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  • Career Profile: Broadcast Technicians

    Career Profile: Broadcast Technicians

    When people read the news, act out a story, or narrate a documentary, they need others to take care of the filming, sound, and other technical aspects of the process. Broadcast technicians work with electronic equipment to produce programs for people to listen to or watch.  If you want to be part of making information and entertainment available to people, the job of broadcast technician might be right for you.

    Good stories or music on the radio or television are not very useful unless people can see and hear them. On the radio, the sound is especially important since listeners have nothing to see. For television, both lighting and sound are essential. Broadcast technicians work with the equipment necessary for the actors, reporters, and other people who make television and radio so that they can concentrate on the content instead of the technical aspects of broadcasting.

    Often, technicians must listen or watch carefully and make small adjustments to the light and volume controls. For example, some people have louder voices than others, and these adjustments can help to make the sound more pleasant for listeners. Filming indoors might also require lighting adjustments that are unnecessary outdoors. Often, the director of the program will make the decisions about what kinds of lighting or sound to have, but the broadcast technician should be able to follow directions but also make changes when necessary.

    Generally, the minimum education for a broadcast technician is a certificate or diploma from a technical college, but some people might want to get a three- or four-year degree in broadcasting or related fields. In high school, courses in broadcasting or computers are helpful, but English and even theatre could also be useful.

    Jobs are more likely to be available in large cities, but even small towns might also have openings for broadcast technicians. Salaries start at $58,000 and can rise to $65,900, depending partly on experience but also on the place. A radio station in a small town, for example, is likely to pay less than a broadcaster in a large city.

    Working as a broadcast technician is not very physically difficult, but it can be busy and stressful, especially if something goes wrong with equipment during a broadcast. People in this career need to be very well prepared before a show, but also be ready to react quickly if a light breaks or a microphone stops working. Being able to work with people is important, but often workers in this job also need to be independent enough to get the necessary equipment together and check it for any problems.

    Depending on the type of job, people in this field might have to work outdoors, recording special events such as weddings or graduations. The hours can be long when a project needs to be finished, but some broadcast technicians can find jobs with regular hours. Technological skills are important, and flexibility can be very helpful. The work can be repetitive if a scene needs to be redone, and people in this field should have a certain amount of patience.

    Working as a broadcast technician can be good for people who enjoy being behind the scenes of radio or television. If you enjoy technology and making information and entertainment available to people, this job could be a good choice.

     

    Bibliography:

    Job Bank. “Broadcast Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/16280/ca.

    Job Bank. “Broadcast Technician in Canada: Job Opportunities over the Next 3 Years.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/16280/ca

    LinkedIn. “Broadcast Technician in Canada.” https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/broadcast-technician-jobs/?currentJobId=3444898894&originalSubdomain=ca.

    Work BC. “Broadcast Technicians.” https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/broadcast-technicians.

  • Career Profile: Bindery Worker

    Career Profile: Bindery Worker

    If you’re considering jobs that have a good future, you might not think of working in a bindery. However, getting a job as a bindery worker can still be a good choice for people who enjoy working with machines and who like to make information and entertainment available to people. If this idea appeals to you, preparing for a job as a bindery worker could be the right decision to make.

    Binderies are places where books, magazines, and pamphlets are put together and made ready to send out to a bookstore or other company. Sometimes, binderies also assemble the pages for a family album or travel book. Many places, like government offices, libraries, and community centres, also publish pamphlets with information about programs, issues, or any other information that they think people will need. Publishing companies are good places to find binding jobs.

    Before a book or pamphlet goes to the bindery, someone must write the content and decide how to place the words and pictures on the pages. Bindery workers might sometimes be involved in helping people decide what works best so that everything on the page is readable. Have you ever read a book that it too tightly bound for you to read the words in the middle? Bindery workers help to make sure that this problem does not occur by setting the margins of a page at the right place to ensure that readers can see everything on the page without too much trouble.

    Checking the book or other item before binding it is important. The customer might also check for any flaws, such as smudges or smears on the pages, before bringing the project to the bindery. However, a final check for any flaws can help bindery workers avoid problems later in the process. Sometimes, this might mean that customers need to redo parts of the project several times before bindery workers can begin.

    Once the margins and other settings are established, bindery workers feed books or other materials into the binding machines according to what the client wants. Different publications might require stitching, glue, or staples. Filling the machine with the right materials is important for getting the job done. Once the books, magazines, or pamphlets have gone through the machine, bindery workers check each item to make sure that it is properly fastened together and that it will not fall apart.

    Being detail-oriented is important for people working in binderies. The work can sometimes be physically difficult, and the machines can be loud. A certain amount of physical fitness is necessary for carrying books and papers from one place to another, but people can work in this field late into their careers. Wages start at about $15 per hour or $31,000 per year and can rise to $20 per hour or $41,000 per year.

    Normally, a high school education is the main requirement for work in this field, but studying graphic arts or technology can also be helpful. People can find at least some work in this trade almost anywhere, but cities with large publishing companies are the best places for bindery jobs.

    If you like physical work and helping make information available to people, this trade might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Career Planner. “Bindery Worker.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Bindery-Workers.cfm.

    Job Bank. “Bindery Worker—Printing in Canada.” https://www.on.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/18521/ca.

    Payscale Canada. “Bindery Worker: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Bindery_Worker/Hourly_Rate.

  • Career Profile: Cabinet Maker

    Career Profile: Cabinet Maker

    Every average kitchen has cabinets for storing dishes or food, and someone needs to build these cupboards. Working as a cabinet maker can be a good choice for people who are precise and who like to work with their hands. If that describes you, why not consider this trade?

    When construction companies build houses, schools, or offices, they need someone to finish the interiors of the building. Cabinet makers are part of the process. They also work on renovations. The ability to follow instructions is important, since people ordering the cabinets might have specific ideas of what they want. For example, they might want special kinds of wood like oak or pine. They might want a plain design or something more elaborate. Being aware of current trends is important for being able to meet customers’ needs.

    Generally, cabinet makers need at least a high school education. Certification is not required, but is available in most parts of Canada. However, most people in this trade go through an apprenticeship program. The length of these programs can vary, depending on the region, but most apprenticeships include four twelve-month periods with at least 5,440 hours of practical experience and four eight-week units of technical training. Some people can also choose to shorten their apprenticeships through studying at a college or technical institute, and work experience can help people get through the program quickly.

    An ability to use tools such as saws, files, and paintbrushes is an important part of working as a cabinet maker. Some cabinet makers might also use special tools for particular jobs that they do. The work can be dusty and dirty, and getting splinters is a constant danger in working with wood. Some cabinet makers might also work with other materials, such as metal or fibreglass. Small injuries are common, and people in this field need to be careful to wear masks when they are working with certain materials.

    Many cabinet makers work as contractors for construction companies or private individuals. They might own a cabinet-making business or work on a salary for a larger company. Generally, people in this trade earn between $42,000 and $60,000 per year, although some people can earn much more than that. Because the work can require endurance, especially when a job has to be finished quickly, it can become difficult for people as they age. After some point, people might decide to move on to a different aspect of the work, such as management.

    Precision is a very important part of being a cabinet maker. Often, the first part of the job involves measuring out sections of wood or other materials and then marking them for cutting. Often, the cabinet maker will do the entire job from beginning to end, but sometimes a cabinet maker might do most of the planning and leave the rest of the work for others. People in this trade might need to know how to find customers, estimate costs, supervise employees, and deal with other aspects of management.

    Cabinets can make a kitchen or office look better and more organized, besides being useful for storing dishes or other necessary items. Working as a cabinet maker can be a very satisfying job.

     

    Bibliography:

    Careers in Construction. “Cabinetmaker.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/cabinetmaker.

    Job Bank. “Cabinetmaker in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/16991/ca

    Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. “Cabinetmaker.” https://www.nait.ca/programs/cabinetmaker?term=1-winter.

    Ontario Colleges. “Cabinetmaking.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/professions-and-trades/cabinetmaking.

    Talent.com. “Cabinet Maker Average Salary in Canada, 2022.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=cabinet+maker#.

  • Career Profile: Veterinarians for Large Animals

    Career Profile: Veterinarians for Large Animals

    If you have a pet, you probably take it to a veterinarian for vaccinations or to take care of injuries or illnesses. In cities, veterinarians mostly take care of animals like cats, dogs, or hamsters. In farming or ranching areas, however, they might look after large animals like cows or horses. If you like looking after animals and enjoy being outside, a career as a veterinarian for large animals might be right for you.

    These days, farmers and other people who work with large animals are concerned about a lack of veterinarians to care for large animals, especially in Manitoba. People are worried that they will have no one to help if a cow has trouble giving birth to a calf or if other medical problems occur on the farm.

    Part of the problem is that opportunities for studying to become a veterinarian are limited. Canada has only four veterinary colleges, and many people in the west attend the one in Saskatchewan. However, moving to a different province for studies can be expensive and difficult. Despite the issues, studying to be a veterinarian for large animals can still be worth the effort.

    Large animals are normally too big to take to a veterinarian’s office, and so this career normally involves going to farms and ranches to look after the cows, horses, or other animals. Hours can be long, especially in calving season, and it can sometimes be dangerous if an animal decides to kick or bite the veterinarian. The weather can also be a problem, although sometimes the work can take place in a barn or other shelter.

    Farms and ranches where large animals live are generally not very close to cities. Veterinarians for large animals usually live either in the countryside or in small towns close to where the animals are. In Ontario, salaries for people in this field start at about $19,000 per year and can rise to $145,500. Working with large animals can be quite strenuous, and veterinarians might wish to move to a more supervisory role later in their careers.

    Training for work as a veterinarian can take a long time. Normally, it involves an undergraduate degree in the sciences and then veterinary school. For most people, the whole process can take eight years of studying or even longer for some specialties. For people who love to work with animals, however, the long process can be worth the time and effort. Taking high school courses in biology or zoology, as well as mathematics and English, can help students prepare for the work.

    After finishing the training process, veterinarians for large animals might want to start their own practice or join one that is already running. Even in a larger practice, the work can be quite solitary, but having colleagues nearby can help new veterinarians deal with the pressures of the work. Being able to consult others about difficult cases can be very helpful in this profession.

    Career prospects for veterinarians working with large animals are good at the moment because of the shortage of qualified people in this field, but the situation could change in the next few years. Still, farmers and ranchers will always need veterinarians who can look after large animals, and some jobs will always be available.

    Working with large animals like cattle and horses is not for everyone, but it can be a good career for people who enjoy the outdoors and helping others. You might want to consider this very useful profession.

     

    Bibliography:

    Indeed Career Guide. “How to Become a Vet in Canada (With Steps and Duties).” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-vet-in-canada#

    Kemp, Chelsea. “Cattle Breeder Fears Life-or-Death Calving Decisions Amid Rural Manitoba Veterinarian Shortage.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/vet-shortage-manitoba-large-animal-1.6733796.

    Lewis, Roy. “How to Address the Shortage of Large-Animal Veterinarians.” https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/livestock/what-we-can-do-to-addressthe-shortage-of-large-animal-vets.

    Ross University. “What is a Large Animal Veterinarian?” https://veterinary.rossu.edu/about/blog/what-is-a-large-animal-veterinarian.

    St. George’s University. “How to Become a Vet in Canada: Your Ultimate Outline.” https://www.sgu.edu/blog/veterinary/how-to-become-a-vet-in-canada/

  • Meal Prepping Tips For Busy Professionals

    Meal Prepping Tips For Busy Professionals

    People’s professions can often keep them very busy. Due to how busy they are, other important tasks that relate to their well-being, like preparing meals, aren’t always prioritized. The lack of prioritization may then lead to other means, including eating takeout more often than they’d like or making subpar home-cooked food, both of which make for unsatisfying dining experiences. If this sounds like what you’ve been thinking about lately and you’re a busy professional who wants to have better meals via improved prepping strategies, here are some tips:

    Look Up Quick And Easy Recipes

    There are a lot of quick and simple recipes that taste very good as well. Great places to find some include websites such as allrecipes.com, or you could look up cookbooks by reputable chefs. Are there any specific dishes that you’ve been craving? Would you like to see if there are easy-to-make versions of them? Overall, you’ll likely find many options if you do this research.

    Consider Purchasing and Cutting Up Versatile Vegetables

    Certain vegetables are used in many different dishes. For instance, people put mushrooms in salads, omelets, burgers, pasta, on pizza and more. They’re also delicious when sautéed or eaten raw on their own. If you cut up these vegetables all at one time, then you’ll have them immediately ready to use for the next few days. A good idea would be spending either a Saturday, Sunday, or any day you have time to do this.

    Cutting might seem like a monotonous activity, so you can make it more enjoyable by listening to your favourite music, audiobook, podcast, etc. while doing so. You can also think of this as a relaxing break from work.

    Freeze Food To Eat Throughout The Week

    While it’s (of course) ideal to always have fresh, nutritious meals, sometimes this can’t happen, especially for busy professionals. Thus, another idea would be, relatively similar to what’s stated above regarding vegetables, making about a week’s worth of meals one day, but then further dividing them into their appropriate portions, freezing the food, then taking these portions out to defrost throughout the week or whenever you see fit. The freezing strategy is especially convenient for dinners. As a result, there are no worries about what to eat when you get home/finish work. Casseroles are good to make for this option.

    It’s additionally advised to ensure that the food is stored properly, should you plan on freezing it (if you don’t know how to already), as proper storage would prevent premature freezer burn. For example, would solely using a re-closable bag suffice? Or do you need other supplies to cover it, such as plastic wrap or aluminum foil?

    All in all, balancing various responsibilities when you’re a busy professional can definitely be difficult. Nonetheless, carving out the time to prioritize other areas of your life, even when regarding seemingly menial tasks like meal preparation, is beneficial. For many, having good home-cooked meals contributes to more quality moments in everyday life. The pieces of advice above, including finding easy recipes, buying and cutting versatile vegetables, and freezing, are meant to make prepping experiences more efficient as well as take the stress out of deciding what to eat. If you consider meal preparation a priority and want to try better ways to go about it, following these tips is a step in the right direction.

  • Getting Dirty May Be Healthy (French version available)

    Getting Dirty May Be Healthy (French version available)

    For much of human history, we lived close to the natural world. As civilization evolved, we became increasingly urbanized, and most of us now live in cities. As we’ve moved away from nature, we’ve seen a decline in other forms of life. Biodiversity is disappearing. The current rate of loss is perhaps as high as 10,000 times the natural rate. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s 2008 Red List of Threatened Species shows that 16,928 plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. This includes a quarter of all mammal species, a third of amphibian species and an eighth of bird species. And that’s only among those we know about; scientists say we may have identified just 10 to 15 per cent of existing species.

    It can be a challenge to communicate why this loss is important. We know species diversity is critical to the healthy functioning of ecosystems that provide services on which humans depend. But could we live with fewer? Some would argue we could do without mosquitoes and other annoying critters. We could keep the ones we want and those that are useful to us. Do we need biodiversity to keep humans healthy?

    According to an article in Conservation magazine, there is a link between biodiversity and human health. Ilkka Hanski and his colleagues at the University of Helsinki compared allergies of adolescents living in houses surrounded by biodiverse natural areas to those living in landscapes of lawns and concrete. They found people surrounded by a greater diversity of life were themselves covered with a wider range of different kinds of microbes than those in less diverse surroundings. They were also less likely to exhibit allergies.

    What’s going on? Discussion of the relationship between biodiversity and human health is not new. Many have theorized that our disconnection from nature is leading to a myriad of ailments. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, says people who spend too little time outdoors experience a range of behavioural problems, which he calls “nature deficit disorder”. It fits with theories of modern ecology, which show systems lacking in biodiversity are less resilient, whether they’re forests or microbial communities in our stomachs or on our skin. Less resilient systems are more subject to invasion by pathogens or invasive species.

    Hanski studied a region in Finland where few people move far. He randomly selected 118 adolescents in an equal number of homes. Some were in the city, and others were in the woods or on farms. The team collected skin swabs from subjects and then measured the biodiversity of plants around each house. Their data revealed a clear pattern: higher native-plant diversity appeared to be associated with altered microbial composition on the participants’ skin, which led in turn to lower risk of allergies.

    Hanski and his colleagues found that one group of microbes, gammaproteobacteria, appears to be associated both with plant diversity and allergies. And it didn’t matter whether they considered allergies to cats, dogs, horses, birch pollen or timothy grass. People with more diverse kinds of gammaproteobacteria on their bodies were less likely to have allergies.

    The immune system’s primary role is to distinguish deadly species from beneficial and beneficial from simply innocent. To work effectively, our immune system needs to be “primed” by exposure to a diverse range of organisms at an early age. In this way, it learns to distinguish between good, bad and harmless. If not exposed to a wide array of species, it may mistakenly see a harmless pollen grain as something dangerous and trigger an allergic reaction. We also know that bacteria and fungi compete. Fungi are often associated with allergies, and it could be that the high diversity of bacteria keeps the fungi in check.

    A conclusive explanation for Hanski’s observations is not yet available. More research is needed. But we know we evolved in a world full of diverse species and now inhabit one where human activity is altering and destroying an increasing number of plants, animals and habitats. We need to support conservation of natural areas and the diverse forms of life they contain, plant a variety of species in our yards, avoid antibacterial cleaning products and go outside in nature and get dirty — especially kids. Our lives and immune systems will be richer for it.

  • Signs a Career in the Trades May Be for You

    Signs a Career in the Trades May Be for You

    A career in the trades is a phenomenal opportunity to work in an engaging, hands-on environment. But how do you know this kind of career is right for you? If you’re thinking at all about going into a trade, there are certain core skills, assets, and traits common to many tradespeople that may encourage you to look deeper into this kind of opportunity. Here are four signs suggesting that a career in the trades may be right for you.

    You like figuring out how things work.
    Some people are fascinated by the intricacies of machinery or equipment, and have a knack for seeing how the pieces of complicated mechanical puzzles fit together. If you’ve ever taken apart a toy or electronic just to get a glimpse of how it works, you would probably enjoy trades that involve these types of activities, such as mechanics or construction. Due to the experiential nature of the field, a career in the trades will help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of systems and processes.

    You like to solve problems.
    Problem-solving lies at the core of many trades. Whether you are repairing something that needs fixing, implementing upgrades that will help something work better, or creating something new that will facilitate the functioning of a device or machine, careers in the trades will certainly allow you to develop the skills necessary to find a solution to even the most complex problems. The consultation and evaluation process involved in many trades will allow you to tackle problems in an innovative way, and there is excellent satisfaction in knowing that you contributed to the resolution when a problem is finally solved.

    You learn best hands-on.
    Most people have a preferred method that they know helps them most effectively learn new information and skills most effectively. If you learn best from direct experience and action, as opposed to readings or lectures, the trades might suit your needs. Most trades careers allow you to work with your hands, performing tasks such as assembly, building, or repairs, and broadening your learning in an experiential way. As such, these careers are often great for people who like to stay active and prefer concrete, experiential learning over more abstract theories and methods.

    You want to stay active on the job.
    Being cooped up in an office or sitting behind a desk all day doesn’t bode well for all employees, especially if you are used to working on your feet. Luckily, the physical activity associated with many trades allows you to expend your energy in a more active and engaging way. Some careers in the trades can also involve travelling and fieldwork in different locations, which is great if you thrive when exposed to different work environments.

  • Your post-secondary goals may change, and that is okay. (French version available)

    Your post-secondary goals may change, and that is okay. (French version available)

    I wanted to be an accountant. I figured I’d complete my mandatory year of prerequisite arts at the University of Alberta, transfer to the Faculty of Business, and major in accounting. I’m now a writer. So what happened?

    During my first semester, I found myself enthralled with my writing-focused English courses instead of the Business calculus, statistics, and economics prerequisites. I spent hours perfecting my essays, and my professors encouraged me to pursue the arts. I always enjoyed writing; however, I never considered it as something that I could monetize. I went on to work at my University’s writing center, instruct introductory English courses, and get a job writing marketing content for local businesses.

    As a disclaimer, there is nothing wrong with sticking to your original plan; dedication is a wonderful trait to possess. If you’re sure of what you want and how to get it, then you should be proud. However, if while studying you stumble upon something better suited to your aptitude and passions, shouldn’t you reaccess your original goal and make sure you will still feel fulfilled when you, after the hard work, reach it?

    I frequently encounter people who, while in University, were exposed to a career path that they regret not following. Among them are engineers who wanted to be teachers, scientists who wanted to go into marketing, pharmacists who wanted to be nurses, and the list goes on.

    Their reasons for not pursuing these alternate goals are varied, but they often focus on “even though I would have rather done y, I already put so much effort into x” – this is called the sunk cost fallacy and sometimes makes us act silly.

    I fell victim just last week: I was watching a series on Netflix, and halfway through, I determined that I didn’t like it. Instead of choosing something else, I told myself, “I’ve already watched half of this, so I might as well finish.” I knew that I had already wasted hours of my life on this series, yet I used that poor investment as a reason to continue watching. I’m sure if you reflect on some of your decisions, you can catch yourself doing this, too!

    Sticking to your goals is paramount to success, but make sure your goals are evolving with you. If you find yourself bored or depressed from dedicating your time to studying something you no longer enjoy, you may benefit from reconsidering your options. Of course, following your heart may not always be viable, and there are reasons to stick with an imperfect situation, such as financial limitations. However, if you see a viable, more fulfilling, alternate plan, remember that the time, money, and other resources you invested into your original goal are in themselves not a logical reason to continue something you no longer want. It’d be a shame to work hard at studying a discipline you are no longer passionate about just to get a job dealing with more of the same!

  • Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones…But Names Can Still Hurt Me.

    Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones…But Names Can Still Hurt Me.

    We’ve all heard the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,” right? Well, what if I told you that saying might have some work to do when it comes to considering people’s feelings? Name-calling does hurt, and it is just one of many ways you could hurt someone’s feelings and not even know it. Let’s talk about some ways we can recognize we might have hurt someone’s feelings, and how we can make it right.

    How can I keep myself from hurting someone’s feelings in the first place?

    One of the best ways to keep yourself from hurting your friend’s feelings is to stop and think to yourself, “Would I like it if someone said this to me?” If the answer is no, then stop right there! If it would hurt your feelings, it will hurt someone else’s, too. If it’s not something you’d want someone to say to you, then don’t say it. A good way to think about it is to treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

    How do I know if I have hurt someone’s feelings?

    Sometimes, our friends will be very clear and tell us when we have hurt their feelings, but sometimes things can be a little bit trickier than that. Let’s look at some warning signs that you may have caused harm to someone’s feelings.

    • They look sad or mad after you said something.
    • They suddenly become very quiet or stop talking after a comment you made.
    • You notice a change in the way they are speaking. They may have become very short with you or seem irritated.
    • Someone tells you, “That wasn’t a very nice thing to say.”
    • You feel bad about something you said.
    • They walk/run away.
    • You said something you wouldn’t like if someone said it to you.
    • They no longer want to talk to you.
    • If it was over the phone, they stop replying to your messages or end the phone call.
    • They seem distant from you, or you get a sense that things are a little “off” between you two.

    Okay, I think I might have hurt someone’s feelings. How can I make things better?

    Everyone makes mistakes, so it’s important to remember that just because you made a mistake, it doesn’t mean you are a bad person. Making things right after hurting someone’s feelings and making sure you don’t make that same mistake again are important parts of growing up. So, what steps can you take when you’ve hurt someone’s feelings?

    • If you’ve hurt someone’s feelings, the best way to make things right again is to apologize. Apologizing shows you now understand that what you said/did was wrong, and it wasn’t something you should have said or done. Although you can’t change what you did, you are now taking the right steps to make things better for the person you hurt.
    • Make sure your apology is sincere. If you don’t mean it when you say, “I’m sorry,” you won’t be making anything better. A good apology is one that comes from the heart, and should be a shorter way of saying, “what I did was wrong. I wish I didn’t make you feel this way, and I won’t do it again.”
    • Remember, it’s important to learn from your mistakes. Make sure when you tell your friend you aren’t going to make this same mistake again, it’s the truth. Changing your behaviour when you’ve hurt someone is a great way to show you’re truly sorry.
    • Forgive yourself. Remember, it was a mistake, and we all make mistakes. What’s important is that you learn from what you did, make the right changes so it doesn’t happen again, and let yourself move on.

    Sources:

    http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/apologize.html

    http://www.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_tell_when_you_have_hurt_someone’s_feelings?#slide=7

  • Are you saying what you think you’re saying? The messages you may be giving off with body language.

    Are you saying what you think you’re saying? The messages you may be giving off with body language.

    You may think of yourself as a confident and friendly person, and anyone who really knows you might say the same. However, if you’re slouching, avoiding eye contact, and looking down, someone who is meeting you for the first time may perceive you in a completely different way. This is the power of body language. By now, you may be thinking, so what? Is body language really that important? The answer: absolutely! Most of what human communication is nonverbal. This means people who are meeting you for the first time, such as potential employers, may get an impression of you before you even have a chance to speak. The question is, is your body language giving off the impression you want? Let’s take a look at some of the key aspects of body language and talk about whether it may be time to adjust what your body is saying about you.

    Negative Body Language: Some signs you may not be putting your best foot forward.

    1. Avoiding eye contact.

    Making direct eye contact may feel a little scary, but it’s extremely important. A lack of eye contact gives off the impression of nervousness, a lack of confidence, and even dishonesty. Eye contact is especially important during an interview with potential employers, as confidence and honesty are some of the main points employers look for!

    1. Slouching.

    Poor posture results in poor body language! Slouching tells people you may be lacking in confidence, or are uninterested/bored in what’s going on. Although slouching is something many of us do without realizing it, it’s important to make a conscious effort to sit up straight, especially when trying to give off a good impression.

    1. Crossed arms.

    You may not be aware, but crossing your arms creates an invisible barrier between you and the person you’re speaking with. This sends the message that you are closed off or unwelcoming. Avoid this kind of negative body talk by keeping your hands to one side or on the other hand. This will indicate friendliness and openness.

    1.  Checking your phone or watch.

    While you may just be checking the time, you may be giving off the impression that you’re bored, anxious, or too busy thinking about what’s going on next to really focus on the person you’re speaking with. Break this habit by refraining from checking your watch during interviews, and make sure your cell phone is turned off and put away.

    For more signs of negative body language, check out this link.

    Positive Body Language: Ways you can give off the right impression for success.

    1. Give a firm (non-crushing) handshake.

    Handshakes are one of the most important forms of communication during a first impression. It sets the tone for the rest of the conversation and reveals confidence. Just be sure not to crush or pull someone’s hand, as this may reveal bullying or an attempt at intimidation.

    1. Slow down your speech.

    Interviews can be nerve-wracking, and your speech may speed up without you even knowing. Take a big, deep breath and slowly let it all out. Focus on slowing down your speech. It will calm you down and give off a stronger sense of confidence.

    1.  Give affirming movements.

    Nodding your head or smiling are affirming actions that show you’re engaged in the conversation, and you understand what is being said. Just be sure not to nod too frequently, as this may reveal a lack of confidence.

    1. Lean.

    This one may be unfamiliar to most people, but leaning in slightly when someone talks reveals active listening skills and shows engagement and interest in the conversation. On the flip side, leaning away gives off the opposite impression. Leaning away from the speaker reveals hostility or a lack of interest.

    For more positive body language tips, check out this link!

    The right body language may be hard at first, but just remember to be alert and aware of your actions. With practice, you’ll be revealing the incredible person you are the moment you walk in the room!

    Sources Used:

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