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  • Chill Out – Coping with Exam Stress without Losing Your Focus

    Chill Out – Coping with Exam Stress without Losing Your Focus

    A student’s life is not easy, and things even become extra difficult when it is exam week. A large percentage of the final grade is usually based on the result of these exams, making students feel even more pressure than necessary.

    Of course, all students react differently to pressure associated with exams. Difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, lack of energy or lethargy, difficulty concentrating, and irritability are just a few common manifestations of students who are under extreme pressure.

    If exams are just a few weeks away for you and you feel that you are getting stressed out, below are powerful suggestions to cope:

    Accept it.

    When you have exam anxiety, sometimes you can make yourself feel better by imagining the exam will be postponed. Maybe the instructors will change their mind and will allow a few more weeks to give the exam. Or maybe school day will be cancelled on the day of the exams. Or maybe for some reason you will be exempted from taking the exams. These are all nice thoughts, but if you keep yourself in the stage of denial and daydreaming, you will become stuck. When you accept that the exams are indeed taking place on schedule, then you can move on and set your mind to the task.

    Think positive.

    Since there is a lot riding on the exams, you might be prone to negative thinking such as not getting a good enough grade or even worse failing. Getting rid of negative thoughts, of course, does not happen overnight, but a good start to combat this negativity is to fill your mind with positive thoughts instead. Visualize yourself that you are getting a high mark for the exam—maybe even the highest mark in your class. Believe in yourself, and soon enough, you can easily set aside that negative thinking.

    Develop a good study plan.

    Getting an excellent grade, of course, involves more than acceptance of the fate that awaits you and positive thinking. You actually have to work hard for it. Now, keep in mind that studying hard does not mean you have to be at the library the whole time! Burying yourself in the books too much is not going to help you in your cause either. Instead, create a timetable that allows you quality study time with ample breaks in between, such as scheduling a study time for two hours after school but with a 15- minute break for snacks and another 15-minute for TV or internet surfing.

    Stick to your routine

    To stay in line with your study plan, be prepared to sacrifice some things here and there. However, this should not mean you should completely break your routine, especially if it is an activity that helps you unload the stress you are feeling. For instance, if you go to yoga every Friday after school, then continue doing so. Yoga can actually relieve stress and make you feel relaxed. The thing to remember is that stress relief comes in different forms for different people. Knowing the things in your routine that can actually help you is key.

    Remember to guard your health

    Some students tend to pull off an all-nighter for studying, thinking this can actually help them get better grades. However, putting your health and well-being at risk is a definite no-no even when you are chasing A+ marks. As such, get yourself enough hours of sleep especially on the night before the exam, and eat healthy. Junk food and drinks like chocolates, coffee, chips, and others can energize you for a short period, but you really need nutritious food like fruits and nuts to keep you focused on your goal and keep you going until the long haul.

    Find support

    If you feel the exam anxiety is getting the better of you, then it might be ideal to seek out people you trust whom you can share your feelings with—whether it is your childhood friends, your siblings, your parents, or your fellow classmates. Who knows, your classmates might be undergoing the same thing and you might even do better with studying for the exams if you form a study group. This way, you can learn from each other and give each other practice exams.

    Still anxious about your upcoming exams? Follow the suggestions above, and you will be knocking out that anxiety… maybe even for good!

    SOURCES

    http://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/studyskills/assessment_evaluation/assessment/exam_stress.html

    http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/coping-with-exam-stress.aspx

    http://youthconnect.ca/htdocs/english/learn/examstresstips.asp

    http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/content.php?r=16171-dealing-with-exam-stress

  • The Bubble of High School, and How to Pop It

    The Bubble of High School, and How to Pop It

    The same group of friends, same activities, same teachers, same everything. This comfortable world of high school is what you know; you’re used to it. It’s what makes sense. This is our comfort zone. It’s our bubble of safety we can rely on during the challenging years of high school. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap that our bubble of high school is all there is in the world. But as scary as it may seem, there’s a whole other world outside of high school, and it’s just waiting for you to discover it.

    Branching outside of the “high school bubble” not only allows you to expand your       interests, try new things and meet new people, it also helps better prepare you for when graduation day hits and you leap into the “outside world”.

    So, what is the “high school bubble anyway?”

    When your high school lifestyle tends to be the only lifestyle you really know, or you can’t remember the last time you tried anything different, chances are you may be in the high school bubble. A lot of times we can put ourselves in a bubble without even realizing it, or realize just how much it limits our personal growth. It can be hard (and a bit scary) to do, but once you pop that high school bubble, you’ll be glad you did.

    Why does it matter?

    Sometimes, newly graduated students can find the world outside of high school to be very intimidating and really quite foreign. We get so used to the stability our high school routine provides that when that routine comes to an abrupt halt, it can sometimes be hard to adapt and we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. By introducing ourselves to new, outside elements before high school ends, we allow ourselves to be more prepared. It’s kind of like dipping your toes in the pool before jumping right in. On top of that, expanding past our comfort zone allows us to grow and build character, something that can never hurt.

    How can I expand past the high school bubble?

    Looking to expand your horizon is already a great first step! While there’s no exact recipe for how to break out of your high school comfort zone, here are a few tips and tricks that can be very helpful:

    • Join a new sports team, dance group, cooking class, or any other out of school activity you’ve been feeling interested in, but just haven’t quite gotten to trying yet. Trying a new out of school activity is great for a number of reasons. Not only are you expanding your interests and learning a new skill (which looks awesome on a resume, I might add!), you’re also going to meet a whole new group of people who have similar interests as you.
    • Try something completely out of the box. In high school, it’s especially easy to feel like you’re placed into a certain category. Maybe you’re known as an athlete, or a math wiz. But it’s important to realize, you are so much more than just one thing! You may have an entire portfolio of hidden talents and interests you aren’t even aware of yet; don’t let the high school bubble stop you from discovering them! Try one thing (or a few things) that are completely out of the ordinary for you. You may discover something new about yourself.
    • If you don’t already have one, try searching for a part-time job. Not only will you learn countless new skills and build up your resume, you’ll gain real world experience that will help you once you set out towards your career path.
    • Selflessly offering your time will not only help others, it will help you as well. Volunteering gives us the opportunity to see the world in a new light, and understand the impact we have, and the importance of helping those around us.

    These are just a few tips to popping that high school bubble, but remember there are plenty of other great ideas you can try. The best part is, just by you reading this article you’re already well on your way.

  • Campus Disability Services

    Campus Disability Services

    If you’re a student with a disability looking at your post-secondary options, we’ve provided a handy link to the NEADS website where you can access information about campus disability services all across Canada.

    NEADS EdLink is the most comprehensive Canadian directory of college and university disability service providers and links to service centre websites, with listings from coast to coast. Each entry provides current contact information for service providers at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The links to disability centre websites allow access to detailed information on accommodations, physical access, services and supports.

    Access the Campus Disability Services search engine via NEADS on their website.

  • Transitioning to Another School with a Disability

    Transitioning to Another School with a Disability

    Moving on from high school is a giant step for a lot of kids. Deciding which school to go to, what program you want to join, how you will transition, and learning an entirely new way of life are all a lot of things that can freak a student out. Fresh out of high school I did not know how to handle university. I was one of those kids who got lost and didn’t know how to keep up with my classes and it was really scary for me.

    What has the potential to make it worse is when students have to transition when dealing with a mental illness, learning disability, or physical disability. You’ve already got enough on your plate and once you’ve grown comfortable in a place and with people who have helped you for four years, it can be scary to move. You’re not really sure who to talk to or how your professors will handle your situation. It can be very daunting.

    The first thing you need to do when transitioning into university or college with an illness or disability is to speak to any accessibility resources in order for accommodations to be made. The transition goes by much smoother when you familiarize yourself with those who can help you.  For example, several accommodations can be made for those who are battling a mental illness and these accommodations get brought to your professors without revealing any personal information about your struggle.

    In regards to mental illness, when it comes to your professors, it doesn’t hurt to be honest with them about what you’re going through. It may be difficult at first and you may not even want to tell anyone new, especially because it’s always difficult to trust someone new when it comes to telling them about your mental illness. But, hopefully, as you get more comfortable, you’ll be able to speak to your professors more freely. This opens the door for you to know that your professors can level with you and it also provides them with an understanding.

    Speaking to the councillors is also something you should consider doing. This is something that has its pros and cons. You can speak to them and get anything off your chest to release any tension or stress. But, many people in university are also going through their own struggles, so it can be hard to get in to see a councillor sometimes. These are just a few things to take into consideration- explore all your options for help, just in case something falls through.

    The transition will be difficult for many students. You’re being taken out of your element and shoved into a new institution for a few years. But, the aforementioned tips to transition a little smoother are some things to keep in mind to make it easier for you.

    Explore JPD’s Community section to find out more information in regards to Accessibility Centers located at your chosen university or college. There is a handy drop-down menu that will assist you in your search for resources that will help you during your transition.

  • Changing Words to Change the World: Grappling with the Word “Disabled”

    Changing Words to Change the World: Grappling with the Word “Disabled”

    Though we often underestimate their impact, the words we use are a powerful reflection of our society’s beliefs. Think about words that were once widely accepted, but are now considered offensive.

    One that might come to mind is the word retarded or retard. This was once considered appropriate terminology to describe people with mental disabilities. Even though these are words used in offensive name-calling, they are strongly discouraged.

    As a society we are more aware, and can therefore appreciate the effects our words can have on people and society as a whole.

    Even though it is still used often, disabled is another word you hear less often. The Government of Canada released a document called “A Way with Words and Images.” They describe a disability as “a functional limitation or restriction of an individual’s ability to perform an activity” (2). Instead of saying “the disabled” they recommend the term, “people with disabilities.”

    Someone with a disability might have difficulty performing an activity, not all activities.  A person who uses a wheelchair might still drive a car or play sports. So if you call someone disabled, you’re essentially slapping a label on them.

    The language we use shapes our attitudes towards people with disabilities, which in turn causes them to be marginalized in society. It’s important to remember that “the majority of persons with disabilities have similar aspirations to the rest of the population and words and images should reflect their inclusion in society (1).”

    In addition to “person with a disability” being the acceptable terminology, the Government lists further recommended terminology for specific disabilities. Here are some examples (9-11):

    • Never say someone “suffers from”, is “stricken with,” or is “a victim of” a condition. Instead use, “person with” and state the disability. For instance, say person with cerebral palsy, or person with epilepsy, or person with schizophrenia.
    • Instead of “wheel-chair bound” or “confined to a wheelchair,” say “person who uses a wheelchair” or “wheelchair user.”
    • Someone with a mental health condition is not to be called “insane, psycho, lunatic, mental patient, etc” should be called “person with a mental health disability”

    Also take note that although the word handicapped is still used, it really should not be. In fact the word dates back to the days when people with disabilities were abandoned and forced to beg in the streets “cap in hand” (The Right Words, 3).

    A short answer to the question of why the word disabled is being used less often is simply that it cannot only be offensive to some, but outdated as well. As a society, we are taught not to define people by their conditions- this principle is not always upheld.

    How can we call historical figures like Terry Fox, Stevie Wonder, Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking (and the list goes on) disabled? As our use of language continues to evolve, so do our attitudes and beliefs.

    Our use of words matter and we still have a long way to go and much more to accomplish- let’s do it together.

    References:

    A way with Words and Images (2002) Retrieved from: http://www.terrace.ca/documents/news/measuring-up-the-north/MUT-Way-with-Words.pdf

    The Right Words. (2010, January 27) Retrieved from: http://www.terrace.ca/documents/news/measuring-up-the-north/MUT-The-Right-Words.pdf.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Skilled Trades Schools in Ontario

    Skilled Trades Schools in Ontario

    This article will highlight three Ontario schools that provide training in the skilled trades. Remember that in-school theoretical training is a mandatory part of your apprenticeship, and these schools are excellent options. They are well-known, established post-secondary education options for anyone interested in a career in the skilled trades.

     

    George Brown

    The School of Apprenticeship & Skilled Trades at George Brown offers apprenticeship programs in trades such as construction and maintenance electrician, general carpenter, industrial mechanic, plumber, residential air conditioning systems mechanic, and steamfitter. In addition, if you are not yet ready to start an apprenticeship, you may look into programs that teach you foundational techniques. Examples include construction trades techniques, electrical techniques, and plumbing techniques.

    Humber College

    The School of Applied Technology at Humber College—like George Brown—offers the necessary classroom component for the following trades: arborist, cabinetmaker, electrician, heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technician, industrial woodworking technician, plumber, and welder. These programs expose students to in-school training and practical job experience. Humber also offers Skilled Trades Certificates: these 11 continuing education programs equip you with the skills you need to become a home inspector, project manager, or gas technician among others. Note that these programs are stand-alone—when you graduate, you can start working.

    Sheridan College

    Sheridan College’s Apprenticeship Training Programs are offered for the following skilled trades: construction and maintenance electrician, industrial electrician, construction millwright, tool and die maker, and general machinist. Note that a student must be sponsored by the tradesperson they will be working with during their apprenticeship in order to take these programs.

    These three schools are all excellent options for anyone considering a career in the skilled trades who live in or will live in Ontario. To decide between the three, consider location, tuition, and faculty—as well as program availability.

    References:

    http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/apprentices/faq.html

    http://www.georgebrown.ca/apprenticeshipskilledtrades/

    https://www.humber.ca/appliedtechnology/skilled-trades

    https://www.humber.ca/appliedtechnology/continuing-education/certificates/skilled-trades

    https://academics.sheridancollege.ca/programs/apprenticeship-training-programs

  • Don’t Fall in October

    Don’t Fall in October

    You did it! You made it through the first trialing month of school. By now, you are really starting to get comfortable with your new classes, teachers and friends- keep up that momentum! Winter is around the corner and sometimes, that brings up feelings of scarcity and isolation. Keeping active and moving forward during the changing seasons is the best way to avoid falling behind in school or otherwise. If you made goals for yourself at the beginning of the school year, keep moving closer to them. Sometimes we can get complacent and loose track of things we once wanted to achieve- don’t let this happen!

    Have you ever heard of the acronym “STEM” ? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. JPD has some great STEM related career portfolios this month including Astronomer, Industrial Psychologist, Film and Video Editor.

    In Community, we have articles with information on great federations like Inclusion Alberta, as well as upcoming events in October across Canada about inclusion and disability. Having trouble with anxiety? Be sure to check out our simple but helpful tips to get you through those tough moments. Mental health in teens is an important issue that JPD will be exploring on a monthly basis.

    Remember, don’t fall behind in October….( don’t you love puns?!)

    Have a great month!

    Erin Lynne Bouman

    Content Editor

  • Atlantic Canada Trade Schools and Programs

    Atlantic Canada Trade Schools and Programs

    Do you live in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or PEI? Are you interested in moving to the East Coast? Are you interested in a career in the trades industry? It can be overwhelming when trying to decide on a career path, but seeking out as many options as possible is the best way to start. Atlantic Canada has some great training and apprenticeship programs and finding the best program for you is just around the corner.

    Below are some great schools that will help and train you on the path to a great career in the trades:

    Newfoundland:

    Ashworth College

    Trades & Technical:

    Basic Electronics

    Carpentry

    Electrician Training

    Gunsmithing

    Heating & Air Conditioning

    Home Inspection

    Locksmithing

    Motorcycle Repair

    Plumbing

    http://www.trade-schools.ca/ashworth-college/form.aspx

    Academy College

    Faculty of Construction, Trades & Mining:

    Automotive Service Technician (Entry)

    Baker

    Carpenter (Pre-Employment)

    Computer Aided Drafting

    Construction/Industrial Electrician (Entry)

    Cook (Pre-Employment)

    Geological Engineering Studies

    Insulator (Heat & Frost) (Entry)

    Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Entry)*

    Occupational Health and Safety

    Plumber (Entry)

    Renovation Technician*

    Scaffolding*

    Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Entry)

    Supply Chain & Logistics

    Welder (Pre-Employment)

    https://www.academycanada.com/faculty-of-construction-trades-mining/

    Prince Edward Island:

    Holland College

    Trades and Industrial Technology:

    Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Repair and Overhaul Technology

    Automotive Technology

    Carpentry

    Commercial Diving

    Construction Electrical

    Electromechanical Technology

    Energy Systems Engineering Technology

    Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology

    Heritage Retrofit Carpentry

    Industrial Electrical

    Plumbing

    Power Engineering

    Precision Machinist

    Steamfitting Pipefitting

    Welding Fabrication

    Welding Level 1

    Wind Turbine Technician

    Wood Manufacturing Cabinetmaking

    http://www.hollandcollege.com/programs/

    Eastern College

    Programs:

    Construction Electrician

    Industrial Electrician

    Plumber

    Steamfitter / Pipefitter

    Welder / Metal Fabricator

    http://easterncollege.ca/?Section=trades&campaignid=2068

    New Brunswick:

    Eastern College

    https://www.easterncollege.ca/?Section=trades

    New Brunswick Community College

    Career Possibilities:

    Bricklayer

    Maintenance Person

    Carpenter

    Electrician

    Fuels Technician

    Plumber

    Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

    Gas Fitter

    Oil Burner Mechanic

    Oil Heat System Technician

    Steamfitter/Pipefitter

    Sprinkler System Installer

    http://www.nbcc.ca/programs-courses/program-areas/trades-building-and-construction

    Nova Scotia:

    Nova Scotia Community College

    Programs: School of Trades & Technology ( list)

    Eastern College

    (Eastern College has campuses and programs across Atlantic Canada)

    http://easterncollege.ca/?Section=trades&campaignid=2068

  • Trades in Western Canada and How to Get Started: Alberta and British Columbia

    Trades in Western Canada and How to Get Started: Alberta and British Columbia

    Do you live in Alberta or British Columbia and dream of a career in the Trades? Maybe you don’t know much about careers in the trades but want to learn more? Figuring out your career path all starts with interest and curiosity; this leads to trying new things and learning more about different types of careers. Working in the trades can mean anything from being a professional baker to a welder in the oil sands.  One thing all trades have in common is their never-ending learning curve.  In a trade career, the learning never stops- there are always new challenges.

    So, you’ve decided you want to learn more about the different types of careers in the trades industry; what now? Your guidance counselor can give you some direction if you have an idea of what particular trade you want to explore, but you should check out these great Alberta and BC online resources, first:

    Alberta:

    Trade Secrets- Apprenticeship and Industry Training

    http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/trades-occupations-list/

    This is a great website to look through if you want to explore all the types of trades offered in Alberta. It lists the registered trades in alphabetical order so you can find them easily. The registered trades that are listed are recognized all across Canada. This site gives you general information about how to seek financial assistance for programs, apprenticeships, and how to become an experienced and successful trade worker.

    British Columbia:

    ITA- Industry Training Authority- BC

    http://www.itabc.ca/youth/trades/

    This is a great website. It allows you to explore different trades and the apprenticeship programs offered in BC. You can search all the trades listed, or search through categories like: Fixer, Outdoorist, Artisan, Builder, Operator and Analyzer. By separating the trades into categories, you can decide whether you are more attracted to being a builder (very physical) or if you want to work outside in nature (agriculture), for example. The site has tips on how to get started and how you can gain an apprenticeship and have an employer sponsor you.

    Great thought and preparation goes into choosing a career path. Always make sure you have all the information you need in order to make an informed decision about your career. Ask your guidance counselor for advice along with exploring these great resources!

    Sources:

    http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/trades-occupations-list/

    http://www.itabc.ca/youth/trades/

  • Anxiety: When worrying becomes more than just worrying.

    Anxiety: When worrying becomes more than just worrying.

    Writing a big final exam, or taking the last shot during the championship game. We all have events in our everyday life that make us feel stressed, nervous and even a little anxious at times. Having a little bit of nervousness in your life is completely normal. However, what happens when these feelings of uneasiness and stress last longer than just until you hand in that test paper? Or what if they show up more often than not? What do we do when we start to feel anxious so often, it almost feels like it controls everything we do? Well, it may be that your feelings stem a little bit further down than just nerves and jitters, it may be that you are actually suffering from a mental illness known as anxiety.

    I know thoughts of mental illness can be a bit tricky to understand, but not to fear! I’m here to help you break it down, and learn how to handle it.

    First off, let’s talk about (a few) of the different kinds of anxiety that exist:

    General anxiety:

    In short, a sufferer of this form of anxiety typically worries about things…a lot. Unlike a healthy amount of worry, someone with general anxiety tends to worry and stress about something so much it becomes completely life consuming. It’s all you can think about! The worrying becomes so overwhelming it may lead to vomiting, headaches and the feeling of a tight chest. It can get so intense you may even skip out on things like school or work.

    Social anxiety:

    This is when we get intense feelings of anxiety from settings involving other people. This could be you feel completely overwhelmed speaking in front of the class, or you feel extremely uncomfortable when surrounded by large groups of people.

    Panic attacks:

    This is a physical form of anxiety. When a sufferer is having a panic attack, they may feel physical discomforts such as a very fast heartbeat, a loss of breath, or even a tight chest. Sometimes panic attacks can strike without any warning, or clear reason.

    There are a variety of other forms of anxiety as well, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Phobias and OCD. All of which, can be experienced by people of any age group.

    Tips?

    • Take slow, deep breaths.
    • Slowly count to ten.
    • Take time for yourself, and enjoy an activity that helps clear your mind.
    • Talk to someone you trust and remember you aren’t alone!

    If you feel like any of the things mentioned above apply to you and you have some concerns or questions regarding anxiety, reach out to your family doctor. The only way to receive proper treatment for anxiety is to get properly diagnosed, so speak with a medical professional to receive the help you deserve.

    Sources:

    http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anxiety.html#

    https://www.adaa.org/tips-manage-anxiety-and-stress

    By Mariann Roberts