1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Author: Jamie Hadland

  • Sports Scholarships: What You Need to Know

    Sports Scholarships: What You Need to Know

    Sports scholarships aren’t easy to come by. Most student athletes who get a scholarship don’t get a “full ride”. There are other scholarships and bursaries available, but the value and quantity vary from school to school. The best way to find information regarding the institution and what is available, is to contact the school directly. You can call, email or do research online. Many student athletes in Canada consider American Division 1 and 2 schools to have better athletic programs. However the costs are substantially different. Many of the Division 1 and 2 schools in the U.S. cost between $25,000 and $40,000/ year, while many Canadian schools cost between $5,000 and $7,000/ year. The cost of travel for both students and their families, exchange rates and the cost of living can add up. Staying and playing in Canada is often more feasible, financially.

    In 2012-2013 CIS (Canadian Inter-University Sport) schools, which consists of Atlantic University Sport (AUS), Réseau du sport étudiant du Quebec (RSEQ), Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Canada West Universities Athletics Association (CWUAA), provided $14.6 million in scholarships to student athletes. According the CIS web page the average scholarship awarded covered approximately 51% of tuition and compulsory fees. Of the scholarships awarded 57% went to male student athletes and 43% to female student athletes. The website also points out that scholarships are available in all CIS sports but the largest ones are awarded in basketball, hockey and volleyball.

    Below is a list of CIS Sports for both men and women:

    CIS SPORTS MEN
    Basketball Basketball
    Cross Country Cross Country
    Curling Curling
    Football Field Hockey
    Hockey Hockey
    Soccer Rugby
    Swimming Soccer
    Track and Field Swimming
    Volleyball Track and Field
    Wrestling Volleyball
    Wrestling

    CIS SPORTS WOMEN
    Basketball
    Cross Country
    Curling
    Field Hockey
    Hockey
    Rugby
    Soccer
    Swimming
    Track and Field
    Volleyball
    Wrestling

    Here are a few tips to try in order to have the best chance at securing an athletic scholarship:

    1. Get an early start. Your freshman and sophomore years are building years. In you junior and senior years you should be proactive in the recruitment process.
    2. Know what schools you might like to attend and look into their recruitment and eligibility requirements.
    3. Educate yourself and make sure you are informed.
    4. Make sure you maintain a high GPA so you can remain eligible to play. Academics still matter.
    5. Actively contact coaches at the schools you are interested in. In your email or letter include info like: sports stats, position, awards, your coaches contact information, the name of your high school and the year you will graduate. You may even want to send a video or highlight reel if you have one.
    6. Do research online, send for school brochures and make sure to pick schools that have academic programs you are interested in as well.

    Being knowledgeable about the process can increase your chance at success. It is important to go after what you want. Remember it isn’t your parents, coaches or school’s responsibility to get you a scholarship. If you think you have what it takes, go for it. Apply for all the scholarships and bursaries available to you. Proactively seek recruitment. Keep your grades up and you might be just what a coach is looking for.

  • Scholarships for Women and Girls

    Scholarships for Women and Girls

    In the past, Canadian girls rarely went far in their education. If they finished high school, that was often all that was expected of them. Now, however, women go to all kinds of schools where they learn to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, librarians and beyond. However, all of these opportunities bring expenses with them; this is when scholarships can help.

    Studying at colleges, trade schools, or universities can be very rewarding and lead to exciting careers, but it can be expensive. Tuition and textbooks cost a lot, but working to earn money during the school year can be stressful; how can you balance it all? For successful students who have special qualities, scholarships can be a good way of reducing the financial costs of getting an education.

    Many scholarships are for people who get high marks in a particular area, but they are much more than that. Some of them are specifically for women to encourage them to enter into certain fields. For example, very few women have traditionally gone into areas such as science and mathematics. Many universities have scholarships to encourage girls to consider these types of fields. Certain trades such as plumber or electrician are also likely to have scholarships for female students who want to train in that area.

    Besides encouraging girls to get into certain types of work, scholarships might have other special purposes. Some scholarships encourage leadership qualities, whether this is in starting a school newspaper or leading a recycling drive. Others might go to students who start their own businesses, learn a new language, or develop other skills. Each scholarship is slightly different, and it is important to know the requirements before putting in an application.

    Scholarships have different requirements, depending on who has supplied the funding. Funding for scholarships often comes from people who donate to a certain cause, often related to the interests of someone who has died. If the scholarship is in memory of a poet, for example, the money might go to someone who writes and publishes poetry. Sometimes the scholarship applies only to people taking certain types of courses. Financial need is normally one of the criteria, and some scholarships give students enough money to pay for at least a year or two of classes.

    Many different organizations offer scholarships for women and girls, but it can be difficult to find them. However, your school counselor likely has a list of some of the money that is available for students who want to continue their studies. Another good place to look is the Canadian Federation of University Women, which has listings of various scholarships and their requirements. It might be hard to know now which source of funding will suit you, but you can already start to develop the qualities that will help you win scholarships for your future studies.
    Check out the resources below for more information on scholarships for women and girls.

    Bibliography:

    Canadian Federation of University Women. “CFUW Fellowships and Awards for the Academic Year 2016-2017.” http://www.fcfdu.org/en-ca/fellowships/fellowshipsandawards.aspx

    Canadian Historical Association Committees. “Scholarships for Women.” http://www.chashcacommittees-comitesa.ca/gsc-ced/en/scholarships/scholarships_women.shtml.

    Easy Scholarships. “Scholarships for Girls.” http://www.easyscholarships.cc/scholarships-for-girls.

    Scholarships.com. “Scholarships for Women.” https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/scholarships-for-women/.

  • Scholarships for Aboriginal Students

    Scholarships for Aboriginal Students

    Bursaries and Scholarships The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada is dedicated to helping Aboriginals reach the highest standard of excellence in finance and management. AFOA’s initiatives in the development of Awards and Scholarships are examples of that commitment.

    See link below for scholarships and bursaries: http://www.metisnation.org/programs/education–training/education/bursaries–scholarships

    Want even more options? Check out the scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal students that we found:

    The Aboriginal Canada Portal Offers an online Aboriginal funding tool that offers a way to search for scholarships, bursaries, loans & grants according to your needs.

    Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Award The Aboriginal Education Incentive Award is part of Canada Post’s nation-wide scholarship program and commitment to furthering individual potential. Each of Canada Post’s eight regions across the country will grant three awards annually: Two $1,000 scholarships for the return to and successful completion of one full year of high school and One $1,000 scholarship for the return to and successful completion of one full year of post-secondary education, including vocational or trade skills training.

    FAAY (Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth) FAAY is a scholarship program operated by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. CCAB is dedicated to developing the future generations of Aboriginal leaders. They have scholarships for high school or post-secondary students.

    AMMSA (Aboriginal Multi- Media Society) Large listing of scholarships and bursaries available to Aboriginal people (including youth) in a variety of educational programs. You can look up educational institutions and find the awards available to their Aboriginal students only.

    Royal Bank of Canada Aboriginal Scholarships  Royal Bank offers scholarships to all Aboriginal people and also has a summer placement program as an award to qualified applicants. Royal Bank has employment opportunities for Aboriginal students in grade 9-12 for summer employment.

  • How Important is Money when you’re choosing a Career?

    How Important is Money when you’re choosing a Career?

    The pressure to choose a career is great enough without even thinking about the financial side of things. Depending on what you have in mind for your future, it may be admittedly difficult to reconcile financial stability with your true passions or ambitions. Unfortunately, many individuals experience pressure from family or friends to choose the path that is financially driven—and sometimes, this choice is made at the expense of their actual interests.

    Furthermore, if you are currently in post-secondary, or plan to attend in the future, you probably realize how much of a financial commitment education can be. This may heighten the pressure to choose a career that will guarantee you financial stability, in order to pay off loans or justify the expense. Overall, it is tempting to take the road well traveled, and the one that will secure you a big paycheque at the end of the day.

    Yet, in reality, a career choice should not solely be driven by financial concerns. Firstly, it is extremely difficult to guarantee that you will be financially stable, even in the most “typically” financially stable careers (e.g. medicine, law, or business). Every individual’s financial situation is different, and they may experience different financial aids or stressors throughout the course of their life. Individuals also have different skills that may be suited to some careers rather than others; for example, someone who is pursuing medicine for the money, but is extremely unskilled, may have difficulty finding a job and thus securing their financial stability.

    Secondly, financial concerns are just part of the decision you have before you. The career that you choose may end up determining what kind of life you lead, what your values and beliefs are, and what you get up in the morning for. Alternatively, it can turn into “just a job”—but a hefty time commitment nevertheless. Thus, it is also important to consider whether you will enjoy the career that you choose, and whether your skills are suited to that profession or not. Whether the job pays a lot is just one part of the picture.

    Finally, consider the fact that you have some power to alter your financial future as well. If you like something, and you work hard at it, chances are you will build up the skills necessary to advance in the workforce (and get paid well accordingly). This may depend on the discipline, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you may become one of the financial exceptions in your field. Of course, where you end up in your career can also be dependent on luck.

    Overall, though financial considerations can be crucial, especially in certain circumstances, it is difficult to anticipate what your future will hold. Therefore, when making a choice regarding your career, make sure you make a well-rounded decision. Money may be important, but it isn’t everything.

  • Thriving with Anxiety: Where does it come from, and what can I do about it?

    Thriving with Anxiety: Where does it come from, and what can I do about it?

    You are sitting in class. The clock ticks. Then it hits you: Your heart runs wild and beads of sweat run down your forehead. Anxiety comes hard and fast, but with reportedly one in five teens suffering from it, you are far from alone. Yet so many of us still see it as a crippling weakness, as something they have to hide.

    We live in a world of competition. Students compete for the honour roll. Graduates compete for internships and jobs. Even friendship and dating is a competition to be selected as a friend or romantic partner. Anxiety can hurt your grades, your work opportunities, and social interactions. So how did humans end up with such a burdensome trait?

    There is a specific part of the brain that handles anxiety called the amygdala. It may be hard to pronounce, but all you need to know is that it is a very small part of the brain that handles strong emotions like fear, anxiety, and aggression. The amygdala focuses on survival in the face of danger, and was essential to our evolution as a species. The problem is that it overrides other emotions and bodily functions. This makes sense when a predator is chasing you, but not when sitting in a classroom.

    We evolved to associate certain sounds, like the roar of a predator, with danger. We would know when to be scared and to run away. When that same mechanism associates certain sounds and sights with anxiety, it creates phobias that we struggle with. A traumatic event like a failed test can trigger this, and cause you to fear tests far more than is healthy. Anxiety was a useful tool for survival that is trying to adapt to a modern society very different from the world in which we evolved.

    In that problem lies the solution: The very nature of evolution is the idea of change. You are not doomed to have anxiety forever. Therapy can make a huge difference. This is nothing to be ashamed about, and is no different than getting treated for a papercut. The brain is a physical organ, and needs to be cared for and receive treatment just like any other part of the body.

    Find your triggers. Whenever anxiety strikes, grab a pen as soon as possible. Write down the time and place, what was happening, and what thoughts went through your head. By keeping a log, you will find patterns that are hard to spot in the midst of an anxiety attack. When in a calmer state, you can write responses to these moments and thoughts, challenging them using a calm and rational state of mind. This is a component of cognitive behavioural therapy, which emphasizes the importance of thoughts and how they influence moods. By looking at anxiety as something that can be treated, you can begin working on the bandage that will make it better.

    Sources:
    AnxietyBC. Parent and Child.
    http://www.anxietybc.com/parenting/parent-child

    The Doctor Says. Where does anxiety come from?
    http://www.thedoctorsays.com/anxiety/where-does-anxiety-come-from/

  • The Science of Bullying

    The Science of Bullying

    You have seen bullies in action. You may have been on the receiving end, or maybe you yourself were the bully. We all know it happens, and how awful it can be. The real question is why it happens. It is important to remember that no two bullies are the same. It is even harder to remember that bullies are human too.

    Studies have shown a myriad of causes for bullying behavior. The bully may be redirecting the pains of a troubled family life or struggles in the classroom towards other students. Bullies might be trying to appear “cool” in front of their peers. They may have seen others get their way through bullying, and prey on individuals who appear weaker to gain control. In all these cases, a bully is someone in need of something and not getting it. There is an emotional void that they are trying desperately to fill, and in that desperation they are going about it in an extremely harmful way.

    This is important to remember, especially as a victim of bullying. It is far too easy to view the aggressor as a monster, as someone lacking in empathy and humanity. Adults do this too; simply take a look at any wartime propaganda to see how the opposition can be made to look like inhuman monsters. It is human nature to create a story-like quality to our everyday lives, to classify ourselves as the heroes and designate the villain role to someone else. The bully might be your villain, but in their life story they may see themselves as the tragic hero up against abusive parents or teachers.

    Victims of bullying deal with depression and self-esteem issues. They often struggle to find a sense of normalcy in their adulthood. Bullies are more likely to become dependent on drugs and alcohol as they grow older, or continue their habit of abusive behavior well into adulthood. It is in the best interest of both the bully and the victim to put a stop to the behavior. If you or someone you know is being bullied, some people will tell you to go to an adult. Others will say to fight back. What is the best course of action?

    Unfortunately, just like how no two bullies are alike, no two life stories are alike. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. If you are going to tell an adult, make sure it is someone you trust and who you believe will take strong action. Fighting back might be tempting, but it can lead to an escalation in violence that would make it hard to tell the bully and victim apart.

    However, doing something is far better than doing nothing. Reach out to a teacher, parent, or adult you admire. If they have earned your admiration, then they have the character and intelligence to take proper action. Ultimately, this will save the lives of all the victims – both the bullied and the bully, for maybe, years to come.

    Sources:

    eSchooltoday. Why do some people bully others?
    http://eschooltoday.com/bullying/Why-do-people-bully.html

  • Resume Basics: What is it?

    Resume Basics: What is it?

    So first of all, why do we need to know about resumes? It’s because resumes are one of the most important tools students like yourself can use to find your first job.

    But first, what is a resume? A resume is a short and to the point piece of paper that gives your dream company and future employers a better idea about whom you are. It will be a summary of your accomplishments, including but not limited to education, work experience, skills and talents. Before getting started on your resume, take the time to list out your strengths and skills.

    Depending on your goal, you can change the type of resume you create. If you’re applying for a job, talk about your relevant skills that pertain to that job; if it’s for a volunteer position, talk about why you’re passionate about the organization and cause. There are three general types of resumes you should be aware of:

    A functional resume is one that focuses on your skills and talents. As a young student, chances are you might not have a lot of work experience so a functional resume will be well suited for you. Focusing on your skills will help highlight why you will do a good job at a new workplace.

    A chronological resume is one that focuses on your experience. If you feel that over the years you’ve developed quite a few experiences, you can try this resume format and list your accomplishments in order of time they happened. More often than not, the experiences should be listed with the most recent experiences first. Remember to include who it is you worked for or volunteered with and where it was located.

    After you’ve mastered both the functional and chronological resume you can proceed to try the hybrid version of the two. This means you will be talking about your strengths, talents and listing out your past experiences. Important tips to note on your resume: Don’t forget to give the sections on your resume different headings. The last thing you want to do is confuse the reader! Make sure to include your personal information: this includes your full name, address and most importantly, your contact number and email address for employers to get in touch. It is important that your resume be clear and easy to read. When employers go through mountains of resumes, they need to be quick in understanding your skills and experiences.

    References:

    http://how-to-write-a-resume.org/
    http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/resume-writing-tips/how-to-write-a-resume/article.aspx
    http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/resume-writing-tips/how-to-write-a-resume/article.aspx

  • Finding Your Strengths

    Finding Your Strengths

    As a student, you may already have some ideas about what inspires you and what you’re good at. But do you have hidden strengths and passions you have yet to discover?

    Your strengths or “superpowers” may not be as hidden as you thought. Sometimes, there aren’t opportunities for you to display your talents to others, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to develop them. Often times, students like yourself are too focused on not making mistakes instead of developing strengths. To gain encouragement from your peers, family and teachers is a great way to get inspired.

    So what can you do to find your strengths?

    First of all, list out your hobbies. These could be things you’re really good at or simply just love doing–possibly both. Take the time to do this either at home, during free time at school or in an advisory class for self- improvement. Doing so in a group can be a rewarding experience because you can share and discover the strengths of others.

    Now, think about a time in the past when you discovered an unexpected or hidden strength about someone else you knew. Reflect on why you thought that was very impressive and why it is important to know both your own and other people’s strengths. (This could also make a wonderful topic for your next creative writing assignment!)

    Next, think about your parents, guardians, or any adult you happen to admire. What are their hidden strengths? Is your mom secretly the best pastry chef in the world? Get inspiration from an adult you admire by conducting an interview with them. Find out what they do during their free time, what their hopes and aspirations are and how they went about accomplishing their goals.

    After reflecting on past experiences and learning about new ones, you are now ready to compile an inspiration scrapbook to help find your strengths.

    But don’t just stop there! Finding and developing strengths take time. You must reserve time every week to develop your strengths. Maybe Friday afternoons are when you find the freest time after school. Get together with some friends to work on projects you find interesting. Have you always wanted to build a rocket? How about paint a portrait or write a song? Take the time to work out these projects and show them to friends, family and your class! Who knows, you might be able to turn it from a hobby into a career for the future.

    Even the best talents must be discovered and fostered with the inspiration and support of others. Remind yourself and others around you the importance of their strengths. Let us make sure that this new school year is the best one yet!

    References:

    http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct12/vol70/num02/First,-Discover-Their-Strengths.aspx
    http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/assessing-student-interests-strengths-30100.html
    http://institute4learning.com/blog/2013/09/03/7-assessment-tools-to-identify-strengths-in-students-with-special-needs-and-all-kids/

  • Career Profile: Yoga Instructor

    Career Profile: Yoga Instructor

    So you love yoga. You’ve dedicated your time to deepening your practice, and the next logical step is teaching others! Becoming a teacher is a wonderful way to broaden your own knowledge base and share your passion. Here’s what you need to know about a career in yoga instruction.

    Being a yoga instructor requires patience, people skills, and a passion for sharing yoga. You could work in a studio, teaching groups and individuals. You could own your own studio. You could travel to your clients, teaching them in their own homes or offices. You could go into schools to bring the practice to youth. You could visit retirement centres and teach adapted techniques to the residents.

    YTT (yoga teacher training) is often a requirement to work at a studio. YTT is offered by many schools so look for those who are registered with the Yoga Alliance. The Canadian Yogi Alliance (www.canadianyogialliance.com ) keeps a register of qualified teachers and schools. Teacher training is measured in hours (200 or 500) and is a certification demonstrating you’ve completed a combination of study, physical practice, teaching, anatomy, and more. Each school is different, and you should look for your favourite style.

    If you’ve practiced yoga, you know there are many branches of practice, poses, flows, and breathing techniques. There are teachers who specialize in one, or generalize and do a little of everything, and some offer yoga for seniors, differently abled bodies, plus sized bodies, kids, and even couples! It’s a trendy fitness regime that can be adapted in a multitude of ways. Yoga is lifelong learning!

    A studio may also require you to have several years of experience under your belt to be hired. This is a great time to get creative. Set up your own classes, find community centres, retirement homes, schools, and others who may want your services.

    It’s not a 9-5 day job. You get to be super flexible with your time, but often yoga instructors find themselves working too much. Especially if you work for yourself. When you own your own business you will also need business skills such as book keeping, marketing, and general office management. The upside is that you are in charge of your own schedule and keep almost 100% of your profits (besides what you may owe in taxes). The Canadian average Yoga instructor wage is $25.87 per hour (http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Yoga_Instructor/Hourly_Rate ). A yoga Instructor, depending on experience and training can earn from $12.50 per hour to $54.04.

    Teaching classes is only the tip of the iceberg. Generally, you will need to look to other avenues of income. Group yoga classes will be a great start, but in order to really make a living, look at offering retreats, specializing in certain forms of yoga, or becoming an instructor for others to get their own certifications. Some will offer mobile yoga, bringing a measure of practice to busy office workers who can’t get out to a class. If you’re creative and hardworking, your income will reflect that; be inventive!

    In short, yoga instruction is a challenging yet rewarding career path that will use your creativity, your generosity, and your business acumen to the fullest.

    Namaste.

  • If I Knew Then…

    If I Knew Then…

    Advice on careers, finance, and life from Harvard Business School’s Class of 1963

    Each month, JobsPeopleDo will be featuring a special quote from a graduate of the Harvard Business School Class of 1963. The following quotes are insightful and can be used to inspire and encourage the right career path for you…

    “No surprise: Succeeding in business is the polar opposite of winning the lottery (pure luck, no effort). Blood, sweat, tears early on and consistently throughout. Become very knowledgeable about your product, service, or industry, and cultivate lasting relationships with people. Be completely honest in all dealings — even if it’s painful.”
    ~ Carol Nicholson Fryeberger ~

    “While still a teenager, make a list of all the things you like doing, and those you don’t like. Then find a job or study that maximizes the activities you like and minimizes the others. A happy and fulfilling job should feel like indulging in a hobby. Success is a result of true enjoyment and effort.”
    ~ Eyk Van Otterloo ~

    Via http://hbs1963.com/wisdom/careers/