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Author: Laura Sciarpelletti

  • Every Cent Counts: Small Scholarships

    Every Cent Counts: Small Scholarships

    Some scholarships are pretty small. There are ones as low as $50 and $100. But if you’ve ever been a poor student, you no doubt know that every last cent counts. One of those small scholarships adds up to a bill of course. Whether it’s a textbook or the utilities payment. If anything, university is a time where finding any stray nickel or dime in the house is a weekly if not daily chore.

    Do your research

    Your grades may be good, and your grades may be bad. But no matter what there is always a scholarship out there for you. A large percentage of awards in Canada do not require a high academic average; often times it’s simply a matter of the program you are registered in, the school you are attending and the province you’re doing your schooling in. So research EXTENSIVELY. Make a comprehensive list of all the scholarships available to you specifically (even the super small ones), and figure out what you need for applications.

    Create application templates

    It’s great to have a handful of prewritten application templates (letters of intent, resumes, cover letters, links to applicable work etc.) ready to go on your computer. That way you are ready to go for the most part and can simply add the extra information that is needed for specific scholarships. This minimizes your time when it comes to applying. Of course the big scholarships will take more scrutiny and preparation. But having material ready to go can make applying for those smaller scholarships quick and easy. And you’ll feel good and productive in turn.

    The struggle is real

    Being in school is stressful. You have assignments, exams, packed schedules…and life. Add money problems on top of that and university can be a recipe for mayhem. Being proactive about obtaining “free money” can not only help you out financially, but give you a real sense of control and pride. Being ready to apply for anything that crosses your path with give you a sense of productivity. So make a list of scholarships/grants today, lock yourself in your room for a day and plug away! Your wallet and sanity will thank you.

  • Social Anxiety

    Social Anxiety

    Knowing whether or not you have social anxiety can be difficult. There are varying degrees of anxiety and if you don’t talk about it then it’s hard to pinpoint which kind you may be suffering from. Sometimes it’s also hard to know whether or not you just get scared before tests or if you find yourself getting scared for longer periods of time. So, first let’s break it down with the difference between anxiety and social anxiety.

    The dictionary defines anxiety as “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill,” which is pretty much a fancier way of saying that you get a little scared when you think something bad is about to happen. It’s perfectly normal for students to get nervous before they present or before they have a test. Many students have the same fears that you do before something big in class happens so just remember that you’re not alone with these feelings.

    Social anxiety is a little different but shares many similarities to general anxiety. Social anxiety is medically defined by Merriam’s dictionary as “a form of anxiety that is brought about by social situations (such as meeting strangers, dating, or public speaking) in which embarrassment or a negative judgment by others may occur.” Now, as I said before, a little anxiety is perfectly normal. It’s always a little nerve-wracking to be introduced to a new teacher or being paired with a new student for a project.

    But, there are ways to help yourself feel a little more at ease so you can cope with any kind of social or general anxiety.

    First, you need to speak to your caregivers or your parents about what you’re feeling – especially if your anxiety lasts longer than the school day. They’re there to guide you and to help you understand what social anxiety means. Rest assured they will help you with your anxious thoughts and remind you of the rational things that sometimes slip our minds when we’re feeling scared.

    Usually anxiety is accompanied with feelings of nausea, wobbly limbs, headaches, heavy breathing, and a possible desire to cry. It’s important to remember that these feelings will pass. There are also ways to calm yourself down when you feel these sensations coming. Take deep breaths. Talk to a friend or to someone who helps you feel at ease. Listen to some music that you love. These quick tips will offer you some relief before doing something that makes you nervous.

    However, one of the most important things to remember is that if you ever feel alone or scared, you need to speak to someone about it. If you ever feel anxious during the day outside of school or you think you’re more nervous than you ought to be, you need to say something. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re going through something alone and I can guarantee that you’re not. Don’t ever avoid your feelings. They’re important and there are lots of people out there to help you.

    Sources:

    https://www.anxietybc.com/parenting/my-anxiety-plan-social-anxiety

    http://www.childanxiety.net/News2.htm

    http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/stop-anxiety-quickly

    https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/social%20anxiety

    https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxiety

  • Free to Disagree

    Free to Disagree

    “Free speech” is one of those phrases that you hear a lot about. Hearing those two words so many times, in so many different situations, and as the defense for one argument after another, can make it really difficult to define. Free speech means you can say and think whatever you feel. Unlike some places in the world, and many times throughout history, you are not going to be in danger for expressing yourself. Freedom of speech allows JobsPeopleDo.com to share articles on many different topics, and allows you to strongly agree or disagree with what you read.

    Throughout history, this freedom has allowed people to challenge and take down old ways of life and beliefs. We are where we stand today because humans of the past were able to say that the Earth revolves around the sun, that life as we know it came about through the process of evolution, and that people should not be divided based on the colour of their skin. Instead of trying to ban ideas that people might disapprove of, this freedom encourages discussion and challenges. In doing so, many good ideas have defeated bad ones through evidence and reasoning.

    As you may have noticed, people often talk about threats to free speech. Famous figures lose their careers due to words they shared on Twitter. Job seekers are told to be careful with what they post on Facebook in case their profile is seen by potential employers. At what point is our speech no longer free? At what point, if any, should our words be controlled? These questions complicate what at first appears to be a simple and universal concept.

    Different people will give you different answers on the matter. Ultimately, free speech allows you to have your own opinion on this and on any other issue, without having to worry that the government will place you in jail for what you say. Nevertheless, freedom of speech is not, and never has been, freedom of consequence. That same liberty gives employers the right to deny jobs to people with problematic social media posts. It gives people the right to have ideas that you may think are horrible. When that “free speech” crosses the line to “hate speech,” which is when people encourage violence against others, many feel the government must step in to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

    It is the very nature of free speech that offers hope for the future. Good ideas have often won out over incorrect and harmful opinions in the past; it is reasonable to believe we will see that continue. We live in a world of divided opinions. We also live in a world with advanced technology that, more than ever, allows people to join in public discussions. It is important that you exercise your right to free speech. It is your human right to agree or disagree with the ideas you read online, including the ones in this very article. History has taught us that the free discussion of ideas is the best way to advance humanity. Feel free to disagree.

    Sources:

    Hartford, Bruce. “Free Speech vs Hate Speech.” HuffPost. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/free-speech-vs-hate-speech_us_59985b2de4b03b5e472cefff

    Timms, Josie. “Why is free speech important?” Index on Censorship. https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2016/04/free-speech-important/

  • Security Alert: 4 Ways to Ensure Online Safety

    Security Alert: 4 Ways to Ensure Online Safety

    The Internet has afforded us numerous benefits that if we all imagine a life without it, we would have instant images of pure chaos in our mind. How will we find information for our school papers or projects without the World Wide Web? We would have to browse through various books at the library, which is time-consuming and we would not be able to meet our due dates. How can we connect with family friends who have moved to another city or country? We would have to rely on long-distance calls and worse, snail mail.

    However, as the saying goes, every rose has its thorn. While the Internet gives us the information we need and connects us with people by merely a few clicks, it also poses risks to our privacy and security if we are not careful. So how can we reap the benefits of the Net while staying safe? Here are 4 pointers to keep in mind:

    Set limits on social media.

    It’s ironic, yes, but being on social media doesn’t obligate you to be “social” with everyone who interacts with you on those websites. You should set boundaries on whose posts you like or make comments to, who you accept as friends or followers, or whose private messages or direct messages we reply to. If someone unknown messages you on Facebook or Instagram, check if you have mutual friends first; if not, avoid interacting with that person.

    Also, ensure that you are not on a public setting when you post a photo or any sensitive information. Most social media have custom settings now to help you set to whom your posts are visible to.

    Go for complex passwords and keep them updated.

    We’ve all been there. We forgot a password for an email or a website, and so we ended up choosing one simple password applicable to every account. This must be avoided at all costs as it can compromise everything that you log into. Always have different passwords for every account and change them at least once a month or every two months.

    Some people keep a list of their passwords on their phones or notebooks, but imagine if you misplace or lose these too? In this case, you really have to put your memory to good use. No ifs and buts about it. How do you remember all of them if you log into 10 or 20 sites per day? Set a theme of passwords per each month, like your favourite movie stars this month or your favourite TV shows next month.

    Be wary of free WiFi.

    Who does not want free stuff? One of the things that we welcome especially if we are under a limited data plan is free WiFi in establishments like malls and coffeeshops. However, while saving money is good, it turns bad when it leads to causing trouble to our security or privacy.

    A great way to enjoy free WiFi is to limit your use to browsing websites. If you really can’t help logging into your email or social media app while using free WiFi, ensure that you log out or sign out. Sure, it takes a bit of work and effort, but when you think of doing it to protect you, you will know it is necessary. The same is true when using public computers.

    Don’t be click-happy.

    You know those links that can reveal your spirit animal or your celebrity lookalike? Well, they are popular in social media accounts. However, they tend to be harmful especially if they lead to another link that asks for your email address and other private information.

    While it is fun to know who your celebrity lookalike is, it is not worth compromising your online identity for. Avoid clicking on these links, and go instead for legit apps.

    The Internet is a blessing to our lives, but misuse of it can lead to a curse we certainly don’t want. The next time you go online, keep the above tips in mind and you’ll have a safe online cruise.

    SOURCES:

    http://www.wired.co.uk/article/stay-safe-online-safer-internet

    https://www.webroot.com/blog/2014/08/06/8-tips-stay-safe-online/

    https://www.voanews.com/a/eleven-ways-to-keep-yourself-safe-online/2650658.html

    http://www.lbc.co.uk/news/the-news-explained/stay-safe-online-10-ways-to-protect-yourself-on-th/

    http://www.wired.co.uk/article/stay-safe-online-safer-internet

  • Misconceptions About Getting a Job Right Out of Post-Secondary School

    Misconceptions About Getting a Job Right Out of Post-Secondary School

    So, you’ve got that shiny new degree from university or college, and now you face the task of getting that first job that will lead to the career that you always wanted; however, there are a few things you should know before you head off on that career path…

    These days, finding a full-time job is rather difficult. You’re more likely to get part-time or freelance contractor opportunities than full-time. (If you do manage to find full-time work, consider yourself incredibly lucky.) Some sectors are more difficult to get a foot into the door than others. As a result, that belief that you are “guaranteed” a job within a year of graduation, isn’t entirely true. It requires some luck, some negotiation, and a lot of reality checks. You may be required to move away from home, or get a second part-time job to in order to make rent.  In addition, you may have to consider returning back to school in order to make yourself ‘more’ employable.

    Pay ranges do not often meet the level that new graduates might expect. Most likely, you will not make as much as you expect because you are now entry-level, a freshman within the company; and for that reason, you will not be paid as much. The more experience you gain, the more amount (at least in theory, this can change due to changing jobs). Benefits may be low, and health insurance probably non-existent. It depends on the company: bigger companies tend to offer better benefits than smaller ones.  So, if you do have a job offer, and are looking for job benefits, focus on what you can get from the job in terms of personal growth, instead of what you have heard or what you thought you would get after graduation. Are you getting the benefits you wanted? Are you on a path where you can learn from your experiences to move towards the career you want? (I say this because you may not find yourself in the career path you would prefer, but if there is some opportunity to use your skills or learn new ones, it can still be beneficial). You may also be able to acquire the skills that employers value by taking additional training or classes – this also works for your benefit as well through expanding your résumé.

    Ignore the ideal picture of your first day of work and learn to accept what you can negotiate, and what you are more likely to earn as an entry-level position. I would strongly encourage you to keep believing in yourself and your abilities – there will be a job available for you that is a perfect fit for you and your career.

  • Improvisation as Therapy

    Improvisation as Therapy

    Mental illness targets everybody in its own unique way, and we each have our tailor-made tale to share. My depression and anxiety reached their apex in 2011. One of the things that turned the tide in positive favour of my mental health was my time at the Second City. The longstanding improvisational comedy theatre took me on as an intern behind the scenes, and I used that opportunity to pursue their many improv classes. The world of improvisation acted not only as a reprieve from my suffering, but also as a form of therapy that, along with other forms of help, aided in my recovery.

    The Second City schools of Toronto, Ontario and Chicago, Illinois offer improvisation courses specifically geared to anxiety. These include classes for those aged 12 to 14 and 15 to 18. These offerings utilize licenced therapists and the ideas behind cognitive behavioural therapy, commonly referred to as CBT. The latter played a huge role in my journey, not only in improv classes but also with my CBT therapist. This form of therapy analyzes how different situations trigger certain thoughts that lead to specific emotions and behaviours. CBT forces you to challenge recurring thoughts that contribute to feelings of depression and detrimental actions.

    Improvisation itself can act as a form of therapy partly because of the similarities between the two. A patient must be able to trust their therapist and spend sessions in intense discussion requiring attentiveness, with neither party fully knowing where the talks will lead. Similarly, improv participants must trust one another, and never know what will come up in improvisational games or where the dialogue will take them. One of the core concepts of improvising is “yes, and.” In this exercise, one performer makes a statement, which the other performer must accept and then add to. This is repeated back and forth to build a dialogue. Therapists encourage their patients with similar positivity, as the profession requires a lack of judgement towards clients. Both the therapist’s office and improvisation classroom are safe spaces to talk freely and share ideas without judgment.

    Improv classes help quell the inhibitions and self-censorship that form the crux of social anxiety. When an improv game goes well, it encourages you to try again and with slightly lower levels of anxiety. Even when a game does not go well, you learn that this is not the end of the world. The nature of improvisation requires you to shut down the parts of your brain that make you think before you speak and question your abilities. By coupling that with the teamwork aspects of the classroom, you learn to interact with others while being free of judgment.

    I took both improvisation and writing classes while interning at the Second City. Watching the professional performers put on the stage gave me a chance to meet the talent backstage. I will never forget how calm they were away from their audience – their quiet confidence was surely a key component to their success. I made friends in the classes I took that I still have to this day. Both the writing and improv groups encouraged me to share things I never would have shared, talk to people I otherwise would have never spoken with, and put myself in uncomfortable situations I never would have dared to otherwise. It was therapeutic, eye-opening, and a very important step in the right direction. Looking back now, as I sit here in a much healthier state of mind, I cannot understate the importance of those classes. I benefited greatly from them. Yes, and you can too.

    Sources:

    “Improv for Anxiety.” The Second City. https://www.secondcity.com/class-series/improv-anxiety-ages-12-18/

    Toohill, Kathleen. “So Funny, It Doesn’t Hurt.” The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/09/comedy-improv-anxiety/403933/

  • Decorate Your Dorm Room for Comfort and Function

    Decorate Your Dorm Room for Comfort and Function

    It’s true that a lot of dorm rooms have a bit of an institutional feel – cinderblock walls, plain white paint, unexciting carpet.  And you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your room studying, even though overall it’s only a temporary living space each year.

    So, if you want your new home-away-from-home to feel like home, then it’s time to figure out what you need to set up and decorate your room to be both comfortable and functional.

    There are four main points to consider when deciding how to arrange and decorate your dorm: room style, lighting, workspace, and storage.

    Room Style

    The type of dorm room you have will affect what you can do, and how much space you have to work with.

    To start with, if it’s possible to move furniture around, try out a couple different arrangements to see what works best in the space.  If your room is a single, you will have a bit more flexibility than if you’re sharing a double room with another student.

    Next, what kind of walls do you have – cinderblock, plaster or drywall?  This will affect what you can hang or attach to the walls, such as posters or shelving.  There’s also a good chance you won’t be allowed to paint or install anything using nails or screws, so sticky hooks and freestanding shelves will be your best friend.

    Most dorms will have a bed, desk, shelf and dresser, but in some cases only a bed is provided and students have to bring any other furnishings they need.  This information should be readily available from your school upon making residence arrangements, so be sure to ask!

    Lighting Needs

    Obviously, your dorm room will have at least one window, but depending on the size and the arrangement of the room, this may not provide enough light during the daytime, and you will need light at night.  If the ceiling light in your dorm isn’t enough for you, assess the space you have to find a lamp that will fit and still provide enough light for studying at your desk or reading in bed.

    Work Space

    If a desk comes with your dorm, take some time to arrange it to ensure you can work comfortably.  If you need to provide your own work space furniture, get something that suits the way you prefer to work, such as a comfy chair if you like to curl up and work on your lap, or a cafe table and chair for a coffee-shop feel.

    Storage

    What you need will depend on the furniture your dorm already has.  Many dorms come with a closet and built in shelves; others may provide dressers.  Baskets and boxes that can fit beneath beds and desks, or on closet shelves, will help keep you organized.

    Think about what you own, and plan your storage needs around that.  Lots of books? Maybe get an extra shelf.  Lots of shoes? Hanging pockets or shoe racks can maximize closet space.

    Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative!  Have fun with setting up your space and decorating: try out some funky curtains, colourful storage boxes, and fun or unusual artwork and posters, to make the dorm room your own.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.newswise.com/articles/making-the-most-of-home-away-from-home-the-dorm-room

    http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/20-chic-and-functional-dorm-room-decorating-ideas-pictures

  • From Summer to School: A Survival Guide

    From Summer to School: A Survival Guide

    “Unfair” is the best way to describe it. That feeling of there being fewer sunlight hours, the weather getting cooler, and the knowledge that those long days of freedom are about to be swapped for the classroom. Just like that, summer break is done. Getting back into the school spirit is not the most pleasant of adjustments, but it does not have to be torture. It is important to get back into the school mood slowly, and to focus energy on the good things that lay ahead as opposed to the fun times being left behind.

    The best approach is to start that adjustment during the last two weeks of August. You may be sleeping and waking up at random times, so start going to bed a bit earlier each night. Planning daytrips or fun activities for early in the day can help to ensure and actually encourage an early bedtime, as well as a better morning routine. Take advantage of back-to-school sales to stock up on pens, pencils, paper, and more well before August ends. Intersperse these errands with fun but equally important shopping outings such as new clothes for autumn. Finally, instead of organizing and throwing out last year’s schoolwork in June, wait for the last weeks of August. At that point, going through everything to see what to keep and what to discard acts simultaneously as a way to get back into your work and as a refresher for your brain on learned material you may have forgotten.

    Once classes do begin, some students naturally fare better than others. Mental health counsellor Matthew Thatcher has noted many more students coming forward with symptoms of depression in the first two weeks of the school year. A large part of this can be broken down into two groups. There are the unknowns, such as new classmates, and the knowns, such as the fact that the work will be more difficult than last year. Having in-depth talks with your parents, close friends, or professionals, including guidance counsellors or therapists, can make a major difference. With the weather cooling and September feeling dreary, it is important not to retreat into your laptop or phone. Social media is a weak replacement for human connection, and its addiction can worsen the effects of anxiety or depression.

    Instead, realign that energy towards what is ahead. New classmates often equal new friends. The fall months are filled with lovely colours and fun events such as Halloween, and act as a lovely contrast from the summer days that can often blend into one another. Each new schoolyear is a stepping stone in your education. You are going to get that much smarter, that much more knowledgeable, and that much more prepared for the future.

    The last days of summer are a farewell to sleeping in, staying up late, and many hours outdoors. On the other hand, they are also a prelude to the adventures ahead. The change in daily activities is jarring, so a slow transition is a must. Focusing on the ways that the schoolyear trumps the summertime is also beneficial. There are holidays and events to look forward to and new people to meet. Summer may be fun, but the rest of the year offers far more variety.

    Sources:

    Luz, Andres, Caroline Sudduth and Whitney Young. “Back To School, Back To Blues.” HuffPost. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/back-to-school-blues_n_3876192.html

    Pinola, Melanie. “How to Get your Kids Back Into School Mode Before Summer Ends.” Lifehacker. http://lifehacker.com/why-you-hold-grudges-about-things-that-happened-in-your-1798139034

  • Work Learning Positions and Research Assistant Positions

    Work Learning Positions and Research Assistant Positions

    Finding a university job that will help build your resume in your field while in school is a great advantage to the post secondary community. Colleges and universities are highly functional institutions that not only provide education, but also jobs for hundreds to thousands of people depending on the size of the institute. Why not make your part time job work for you? There are so many benefits to Work learn positions (where you learn on the job), and Research Assistant (RA) and Teaching Assistant (TA) jobs. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages.

    Experience

    RA and TA jobs and work learn positions are considered to be experience by potential and current employers. If you are going to school to be a librarian for example, and you TA for data collecting and literature classes and work as a stocker in the university library, in the future that counts as actual on hand experience within the field.

    Thinking of the future

    If you do a good job, your mentors can write you solid and valuable recommendation letters. These RA and TA jobs also transfer well to other universities if you are making the jump to a Masters or Ph.D. program. This could mean a better university and more scholarship opportunities are in your future. The more experience you have, the more a school is likely to give you grants. It also builds your reputation as a keener and a hard worker.

    Money, money, money

    Everyone needs some extra bucks. Work learn positions (such as PR, organizational, secretarial, and research job placements) do tend to pay pretty decent depending on the university. The best part is that you are doing something in your field (rather than the typical retail and service related jobs), and you’re sticking around the campus. This makes less stress for you and more chances to network within the community of professors, working professionals and students. We all need money, but it’s extra sweet if you can get it doing something that is related to your career choice.

    Knowledge

    Ever heard of learning on the job? Well RA/TA and work Learn jobs are an example of that where the mentors are actually expecting and willing to teach you as you go along. Hence the ‘work’ and ‘learn’. There is patience and moulding involved, making this a truly great experience for a student hoping to fully immerse themselves in the world of their chosen career.

  • Changing Your Major in Post-Secondary

    Changing Your Major in Post-Secondary

    We don’t all know exactly what we want to do professionally as soon as we get into university. Often times new students pick a major on a whim, or as their education goes on they either realize they are in the wrong place or they have discovered a new love for another subject they were not familiar with before. But that’s okay, because that is what university is for—growing, making mistakes and learning from them, and figuring out what you want out of life. How exactly do you change your major when you’re ready to make an academic change for your future?

    Do your research & get help

    Be well read on the major descriptions in your university’s general catalogue. The trick is to know exactly what you are getting into so that you can minimize stress later on in the degree. Talk with a college advisor to make sure that you are in a sound place to change your major, or to simply get educated on what changing a major means at this point in your university career. They will let you know how many credits you need, what extra classes you may need to take, and possible professors to talk to in order to facilitate the move. Speak with department advisors—they are there to help you and, as this is a big change, you need all the advice you can get to make the process smoother. Also, talk career options with your counselor. That way you can figure out what you expect of the degree and how you want it to affect your future.

    Finances

    Changing a major is all about talking to advisors. One major thing you want to consider is how much more money it will take to switch a major—this all depends on what year you are in and how far along in school with your courses you are. Understand the impact this major change will have on your debt status, or those who are helping you out financially (I.E. parents, sponsors, etc.). Reconsider your graduation time. If you want to graduate at the same time you originally planned, this will mean packing your semesters tighter than before and possibly adding in summer semesters.

    Are you good at the major you are switching to?

    Make sure that when you make this big change, it’s something you truly want. Maybe you are unhappy with the major you currently have, but will you be happy with the new one? Just be sure that you are switching for the right reasons: you have talent or passion with the new major and truly are interested/see a life for yourself in the careers that having this major can bring about.

    Once you have done all of this research, thinking and seeking out advising, you can switch majors with your advisor. Oftentimes you will have to directly contact the faculty of your new major—each major will have its own process. Much of what you do will be online in your student services menu.