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Author: Erin Kelly

  • January 2020 Scholarships: Apply NOW!

    January 2020 Scholarships: Apply NOW!

    Alberta Blue Cross’s Indigenous Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $1,500

    Awards Available: 6

    Award Deadline: January 15, 2020

    Address: https://ab.bluecross.ca/aboutus/indigenous-scholarships.php

     

    DECA Student Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $3,000

    Awards Available: 80

    Award Deadline: January 17, 2020

    Address: https://www.deca.org/high-school-programs/scholarships/

     

    ABPA Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: January 31, 2020

    Address: https://abpa.site-ym.com/page/Scholarship

     

    Shred Nations Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $7,500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: January 31, 2020

    Address: https://www.shrednations.com/scholarship/

     

    Alumni Entrance Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $5,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: February 3, 2020

    Address: https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/alumni/scholarships-awards/alumni-scholarships.html

     

    Mayor Andrée Boucher Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: $4,500

    Provided by: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

    Deadline: January 10, 2020

    Donor: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

    Renewable: No

    Number Available: 2

    Type of Award: Scholarship

    Automatic Consideration: No

    Address: https://fcm.ca/en/about-fcm/awards/mayor-andree-p-boucher-memorial-scholarship

     

    Win $250 By Joining CMA NXT!

    Amount: $250

    Provided by: CMA

    Deadline: January 31, 2020

    Donor: CMA NXT

    Renewable: No

    Number Available: 1

    Type of Award: Contest

    Automatic Consideration: No

    Address: https://cmanxt.ca/pages/create-your-account?utm_source=SchoolFinder&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Outreach_2019&utm_content=Promo

     

    Canadian Women in Municipal Government Scholarship

    Amount: $1,000

    Provided by: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

    Deadline: January 10, 2020

    Donor: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

    Renewable: No

    Number Available: 5

    Type of Award: Scholarship

    Automatic Consideration: No

    Address: https://fcm.ca/en/about-fcm/awards/canadian-women-in-municipal-government-scholarship

     

    ExploraVision Awards

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 40

    Award Deadline: February 10, 2020

    Address: https://www.exploravision.org/rules-requirements

     

    Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $24,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: February 15, 2020

    Address: https://sfs.yorku.ca/scholarships/award-search?awardID=0750

  • The Era of Protest

    The Era of Protest

    By Erin Rebello

    Whether it’s been a twitter campaign against female sexual assault, a student walk-out for climate justice, a full-fledged teacher strike, a rally for disabled workers, 2019 sure seems to be the year of protests. You may have participated in a protest, or perhaps even several. To many, it seems like we have entered the era of protest. However, even though it may seem abrupt or out of the ordinary, protests have been going on for ages, but differently.

    Protests have evolved greatly throughout the decades, changing and adapting as technology and the media change. Protests used to be characterized by large mobs of people, holding handmade signs and crying out for change. Though that can still be seen nowadays in rallies such as the Women’s March, or the March for our Lives, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by cyber protest. Take for example the #Metoo and #Timesup hashtags that allowed women to come together to fight against people in power who took advantage of them. You’ve also probably stumbled upon a few Instagram pages asking viewers to like and share their posts to spread awareness of certain issues.

    Another thing that has drastically changed about the way people protest is the people who are protesting. In the past protests were led mainly by adults, however, these days, youth are also taking part in these fights for their rights. Consider Greta Thunberg, the teenage climate activist from Sweden who changed the conversation around climate change and environmental protection. Through her “Fridays for the Future” protest, Greta has been able to gain traction and spread awareness for her cause. Although children are usually portrayed as immature and powerless, in this era of protest, we can be heard and make waves in politics.

    Being caught in the middle of certain protests (such as labour strikes) can be very difficult. During union strikes, workers either reduce the amount of work they complete, or stop doing their job altogether. It’s not fun to have mail delays or bus cancellations, and it can be easy to put all the blame on the workers, however, that simply isn’t fair. When looking at a protest, it’s important to consider the reasons a certain group is protesting. Is something wrong? Are they being mistreated? Is there illicit behavior involved? Take for example the 2019 Education strikes across Ontario. With drastic changes to class sizes, curriculum, eLearning quotas, and educator salaries, brought on by provincial government, the teachers’ unions of various schoolboard across Ontario have decided to go on strike or work to rule. Though this impacts students greatly, it’s still important for teachers to protest these changes and protect their rights. Not only that, but teachers are also protesting to protect the interests of their students.

    In conclusion, although protest has been around for ages, new developments in how we protest, why we protest, and what we protest for have changed the way we view it. Although it may seem more annoying than helpful at times, strikes and protests allow people to voice their opinions and fight for their rights. And hey, maybe you’ll even find yourself participating in a protest.

  • The Art of Self-Care

    The Art of Self-Care

    By Erin Rebello

    In this day and age where the world seems to never sleep, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle bustle of everyday life. Being a student only adds onto this mountain of stress, adding assignments, extracurriculars, and a social life to the mix. When trying to balance various commitments and responsibilities, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Sometimes it takes a little break to remind you that you’re not alone.

    That’s where the art of self-care comes in. If you’ve kept tabs on the media lately, you’ve probably noticed the words “self-care” popping up a lot. In these past few months, the notion of self care has gained traction across various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. But what is it, really? In its purest form, self-care is the prioritization of one’s own needs; putting yourself first. Though it may seem fairly basic, and though you may feel like you already put yourself first, self-care is a lot deeper than that.

    In our day to day lives, we often put our own needs and wants last without even realizing it. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter to finish a school assignment? Surprise, surprise- you’ve prioritized your schoolwork over your physical health. Ever skipped out on an outing with friends to pick up a shift at work? You’ve made another of your priorities clear. While prioritizing certain things in your life is in no way wrong, it just goes to show how easy it can be to put seemingly important tasks before our mental or physical health. Though you might have a workaholic mentality, taking a break is a crucial bit of selfcare advice that will help you prosper and also prevent burnout.

    So, what can you do to put yourself first; how can you practice the art of self-care? Listed below are a few examples of self-care that you can easily do to improve your lifestyle and overall wellbeing:

    • Eat healthy foods and make sure to drink enough water. Though this goes without saying, proper nutrition is key to not only physical, but also mental wellness. Nutrient deficiencies can leave a person feeling constantly exhausted, meaning that improving your diet can significantly improve your lifestyle.
    • Catch up on those Zzzz’s. I know how hard it can be to get enough sleep, and trust me, it’s something I struggle with ALL THE TIME. The recommended amount of sleep for a teenager is 7-9 hours, but most teens these days are lucky to get even 6. In my daily life, I’ve noticed that getting enough sleep allows me to feel happier and more energized (duh) during the day, and has allowed me to pay better attention in class.
    • Try out a skincare routine! Self-care if about feeling good both inside and out, and cultivating a skincare routine can help with just that. Building on the bases of a good diet and sleep schedule, using certain products to nourish your face will help to keep it looking and feeling great. Try out moisturizers and toners to keep your face supple and smooth. Use face washes and scrubs to keep dirt at bay- this is especially crucial if you wear makeup often. Treat yourself every now and then to a refreshing face mask! The best part about skincare is the fact that you can substitute just about anything for something natural or DIY’ed.
    • Treating yourself. After a long day of work, or a stressful school project, take time to put yourself back together. A treat doesn’t have to be something huge- it can be as small as a cup of coffee from your favourite coffee shop. Every now and then, consider rewarding yourself for your mini victories in life

    It’s important to prioritize yourself and put your needs first, sometimes. Though you may be keen on powering through your work, taking a well-deserved break helps to keep you refreshed and motivated. By incorporating self-care into your daily life, you are able to keep a balance between your responsibilities and personal desires, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest.

  • Brrr It’s Cold Out There! What We Can Do in the Cold

    Brrr It’s Cold Out There! What We Can Do in the Cold

    Winter can be a little dreary, due to wind, snow and ice storms and the various types of precipitation, from freezing rain (often called sleet) to heavy snow to absolutely bone-chilling temperatures. But there are still good things to enjoy about winter; it just depends on what makes you happy and how you look at it.

    There are two important things to always consider: your social life and your mental health. Winter is the time of the year where you lack the intake of Vitamin D (sunshine) because the days are much shorter, and that can have an impact on your mental health. In order to keep healthy, you need to find something to do that helps you stay distracted from your problems, keep in touch with your friends, and to take your mind off school. Winter exams are approaching and if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be at your best. If they haven’t, it’s still a nice break from the hurried studying and practicing test answers (especially if it’s one of those with an essay question or two).

    So, what can you do to have a great time during winter? When it’s beautiful, or even very cold and rather miserable to be outside? There are options for both scenarios that you may have not considered.

    There are outdoor activities, both around campus and organized by campus clubs or organizations, even by your residences themselves. You don’t need to do all of them, but some are varied enough that you can usually find something you might want to try. There are trips to ski resorts so you can (depending on the rules) choose from downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tubing, or tobogganing. There may even be skating options available in an indoor arena, an outdoor rink, or even a frozen lake.

    These activities don’t have to be entirely focused on sports – there are other options that are available to you. There are generally volunteering opportunities from a church to a community kitchen, to community events that also include students.

    And if it’s entirely too cold outside for your liking, you could consider the indoor activities in a way to get to know your friends and/or roommates a little better: anything from video game competitions to board games; even having a movie marathon. In addition, you can share your favourite meals in a giant potluck, especially if you’re one of the late departures due to an examination scheduled late in the month before the holiday break starts; or baking your favourite cookies, such as gingerbread cookies.

    There are also other options! Maybe you just want a little time alone – you can do crafts, read a book, or even learn how to knit (or crochet) a scarf that is just perfect in that colour you saw the other day. Whatever option you choose, make sure it makes you happy and content, and ready to face not only winter, but your schoolwork as well.

  • Career Profile: Home Remodeler

    Career Profile: Home Remodeler

    Suppose that your house needed a new kitchen or a larger garage. Your parents might call a home remodeler to do that work. If you like working with your hands and helping people live comfortably, this might be the right job for you.

    Home remodelers work with other people in the construction industry to rebuild sections of homes that are breaking down or just looking old. Sometimes, they might even completely rework a room to turn it into a new bathroom, study, or living room. Some home remodelers work on their own, but many work as contractors for companies that specialize in building homes and other structures.

    Generally, employers in this field require only a high school diploma for their workers, but extra education or an apprenticeship can be helpful. Getting training as an electrician, for example, could help increase job opportunities.

    Depending on the situation, home remodelers might work a lot or very little with customers. In small businesses, the worker might need to interact with customers to find out what they want, but in other cases, only the managers of a company might work with the public.

    Home remodelers who also have skills beyond their own field are likely to have a wide choice of jobs. Being able to talk with people and to explain the process to them is a valuable skill in this kind of work. Having a basic knowledge of accounting and office procedures can also be helpful and might help home remodelers to find good jobs that pay well.

    Salaries for people working in home remodeling are generally quite high. Salaries start at about $33,000 per year and can rise to over $73,000 with experience. In many cases, the hourly wages are between about $21 and $28 per hour. Some people work part time in this job, but many fulltime jobs are also available.

    Like many construction jobs, home remodeling work can be physically demanding. Workers need to be able to lift heavy materials and to bend, stretch, and kneel as they put up drywall, nail baseboards in place, or finish ceilings. Being physically fit is very important for this job. The work can be dangerous as accidents can easily happen when people crawl on top of roofs or possibly drop heavy objects on themselves or other people. Workers should be careful and detail-oriented but also imaginative enough to see what a project might look like when it’s finished.

    Work in the home remodeling industry is almost always available, although opportunities decrease in difficult economic times. These days, residential home remodeling provides about a million jobs in Canada. The skills that home remodelers gain can also be useful for many other jobs, and people who start out in this field can often move to another trade quite easily. More work is likely to be available in cities than in small towns or rural areas, but larger communities also have more competition.

    Home remodeling can be a good job for people who enjoy making something old look new. If that describes you, why not consider this trade?

    Bibliography:

    Careers in Construction. “New Home Building and Renovation.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/construction-industry/types-of-construction/new-home-building-and-renovation.

    Indeed. “Renovation Contractor.” https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d98a65e542362cc1&tk=1ds2ljcg7p2kg801&from=serp&vjs=3.

    London Home Builders’ Association. “Careers.” https://www.lhba.on.ca/en/careers/careers.

    Neuvoo. “Home Renovation: Salary.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Home%20Renovation.

  • Career Profile: Micro-electronics Manufacturer

    Most people know that computers and other modern machines have tiny pieces that fit together to help create something amazing. With computers and other electronics, people can make detailed calculations, build objects of all sizes, and talk to people on the other side of the world. Micro-electronics manufactures help make that happen.

    As the name says, the field of micro-electronics is all about working with very small objects. People in this job might work with making the parts of a home computer or a machine that puts cars together, but they all work in the area of micro-electronics. This job is a sub-field in the trade of electronics manufacturing.

    As in other trades, people generally need at least a high school education or the equivalent. Apprenticeships are useful for teaching the basics and giving people the knowledge and experience they need to do the job. At the end of this two-year apprenticeship, people can receive a certificate if they wish. An alternative is to complete four thousand hours of work experience to be certified as a journeyperson in micro-electronics manufacturing. This is not a Red Seal trade.

    Working in micro-electronics requires an ability to handle very small objects in very large machines. Delicate handling is necessary for many of the parts, since they can easily be damaged. The machines that produce micro-electronics can be noisy, and factories can be dirty. People in this job need to be prepared for oil and dust, as well as possibly cutting themselves on the machines or on the bits of metal that come from the manufacturing process.

    Jobs in micro-electronics are likely to be more plentiful in large cities than in smaller towns, but sometimes they are available in unexpected places. In Canada, a good place to try is the Kitchener-Waterloo area in Ontario. Many computer technology companies are located there, and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology is based at one of the universities in the region. Still, manufacturing jobs in this field are available in many other areas of the country, as well.

    Work in this trade can be quite well paid. Salaries start at about $40,000 per year and can rise to about $80,000. The work requires a certain amount of endurance and physical strength, but it also requires precision. People whose hands shake, for example, are unlikely to be able to do the job. As long as workers are relatively healthy and are good with their hands, they can stay for many years in this job.

    One challenge in micro-electronics is that the field is always changing through new inventions and techniques. Keeping up with these changes is an essential part of the job, and micro-electronics manufacturers need to be constantly reading and learning.

    If the job of micro-electronics manufacturer sounds interesting, you can already start to prepare for it. Computer courses can help you learn a bit about what goes into these machines, and shops classes where you learn about machines are useful. Learning mathematics can be good for making the calculations you might need for programming machines in the factories or for working with customers’ orders.

    Working with micro-electronics manufacturing can be a good job. If you think that you have the skills for it, why not consider this trade?

    Bibliography:

    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Micro Electronics Manufacturer.” https://oyap.com/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=071.

    Payscale.com. “Electronics Technologist Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Electronics_Technologist/Salary.

    Payscale.com. “Microelectronic Manufacturing Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Industry=Microelectronic_Manufacturing/Salary.

    Science Direct. “Microelectronics Fabrication.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/microelectronics-fabrication.

    Wikipedia.org. “Microelectronics.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microelectronics.

  • Career Profile: TV Installer

    If you heard about a job labelled “television installer,” you might think that you had found the easiest job in the world, just putting a television in its place and then plugging it in. However, working as a television installer can be much more complicated than that and require very special skills. If you like solving problems, especially with electronics, this might be the right job for you.

    In high school, you can already begin to prepare for this job through technology courses or even physics, mathematics, or business classes. These courses can teach you some of the theory behind what you do and help you to become more knowledgeable about the kinds of problems you might encounter.

    Sometimes, being a television installer can be fairly simple, even if customers ask the installer to connect extra equipment like DVD players to the television. This requires some knowledge of different electronic systems and how they work together, but generally, these tasks are not very difficult. The problems come when customers have special requirements, such as connecting several televisions in a home or office that lacks the right wiring. In that case, the television installer might need to put new cables in place or to find ways of joining the old ones to connect new televisions.

    Troubleshooting, or finding solutions to problems, is often part of a television installer’s job. If the picture on a customer’s television is fuzzy or if it suddenly works in black and white instead of color, the television installer might need to check cables and connections in the building or elsewhere. Sometimes, television installers might need help from other tradespeople such as electricians and carpenters to complete their work.

    Being able to deal with customers is an important part of being a television installer. Many people in this trade work for large companies and likely have little to do with sending bills and collecting payments. Still, they have to meet with customers and ask questions about where to install the television and find out about any other requirements the customers might have.

    Work as a television installer requires some physical strength to be able to lift televisions into place, and it can involve crawling into small spaces to check on wires and connections. Otherwise, the job is not very physically demanding. Almost any city or town is likely to have work for television installers, although big cities have more people who need these services.

    Wages for television installers start at just over $15 per hour or over $28,000 per year and can rise to about $21 per hour or over $63,000 per year. Employers generally require at least a high school education or the equivalent, and some might want their workers to have an Electronics Technician Certificate or Diploma from a trade school or career college. Learning about fibre-optic cables and other technology through workshops or special courses is also an option.

    You might love to watch television, but you might never have considered television installation as a career. If you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems, you could train for this useful trade.

    Bibliography:

    Emigrate Canada. “Immigrate to Canada as a Cable TV Service Technician.” http://www.emigratecanada.com/immigrate-to-canada-as-a-cable-tv-service-technician/.

    Live Career. “Satellite TV Installer Samples.” https://www.livecareer.com/resumes/samples/installer/satellite-tv-installer.

    Neuvoo. “Installer Salary in Canada.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Installer.

    Payscale.com. “Cable Television Installer Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Cable_Television_Installer/Hourly_Rate.

  • Careers Where You Can Work with Animals

    Careers Where You Can Work with Animals

    Animals can make life fun and very interesting. Do you have any pets? If you do, you might already have the skills for working with animals as a career. Many different types of jobs are available in these fields, and one of them could be right for you.

    Veterinary care is probably the first job that comes to mind when you think of careers with animals. People in this career might work with cows and sheep, small pets, racehorses, or maybe another type of animal. They take care of all kinds of health problems and ongoing care, such as giving injections and prescribing vitamins. Veterinarians need university degrees and can earn about $85,000, but people can also work as veterinary assistants, technicians, and pathologists.

    Some people enjoy taking care of the daily needs of animals. Dog walkers take dogs out once or twice a day, while pet sitters stay with all kinds of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, and even reptiles like snakes to look after their needs while the owners are away. Sometimes, this can be for just a day or two, but it can also be for weeks at a time. The pay varies, but both dog walking and pet sitting can be quite good jobs.

    Pet grooming can be another good job for people who like animals. Most of this work is with dogs, although sometimes groomers work with cats. Being bitten or scratched is a possible danger with this job, but it can be a good way to earn a living. Training through the National Groomer Association can help, although it is not required for many jobs.

    Another option is to train animals for movies or to be service dogs for people who are blind or have other needs. This job requires a lot of time and patience, but it can be rewarding.

    Some people who want to work with animals choose to become wildlife rehabilitators. When wild animals are injured, people sometimes take them to centres where experts can help the animals recover. If you work in one of these places, you might help fix broken wings, feed orphaned baby animals, and much more. Getting a degree in biology or a related field is a good idea for this job but not necessarily required.

    For people who prefer not to work directly with animals, jobs in management are also possible. If you enjoy organizing people and events, you could run a dog daycare or an animal shelter. This kind of job might include keeping track of finances, booking appointments, calling pet owners, and keeping the place running.

    Most jobs with animals also involve being able to work with people. You might need to contact pet owners to arrange a time for walking a dog or calling about a sick animal. Still, working with animals can be a good choice for people who enjoy being alone. Good health, a certain degree of physical fitness, and the ability to work outside can be important.

    Being around animals can be fun, but it can also lead to good career prospects. Whether you work as a veterinarian, a dog walker, or get one of the other jobs related to animals, you can have a job that suits your interests.

    Bibliography:

    The Balance Careers. “Find a Job Working with Animals.” https://www.thebalancecareers.com/animal-career-list-125603.

    Neuvoo. “Animal Care: Salary.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Animal%20Care.

    Whelan, Corey Kagan. “Here Are the 17 Coolest Jobs That Involve Working with Animals.” https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/working-with-animals-coolest-jobs/.

    Trade Schools, Colleges, and Universities. “Trade Schools & Colleges in Canada.” https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/articles/jobs-with-animals.

  • STEM Programs in Manitoba

    STEM Programs in Manitoba

    Every day, people use the skills of workers in the STEM fields. They go to doctors, use technology, cross bridges built by engineers, and use computer programs designed with mathematics. The STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can be good choices for people who enjoy precise work in fields that can help people. In Manitoba, several options are available for people who want to study in these areas.

    Normally, jobs in the STEM fields require at least bachelor’s degrees, and some might need a master’s degree. For example, civil engineers and statisticians normally need to have at least one graduate degree to be able to get work in their fields. Some jobs might even require doctorates. For example, wildlife biologists and biochemists often need to have doctoral degrees.

    The lengths of the programs can vary, but generally a bachelor’s degree takes three or four years. Master’s degrees take a year or two of classes and possibly another year or two for writing a long paper called a thesis. Doctoral degrees focus very much on research that goes into a book-length paper called a dissertation. Getting a doctoral degree, including some time for classes, can take eight years or more.

    The best places to study the STEM fields in Manitoba are its universities, located in its major cities. The University of Manitoba in Winnipeg has the most options in these subjects, and it is the only place in the province offering programs in areas like medicine and dentistry. Before getting into some of these programs, students need to get a bachelor’s degree in science. These degrees are available at the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, the Canadian Mennonite University, and Brandon University.

    Many technology courses are available at Manitoba’s universities, but another option in Winnipeg is Red River College. The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology is another good place to study in areas such as industrial electronics. Usually, the programs in the trades are shorter than in the other STEM fields, but students might want to combine a two-year technology program with a degree to improve their job prospects.

    For students coming from other countries, getting into Canadian universities can be difficult. The Government of Manitoba has various programs to help these students get the help they need for entering the STEM fields. Even if you grew up in Canada, you might have friends or classmates who need this information.

    Being good with small details is an essential part of working in the STEM fields. Are you good at this kind of work? Whether you work with complicated mathematical calculations or you diagnose diseases in your patients, you need to know what you are doing. Having a good memory is important, and you should be prepared to study for a very long time.

    The STEM fields can be difficult, but they can also be exciting. Can you imagine discovering new fuels, saving people’s lives, or building bridges that people use every day? If that idea interests you, why not consider the STEM fields?

    Bibliography:

    Brandon University. “Degrees and Programs: Pre-Professional Preparation.” https://www.brandonu.ca/science/degrees/.

    Canadian Mennonite University. “Natural Sciences.” https://www.cmu.ca/academics.php?s=sciences&p=programs.

    Government of Manitoba. “Manitoba Announces New Immigration Pathways for International Students.” https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=44725.

    Grad Schools.com. “Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Graduate Programs in Manitoba.” https://www.gradschools.com/programs/math-science-engineering?in=manitoba.

    The PIE News. “Canadian province offers residency to STEM grads.”

    https://thepienews.com/news/canadian-province-to-offer-stem-visa/.

    University of Manitoba. “Undergraduate Program Options.” http://www.umanitoba.ca/student/admissions/programs/.

    University of Winnipeg. “Faculty of Science.” https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/science/.

  • Why Being Different Is a Good Thing

    Most groups and societies have ideas of how people should act and what they should do. Most young people, for example, are supposed to enjoy getting together with friends and to be energetic and talkative. For people who enjoy being alone or sitting in silence, these kinds of expectations can make things difficult. Still, being different can be a very good thing.

    Differences can show in many different ways. Some people are quiet when others are loud, while others like to stay in the classroom to work while others want to go outside and play games. People might hide differences like these to avoid being teased, but some differences are impossible to hide.

    Being from another country or having an unusual way of speaking, for example, can be obvious to everyone. Sometimes, people will spend a lot of time and money trying to be like everyone else, because it can be easier to fit in with others than to live with these differences. Being different can be lonely, especially when other people seem happier and more successful.

    Despite the difficulties, being different from other people can be rewarding. Often, creative thinking comes from being different rather than from being like everyone else. For example, Steve Jobs, the founder of the Apple computer company, had some unusual habits. Sometimes, he would start to cry from joy or frustration. Sometimes, he would also eat only carrots for long periods of time. Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford car company, would eat plants that he found at the side of the road. These men had some strange habits, but they had brilliant minds.

    Sometimes, people develop unusual habits to help them clear their minds. For example, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, uses the motion of a rocking chair to help himself think through difficult problems. The mystery author Agatha Christie ate apples while taking baths, and Dr. Seuss would wear a hat while he was writing. These habits might have seemed strange to others, but all of these people were very successful in their work.

    Being different might not mean that you will invent a computer, become a famous writer, or do other amazing things. Still, the kind of thinking that is necessary for great inventions often comes from people who look at the world differently from most others. Even now, you might be able to help two of your friends solve a problem that they can’t deal with on their own, just because you are different.

    Society pressures people to conform to a set of rules about behaviour, including likes and dislikes. However, the conformists who follow these rules are not necessarily the people who make great discoveries or accomplish wonderful things. Often, it takes an ability to see beyond these rules and expectations to be creative enough to get really good ideas.

    Being different from other people can be lonely, but it can also help promote creative thinking. If you feel different from your classmates, you could use them for some amazing accomplishments in the future.

    Bibliography:

    Foust, Amanda. “4 Reasons to Embrace Being Different.” https://www.thedailypositive.com/4-ways-embrace-different/.

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