

Myth: Graduate school costs too much money.

Truth: There are many different graduate schools to choose from and pricing varies from institution to institution. Some graduate programs are more cost effective than others. Just like any major purchase, you must do some comparison-shopping before you make your final purchase.

Myth: Going to graduate school doesn’t have any real-world benefits or advantages.

Truth: Graduate school revolves around teaching students applications that can be applied to real-world situations. This is done in the form of group projects and case studies. Most professors that teach graduate level classes bring real-world experience and examples to the classroom. The fact that there is an increase in demand for MBA graduates by employers also shows that there really is a benefit to you having a MBA degree in the real world.

Myth: MBA degrees are luxuries, not necessities.

Truth: As the business world becomes more and more global, competition for new jobs and promotions tend to be awarded to those with MBA degrees. MBA graduates have a competitive advantage over those who do not have a degree because a degree signifies to a potential employer that the degree-holder has the knowledge and skills to perform at a level of mastery or management level.