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  • Summer Jobs – Are They Useful?

    Summer Jobs – Are They Useful?

    It’s summertime again, and besides gasping for that first breath of summer freedom and that thing called a “social life”, it also means looking for a part-time job.

    So what is the ideal summer job for you?

    Ask yourself what area of work you are interested in, or what skills you think are essential for a certain career. For example, many careers involve people skills – dealing with customers in a daily face-to-face environment. Becoming a cashier or waiter would be an opportune job for developing your communication skills.

    Perhaps you are interested in management? If you have any tourist hot spots in your city, getting a job within tourist areas and understanding how the tourism industry operates could be a beneficial summer job! Don’t let the thought of having to start at a lower-level position scare you away from a good experience; being able to understand how a company works from the ground up can improve your understanding of management.

    Perhaps engineering is your cup of tea? Getting a job at a retail technology store would be ideal. Previous Niagara Falls resident Zachary Edmonson spent a couple of months in the summer acquiring knowledge working in an Apple tech support company before heading off to Sheridan College in Oakville.

    “Acquiring the technological knowledge and customer service skills, as well as working independently, was a priceless experience for what I am looking to do,” Zach said.

    Understanding the reality that nationwide budget cuts have diminished the number of jobs available to students is essential when hitting the summer job market.  Be creative; even “typical” teenage jobs like fast food can be a great learning experience.  Many large fast food companies have intramural sports teams and volunteer opportunities that increase job value and learning experiences

    Current Brock student Heather Long is volunteering at an after-school program called “When I Grow Up,” where she is learning how to deal with different types of children.

    “I set the room up and organize days for the kids, like ‘physics’ day and ‘musician’ day,” Heather said.

    She usually supervises 12-13 kids between herself and one other employee. Learning how to work with children will benefit Heather in her future career as a teacher.

    There can be time for some fun in the sun, but manage your time wisely! It is never too early to think ahead about what skills you think will boost your resume and get you your dream job.

  • Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    As the weather gets reliably warmer and the assignments begin to die down, you have probably realized that the school year is coming to a close. If you’re a post-secondary student, it’s likely your break is just around the corner; if you’re in high school, you’ve got just a couple of months to go. That in mind, start thinking about how you’re going to spend your time on vacation.

    It may seem great to have all that time on your hands, but it’s important to use it wisely. Being out of school for a few months can cause your brain to get a little lazy, which unfortunately means that the cramming you did for finals isn’t going to stick unless you keep at it. You worked hard for the better part of the year, so you definitely don’t want that knowledge to go to waste.

    Of course, there’s another side to summertime that doesn’t focus on academics. You can use the time to advance your goals, practice your hobbies or just explore. Think of how little free time you have during the school year: aren’t there so many things you wish you could have done? Capitalize on your summer vacation to cross some things off your bucket list.

    There are many ways you can make the most of your summer. Here are some suggestions.

    Summer employment is a good way to gain work experience, as well as make some money (which can be particularly important for those of you heading into post-secondary). A job can teach you responsibility, time management, and work ethic. If you’re looking for something humanitarian or more relevant to your career goals down the line, consider applying for an internship or volunteering for an organization you love.

    We all have something that makes us tick, and summertime can be a great opportunity to practice your hobbies (or develop new ones). If you’re looking for a challenge, try something new—you have a few months to take a class or follow a self-coaching program in an activity you’ll enjoy.

    If you have the opportunity, travelling, exchanging, or a road trip with some friends is a great way to explore (and take advantage of the lovely weather). If travel is not financially or logistically feasible for you, take some time to explore where you live. There’s sure to be a unique restaurant you’ve never eaten at or a fun event you’ve never checked out.

    Think about setting goals for the coming year, and take the opportunity to get a head start. School may seem ages away at the start of the summer, but free time (regrettably) goes fast. If you think ahead, you’ll be at a great advantage once the new semester begins.

    And finally, don’t forget to relax. School’s out, you worked very hard, and you deserve some time just for you. Take a break and live your summer on your own terms—you’ve earned it.

  • Summer Job Hunting (French version available)

    Summer Job Hunting (French version available)

    If you’re a student (and especially if you’re going through midterms or summatives), you’re likely looking forward to the break the warmer months will bring. However, summer vacation is also a great opportunity for work experience – not only to make some money, but also to gain valuable connections and references for future employment. If you’re interested in both of those things, spots fill up fast, so it’s never too early to start your summer job hunt.

    Here’s a step-by-step process on how to find a summer job.

    1) Figure out what you want.

    What kind of position are you looking for? Moreover, what kind of position are you eligible for? Consider both your past qualifications and what field you’d potentially like to get into. It might be difficult to get a summer job that’s directly related to your career goals, but if you do find one, it’s one more thing to put on your resume. (For example, if you’re thinking about a career in medicine, it might be a good idea to check out receptionist or data entry positions at a clinic.)

    2) Revisit your resume.

    If you’ve been busy with schoolwork, it may have been a while since you dug up that old resume, so make sure all of your qualifications are up to date. If you’re planning on applying to multiple jobs (which is what you should be doing!), you should create different versions depending on the position you’re looking for. Cover letters are usually helpful, but not all employers require them; check that out on a case-by-case basis.

    3) Do your research.

    Keeping in mind Step 1 (what you want) and Step 2 (what you have to offer), check out the jobs that would be realistically available to you. If you don’t have a lot of experience, you may not be able to aim too high, but it never hurts to ask whether there are positions available for less experienced candidates (or, specifically, for students). Some good resources for job hunting are Talentegg, Workopolis, Service Canada or even Kijiji, as long as you do a background check on the employer.

    4) Apply en masse.

    Unfortunately, not every employer you contact will call you back (wouldn’t that be nice!). Don’t be afraid to apply for too many positions—in fact, apply to as many things as you can or as you are eligible for. This is going to take a lot of work, but put effort into writing emails, tweaking your resume, and following up for various positions. The worst thing that could happen is that you don’t get the job. Don’t get discouraged: you just have to keep at it until you’re rewarded.

    5) Land an interview.

    With hard work and a little bit of luck, you’ll hopefully be called in for an interview. Be your charming, professional, and qualified self, and you’ll have a summer job in no time. Best of luck!

  • Finding A Second Home at the Hospital: My Summer Volunteer Experience

    Finding A Second Home at the Hospital: My Summer Volunteer Experience

    By Maryam Sheikh

    Over the summer, I had the opportunity to become a volunteer for my local hospital. This experience has allowed me to grow in many ways, and I’m immensely grateful that I have been able to give back to my community within the healthcare field.

    In this article, I will elaborate on the application process, training, roles, skills, and experiences that come with volunteering at the hospital.

    Firstly, at my local hospital (Credit Valley Hospital), you must be 15 years old to apply. The application includes a series of questions about why you want to volunteer, the skills that would make you a suitable candidate, and some personal information.

    If you move on to the interview round, you meet with the volunteer coordinators or youth team leaders to learn more about the position, and so that they can learn more about you.

    If you hear back, you’re given a placement! You’re required to attend an orientation in which you learn about different hospital procedures, codes, and protocols.

    I personally chose to volunteer in the Cancer Centre as a TLC volunteer. After a few training days, I became more comfortable with the healthcare professionals, fellow volunteers, and finding my way around the large facility. August, for me, consisted of 5 weekday morning shifts for about 3 and ½ hours. My role entailed helping visitors find their destinations, assisting with patient discharge, and visiting patients to provide company or help them purchase food.

    At first, the experience was definitely a bit nerve-racking; it took a few days to become completely familiar with the layout of the hospital (Credit Valley is huge!). After becoming comfortable with everything, though, it became an extremely rewarding experience. I found it fulfilling to sit down with patients to simply hear about their days or learn about their experiences. I got to meet new people every single day, and I became quite familiar with some patients and looked forward to talking to them every day.

    Volunteering at the hospital is a great experience, but it comes with its fair share of responsibility as well. Your priority as a volunteer is to provide the best and safest experience as possible for any patients or visitors that come in. You must learn how to be conscious of your surroundings, responsible on your shift, and sensitive to the different people that you interact with. Volunteering definitely develops communication skills and responsibility!

    The summer quickly came to a close, and I definitely knew I wanted to come back in the fall. Now, I volunteer in the Gift Shop, helping stock products, keeping the shop tidy, organizing the back room, and working on cash. I’ve met so many new volunteers and gained a bit of retail experience. All in all, Credit Valley Hospital has become a place that I have a deeper appreciation for; there is a lot of work done by all those that work there in order for patients to have as smooth experiences as possible.

    If you’re a student interested in healthcare, learning about a new field, or even just lending a hand and cheering people up, I would definitely look into volunteering at your local hospital. I guarantee that you will walk away with a deeper knowledge about the healthcare field, a stronger passion for helping others, and great people, such as fellow volunteers, as well as patients to call friends.

  • Babysitting in the Summertime (French version available)

    Babysitting in the Summertime (French version available)

    Getting a babysitting job during the summer is a great way to earn extra cash and pad your resume at the same time. But looking after kids all day, every day, can present unique challenges. Especially on rainy days. Rather than overuse electronics, here is a list of activities that stimulate young brains and provide an outlet for their energy. If your charges are tired and happy after a day with you, their primary caregivers will be grateful!

    Outdoor Games:

    • Paint with no paint. A bucket of water and paint brushes are all you need for this activity. Let the kids “paint” the deck, the driveway, anything at all with the water. On a hot sunny day, the artwork will evaporate quickly, leaving a blank canvas for new creations. And spills are safe!
    • Tag: There are so many variations of tag to play with kids. This camping website (http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/tag-games.page-1.html) has the most comprehensive list. My favourite is Toilet Tag.

    “When someone is tagged, they must squat down to form the ‘toilet’ and hold one hand out to the side, like the ‘handle’. To get back into the game, someone must ‘flush’ the frozen person and make a loud ‘Woooooosh’ sound.”- http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activity/toilet-tag.html

    • Clothesline art show: Simply hang the kids’ art from clotheslines, make invitations for their family and friends to come to the art show. Pick a time and make it a big event. This would be fun as one last hurrah before school starts again.

    Rainy Day Activities:

    • For little hands, find a colander and colourful straws. Let them simply put the straws in the holes of the colander. This works on their fine motor skills and makes a really cool hedgehog thing.
    • Build a “fort” with dining room chairs, couch cushions, blankets and pillows. Allow them to populate it with favourite stuffed animals, and use it as a reading nook. For good behaviour, allow a camping-style picnic in their fort. If the storm just won’t pass, name the fort, make a sign and a flag. Decorate with paper chains. Just make sure to clean up before the end of the day.

    When in doubt, remember children have endless imagination. Allow them to guide the play from time to time. Set guidelines like “no electronics,” or “stay in the backyard,” or even “no talking” or “walk backwards,” and see what kinds of games they can make up. I guarantee you will be surprised, and they will have a ton of fun! Never forget the internet is a vast source of inspiration for kids’ games. Look for Girl Guides or Scouts sites or camping websites for ideas. Have fun and stay safe!

  • The Benefits of Going to Summer Camp

    The Benefits of Going to Summer Camp

    School is nearly over, and you no doubt already have Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” ready to go on your phone for that final locker clean-out moment. With the end of the semester comes an onslaught of expectations of how the next few months are going to go. You want to play with your friends, swim, and maybe make a little money doing some chores so that you can buy that special thing you have been thinking about. But one way to get a heck of a lot out of your summer experience is to go to summer camp. Basically a vacation specifically made for kids, summer camp is a great way to experience time away from your parents and home and explore what life has to offer YOU as an individual.

    New friends and memories

    Something about being away from the social restraints of school builds strong friendships. Summer camp will place you in cabins or bunkers with other kids who are out of their element as well. This builds strong bonds, and camp counsellors will help to ensure that everyone is included. The memories you make at camp are priceless. I promise you that when you are an adult and working, you will look back fondly on those times at camp when your only job was to have fun and make friends. Exchange contact information with your new friends and write about or draw your favourite moments.

    Independence

    At summer camp, you get to make a lot of your own decisions: what food are you going to eat? Which team are you going to join? What craft or music workshops are you interested in? What physical activity are you going to partake in? Which games will you join? Etc. While the camp will provide you with a safe and nurturing environment, your enjoyment is completely up to you. Do not let your friends make these choices for you. Take charge of your camping experience!

    Try new things

    Some camps are western-themed, and you may get the chance to ride or even do gymnastics on a horse! Take chances and try things you would never get to do back home. Camp staff will make sure you are safe, so whether it’s BMXing or joining a play for the first time or something else new and exciting, step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of your temporary summer home.

    Get close to nature and away from technology

    For many people, going to summer camp is learning how to play again. It’s a TV/video game/cellphone-free retreat that throws you right smack in the middle of nature. All you will hear at night is the wind, trees, wildlife and your friends. Stars will be brighter, and you will begin to feel freer. This is the perfect place and time for campfires and sing-alongs, late-night stories and getting to know your new friends. After one summer at camp, you will begin to associate summertime fun with the great outdoors.

    Grow confidence

    Summer camp provides non-competitive activities that are geared towards inclusion and teamwork. With so many options—from zip lining to tubing, etc.—it will be easy to find your niche. Find what you love to do, and that love will follow you back from summer camp to your regular daily home life. Team-building exercises at camp focus on everyone helping to achieve a goal rather than following a leader. This will make you feel confident and help you gain a sense of camaraderie.

  • Messy Summer Science Experiments! (French version available)

    Messy Summer Science Experiments! (French version available)

    Ok, so school’s out, you’ve watched every episode of your favourite show on Netflix, and you’re trying to avoid doing chores. Or maybe you’re trying to entertain the kids you’re babysitting, a younger sibling or two, or just really, really feel like making a mess! Here are a few experiments that are fun, messy, and educational! No one can get angry about a mess when you’re learning. Right?

    *TIP: Do these outside.*

    • Giant bubbles: Everyone loves making bubbles, but giant ones are even better! This takes simple supplies you may already have around the house. You’ll need string, plastic straws, bubble solution, and a flat container like a cookie sheet. You’ll attach the string through the straws to form a big circle with “handles” (the straws). Then you can create large bubbles to delight kids of all ages. PBS.org has a great how-to with photos on their website.
    • Rainbow Bubble Snakes: Do you have a pile or a drawer full of socks missing a match? This activity will use those poor, lonely socks. You will need a water bottle, an orphaned sock, food colouring and dish soap. This website has detailed instructions with photos that show just how fun and messy things will get. See how long a bubble snake you can create. Can you create a rainbow? How many different colour combinations can you create?
    • Outrageous Ooze: One of my favourite messy experiments involves corn starch. You only need corn starch and water. You can add food colouring if you want more mess (who doesn’t?). The corn starch feels so silky smooth, and the properties it exhibits while you play in it are so soothing. When you manage to get the consistency right, it will look like a liquid in the container, but if you smack the surface of it hard with the palm of your hand, it feels solid! I did this one with 5-year-olds, and while they didn’t “get” the science behind it, they had a blast! You older kids will enjoy it as well, as you explore non-Newtonian fluids. This site shows you how to do it and explains the chemistry behind the ooze.
    • Ice cream in baggies: Now for an experiment, you can eat! Did you know you can make ice cream in a baggie with your own two hands? This website lists the recipe and the detailed instructions. But suffice it to say that this experiment is a delicious way to explore chemistry. I highly suggest this activity be done outside in case a baggie leaks, and bring your spoons. As an alternative, try doing more than a single serving in a coffee can, rolling it back and forth between you and a friend until the ice cream sets. Don’t forget your winter gloves, your hands will get very cold!  Have fun!
  • A Look at Options for High School Graduates and Post-Secondary Students to Make the Most of Their Summer (French version available)

    A Look at Options for High School Graduates and Post-Secondary Students to Make the Most of Their Summer (French version available)

    Depending on people’s individual situations, summer is usually associated with taking a break from school and pursuing other things. If people organize their time well, it could involve relaxation as well as productivity.

    Overall, the season can be a great time for post-secondary students and those who have recently graduated from high school to seize opportunities. Here are some suggestions on how you can make the most of it:

    Learn a Useful Skill(s)

    A good idea, if you haven’t done so already, would be learning a practical skill commonly needed in your chosen field (this is especially relevant for current post-secondary students). For instance, many communication-related jobs require prospective employees to be familiar with all Microsoft Office applications, popular social media platforms, photo editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop), MailChimp, and WordPress. What’s also great is that step-by-step instructions are provided online for these tools, so people can learn how to use them on their own.

    Try to Land a Job/Volunteer Position

    Another way to optimize your time is to get a job or find volunteer work. Websites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter make it easy for people to search and apply for them. It could even be a temporary or seasonal position. Though it’s up to you and what you can handle, some companies offer casual employment after summer is over, which would bode well during the school year if you’re considering taking on both academics and outside work.

    A tip regarding volunteering: This is a perfect time to search for positions offered by organizations/causes with missions that you’re also passionate about. Fulfilling experiences may very well become of it.

    Do Some Travelling

    With the pandemic, it’s been difficult to enjoy things you’d normally do, travelling being one example. If you’re considering travelling this year, make a list of all the places you’ve been wanting to go and the estimated costs. Unless going by yourself, present these ideas to the people you’re planning on taking your trip with. Afterwards, contemplate these places and see what options allow you to stay safe and have fun within a reasonable price range. Generally speaking, and say the list doesn’t include this, maybe a road trip could be another option, as it would help save money on transportation.

    Take Time for Yourself

    These school years are very much a transitional time for students, and it’s understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take a look at your schedule to see if/when you’re able to spend some time alone. Even though it’s important to continue being productive, it shouldn’t imply that self-care isn’t a priority. Watch movies, exercise, or take up hobbies. It’s valuable for your mental health.

    Overall, for high school graduates and current post-secondary students, summer has the potential to be the best time in more ways than one. Nonetheless, though sometimes difficult, don’t feel pressured to take on too many responsibilities at once. It’s crucial to find a work-life balance when wanting to make the most of this season. As long as you actively seek beneficial opportunities and manage your time properly, you’ll be fine.

  • Untitled post 5546

    The days are longer, the weather is starting to warm up, and signs of spring are finally all around us. It’s also a time of momentum, especially for post-secondary students wrapping up their semester, preparing for exams, and looking ahead to what comes next.

    If you’re feeling the pressure right now, that’s completely normal. This is one of the busiest points in the academic year. Try to stay focused on what’s in front of you: break large tasks into smaller ones, keep a steady routine, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. Finishing strong doesn’t mean burning out. It means pacing yourself so you can cross the finish line with confidence.

    April is also when we recognize Earth Day, a reminder that small actions can have a lasting impact. This month’s issue highlights a range of environmental topics, from climate change and sustainability to reducing your carbon footprint and exploring careers like soil scientists, arborists, and atmospheric scientists. Whether it’s learning about environmental issues or simply spending more time outdoors, this is a great time to reconnect with the world around you.

    We’re also covering practical, real-life topics that matter right now. With tax season underway, check out our last-minute tax filing tips. If you’re thinking about your future, explore career profiles like public relations specialists, film and video editors, and writers and authors, along with advice on starting your own business.

    And don’t miss the April 2026 scholarships, including opportunities for Indigenous students, with deadlines coming up soon. Taking the time to apply now can make a big difference in the months ahead.

    As always, be sure to check out our interviews with industry professionals for insights into real career paths and experiences.

    April is about growth, progress, and finishing what you started. Stay focused, take care of yourself, and keep moving forward.

     

    Warm regards,
    Anthony Teles
    Vice-President, Content

  • April 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    April 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Brock Leaders Citizenship Award
    Scholarship Value: $8,000
    Awards Available: 15
    Award Deadline: April 15, 2026

    Clara E. Elliott Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 15, 2026

    Easter Seals Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: April 17, 2026

    Presidential Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $40,000
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 25, 2026

    CABEF Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Emmett and Loretta Regan Memorial Award
    Scholarship Value: $4,500
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Torquil H. Burns Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $450
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Bill Eansor Award
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Air Base Property Corporation Entrance Award
    Scholarship Value: N/A
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    Grant and Jack Burton Entrance Bursary
    Scholarship Value: $300
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    University of New Brunswick: Win Free Tuition up to $10,400
    Scholarship Value: $10,400
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 1, 2026

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 31, 2026

    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