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Author: Kathleen Gerry

  • Reasons to Use Kids Help Phone

    Reasons to Use Kids Help Phone

    Kids Help Phone is a free, anonymous resource that is there for you 24/7. Its purpose is to give young people someone to talk to when they feel they have no one who will listen to them. It is important to know that there are people who care and want to help you with any problems you may have. Kids Help Phone has many uses – here are just a few.

    1) You need an objective opinion or want to ask questions anonymously.
    If you need to talk with someone who will listen to what you’re going through, and you don’t trust or want to speak to friends or family, then the Kids Help Phone is a great resource for you. Sometimes you don’t want the people closest to you to know what it is that you are feeling or thinking about. It may be because of a fear of losing their respect or simply of changing the image that they have of you. Whatever your reason, speaking with someone who is trained and knowledgeable on how to handle the information you will share with them is often a good option. When you call the Kids Help Phone you can rest assured that the information will remain confidential, unless it involves information that must be reported to the police (such as reporting a threat to your own or someone else’s life).

    2) You are undergoing a traumatic period in your life and would like support.
    Sometimes we suffer because of life’s circumstances, and in this case it is really important to talk with people about what you are going through. You may not want to talk with friends or family because you feel they may not understand, but with Kids Help Phone you can talk to a person who has been trained in dealing with emotional crises. They will be able to talk to you about relationships, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, eating disorders or anything else that you feel is affecting you.

    3) You want to speak with someone who will listen to you.
    Often in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there is so much going on that we can feel ignored or that we don’t matter. It can be very hard to find someone who will just listen to what it is that you are going through. The time rarely comes up where you feel it is okay to pour out your soul, and because of this you can be left with some important issues bubbling just under the surface. It is important to “vent” and to talk about your life and what sorts of challenges you are facing.

    4) You need to report an incident.
    If you don’t feel comfortable speaking directly to the police or don’t know what to do after an incident, the people at Kids Help Phone will listen and help you to deal with the situation. This can range from bullying, an incident of physical or sexual abuse or a crime like theft.

    5) You are in a crisis and need to talk to someone as soon as possible.
    If you are feeling that you are in a crisis and are having thoughts of suicide, a counsellor at the Kids Help Phone will be a great person for you to speak with. They can help to “talk out” your problem and ensure that you get the assistance you require. Remember that you are never alone! Suicide is not the answer. Reach out to someone at Kids Help Phone and they will be there for you when you feel no one else is.

  • Talking About Mental Health

    Talking About Mental Health

    In the past few years, depression has reached epidemic levels. According to recent statistics by the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Addiction (CAMH), “In any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health or addiction problem.” This is a staggering number, and it’s very important to know the signs and symptoms. Mental illness still faces stigma and education can go on a long way in combating ignorance.

    Depression is a large problem for the whole population, but young people are especially at risk. The CAMH website states that, “70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.”

    People suffering from depression need the support of friends and family, especially in the critical time of adolescence and the transition from high school to the workplace or postsecondary education. It’s important to learn the signs of depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. People with depression aren’t “lazy” or “looking for attention”, they have a psychiatric disorder.

    Signs of depression can be seen if you pay attention, even if the affected person is trying to hide it. The most prominent signs and symptoms are being tired more than usual, feelings of guilt, lack of interest in life and insomnia, just to name a few. They tend to socialize less and stop doing things they used to enjoy.

    People with depression may not want to discuss it, especially with the stigma that surrounds mental illness. It can be frustrating living with a depressed person, but its important to understand that they didn’t choose to feel this way, that they are suffering and it’s more difficult for them to handle.

    If you suspect that one of your family members or friends are depressed, it’s important to tell them you support them and they aren’t alone. Let them know how much they mean to you. Ask them what’s troubling them and listen carefully.

    There are several things that one should never say to a depressed person; these either do nothing or make things worse and should be avoided at all costs. This includes stuff like “get over yourself” or “you’re just looking for attention.” Saying that there is always someone worse off doesn’t help because depression can be caused by many factors. One person’s misfortune does not negate another’s.

    If they start to talk about death, give away their possessions for no reason, talk about self-harm and mention suicide in conversation, this is serious and it’s important to inform a doctor, counselor or psychiatrist immediately. Doing this could save someone’s life.

    If you or someone you know is depressed or suicidal there emergency lines to call that specialize in helping people with depression. Along with 911, you can call:

    Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000

    Mental health services in Ontario 1-866-531-2600

    Telecare Distress Centre Brampton 
Ontario
 Hotline: +1 (905) 459 7777

    Telecare Distress Centre Etobicoke 
Ontario
Hotline: +1(416) 247-5426

    North Halton Distress Centre 
Ontario
 Hotline: +1 (905) 877-1211

    Distress Centres of Toronto 
Ontario
 Hotline: +1 (416) 408 4357

    Kid’s/Teen Help Phone 1-800-668-6868

  • Career Profile: Train Engineer

    Career Profile: Train Engineer

    Depending on how old you are, you might already be learning how to drive a car. How would you like to drive something much larger? One of the biggest vehicles you might ever drive is a train. With experience and education, train (or locomotive) engineers can have good, fulfilling careers.

    Travelling by train is not as common now as it once was, but railways are still very important for carrying grain and other goods and for passenger travel. Every day of the year, trains travel around the country, sometimes for short trips and sometimes for long ones. The kinds of people who work on these trains depends on what the trains are carrying, but one person remains the same. Every train has a person who is called a train engineer or locomotive engineer. These are the people who drive the trains and make sure that they get to the right destinations safely.

    Being a locomotive engineer involves much more than just driving a train from one place to another. A lot of the work happens before the train leaves the station, especially in small towns where there are not many staff members to look after everything. In that case, an engineer might check the equipment to make sure that it is working properly and repair anything that is broken or wearing out. This part of the work often requires a lot of mechanical knowledge and the ability to use tools to repair the different parts of the train. Even when other people do the actual repairs to the trains, the engineer should know what changes are necessary.

    Another part of work as an engineer is doing paperwork. This job might include checking forms to make sure that the right amount of grain or lumber is on the train or filling in the proper documents for driving the train over the border into the United States. This part of the job takes practice, and it also requires a fairly good reading ability with complicated documents. Knowledge of mathematics is also helpful. Learning to read and understand technical documents, such as government forms, is a good way to get started.

    Becoming a train engineer does not usually require any special education, but it requires experience. After completing their high school diplomas, people start by trying to get work as conductors on trains. After about two years, they can transfer to the engineer training program and get a certificate which officially allows them to work as engineers. The training covers topics like how to stop and start the train and how to read the signals which tell engineers which track to take and what dangers to look for.

    Locomotive engineers have a lot of responsibility, and they often work long hours with few days to relax between trips. However, experienced engineers can make $95,000 per year, and the average pay is $78,000. For people who enjoy working with machines and who love to travel, a job as a locomotive or train engineer can be ideal.

  • Following Your Heart Into the Trades

    Following Your Heart Into the Trades

    Sometimes it might feel like you’re pressured to have your entire future planned out already. This is a false misconception, especially with the rapid way education and workforce demands are changing. The idea that you need to pursue one life or career path is an outdated one in today’s fast-paced, technologically driven society.

    Unlike in past decades, in the last few years education and work has shifted. It is now becoming more and more common for students to take several programs before they decide on one that they actually enjoy. It is also becoming more common for older members of the workforce to go back to school to re-train or take on new skills and professions to keep up with the competitive job market.

    It may seem like there is a lot of pressure to get into a good college or university or else you won’t be considered “successful”, but this is simply not the case. Many other fields, especially the trades, are accepting employees right out of high school. Due to the growing demand in Canada for tradespeople such as welders, plumbers, pipe fitters, and electricians. Some trades workers are making $50 or more an hour at the age of only twenty-four.

    Money isn’t everything, however, and the most important part of life is enjoying it, which pretty hard to do when you’re doing something that you hate. Yes, money is necessary for things like rent, food and entertainment, but its much more important to be happier and emotionally stable than depressed from spending every day doing something you do not enjoy.

    The world is a large place, and with the internet at your fingertips there is almost no limit to what you can be and accomplish if you set your mind to it. Just because one thing doesn’t work out it doesn’t mean something else won’t. You may even stumble into something that you really enjoy without thinking about it.

    In today’s constantly evolving job market, it’s not uncommon for people to re-train, re-educate and switch professions many times in their life. There are students who spend years at university for a Master’s program but end up going into the trades.

    So while it seems like there is a lot of pressure to choose an education path now, it is important to remember that money and prestige aren’t necessarily going to bring you any sort of happiness – but finding something that you love to do certainly will.

  • Allow Yourself to Dream

    Allow Yourself to Dream

    Life can be hard. Sometimes things can go so wrong that it seems like they’ll never be right again. It is in those moments that we may lose hope, that we may cease looking at the glass as half full and silently wonder to ourselves how long it will take before it is completely empty. It is in those moments that many of us stop dreaming, we lose momentum and stop looking forward to the things that make life worth living. Losing sight of our hopes and dreams is akin to losing parts of ourselves.

    When we were kids we all wanted to grow up to be something that we thought was great. We dreamed big, did what we wanted and spoke loudly and no one could tell us that our crazy dreams and plans to execute them didn’t make any sense. You know why; because those dreams belonged to us, they defined us, molded us into the kids that we were, the teenagers we became and oftentimes into the young adults that we are now. Whatever dreams we chose to believe in, became our reality. It was the driving force of our existence and nothing could have made us happier, well, except for a lot of chocolate and candy. For most of us, as we became teenagers we lost that carefree dreaming; responsibilities become a thing of reality that imposed itself upon our world – school, siblings, parents, part-time jobs, relationships; for many of us things became overwhelming.

    When our lives starts to spin out of our control that is when our dreams take on a crucial role. The act of dreaming or, as I like to call it, “envisioning a positive change”, becomes a tool for metamorphosis. All great feats in live began with a dream. Professional coaches know a thing or two about the power of dreaming, in fact, many coaches tell their players to envision their win. A player who continuously dreams about success is more likely obtain it. This method of dreaming success into reality can apply to all aspects of our lives. Getting that grade, job, apartment, acceptance into that school are all possible when we allow ourselves to dream and put in the necessary work towards making that dream a reality.

    Aside from being able to accomplish our goals, the act of dreaming can have a positive and immediate effect on a person both physically and mentally. Good dreams can cause the body to relax, oftentimes increasing our ability to think more clearly. Our levels of stress can be reduced resulting in peace of mind. Short term patterns of dreams and success can lead to increased confidence and risk taking which propels long term patterns of dreams and success leading us to happier and oftentimes healthier lives.

    So the next life throws you a curve ball and you feel like your dreams are a waste of time, remember that all great feats began with one.

  • May Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    May Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    May flowers are here, and so are a myriad of new scholarships that will help fund your academic ambitions. No matter what you are studying, there is a scholarship or bursary for you. Check out the latest ones that we’ve discovered for this month:

    1. Progressive Economics Forum Student Essay Contest – Open to all students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs throughout Canada. Amount: $1000. Deadline: May 5, 2014.

    2. Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest – Open to students worldwide who submit an original 800 – 1,600 word essay on one of the pre-selected essay topics from Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”. Amount: Up to $10,000. Deadline: October 24, 2014.

    3. Ken Dryden Scholarship – Open to students currently or formerly in the care of the Canadian child welfare system, who demonstrate great achievement and promise. Amount: $3000. Deadline: May 16, 2014.

    4. SOS Children’s Safety Scholarship – Open to students across Canada who submit an essay on a social issue covered in SOS Magazine. Amount: $5000. Deadline: July 31, 2014.

    5. Nelson Civic Leadership Scholarship – Open to all Canadian students outside of Quebec who are completing their final year of high school and are making a difference in their community. Amount: $5000. Deadline: May 30, 2014.

    6. Adrian Campbell Scholarship Fund – Open to any Nova Scotian student completing Grade 12 and entering a post -secondary educational program.  Preference will be given to a student from Hants or Kings County. Amount: $1000. Deadline: May 30, 2014.

    7. Johnson Scholarship – Open to children and grandchildren of Johnson Affinity group members and/or Home-Auto clients. Students must be completing high school in 2014 and beginning post-secondary education in the fall of 2014. Amount: 50 scholarships of $1000. Deadline: September 15, 2014 (Note: Applications available starting May 15, 2014).

  • Time to Communicate

    Time to Communicate

    What would the world be like if we couldn’t communicate with each other? That means no talking, no emailing, and dare I say it, no texting! What a different world we would live in. As social beings, communication is one of our most important tools. Whether it is verbal communication, hand gestures or written communication, all of these types of communication are used as forms of expression. These forms of expression can help us share our ideas and feelings and also help us to understand the ideas and feelings of others.

    Throughout school and even beyond, communication skills are very important. When trying to express yourself to your teachers and your peers it is your ability to communicate that will make or break you. There is a lot to be said for people who are able to use their written communication skills to write clear, concise essays and your grades will reflect this. Being able to communicate on a small scale, like discussing ideas with a peer or even publicly by doing a presentation in front of the class, are times when having good communication skills will make you stand out.

    Even in the work force, communication skills are one of the first skills employers look for in candidates. Your interview with them indicates how well you can communicate and what kind of skills you can bring to the table. Employers want to know that you can communicate effectively with co-workers and clients. Whether it’s a presentation in school or a business presentation for your career, developing these skills is very beneficial.

    Here are some tips to help you improve your communication skills:

    1)      Be a good listener – in order to successfully communicate with others you need to really listen to what they are saying so that you can respond effectively.

    2)      Be aware of your body language – sometimes your body is telling people one thing while your mouth is telling them another. Being aware of your body language will send people the right message.

    3)      Be engaging – raise your pitch so that you don’t sound monotone.  In addition to this, enhance your communication by maintaining eye contact. Also, use an appropriate volume so that your audience can hear you.

    4)      Slow down – talking too fast is a tell-tale sign that you’re nervous. Slow down your speech in order to sound more confident in what you are saying.

  • What Is High School Really Like?

    What Is High School Really Like?

    For anyone starting high school, it can be an intimidating time. You’re suddenly in an environment where you’re not always surrounded by familiar faces and you have a lot more freedom. But not to worry – high school is one the best and most memorable times of your life.

    High school is the perfect opportunity to explore, meet new friends, figure out your interests and to figure out what you want to do as a career.

    Meeting New Friends
    If you’re starting high school with friends you already know from elementary school, try not to limit yourself to that clique. We all see the typical cliques in teen movies. The jocks, the cheerleaders, the nerds…but reality is not really like that. You can be a “jock” who is into academics or be an academic who is into sports. So be open to meeting new people. How do you go about doing this? You can meet new people in your classes. You will eventually have to work in preassigned groups on projects in classes, so this is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and get to know new people as you may be spending a lot of time together outside of class time. Take advantage of that time together; you may find you have a lot in common with them. You can also meet new people by joining clubs, extracurricular activities, joining sports teams and attending social events like dances and pep rallies.

    What are Your Interests?
    Maybe you weren’t as athletic in your elementary school but now you want to try out for the soccer or basketball team. It’s a great way to stay active and of course to meet new people that have similar interests as you. Maybe you’ve always been interested in music or pursuing acting. Join the school choir or drama club. Maybe you want to run for the school election or join a committee – it’s a great way to hone your leadership skills! Also, the best part about high school is that you can pick a lot of your own courses that you can choose based on your interests like Art, Drama, Music, Creative Writing and Media Studies, just to name a few.

    Choosing Your Career
    High school is the time to figure out what you want to take in your post-secondary education and to figure out what career path to take. Through your courses, you will figure out what your strengths are and what you’re most interested in. You have a lot of resources available to you to help figure out what you want to do. Teachers and guidance counselors can help guide you to the right path and assist you in the necessary steps to get there. Volunteer hours are now mandatory requirement for high school, so this is the perfect time to work in a field of your interest and to gain first-hand experience in your chosen industry. This experience also looks great on a resume if you’re looking to apply to a job. Maybe you want to become a teacher so you can volunteer at a school. You will gain valuable skills that you can use in the future.

    Your Social Life
    School is not all about work. You need to have some fun, and it’s all about balance. Take advantage of the social aspect of high school. Go to school trips, dances, and parties. You will most likely make friendships that will last a lifetime so take advantage of these opportunities. High school will go by in a flash, but these years will be the ones that you will always remember.

  • Covering the Cost of University

    Covering the Cost of University

    University tuition is a huge expense that leaves many students deep in debt by the time they graduate – especially if they choose to live on their own, either in residence or near campus. Income from summer jobs is difficult to stretch out through the school year. That’s why many students work part-time on or near campus to offset the costs of school.

    But even before you begin to peruse employment options, don’t forget to apply for as many scholarships and bursaries you can find for which you are eligible. Search your school’s website for scholarship and bursary information and ask someone at the finance offices for advice. There is often more money available to students through these awards than there are students who apply for them. So don’t let competition dissuade you from applying. You have nothing to lose and money to gain! (Remember that the most important thing to do with any application for scholarships and bursaries is to have someone edit your work before you submit it).

    On-campus jobs provide another fantastic source of income to help you pay for the school year. There are a lot more options for work than you might think! Some students with disabilities, for instance, require extra assistance reading journal articles or writing down their thoughts. Look for a resource centre on your campus and ask if you could be hired to help out. The work, which is government-funded, pays relatively well. Check out your university’s administration offices to see what else may be available and ask all of your professors what they recommend.

    Off-campus jobs are another alternative means to acquire income as you go to school, but there are things to consider before you apply:

    1. How long will it take me to get to and from the job?
    2. Will my boss allow flexibility so that I can prioritize my schoolwork?
    3. Does what I learn at the job compliment my degree?
    4. Can I get something from the job for free that I would otherwise have to pay for, like a gym membership, food or clothes?
    5. Will I be able to manage my time effectively enough to juggle a job and school?

    It may be a good idea to settle into your classes and develop a homework and study routine before you seek employment. Prioritize your goals and decide how much time you need to commit to your education compared how much time you need to spend earning money.

  • Are Scholarships Just for Brainiacs?

    Are Scholarships Just for Brainiacs?

    You often hear about all of the scholarships received by the students who are at the top of the class or all-stars on their team. Entrance scholarships, academic excellence scholarships, and Dean’s list/Honour Roll Awards are prevalent in conversations surrounding student awards. What many post-secondary applicants do not know is that there are a numerous awards available for the average student. There are awards that recognize skills and accomplishments beyond athletics and academics. Examples of these include scholarships based on financial need, volunteer work or extra-curricular activities. Just because you do not consider yourself a “brainiac” does not mean there are not grants and scholarships out there for you!

    You should always start your scholarship search with the college or university you plan on attending. The financial aid office or the school’s Awards and Financial Aid website are good places to start looking for internal scholarships. While you are searching for scholarships, consider looking into bursary opportunities as well. Applying for many of these scholarships and bursaries is as simple as filling out an application form and submitting it to your financial aid office (in-person or online). However, some applications require more time and thought. For example, some may ask you to provide references, a writing sample, or a letter explaining why you are a great candidate for this scholarship/bursary. Many students are not willing to put in the extra effort to apply to these scholarships, but if you are willing to put in the time it could greatly pay off.

    In addition to scholarships through your school, be sure to research scholarships within your community and/or through your parents’ or guardians’ workplaces. Many community organizations or clubs in your area may have scholarships that go unadvertised and you did not even know about. For example, 4-H Ontario has a webpage designated to grants and scholarships available for 4-H members and the general public, so check out your local associations’ websites or talk to someone you know within the club. Many workplaces also offer grants or scholarships to children of their employees. Just ask your parent or guardian to check their newsletter or their company’s website to see if there may be scholarships available to assist you with paying for your education. Every little bit helps!

    After you look at your internal school scholarships and community clubs and organizations, consider looking into more general scholarship websites. Some scholarship websites offer a wide variety of general scholarships from private donors looking to make a difference. Websites such as studentawards.com provide many different scholarship opportunities relevant to your interests, program or location. It is important to remember that the more time and effort you are willing to put into the application, the easier it will be for the donor to get to know you as a person – not just an applicant. There is a scholarship somewhere suited to you, even if you are not a brainiac. Talk to your guidance counsellor or financial aid office for more specific information about scholarships.