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  • L’importance d’une AGH dans votre école

    Vous avez sans doute entendu le terme AGH et il y a sans doute un groupe AGH dans votre école élémentaire ou secondaire. Mais, qu’est-ce qu’un AGH et pourquoi est-ce si important et pertinent ? Le terme AGH veut dire alliance gay-hétéro et est utilisé pour désigner un club qui soutient les membres de la communauté LGBTQ+. Bien qu’il existe depuis longtemps, vous avez peut-être vu un groupe AGH se former dans votre quartier plus récemment. Si vous ne vous identifiez pas comme membre de la communauté LGBTQ+, vous vous demandez ce que fait l’AGH et quelle est son importance, surtout de nos jours.

    L’AGH travaille à combler le manque de compréhension entre les personnes hétérosexuelles et homosexuelles. Bien que nous soyons tous humains, les membres de la communauté homosexuelle affrontent des problèmes auxquels ne penserait pas même pas quelqu’un qui est hétérosexuel. C’est important de se souvenir que le mariage homosexuel n’est légal au Canada que depuis 2005, il y a juste 15 ans. Pendant ce temps, dans d’autres pays comme l’Inde ou certains pays africains, c’est toujours un crime d’être dans une relation de même sexe (c’est parfois passible de la peine de mort) ! Même dans des pays développés comme les É.-U, certains états n’interdisent pas complètement le mariage homosexuel, mais n’ont pas de lois pour éviter la discrimination envers les homosexuels, due à leur orientation sexuelle. L’AGH aide à sensibiliser le public envers les problèmes qu’affrontent les membres de la communauté LGBTQ+ régulièrement.

    Une autre raison de l’importance d’un AGH dans les écoles est le fait qu’il offre un sentiment de sécurité et d’appartenance à ses membres. Bien que les choses aient beaucoup changé, la communauté LGBTQ+ est toujours marginalisée de bien des manières. Que ce soit par manque de représentativité dans les médias ou l’absence de droits essentiels, il y a beaucoup d’aspects de la culture que les personnes hétérosexuelles considèrent comme allant de soi. Il est aussi important de noter que ce n’est pas tout le monde qui a des parents solidaires de la communauté LGBTQ+. Certains parents, sans être ouvertement homophobes, n’accepteraient pas de voir leur enfant se déclarer homosexuel ou non cisgenre. De ce fait, il y a beaucoup de jeunes homosexuels qui ne peuvent pas s’ouvrir à leurs parents et cherchent plutôt du soutien avec leurs pairs dans un AGH. Les clubs alliance gay-hétéro dans les écoles et la communauté offrent un endroit sécuritaire indispensable aux jeunes LGBTQ+.

    Enfin, les AGH font beaucoup de bien pour la communauté LGBTQ+ localement et plus largement. Par exemple, chaque année, l’AGH de mon école organise, pendant une semaine d’esprit AGH, beaucoup de réjouissances qui propagent la sensibilisation localement et recueillent des fonds pour les plus grands organismes LGBTQ+. Tous les jours, il y a un évènement spécial pour diffuser la sensibilisation dans la communauté scolaire, ainsi que des occasions de financement pour les organismes caritatifs qui travaillent pour aider les jeunes homosexuels marginalisés. De cette façon, l’AGH fait beaucoup de bien, non seulement pour les membres de la communauté LGBTQ+ de l’école, mais aussi plus largement.

    Bien que nous ayons beaucoup avancé depuis 60 ans, il y a encore beaucoup de problèmes que combattent les membres LGBTQ+ et que les personnes hétérosexuelles ne peuvent même pas imaginer. C’est pour cette raison qu’il est essentiel d’avoir un club comme L’AGH qui permet le dialogue entre les deux communautés pour fournir des perspectives justes et sécuritaires aux communautés marginalisées comme les membres LGBTQ+.

  • Faire entrer l’extérieur à l’intérieur : guide pour le jardin d’intérieur

    Jardiner est un bon moyen pour soulager le stress et vous donne vraiment la possibilité de prendre soin de quelque chose qui va grandir de la graine à la fleur. Cependant, de plus en plus de gens vivent dans des appartements et des condominiums et cela devient impossible de cultiver un champ de fleurs dans le jardin arrière. De ce fait, beaucoup développent un jardin d’intérieur pour obtenir leur dose quotidienne de verdure. Si vous êtes attiré par la création d’un paradis de plantes chez vous, lisez ce qui suit pour en apprendre plus !

    Les choses qu’il faut envisager

    Bien qu’il soit assez simple de cultiver votre jardin chez vous, il y a quelques critères essentiels qui sont indispensables pour réussir vos projets floraux ! Pour commencer, assurez-vous d’acheter des pots suffisamment larges pour vos plantes. Vous devriez faire des recherches méticuleuses pour vous assurer de leur donner suffisamment de place pour grandir et s’épanouir. Une autre recherche est le type de terre à utiliser. Vous ne devriez pas juste mettre un peu de terre de l’extérieur dans vos pots de fleurs. Certains jardins ont besoin d’une sorte de terre appelée terreau, d’autres ont besoin de sable et de limon, tout cela dépend des plantes que vous voulez faire pousser.

    Une autre chose dont il faut se souvenir pour le jardin d’intérieur est d’être débrouillard et trouver des façons de régler les problèmes que vous pourriez rencontrer. Également, comme les plantes poussent dehors à l’origine, il y a d’autres critères dont il faut tenir compte. Par exemple, si vous ne pouvez pas donner à vos plantes la lumière du soleil direct, vous pourriez les placer près d’une fenêtre faisant face au sud. Comme elles ne reçoivent pas de pluie, vous devrez vous souvenir de les arroser régulièrement. Si elles sont habituées à des températures plus douces, vous devriez les placer dans l’endroit le plus chaud de votre maison. De cette façon, vous assurerez à vos plantes le meilleur soin d’intérieur !

    Faites-les pousser vous-même

    Pour vous permettre de commencer votre jardin, voici quelques bonnes fleurs, herbes, légumes et autres plantes infaillibles !

    Les fleurs sont un bon moyen pour égayer n’importe quelle pièce et obtenir de la verdure indispensable dans votre vie ! Ces éclats de couleur peuvent grandir dans des pots chez vous et sont habituellement vendus partiellement ou entièrement développés, donc vous n’avez pas besoin de les planter vous-mêmes ! facile comme bonjour !

    • Les bégonias
    • Les violettes africaines
    • Les géraniums
    • Les primevères
    • Les marguerites jaunes
    • Les orchidées

    Faire pousser des herbes aromatiques est idéal si vous êtes un chef dans la cuisine et devez impérativement n’utiliser que les herbes les plus fraiches pour vos plats ! Ces herbes poussent assez rapidement et vous pouvez les sécher pour une utilisation ultérieure. !

    • Le basilic
    • La menthe
    • Le thym
    • Le romarin
    • La coriandre

    Si vous êtes patient et prêt au défi, vous pourriez envisager de faire pousser quelques légumes simples à l’intérieur ! Vous devrez faire beaucoup de recherches et être attentif, mais vous trouverez le résultat très bon !

    • La laitue
    • Le chou frisé
    • La roquette
    • Les tomates cerises ou raisins
    • Les jeunes pousses

    Les plantes grasses, les cactus et les plantes d’intérieur sont des valeurs sûres pour le jardinage d’intérieur. En général, elles poussent facilement, s’entretiennent aisément et rempliront n’importe quel endroit dans votre logement !

    • La plante-araignée
    • La langue de belle-mère
    • La pilea
    • Le cactus opuntia
    • Le bambou à pousse lente
    • La fleur de lune

  • Trouver l’équilibre entre un travail et les études

    De nos jours, on demande aux jeunes de mettre tous leurs efforts sur les études. Bien que cela puisse paraître une bonne idée, beaucoup de carrières demandent au moins un baccalauréat et certaines exigent une formation de deuxième cycle qui les rendent difficiles d’accès pour le Canadien moyen. Même si vous avez la chance d’avoir des parents qui ont économisé pour une partie de vos études, vous devrez vraisemblablement prendre un travail à temps partiel pour acheter les manuels scolaires, les repas, le logement et d’autres dépenses.

    Il y a de nombreuses raisons de vouloir travailler, mais la plus importante est financière. Soyons clairs, la plupart des programmes d’éducation postsecondaire sont très chers. Bien que beaucoup d’établissements offrent des bourses et des bourses d’études, elles ne sont pas suffisantes pour tout couvrir et ne sont offertes qu’à quelques étudiants. Donc, vous devez trouver d’autres moyens pour payer votre formation y compris obtenir un prêt. Le Régime d’aide financière aux étudiantes et étudiants de l’Ontario plus couramment appelé RAFEO, offre des prêts du gouvernement pour les étudiants qui ont besoin d’un soutien financier pour payer leurs études postsecondaires. Les prêts sont très différents des bourses puisque vous devez rembourser l’argent emprunté et les intérêts. Bien que cela semble être une bonne idée, les taux d’intérêt peuvent faire monter les prêts rapidement et vous vous retrouvez avec de grosses dettes avant même d’avoir entamé votre carrière ; c’est là que le travail se montre utile. Même si c’est seulement un emploi à temps partiel et ne paie qu’une partie de votre diplôme, un travail vous permet plus de sécurité et liberté financières dans le futur. C’est pour ça que c’est une bonne idée pour les étudiants de collèges et d’universités.

    Une autre raison est que vous pouvez inscrire ce travail sur votre CV ! Bien qu’il puisse être totalement différent de votre choix de carrière, il vous permettra d’acquérir des compétences réutilisables. Par exemple, un emploi dans un établissement de restauration rapide vous apprend à travailler dans une cuisine industrielle au rythme rapide. Travailler dans la vente au détail vous donne l’occasion de développer des compétences interpersonnelles qui sont utiles dans des professions qui demandent des interactions respectueuses comme l’enseignement, le conseil et le commerce. En plus, avoir l’un de ces emplois montre aux employeurs que vous avez des compétences magnifiques de gestion du temps et que vous êtes capable d’équilibrer le travail et les études.

    Enfin, travailler à temps partiel pendant vos études vous permet également de nouer des contacts avec de nouvelles personnes et étendre votre réseau de connaissances. Vos patrons, vos collègues de travail, les clients et les consommateurs peuvent avoir des connexions dans le domaine de votre choix de carrière, ce qui peut vous aider à trouver un emploi permanent plus rapidement. Le réseautage est toujours essentiel parce que vous ne savez pas si vous vous trouverez dans une situation où votre ancien collègue deviendra votre employé. Établir des liens est aussi essentiel puisque cela vous donne des références qui peuvent répondre de vos capacités. La plupart des employeurs recherchent des références détaillées, il est donc utile d’en avoir.

    En conclusion, bien que la plupart des gens le fassent pour l’argent, il existe des avantages de travailler à temps partiel tout en étudiant, y compris les contacts, les références et des compétences réutilisables.

  • The New Normal…

    The New Normal…

    So much has changed since we spoke last…

    March break is over and usually, you would be back at school, sitting at your desks, ready to learn. You are all still ready to learn, but maybe in your own room or at your kitchen table. The world was already a scary place, and it seems like it just got a whole lot scarier. The COVID-19 virus is a global outbreak that has affected almost every single person on earth, in one way or another. All of you will now be working and learning at home for the foreseeable future.

    JPD will still be providing you with articles and material until the regularly scheduled summer break- we are here for you. A lot has changed in the world, but all of you will still have great future job and career opportunities; just not at this very moment. It is even possible that new and never-heard -of before jobs will come as a result of this pandemic. We must all stick together and get through this hard time- if only through virtual means.

    April’s Highlighted Articles:

    Indoor Gardening Guide

    The Importance of a Gay/Straight Alliance at Your School

    Jobs/ Careers That Will Be Affected By Climate Change

    What Can You Do with An English Degree?

    Non-Traditional Careers Using Technology and Idea Generating in the 21st Century’s Unstable Work Environment

    Stay safe, stay home, be kind to yourself and others.

    Erin Kelly

    Content Editor

  • Why Education Matters

    Why Education Matters

    Throughout elementary and high school, you have probably heard students say, “What’s the point of learning this?” and “When am I going to use this information in my future job?” Maybe you have even been the person saying this. However, there is much more to your education than some parabolas and rhetorical devices you may not use when you’re older. Once you grow up and have a job you will quickly realize the importance of education. It’s just hard to imagine it right now as you are in the midst of it. I’ve heard countless adults say that they regret not going back to college or university to get a higher degree because they would have a better chance of earning more money in the long run.

    In order to get a full-time job, most require at least a high school diploma, especially jobs that have an average salary. Most students strive for their dream jobs. Whether that be a doctor, psychiatrist, teacher, lawyer; all of these require a high school diploma along with post-secondary education, and more requirements depending on the job you are hoping to achieve. Education is crucial to earning money; the more education you have, the better job you will get and therefore you will earn more money. The only downside is you need to have patience and stick with it. Did you know that approximately 1.2 million high school students drop out every year? A portion of those students will go on to get jobs and work their way up in order to have a full-time job and be successful. However, the majority of these students will suffer the consequences and may not be able to get a full-time job.

    Along with this, it’s important in order to have basic education and to be able to do everyday things like writing, calculating, taxes, etc. The more education we have, the more successful we will become, and without any education, how would we be able to everyday tasks at work without having this knowledge? We wouldn’t. Next time you’re shopping and calculating the tax on an item, or calculating how much of your paycheque to put into your savings account, or even giving instructions to a coworker; think about how difficult this would be if you hadn’t had any education at all. It’s important to follow through with your education. When you’re older and it’s time to get a full-time job, everyone wants a high-paying job with a good salary. Secondary and post-secondary education increases your chance at success in the work field immensely.

    Lastly, education is important for our society as a whole in order to become smarter, make advances in the medical and science fields and learn more about ourselves and our world. Think back to the 1800s where they had very minimal access to education if any. As a society, we have made such progress with education. There are hundreds of elementary and secondary schools and even a few post-secondary schools that allow access to free education. This is a basic human right that everyone deserves and should partake in so long as they have access to it. It makes an enormous difference in our society when we are all learning and growing together.

    It can be exhausting; all of the homework and schoolwork on top of our everyday lives. It can feel unnecessary and stressful. However, all of the hard work and effort we put in, is an investment in our future lives, our families, and ourselves. I can almost guarantee that when you’re older, you will be so glad that you pushed yourself to get through your education. You will see that getting a proper education is worth the outcome.

    References:

    1. https://www.borgenmagazine.com/top-10-benefits-of-education/

    https://positivewordsresearch.com/education-is-the-key-to-success-in-life/

  • The Vanishing Act – Jobs Likely to Disappear due to Climate Change

    The Vanishing Act – Jobs Likely to Disappear due to Climate Change

    With coronavirus cases skyrocketing around the world, there’s no doubt that this is the most pressing issue we are facing now. In Canada alone, there have been almost 900 recorded cases ( at the time I write this), with 12 deaths as of March 19, 2020. And while everyone is glued to their computer screens for the latest updates about the virus worldwide, another issue that needs our attention has been put aside—climate change.

    Experts say that we should be as panicked with climate change as we are with the pandemic that CO-VID 19 has brought us. As we watch the news and prepare ourselves for possible economic downturns worldwide, we should continue to be vigilant of the effects of climate change as well.

    Eventually, climate change will not only cause environmental disasters, it will also likely result in the disappearance of certain jobs that rely on environmental factors or are environmental-focused. Below we narrow down what these jobs could possibly be.

    Farmers

    With travel restrictions implemented worldwide due to CO-VID 19, farmlands may not have easy access to the temporary workers that they have been used to and this is already putting a huge dent to the industry. However, while there is a possible shortage of farm workers at present time, in 10 years’ time, that may not be the case as technology is taking over how farms operate more and more to curtail the effects of climate change. For instance, indoor farms are growing in popularity, as are laboratory-grown meats. It won’t be long until farms may be a thing of the past.

    Fishermen

    Technological factors contribute to fishermen becoming one of the less in demand jobs these days, including the growth of farm-raised fish. More importantly, the effects of climate change on marine life may make the job of fishermen obsolete. In addition, climate change has resulted in dwindling populations of coral reefs and mangroves, which are all necessary to sustain marine life.

    Lumberjacks

    With the print industry giving way to digital media, the demand for paper product decreases day by day. And because of the impact of climate change, a large number of corporations and governments starts to push towards a greener and more sustainable environment. This means that the days of lumberjacks are numbered. Even with building materials, research is in place to develop more eco-friendly alternatives.

    Agricultural Workers

    Agricultural workers are often seasonal workers who are hired in farms as crops ripen and are ready to be harvested. They also frequently move from one location to another. Because they work hand in hand with farmers or ranchers, the job opportunities for agricultural workers will eventually decrease due to active measures to develop more indoor farms as the threats of climate change progress.

    Construction Workers

    The demand for construction jobs is constant as the world clamour for residential and commercial spaces, as well as infrastructures. However, unlike with the above-mentioned examples where alternatives will likely to be more accessible, the construction industry will bear the brunt of climate change.

    The World Health Organization is predicting that heat stress is likely to occur between 2030 and 2050. Heat stress happens when the body absorbs more than the tolerable amount of heat, resulting in heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and exhaustion, increased mortality, and worsen existing health conditions. As such, the construction industry will possibly lose 30 per cent working hours, especially in Southeast Asia and West Africa.

    Climate change is a real issue, but its repercussions to the employment industry are not inevitable. We should act now and work together to prevent the worst things to come.

    SOURCES

    https://globalnews.ca/news/5449602/climate-change-un-jobs-heat/

    https://www.forbes.com/pictures/lmj45ighg/top-20-disappearing-jobs/#4555f2ed4bc5

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

    https://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/jobs-that-will-be-gone-in-10-years.html/

    https://undark.org/2020/03/05/economic-value-marine-life/

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid-19-canada-world-march19-1.5502505

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/climate/nyt-climate-newsletter-coronavirus.html

  • The Importance of Personal Hygiene

    The Importance of Personal Hygiene

    Maintaining good personal hygiene is very important for everyone. It can benefit you in several different ways. Poor personal hygiene can have lots of risks as well. If you want to learn more about personal hygiene, you’ve come to the right place!

    Why is it good to maintain good hygiene?

    1. Disease Prevention

    Maintaining good hygiene lowers your risk for diseases and illnesses that are spread through viruses and bacteria. Your hands can pick up bacteria very easily. Every time you cough, use the washroom, touch your pet, or touch different surfaces. Not washing your hands regularly can lead to the bacteria multiplying. This is especially important if you have wounds or skin irritations.

    1. Social and Professional Acceptance

    Coming into contact with those with bad breath and body odor can make you feel uncomfortable and it can put you at risk for disease and infection as well. Poor hygiene can negatively affect your social life and relationships.

    1. Higher Confidence and Self-Esteem

    Being clean and well-groomed can help you feel more confident. Poor hygiene can affect your mood, your interactions with others, and your self-esteem. Maintaining good personal hygiene can increase your confidence and self-esteem. This helps make you appear more positive to others. Good hygiene can indirectly increase your success in scenarios that require you to try your best.

    1. Pain Prevention

    Good hygiene can help you stay in good health. It can help you avoid experiencing pain from medical conditions which can be caused by diseases and infections. Taking poor care of your teeth can increase the risk of gum disease. Good hygiene helps keep you from developing medical conditions and can keep you feeling healthy and pain-free.

    What does a good personal hygiene routine look like

    1. Handwashing

    Our hands carry lots of germs. We touch different surfaces, shake hands and eat our meals with our hands. One simple way to keep yourself and those around you protected from getting sick is by often washing your hands with soap and water. If you do not have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer to kill the germs. Keep in mind, using hand sanitizer does not replace hand washing!

    You should wash your hands:

    • Before eating or cooking food
    • Before picking up or touching a baby
    • After using the washroom
    • After coughing or sneezing
    • After being in contact with someone who is sick
    • After being in contact with animals
    1. Dental Care

    Taking good care of your teeth and practicing good oral hygiene is very important. It helps prevent issues such as gum disease, bad breath, tooth decay, and more. It is recommended by dentists to brush your teeth 2-3 times daily. Also, after brushing your teeth, you should floss with dental floss. If you’d like, you can also use mouthwash right after. After brushing, don’t forget to keep your toothbrush in a clean and dry area. Your toothbrush should be replaced regularly.

    1. Bathing

    Taking a shower every day using warm water and soap is important. Bathing every day keeps you free from bacteria that causes odours and from developing skin infections. Washing your hair at least once a week with shampoo, following with conditioner keeps your scalp clean and prevents head lice.

    1. Hygienic Clothes

    Your clothing can also pick up germ and dirt from your surroundings. Your clothing should be washed after each use, especially if you’ve come in contact with a sick person, been sweating often or gotten your clothes visibly dirty.

    Risks of Poor Hygiene

    Poor hygiene increases the risk of infections. You can develop serious medical conditions if you do not maintain good hygiene. Maintaining good personal hygiene can help you remain healthy, and avoid possible risks.

    Maintaining good personal hygiene is not difficult. Once you have a daily personal hygiene routine, it will quickly become a habit.

    Resources:

    https://www.dettol.co.in/en/personal-hygiene/the-importance-of-personal-hygiene/

    http://www.hygieneexpert.co.uk/importancegoodpersonalhygiene.html

    https://wellnessgaps.com/importance-of-personal-hygiene/

    https://www.solvhealth.com/health-a-z/good-hygiene

  • Pen and Paper Ready – A Look into Writing Scholarships in Canada

    Pen and Paper Ready – A Look into Writing Scholarships in Canada

    Expressing your ideas clearly in a manner that captivates your audience sounds like it’s an easy task, but in reality, it’s a challenging one. This is why most people look up to writers because writing is a skill that can’t be easily acquired. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and what’s better is there are a considerable number of scholarships available to allow you to further improve your skill and master your craft. Let’s take a look into some of them below.

    Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship

    Writers in Alberta are eligible to apply for this $5,000 annual scholarship as long as they are able to demonstrate their remarkable skills in an eligible literary. The candidate also needs to have clear educational or training goals. Deadline for applications falls on March.

    The New Brunswick Arts Board Scholarship

    A $2,500 scholarship awaits a worthy recipient who will be able to prove their skills in novel writing, play writing, songwriting, and other forms of writing. The scholarship is open to full-time, part-time, or short-term students. Deadline for applications is on October 23, 2020.

    Arts Nova Scotia Creation Grant

    The idyllic province of Nova Scotia is a perfect environment to launch creative ideas, and the Arts Nova Scotia Creation Grant will be the cherry on top. This grant of up to $15,000 maximum is open to any individual who are passionate about creating in any art form, including writing. The grant can be used towards living expenses and project costs.

    Governor General’s Literary Award

    This award was launched in 1936 by members of the Canadian Authors Association to put a system of literary prizes in place. It recognizes book writers and their works in both English and French in seven categories including Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young Peple’s Literature – Text, Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books and Translation. The award is $25,000 per winner, with finalists also receiving $1,000 if chosen.

    Chalmers Arts Fellowships

    This fellowship is open to Ontario-based artists who want to further their artistic practice and have their mind set on long-term artistic development. The recipient must be practicing their art form for at least ten years. Minimum amount is $30,000 and maximum is $50,000 and can cover all eligible expenses.

    Manitoba Arts Council

    The Manitoba Arts Council provides a $2000 scholarship to qualified recipients with artistic pursuits in undergraduate studies and $3000 to those in graduate studies. The deadline for these scholarships is April 30.

    Quebec Arts Council

    The Quebec Arts Council provides a variety of grants with a maximum of #25,000 for Quebec-based artists in development or mid-career, including Arts and Literature.

    SOURCES

    https://www.be-a-better-writer.com/creative-writing-scholarships.html

  • Lessons from Pinocchio – Why You Should Value Truthfulness

    Lessons from Pinocchio – Why You Should Value Truthfulness

    We all know what happened to Pinocchio when he chose to tell lies instead of being honest. However, while we certainly won’t see our noses grow bigger when we lie, the effects can be just as devastating. For one, you hurt the person you’re telling a tall tale to. At the same time, you also hurt yourself when you throw honesty out of the window.

    Of course, we are not a perfect species. We can all admit to instances when we have withheld the truth. However, realizing what we’ve done and the consequences of our actions will make us remember and appreciate the value of honesty. Let’s delve deep into the negative effects of lying and how it impacts others and to yourself:

    Why People Lie

    There are situations when lying might not be as bad as you think. For example, if someone hands you a birthday gift that you don’t exactly like but you want to spare the giver’s feelings. Blurting out “I don’t like your gift” will make you sound ungrateful. In this case, you don’t necessarily have to lie but you can practice diplomacy so you don’t hurt the giver’s feelings. You can politely say, “I appreciate the gesture, but I am not sure the gift suits me.” Saying that may still sting, but at least you soften the blow and you can discuss options on what to do with the gift, whether to return it or give it to someone else.

    In other situations, lying is outright not advisable. This is especially true when you lie to influence others to make a decision that benefits you, avoid a negative outcome, or to impress others. For example, telling your parents about your plans with your study group when in truth you will be hanging out with your friends. Another lie is when you take credit for something you didn’t do so you look good in the eyes of the teacher.

    These lies may seem unimportant but they could have a huge impact if you look at the bigger picture. For example, your mom could have given up a work shift so she can watch your little brother since you’re not around because of the alleged study group. And your mom may have been up for a promotion where she is now in danger of not getting because she didn’t fulfill her work shift commitments when she was needed the most.

    The lie you told may even get more severe when you are tempted to tell another lie to cover your initial lie. Say you got a failing mark so you have to lie to your mom about not having enough time for the study group when there was no study group to begin with.

    How Lying Affects Relationships

    Say your mom found out the study group is non-existent and you’ve just been hanging out with your friends the whole time. The next time you ask to go somewhere, even when it’s honestly a study group, your mom will likely be reluctant to say yes. This is what happens when one lies; the trust in the relationship diminishes and one really has to make an effort to make the other person regain the trust.

    When you tell a lie, you also tend to build a wall between you and the person you told the lie to because you fear being found out. This results into feeling isolated and you miss out on opportunities to bond with the person.

    Just Don’t Do It!

    Fortunately, it’s possible to erase lying from your life but it does require effort and dedication. Next time you find yourself tempted to bend the truth, think about how the other person might feel. How would you feel if you were the one lied to in the same situation? Putting it in this perspective would definitely help you assess the situation better and you probably can say goodbye to truth-bending for good.

    Resorting to falsehood is something we’ve all done one way or another. The important thing to remember is to understand its impact to yourself and others.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=528

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201209/why-being-lied-hurts-us-so-much

    https://www.health.com/mind-body/why-do-people-lie

  • STEM Groups at School and Beyond!

    STEM Groups at School and Beyond!

    By Erin Rebello

    If you’re anything like me, you’re interested in just about everything STEM related! From books to movies to school subjects and more, I absolutely love STEM! You’ve probably heard of this catchy acronym before and may be wondering what all the hype is about. STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is an emerging stream of study that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. With the rise of interest in these fields there comes a generation of kids and teens just like me who want to pursue these subjects in the future. Some may say that it is imperative that we learn more about these subjects for our future evolution depends on it.

    Although it can be difficult to gain experience in fields like healthcare or engineering, there are a select few clubs and extracurriculars that allow students to get involved with STEM. By taking part in these experiential opportunities, students will be able to gage if the field is right for them. As an added bonus most universities and programs in STEM value this sort of extracurricular experience, and some even offer scholarships for individuals who have won awards in these extracurriculars.

    One excellent STEM extracurricular is FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), which is an annual international competition involving building, programming, and driving robotics. Every year, FRC teams are given a specific challenge that they must complete in an arena. These challenges are usually quite thematic, and have involved a steampunk race, video game competition, and a space mission. FRC is for high school students, but if you’re in elementary or middle school, you can join the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for a similar experience. These extracurricular activities are great for anyone interested in engineering, as it allows for students to get a head start at building, programming, and operating robots. FLL and FRC teams can either be formed within schools or communities, so if you’re interested, be sure to check around your area!

     Another great STEM opportunity is SHAD. SHAD is a one-month STEM immersion experience during the summer of grade 10/11. This program allows students to study and board at one of 19 university campuses that are partnered with SHAD, including McMaster University, Carleton University, University of British Columbia, etc. By exposing interested students to new ideas, a wealth of information, and like-minded peers, it’s no wonder the SHAD experience has been described as life-changing by many. Although SHAD can be expensive, there are a variety of bursaries offered based on achievement and financial need.

    If you’re into math, the University of Waterloo’s math contests may just be for you! Offering a number of math contests for just about every age range, it’s hard to get any better than this! Their “Gauss” contest is designed for grade 7 and 8 students, but they have even more contests for students in grades 9-12, including the “Cayley”, “Pascal”, and “Euclid” contests. If you prefer to work in a team and have a friend or classmate who’s just as interested in math as you are, you might also want to take part in the team competitions. Whatever the case, the University of Waterloo probably has a contest fit for you!