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  • The Study of Happiness: Why It’s More Important than Ever

    The Study of Happiness: Why It’s More Important than Ever

    We have been made aware of how COVID-19 can affect us physically if it directly affects us, but not all of us have been made aware of the psychological toll of this outbreak, whether we have been directly affected by it or not. Surveys done by various organizations, from Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), to the human resources firm Morneau Shepell, reveal that our emotional and psychological well-beings have been strained due to the virus, especially now that we have hit the seven-month mark. The Angus Reid Institute also indicated that feelings of desolation and social isolation have increased from 23 percent last year to 33 percent this year.

    These feelings of fear, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, grief, and irritability are all normal responses to a pandemic according to well-known psychiatrist Dr. Allen Frances, a professor emeritus and former chair of the department of psychiatry at Duke University. While we should all allow ourselves time to connect with these feelings and heal, we should not let them overcome us. Happiness may be elusive these days, but it’s still attainable. And the pursuit of happiness has become all the more important these days. Fortunately, there are numerous scientists and researchers helping us to navigate the road to happiness.

    Positive Psychology studies

    You’ve probably heard this term thrown a lot these days, and it’s actually not a new concept. Christopher Peterson, believed to be one of the founding fathers of positive psychology, sums it up best by describing it as a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of repairing the bad. Peterson was the author of two prodigious books that helped to further strengthen the approach: “A Primer In Positive Psychology” and “Character Virtues and Strengths,” which he co-wrote with Martin Seligman.

    Another pioneer in the science of happiness is Tal Ben-Shahar, who teaches a course on Positive Psychology at Harvard University, where it has become one of the most popular courses of all time.

    There’s also a peer-reviewed academic journal called the Journal of Happiness Studies which has been in circulation since the year 2000 and still receives high praise in scholarly circles.

    What’s great about being happy anyway?

    Why the obsession with happiness? Well, there are several reasons, and probably on top of the list during these times is the benefits of happiness to one’s health. A Carnegie Mellon University study found that people who are happy are less likely to catch common illnesses like colds, while those who are unhappy are likely to complain about having sickness symptoms. In addition, happy people tend to live longer.

    What can we do?

    Happiness does not happen overnight, but it is something we all can work on. According to an article in the Atlantic, there are tools to being happy and fulfilled and all we need to do is to utilize these. To sum it up, we have to realize that we are in control of our own happiness and of building a life. It’s all a matter of finding meaning and purpose and knowing your needs from your wants and how you define satisfaction.

    Happiness is an achievable thing, but perhaps there was truth to Nathaniel Hawthorne when he wrote that “Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

    SOURCES:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/04/how-increase-happiness-according-research/609619/

    https://www.happify.com/hd/whats-so-great-about-happiness/

    http://www.openculture.com/positive-psychology-a-free-course-from-harvard-university

    P is for Christopher Peterson: His Work On Positive Psychology

    https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/

    https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/lifestyles/health/more-than-200-days-in-covid-19-is-taking-a-psychological-tol

  • Still at a Lost about COVID-19? These Resources Have You Covered

    Still at a Lost about COVID-19? These Resources Have You Covered

    With cases of COVID-19 infections on the rise again both in Canada and worldwide, the more there is a need for reliable and credible sources about the pandemic. This is a time when we should double our efforts to curb the spread of misinformation, and a good start is obtaining our information only from trustworthy resources. At the same time, we must keep our eyes and ears peeled for any updates about the virus, especially about vaccination news. Arming ourselves with accurate information is our defense to fighting this virus that has massively changed our way of life. Below is a list of resources to keep you well-informed:

    CBC

    Before looking anywhere else, it’s best to look in your backyard first, as they commonly say, and the most ideal way to do that is to log into Canada’s CBC News website. This site provides the latest statistics per province and territory within Canada and gives an overall look at what’s happening elsewhere around the world.

    Public Health Agency of Canada

    Another great example of looking into our own backyard is the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website. Here, you can find access to different services, support, and information about the virus and updates about the disease. This site also provides the COVID alert app which will notify you if you had been within the proximity of a confirmed positive COVID case. If you’re wondering if you have been exposed to the virus, you can take a self-assessment using the site and it will give you a good idea of the next steps to take.

    John Hopkins University & Medicine

    Now if you want to know more about the spread of the disease on a global scale, there’s no better resource that the John Hopkins University & Medicine website. This gives you a real-time dashboard indicating the latest numbers for COVID-19 cases, deaths, recoveries, and more, and they are arranged by country and/or state and province. It looks at the big picture, so to speak, which might be terrifying to see.

    End Coronavirus

    This website is an international volunteer coalition consisting of over 4,000 scientists, community organizers, business owners, and caring citizens alike who are determined to develop effective, community-based solutions to put an end to the pandemic. The site shows graphic representations of countries who are successfully conquering the virus and those who need to work on it more. As of October 18, Canada is listed under one of the countries that need to take action, and that’s accurate.

    Some Good News

    It might not be a resource about the disease, but this website was created to spread positivity during these dire times of COVID. In this bleak period, we all need a break from COVID-related news, and this is one of the best ways to do that. Reading about these positive stories around the world will remind us that there’s still good in the world, and we have to remain hopeful that we will conquer this disease. The site was initially a YouTube channel founded by Modern Renaissance Man John Krasinski and has since moved on as a Facebook page (the YouTube channel is on a hiatus at the moment). The page is full of heartwarming stories, so keep a Kleenex handy.

    Now that you know these must-visit sites during these dark COVID times, we wish you happy browsing!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.cbc.ca/

    https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html

    https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

    https://www.endcoronavirus.org

  • Scouting Out the STEAM World

    Scouting Out the STEAM World

    By Maryam Sheikh

    As our society progresses and advances into a more STEM-focused world, new jobs and career opportunities are popping up for the future generation to pursue. STEM emphasizes the roles of science, technology, engineering, and math, and how all these areas relate to each other and work to enhance the lives of people around the globe. More recently, the STEM acronym has been updated to STEAM in order to include the arts. This has come with the acknowledgement that integrating the arts into STEM is crucial to allow for ideas to be communicated clearly and effectively. Including the arts also makes room for creativity and innovation within these fields which is important for coming up with sustainable, unique solutions to some of our greatest problems.

    There is a plethora of job opportunities within the STEAM field- a few of which I will highlight below. These careers appealed to me and I wanted to share them with any students who might be considering STEAM-related education after high school.

    1. Medical Illustrator

    Medical illustrators combine the fields of science and art! They are primarily responsible for effectively communicating complex medical and scientific concepts in textbooks, learning tools, health apps, journals, museums, television and media, and through other mediums. Medical illustrators are educated in science- specifically in concepts such as biology, anatomy, pathology, and/or other specialized fields through graduate programs. In training, they also take classes in web design, animation, and 3D modelling, etc. After completing their educational requirements, they can work at universities, hospitals and other healthcare centers, in research, and even at private companies. People who pursue this profession are usually adept at both science and art. They are also detail-oriented and creative.

    1. Careers in Artificial Intelligence

    As we begin to learn more about AI, machine learning, and technology, there is an increasing number of opportunities within the AI field. Ranging from surgical technicians who use robotic tools in medicine to software engineers, analysts, and developers, there is an endless amount of possibilities for people who have a passion for mathematics, engineering, robotics, and computer science. Individuals who pursue such jobs are required to have strong communication skills, up to date technical skills, the ability to adapt, good teamwork skills, and the ability to think logically and clearly.

    1. Cybersecurity

    With large amounts of sensitive data being stored online, the need for security and cybersecurity is imminent. Therefore, many opportunities are arising in cybersecurity. Such professionals hold the role of safeguarding data, setting up firewalls, managing security plans, and monitoring online activities. Specific jobs in this industry include cybersecurity engineering, systems engineering, software development, consulting, and more. People in these professions must have experience in project management and knowledge of information systems.

    These are just a few examples of the opportunities available in the STEAM field. However, it is also becoming popular for students to tailor their education to their personal interests and build diverse skill sets so that they can “create their own careers”. By identifying problems and untapped markets, the next generation can have a tremendous impact with their creativity. Go forth and explore!

    Sources:

    https://ami.org/medical-illustration/enter-the-profession/careers

    https://www.computersciencedegreehub.com/faq/skills-job-artificial-intelligence/

    https://www.isacybersecurity.com/interested-in-a-career-in-cybersecurity/

  • Spend Time, Save Money: Benefits to Taking a Year Off Before College

    Spend Time, Save Money: Benefits to Taking a Year Off Before College

    It’s common for students to be encouraged to attend their post-secondary education immediately after graduating high school.  However, there are good reasons for waiting a year before going to college or university — called a gap year —  which can mean your post-secondary experience will be more enjoyable when you do go.

    Save Money and Research Scholarships

    One of the most important considerations is money.  While there are lots of financial aid options available for students to attend trade school, college, or university, post-secondary education can still be expensive and not every student will have enough money to afford to go immediately after high school.  Even if you have enough to cover tuition, whether from family, loans, or other sources, you will still need to pay for living expenses and have personal spending money.

    Taking a gap year can give you the opportunity to get a full-time job and work to save money to prepare for your eventual education.  This can mean being able to either not work at all during the school year, or working fewer hours, giving you more time to focus on your studies.

    Another good use of your time during a gap year is to research and identify which scholarships you are eligible for, and plan your applications.  This way, you will be able to find the scholarships that are most suitable for you and your education goals, and make sure that you have all the necessary information for when it comes time to fill out the applications.

    If you decide you want to take a gap year after already applying, or being accepted, to your schools of choice, make sure to confirm that the schools will accommodate students taking a year off.  This is called deferring your acceptance.  It’s also important to make sure that any awards, grants, or scholarships you may already have been awarded will also accommodate a deferment, so that you won’t lose out on any money.

    Decide On Your Program

    Another way in which a gap year can be beneficial is that it gives you time to figure out exactly what you want out of your post-secondary education, including whether you want to attend a college or university program, and what you want to study.  Not every student finished high school one-hundred-percent certain about what they want to study, or what they want their future career to be.

    While it’s not obviously a money-saver, taking the time to be sure of your direction means it is less likely that you will start a program that doesn’t fit and end up changing your program after a few semesters — which would cost more money if it results in additional semesters or years of schooling.

    A gap year even gives you the opportunity to seek out jobs and volunteer work in fields you’re interested in, either to try them out to see if they are a good fit, or to gain some experience that will help you in your future studies and in choosing a career path.

    Conclusion

    There are lots of other reasons to take a gap year.  You may not feel ready to go off to college or university, you may want to travel, or you may have family obligations.  In the end, the important thing to remember is that taking a gap year isn’t just for fun; you should have a purpose for doing so, and a plan for what you will do about school when it comes to the end of the year.

    Sources

    https://www.valuecolleges.com/guides/gap-year/

    https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/waiting-just-a-few-years-to-go-to-college-can-save-you-tens-of-thousands-13163651

    https://money.com/5-smart-reasons-to-consider-a-gap-year-before-college/

  • How to Be Your Own Boss in Work & Life

    How to Be Your Own Boss in Work & Life

    We are often told what to do in life. Between the watchful eye and expectations of your parents, the demands and workload handed down from your teachers and professors, and favours asked by fellow students and friends, you are being pulled in many different directions. It is time to take control of your life. Being your own boss is an idea often related to the entrepreneurial world and self-employment. While that can play a huge role in taking on a greater sense of control, there are different ways to implement that strategy in all areas of your life.

    Studying in school is a great time to figure out what “be your own boss” means to you. For some people, this means self-employment. For others, it means having full control over their free time or having the freedom to pursue their interests or passions. Take advantage of your evenings and weekends outside of classes and schoolwork to consider what is important to you and what would make you feel like your own boss. Life can be full of distractions, and we often can end up off-course from our dreams without realizing it. Stay focused on the goals that matter most to you. Make a list, keep a journal, and join groups that fit your interests and goals. If you are currently dissatisfied with where you are at in your studies or other areas in your life, take a stand. Be ready to make a change instead of waiting for changes to happen.

    What do you want to do with your life? This is a daunting question, but one that requires much thought in order to take control. Start making a habit of exploring and trying new things. Even if you are in school and working, you can still attend events for networking, how to start a company, and more. Consider what you already know and what you want to learn, and explore businesses and activities that connect to your dreams and passions. At the same time, stay on top of your budget and finances. Being an entrepreneur means your personal and business lives are interwoven. By ensuring you live within your means and can finance the endeavours that matter, you can confidently be your own boss and not depend on others.

    Do not stay comfortable. So many people play it safe and in doing so end up lacking control over their lives. Step out of that comfort zone and be ready to challenge yourself. This can be as small a step as researching how to go about a business idea or passion, or as big as moving to a new city. Build a presence for yourself online through social media or your own website; be confident in presenting yourself in a way that can build your business and life. Have the courage to tell people “no” when you do not want to take on something that does not align with your goals, and be brave enough to leave behind parts of your life that hinder your progress, such as bad habits or a job that makes you unhappy. Being your own boss means taking steps that so many others are too reluctant or afraid to take.

    Always work on bettering yourself each and every day. Being your own boss is so much more than starting a business or living as an entrepreneur. It is about taking charge of your own time, making decisions that will improve your life, and striving towards your full potential. By figuring out what it is you want and how to go about it reasonably, you can live the life you want instead of a life handed to you. This requires bravery and resiliency to handle successes and failures along the way. Be brave. Be bold. Be your own boss.

    Sources:

    Financially Mint. “How to (Really) Be Your Own Boss.” https://financiallymint.com/how-to-really-be-your-own-boss/

    Medium. “How to Be Your Own Boss in Life.” https://medium.com/@youbethree/how-to-be-your-own-boss-in-life-de1e7bc7028f

    Monosoff, Tamara. “8 Tips to Get Your Business Going, Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start.” Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/207488

  • Famous Scholarship Recipients to Inspire You

    Famous Scholarship Recipients to Inspire You

    The COVID-19 outbreak certainly affected everyone, and one sector who is bearing the brunt of the pandemic are students in college or universities paying off their student loans. These students, who normally earn well during their summer breaks, lost job opportunities due to the disease. According to Statistics Canada, employment for Canadians aged 15 to 24 was 15.3 percent below before the pandemic hit. For this reason, a number of them are struggling to pay off student loans especially now that the six-month payment freeze is over.

    A scholarship can truly be a life-saver during these times for those who are entering college or university. It’s truly a breath of fresh air to be relieved of some of the financial burden. While getting financial help is not the be-all and end-all for success after post-secondary studies, it leads to positive things—just ask these famous recipients of scholarships.

    William H. “Bill” Gates

    If you don’t know who Bill Gates is, then you’ve been living under a rock. But before Gates became the business magnate that we all know today and as the co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation, the largest personal computer-software company in the world, he was a recipient of a National Merit Scholarship back in 1973, which he received because of an outstanding PSAT score. Now one of the richest people in the world, Gates knows how to pay it forward. In 2017, he launched The Gates Scholarship or TGS, with his wife Melinda. TGS provides scholarships to 300 students from low-income backgrounds so they can realize their full potential.

    Jeff Bezos

    It’s not a coincidence that another business magnate, Jeff Bezos, was also a recipient of a National Merit Scholarship, like Gates. It shows that these individuals truly know how to use the benefits of scholarship funds to the fullest. The Amazon CEO received the scholarship back in 1982 and by 1994, he went on to be the founder of what is now the world’s largest online shopping platform. As of this year, Amazon accounts for a massive 40 percent of Americans’ online shopping spending, leaving all the other online retail companies in the dust. Like Gates, Bezos is determined to pay it forward, through the launch of Bezos Day One fund, which benefits non-profit schools and charities dedicated to homelessness causes in the United States.

    Manoj “M. Night” Shyamalan

    1. Night Shyamalan, as he is more commonly known, may not be multi-billionaires like Gates and Bezos, but he is certainly no chopped liver in this list. Shyamalan impressed and scared the wits out of movie audiences worldwide with the 1999 blockbuster “The Sixth Sense.” Shyamalan then became well-known for the most mind-bending plot twists in films and continues to deliver. These days, Shyamalan hit the small screens with his series “Servant” made in true Shyamalan form.

    Stephanie Meyer

    Fans of the “Twilight” film saga know Stephanie Meyer as one of the most popular young adult authors, even handpicking Robert Pattinson to play the lead character of the series, Edward Cullen. But not everyone knows that Meyer has always been studious and hardworking. When Meyer graduated from her high school in 1992, she accomplished high grades that she earned the National Merit Scholarship. Using her award, she attended Brigham University and majored in English University, graduating in 1997 with a BA in English. This year, Stephanie released “Midnight Sun,” the much-anticipated follow-up to the “Twilight” series written from the perspective of Edward. The book went on to sell a million copies during the first week of its release.

    Oprah Winfrey

    We’ve saved the best for last on this list. The acclaimed TV personality, actress, author and entrepreneur received a full scholarship to Tennessee State University Oprah Winfrey got a full scholarship to Tennessee State University after her win at an oratory contest and the Miss Black Tennessee pageant. Following her stint at the university in 1976, Oprah went on to become a reporter and coanchor for the ABC news affiliate in Baltimore, Maryland and a cohost of the Baltimore morning show “People Are Talking.” This paved the way for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1985 and the rest, as they say, is history.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oprah-Winfrey

    https://reubensinghmanchester.com/5-notable-recipients-scholarships/

    https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bill-Gates

    https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/about-gates

    https://www.newsweek.com/why-amazon-jeff-bezos-dont-deserve-all-that-hate-opinion-1538358

    https://www.bezosdayonefund.org/

  • Endangered Jobs: A Look at the Jobs on the Brink of Extinction

    Endangered Jobs: A Look at the Jobs on the Brink of Extinction

    Technological advancements continue to amaze us. Just this week, Google announced that it has developed a “hum the song” search feature for those music lovers who end up easily forgetting song titles. While this isn’t life-changing (unless you are a “Name That Tune” contest fanatic), it shows how technology is continuously evolving to become a part of our daily lives even more.

    With this in mind, it won’t be long when we will bow to technological creations that have also become ingrained in how we do our jobs. Let’s take a quick look at those jobs which we’ll see fade away due to technological advancements.

    Cashiers

    If you’re the one doing the groceries for your household and you go to supermarket chains, you’ve probably noticed that there have been more and more self-checkout kiosks over the last few months. These self-checkout kiosks have been designed to be extremely user-friendly and even allows you to pay not just with your credit card or debit card, but cash as well. This means that in a few years’ time, we might not see a live cashier at all in these supermarket chains. However, people and employees are still needed to help operate these self-serve stations, so there is still some time before the complete wipe-out of a cashier/customer service person.

    Travel agents

    While the travel industry has taken a huge hit due to the pandemic, the need for travel agencies was already diminishing long before COVID struck. And it’s easy to see why. Because most people rely on their mobile devices now for everything, they are their OWN travel agents for their trips, be it an out of town or out of the country. They can book their own plane tickets since most airlines allow tickets to be booked online and they can schedule their own hotel stay since most hotels allow online reservations.

    Bank tellers

    There have been a number of branches shutting down way before COVID hit, and the reason is obvious: most people do online banking these days where they save time and effort compared to when they go to the physical location of their respective banks, where they often face the likelihood of standing in line for a good fifteen to thirty minutes. With all big banks now offering mobile banking, all that it takes now is a few clicks to pay a bill or transfer money. Some banks even offer an online cheque deposit via a scanning feature.

    Cab dispatchers

    In these days where convenience and safety are priorities, people go for easy ways to commute while avoiding public transit like subways and buses. It used to be a matter of hailing cabs before, but now it’s all a matter of a few clicks and voila, your ride is instantly in front of you. The Uber and Lyft apps even allows you real-time tracking of your ride, so you can decide whether to make a coffee run or not while waiting.

    Telemarketers

    There will be a time when we’ll look at each other and ask ourselves, “What are telemarketers again?” But yes, during that time when landline phones were a must in every household, you likely got a call during dinnertime from a telemarketer telling you how to save on your heating and cooling expenses. The success rate of landing sales through telemarketing have always left a lot to be desired, but even more so these days of digital marketing. In due time, we would not have to ask to be put on the Do Not Call list anymore.

    These are merely a few of the jobs that will likely disappear in a few years’ time, but the list continues to grow. As long as technological advancements are here to stay, these jobs will be on the brink of being obsolete. They might always be around, but the job postings will be few and far in between.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.gsmarena.com/google_search_brings_hum_to_search_feature_helps_you_find_songs_you_cant_quite_name-news-45824.php

    https://www.careeraddict.com/disappearing-jobs

  • Different Houseplants for Your Home

    Different Houseplants for Your Home

    Sitting in a park often feels so much nicer than sitting at home. There are different reasons for this, but there is one easy way to bring a bit of the park home with you… Plants! Houseplants can make a huge difference in any room. By finding different ones to place in different rooms, as well as how to properly take care of them, you will discover many great benefits. Below are some popular choices for plants that can brighten up your home.

    Start by looking into houseplants that are easy to take care of. The golden pothos is extremely common as it does not take much work to keep them alive. In return, it helps to purify the air in your home. Bamboo is another easy option as it can grow in most light conditions and only needs some distilled water and pebbles. You can make bamboo a table centrepiece or place it on a plant stand, making it ideal for the dining room. Boston ferns are great plants not only because they are simple to care for, but also for their talent when it comes to cleaning the air – in fact, that they made NASA’s list of air-purifying plants. They are a good choice for removing plastics and cigarette smoke from what we breathe. With a little bit of maintenance, plants can bring many benefits.

    The Monstera deliciosa plant, for example, needs to be watered at least weekly or every other week. Be sure to let the soil dry out in between. They also need to be kept away from direct sunlight from a window, and grow better with medium indirect light. Peace lilies also need indirect light and should not be placed by a sunny window. Azaleas are beautiful flowers that need humidity and moist soil to stay alive, so it is good to mist them with water on a regular basis. All of these plants help remove harmful pollutants in the air for a fresher home.

    Houseplants can do more than just clean the air you breathe. Discover different herbs you can place in your kitchen to be used when cooking. Many herbs can be grown and kept all year long. Rosemary is a great choice for a kitchen with sunny windows. Aloe vera not only removes compounds from cleaning agents and paint that stay in the air, but the juices from its leaves also help with treating sunburn. It even can be used in food and drinks. The gerbera daisy is a great plant for the bedroom, as it produces oxygen at night and was found by the Lung Institute to help those who suffer from sleep apnea.

    If you are looking to bring some of the outdoors indoors, start by investigating different houseplants for your home. The ones listed above are just a few of the many there are to choose from. Think about what sizes and colours will go well in different rooms, and what benefits you want to get out of them. Also, be ready to put in the work to care for them, including making sure they get enough water, the proper sunlight, and are kept away from any pets. You and your family will be breathing better air, have plants to help with cooking and other uses, and have an even lovelier place to call home.

    Sources:

    Doherty, Michael. “10 Indoor Plants That Improve Overall Health and Wellness.” One Green Planet. https://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/10-plants-that-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home/

    Geller, Lindsay. “The 11 Best Indoor Plants to Purify The Air In Your Home.” Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/g26610281/best-indoor-plants/

    Noonan, Jennifer. “The Best Plants for Every Room of the House.” Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-best-plants-for-every-room-of-the-house-49559

  • Career Profile: Pest Control Worker

    Career Profile: Pest Control Worker

    No one likes to have cockroaches or other pests at home or in their workplace. Getting rid of them can be difficult, but experts can help. The job of pest control worker can be difficult at times, but it is important for keeping buildings clean. If you can work with chemicals and can deal with insects and other animals, you might want to consider this useful trade.

    Buildings can have pests in them for many reasons. Sometimes mice get in through holes in the walls or the floor. Garbage and dirt can attract insects. Both can bring disease, eat people’s food, or just make life unpleasant for everyone. When people find these animals, they frequently call pest control workers to help.

    Becoming a pest control worker involves both education and experience. The basic requirements are a high school education and courses to learn about the chemicals and the basics of how to apply them. These chemicals can be dangerous, and the proper training is essential for anyone in this field. In some parts of Canada, certification is also necessary.

    Pest control work involves going to many different places in response to calls. These people might work in small companies or have their own businesses. Pest control workers might need to answer phones and make appointments, depending on the size of the business. When they go to people’s homes and businesses to deal with pests, they need to be able to explain clearly what they are doing and what the customers need to do. In some cases, pest control workers also need to know accounting to deal with bills and payments.

    The job of a pest control worker is not physically difficult, but the chemicals can be dangerous. Workers in this field should be careful not to breathe in the chemicals or burn their skin. Sometimes, workers have to crawl into narrow spaces to apply the chemicals or set traps for mice. Strong muscles are usually not a requirement, but endurance is important for being able to work long days.

    Generally, pest control is a full-time job, although some part-time jobs might also be available. As people age, they might want to move from doing the daily pest control to work in managing the arrangements. Depending on their experience and other factors, pest control workers earn between $31,000 and $60,000 per year. Jobs are available anywhere, but cities have more possibilities for work than smaller places do.

    Knowledge is extremely important in a field like pest control. Keeping up with reading and learning about the latest developments can help people to find the best methods. Special circumstances might mean that pest control workers need to find different ways of doing their job. For example, breathing in the chemicals can be dangerous. If customers have allergies or other breathing problems like asthma, the pest control workers might need to find creative ways to change what they do.

    Working in pest control is a very important job. If you choose this field, you will never be out of work, and you will be able to help many people to live more comfortable lives.

    Bibliography:

    Canada.ca. “Pesticide Education, Training and Certification.” https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/federal-provincial-territorial/education-training-certification.html.

    Job Bank. “Animal Control Trapper Near Toronto (ON).” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/15169/22437.

    Payscale.com. “Average Pest Control Technician Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Pest_Control_Technician/Salary

    Work BC. “Pest Controllers and Fumigators.” https://www.workbc.ca/careers/7444.

  • Adjusting to a New Form of Education

    Adjusting to a New Form of Education

    For students all over the world, the 2020-2021 school year looks stupendously different when compared to previous years as we have been engaged in distance learning since March due to the incessant covid-19 pandemic. Last school term, we powered all the way through to June with our classes fully online. It looked slightly different from how online school looks now. Last time, we all made the transition from physical school to online with our own schools, our own teachers, and our own friends. It still held a strong sense of familiarity. This year, however, we are going into a situation where physical and online schools are two separate institutions. The online schools are even complete with their own guidance counsellors and principals! Personally, at one point I was heavily concerned that I would not be a part of my school anymore. I was also worried that I wouldn’t be able to graduate with my school. This pandemic has been generally scary for everyone, however, I feel that for students an extra layer of stress is added because of everything happening in the education system and how it looks moving forward is very uncertain.

    The school year started out in a confusing way for me. The day they started I had not been told that I was even registered into my classes, nor did I have a schedule to work with. In fact, I still do not have my schedule. I only found out that I had been given my 2 classes when my brother told me that he got his. I was very stressed because I was afraid that I missed something, but luckily, I hadn’t. I started to feel a little better when I saw that some people I had known from elementary school and that I had a friend in one of my classes. It felt nice to know a few people on the first few days.

    The first two weeks of online school felt quite overwhelming. I wanted to make sure that I made a good impression with my teachers so that they would somehow know how hard I was trying.  It was also difficult adjusting to the zoom calls as my teachers last term did not do them, I had a lot to learn! At one point, I was a complete nervous wreck; every time I got a notification from my school app I felt the nerves erupt within my stomach. The uncertainty of everything was making me terribly anxious. My home has always been such a relaxing environment for me, when I do work here it feels relaxing at first. But I naturally feel the need to stress in some way when it comes to school because I have always related school to feelings of anxiety and stress. As a result, I was being harder on myself when it came to marks. I felt that I had to work harder to prove myself to them as a good student to my teachers and I feared that nothing I submitted was good enough.

    However, as I find the third week of this quadmester ending, I have been doing a lot of thinking. I have come to realize that the one person I should be trying to prove anything to is myself. With online school, I overthink and analyze every little thing, hence the reason I become so anxious about everything. I have since realized that I need to have a lot more faith in my ability to do work and more confidence in myself in general. This week, I was trying to practice more mindfulness and relaxation techniques for when doing my work. I grabbed a few things from my room and brought them down to my spot at the kitchen table to make it more relaxing (I can’t work in my bedroom because I get far too distracted!) and I have been taking frequent breaks. I am still working on the part of not being too hard on myself, but that’s probably the most difficult part.

    To anyone who is also doing online school, my message is this: do not worry too much about every little thing. Yes, you should worry from time to time (it’s only natural) but if you worry too much, you’re practically suffering twice. Hang in there, we’re all in this together.