essay about being left handed

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Left-handed girl writing in a schoolbook

I like the ungainly life of a lefty – but is it a blessing or a curse?

I have this memory of being at a nursery when I was three years old. They gave out pieces of paper that we were to fold into quarters, cut bits out of, and then unfold to reveal pretty patterns like doilies. We were each given a pair of those rubbish children’s scissors that barely work, and – unfortunately for me, a left-hander – were also right-handed. I spent ages hacking away at my paper without making a dent until eventually I told the lady in charge that I couldn’t do it. “You’re just not trying hard enough,” she replied. I’ve never forgiven her for that.

At the time I didn’t realise that little incident was the introduction to a lifetime of misusing can-openers, wrestling with ring-binders, sliding off exam desks, struggling to play any sport involving a bat, and even reading clocks backwards.

This is the ungainly, permanently smudged life of a lefty; there to be gazed upon by righties who don’t realise you have to try to do everything in a way that seems backwards and usually end up writing you off as clumsy, or as someone who just doesn’t try hard enough.

To be honest, the only time I give my leftiness much thought is when I’m elbowing the person next to me, or when some neuroscientists release a study that suggests my left hand is a window to my soul, or that it can be used to divine my future.

The latest of these studies was in the news yesterday, and it revealed that on average lefties earn about 10%-12% less than righties . According to Harvard economist Joshua Goodman, who was behind the study, this is because “lefties have more emotional and behavioural problems, have more learning disabilities such as dyslexia, complete less schooling, and work in occupations requiring less cognitive skill”. After a lifetime of being told my leftiness makes me more creative, this news is rather disappointing.

I’m still smarting from the 2001 research that suggested lefties tend to die three years younger than righties, although “extremely left-handed people” (which I suspect includes me; I hardly ever use my right hand and am also left-footed) have a life expectancy that is just one year lower.

The Bible also suggests that we’ve got the devil on our side , so you’d at least think we might have some fun sinning during our short time on Earth, but no – studies also show we reach sexual maturity later than your average right hander . To be honest, when we eventually get around to having sex, we’d probably attempt it from the wrong angle. Awkward .

Left-handedness certainly has its practical (and apparently neurological) drawbacks, but I have to admit I quite like being this way. Your are a member of a special club where you swap tips about the best way to avoid getting ink all over yourself and how to navigate that stupid pen on a cord in the bank, where the cord is never long enough. A Buzzfeed post about the problems lefties face, like spiral notebooks, was viewed more than 9.5m times. Who’d have thought a hand could spark so much conversation?

Sure, I’ll never be a gossamer nymph, but at least I’m more likely to be a US president (I mean, you know, technically) and if Rafael Nadal can win 14 grand slams with a tennis bat in his left hand, it can’t all be bad. Plus, Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci were both left-handed, which I’m taking as irrefutable evidence that we’re all geniuses. Globally speaking, 12% of us are lefties, which means a significant chunk of you reading this article will be part of our exclusive club.

So come on, southpaws of Cif, tell me – do you find your left-handedness a blessing or a curse?

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Home — Application Essay — Liberal Arts Schools — Being Left Handed: My Way to Stand Out

Being Left Handed: My Way to Stand Out

University: Providence College

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Words: 660 |

Published: Jul 18, 2018

Words: 660 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

It always felt right to go left. Instinctively, I would throw or kick with my left side. My left hand would pick up my pencil or turn the page of a book. Being left handed is intuitive - something I cannot provide an explanation for. As I matured, writing became lengthier, sports became more intense, and paintings became more complex. Whether it is due to my genes or random chance, there is a sense of comfort and confidence that has grown within me from relying on my left side. No matter whether I am playing a sport, studying, or simply going about life, being left handed will always provide me with a way to stand out.

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Being a lefty was not always accepted. My grandmother, for example, was one of many lefties who was forced to use her right hand to conform to the standard. As a result of this prejudice, we have become a right-handed world. In the classroom alone, there is an unspoken struggle to overcome tools designed for the right-handed person. My left palm is tattooed with ink stains that never vanish despite the frequency of washing my hands, my arms feel discomforted and misplaced in school desks shaped for a righty, and my fingers cry from throbbing due to the right-handed alignment of scissors. While in or out of the classroom, I have never had an experience where the subject was designed for a lefty’s convenience. It has taught me to adapt and become more aware of the construction of these simple tools.

Outside the classroom, I am competitively involved with softball. Watching my coaches demonstrate a new skill or play, no matter how simple, becomes a challenge with the opposite perspective. I have learned to rely on constant focus and visualizations of practicing backwards. These complications allow me to understand and challenge myself, rather than just memorizing or mimicking. My versatile perspective is helpful especially being a pitcher, as I am constantly looking for mechanical tweaks to throw the ball faster, smarter, and more accurately. The natural yet devastating spin from a lefty, along with movement of the ball in various directions from this different angle, makes it extra difficult for the batter to compete. Mentally, I am more comfortable than my opponent as I am used to facing any batter who is not used to facing a lefty like myself.

My perspective has also came in “handy” with my interests in the arts. Painting, sculpting, and photography are all enriched as a lefty for a better outlook. I may be left-handed, but the right side of my brain is highlighted in these subjects. Considering the left hand is contralateral to the right brain, my creativity, intuition, and innovativeness are more advanced than the perceived righty. Having a mind capable of recognizing a color scheme, texture, and analyzing dimensions makes capturing the essence in Gali’s and Magritte’s surrealist works easy. Recognizing more thoroughly irrational, mysterious, and fantasies in surrealism as one of the many other skills artists use is something I can give credit to my left-handedness.

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For something as natural to me as walking or talking, I did not see the peculiarity of it until people made it evident. When I was a little girl, I was unaware of this difference. As I continue to mature and further engage this lifestyle of being left-handed, my interests may change, but one thing will stay true. I am part of the ten percent of people who are left handed, and I am different. What started as issues with ink stains, desks, and scissors, has had an advantage on the larger scale. An example of being strong and always willing to compete in life is that I will not let these limitations restrict me from embracing being left-handed. Although in the past it may have been condemned, today it is something I am proud of. As C.R. Manske would say, “Life without left handed people wouldn’t be right.”

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Why Are Some People Left-Handed?

Being a righty or a lefty could be linked to variations in a network of genes that influence right or left asymmetries in the body and brain

Natasha Geiling

For the left-handed people of the world, life isn’t easy. Throughout much of history, massive stigmas attached to left-handedness meant they were singled out as everything from unclean to witches . In Medieval times, writing with your left-hand was a surefire way to be accused of being possessed by the devil ; after all, the devil himself was thought to be a lefty. The world has gotten progressively more accepting of left-handed folk, but there are still some undeniable bummers associated with a left-handed proclivity: desks and spiral notebooks pose a constant battle, scissors are all but impossible to use and–according to some studies–life-expectancy might be lower than for right-handed people .

What makes humanity’s bias against lefties all the more unfair is that left-handed people are born that way. In fact, scientists have speculated for years that a single gene could control a left-right preference in humans. Unfortunately, they just couldn’t pinpoint exactly where the gene might lie.

Now, in a paper published today in PLOS Genetics a group of researchers have identified a network of genes that relate to handedness in humans. What’s more, they’ve linked this preference to the development of asymmetry in the body and the brain.

In previous studies, the researchers observed that patients with dyslexia exhibited a correlation between the gene PCSK6 and handedness. Because every gene has two copies (known as alleles), every gene has two chances for mutation; what the researches found was that dyslexic patients with more variance in PCSK6–meaning that one or both of their PSCK6 alleles had mutated–were more likely to be right-handed.

The research team found this especially interesting, because they knew that PCSK6 was a gene directly associated with the development of left-right asymmetry in the body. They weren’t sure why this would present itself only in dyslexic patients, as dyslexia and handedness are not related. So the team expanded the study to include more than 2,600 people who don’t have dyslexia.

The study found that PCSK6 didn’t work alone in affecting handedness in the general population. Other genes, also responsible for creating left-right asymmetry in the body, were strongly associated with handedness. Like PCSK6, the effect that these genes have on handedness depends on how many mutations the alleles undergo. Each gene has the potential for mutation–the more mutations a person has in any one direction (toward right handedness or left handedness) the more likely they are to use that hand as their dominant hand, or so the researchers speculate.

The hypothesis is a logical response to a key question: If handedness is genetic and if right-handedness is such a dominant trait, why hasn’t left-handedness been forced out of the genetic pool? In reality, the research suggests that handedness could be more subtle than simple “dominant” or “recessive” traits–a whole host of genes might play significant roles.

What’s especially exciting is that these genes all relate to the development of left-right asymmetry in the body and brain, creating a strong case for correlation between the development of this symmetry and the development of handedness. Disrupting any of these genes could lead to serious physical asymmetry, like situs inversus , a condition where the body’s organs are reversed (heart on the right side of the body, for example). In mice, the disruption of PCSK6 resulted in serious abnormal positioning of organs in their bodies.

If physical asymmetry is related to handedness, then people with situs inversus should favor one hand more often than what you’d find in the general population. Studies show that this isn’t the case–individuals with this condition mirror the general population’s split in handedness–leading the researchers to postulate that while these genes certainly influence handedness, there might be other mechanisms in the body that compensate for handedness in the event of major physiological asymmetries.

Other animals, such as polar bears or chimpanzees , also have handedness–chimpanzees have been known to prefer one hand to the other when using tools or looking for food, but the split within a population hangs around 50/50 . Humans are the only species that show a truly distinct bias toward one hand or the other: a 90/10 right/left split throughout the population.

One predominant hypothesis for this bias relates to another distinct human trait: language ability. Language ability is split between the different hemispheres of the brain, much like handedness, which suggests that handedness became compartmentalized along with language ability, For most, the parts of the brain that govern language are are present in the left-side of the brain–these people tend to be right-handed. The few that have language skills focused in the right side of the brain tend to be left-handed.

However, William Brandler, a PhD student at Oxford University and the paper’s lead author, isn’t convinced that this theory holds much stock, as correlations between language and handedness in research aren’t well established. Brandler is more interested in learning how the permutations and combinations of genetic mutations play into humans’ likelihood to be right-handed. “Through understanding the genetics of handedness, we might be able to understand how it evolved,” he says. “Once we have the full picture of all the genes involved, and how they interact with other genes, we might be able to understand how and why there is such a bias.”

And he’s confident that even if environmental factors (like the continued hatred of lefties by two-thirds of the world ) place pressure on handedness, any baseline bias still boils down to genetics. “People think it’s just an environmental thing, but you’ve got to think, why is there that initial bias in the first place, and why do you see that bias across all societies? Why aren’t there societies where you see a bias to the left?” Brandler asks. “There is a genetic component to handedness, hundreds of different genetic variants, and each one might push you one way or the other, and it’s the type of variance, along with the environment you’re in and the pressures acting on you, which affect your handedness.”

But until a larger population can be tested–hundreds of thousands, by Brandler’s estimates–a full genetic map of what controls handedness and why our population isn’t evenly split between righties and lefties can’t be determined. “It’s going to take a bit of time before these materialize—but it will happen,” Brandler says. “There’s been a whole revolution in genetics such that, in a few years time, we’re really going to start to understand the genetic basis of complex traits.”

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What causes some people to be left-handed, and why are fewer people left-handed than right-handed?

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Clare Porac, a professor of psychology at Pennsylvania State University who studies handedness, explains.

Researchers who study human hand preference agree that the side of the preferred hand (right versus left) is produced by biological and, most likely, genetic causes. The two most widely published genetic theories of human hand preference argue that evolutionary natural selection produced a majority of individuals with speech and language control in the left hemisphere of the brain. Because the left hemisphere also controls the movements of the right hand--and notably the movements needed to produce written language--millennia of evolutionary development resulted in a population of humans that is biased genetically toward individuals with left hemisphere speech/language and right-hand preference. Approximately 85 percent of people are right-handed. These theories also try to explain the persistent and continuing presence of a left-handed minority (about 15 percent of humans).

The genetic proposal to explain hand preference states that there are two alleles, or two manifestations of a gene at the same genetic location, that are associated with handedness. One of these alleles is a D gene (for dextral, meaning ¿right¿) and the other allele is a C gene (for ¿chance¿). The D gene is more frequent in the population and is more likely to occur as part of the genetic heritage of an individual. It is the D gene that promotes right-hand preference in the majority of humans. The C gene is less likely to occur within the gene pool, but when it is present, the hand preference of the individual with the C gene is determined randomly. Individuals with the C gene will have a 50 percent chance of being right-handed and a 50 percent chance of being left-handed.

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These theories of hand preference causation are intriguing because they can account for the fact that the side of hand preference of individuals with the C gene (most left-handers and some right-handers) can be influenced by external cultural and societal pressures, a phenomenon that researchers have documented. These theories can also explain the presence of right-handed children in families with left-handed parents and the presence of left-handed children in families with right-handed parents. If the familial genetic pool contains C genes, then hand preference becomes amenable to chance influences, including the pressures of familial training and other environmental interventions that favor the use of one hand over the other. The proposed genetic locus that determines hand preference contains an allele from each parent, and the various possible genetic combinations are DD individuals who are strongly right-handed, DC individuals who are also mostly right-handed, and CC individuals who are either right-handed or left-handed. These genetic combinations leave us with an overwhelming majority of human right-handers and a small, but persistently occurring, minority of left-handers.

Are Left-Handers More Artistic Than Right-Handers?

New study reinvestigates the link between left-handedness and artistic ability..

Posted June 10, 2019 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

One of the most common conceptions about left-handers is that they are more creative or artsy than right-handers. After all, great artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Rembrandt were supposed to be left-handers.

So is there actually any hard scientific evidence for the assumption that left-handers are more artistically creative than right-handers?

Older studies at least point into this direction. A 1970s study from the University of Cincinnati found that that among students who majored in music and the visual arts, there were more left-handers than among students who majored in natural sciences ( Peterson, 1979 ).

Two years later, a study from the University of Virginia utilized the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking to measure creativity in 96 left-handers and 96 right-handers ( Newland, 1981 ). This test assesses fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration in thinking using a number of tasks. Analysis revealed that left-handers demonstrated greater creativity on all four scales of this test, but it could be argued that the test assesses general creativity in thinking, rather than artistic creativity.

A new study from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands investigated the relationship between left-handedness and creativity in a decidedly larger dataset of 20,539 participants, 56% of whom were left-handers. Headed by Fleur E. van der Feen, the Dutch research team used an online questionnaire to assess creativity in left-handers and right-handers ( van der Feen et al., 2019 ).

First, they asked the participants to rate themselves with regard to artistic creativity using a scale from 0 to 100. In line with the common belief that left-handers are more artistically inclined, left-handed participants judged themselves to be more artistically creative than right-handed participants.

But were these differences in self-judgment actually backed up by any measurable differences in behavior? To find out, the scientists asked participants how often they engaged in different artistic activities such as creating images, music, writing and storytelling, plastic arts, and performing arts.

The result was somewhat surprising: There was no difference between left-handers and right-handers regarding the actual amount of time spent on artistic activities.

Nevertheless, the researchers found an effect of handedness: individuals with a strong preference for using one hand for all activities (either the left or the right) spent more time on artistic activities than those with only a weak preference for either hand. Thus, greater specialization of the hands was found in the artistically gifted , irrespective of whether they were more skilled with the left or with the right hand.

Newland GA (1981). Differences between left-and right-handers on a measure of creativity. Percept Mot Skills, 53, 787-792.

Peterson JM. (1979). Left-handedness: differences between student artists and scientists. Percept Mot Skills, 48, 961-962.

van der Feen FE, Zickert N, Groothuis TGG, Geuze RH. (2019). Does hand skill asymmetry relate to creativity, developmental and health issues and aggression as markers of fitness? Laterality, epub ahead of print.

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D., is a professor for research methods in psychology at the Department of Psychology at MSH Medical School Hamburg, Germany. His research focuses on left-handedness and brain asymmetries.

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The struggles of being left handed.

Being a left handed person has always been a little bit of a struggle. If you are a lefty, then you understand the difficulties. Not to mention the statistics that lefties die younge r than right handed people as well as the fact that we are at higher risk of psychosis .

On the other hand though, we are more creative and more likely to be smarter and earn more money ! Whatever the statistics say, there are multiple minor issues with being left handed that you run across on a daily basis. Here are just a few of them:

Writing in notebooks, binders, and just writing, in general is just a pain. Unless you flip your notebook over, the spirals and clips get in the way. There's also the constant problem of wiping the side of your hand over the pencil or pen marks that then smudge what you've written and creates a dark mark all over your hand.

2. Scissors

For me, scissors haven't been as big of a problem because I'm able to do a few things with my right hand, but I know plenty of lefties who have this problem. It's difficult to cut with scissors that are made for right handed people, and unless you want to carry around a pair of left-handed scissors, then you're probably not going to find the type that will suit you.

3. Phone/video game buttons

Now that the iPhone's power button was on the right hand side of the phone, I always have difficulties turning the phone on and off because I hold my phone in my left hand and I have to use my index finger to press the button instead of my thumb, which it's supposed to be for. Another problem is with video games. So many electronic items are made for right handed people, including video games. Power buttons are never on the side that is convenient for me, nor are stylus holders or anything else like that.

4. Can openers

You might not think about it, but can openers have the twist handle on the right side of it because it assumes you are going to hold the opener with your left and twist with your right hand, but for me I am forced to maneuver my hands in weird ways to make simple kitchen items like can openers work correctly.

5. Credit cards

Swiping credit cards is always on the right side of the machine, so I have to take out my card and either cross my arms to swipe with my left hand, or awkwardly use my right hand. Such simple tasks like swiping a credit card even sometimes seems biased towards right-handed people.

When you zip up a coat or jacket, the zipper is almost always on the right side instead of the left, and the same goes for women's button-ups. Ultimately, this isn't actually too difficult for a lefty, but it's generally the concept that most items are biased that becomes annoying.

Historically, being left handed has been seen as "sinister" which originates from the Latin word "sinestra" which was the word for left. While the world has moved away from fearing left handed people and trying to force them to write right handed, but things are still being built and made for right handed people with few options for lefties

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Navigating the talking stage: 21 essential questions to ask for connection, it's mandatory to have these conversations..

Whether you met your new love interest online , through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

1. What do you do for a living?

What someone does for a living can tell a lot about who they are and what they're interested in! Their career reveals a lot more about them than just where they spend their time to make some money.

2. What's your favorite color?

OK, I get it, this seems like something you would ask a Kindergarten class, but I feel like it's always good to know someone's favorite color . You could always send them that Snapchat featuring you in that cute shirt you have that just so happens to be in their favorite color!

3. Do you have any siblings?

This one is actually super important because it's totally true that people grow up with different roles and responsibilities based on where they fall in the order. You can tell a lot about someone just based on this seemingly simple question.

4. What's your favorite television show?

OK, maybe this isn't a super important question, but you have to know ASAP if you can quote Michael Scott or not. If not, he probably isn't the one. Sorry, girl.

5. When is your birthday?

You can then proceed to do the thing that every girl does without admitting it and see how compatible your zodiacs are.

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

If you're like me, you have big goals that you want to reach someday, and you want a man behind you who also has big goals and understands what it's like to chase after a dream. If his biggest goal is to see how quickly he can binge-watch " Grey's Anatomy " on Netflix , you may want to move on.

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

This is a go-to for an insight into their personality. Based on how they answer, you can tell if they're goofy, serious, or somewhere in between.

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

For some, this may be a hard question if it involves a family member or friend who has since passed away . For others, it may revolve around a tradition that no longer happens. The answers to this question are almost endless!

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

We all have parts of our lives and stories that we wish we could change. It's human nature to make mistakes. This question is a little bit more personal but can really build up the trust level.

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

I mean, duh! If you're a dog person, and he is a cat person, it's not going to work out.

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

Personally, I am a Christian, and as a result, I want to be with someone who shares those same values. I know some people will argue that this question is too much in the talking stage , but why go beyond the talking stage if your personal values will never line up?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Even homebodies have a must visit place on their bucket list !

13. What is your ideal date night?

Hey, if you're going to go for it... go for it!

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

For me, it was hands-down Nick Jonas . This is always a fun question to ask!

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

Let's be real, if you put a label on it, you're not going to see your significant other at their best 24/7.

16. Do you have any tattoos?

This can lead to some really good conversations, especially if they have a tattoo that has a lot of meaning to them!

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

It's always interesting to see if how the person you're talking to views their personal traits lines ups with the vibes you're getting.

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

This question can go multiple different directions, and it could also be a launching pad for other conversations.

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

Admittedly, I have asked this question to friends as well, but it's neat to see what people value.

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

Work hard, play hard, right?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

This is always interesting because no matter how compatible your personalities may be, if one of you wants to be serious and the other is looking for something casual, it's just not going to work.

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Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in challah bread or easter bread.

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

A few weeks ago, I was given a loaf of bread called Challah (pronounced like holla), and upon my first bite, I realized it tasted just like Easter Bread. It was so delicious that I just had to make some of my own, which I did.

The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 1 cup lukewarm water 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white granulated sugar 2 tsp salt 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk (reserve the white for the egg wash) 1/4 cup neutral-flavored vegetable oil

Instructions

Combine yeast and a pinch of sugar in small bowl with the water and stir until you see a frothy layer across the top.
Whisk together 4 cups of the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center of the flour and add in eggs, egg yolk, and oil. Whisk these together to form a slurry, pulling in a little flour from the sides of the bowl.
Pour the yeast mixture over the egg slurry and mix until difficult to move.
Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes. If the dough seems very sticky, add flour a teaspoon at a time until it feels tacky, but no longer like bubblegum. The dough has finished kneading when it is soft, smooth, and holds a ball-shape.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place somewhere warm. Let the dough rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Separate the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope roughly 1-inch thick and 16 inches long.
Gather the ropes and squeeze them together at the very top. Braid the pieces in the pattern of over, under, and over again. Pinch the pieces together again at the bottom.
Line a baking sheet with parchment and lift the loaf on top. Sprinkle the loaf with a little flour and drape it with a clean dishcloth. Place the pan somewhere warm and away from drafts and let it rise until puffed and pillowy, about an hour.
Heat the oven to 350°F. Whisk the reserved egg white with a tablespoon of water and brush it all over the challah. Be sure to get in the cracks and down the sides of the loaf.
Slide the challah on its baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. The challah is done when it is deeply browned.

I kept wondering how these two breads could be so similar in taste. So I decided to look up a recipe for Easter Bread to make a comparison. The two are almost exactly the same! These recipes are similar because they come from religious backgrounds. The Jewish Challah bread is based on kosher dietary laws. The Christian Easter Bread comes from the Jewish tradition but was modified over time because they did not follow kosher dietary laws.

A recipe for Easter bread is as follows:

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 2/3 cup milk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white granulated sugar 2 tbs butter 2 large eggs 2 tbs melted butter 1 tsp salt

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of dough.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Both of these recipes are really easy to make. While you might need to have a day set aside for this activity, you can do things while the dough is rising or in the oven. After only a few hours, you have a delicious loaf of bread that you made from scratch, so the time and effort is really worth it!

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer..

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake , have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart , no matter how dirty the water may look.

Every year when summer rolls back around, you can't wait to fire up the boat and get back out there. Here is a list of things you can probably identify with as a fellow lake-goer.

A bad day at the lake is still better than a good day not at the lake.

It's your place of escape, where you can leave everything else behind and just enjoy the beautiful summer day. No matter what kind of week you had, being able to come and relax without having to worry about anything else is the best therapy there is. After all, there's nothing better than a day of hanging out in the hot sun, telling old funny stories and listening to your favorite music.

You know the best beaches and coves to go to.

Whether you want to just hang out and float or go walk around on a beach, you know the best spots. These often have to be based on the people you're with, given that some "party coves" can get a little too crazy for little kids on board. I still have vivid memories from when I was six that scared me when I saw the things drunk girls would do for beads.

You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

When there's a long line of trucks waiting to dump their boats in the water, there's always that one clueless guy who can't get it right, and takes 5 attempts and holds up the line. No one likes that guy. One time my dad got so fed up with a guy who was taking too long that he actually got out of the car and asked this guy if he could just do it for him. So he got into the guy's car, threw it in reverse, and got it backed in on the first try. True story.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

Similar to the "jeep wave," almost everyone waves to other boats passing by. It's just what you do, and is seen as a normal thing by everyone.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Alcohol seems to be a big part of the lake experience, but other drinks are squeezed into the room remaining in the cooler for the kids, not to mention the wide assortment of chips and other foods in the snack bag.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

There's nothing worse than floating in the water, all settled in and minding your business, when some idiot barrels through. Now your anchor is loose, and you're left jostled by the waves when it was nice and perfectly still before. This annoyance is typically answered by someone yelling some choice words to them that are probably accompanied by a middle finger in the air.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

It's the lake, and some social expectations are a little different here, if not lowered quite a bit. When you have to go, you just go, and it's no big deal to anyone because they do it too.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

The number of anchors you go through as a boat owner is likely a number that can be counted on two hands. Every once in a while, it gets stuck on something on the bottom of the lake, and the only way to fix the problem is to cut the rope, and you have to replace it.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

If you're the typical lake-goer, you likely might have an average-sized boat that you're perfectly happy with. However, that doesn't mean you don't stop and stare at the fast boats that loudly speed by, or at the obnoxiously huge yachts that pass.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

You've learned this the hard way, coming back from a day in the water and seeing the flowers on your bathing suit that were once white, are now a nice brownish hue.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

If the driver knows how to give you a good ride, or just wants to specifically throw you off, you know you're done when you're speeding up and heading straight for a big wave. Suddenly you're airborne, knowing you're about to completely wipe out, and you eat pure wake. Then you get back on and do it all again.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

One of the many nice things about the life at the lake is that everybody cares about everything a little less. Rolling up to the place wearing only your swimsuit, a cover-up, and flip flops, you fit right in. After a long day when you're sunburned, a little buzzed, and hungry, you're served without any hesitation.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Every once in a while you're hit with technical difficulties, no matter what type of watercraft you have. This is one of the most annoying setbacks when you're looking forward to just having a carefree day on the water, but it's bound to happen. This is just one of the joys that come along with being a boat owner.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

One of the many interesting things that make up the lake culture is the fact that many people name their boats. They can range from basic to funny, but they are unique to each and every owner, and often have interesting and clever meanings behind them.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

Summer is your all-time favorite season, mostly because it's spent at the lake. Whether you're floating in the cool water under the sun, or taking a boat ride as the sun sets, you don't have a care in the world at that moment . The people that don't understand have probably never experienced it, but it's what keeps you coming back every year.

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why i chose a small school over a big university..

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin ." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

1. My school is incredibly unique.

There are so many different kinds of people that each bring something really special to contribute to the school which makes it so unique.

2. I am not just a number at my school.

I am a student that my professors know about and I like knowing that my professors can watch my progress.

3. I feel like I am contributing something to the community.

I like feeling like I can make a difference on my campus.

4. I really do feel like it is my home away from home.

It isn't just my school. It is absolutely my home away from home. I feel so comfortable there and it was as hard of an adjustment as I had thought it would be.

5. My professors know me and I feel that I can easily communicate with them.

I feel like they will do anything to help students succeed. I can always go to my professors. I like knowing that I have someone looking out for me.

6. The incredible people I've met

The people I have met at my school, even after my first year, have made such a huge impact on me. I know that these are people that I will stay friends with long after college is done.

7. Opportunities

My school offers so many different opportunities to get involved in things around campus. Even writing for the Odyssey was an opportunity offered to me by my school and I decided to challenge myself by writing an article. Turns out, I really enjoy writing. I might not have had this opportunity at a bigger school.

8. Students want to learn

I feel as though I am not just learning inside the classroom at my school. I am learning outside the classroom to from my fellow classmates who want to engage about the things we have learned.

9. Ability to join a sorority and have a house full of people I know I can talk to anytime I need to

I wasn't sure if being in a sorority was something I was interested in but when I met the amazing people in the sorority and how inclusive it was, I knew that it was going to be a good thing for me. The people I've met in my sorority have been so amazing.

10. I have figured out how I learn best because my school offers so many different ways of learning.

Because of the smaller class sizes, there is more flexibility in the way the class is taught. This was helpful because I was able to try out different ways of learning and figure out which way I learn best.

70 Of The Most Referenced Movies Ever

The basics of movies and pop culture pieces..

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

So lock down this list and impress your friends and family with your impressive film knowledge that fills the space of all that schoolwork that you just forgot. Because after all, "How could I handle school on a day like this?"

1. Jurassic Park

2. princess bride, 3. office space, 4. sixteen candles, 5. ferris bueller's day off, 6. bill and ted's excellent adventure, 7. absolutely anything (robin william's last movie), 8. mrs. doubtfire, 9. to kill a mockingbird, 10. a few good men, 11. good will hunting, 12. dead poet’s society, 13. wizard of oz, 14. the shining, 15. silence of the lambs, 17. casablanca, 18. singin’ in the rain, 19. e.t. extra terrestrial, 20. zootopia (basically all things disney, except frozen), 22. gone with the wind, 23. harry potter (all of them), 24. star wars (all but rogue one), 25. indiana jones and the raiders of the lost arc, 26. die hard, 27. titanic, 28. it’s a wonderful life, 29. lord of the rings (all three), 30. airplane, 31. ghostbusters, 32. groundhog day, 33. a clockwork orange, 34. the terminator, 35. saving private ryan, 36. carrie (1976), 37. pulp fiction, 38. sixth sense, 39. the matrix, 40. west side story, 41. fight club, 42. shaun of the dead, 43. hot fuzz, 44. forrest gump, 45. monty python and the holy grail, 46. back to the future, 47. the breakfast club, 48. mean girls, 49. the sandlot, 50. wayne’s world, 51. a christmas story, 53. napoleon dynamite, 54. the big lebowski, 55. spaceballs, 57. beetlejuice, 58. the hangover, 59. the rocky horror picture show, 60. anatasia, 61. young frankenstein, 62. zoolander, 63. field of dreams, 64. american pie, 65. gremlins, 66. big v for vendetta, 67. the birds, 68. how to train your dragon, 69. the labyrinth, 70. marvel movies (all of them, even the bad ones).

There are plenty of other movies that are fantastic and worth watching, but this is where you should start. Try knocking a few out during those rainy days this summer !

Happy Watching!!!

Top Creators

1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society 2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook 3. Kristen Haddox , Penn State University 4. Jennifer Kustanovich , SUNY Stony Brook 5. Clare Regelbrugge , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

28 Surprising Advantages Of Being A Left-Handed Person

Left-handed individuals possess a distinct trait that sets them apart. While left-handedness may seem unconventional in a right-handed dominant world, it brings along numerous advantages. From enhanced creativity to improved problem-solving skills, explore 28 surprising benefits that come with being a left-handed person.

Being left-handed is much more than just being able to write in reverse. Over the years, researchers and scientists have uncovered various advantages associated with this condition which offer an unique perspective into a side of life that many people overlook. Whether it's physical or cognitive benefits, being left-handed can come with unexpected perks. From higher levels of creativity to superior sporting abilities, find out what makes lefties so special! In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating details about being a positive lefthander—including 5 surprising advantages that might change your perception of these special individuals forever!

1- Unique perspective

Every individual has a unique perspective that is shaped by their personal experiences. One aspect that is often overlooked when considering individuality is handedness. Being left-handed can provide a positive and unique perspective on the world. In fact, studies have shown that left-handed individuals tend to have higher levels of creativity and problem-solving skills.

Other advantages of being a left-handed person include excelling in fields such as the arts, sports, and music. Despite left-handedness being less common than right-handedness, it is important to celebrate the diversity and unique perspectives that come with it.

2- Increased creativity

Being creative and thinking outside of the box can be a challenge, especially for those who struggle with conventional modes of thought and expression. However, recent research has shown that there may be a key advantage for those who are left-handed. Studies have consistently shown that left-handed individuals are more likely to exhibit qualities associated with creativity, such as flexibility, innovation, and a willingness to approach problems in unique ways.

In fact, many famous artists, musicians and inventors throughout history, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Jimi Hendrix, were known to be left-handed. While it is unclear exactly why this correlation exists, evidence of the positive left-handed facts can offer encouragement to those seeking to tap into their own inner creativity and unconventional thinking.

3- Ambidexterity

Ambidexterity, or the ability to use both hands equally well, is a rare and valuable trait. While left-handed people make up only about 10 percent of the population, there are many positive left-handed facts that showcase their unique abilities. Being a left-handed person can confer several advantages, such as being more creative, having a better memory, and being able to switch between tasks more easily.

Additionally, left-handed people have been shown to excel in fields like music, art, and sports. Whether you are left-handed, right-handed, or somewhere in between, the ability to use both hands can be a great asset in any situation. So next time you need to switch things up, try using your non-dominant hand and see where it takes you!

4- Surprise factor

Did you know that there is a surprise factor associated with being left-handed? It turns out that being left-handed is actually a positive trait, supported by fascinating facts. For instance, did you know that left-handed people are often more creative and artistic? Studies show that being left-handed can also give people an advantage in sports, particularly in tennis and baseball.

There are also other advantages of being left-handed, such as the ability to multitask and better problem-solving skills. So if you're a left-handed person, embrace your unique qualities and enjoy the surprise factor that comes with it!

5- Spatial awareness

Spatial awareness is an important skill that allows us to understand our environment and how to navigate through it. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that left-handed individuals tend to have a greater degree of spatial awareness than their right-handed counterparts. While being left-handed is often seen as a disadvantage, there are actually quite a few positive left-handed facts, with spatial awareness being among them.

This advantage is particularly useful in fields such as architecture and engineering, where understanding the layout of a space is critical. So, if you're a left-handed person, take pride in the fact that your unique brain makeup gives you a leg up when it comes to this essential skill.

6- Artistic abilities

Did you know that there are some artistic benefits to being left-handed? In fact, studies have shown that left-handed individuals tend to have more creativity and artistic abilities than their right-handed counterparts. And while only about 10% of the population is left-handed, this minority group can reap a number of advantages. For example, left-handed people are more likely to excel in creative fields such as music, art, and writing. So if you are left-handed, rest assured that your unique abilities may give you an edge in the art world.

7- Quick adaptability

Quick adaptability is an essential skill to have in today's fast-paced world, and left-handedness has some surprising advantages for those who practice it. Though lefties represent only 10% of the population, science reveals the advantages of being a left-handed person.

Those who are left-handed display greater creativity and are more naturally inclined towards visual-spatial skills, making them more likely to excel in fields such as art, music, and architecture. They also tend to have a more positive outlook on life and are more adaptable to change. So if you're left-handed, don't think of it as a disadvantage. Embrace your unique perspective and skills, and show the world the power of quick adaptability!

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8- Enhanced memory

Recent studies have shown that certain individuals possess enhanced memory capabilities, and it just so happens that left-handed people are among them. While lefties make up only about 10% of the population, they have many positive attributes that make them stand out from their right-handed counterparts.

Advantages of being left-handed include a greater ability to think more creatively due to the unique way their brains are wired, and studies have also shown that left-handed individuals are more likely to excel in problem-solving and spatial awareness. In fact, lefties have even been known to have an edge in some competitive fields like sports, music, and art. So, if you're a southpaw, you can take pride in the fact that your unique brain wiring provides you with some serious memory advantages!

9- Language skills

Having a strong set of language skills can truly set someone apart from the rest. It can be the difference between effectively communicating an idea or struggling to get a point across. But did you know that being left-handed can actually provide some advantages when it comes to language development? Recent studies have shown that left-handed individuals tend to have a more positive outlook on life, which can lead to increased creativity and better language skills.

In fact, many famous writers and thinkers throughout history have been left-handed, including Mark Twain, Michelangelo, and Albert Einstein. These facts may seem small, but they provide insight into how being left-handed can actually be an asset in certain areas of life, including language development.

10- Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are an essential part of our everyday life and can help us overcome any obstacles that come our way. When it comes to left-handed individuals, there are some positive facts to be aware of. Did you know that only 10% of the world's population is left-handed? Being a left-handed person can come with numerous advantages, such as heightened problem-solving abilities. According to research, left-handed individuals tend to have a slightly larger corpus callosum, which is the brain structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

This means that left-handed individuals have greater communication between the right and left sides of the brain, leading to an increased ability to think outside of the box and come up with unique solutions to problems. So, if you are left-handed, embrace your unique trait and utilize it to boost your problem-solving skills. If you are right-handed, take inspiration from this significant fact to push your problem-solving skills to the next level!

11- Handwriting aesthetics

Handwriting aesthetics is a fascinating topic that deserves more attention. While most people may not think twice about their handwriting, it can be a beautiful form of self-expression that deserves recognition. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that left-handed individuals tend to have a more unique and aesthetically pleasing handwriting style. This positive attribute adds to the many advantages of being a left-handed person.

Not only can lefties have a more visually appealing writing style, but they also tend to be more creative and independent. These traits translate into their writing and can result in some truly inspiring works of art. Overall, handwriting aesthetics is an important aspect of how we communicate with each other, and understanding the benefits of left-handed writing can help bring more awareness to this underrated characteristic.

12- Athletic prowess

Many people might be unaware of the advantages that come with being left-handed. While approximately 10% of the population is left-handed, this small group has many unique attributes that set them apart from the rest. Left-handed people have been known to excel in athletic prowess, with several famous athletes falling under this category. In fact, studies suggest that left-handed athletes are overrepresented in sports such as tennis, baseball, and boxing. With these positive left-handed facts, it's clear to see that being left-handed can have many advantages, not just in sports, but in various aspects of life.

13- Versatility

Versatility can be a very desirable trait in our everyday lives, whether it's the ability to adapt to new situations or excel in multiple disciplines. Being left-handed provides an interesting example of this quality. Contrary to a common misconception that left-handedness is a negative trait, studies have shown that left-handed people possess many positive attributes. For starters, they tend to be more creative and better problem solvers.

Additionally, left-handed individuals have been found to be better at multi-tasking and better equipped at handling tasks that require spatial awareness. It's fascinating to see how a seemingly minor difference such as left-handedness can result in distinct advantages. Thank goodness for versatility!

14- Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill that enables individuals to effectively recognize and regulate their own emotions, as well as empathize with and manage the emotions of others. Interestingly, studies have shown that there may be a link between emotional intelligence and being left-handed. While this assertion is not definitive, it has been supported by several positive left-handed facts.

Despite the fact that only around 10% of the population is left-handed, many of history's most prominent figures, from Albert Einstein to Barack Obama, have been lefties. In fact, recent research suggests that left-handed people may possess several advantages, including better problem-solving skills and increased creativity. Whether or not you are left-handed, developing your emotional intelligence can be an incredibly valuable asset in both your personal and professional life.

15- Articulation and communication

Articulation and communication are important skills that everyone should strive to improve. Interestingly, left-handed people may have an advantage in this area due to the unique way their brain processes language. Studies have shown that left-handers tend to have better verbal abilities and a more positive tone of voice when communicating. Additionally, being left-handed can offer many other advantages as well, such as being better at problem-solving and having a higher level of creativity.

These positive left-handed facts may come as a surprise to some, but they highlight the importance of embracing diversity in all aspects of life, including handedness. Improving articulation and communication skills is a worthwhile endeavor for everyone, and left-handed individuals may just have a head start in these areas.

16- More Creative with Visual Arts

As an artist, there are countless ways to express your creativity through visual arts. However, did you know that being left-handed could give you an advantage in your artistic endeavors? Studies show that left-handed individuals tend to be more creative and imaginative than their right-handed counterparts. In fact, some of the most renowned artists throughout history were left-handed, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Not only that, but left-handed individuals also have a unique perspective when creating artwork that can set them apart from others. So if you're left-handed and interested in exploring the world of visual arts, embrace this positive aspect of yourself and see where your creativity takes you.

17- May Think Differently

Did you know that being a left-handed person can actually be advantageous? In fact, many historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Barack Obama were lefties themselves. Contrary to popular belief, being left-handed is not a disadvantage, but rather a unique trait that sets individuals apart from the majority.

Studies have found that left-handed people have a higher likelihood of being creative, imaginative and better at problem-solving. Additionally, left-handers have been known to excel in sports such as baseball, tennis, and fencing due to their ambidexterity. so, with all these positive left-handed facts, it's safe to say that lefties may think differently, but in the best possible way.

18- Easily Pass the Driving Test

Did you know that being left-handed can actually give you an advantage when it comes to taking the driving test? It's true! Studies have shown that left-handed people have better spatial awareness and coordination, which are crucial skills when it comes to driving.

Plus, because left-handed people tend to use their right brains more, they are often more creative and adaptable, which can come in handy when navigating unexpected driving situations. So if you're left-handed, be sure to embrace your positive attributes and use them to your advantage on the road!

19- May Make More Money

Did you know that being left-handed may actually help you make more money? Despite being a minority, left-handed individuals tend to excel in certain areas such as creativity, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. In fact, some studies have shown that left-handed people are more likely to be successful entrepreneurs.

Additionally, being left-handed can also give you an edge in sports such as tennis and baseball. So why not embrace your left-handedness and take advantage of all the positive facts and advantages that come with it? You never know, it may just lead you to a more financially fruitful future.

20- Faster Typists

Did you know that left-handed individuals can actually be faster typists? While being left-handed may seem like a disadvantage in a world designed for right-handed people, studies have shown that lefties often have a unique advantage when it comes to typing speed. In fact, research has found that left-handed typists are able to reach high speeds with less errors than their right-handed counterparts.

Additionally, being left-handed has other advantages such as increased creativity and problem-solving skills. So if you're a lefty, don't let the right-handed world hold you back - embrace your positive left-handed facts and take advantage of the unique strengths that come with being a left-handed person.

21- Spend Less Time in Lines

If you're someone who hates standing in line and wants to spend less time waiting, it might surprise you to learn that being left-handed could actually be advantageous in this regard. According to research, left-handed people tend to process information faster than right-handed people, and can therefore make decisions more quickly.

This means they may be more efficient when it comes to completing tasks and making purchases, meaning that left-handers may spend less time in lines than their right-handed counterparts. Added to this, there are plenty of positive facts and advantages to being left-handed, including higher creativity levels and a greater ability to think outside the box. So if you're a lefty, embrace it – it could even save you some valuable time!

22- Better at Multitasking

Did you know that left-handed people are better at multitasking? It's true! In fact, studies have shown that lefties are able to process information more quickly and efficiently when performing multiple tasks at once. This positive trait is just one of many advantages of being a left-handed person. While being left-handed may have once been looked down upon, today we know that lefties are able to adapt and excel in a variety of situations. So forget any negative stereotypes you may have heard, left-handed people are talented and capable multitaskers.

23- Decreased Risk for Some Health Concerns

Did you know that being left-handed can have some surprising health benefits? Recent studies have shown that lefties have a decreased risk for certain health concerns, such as arthritis, ulcers, and even certain types of cancer. Additionally, being left-handed can improve brain function and aid in problem-solving skills. It's not all medical advantages, though - lefties can also boast some historical and cultural significance, as many iconic figures throughout history have been left-handed.

From Leonardo da Vinci to Jimi Hendrix, being a southpaw has been known to be a sign of creativity and unique thinking. So, if you're one of the 10% of the population who is left-handed, consider yourself lucky for the positive left-handed facts and the many Advantages of Being a Left-Handed Person.

24- Adaptation to technology

Over the years, technology has developed at an astounding pace, and people have had to adapt to keep up with the changes. One group of individuals that often gets overlooked in these discussions are left-handed people. Did you know that left-handed individuals often have an easier time adapting to technology than their right-handed counterparts? It's true! Some studies have shown that left-handed individuals are often more creative and better at problem-solving, skills that are essential when it comes to mastering new technology.

Plus, fun fact- they make up about 10% of the population, so it's always good to consider their unique needs and talents. In fact, there are various advantages of being a left-handed person, and we should recognize and appreciate their contributions to the digital world.

25- Attention to detail

Attention to detail is an important trait that many successful people possess. Interestingly enough, research has shown that left-handed individuals tend to have a better attention to detail than their right-handed counterparts. While being left-handed is not necessarily better or worse than being right-handed, there are certain advantages that come with it.

For example, left-handed individuals often have a greater ability to perceive and interpret spatial relationships, which is a valuable skill in many fields such as architecture and engineering. Additionally, being left-handed has been linked to increased creativity and a better ability to multitask. It's important to remember that everyone has unique skills and traits that make them valuable, and being left-handed is just one example of this.

26- Leadership qualities

Leadership qualities are often admired in those who possess them, and among those with unique traits that can contribute to success are left-handed individuals. Despite being in the minority, research suggests that left-handed people tend to demonstrate higher levels of creativity, innovative thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Being left-handed also means better communication between the right and left side of the brain, leading to improved spatial reasoning and increased memory functions.

With these positive left-handed facts in mind, it's clear that there are distinct advantages to being a left-handed person. When it comes to leadership, these skills can translate to valuable contributions to a team or organization, allowing for a fresh perspective and unique insights. In short, left-handedness may beautifully complement the important traits of a great leader, contributing to their success.

27- Resilience

Resilience is a crucial trait that enables individuals to bounce back from challenging experiences with newfound strength and determination. Interestingly, recent research suggests that being left-handed could have a direct correlation with increased resilience. While left-handers have long been the minority, studies have shown that they possess some unique positive qualities.

For instance, left-handers may have an advantage in sports due to their ability to surprise opponents who are accustomed to right-handed players. Additionally, left-handed people tend to have enhanced creativity and a better ability to problem-solve. These facts reinforce the advantages of being left-handed, making it clear that resilience is just one of many reasons to celebrate this unique trait.

28- Sense of individuality

Did you know that only about 10% of the world's population is left-handed? Even though being left-handed has often been stigmatized throughout history, there are actually many positive facts about left-handedness. For one, left-handed people are often seen as more creative and innovative than right-handed people, and studies have shown that they may have superior problem-solving skills.

Additionally, left-handed people are often more adept at multi-tasking and have higher levels of intuition. It's clear that having a sense of individuality as a left-handed person can be a distinct advantage in many areas of life. So, let's celebrate the unique perspective and abilities that come with being a left-handed individual!

What is left handed person called?

Left-handedness is a unique and fascinating trait that is found in approximately 10% of the world's population. Despite being in the minority, left-handed individuals have made remarkable contributions to various fields such as art, music, politics, and science. In ancient times, being left-handed was often viewed as a sign of evil or weakness, but thankfully, society has moved on from such superstitious beliefs.

In terms of a name for left-handed people, they are simply called "left-handers" or "lefties." However, there are also some slang terms such as "southpaw," which is derived from baseball and refers to a left-handed pitcher. Regardless of the term used, being a left-hander is a unique and special part of someone's identity.

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Advantages Of Being A Left-Handed Person

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any benefits to being left-handed.

Yes, being left-handed comes with several benefits. Left-handed individuals often exhibit enhanced creativity, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and spatial awareness. They may have an advantage in certain sports and demonstrate unique perspectives and thinking styles. Left-handers are known for their artistic talents, improved hand-eye coordination, and efficient information processing. These are just a few examples of the many benefits that come with being left-handed.

What are positive facts about left handers?

There are several positive facts about left-handers. Here are a few: 1. Enhanced creativity and artistic abilities. 2. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 3. Improved spatial awareness and visualization. 4. Increased adaptability and flexibility. 5. Better hand-eye coordination. 6. Unique perspective and divergent thinking. 7. Potential advantages in sports and gaming. 8. Potential for strong leadership qualities. 9. Higher likelihood of retaining memories effectively. 10. Efficient processing of complex information. These positive attributes contribute to the uniqueness and strengths of left-handed individuals.

What causes a person to be left-handed?

The exact causes of left-handedness are not fully understood. It is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that genetics play a role, as left-handedness can run in families. Additionally, prenatal factors, such as hormone levels and brain development, may also contribute to left-handedness. However, the specific mechanisms that determine handedness are still being studied.

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Being Left-Handed and Right-Handed

Left-handed people may find living in a right-handed world rather challenging. During all history, left-handed people were not accepted in society and even accused of being dirty or a witch. In Medieval era, people who were using their left-hand to write risked being suspected of demonic possession because it was believed that the devil himself was left-handed. Fortunately, people disposed of such falsely misconceptions about lefties. However, there are still many unpleasant things there are commonly associated with people who use left hand in their everyday life. They have trouble with sitting at desks, using spiral notebooks, cannot use most of the scissors, and, as some researchers claim, may live shorter than their right-handed counterparts. However, studies show that left-handers may also have some advantages. For example, it has been estimated that there were more left-handed people who possessed IQs over 140, such as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Benjamin Franklin. The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader about being left and right hardness. There are advantages and disadvantages about being left and right handed depending on different contexts, but left-handed people are being controlled in order to survive in the right handed world.

The disposition to left-handedness can be found in the hemispheres of the human brain. As it is known, the brain consists of two almost the same parts, or hemispheres. It has been also discovered for a long time that the hemispheres are “cross-wired,” meaning that the left one controls the right part of the body, and the right one – the left part. However, the hemispheres possess some differences between them, which manifest themselves in functional specializations. For example, speech production and language recognition are located in the left side of the brain while emotion processing and artistic functions typically take place in the right one. In 1980s, physiologist Paul Broca found out that an individual’s left-handedness indicates on a specialized right hemisphere.

However, later, physicists estimated that there are exceptions to the relation between the brain and handedness. Although the frequency of right hemisphere being dominant increases with the frequency being left-handed, some mismatches sometimes occur. In 1990s, a range of scientists discovered that, even though approximately 95% of right-handed people have left hemisphere as a dominant one, only about 19% of left-handed people have the right hemisphere as the dominant one. In addition, roughly 20% do not have dominant hemisphere.

Many left-handed people throughout their lifespan learn to use their right hand to write, cut and perform other actions. Most often, this happens due to various societal prejudices, such as “a mechanical adherence to traditionalism, would-be reasons of practicality, laziness, ignorance, and often even reasons with a religious-ideological background” . Some individuals become converted to right-handedness, and some become ambidextrous. For example, my sister is partly ambidextrous, as she almost equally adept in using her left and right hands. The most interesting things about her handedness, is that she, as well as the majority of left-handed people, has acquired a skill to adapt to managing and using objects that were mainly designed for right-handed world. She often uses writer’s computer that has a mouse placed on the opposite side and the click buttons reversed to opposing configuration. However, she feels that it is hard to get used to it, because she has already learned the other way. Probably, that is why it might be hard to the design products for left-handed people because they have already adapted. People have proven the capability to adapt to the use of their non-preferred hand due to social or cultural pressure. Although, the ability to use both hands equally well seems like a useful skill. However, studies show that conversion of handedness may lead to serious consequences, especially if a person uses non-preferred hand for writing. This conversion contradicts the natural state of individual as it does not change the dominance of one’s brain hemisphere. Instead, it causes the other part of the brain to over-load. Studies indicate that converting one’s handedness may result in such conditions as memory and concentration problems, difficulties in reading and writing, disorientation about the left and right sides, problems with motor skills (may result in bad handwriting), and speech impairments. As the result, these disorders may lead to a range of secondary outcomes, such as inferiority complexes, introversion, and other emotional problems associated with behaviour and personality. Therefore, the problem of involuntary conversion of handedness requires thorough research in order to estimate its causes and develop adequate solutions.

One of the most significant factors that contribute to left-handers being forced to use their right hands, which is the fact that the world objects are mainly designed by right-handed people. In fact, most products are designed for right-handed use. It makes sense, as about 90% of people “are right-handed and show a lefthemispheric dominance for manual skill”. I have graduated from Visual Communication BA, and been told to design left to right to help guide users on Internet websites. Visitors read articles from left to right, so I should layout the most important content and elements in designs to where a reader’s eye is going to look first. For this intention, left-handed users are seeking information and clicking on banners also from right to left because they have been taught and excised to do so, not because of emotional connections to my design style of websites.

I designed a spoon for only right-handed users which is inconvenient to be manipulated with the right hand (Figure 1). Due to its shape left-handers would be forced to take it in their non-preferred hand even if they are not used to. This product influences people’s behaviour and can be considered as a powerful tool of manipulation, and even control. People designed numerous ways to intentionally manipulate other individuals’ behaviour, from hypnosis to war propaganda to advertisement.

Every person is exposed to some form of psychological manipulation in his/her everyday life. One of the examples is a marketing strategies used in supermarkets. Marketing experts indicate that people made about 70 present of their purchasing decisions directly in supermarkets during shopping. Therefore, they employ various techniques to create a more comfortable atmosphere and make a shopping experience as much compelling to buy as possible through the use of music, appealing visuals, and lighting. Even the smell of fresh-baked bread in the supermarket plays the role of stimulus to make consumers buy it. This smell causes a sensation of being warm, comfy, and homely. Apparently, people think that they should buy some bread even if they have come in only for a pint of milk. Sometimes, the bread smell is not real, and there is no bakery. However, the marketing specialist know what they are doing and why. They are not just influencing, but rather manipulating on people’s subconscious by triggering the respective psychological mechanisms, and this practice has now become commonplace.

Similarly, the products designed for the right-handed influence the behaviour of people. From early childhood, left-handers are exposed to this influence, which could further impact behaviour and form habits that may last till adulthood and beyond. Parents and educators nowadays are not used to impose the change of handedness as they do not make their children to change handedness habits as they did before, for example by beating children’s wrists for writing with left hand. However, throughout their lives, lefties have to adapt in order to survive in the right-handed world. For example, most tools, such as power tools, are designed for the use in the right hand, and if used otherwise can harm a person. Thus, it can be said that people come under influence of indirect factors of environment. In fact, the prevalence of right-handed products does not leave them much of the choice; they would either get used to manipulating objects as the majority or would not be able to use them at all, or use them in a wrong way that might be greatly uncomfortable, or even result in an injury. Looking back at my example of a right-handed spoon, it can be said its very design controls the behaviour of individuals. Even if the individual is not adapted to use his right hand, he/she would still do it because it appears to be more convenient than using it with his/her dominant hand.

In conclusion, the times in which left-handed people were stigmatized and prosecuted have passed. However, even in modern times, people with a dominant left hand find face a significant amount of socio-cultural pressures that that cause them to adapt to the right-handed world. This essay identified factors of influence, manipulation and control as common denominators. Influence, manipulation and control exist in a variety of spheres of human activity through design which operates within contexts. The example of right-handed products show besides influence and manipulation, left-handed people are subjected to control. Despite of the fact whether right-handed people notice that the product actually does not work for left-handers or not, they still would use it with their right hand in the absence of choice. Therefore, our society should not just to tolerate left-handed people but also become user-friendly for people whose preference of handedness differs from the one of the majority group.

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10 Best Scholarships for Left-Handed People

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10 Best Scholarships for Left-Handed People

Time for lefties to take their education to the next level!

Is it hard to believe that there are actually scholarships for left-handed people? Well, we are here to confirm that there are such scholarships that specifically cater to students who are left-handed. In this blog, we will take you through the various scholarships for left-handed students to aid them in their educational journey. Let's get started!

left-handed students now have an added advantage with scholarships specifically catering to taking their education to the next level. Scholarships for left-handed people are given by organisations that support minority groups of left-handed students. Let’s dive into the various scholarships for left-handed people.

1. Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship

Award amount: $5,000 Who can apply: Students at any education level Application deadline: 1 December 2023

The first left-handed student scholarship that we will explore is the Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship. It is one of the left-handed student scholarships awarded to students who value a strong community. Students who are always willing to help and support their friends and community are eligible for this scholarship. You must also apply as early as possible and invite your friends to join Bold.org to increase your chances of getting this scholarship for left-handed people.

2. Vicki L. Schechtman Scholarship

Award amount: $2,000 Who can apply: Female college freshman, sophomore, and junior Application deadline: Closed for 2023

The next on the list of best scholarships for left-handed people is Vicki L. Schechtman Scholarship. It is awarded to female undergraduates, sophomores, and juniors who want to make a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The field of study must be one of the sciences recognised by the National Science Foundation and that which continues Dr. Schechtman’s dreams of scientific progress. To be eligible, students must be a woman currently enrolled in a US university or college pursuing any field in STEM.

3. The Frederick and Mary F Buckley Scholarship

Award amount: $1,000 to $1,500 Who can apply: left-handed college students Application deadline: Application closed for 2023

The Frederick and Mary F Buckley Scholarship for left-handed students is given to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who enrol at Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania. The college began offering this scholarship in 1979 and has since aided over 40 left-handed students. To be eligible, you must maintain a good academic track record and have financial need.

4. The Andrew Macrina Scholarship Fund

Award amount: $2,500 Who can apply: left-handed seniors Application deadline: 30 April & 31 October of each year

Are you left-handed and aspire to become a pastry chef? Then The Andrew Macrina Scholarship Fund, next in our list of scholarships for left-handed students, is for you! The American Culinary Federation awards this scholarship to students who aspire to pursue their careers in culinary arts at any accredited institution. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and must be involved in some volunteer work.

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5. Lawyers Plus Southpaw Scholarship

Award amount: $1,500 Who can apply: left-handed high school seniors & college or graduate students in the US Application deadline: Application closed for 2023

Next, we will explore the Lawyers Plus Southpaw Scholarship for left-handed students. This scholarship is given to students who study at any accredited university in the US. To achieve this scholarship, students must showcase excellent creativity, humour, and passion. Students are also required to make a short one-minute video talking about how being left-handed has affected their lives and educational experiences to be eligible for this scholarship for left-handed people.

6. Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship

Award amount: $1,000 Who can apply: left-handed high school students in the US Application deadline: Application closed for 2023

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship is next on our list of left-handed student scholarships. Students (full-time high school seniors) who showcase outstanding community service, academic performance, and leadership skills are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students also need to maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA to be considered for the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship.

7. Parry and Pfau left-handed Scholarship

Award amount: $1,500 Who can apply: High school seniors & graduates Application deadline: 31 July annual basis

The Parry and Pfau left-handed Scholarship for left-handed people is for students who are US residents and have excellent academic records. Students enrolled at any accredited US university are eligible for the Parry and Pfau left-handed Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded based on the student’s creativity and humour.

8. Heiken USA Performing Arts Scholarship

Award amount: $3,000 Who can apply: Full-time students Application deadline: Application closed for 2023

This scholarship for left-handed people is awarded by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. It is given to full-time students who are pursuing their bachelor’s in drama, music, opera, theatre, and other performing arts. To be eligible, students must be African American, a legal US citizen, attend an accredited US university, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students must also exhibit leadership qualities and actively participate in community service to be considered for this scholarship for left-handed students.

9. Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship

Award amount: $5,000 Who can apply: College juniors and seniors Application deadline: 31 January 2024

Next in our list of scholarships for left-handed people, we will explore the Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is offered by The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Two college juniors or seniors enrolled in an accredited US university and pursuing a major in Political Science, History, Government, or Economics are eligible for this scholarship for left-handed students. Also, to be eligible, students must attend a university or four-year college.

10. Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship

Award amount: $2,500 Who can apply: High School graduates Application deadline: Application closed for 2023

The Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship for left-handed students, offered by The Humane Society of the United States, is given to students who showcase immense care and love for animals. The scholarship is for a New England high school senior who has been enrolled in an accredited US university and who has significantly contributed to animal welfare and protection activities.

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How to Apply for Scholarships for Left-handed People?

The application process for applying for scholarships for left-handed students depends on the university you are applying to. However, there are some common guidelines that every student must follow to apply for a scholarship for left-handed students. These are as follows:

Students must be left-handed.
Students must fill out an application form.
Write an essay describing how being left-handed has affected your life and academic experiences.
Students must be enrolled at an accredited institution.
Students face the need for financial aid even if they apply for a scholarship. Apart from scholarships, there are different types of financial aid , you can also apply for which includes grants, loans, fellowships and tuition fee waiver.

Tips to Increase your Chances of Getting Scholarships for left-handed People

There are many things you can do to increase your chances of getting a scholarship for left-handed people. We have laid down some tips that you can follow to get your hands on a left-handed student scholarship. They are as follows:

Write a scholarship essay demonstrating how left-handedness has impacted your life. Also, talk about your unique skills, career goals, and life experiences.
Maintain a good academic track record.
Volunteer and participate in community service activities.
Write a clear, concise, and honest personal statement.
Take help from a guide or teacher on how to write a winning SOP .