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Author: Anthony Teles

  • Ce juillet découvrez l’histoire de l’Ontario

    Au courant de cet été, veuillez voir l’Ontario exploser de vie alors que la province bourdonne d’activité. Vous n’avez peut-être pas de cours auxquels assister, mais il y a toujours plus à apprendre et toujours des façons amusants de le faire. Voici quelques événements intéressants à découvrir durant le mois de juillet qui donnera vie à l’histoire, des guerres auxquelles le Canada a dû faire face sur son chemin vers devenir une nation, aux différentes habitations où les gens vivaient leur vie tout comme vous le faites aujourd’hui. Le passé déborde d’histoires  qui le rend plus intriguant que vous auriez pu penser.

    Fête du Canada – Pour célébrer la Fête du Canada le 1er juillet, considérez visiter Sault Ste. Marie pour les festivités de la fête nationale. Vous aurez la chance de regarder une reconstitution historique de l’époque avant la Confédération où les gens se déguisent pour vous donner un aperçu des modes de vie d’il y a des centaines d’années. Pendant que vous êtes l’à, ne manquez pas la vieille maison de pierre Ermatinger. Ce morceau d’histoire restauré vous permet de remonter dans le temps pour découvrir la vie domestique et la vie au travail durant les années 1800.

    Village des pionniers Lang – Préférez-vous quand l’histoire a plus d’action? Alors, ce 3 juillet rendez-vous au Village des pionniers Lang de Peterborough. Pour célébrer la Confédération, il y aura  une reconstitution historique des Raids des Fenians, dans le cadre du 150e anniversaire de l’invasion de 1866. Ces attaques ont entraîné le Canada dans une bataille contre les républicains irlandais provenant des États-Unis qui tentaient de persuader la Grande-Bretagne à se retirer de l’Irlande. Cette bataille a contribué à renforcer le moral au sein des canadiens et leur a donnée plus de confiance en leur puissance militaire. Elle a également aidé à développer un sens plus accru du nationalisme vers la même époque où nous sommes devenus un pays.

    Thé écossais – Pour ceux et celles qui ont un appétit pour l’histoire, allez visiter le musée Hutchison House à Peterborough les après-midi durant le mois de juillet. À partir du 2 juillet, du thé et des grignotines seront offerts à tous les jours, sauf les lundis de 13 h à 16 h. La magnifique terrasse se situe dans un jardin historique. Il y a aussi des visites guidées de la maison en pierre restaurée afin de vous donner un aperçu de comment les gens vivaient et se détendaient à l’époque.

    Marche guidée : crimes et criminels – Peut-être que les petites maisons historiques paisibles ne sont pas votre genre. Si tout ça vous paraît ennuyeux, peut-être que vous préférez le côté un peu plus risqué de l’histoire. Ceci est la visite guidée pour vous! À partir du 1er juillet, Brockville tiendra des marches guidées à travers leur centre-ville. Contrairement aux visites guidées de maisons charmantes du XIXe siècle, celle-ci examine la criminalité de l’époque, y compris le plus grand vol de banque de l’histoire du Canada. Les visites se dérouleront tous les vendredis à 15 h et à 19 h.

    Au courant de l’été, l’Ontario est riche en activités intéressantes remplies d’occasions pour apprendre. Avant le début des classes en Septembre, assurez-vous d’en profiter le plus possible de celles-ci. Après tout, il y a une limite à ce que vous pouvez apprendre en étant confiné entre les quatre murs d’une salle de classe.

    Source

    Festivals & Events Ontario. http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/

  • Arrêtez de vous comparer aux autres

    Nous tombons tous dans le même piège. Se comparer à quelqu’un qui semble être dans une meilleure situation que nous-même, et se demander quel tort avons-nous commis qui a abouti à notre malheur. Comment ça se fait que les parents de mon ami payent pour la majorité de ses frais de scolarité? Est-ce que j’aurais dû chercher pour un emploi à temps partiel plus tôt afin de payer pour mes études? Aurais-je une carrière lucrative si je poursuis des études dans les arts libéraux, comparé à mon ami entreprend des études en comptabilité? Ces comparaisons sont non seulement malsaines, elles sont déraisonnables.

    Avant tout, concentrez-vous sur votre propre situation financière et vos objectifs. Même si vous vous trouvez dans une situation difficile, faire des comparaisons ne fera absolument rien pour la changer. À la place, cet état d’esprit négatif peut jouer contre vous. Le plus que vous vous culpabilisez, le plus de négativité et de pessimisme pèsera sur chacune de vos pensées et actions et très vite, ceci fera obstacle à vos perspectives pour l’avenir. Il est déjà assez difficile d’assister à tous vos cours, de passer vos examens et de décrocher un emploi. Imaginez maintenant ajouter un état d’esprit négatif dans le mélange, et ces tâches deviennent infiniment plus difficiles. Vous serez de plus en plus susceptible de faire des erreurs en raison de la distraction et l’anticipation de l’échec.

    Cette mentalité est une impasse. Même si on est convaincu de la validité de la comparaison, nos cerveaux sont trompeurs. Ceci est quelque chose que notre cerveau fait beaucoup plus souvent que l’on pense. Comparer votre situation financière avec celle des autres nuit non seulement à votre situation personnelle, mais est surtout déraisonnable.

    Quand nous nous comparons aux autres, nous examinons les détails les plus dérisoires de notre propre vie; chaque achat ridicule, chaque occasion d’emploi manquée, chaque facture que nous avons à payer. Par contre, lorsque nous examinons les autres, nous avons seulement un aperçu de leur vie. Nous voyons seulement leurs profils tout polis sur les média sociaux avec des photos d’eux-mêmes en sortie et qui dépensent de l’argent, mais rarement des photos des jours où ils restent chez eux à manger sur le divan. Les gens viennent d’une multitude de situations, de circonstances, bonnes et mauvaises. La pléthore d’événements que chacun vie et toutes les décisions que chacun prend font en sorte qu’il est absurde de comparer même les situations qui paraissent semblables aux vôtres. Quelqu’un pourrait avoir des origines similaires, avec une famille beaucoup comme la vôtre et avoir suivi une éducation comme la tienne. Mais les petites différences dans leur personnalité, leurs professeurs, leurs amis, leurs décisions, leurs activités et encore plus s’additionnent pour créer une personne complètement différente. Faire des comparaisons est non seulement malsain; cela n’a aucun sens.

    À la fin de la journée, si vous êtes malheureux avec l’état de votre compte de banque, vous pouvez prendre des mesures pour corriger ça. Planifiez un budget mensuel, cherchez un emploi à temps partiel, et parlez à votre famille de votre situation. Votre éducation est d’importance capitale. Vos parents ne voudront pas que cela soit compromis en raison de dollars et de cents, et ils pourraient être en mesure de vous aider. Votre vie, dans toute sa merveille et son angoisse, est la vôtre. Ne laissez pas les comparaisons inutiles vous abattre – après tout, le sujet de votre comparaison fait probablement la même chose.

    Source

    Tempesta, Daniela. Why You Should Stop Comparing Yourself to Others. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniela-tempesta-lcsw/comparing-yourself_b_4441288.html

  • Summertime and the Living is Easy…

    Summertime and the Living is Easy…

    Hi Everyone! Tired from all your summer activities, already? Well, scroll some of our July articles and take a break in the shade!

    We’ve got some summertime articles on activities happening in Toronto, academic probation ( what it is and what you should be aware of), how to make your dorm a home, learning a foreign language and more! We have some awesome new writers contributing to the Campus Section- they know what’s up!

    We’ll see you back in September with a bunch of new updates and articles to help you along on your career pathway!

    Stay safe!

    Erin Lynne Bouman

    Content Editor

  • What is a Free-lancer and What do they do?

    What is a Free-lancer and What do they do?

    Having a full-time steady job in the arts is becoming harder and harder to achieve, prompting many people to become their own bosses and enter the world of freelancing. A freelancer is self-employed and typically has a list of various employers. Sometimes they can be represented by a company or agent, but for the most part represent themselves. While freelancing can be accomplished in many fields, the prominent professions typically include artistic ones. As a freelancer, you are responsible for acquiring enough jobs to support yourself, organizing various deadlines for work commissioned and sorting out your taxes each year. Typically nearly half of those who work as freelancers do writing work, but we will cover a few more. Keep in mind that if you are entering a freelance portion of your career it is important to have business cards, a website or specialized Facebook page, and a constantly updated LinkedIn account.

    Writers, photographers and graphic designers work much in the same way in the world of freelance. A freelance writer and photographer often has repeat clients like magazines, newspapers and businesses that require artistic content. The more diverse a writer’s style is, the more likely they are to find a lot of paid work. The same goes for photographers. For all freelance professionals looking to see their work online or in print, some publications pay and some do not. Once you have worked up enough of a portfolio there is no need to ever take on unpaid work. Get in the habit of constantly scouring the Internet for freelance gigs. The more you search the luckier you will be. After that, it is up to the reputation you build.  Graphic designing lends itself well to freelancing as it is solitary and can be done from home with the right kind of software. In such a digital day and age, websites and online publications have a large push to look beautiful and professional. The opportunities are out there.

    Being a freelance English teacher is a great job for those who love to travel. Freelance English teachers are in high demand right now in almost any country in the world. Parents who hire them want them to have teaching credentials and a foreign teaching certification like a CELTA. You must be a native English speaker, carry a work permit and report income religiously. Make sure to research the laws and customs in the country you are teaching in. Typically, the more clients you get the more your reputation grows and the more you can charge in the future. One of the higher paying freelance opportunities out there is for interpreters and translators. Most interpreters and translators are independent contractors, so freelancing comes naturally to the profession. You must be certified in your language, and the career lends itself best to businesses that deal with foreign affairs and politics. Other common careers that include freelancing options include musician, yoga instructor and bookkeeper. Your success will depend on how you sell yourself and your skills to the client (work on your pitches and public speaking skills), the reputation you construct for yourself, and the previous body of work that you have slaved over to achieve.

  • Tips for Utilizing Your Business Skills in the Trades

    Tips for Utilizing Your Business Skills in the Trades

    As the trade industry in Canada continues to thrive, more and more people, especially the youth, are grabbing opportunities to get their foot in the door through trade programs and apprenticeships.

    However, while both of these will prepare them with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in their chosen trade, there is one skill that can be incredibly useful as well—a skill that most people assume is irrelevant in the trade industry: entrepreneurial skills. Below are some tips on how to smartly utilize your business skills in the trade industry:

    Allow yourself to be driven by personal goal.

    The most successful entrepreneurs have been driven by their desire to achieve their set goals, primarily to establish a business of their own and become their own boss. While tradespeople may work for employers, they can follow the entrepreneurial attitude of defining a clear goal of being the best they can possibly be. This means that while they can draw inspiration and support from their peers, at the end of the day, they can measure the quality of their performance against their own standards, and not anyone else’s.

     Be smart about money.

    Entrepreneurs succeed because they know finances like the back of their hand. They have a great way of determining assets and liabilities, and they have a remarkable ability of balancing their books—even when their own bookkeepers can’t. This is something that tradespeople can use as well since it is definitely a big boost if they can estimate costs right off the bat and they can read when cost-cutting measures are necessary and where exactly they can be applied.

    Learn how to be independent.

    Most entrepreneurs have a team of go-to people around them—from executive assistants to accountants, from publicists to lawyers. However, for the most part, their ideas are their own, and while they rely on said professionals, they can always manage on their own if circumstances call for it. In the trades industry, while you have your colleagues and your employers, you must learn to stand on your own two feet and tackle your projects head-on as an individual spirit.

    Manage risks and failures gracefully.

    Entrepreneurs know about risks and failures all too well. Apart from having a general ideal of what challenges they might come across when they start their own business, they do have to prepare a business plan that includes a market feasibility study. However, even when they clearly understand their return of investment studies, they still take risks. This is something that tradespeople can also apply as they may also face difficulties as they try to succeed in their respective fields. The trick is to learn how to cope with such things well and if they do encounter failures along the way that they learn how to get back on their feet.

    Now that you know how business skills matter in the trades, are you prepared to apply your business savvy as you enter into the trades? Just keep these pointers in mind, and you will succeed in your efforts.

    Sources:

    http://www.tradeready.ca/2013/fittskills-refresher/the-attitude-heart-of-an-entrepreneur-spirit-of-a-leader/

    http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2013/05/08/skills-knowledge-of-major-importance-in-trades

    http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2014/03/10/5-traits-found-in-successful-skilled-trades-professionals/

  • Taking on Too Much and How to Get Back on Track

    Taking on Too Much and How to Get Back on Track

    Some people love being busy. They enjoy having meetings, going to concerts, and all kinds of activities to attend every week. It can be very easy to take on too much and become worn out. However, people can also learn to control the responsibilities that they take on and get their lives back on track.

    Are you the kind of person who has trouble saying “no” when people ask you to do something? You might find yourself agreeing to do so many things that you have little time to rest, complete your homework, or study for tests. If you learn to choose the activities that are necessary, that you enjoy, or that help others, you can more easily decide which ones are important for you.

    The first step is to learn how to make choices based on what you find is necessary and what is optional. For example, if you need to sleep a certain number of hours every night to avoid becoming overtired, be sure to include that in your schedule. Working too much can easily make people sick, but sleeping and eating well can help. Some activities, such as going to school, are beyond your control. However, you can be more flexible about optional activities, such as going to movies or the mall.

    Once you know which activities are necessary and which ones are optional, you can work out a schedule that suits you. Many people find it useful to write out a daily timetable that they can put on their bulletin board or fridge. Start with the activities that you cannot change and then fit in the others if you can.

    Keeping as close as possible to the schedule can be useful, but you should also be flexible when necessary. If special events or new activities come up, you might need to change your routine. However, keeping to a schedule as much as possible can help make life easier by relieving you of the need to make many daily decisions. Regular reminders of your schedule, either on paper or through electronic means such as pagers and cellphones, can help you get everything done.

    Sometimes, other people might put pressure on you to take on more responsibilities. They might even criticize you if you are unable to finish everything on time. However, knowing why you have made your choices will help you to explain your decisions or possibly to change them if necessary. If you take on more responsibilities or let some of them go, you need to know why.

    The amount of responsibility that you can handle depends on factors such as your personality and your health. If you know yourself, you can avoid the stress of taking on too much responsibility or learn better ways of managing the tasks that you have to complete; doing this will help you to keep your life on track, even with all of the responsibilities that you have.

    Bibliography:

    Klein, Sarah. “7 Reasons Working Too Much Is Bad For Your Health.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/28/overtime-work-hurts-health_n_1237941.html.

    Misner, Ivan. “Lacking Motivation? Follow These Steps to Get Back on Track.”  https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231895

    Scott, Gini Graham. “Avoiding the Responsibility Trap.”  http://www.amanet.org/training/articles/the-Responsibility-Trap.aspx.

    Wikihow.com. “How to Get Your Life Back on Track.” http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Life-Back-on-Track.

  • Speaking in Tongues – Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

    Speaking in Tongues – Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

    In a multicultural country like Canada, it is quite common to hear people speak a language other than Canadian English–whether you are at school or just on the street. As such, we are exposed to how beautiful languages from different countries are, and the thought of studying a foreign language might have popped into our mind a few times.

    Establish your reason.

    Being impressed by people who speak say French or Nihongo is usual for most people. After all, these languages are wonderful indeed. However, if your reason for taking a stab at learning a different language is to impress people as well, then you may have to rethink your intentions. It should be a worthwhile reason such as you wish to stay in France for the whole summer or you want to be closer to your Japanese friends.

    Be prepared for hard work.

    Think that learning a new language is like memorizing the Periodic Table of Elements? Think again. Remember, the process to become fluent in a language other than you are accustomed to takes time and effort—it does not happen overnight, and it certainly does not happen like magic. Sometimes, it takes a lot of modules for you to get to the basic level even. While it does take a lot of hard work, perseverance, and patience to be fluent in a foreign language, keep in mind that the rewards are great.

    Immerse yourself in that culture.

    Perhaps you have heard people say that there is a big difference between a traveler and a tourist. A traveler immerses themselves in the country’s culture, while a tourist just observes and focus on the must-sees. When you are learning a foreign language, don’t be a tourist. Make sure you act as a traveler and immerse yourself in that country’s culture. If you are learning Greek, for example, keep an eye for related events like Greek food festivals and film festivals. Of course, if you do get an opportunity to travel to Greece, then that’s even better.

    Watch foreign language films.

    Speaking of film festivals, it is extremely helpful to watch the films of the language you are studying. For instance, you wish to become more fluent in Spanish. You will find a plethora of films that are in that language at the public library or DVD store. Doing so will teach your ears to become accustomed to the sounds. Once you are confident in your learning skills, you can even watch the films even without the subtitles.

    Practice, practice, practice.

    No one studies a new language to keep it to themselves. Thus, don’t hesitate to try your hand at actually writing and speaking it. If you are learning Portuguese and you have Portuguese classmates, by all means, speak what you have learned in front of them. For sure, they will be more than charmed by your efforts to learn their native language and will be truly happy to help you out. Don’t be scared of making mistakes, even when it comes to pronunciation. As they say, these mistakes are opportunities for you to learn.

    Now that you have read these suggestions, you will be most likely ready to take on the challenge of studying a foreign language.  Know these tips by heart and have a go at it. Good luck.

    Sources:

    https://www.babbel.com/magazine/10-tips-from-an-expert

    https://www.markmanson.net/foreign-language

    http://lifehacker.com/top-10-tips-and-tools-for-learning-a-new-language-1703201725

    http://time.com/3453841/secret-learn-foreign-language-adult/

    http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/30/learning-another-language-ten-tips

  • Scholarships for Women in Science

    Scholarships for Women in Science

    Here is a round-up of some scholarships specifically geared towards women with a focus on science studies and careers in Canada:

     Debbe Gervin Memorial Entrance Award, BCIT

    This SCHWIST scholarship is awarded annually. You must be a female entering a High-Tech Performance program; past academic standing in both secondary and post-secondary studies is critical. The eligible programs are Network and Security Professional, Software Systems Development, and Technology Support Professional. The scholarship also includes a one-year membership with SCWIST.

    Michael Smith Scholarship, UNBC

    Another SCWIST annual scholarship that includes a membership, this scholarship is awarded to a female who is in the middle of a Bachelor of Science program. Academic achievement, community service experience and specific career aspirations will all be taken into consideration.

    L’Oréal Canada for Women in Science

    1. L’Oréal Canada and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and NSERC band together for a $5,000 scholarship awarded to a female scientist or engineer. The applicant must be involved in a research project of promise and have been previously awarded an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship.
    1. With the support of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and in partnership with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, L’Oréal Canada offers two $20,000 Women in Science Research Excellence Fellowships to postdoctoral women. These fellowships alternate each year between the respective fields of Life Sciences and Engineering/Pure and Applied Sciences.

    The Alice Wilson Award

    This award is given annually to three women in science studies who are entering a career in research at the post-doctorate level. The amount is $1,000 and will be given to those who exhibit high academic achievements.

  • Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships in Ontario

    Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships in Ontario

    The Ontario College of Trades lists 156 skilled trades. They can be divided into four major categories: Construction, Industrial, Motive Power, and Service. The following lists examples of skilled trades in each of these categories.

    Construction

    Bricklayer AKA brick and stone mason

    Construction boilermaker

    Drywall finisher and plasterer

    Electrician

    General Carpenter

    Glazier AKA architectural glass and metal technician

    Hazardous materials worker

    Plumber

    Powerline technician

    Refrigeration and air conditioning systems Mechanic

    Roofer

    Steamfitter

    Tilesetter AKA terrazzo, tile, and marble setter

    Industrial

    Cabinetmaker

    Elevating devices mechanic

    General machinist

    Industrial electrician

    Locksmith

    Optics technician AKA lens and prism maker

    Packaging machine mechanic

    Precision metal fabricator

    Railway car technician

    Tool and die maker

    Tractor-trailer commercial driver

    Welder

    Motive Power

    Agricultural equipment technician

    Alignment and brakes technician

    Auto body and collision damage repairer

    Heavy duty equipment technician

    Marine engine technician

    Motorcycle technician AKA motorcycle mechanic

    Tire, wheel, and rim mechanic

    Truck and coach technician AKA truck and transport mechanic

    Turf equipment technician

    Service

    Aboriginal child development practitioner

    Arborist

    Baker

    Chef

    Child and youth worker

    Developmental services worker

    Educational assistant

    Hairstylist

    Horticultural technician AKA landscape horticulturalist

    Micro-electronics manufacturer

    Network cabling specialist

    Parts technician AKA partsperson

    Special events coordinator

    These lists are not comprehensive: for the entire 156 skilled trades, go to http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/156trades. If you are interested in pursuing a skilled trade, the first step is to research the trades that you are interested in. This may involve determining the length of training, costs, funding opportunities and grants, trade-specific requirements, sponsor availability, job prospects, median income, certification requirements, whether you would be self-employed or work for an organization.

    Once you have chosen your desired trade, you need to find a sponsor, which is “a person, group, or organization that takes responsibility for ensuring that you are getting opportunities to learn all of the skills required for you to complete your apprenticeship in accordance with the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009”. During your training, you are considered an apprentice. Upon completion of your apprenticeship and certification in your skilled trade, you are considered a journeyperson and can then take on apprentices of your own.

    Apprenticeships are primarily hands-on learning with little to some classroom learning depending on the trade. They lead to fulfilling and well-compensated careers. Combined with the projected shortage of skilled tradespeople in Ontario, skilled trades is an attractive option for young people and those looking to make a career change.

    References

    1. http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/156trades
    2. http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/#home
    3. http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/faq
  • Projects and Working Well with Others

    Projects and Working Well with Others

    One of the key skills to learn in all levels of education and at work starts at the elementary level. How to work well with others, or more accurately, how to get along with others is one of the most important things you’ll ever learn. All aspects of communication are based on this; it may sound a little strange, but it’s essential because it can help you in so many ways- the more friendly you are, the more co-workers that remember you positively will work with you in the future- especially while working on group projects.

    We all have had group projects at some point – and there’s always someone that you would rather not work with, or others who seem to take the largest share of the work (or the credit) to compensate for a teammate who doesn’t contribute as much.  (The last one is tricky: there are many reasons for less contribution to the project: too much going on project-wise; too little time, as an example.)

    I speak of projects as a general “how to work well with others”, but this is the best demonstration I can think of. You have those who take too much, and those who take too little. Both of these are particularly annoying. This is not always ideal when it comes to a project of a strict guideline and expected result, but can be handy to know.  Therefore, you should work with your strengths: public speaking as compared to research, as an example

    You can talk within the project about splitting the tasks fairly, such as one person doing the research, another doing the presentation in front of the class, and another doing the organization/expanding on the research into the presentation. Of course I am speaking very generally, but it does give you an idea of splitting large tasks into more manageable pieces.

    What of the people whose personalities clash? Compromise is the second key thing here, and can be very useful. Allow the option of doing something that you don’t like to do so that someone else can do something they want.  It helps to get along fluidly, as compared to groups who have no cooperation between members. This leaves an opportunity for people to try an option they didn’t take previously on the next project, or with the same group, and leads to a better understanding of one another.

    Time management was a key frustration for me – everybody has different strengths and schedules. Therefore, flexibility is the final key skill for getting along with others, and deadlines should be flexible where possible. There are always ‘hard’ deadlines, when projects need to be completed by a due date no matter what, and ‘soft’ deadlines, when sections of a project should be completed so the next stage can begin. By allowing a flexible task date, another team member can start their task preparing the verbal presentation while the first person is finishing up the typed presentation. This is only an example, but I think you can figure out the benefits.

    By thinking outside of the box, compromising, and allowing for flexibility, you can learn how to work well with others.  It makes the work go more quickly, and new friends are always welcome.