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Author: Rochelle C. Pangilinan

  • Nail that Scholarship Like a Pro!

    Nail that Scholarship Like a Pro!

    Tuition fees in Canada continue to rise and it’s said to be the most significant expense for college and university students. A recent HuffingtonPost.ca article says that over one-third of students will have $25,000 debt by the time they graduate. This will indeed be a very daunting situation, so if you are a college or university student, it is a smart move to look into other resources to help fund your education, and one way is through scholarships.

    Remember, however, that no matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you are competing with dozens, maybe even hundreds, of other students who are in the same boat as you. As such, scholarship committees or providers often conduct interviews to narrow down their list of deserving recipients. So how do you stand out from the rest of the crowd? Below are some tips to keep in mind.

    Do your research.

     These days when information is merely a click away from your smart phone or tablet, there is no excuse for you to be unprepared coming to job interview; the same thing goes for a scholarship interview. Prior to your interview, be sure to research about the scholarship committees or providers—what they do and how they are involved in the community. Also, as with a job interview, list down questions that you want to ask them. This will show how acquainted you are with their organization; this might score you big points.

    Practice your answers.

    Some common questions in scholarship interviews are also similar to job interviews. Examples are “Describe your strengths and weaknesses” and “What makes you the ideal candidate?” You can practice these questions beforehand, but make sure to add a bit of spontaneity to your responses to avoid sounding overly rehearsed. When describing your strengths, however, be proud but not overly zealous. When describing your weaknesses, be truthful but remember to illustrate a situation on how you conquered this weakness.

    Dress smart.

     You don’t have to spend your entire monthly pay cheque and don designer wear for your interview, but you can still look like you spent a thousand bucks on your attire. It’s all about presentation, so choose clothes that make you look presentable. Choose clothing that you are comfortable with. Do a fashion show for a family member or friend if you have to, so you can get their opinions.

    Be yourself.

     It’s okay to be nervous for a scholarship interview. After all, it is tuition money that is on the line—something that will really benefit you in your current situation, and after. However, don’t let your anxiety get the best of you. Try to relax and just be yourself. Yes, “be yourself” is a pretty vague piece of advice, but it’s one that really makes sense if you think about it. The scholarship committee and provider will entrust their money to you, so don’t you think they deserve to know the real you before they do that? Let your personality shine through and see what amazing opportunities come your way…

    SOURCES:

     http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/Cairine-Wilson-CPA-Canada/teamwork-helps-students-a_1_b_8012356.html

    http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fexpd.washington.edu%2Fscholarships%2Fcurrent-undergraduate%2Ftips-and-tools%2Fpreparing-for-scholarship-interviews.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEVOoH9FNSG9jdAtyNpqYFf9h2rg

    https://yconic.com/article/8-ways-to-ace-your-scholarship-interviews?redirect_from=studentawards

    http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fbrightsparks.com.sg%2Farticle.php%3Ftitle%3Dscholarship-interview-success-tips&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgfH1vTddAYR76hPrjqU5bhp0K_Q

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • If I Knew Then: Advice on careers, finance, and life from Harvard Business School’s Class of 1963

    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…

    You have the talent and capability to create a great life for yourself and for our society. The opportunities are numerous. The need for leadership is compelling. You live only once, and life is short. So your choices matter greatly.

    Don’t waste your chance to make important contributions. Work on important opportunities and problems. Be an ethical exemplar and committed leader. Become a recognized expert in your chosen profession. Reach out to and concentrate your time with the best people in your profession. Avoid those who are OK or less on values, character, and ethics.

    Choose a career you really enjoy. You’ll make ample money doing work you like with people you admire. You’ll be able to provide your family with everything of real value, so why give up joy for dough?

    Find a firm that understands the real value of good ethics.

    You may consider starting your own company, ideally with one or more friends you trust and admire. If anyone can talk you out of it, let them — because it’s only when you know you must do it that you’ll have the determination to overcome all the obstacles and challenges and have the persistence to figure it out and make it fly.

    If you decide to go ahead, give it all you’ve got. Building your own company is the greatest freedom you can ever have — and it’s fun!

    ~ Charley Ellis ~

    Via http://hbs1963.com/

  • Campus Safety Tips: Things You Should Know

    Campus Safety Tips: Things You Should Know

    Your college or university campus might feel like a second home, but it is important to remember to keep safe, both during the day and at night. With a bit of consideration, you can ensure your student experience remains a positive and safe one.

    Know Your Campus Safety Resources

    Every college and university wants their students to feel safe and secure while on campus, and usually offer a comprehensive list of safety services and resources available to students. One of your first tasks should be to look up these resources in the student handbook or online, and familiarize yourself with what programs your institution offers, so that you know where to go and who to contact in case of any emergency. Depending on the school, services can include campus police services, safe escort teams to walk with you between campus destinations, first aid and first responder services, and emergency phones or kiosk stations installed across campus. All schools also offer prevention and counselling services for sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. Get to know where these services are located on campus, what their phone and other contact details are, and their hours of operation if applicable, so that you know your options if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe on campus. These services, and the volunteers who run them, are there to help you, and their goal is your safety and the safety of the campus overall.

    Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

    Other ways to help ensure your safety on campus can include planning ahead when you know you will be on campus for class or studying, especially late at night when there are fewer people out and about. When you make your plans, know exactly where you are going, and how you will get there. Learn the location of your parking or public transit stops, and the best path to reach your destination, ideally through a brightly lit, busy street or building. Avoid any shortcuts, shadowed pathways, and unpopulated areas, and be aware of your surroundings. If possible, plan to walk with a friend, or arrange for your campus walking escort service to accompany you. It is also a good idea to carry a cell phone with the campus emergency services’ phone numbers saved in your contacts, and enough cash for a cab ride in case of emergency. Lastly, notify friends or roommates of your plans, including destination and what time you plan to return, and ensure you lock all the doors and windows of your residence room, house or car when you leave.

    Trust Your Instincts

    If you do ever feel unsafe on campus, trust your instincts and take preventative measures. For example, should you be harassed by someone, or feel that you are being followed, act immediately to get to a well lit and busy place, and call your campus security or police service, or 911. Nothing is more important than your safety, and these services are always available and ready to help.

    Campus safety doesn’t just mean safety outdoors. If you or you know someone who is being bullied or otherwise, on a daily basis, let your campus authorities know. The same goes for the online world; many students in university or college can be victims of digital harassment online while at school. Be aware or your surroundings, how much you reveal about yourself and to who.

    Sources:

    Western University – Campus Life: Safety and Police

    http://www.uwo.ca/campus_life/safety_police.html

    University of Toronto – Safety

    http://safety.utoronto.ca/

     

  • What is Fundraising?

    What is Fundraising?

    Fundraising is common in our society, but there can never be enough. It can include school events to multi-million dollar corporations advocating for causes such as poverty and homelessness. Although it often goes unnoticed, fundraising has many benefits to both the fundraisers and the beneficiaries. The act of giving, and the accomplishment of a desired goal play important roles in youth development; fundraising develops many skills, and enhances your sense of responsibility and awareness.[1]

    The main goal of a fundraiser is to generate profit in order to support certain events and causes. Fundraisers in schools can be for purchasing sporting equipment, hosting monthly book fairs, pizza parties, clubs and more. Sometimes they can be created in order to raise money for organizations like Kids Help Phone or the Terry Fox Foundation. All of these events produce positive results such as initiating social activities for the children and overall, creating a more amicable environment for the students, giving all an equal chance.[2]

    There are different ways to fundraise. Many schools host bake sales and barbeques. Parents and students bake goods and sell them to the public; the proceeds from the bake sale can go to various causes such as sports equipment and field trips for the school. Concerts are also very popular and can be hosted by schools, corporations or local businesses. This is a great way to give exposure to up and coming musicians as well as raising money for a good cause. Fundraising helps promote synergy as individuals will be working hand in hand to support a common goal.

    Strathona Composite High school, in Alberta set a world record by raising more than $360,000; more than any high school has raised in the country. They have coordinated fundraising events from HIV awareness to educating the public on water sanitation. The school has a leadership program that supports students’ academic growth.  Program coordinator Tom Younge believes the program will expose students to real life problems like stress and emotional management as well as time management, helping develop members of the program to reliable and responsible students.[3]

    Fundraising comes with a lot of valuable real life tasks. The strategic planning of the fundraiser and the management of the staff and individuals involved, pose a challenge to fundraisers, but there are great rewards in the end. Fundraising is a great way to meet people with common interests and passions- go out and raise some money!

    References:

    [1] http://www.fundraisingip.com/fundraising/why-fundraising-is-important/

    2 http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/ideas/

    3 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/how-to-break-a-high-school-fundraising-record/article24642767/

     

  • School to Work

    School to Work

    Whether you plan to go to college or university, or you want to get right into the workplace after high school, there is co-operative education, internship, and apprenticeship programs all designed to aid students in making the transition from school to the workforce.

    Co-operative Education programs are available at the secondary and post-secondary levels. High school co-ops earn you credits toward your high school diploma, and provide you with first-hand experience in a potential career. Skills learned through a co-op also help to build up your resume, which will help you with future schooling or job applications. Check with your guidance counsellor to arrange a co-op program. Usually a teacher must monitor these programs, and provide a study curriculum related to your co-op work placement.

    Post-secondary co-op programs exist through many of Canada’s universities and colleges. These offer an educational experience combining work placements and academic studies. These tend to be complete degree or diploma programs, requiring formal enrollment in the program the same as any other college or university degree. Co-op programs may take longer to complete than a standard degree, since the work placements are interspersed between your class semesters. These programs are a great way to get hands-on experience in your chosen field, which will give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs after graduation.

    Internships operate a bit differently than a co-op. Many internships are posted, and applied for, in the same way regular jobs are: you need to apply with a resume and cover letter, perform an interview, and get hired for the position. Internships are great for students and recent graduates because you have a chance to work at a job to see if it is right for you, without committing to a permanent position, since most internships are only a few months or a year in length. Also, more awareness of un-paid internships is being recognized and in the future, laws may change to benefit the intern more than the corporation they are working at. When you become an intern, make sure you are getting what you deserve and want out of the internship; it needs to benefit the next step in your career path. There are too many grads walking around busting their backs for companies that do not pay them, or don’t pay them enough.

    Lastly, if you plan to go into one of the skilled trades, an apprenticeship is the way to go. Apprenticeships differ from co-ops and internships in that most of your learning takes place as a paid working apprentice, where you learn on the job in order to develop and refine the technical skills specific to that particular trade. Only a small part of an apprenticeship is comprised of class time, usually taking place at a technical school, union training centre, or through online study. You do have to register with your local or provincial apprenticeship office, who will help you track your hours, inform you of grants to help pay for your apprenticeship, and assist you in obtaining your professional certifications.

    While asking your school guidance department, and family or friends, are good places to start your search for a co-op, internship, or apprenticeship, there are also a number of online resources dedicated to helping Canadian students connect with these opportunities.

    Sources:

    Canadian Association for Co-operative Education

    http://www.cafce.ca/

    Public Service Commission of Canada – Post Secondary Co-op and Internship Program

    www.cappa.ca/index.php/en/students/post-secondary-co-op-internship-program

    Careers in Trades

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/

    Government of Canada Services for Youth

    www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/career_planning/coop.shtml

     

  • The 5 Year Question…

    The 5 Year Question…

    “Where do you think you’ll be in five years?” We’ve all heard variations of this question, from various people; from friends to teachers, guidance counselors and magazine articles. But what you might not know is that it’s actually a great start to planning and time management – specifically in regards to your career. These thoughts and questions can be useful and productive while you’re planning for your post-secondary education. The 5 year question gets you thinking about what you want to do with your life; how to get there, and the goals that you may have to set in order to move closer (think baby steps) towards your ultimate goal. Getting There… In high school, for instance, you think broadly: what career you want to be in (and other related occupations because it will change), and what level of education you will need to get there. If it’s a science career, you’re going to be taking science classes: but that can be split off into chemistry, physics, or biology. If it’s working with computers, you’re going to want to know the kind of computing classes (programming as compared to graphic design) you need, which can expand into mathematics classes. If it’s history and English that interests you, you’ll be focusing on the humanities. Are you getting the grades that you need in order to get the career that you want? How can you manage your time in order to get the grades you need? How do you really know wat you want to do? There are so many questions to ponder. In this case – getting help early will help you make a decision in the longer run. If you’re in college or university ( or have been accepted into either), you’ve already taken the 1st or 2nd step to deciding what you want to do- but if you aren’t in school yet, don’t fret. People change their career trajectories all the time. I can name ten friends who have added, subtracted or changed career paths completely. In my own case, I went from a three year general History degree to a four year History and Classical Studies honours degree after my first year in school; one that I don’t regret even after writing fifty page thesis papers. This is where your planning for the next 5 years will be useful. Ask yourself: Is this school right for me for what I want to achieve? Is this degree/specialization related to the career that I want to be working in after I graduate? Is this degree/specialization something that employers are looking for? Answering the 5 year question no matter where you are in life is tricky. Being in high school, that question may seem odd and uncertain; that is OK. However, not thinking about it may inflict damage on your future, preventing you from taking opportunities that come your way. Planning and time management will help you figure things out, conquer and divide. When you are in college or university and the same question comes up, you may be more afraid to answer it than anything. College and university can be a place where you can change your mind, and ultimately, change yourself if you feel the urge. It is never too late to experiment, trying different paths (just be aware of your finances!). All in all, this 5 year question can be quite arbitrary in all truth- you never know what is going to happen, but you can always move forward to what you feel is right for you. If you try something for 5 years and it doesn’t work out, pick yourself up and try again while asking the same question: Where will I be 5 years from now?

  • University Vs. College: What is Right for Me?

    University Vs. College: What is Right for Me?

    Deciding to pursue a post-secondary opportunity is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you’ve gotten that far, congratulations on your ambitions! There are a variety of options open to you, including attending a post-secondary educational institution—a university or college.

    However, deciding whether to go to university or college is a big decision within itself. There are two different types of institutions, which means different skills to develop, different classroom environments, and even different types of opportunities once you graduate. Universities and colleges also vary greatly within their own categories: for example, a degree at College X may provide a different kind of experience than at College Y (and of course, both would be greatly different from going to University A or B).

    Here are some typical comparisons between universities and colleges.

    Program length

    University: 4 years or more

    College: 2 years or more ( or in some cases, a 1 year intensive course)

    Universities typically (but not always) offer more lengthy degrees than colleges. This can be important considering the kind of investment you want to make. Can you commit to a 4-year program, or would you be more comfortable taking on a 2-year degree? (Note, however, that all institutions are flexible, and if you have concerns about finishing your degree on time, you should speak to a university/college counselor.)

    Classroom environment

    University: large classes, focus on concepts, theory and critical thinking

    College: smaller classes, focus on hands-on learning and application

    If you’re the kind of person who thrives in a hands-on setting, you may have more difficulty adapting to a university setting. Given that classes are typically larger compared to colleges, universities don’t always offer the same opportunities to interact and apply the theory you are learning. That being said, you should also take into account what you are intending to study: a philosophy program (very theory-based) would probably not be taught as well in a college setting as a technology program (more hands-on).

    Typical post-graduation opportunities

    University: graduate school, professional schools (Law, Medicine, etc.), workforce

    College: workforce, apprenticeship, continuing studies programs

    Colleges often provide you with very practical, hands-on skills because this is reflective of what you will need in the workforce. However, pathways to certain advanced educational opportunities (e.g. law school) will almost always require a university Bachelor’s degree. This isn’t to say, though, that university graduates are unprepared for the workforce, or that college graduates can’t go on to pursue further studies. There are many different post-graduate opportunities available following either type of education.

    What should I choose?

    When making your decision, don’t forget to keep the following in mind as well:

    • Factors specific to the university/college (e.g. does one institution have a better reputation?)
    • Factors specific to the program of study (e.g. will this program be taught better at a certain school?)
    • General educational/career goals (e.g. will a degree from this institution help my career path?)

    If you do your research and consider all the factors, you’re bound to make the decision that is right for you.

     

     

  • Fitness in University

    Fitness in University

    Working out in university is almost as believable as the Loch Ness Monster to some people, and with good reason. You spend the majority of the day in a chair or napping in the library because whoever says they prefer hopping on the treadmill over a nap is lying. But there are those moments you’re running late to class and turn into Usain Bolt to get there on time. Aside from that, there’s not a lot of movement happening.

    However, it’s not impossible to get moving. Among the homework and studying there is time to squeeze in exercises here and there in addition to eating healthier.

    Apps are going to be a close friend of yours during university. Ones like MyFitnessPal and N+TC Nike Training App would be the places to start. MyFitnessPal takes your measurements and goals and breaks down the day for you. You plug in what you’re eating into their search engine – and finding what you’re looking for won’t be difficult because they have millions of options – and the app gives you a breakdown of calories, sodium, fat, and other nutrients. It’s a good kick in the butt to keep your food on track so you can have your intake right in front of you.

    Also, if you’re someone who can burn water (like me), the app has constant posts about at- quick recipes, which is something you can use to your advantage. Let’s face it. No one wants to constantly stock up on Pizza Pizza or Starbucks cookies.

    Nike on the other hand will actually kick your butt. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes the app offers training from some world class athletes and celebrities like Alex Hipwell, Kirsty Godso, Marie Purvis, and Christen Press. It’s hard not to make time for these things when some of these workouts are literally six minutes.

    The app offers other incredible features as well, including different workouts depending on the kind of athlete you identify as. It shows you how to do the workouts in little sample videos, offering you a chance to set up a schedule and stick to it for maximum results. It also tells you the amount of calories you’ll burn and gives you Nike Fuel and trophies the more you work out.

    Studentrecipes.com is another great tool. This blog provides recipes for those of us still in school and includes ratings next to them so you can pick and choose which ones you like. There are also categories for what you’d like to cook with that you can scroll through.

    One of the biggest things I want to tell you, is to not put yourself down.. Don’t start to make yourself feel bad by swearing off things you love. You’re doing this to be healthy and feel better, not to make yourself feel like garbage along the way. Having a piece of cake isn’t going to kill you and neither will a 15 minute workout with some great athletes- get busy!

  • Discrimination on Campus

    Discrimination on Campus

    As with anywhere, there is discrimination that happens on campus, as much as we would like to hope there is not. According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, discrimination includes elements of “not individually assessing the unique merits, capacities and circumstances of a person, instead, making stereotypical assumptions based on a person’s presumed traits, having the impact of excluding persons, denying benefits or imposing burdens”. Discrimination happens on the basis of race, class, gender, sexual identity and/or orientation, social status or ability. Your campus will likely have a student union that will provide an array of services that will cater to persons who are discriminated against, which could be a good starting point for learning more about those who are discriminated against. Everyone has come across some kind of discrimination over their life time- whether it was based on gender, race, class or orientation. The services provided by your school will also allow you to better understand why people discriminate against others. The people who bully and discriminate others often have many underlying problems and stresses that drive them to act the way they do. If you feel you are experiencing discrimination, whether in the classroom or on your own time, make sure you talk to your friends, family and people who will be able to help you like your student services or counsellors. College and university is a time to learn and grow personally and professionally and discrimination has no place on campus, anytime.

  • NEADS Event Calendar: September 2015

    Title:  Psyching Up For School: A Peer Support Hang Out – McMaster University

    Category:     Education

    Location:      Hamilton, Ontario

    Date: September 2, 2015

    Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/113792338966950/

    Description : Psyching Up For School: A Peer Support Hang Out

    When? Wednesday, September 2 from 5:30-7:30pm

    Where? Email hamilton.mad.students@gmail.com for the top secret confidential   location on the McMaster University campus.

    Who? Students in the Hamilton-area who personally experience psychiatric systems, madness, mental illness, mental health concerns, loneliness, emotional or spiritual distress, etc.

     

     

    Organizer:   Ravi Malhotra and Morgan Rowe

    Title:  Disability Rights Through Narratives: Finding a Voice of Their Own

    Category:     Employment

    Location:      Toronto, Ontario

    Date: September 9, 2015

    Telephone:  (416) 944-0962

    E-mail: events@cavershambooksellers.com

    Description: Please join us Wednesday, September 9th, 2015, 7-9 p.m.

    in celebrating the release of

    Exploring Disability Identity and Disability Rights Through Narratives:

    Finding a Voice of Their Own

    Ravi Malhotra and Morgan Rowe

    Routledge (2015)

    Please do RSVP – as space is limited, and it helps with the catering.

    Caversham Booksellers

    call (416) 944-0962

    1-800-361-6120 or email

    events@cavershambooksellers.com

    98 Harbord St., Toronto, ON M5S 1G6

    Co-sponsored by the Department of Social

    Justice Education, OISE, University of Toronto

     

     

    Organizer:   Neil Squire Society

    Title:  Ergonomics

    Category: Employment

    Location: Ottawa, Ontario

    Date: September 14, 2015

    Telephone:  613.723.3575 ext.207

    E-mail: pollyb@neilsquire.ca

    Web site: http://www.neilsquire.ca/news/events/workshop-series-august/

    Description:  To ensure that you avoid injury from repetitious physical functions and unnecessary strain from inefficient workspace arrangements, employers have become more aware of the principles of ergonomics. Nevertheless, it is up to you to ensure that your workspace is ergonomically suited to your needs and provides you with the accommodations you require in order to do your best work.

    *These workshops are delivered by Mr. Stuart Jolliffe, Occupational Therapist.

     

     

    Organizer:   Halifax Career Fair (Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, Mount Saint Vincent University

    Title:  Halifax Career Fair

    Category:     Education

    Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Date: September 15, 2015

    Web site: http://www.halifaxcareerfair.ca/

    Description:  Halifax Career Fair, September 22, 2015

    When you bring close to 2,000 of Nova Scotia’s motivated post-secondary students and 150 organizations from both the public and private sector, great things are possible.