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For some people, going green is about doing more than instituting a recycling plan; it’s about a new way of life. If you’re interested in devoting more of your energy to protecting our natural resources, you’re in luck.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that environmental science and protection technicians, including health technicians is among the fastest growing of all occupations.

Environmental science and protection technicians perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment. They investigate the sources of pollution, including those that can affect health. Under the direction of an environmental scientist or specialist, they use the data they collect to help take steps toward correcting any issues.

As the regulations and monitoring surrounding the environment continue to increase, the need for these workers is expected to grow at a faster than average rate. More than 80 percent of this growth is expected to be in professional, scientific, and technical services.

You can help meet this need after completing an industry-relevant training program. Most environmental science and protection technicians hold an Associate’s degree - which you could probably earn in less time than you think.

The mean annual wage for environmental science and protection technicians is $42,190. That means you could enjoy all the benefits of working in one of today’s fastest growing occupations - all while experiencing the personal satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to preserve the earth for future generations.

With the election is done and over, what does an Obama administration mean for present and future students? The President Elect has made several policies and speeches about education during his campaigning. But, what will be some of the changes and how will that affect you?  

Here are some of the changes that Obama proposed throughout the campaign:

• Implementing additional early childhood education programs that will cost $10 billion. The Early Head Start program entails increased accessibility to preschool, provide affordable and quality child care and increase coordination across federal, state and local levels. Proposes to increase the child and dependent care tax credit.
• Improving the No Child Left Behind policy by addressing some of the flaws.
• Proposes scholarships that will cover 4 years of undergraduate or 2 years of graduate teacher education.
• Alternative programs for mid-career recruits in exchange for teaching for at least 4 years in a high-need field or location.
• Provide $1 billion in funding to create mentoring programs for teachers.
• Proposes an annual $4,000 tuition credit that will cover 2/3 of the tuition of an average public college.
• Proposes to make community college completely free in America.
• Proposes to expand the Pell Grant and lower interest rates on the existing federal student loan programs.

I think it’s great when people charged with crimes are sentenced with unusual punishments. It reminds you that you don’t have to be a 3^rd grade art teacher to have a career allowing for creative expression. These days, judges are making the most of their artistic licenses.

For example, AP Press just published an article about this young man named Andrew Vactor who was facing a $150 fine for playing rap music too loud. The judge offered to reduce the fine to $35 if he spent 20 hours listening to classical music.

At first, Vactor agreed. But, his excursion into the classical realm didn’t last long. According to a probation officer, he only listened for 15 minutes.

Vactor said Bach didn’t drive him off – he was just late for basketball practice. “I didn’t have the time to deal with that,” he said. “I just decided to pay the fine.”

The judge offered to reduce the fine in exchange for this punishment to show Vactor what it was like to be forced to listen to music – much like the people who were forced to listen to the music he was playing.

I love it! Creative justice! It kind of makes me want to go into the legal profession. I bet court reporters get to hear it all.

Jonathan Liebman, the CEO of Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, wrote in the September/October 2008 issue of Career College Central  about the fear many students have of success. He points out that many students are the first in their families to graduate from college. Naturally, these students often second guess themselves. What will life be like in this new career? What will change? Do I deserve to be more successful than my parents? Will success cause resentment and pull me away from my childhood friends?

The opportunities an education gives you will introduce you to new people and new experiences. Venturing into uncharted waters can be intimidating but, with a little bravery, you can create a better life for yourself. There is no easy answer to make it through the tough times. Each situation has its own complexities and needs to be addressed in a unique way. But there are some tips that can help you through tough times.

1. Be confident - People trust and react positively to those who are confident, but not cocky. Hold your head high and take pride in what you’ve accomplished. Not feeling very confident in your new role? Fake it. Soon enough, you’ll find that your confidence is sincere.
2. Think of your kids - If your parents did not go to college, it can feel like you are rejecting the life they worked hard to provide. Pretend that you decide that, out of respect for your parents, you decide to not go to school. Fifteen or twenty years from now, your children would be in the same position you are in now. What would you want them to do - have the same challenges you faced without an education, or would you like them to go to college and have a successful career? Most parents strive to provide a better life for their children than they had. It is honoring their sacrifices to take advantage of the opportunities you have.
3. Let go - In order to get what you want out of life, sometimes you need to cut ties with things that are holding you back. If a loved one is not encouraging you to be successful and talking to them about the situation doesn’t help, consider cutting back on the time you spend with them. That can be very tough to do, but if they truly have your best interest at heart, they’d want to help you succeed.

Change can be scary, but success shouldn’t be. Be brave, and don’t let temporary setbacks keep you from the life you want for you and your family.