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  • Post-Secondary School Stereotypes

    Post-Secondary School Stereotypes

    Nothing about college life is truly stereotypical. It will never go the way you think it will. There are certainly stereotypical tropes that you can get lost in at the beginning, but you will soon find that post-secondary is your personal journey and you’ll stray from any preconceived caricatures of post-secondary life. Let’s address some typical college stereotypes that have both elements of truth and hyperbole to them:


    Cramming

    Oh, you will cram. You will cram a lot. There will always be people on campus who come off as being prepared and well read, but you never know what happens outside the class. While university is packed with classes, assignments, and social opportunities, many students feel that they have a lot of free time. They think that there is plenty of time to read those chapters in class—‘I can get caught up,’ they think. ‘I’ll just read an extra chapter next time’. Time mismanagement is one of the biggest problems in university and everyone runs into it. While you may spend most of university cramming, you will get better at time management due to lessons learned; you learn from experience.

    College students eat unhealthy food

    It’s true that college students are on the run and this often leads to poor eating habits. However, universities and colleges are very progressive in their healthy eating and lifestyle initiatives; healthier food options are becoming more prevalent on campus. When given a quick healthy eating option, many students will take it. Universities are also working with their budgets to make healthier foods more affordable—hence the growing presence of sushi and salad bars on campus. Fast food is no longer strictly unhealthy food. You can now get a balanced snack and/or meal lickity split.

    Too much caffeine

    Something about the routine, comfort and promised buzz of caffeine makes jumping from class to class and cramming more mentally achievable/bearable. But students do begin to find that too much caffeine starts to have the opposite affect on them; they instead begin to crash. Energy supplements like green tea and kombucha are becoming more and more popular on campus. While caffeine will never be more popular with you then in university, you won’t be dependent on it forever. But to cut down on costs in the meantime, buying a French press instead of hitting up Starbucks multiple times a day is advisable.

    Party too much, drink too much

    College is where you make new friends fast, and the sudden freedom from home/family life can lead to some prevalent party lifestyles. However, it does get old fast. While many students party hard and drink to excess in their first year, they soon realize that the lifestyle is not compatible with studying. Hangovers only get worse as the years go on, and as the years go on those term papers and exams get more and more important. You may find that those five beers a night in first year turn to five a week in second. While, in the first place, you need to be of drinking age ( 19 in Canada) to acquire these habits.  Unfortunately, some students start drinking before they are allowed to by law and it becomes a real problem that interferes with progress in school.

  • Leaping into the Post-Secondary Unknown

    Leaping into the Post-Secondary Unknown

    Whether your first day of college or university is looming, or you are deep within the trenches of your first year, remember this universal truth: It is scary for everyone. Yes, the reasons for this differ, including social anxiety, increased workload, and more adult-like responsibilities. Yes, some people will overcome their nervousness quicker than you will. For others, such as me and my own social anxiety and depression, university remains a challenge all the way to graduation. But with great challenges also come great opportunities, and focusing on the latter is the key to quelling those first-year jitters.

    If your first classes are still on the horizon, it is a good idea to visit the campus as much as possible to take it all in. There will be far more students than your high school, varying in ages, and all going about in different directions. All you need to do for your first steps on the school grounds is absorb this environment. The only way past that initial shock is to dive right in, and that is much easier to do if you do not have to rush to class. Student orientations are invaluable, but so is a simple walk about campus.

    I had an awful, confusing, lonely first semester. Yours may be occurring many kilometers from home, far from family and friends, with swirling thoughts of life for the next four years and beyond. You do not have to get comfortable, make friends, and figure things out right away. If anything, that period of confusion allows for introspection that will help you figure out who you are and what actions to take. This is the perfect chance to take baby steps and try different things – new groups, friends, study areas, activities, and more. It is so essential that you try, try, and try.

    Start slow and commit to one or two of the following, and then gradually ramp up to more. Hang out in the cafeteria or common room by your dorm. Go to all the society and group meetings you can find at least once. Join every group that catches your eye. You will likely regularly attend only a fraction of all these, but you can only find the ones that click for you by giving as many as you can a try. Having trouble with schoolwork? Make appointments with your professors, teaching assistants, and counsellors. Socially anxious? Join online groups and Facebook pages for your school. Check out small parties and events; commit yourself to at least half an hour for each and only stay beyond that if you are comfortable.

    The freedom of post-secondary life is at once liberating and terrifying for everyone. High school, for all of its milestones, is much closer to elementary life than colleges and universities. For many, they are a sudden thrust into adulthood, and the jolt is overwhelming. But it was your hard work and skills that earned you a place on campus. These same efforts and strengths can propel you into the wonderful opportunities that await and will help shape the adult you are becoming. Take a deep breath, take your time, and do not be afraid to be afraid.

    Sources:

    Rennison, Joe. “My first day: student accounts of their first moments at university.” National Union of Students. https://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/freshers-and-settling-in/my-first-day-student-accounts-of-their-first-moments-at-university/

    Webster, Lucy. “Nervous freshers: don’t be scared. University has something for everyone.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/07/nervous-freshers-university-shy

  • Career Profile: Elevator Inspector

    Career Profile: Elevator Inspector

    No one wants to be stuck in an elevator for hours or to have to walk up a broken escalator. Tall buildings would be difficult to use without an easy way to get from one floor to another. Elevator inspectors help to keep people moving by making sure that these machines for moving up and down are working properly.

    Working as an elevator inspector involves a lot of responsibility for people’s safety and comfort but not necessarily a lot of education. Some positions require a bachelor’s degree, but many elevator inspectors learn their trade on the job after finishing high school. In many parts of Canada, official certification through workshops and other training programs is also necessary.

    Elevator inspectors normally leave the actual repairs and upgrading to other people, but they should know enough about the repair process to tell what needs to be done. Suppose that the cables at the top of an elevator are starting to wear out, for example. Elevator inspectors have to know what is normal wear and tear and what is dangerous, because people could be seriously injured if the cables break.

    On escalators, inspectors have to make sure that the stairs and the railings move at the same speed or people could lose their balance and fall down, and they have to make sure that the stairs move evenly. Both old and new elevators and escalators need regular inspections, and knowing what problems can occur at each stage can be important.

    Many jobs related to construction are seasonal in cold countries because the winters are too cold to pour concrete or do many of the other tasks. Inspecting elevators, however, is a year-round job because once an elevator or escalator is in place, it needs to be maintained. Especially in big cities, elevator inspectors can be busy throughout the year, but even small towns could have enough work.

    Depending on their education and level of experience, elevator inspectors can earn between $47,000 and about $90,000 per year. Working conditions are normally quite good, but depending on how they like to function, these tradespeople might have to deal with oil and grease from the machines they are inspecting, and they could injure themselves on sharp metal. The job can also be stressful, especially when the work needs to be finished quickly.

    If you enjoy finding problems with mechanical objects, the job of elevator inspector might be worth

    exploring.

    Bibliography:

    Careers.org. “Career Occupational Profile for: Elevator Inspector.” Http://www.careers.org/occupations/25633/elevator-inspector.

    NAESA International. “News and Information.” https://www.naesai.org/.

    Salary.com. “Elevator Inspector Salaries.” http://www1.salary.com/Elevator-Inspector-Salary.html.

    Study.com. “Elevator Inspector: Job Description, Outlook, Duties and Requirements.” http://study.com/articles/Elevator_Inspector_Job_Description_Outlook_Duties_and_Requirements.html.

  • Trade Career Profile: Bricklayer

    Trade Career Profile: Bricklayer

    If you are good with your hands and can work with precision using tools, being a bricklayer, also known as a stonemason, may be the career for you.

    Description

    Bricklayers build and repair a variety of different things from building floors to fireplaces to chimneys. They use a variety of different materials such as bricks, blocks, stones, mortar, and more. They use levels to measure for accuracy and to keep everything in line. It is said, “A good bricklayer can lay around 750 bricks in a single day.” (careersinconstruction.ca).

    Typical working day

    Like most other careers, bricklayers work 40 hours a week. They work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, depending on the season, there may be the requirement to work overtime. This career is mostly outdoors, dependent on the project. This includes hot summers and cold winters where there are protective enclosures or heaters used to continue working despite the weather conditions. This career is physically demanding and requires team-work as a group even when working on a single project. Luckily, people in this career are properly trained and must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) because of the potential danger on the job.

    Education and Training

    Unlike common schooling where you go to school to study, bricklaying does not require this type of education. Rather, you must go through an apprenticeship. This includes being both in the classroom and working under supervision. As you go through apprenticeship, you earn money while working. You begin earning 50% of what your journeyperson (supervisor) earns per hour; your rate increases as you work until you reach the full wage. To enter an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 and have your grade 10 education. Some provinces and territories offer apprenticeship programs to allow you to work towards your career.

    The apprenticeship program is usually three, twelve-month periods but it varies across Canada. As well, you must achieve at least 1,600 hours of training, three, eight-week blocks of technical training and a final certification exam. You must complete the apprenticeship program and the requirements to become a certified bricklayer.

    Salary

    The salary for a bricklayer depends on a variety of different factors such as experience-level, contract, company and location, to name a few. Salary can be anywhere between $32,000 and $75,000.

    Overall

    A career as a bricklayer is physically-demanding but with a good outlook for jobs of 15% growth rate between 2014 and 2024. If this job appeals to you, it is an excellent career to consider.

  • Taking Your G2 or G Road Test? Here are Some Tips to Help You Prepare

    Taking Your G2 or G Road Test? Here are Some Tips to Help You Prepare

    Driving makes me nervous, so you can imagine that anxiety skyrocketing when I was behind the wheel with a stranger who was watching and judging my every move. Talk about nerve-wrecking! It’s normal to feel some nervousness before—and during—tests. The key to not let your nerves take over is to prepare as much as you can.

    Identify and practice your weaknesses

    Make a list of all the maneuvers and techniques you will be required to demonstrate during your road test. Now honestly review your abilities and mark down the ones that you are struggling with. It’s also a good idea to ask your driving instructor (or family member or friend who has been helping you) for their input as well. Once you have a clear idea of your weaker areas, focus on practicing them.

    PS- Don’t ever text and drive!

    Practice driving in the neighbourhood around your test centre

    In Ontario, you are free to select any drive test centre and any available date or time for your road test. Road tests take place close to the test centre, so once your test is paid and confirmed, you know exactly where you need to practice. It is important to be familiar with the possible test area and routes because you don’t want a hidden stop sign or an odd intersection to trip you up during the road test.

    Use the same car you practiced in

    If you have been practicing in your instructor’s car, arrange to use it for your road test. If you have been practicing in your parents’ car, use that for your road test. The bottom line is, you should use a car you are familiar with for your road test. The last thing you want to happen in front of the test examiner is uncertainly about where the front windshield wipers are.

    There is no shortcut to passing your road test. The key is practice: the better prepared you are, the less nervous you will be.

    References:

    1. http://find-a-driving-school.ca/road-test-tips-ultimate-guide-passing-driving-test/
    2. http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/3-secrets-to-passing-your-g2-test/
    3. https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/wise-words-from-a-nervous-novice/article19428438/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com&
  • What is the Point of Applying for Small Scholarships?

    What is the Point of Applying for Small Scholarships?

    Small scholarships are ones that have a small payout or are good for only one year or one semester. Students tend to overlook these and aim for the ones attached to a bigger number or a more prestigious name or institution. This is not a good strategy. This article is not to try to persuade you to only apply for small scholarships—rather, I urge you to also apply for them. Here are three major reasons:

    Small amounts add up

    Say you apply for five scholarships, each worth $500. The best-case scenario is you win all five, giving you $2,500. While this may not cover your full tuition, this is still a significant amount of money! Think about it: at minimum wage (or your current job wage, if higher), how many months will you need to work to earn that amount of money? These small amounts add up, and every little bit counts

    Fewer requirements to apply

    Small scholarships are in general less competitive, and because of this, they are likely to have a small list of application requirements. What student doesn’t want fewer hoops to jump through for financial aid? Maybe you just need to submit a 500-word essay or complete an application form. All in all, it means your application may be completed in one afternoon.

    More entries on your resume

    Regardless of the prestige or amount, a scholarship is still a scholarship. A small scholarship can still go on your resume and at the end of the day, it is still something to be proud of. It’s better that you have scholarships to list.

    The ideal strategy for students scrambling for financial aid is to apply for each and every scholarship and bursary you possibly can. However, those applications need to be carefully written, so given time constraints and a no-doubt busy student schedule, it’s easy to overlook the small scholarships. I suggest that for every major scholarship application you submit, work on one or two small scholarships. Good luck!

    References:

    1. http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/4A8488BA/Why-You-Should-Also-Apply-for-Small-Scholarships/
    2. https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/how-to-get-scholarships/
  • What are the Benefits of Participating in High School Co-op Programs?

    What are the Benefits of Participating in High School Co-op Programs?

    Looking back on my high school experience, one of my biggest regrets was not participating in a co-op program. Short for cooperative education, co-op programs are essentially opportunities for students to gain work experience while still in high school. At the time, my reasoning against co-op programs was that they took up too much time in my schedule: for two to three days a week, half of those days (either the morning or the afternoon) would be spent at my co-op placement. (Please note: this was the arrangement for my Toronto, Ontario high school; yours may have a different schedule.) I am writing this article because I want to explain why I have changed my mind.

    Exploring career choices early

    For some students in high school, they already have an idea of their future career path. For others, they are still deciding. Co-op programs are an early opportunity to try out a career and see if it will suit you. For example, if you are contemplating a career in finance, try to get a placement in a bank, where you will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work in finance. There are two possible outcomes at the end of your placement: either you will be more committed of your career choice or you will realize this is not for you. Either way, you leave your co-op placement with a clearer idea of your career suitability.

    Gaining employability skills

    Co-op placements are set in a variety of places—hospitals, banks, the police force, hotels, restaurants, just to name a few—and all of these are real places of employment, with real expectations of employee performance. A co-op student is technically not an employee and may be given a little leeway, but you will need to quickly develop important employability skills. These skills include communication, punctuality, professionalism, networking, and teamwork. These skills are important not only for your success as a co-op student, but also in your future workplaces because they are transferable and universally desired.

    Earn high school credits

    In Toronto, high school students require 18 compulsory credits in order to graduate and earn their diploma. The Toronto District School Board does not set a limit on the number of co-op programs you can take and the number of credits you can therefore earn from your placements—but only two co-op credits may count towards your 18 compulsory ones. The requirements may be different for your high school and school district, so make sure you ask your teacher or guidance counselor for the details.

    Now that you have learned about some benefits of participating in high school co-op programs, I strongly suggest you do some research. Does your school offer co-op programs? If so, what are the application requirements and process? A meeting with your high school guidance counsellor or career advisor can help you tailor your application to your specific skills and interests.

    References:

    1. https://myblueprint.ca/benefits-of-co-op-and-work-experience-in-high-school/
    2. https://www.wrdsb.ca/learning/programs/secondary-school-information/cooperative-education/student-benefits/
    3. http://www.tvdsb.ca/webpages/langleyc/resources.cfm?subpage=131976
    4. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-commentary/for-students-and-employers-co-op-education-is-a-bridge-to-a-wider-world/article24316976/
    5. http://www.tdsb.on.ca/HighSchool/YourSchoolDay/Curriculum/ExperientialLearning.aspx
  • What are the Pros and Cons of Going to Another Province for University or College?

    What are the Pros and Cons of Going to Another Province for University or College?

    For Canadian high school students considering university or college as their next step, the question of which post-secondary school to apply to is a major one. There is no question, you have to do your research, but don’t limit yourself to schools within your province. Universities and colleges in other provinces may be just as good or better than the ones in your current province.

    PRO: Gaining personal independence and maturity

    Attending university or college outside your home province is a huge step in your personal growth. You are making a commitment to live and study in a place that may be completely foreign to you: the language or dialect may be different, the climate may be different, the food may be different. You will have to learn to navigate all these differences while ensuring you do not fall behind academically. Being able to persevere through from frosh week to graduation will mold you into an independent, mature adult.

    CON: Feeling homesick

    The obvious flipside of going outside your home province is that you will probably feel homesick. The possibility of spontaneously going home for the weekend is small, and you may even be in a different time zone, making phone calls and Skype calls more complicated to arrange. Some students struggle with loneliness and homesickness in local universities and colleges, so the struggle is compounded when the school is in another province altogether.

    PRO: Building a new support network

    One way to ward off loneliness and homesickness is to build a strong support network. The friends you make at your new school become your chosen family. Your years at university or college are going to be difficult, no matter where you go, but it is even more vitally important for those studying out of province to have a strong support network nearby. They will help you through the tough times, and you will help them through.

    CON: Higher cost and therefore higher debt upon graduation

    A significant barrier to attending post-secondary schools out of province is the cost. The tuition you pay may be higher than the tuition paid by in-province students at the same program at the same school. There may also be less financial aid available for you, as a student from another province. All this translates to you graduating with a potentially higher debt load than if you had gone to a school in your home province.

    The question of where to go for your post-secondary education is not one to be made on a whim. You need to do serious research, consult your family and friends, and weigh your application choices carefully. Now that you have a better idea of the pros and cons of going to a school outside your home province, research a few schools in depth and if interested, why not apply? The even more difficult choice will come to deciding which offer to admission to accept.

    References:

    1. https://yconic.com/discussion/pros-and-cons-of-going-to-school-out-of-province/Nu68jEnpjqjk6wgLMt6nxhJyWtaozRV1
    2. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/stay-home-or-go-away-to-school/article21190004/
    3. http://study.com/articles/Pros_and_Cons_of_Going_to_College_Far_From_Home.html
    4. https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/college-search/pros-and-cons-deciding-whether-to-attend-a-state-school-as-an-out-of-state-student/
  • Tips to Budget Your Financial Aid

    Tips to Budget Your Financial Aid

    Congratulations on receiving your financial aid package! A significant amount of money has now been deposited in your bank account, so you may be wondering, now what? The next step is to budget how the money will be used.

    1. List all your expenses

    Writing a list of all your possible expenses can seem like a daunting task, so start with your absolute necessities as a student. Feel free to use pen and paper or open an Excel document. In the left-most column, you’ll probably be writing down: tuition, ancillary fees, textbooks, other study materials, rent, utilities, Internet, groceries, transportation, clothing. Next, list your wants. Maybe a smartphone upgrade? Maybe a “fun” section for eating out, movies, games? List the non-essential items by order of your personal priority. Note that financial aid is typically given semester by semester, so focus on the expenses for that specific semester.

    2. Divide up your financial aid

    The next step is to divide up your financial aid into amounts for each of the expenses above. Again, start with your absolute necessities. How much are your tuition and ancillary fees? How much are your study materials, like textbooks and graphing calculators? How much is your rent, utilities, Internet? How much will groceries and transportation cost? Since you’re budgeting financial aid for one semester, for monthly costs like rent and groceries, indicate the amount for the all the months in that semester.

    Add up all the necessary expenses. Subtract that total from the total amount of financial aid you have received. How much do you have left? You have two major outcomes.

    1. If this number is zero or a negative number, you have to either reduce or eliminate some of your essential expenses, apply for more financial aid, or start looking for a part-time job or work-study arrangement. Rent, for example, tends to be a significant expense, so maybe consider living at home or living with roommates to eliminate or reduce this number.

    If this number is greater than zero, start dividing this number amongst all your non-essential expenses. Be realistic with your assigned costs. If you find that the remaining money is not enough to cover all your wants, eliminate or reduce some. For example, if you have your eye on the latest iPhone but your current phone is perfectly fine, wait until your contract allows you a free upgrade

    3. Get input from family and friends

    Now you have a rough draft of your budget, ask your family and friends to take a look and give you feedback. They know you and your situation best, so they are best prepared to advise you. Maybe you put down $100 in total for your transportation costs, but that is just not realistic for your situation.

    Now that you have completed your budget, the most important thing to do is to stick to it! As each week and month pass by in your semester, you may find that you need to revise your budget. That is okay! Just make sure you at least have enough to cover all your essential expenses for the rest of the semester.

    References:

    1. https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/budgeting/budgeting-tips
    2. https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/budgeting/creating-your-budget
  • Cheers to Another Successful Year!

    Cheers to Another Successful Year!

    Congratulations!

    You are now in your final month of school and you made it with great success! Whether you are heading off to post-secondary school or climbing to another grade, the team at JPD wishes you luck in all your future endeavours- school or otherwise.

    You are probably studying for final exams and tests right now, but don’t worry- relaxation and fun are in sight. Summer break is a great time for doing volunteering, starting an apprenticeship or a new job. In between these more calculated activities, make sure you take time out for yourself to relax and relish in your successful year. Even if you think you didn’t have a good year, you can always improve, start again and learn from your mistakes.

    In the June issue of JPD, we have lots of great articles that may help you out during the summer months: how to look for summer jobs and different types of summer jobs, looking for off-campus and on-campus housing, prepping for your first year of post-secondary, different volunteer options, and articles on different hobbies and activities like learning calligraphy!

    Got some time on your hands this summer? Want to write for JPD starting this September 2017? Send me an email of inquiry this summer at JPDeditor@magiclanternmedia.com and I’ll fill you in on how you can be a part of the team!

    Thank you to all the readers and supporters of JPD this year and we hope you will all join us again in September 2017!

     

    Stay Safe,

    Erin Lynne Bouman

    Content Editor