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Author: Anthony Teles

  • Cinq livres à avoir lu avant l’école secondaire

    Cinq livres à avoir lu avant l’école secondaire

    Trouver un livre à lire peut sembler intimidant. Il semble qu’il existe d’innombrables choix. Si vous tapez dans Google combien de livres il y a dans le monde, la réponse est près de 130 millions. Vous n’aurez jamais suffisamment de temps pour les lire tous, mais ceux que vous lisez peuvent avoir un impact énorme sur votre vie. Voici cinq livres que vous devrez considérer lire avant de commencer l’école secondaire:

    1. La Source enchantée de Natalie Babbitt
    La différence d’âge entre Winnie, 10 ans et Jessie Tuck, 17 ans est plus grande qu’elle n’y paraît. La famille Tuck est immortelle, et l’eau de source qui l’a rendu comme ainsi est non seulement disponible à Winnie pour boire, mais créer plus de problèmes que prévu pour tout le monde. La mort et la nature de restreinte de la vie sont des concepts difficiles pour les enfants à comprendre, et elles ne deviennent pas beaucoup plus faciles à l’âge adulte. Ce livre explore ces concepts à travers le don de la vie éternelle, et illustre comment cela n’est peut-être pas une bonne chose après tout.

    2. Le bord du monde de Shel Silverstein
    Une collection de poèmes et d’illustrations absurdes pas comme les autres, il s’agit d’une lecture essentielle pour faire fleurir votre imagination et de préserver cette créativité sans limites dont tellement d’entre nous perdons alors que nous faites la transition vers l’âge adulte. De la folie de plantes qui dansent aux scrupules moraux causées par ne pas avoir sortie les ordures, ce livre a inspiré les enfants de tous les âges depuis des années.

    3. Le Hobbit de J.R.R. Tolkien
    Vous êtes probablement familier avec la trilogie épique qui raconte l’histoire d’un petit hobbit qui aide une bande de nains à combattre un géant dragon. Ce que vous-ignorez peut-être est que le livre, écrit en 1937, sur lequel les films sont basés est en réalité un récit beaucoup plus court et étrange. Bilbo Baggins est arraché de son paisible pays natal, la Comté, pour reprendre le trésor volé par Smaug, et le monde imaginaire que Tolkien a créé inspire les enfants et les réalisateurs depuis des décennies.

    4. Moi, Malala de Malala Yousafzai et Christina Lamb
    Un livre plus récent, cette histoire vraie et inspirante raconte la lutte de Malala Yousafzai, l’auteure, pour l’égalité des droits et l’éducation pour les femmes. Des membres du Taliban lui a tiré une balle dans la tête lorsqu’elle était à bord d’un autobus scolaire en raison de leurs croyances face à l’éducation des femmes. L’histoire de sa survie miraculeuse et de son travail incroyable depuis cet événement fait ce livre un ouvrage incontournable et offre une bonne dose d’optimisme et d’espoir pour notre ère moderne.

    5. Ne tirez pas sur l’oiseau moqueur de Harper Lee
    Les livres sur les sujets d’actualités ne sont pas nécessairement justes pour leur époque. Ce roman écrit en 1960 est l’histoire intemporelle raconté du point de vue d’une jeune fille nommée Scout alors qu’elle observe son père, l’héroïque Atticus Finch, un avocat, défendre un homme noir accusé de viol dans une petite ville où le racisme est répandu. Les sujets du viol et du racisme sont utilisés pour examiner la nature humaine et les dilemmes moraux auxquels nous sommes tous confrontés. Certaines personnes ayant commis de crimes terribles sont acquittées, tandis que d’autres personnes innocentes reçoivent des punitions injustement, mais les actions d’un seul individu peut encore avoir un énorme impact.

    Sources:
    Goodreads. Popular Read Before High School Books. https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/read-before-high-school

    Parr, Ben. Google: There are 129,864,880 Books in the Entire World. http://mashable.com/2010/08/05/number-of-books-in-the-world/#RTvrwKODfEqz

  • Careers & Jobs That Keep You Close to Nature (French version available)

    Careers & Jobs That Keep You Close to Nature (French version available)

    Do you enjoy spending time in nature? Are you curious about which jobs or careers keep you close to nature? If so, the following are a few jobs and careers that may interest you, along with a short description of each. If any of these jobs interest you, do not hesitate to research them some more!

    Marine Biologist

    Marine biologists study the ocean and its relationship with the many organisms living within it. This includes coral reefs. They collect specimens and examine them, and conduct experiments in laboratories.

    Park Ranger

    Park rangers manage parks. These parks could be local parks or even national parks. They are responsible for protecting the wildlife in the park as well as those that are visiting. Park rangers also give tours and guide people throughout the park. They show the many beautiful parts of the park during their tours. A majority of their day is spent outside in nature.

    Nature Photographer

    Nature photographers do exactly what it sounds like. They are photographers who observe and photograph nature without disrupting it. They often travel and spend their time outdoors in nature. Their photos can be used for educational purposes or just to show off the beautiful environment.

    Wildlife Biologist

    Wildlife biologists study wildlife and different animals to understand how they interact with their environment. They study animals’ physical characteristics and behaviours. They also research the impact humans have on wildlife and their natural habitats. Wildlife biologists collect specimens to later analyze in laboratories.

    Environmental Geologist

    Environmental geologists research solutions to issues in the environment. They closely observe and study floods, earthquakes, pollution, and natural hazards. Human interactions with the Earth are also studied. Environmental geologists have to collect samples of soil and rock, conduct surveys, and record information from reports.

    Agriculture and Food Scientists

    Agriculture and food scientists look into crops and farm animals. They find ways to improve the safety and quality of our food. This could be by developing better methods to process, package, and deliver food in ways that won’t negatively affect our health.

    Conservation Scientist

    Conservation scientists work with farmers, foresters and mining companies to determine the safest way to extract natural resources from the Earth without causing damage to the environment. They also analyze damaged forests, usually caused by forest fires and the area’s soil quality.

    Meteorologist

    Meteorologists study the weather. They look into how the weather changes and how it affects everyone on Earth. They spend time in nature collecting data and afterwards analyze the data to understand the weather.

    Wildlife Forensics Specialist

    Wildlife forensics specialists are scientists who investigate wildlife crimes. They collect evidence from animals and their environment to later investigate in laboratories. The evidence collected and examined will help identify crimes that were committed.

    Environmental Engineer

    Environmental engineers use their engineering principles, biology, chemistry, and soil science to evaluate and find solutions to environmental problems. They can work on improving recycling, waste disposal, controlling air pollution, and even climate change. Environmental engineers are often consulted to advise agencies on procedures to clean up contaminated areas.

     

    Resources

    CareerExplorer. “What does a conservation scientist do?” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/conservation-scientist/.

    CareerExplorer. “What does a geologist do?” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/geologist/.

    Environmental Science. “What is a Wildlife Forensics Specialist?” https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/wildlife-forensics.

    Kolmar, Chris. “10 Best Jobs for People Who Love Nature.” Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/advice/jobs-nature-lovers/.

    NewScientist. “What Does a Marine Biologist Do?” https://jobs.newscientist.com/article/what-does-a-marine-biologist-do-/.

    Renzulli, Kerri Anne. “15 high-paying jobs for people who love to be outside.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/18/15-high-paying-jobs-for-people-who-love-to-be-outside.html.

  • Racial Bias in the Canadian Healthcare System

    Racial Bias in the Canadian Healthcare System

    When people are sick or injured, they expect that the healthcare system will work for them. Sometimes they get the care they need, but at other times, they leave without getting the necessary help, especially if they are non-white. Racial bias is often a problem in the Canadian healthcare system, but people can try to make it fair. If everyone has access to good healthcare, regardless of race, Canadians will live healthier and better lives.

    Examples of racial bias are everywhere in the Canadian healthcare system. One of the worst cases was the experience of Brian Sinclair, a wheelchair-bound Indigenous man from Winnipeg who died in September 2008. He had gone to see a doctor about a bladder problem. The doctor sent him to the emergency department of the Health Sciences Centre.

    Sinclair waited for someone to take care of him, but the doctors were busy with other patients. They failed to treat him, and he died after waiting thirty-four hours in the emergency room. A later inquiry showed that emergency room staff believed that he was drunk when instead he was very sick.

    Not every situation is as bad as the case of Brian Sinclair, but people in Canada have experienced many other examples of racial bias. For example, medical care tends to favour treatments based on tests and medications rather than traditional treatments that are a large part of the history and culture of Indigenous groups and other non-white people. Laws related to harvesting and developing on Indigenous territories mean that people do not have access to traditional medicines as they should.

    Doctors, like many other Canadians, often have biases about the people they see. They may assume that alcohol or drug use are problems for Indigenous people, and they may have biases about other races, as well. These biases can cause doctors to listen less carefully than they should and to make false assumptions about the causes of people’s illnesses. If these biases are obvious, they can also add to a patient’s stress and make recovery more difficult.

    In the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous, South Asian, and black people have been hospitalized more often than white people. They have also been more likely to experience long-term symptoms that can have a major effect on their lives. Although some of these people might receive good care, many of them do not.

    One reason for these differences is the difficulty in gaining access to care and to the conditions that help them recover more fully. Many non-white people, especially new immigrants, work in low-wage jobs and live in poorer housing than others do. This can affect their health in many ways. Low wages mean that they are less likely to be able to take time off work when they are sick, and minor problems can become worse.

    Low-income people face many barriers in healthcare. Even if they can take time off work to visit a doctor, they still need transportation to the hospital or doctor’s office. They might not be able to afford the medications necessary for treating the disease, even if they get a prescription. While this problem is not only a racial issue, it tends to have the greatest effect on people who are already facing other barriers.

    Racial bias in healthcare is often difficult to identify and change. However, becoming aware of the problem is the first step. If you let people know about the problem, you could be part of the solution.

     

    Bibliography:

    Amin, Faiza. “Racial Bias Reaches Tipping Point in Canada’s Healthcare System.” https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/12/04/racial-bias-healthcare-system/.

    Bascaramurty, Dakshana. “Racial Bias in Canada’s Health Care System Makes Diagnosing Long COVID Even More Challenging, Experts Say.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-long-covid-health-care-racial-bias-diversity/.

    Gunn, Brenda L. “Ignored to Death: Systemic Racism in the Canadian Healthcare System.” https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Health/UniversityManitoba.pdf.

    Phillips-Back, Wanda. “Confronting Racism within the Canadian Healthcare System: Systemic Exclusion of First Nations from Quality and Consistent Care.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7697016/.

  • Happy New Year from JobsPeopleDo!

    Happy New Year from JobsPeopleDo!

    Happy New Year! 2025 is here, and it’s time to dive into a fresh chapter. Whether this marks your final semester or just another step in your academic journey, January is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and make the most of what lies ahead. And yes, that might include sticking to resolutions that sounded brilliant on December 31 but already feel like a challenge (we see you, gym-goers).

    The start of the year isn’t always easy, though. Winter’s shorter days and colder nights can bring the blues, especially when school and life feel overwhelming. This month’s articles offer tips to combat the winter slump, from staying active to building support networks. Remember, it’s okay to feel down – what matters is how you take care of yourself and find ways to keep moving forward.

    For those of you thinking about careers, we’ve got you covered with profiles on trade jobs that thrive in the winter months. And for post-secondary students facing tough times, we’re shining a light on food insecurity, a challenge many deal with quietly. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you navigate these issues with advice and resources. For even more unique insights, check out our interviews with industry pros.

    2025 is a year of opportunity — whether it’s the chance to finish strong, try something new, or set goals you’re excited about. Take it one step at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate the progress you make along the way. You’ve got this!

    Wishing you a great start to the year,
    Anthony Teles
    Vice-President, Content

  • Indigenous Student Scholarships for January 2025

    Indigenous Student Scholarships for January 2025

    Indigenous Student Bursary for Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: January 21, 2025

    FortisBC Indigenous Foundation Award
    Scholarship Value: N/A
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: January 21, 2025

    FortisBC Indigenous Women in the Trades Award
    Scholarship Value: N/A
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: January 21, 2025

    HSA Bursaries for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $1,500
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: January 27, 2025

    Aditya Jha Indigenous Student Bursaries
    Scholarship Value: $2,000
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: January 31, 2025

    Golder Scholarship for Indigenous Students in Water
    Scholarship Value: $2,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: January 31, 2025

    Alberta Blue Cross Scholarships for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $1,500
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline: January 31, 2025

    RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: February 5, 2025

    National Indigenous Scholarship Program (Western University)
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 14, 2025

    ii’taa’poh’to’p Indigenous Student Access Program Award
    Scholarship Value: $2,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: March 20, 2025

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • January 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    January 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Jean Caya Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: January 31, 2025 (estimated)

    Society of Manufacturing Engineers Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $20,000
    Awards Available: 60
    Award Deadline: February 1, 2025

    CIBC National Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $25,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2025

    John Proctor Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $8,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2025

    Information Security Undergraduate Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2025

    Wilfrid Laurier University Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2025

    RE/MAX Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 40
    Award Deadline: March 9, 2025

    Connex Foundation Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: March 10, 2025

    Kocchar & Co. Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2025

    Jean Chretien Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2025

    Lift Parts Express Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2025

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Inspirational Leaders Worth Mentioning

    Inspirational Leaders Worth Mentioning

    When celebrities dominate the news and social media, it can be difficult to narrow in on inspirational leaders, specifically for kids. Whether you are into sports, science or computers, or feel like life offered you a harder hand than your friends, there are people out there to look up to. Here are a few:

    Bill Nye – The Science Guy!
    Bill Nye may be on your radar because of his work on children’s television networks, but he is so much more than that. A Cornell University graduate and real-life super science guy, Nye has worked as a mechanical engineer and co-developed MarDial—a sundial created for the Mars Exploration Rover missions. Meaning, that he has worked for NASA! While his accomplishments are many, it is also inspiring that Nye managed to combine his love of stand-up comedy and performance with his love of science. Using these attributes to teach children about science has been so influential, and he has reached every generation since the early 1990s with ease. The bow-tied super scientist never falls out of obscurity, tackling the issues that are most important to the current day like the most recent climate change debate.

    Bethany Hamilton – Surfer Extraordinaire
    The 25-year-old professional surfer survived a shark attack in 2003, but the incident left her with her left arm bitten off. Not letting that stop her career, Hamilton returned to the professional surfing world and reigned. Her autobiography Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board is a true tale of perseverance, the deep love of surfing and facing obstacles with a positivity that is hard to achieve. The story of Hamilton proves that no matter what happens to you throughout your life, there is always a way to achieve your dreams and goals. This comes with a lot of hard work and at times, forced positivity- but life is hard and a true judge of character is how you choose to approach it.

    Bill Gates – The Computer Whiz
    Another Bill! You cannot have an inspirational leaders list without an entrepreneur and billionaire. Having co-created Microsoft, Gates has led a long career that has stayed at the forefront of technical creativity and business. His wealth has steadily grown since the 1980s, and he is currently the wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of $77.3 billion US. That is a lot of money, but life isn’t about wealth—Gates has been consistently involved in philanthropic and charitable practices, putting a lot of his money into making the world a better place. Often criticized for not being competitive in the field of software—unlike Steve Jobs etc.—Gates’ calm approach to marketing and capitalism is refreshing in a world that moves too fast at times and to the beat of a very greedy drum.

    Nick Vujicic – Living without Limits!
    This is especially inspiring for those who suffer from disabilities. Vujicic was born with tetra-amelia syndrome; this rare disorder means that he has none of his four limbs. In an age of YouTube, Vujicic testified to a life without limits and working past obstacles, bullying and thoughts of suicide. If you ever feel limited—even without disabilities—just remember that no matter how hard it is there is always hope. You can take control of your life no matter the home situation, financial situation, personal relationship or physical limitations. Vujicic is now an international motivational speaker and author. Check out his YouTube videos to get inspired and add a push to your day.

    BONUS – The people in your own life!
    Let’s not forget about parents, siblings and teachers…the everyday heroes that inspire you and provide guidance. Believe it or not, these people will have the most long-lasting effect on you. Often times the person you wish to become will mirror the adult in your life that you respect the most.

  • Why “Reducing” Is More Important Than “Reusing” and “Recycling”

    Why “Reducing” Is More Important Than “Reusing” and “Recycling”

    By Erin Rebello

    When you think of eco-friendliness, what comes to mind? Perhaps you picture disposable bottles being recycled into new plastic, or old textiles being thrifted into cute new outfits. Perhaps you’ve even participated in this yourself, by purchasing reusable water bottles or buying secondhand! To put it simply, for most people, being environmentally conscious means reusing and recycling. Although these techniques help with reducing our carbon footprint, it almost feels as though they’ve been acting as an “eco” mask for more difficult-to-confront issues. In this day and age, when we’re at an environmental impasse, we mustn’t forget the less glamourous (and perhaps most important) triplet of eco-friendliness: reducing.

    The Problem with Reusing and Recycling

    Although the other two R’s are important, we must understand their limitations. For example, although recycling may seem like the solution to paper and plastic waste, we need to take a close look at the facts before making any broad statements. According to studies, only 25% of what you throw into a blue bin actually gets recycled. The rest is discarded because it is either non-recyclable or is contaminated with something that is non-recyclable, such as food waste or glass. Digging even deeper, only 9% of plastic waste in Canada is actually recycled! Are you ready for the cherry on top? Most plastics can only effectively be recycled once or twice before losing quality. Although recycling does help by small margins, by putting our faith into recycling, Canadians are effectively ignoring several more eco-friendly solutions.

    Similar to recycling, the act of reusing can also be less helpful than we may initially imagine. Think about reusable metal straws. Although they may sound convenient and look pretty, without proper care or maintenance, they won’t last nearly as long as they should, and you may end up tossing them early. Additionally, if you only purchased these reusable straws to follow the trend, and never actually used them before, you’re actually creating more waste. Although reusing items gives them a sense of longevity, the misconstrued concept of “reusable” can also bring more harm than good.

    Why Reducing is the Way to Go

    Now that we know that both reusing and recycling can be problematic at times, how do we stay eco-friendly? Thankfully, the answer is quite simple: reducing waste! Although this may seem like a very vague piece of advice, reducing our own waste is a huge step in the right direction. Rather than speaking empty words, or surrounding ourselves with the “idea of being eco-friendly,” by reducing our shopping, travel, and expenditures we can make a sizeable impact. Although it is not as glamorous as thrifting or recycling, the reduction of waste products is easily the most effective way to reduce your carbon footprint.

    How You Can Reduce

    At this point, you’re probably wondering how you can reduce your carbon footprint, and thankfully, it’s not too difficult! Below are a few ways you can be less wasteful in your everyday life!

    • Only buy food you plan to eat. When you go to the grocery store, only purchase the amount of food you intend to eat, and don’t go overboard! Although food waste products can typically be composted, food tends to have a lot of packaging, which isn’t always recyclable!
    • Purchase less clothing. Although fast fashion can make you feel like you have to keep up with the seasonal trends, this way of thinking is very harmful to the environment. Online retailers like Shein, Romwe, Asos, etc. are cheap online brands, which are absolutely terrible for the earth! Not only this, but they also use unethical forms of labour. Although thrifting and buying second-hand are much better options, the best way to be eco-friendly is to purchase quality clothes that last for years.
    • Track your Impact. Another way to reduce your environmental footprint, in the long run, is to track it! By making a list of all the ways you’ve consumed products, even just for a day, you can get a good idea of which areas of your life are less eco-friendly and can find ways to reduce.
    • Embrace minimalism. Finally, the best way to reduce your eco-impact is by embracing minimalism, which is a style of living that uses the fewest resources possible. There are many ways to incorporate minimalism in your life and tons of resources online to help you through the process!

     

    Sources

    Chung, E. (2020, January 7). What Really Happens To Plastic Drink Bottles You Toss In Your Recycling Bin | CBC News. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/bottle-recycling-1.5416614

    Why Your Recycling May Not Actually Get Recycled | CBC Radio. (2019, April 18). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/the-sunday-edition-for-april-21-2019-1.5099057/why-your-recycling-may-not-actually-get-recycled-1.5099103

  • 4 Ways to Treat Yourself within Your Budget Limits

    4 Ways to Treat Yourself within Your Budget Limits

    Being finance-savvy is an essential skill, especially these days when there’s a plethora of things to spend one’s money on easily: food deliveries, rides, pop-up shops, limited editions, you name it. It’s always ideal to have a good grasp of your spending limits to ensure you don’t fall hard into debt. A good rule to have before giving in to that new pair of designer boots or signing up for a table at the newly-opened fancy restaurant is to ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”

    Well, the answer to that question is almost always no. Sure, clothing and food fall under your basic needs, but they don’t necessarily have to come with a label and a hefty price tag. You can have a pair of boots that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet and you can satisfy your craving for delicious food so that it doesn’t cost your entire monthly food budget.

    However, being sensible with money doesn’t mean every single dollar you spend should be for practicality’s sake. Just as people who go on diets know, you can allow yourself a cheat day every now and then. This way, you don’t feel completely deprived. But do your best to focus on your goal.

    Whether you’re saving up for something big or looking into completely clearing yourself of debt, read on for four pointers on how to give in to your indulgences while staying true to your mission.

    1. Think of your budget in percentages.

    When someone orders in pizza for the house, one’s share is always divided by slices. Two slices for him, two slices for her, two slices for you, and so on. Now think of your budget as a pizza, and instead of the number of slices, you assign a percentage. You allot 40 per cent for your necessities like utilities and rent, 30 per cent for your groceries, 20 per cent for your credit card debt, and 10 per cent to spend on yourself. Thinking in these terms will give you a better picture of your money while spending on yourself within the budget limits.

    1. Establish clear splurging rules.

    Once you determine how much you can afford for a splurge, form a set of ground rules to make sure you don’t go overboard. For example, if you’re planning to give in to an indulgence, pay with a debit card or with cash. If you need to put it on your credit card, then it means you’re not able to afford it at this time. If you’re expecting a big tax refund soon, ensure that you’re allotting a bigger portion for your savings and not spending it all on splurges.

    1. Avoid impulse buying.

    Impulse purchases are probably the number one cause of one’s budget being in shambles. For some people, it’s almost an instinctive reaction to get their credit cards ready when they see something they like, whether online or at a store. An effective way to avoid this is to create a mantra and follow it, like Taco Tuesday. You can establish your own like Bubble Tea Sunday or Cheesecake Friday. This means that you’re allowing yourself these indulgences only on those particular days. This way, you can guarantee that you’re not giving in to impulse buys.

    1. Make the splurges count.

    If you truly want to make the most out of a splurge, then plan splurges that allow you to spend more time with your family and friends. For example, if you and your friend have been longing to see a band in concert, you can designate this as your splurge. Through this, you not only get to spend time with your friend, but you get to enjoy it too.

    Splurging from time to time is beneficial for your mental and emotional health. Being too restrictive of your funds can lead you to feel deprived, and then it becomes to feel like a burden. You can allow yourself a few indulgences here and there, but be sure to follow the tips above so your spending still sticks to your budget.

     

    Sources

    Baluch, Anna. “How To Treat Yourself on a Tight Budget.” The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-treat-yourself-on-a-tight-budget-5079687

    Fellizar Kristine. “How much money should you spend when ‘treating yourself’? We got expert advice.” HelloGiggles. https://hellogiggles.com/lifestyle/treat-yourself-money-expert/

    Juliano, Maggie. “The science of splurges: what do dieting and saving for retirement have in common?” Benefit Consultants Group. https://www.bcgbenefits.com/blog/the-science-of-splurges

  • Find Your Musical Inspiration! (French version available)

    Find Your Musical Inspiration! (French version available)

    Having a deep-seated love of music is one of life’s simplest and yet greatest pleasures. Whether you have an appreciation for hearing and supporting music, or you have a passion for creating it yourself, there will be few things as rewarding. If you grow to love music as a kid, it will follow you throughout your whole life.

    If you are anywhere between grades one and six, chances are you have met the recorder: a simple way to learn basic notes and songs. Maybe you love playing it, or maybe you find it boring. Whatever you feel, in a bit we’ll talk about ways to get the most out of your time with the instrument. When I was in grades five and six—along with being introduced to the recorder—my elementary school provided classes with a ‘music period’. This was my absolute most favourite class, and I was not alone. Our teacher Mr. B would sit on a wooden stool in front of the class with a guitar balanced on his knee. We would sing along to songs like “If I Had a Million Dollars,” “House of the Rising Sun” and “Puff the Magic Dragon.” There is something about collaborating and creating that makes school so meaningful and—dare I say it—Fun!

    Depending on your school, typically band classes will be offered starting in grades six or seven. Here, you’ll get to choose an instrument (like the flute, saxophone, percussion etc.) For some, this part of school isn’t fun because it seems like homework…like you’re being forced to do it. Don’t let the school have that kind of power over you. This is YOUR time. YOU get to pick the instrument, and maybe your teacher decides what you play at school—but at home…YOU’RE the conductor.

    Ways to find your own musical inspiration:

    • If you play an instrument (even if it’s the recorder!) find some sheet music outside of school. Songs you love! Google search free sheet music or buy some with your allowance. Do you love The Beatles? The internet is full of free sheet music and if you’ve learned basic music reading skills at school, you can definitely play “Here Comes the Sun.” Find a way to link up your personal taste and the tools your school has provided. If you find the recorder boring, play your favourite songs on it—or better yet, create your own.

    • What is your favourite movie, TV show or video game? All of these are scored—meaning they all have music specially written or handcrafted for them. Make them your obsession and they will become the soundtrack to your life.

    • Get your parents to take you to middle and high school band concerts. See what the older kids are playing and maybe something will call out to you.

    • Ask a role model what their favourite album is and listen to it. Associating someone you admire with music may mean a lot to you one day.

    Who knows- maybe you’ll love playing musical instruments so much, you’ll choose it as a career. A lot of bands/ solo artists need what you call “session players”; musicians that come into the studio to record on an album. For example, if there is a solo artist who needs a saxophone player on his album, he can contact a recommended saxophone session player.

    “Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble with the singers that they are accompanying and they often do not achieve individual fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Session_musician)

    Whether you just want to play music for fun or make it a career somehow, music is always needed in the world. If you have a passion for music and are inspired enough by other musicians, get playing!