You'll need to start by assembling a list of the numbers for which you'd like to find the weighted average. For example, if you're trying to find a weighted average for a series of grades in a class, first write down each of the grades. For instance, maybe your total grades are 82 for quizzes, 90 on your exam, and 76 on your term paper. Once you have your numbers, you'll need to know how much each of them weighs, or is worth, as part of your final average. For instance, in your class, the quizzes might be worth 20% of your total grade, while the exam is 35% and the term paper is 45%. In this case, the weights add up to 1 (or 100%). In order to use these percentages in your calculation, you'll need to convert them to decimal form. The resulting numbers are called "weighting factors." Once you have all your numbers, pair up each number (x) with its corresponding weighting factor (w). You'll be multiplying each set of numbers and weights together, then adding them all up to find the average. For example, if your total quiz score is 82 and quizzes are worth 20% of your grade, multiply 82 x 0.2. In this case, x=82 and w=0.2. The basic formula for a weighted average where the weights add up to 1 is x1(w1) + x2(w2) + x3(w3), and so on, where x is each number in your set and w is the corresponding weighting factor. To find your weighted average, simply multiply each number by its weight factor and then sum the resulting numbers up. For example: The weighted average for your quiz grades, exam, and term paper would be as follows: 82(0.2) + 90(0.35) + 76(0.45) = 16.4 + 31.5 + 34.2 = 82.1. This means you have a grade of 82.1% in the course.

Summary: Gather the numbers you would like to average. Determine the weight value of each number. Multiply each number by its weighting factor (w). Add the resulting numbers together to find the weighted average.

and let other people get to know the real you. People are attracted to others who know who they are, and pretending to be someone else might make others think you just want approval or attention. Recognize your strengths and be true to who you want to be, no matter what situation you find yourself in. If you feel nervous, try some of these confidence-boosting strategies: Practice good posture and avoid looking at the ground when you walk. Make eye contact with others without staring them down. Be the first person to say "hi" to the new kid or to initiate a conversation. Stick up for others instead of teasing or bullying them. Avoid apologizing for things you don't actually need to apologize for. It isn't always easy, but if you can master this skill, you'll make the people around you feel more seen and appreciated. If you're always waiting for the next cool thing to happen, others might feel like they're second best. Try to practice awareness of your surroundings and minimize distractions, like using your cellphone, when you're talking to someone. If you focus on being present with others, they'll sense that you're a genuine person. If you struggle to put your phone away, like many of us do, try turning the ringer on silent when you are in a situation where you should be focusing. Passionate people are automatically more attractive to otherstheir enthusiasm is contagious! Even if you think that your passion is silly or nerdy, go after it with gusto. You'll be surprised at how inspiring it can be to others to see someone chasing after their dreams. If you want other people to love you, you have to love yourself. That includes accepting and embracing all parts of yourself, including your passions. Make time to do the things you love. Set aside time every week to practice or enjoy your particular passion. Not everyone will love you, but the people who matter will. Part of being an authentic and loved person means that you have to make good decisions about who you're going to surround yourself with. Don't participate in toxic relationships or pursue others who ignore you or are mean to you. It can be hard to find good friends. If you're struggling, try joining a club or going to local events. Be friendly and confident and remember that it can take a while to get to know new people. It's simple but true: a smile can brighten someone's day. Smile with your eyes and don't be afraid to show your teeth. If you're worried about how you look, practice in the mirror. There may be times when you just can't bring yourself to smile, and that is okay. If you're feeling sad or worried, accept those feelings and don't force yourself to appear happier than you really are.

Summary: Believe in yourself Focus on staying present with the people around you. Share your passions with the people around you. Spend time with people who are genuine and who support the true you. Offer a warm smile to the people you see every day.

Skills like photography, graphic design, and coding will lend themselves well to a career as a freelance journalist. These skills can translate to journalism and will increase your value to most editors. If you're having issues finding work, let the editors know that you have these other skills and can incorporate them into your work. If you work with multiple publications it can be hard to get all of your work in by the deadline. Write down a schedule of your day-to-day operations and stick to it. This will help you finish your articles by deadline and will keep you on track while you're working. Even if you start working from home, it's important that you wake up and get dressed as if you are going to an office. This will help keep you focused throughout your day and get you in the mindset to work efficiently. When working from home, it can be hard to stay focused. Instead of getting distracted, set a timer for 45-50 minutes and focus solely on working on a single project. Do not respond to emails, answer the phone, or pay attention to any distractions. Once the timer is up, relax and take a break for 20-30 minutes. Sometimes when you're lucky, assignments will come rolling in. It's important that during these times that you manage your workload. If an editor assigns you an article, it's best to be transparent about your workload. Consider if they are pay is high enough and whether you have the free time to complete it by the deadline. If you don't feel like you can complete it by the deadline or it doesn't pay enough, decline the assignment.
Summary: Learn other technical skills. Create and stick to a schedule. Wake up early and change your clothes every day. Set a time to avoid distractions. Manage your workload and learn to say no.