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  • Where Should I Study? A List of Top Canadian Universities in 2022

    Where Should I Study? A List of Top Canadian Universities in 2022

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    Many students are anticipating the next step in their journey – whether that means starting post-secondary education, entering the workforce, or taking some time to figure things out. Whatever path you choose, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the future – especially given everything that has happened in the world over the past few years. You may be wondering, “what is 2022 going to look like for students?” or “how can I make a decision under such unpredictable circumstances?” This article aims to provide some answers and help you understand the post-secondary options available. You are welcome to use it as a guide as you move forward in your academic career.

    1. Simon Fraser University – Burnaby, British Columbia

    According to Maclean’s, Simon Fraser University (SFU) ranks highly in public reputation, student satisfaction, and access to scholarships. For students interested in sports, it is worth noting that several Olympic Gold medalists – including Justin Kripps and Hayley Wickenheiser – spent time at SFU. In addition, it is the first and only university in Canada to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

    In terms of academics, the university offers a wide variety of programs. Students can study education, business, and technology, among other topics. SFU is one of the top research universities in Canada.

    1. University of Victoria – Victoria, British Columbia

    The University of Victoria (UVic) is renowned for its research, faculty, and academic rigour. It is among the top universities in North America for international research collaborations and scientific impact. Furthermore, it houses esteemed research institutions like Ocean Networks Canada and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. If you’re interested in a science degree, UVic might be perfect for you.

    This university is also known for providing quality Indigenous programming. Since 2018, it has consistently been named the number one school in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility. Students can choose to complete a joint program in Canadian common law and Indigenous legal orders, earning two professional degrees in the process. This is the first program of its kind in the world.

    1. University of Waterloo – Waterloo, Ontario

    The University of Waterloo (UW) excels at setting students up for the workforce. Students have the chance to apply their learning to practical experiences like co-op placements and community service while forming connections with future employers, industry leaders, and professional researchers.

    The school has a network of more than 7,000 employers – the largest of any university in North America. Students can complete multiple paid work terms during their studies, gaining experience in their field and potentially reducing their student debt in the process. As of 2022, UW has the highest graduate employment rate in Canada.

    1. University of Guelph – Guelph, Ontario

    The University of Guelph (UG) offers a wide variety of academic programs, including prestigious degrees in Justice and Legal Studies and Sport and Event Management. It is perhaps best known for its scientific programs, specifically biomedical science and graduate-level veterinary science. In addition, the university’s research primarily focuses on food security, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. If you’re considering a future career in agriculture, medicine, or animal science, this school is an ideal option.

    1. Carleton University – Ottawa, Ontario

    Carleton University offers well-regarded programs in journalism, engineering, and cognitive science. However, its most significant asset is its access to government agencies, local NGOs, and international companies. Many students complete paid co-op placements at Parliament Hill, including roles in administration and policy. Others work for technology companies, laboratories, media outlets, and school boards.

    For students who envision a future in politics or government policy, attending Carleton University places you in the centre of work and volunteer experiences, professional contacts, and research opportunities.

     

    Sources

    Campbell, T. (2021, October 22nd). 2022 Maclean’s University Rankings: Comprehensive Schools. Maclean’s. https://www.schoolfinder.com/Discover/Article/27/5625/2022-Macleans-University-Rankings-Comprehensive-Schools

    Carleton University. (2022). Co-operative Education. https://carleton.ca/co-op/

    Dwyer, M. (2021, October 7th). Maclean’s University Rankings 2022: Our Methodology. Maclean’s. https://www.macleans.ca/education/macleans-university-rankings-2022-our-methodology/

    Maclean’s. (2022). Carleton University. https://www.macleans.ca/schools/carleton-university/

    Maclean’s. (2022). University of Guelph. https://www.macleans.ca/schools/university-of-guelph/

    QS TopUniversities. (2022). University of Guelph. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-guelph

    QS TopUniversities. (2022). University of Victoria (UVic). https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-victoria-uvic#profile-university

    Simon Fraser University. (n.d.). SFU Olympians. https://athletics.sfu.ca/sports/2015/4/25/Clan%20Olympians.aspx

    Simon Fraser University. (n.d.). Who We Are. https://www.sfu.ca/about/whoweare.html

    University of Victoria. (n.d.). Joint Degree Program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders (JD/JID). https://www.uvic.ca/law/admissions/jidadmissions/index.php

    University of Waterloo. (n.d.). Undergraduate Programs: Co-Op and Careers. https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/co-op

  • Yes Eye Can: Jobs That Require Great Eyesight

    Yes Eye Can: Jobs That Require Great Eyesight

    Great vision is not necessary for all jobs but some do require you to have great eyesight. Some jobs might require you to complete an eye exam before you are hired. If you are curious about which jobs require great eyesight, this article is just for you!

    Photographers

    Having great eyesight is not necessarily required to become a photographer but it certainly is helpful. While taking pictures, it is good for the photographer to have a keen eye for detail. Good eyesight could help them take better and more professional-looking pictures.

    Lifeguards

    Lifeguards must keep an eye out for danger at all times. This is why they need to have great eyesight. They have to pay attention to those who are nearby as well as those far away from them. It is best if they do not have to rely on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly in case they have to enter the water.

    Surgeons

    Along with having a steady hand, having good eyesight is also important when it comes to being a surgeon. While performing surgeries, surgeons have to pay close attention to detail. Having poor eyesight could get in the way of them successfully performing surgeries. One small mistake could put the patient’s life at risk.

    Paramedics

    Paramedics are another healthcare provider that requires good eyesight. Since they are emergency healthcare providers, they must be able to navigate through traffic as well as carefully identify any injuries their patient might have. This job requires a lot of attention to detail.

    Police

    Police officers need to have good eyesight. This is because they must act fast in emergencies. They often have to drive cars and they need to see their surroundings. When necessary, police officers must be able to accurately aim their weapons at their target.

    Firefighters

    Being a firefighter requires great vision. This is because they are exposed to smoke, flames, heat, water, and darkness, and have to navigate through these conditions. They must be aware of their surroundings at all times and spot any danger or victims in need of their help.

    Pilots

    Pilots must have great eyesight. They are responsible for flying hundreds of passengers per flight. For this reason, they must be able to see the controls in the cockpit, as well as the airway when they are flying the plane at all times of the day. They must also pay attention to exactly where they are taking off from and landing the plane.

    Astronauts

    Astronauts need to have good vision. Wearing glasses and contact lenses can cause issues. This is because astronauts spend a large amount of time in a zero-gravity state or in an area where the atmospheric pressure changes constantly.

    Some of these jobs will allow you to wear glasses and contact lenses to correct your vision, and others will not. If your vision is not so great, you don’t have to let it get in the way of you having your dream job. Some procedures can help correct your vision but they must be discussed with your optometrist first.

     

    Resources

    Bashi, Maria. “7 Jobs that Require Nothing Less than Perfect Vision.” Ms. Career Girl. https://www.mscareergirl.com/7-jobs-that-require-nothing-less-than-perfect-vision/

    Dawson, Adam. “7 Occupations that Can Benefit Most from Vision Screening.” E3 Diagnostics. http://blog.e3diagnostics.com/7-occupations-that-can-benefit-most-from-vision-screening

    The Edinburgh Clinic. “Jobs Where Nothing Less Than Perfect Vision Will Do.” https://www.edinburghclinic.com/blog/jobs-where-nothing-less-than-perfect-vision-will-do/

    Eye & Laser Centre. “11 Occupations That Require Excellent Vision.” https://eyeandlasercentre.com.au/blog/11-occupations-require-excellent-vision

    Newton, Matt. “10 jobs that require good eyesight or glasses.” Arlo Wolf.  https://www.arlowolf.com/blog/jobs-with-vision-requirements/

  • Qu’est-ce que le nouveau système « Family Connections Hubs » de Colombie-Britannique ?

    Les problèmes actuels des enfants ayant un handicap en Colombie-Britannique

    En Colombie-Britannique, environ 30 000 enfants ayant un handicap obtiennent de l’aide. Cependant, ce nombre ne tient pas compte des défauts du système actuel et de ceux qui en sont exclus. En ce moment, les familles d’enfants avec un handicap ont besoin d’un diagnostic pour avoir accès à du financement.

    Obtenir un diagnostic peut prendre quelques années et les familles doivent attendre alors qu’elles devraient recevoir de l’aide. Attendre des années peut être dur pour le développement de l’enfant qui perd ainsi des étapes importantes. Même lorsqu’un diagnostic est établi, il n’est pas sûr que les services offerts soient disponibles dans tous les domaines.

    En un mot, le système actuel ne fournit pas des besoins adaptés aux enfants avec un handicap et leurs familles.

    Mitzi Dean, la ministre du British Columbia’s Ministry of Childhood and Family and Development, est au courant de ces problèmes. Depuis 2019, elle et son ministère ont travaillé pour offrir un nouveau modèle, appelé « family connections hub » de Colombie-Britannique.

    Par ce nouveau système envisagé, les familles d’enfants handicapés auront accès à divers soutiens dans leurs communautés locales sans la nécessité d’un diagnostic. Ce système pourra recevoir 8 300 enfants de plus et leurs familles.

    Qu’est-ce que sont les Family connection Hubs ?

    La Colombie-Britannique offrira le nouveau programme family connection hubs program dans toute la province d’ici à 2025.Ces centres sont destinés à soutenir les enfants ayant des besoins particuliers (jusqu’à 19 ans) et leurs familles. Ces centres seront accessibles localement dans toute la province, le premier ouvrira ses portes pendant l’hiver 2022 ou 2023 pour les personnes dans les régions du Nord-Ouest et du centre de l’Okanagan.

    Quels sont les services offerts?

    Par ces centres, les familles pourront avoir accès à une diversité de services offerts par des thérapeutes et conseillers professionnels. Ils fourniront des services pour les personnes handicapées, axés vers des objectifs et l’épanouissement.

    • Les services d’épanouissement offriront des orientations et des services ainsi que des évaluations de capacités des enfants et leurs besoins dans le contexte de leurs familles, de leurs écoles et leurs communautés. Ils fourniront également de la formation et des conseils aux familles dans des formats multiples et avec l’aide de traducteurs si nécessaire.
    • Les services orientés vers des objectifs aideront les familles à déterminer et enlever les barrières, à reconnaître et expliquer des comportements et à envisager des projets pour atteindre leurs objectifs. Cela comprendra des offres de thérapies comme l’ergothérapie, la physiothérapie et l’orthophonie.
    • Les services destinés aux handicapés aideront les familles en leur fournissant des dispositifs d’assistance, des pauses et du soutien à la maison, des conseils et l’organisation de transition pour les enfants qui atteignent la majorité.

    Quand est-ce que ces modifications arriveront ?

    Les familles ont toujours accès aux programmes actuels jusqu’en 2025, donc ces programmes ne seront pas remplacés rapidement. Ils seront fermés plus tard, mais, à l’heure actuelle, ils sont encore ouverts pour les admissions jusqu’à ce que la transition se fasse. Par exemple, le Autism Funding Program restera ouvert pour de nouvelles admissions jusqu’à septembre 2024, mais les services offerts pour les personnes souffrant d’autisme seront transférés au programme family connections hubs en 2025.

    Les concertations continueront jusqu’au printemps 2022 pour recueillir les commentaires des familles. Une fois ces concertations terminées, le ministère ira de l’avant en augmentant les prestations médicales qui couvriront la totalité des coûts nécessaires pour l’équipement médical comme les fauteuils roulants.

    Plus de 40 family connections hubs sont prévus dans la province et le premier s’ouvrira pendant l’hiver 2022 ou 2023. Les premiers s’ouvriront dans les régions du Nord-ouest et du centre de l’Okanagan, avec trois établissements pour cette dernière et un pour la première.

    La période entre l’automne 2024 et le printemps 2025 sera le moment pour le transfert complet dans toute la Colombie-Britannique.

     

    Sources:

    Dean, Mitzi. “DEAN: Hub Model Will Provide Care for Thousands of B.C. Families Left without Support.” Abbotsford News, 3 Nov. 2021, https://www.abbynews.com/opinion/dean-hub-model-will-provide-care-for-thousands-of-b-c-families-left-without-support/. Accessed 12 January 2022.

    Holliday, Ian. “B.C. Announces Transition to Community ‘hub’ Model for Supporting Children with Special Needs.” CTV News, 27 Oct. 2021, https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-announces-transition-to-community-hub-model-for-supporting-children-with-special-needs-1.5641178. Accessed 8 January 2022.

    Ministry of Child and Family Development. “Frequently Asked Questions – Family Connections Hubs.” Province of British Columbia, 21 Dec. 2021, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/family-connections-hubs/faq. Accessed 12 January 2022.

    Ministry of Children and Family Development. “Improved System Coming for Children and Youth with Support Needs.” BC Gov News, 27 Oct. 2021, https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021CFD0067-002047. Accessed 10 Jan. 2022.

    Ministry of Child and Family Development. “What to Expect During the Change to Family Connections Hubs.” Province of British Columbia, 1 Dec. 2021, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/what-to-expect. Accessed 8 Jan. 2022.

    Sheppard, Brock. “MCFD’s Autism Funding Changes and Family Hubs: What You Need to Know and What You Can Do — Blog.” AutismBC, 6 Nov. 2021, https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/mcfd-changes/. Accessed 8 January 2022.

  • Conseils pour les étudiants d’école secondaire qui envisagent de déposer des demandes dans des établissements postsecondaires sans spécialité

    De Tiffany Chang

    Déposer des demandes dans des établissements postsecondaires peut, parfois, être effrayant. Fondamentalement, c’est votre prochaine étape pour vous préparer à la vie adulte.

    Toutefois, ce qui peut ajouter à l’incertitude est le fait de suivre une formation postsecondaire sans spécialité. En apparence, c’est souvent associé à déclarer que vous n’avez pas décidé de votre choix de carrière et que vous n’êtes pas sûr de la direction à prendre pour votre avenir.

    Si les énoncés plus haut sont comparables à ce que vous pensez, voici quelques conseils détaillés supplémentaires pour explorer efficacement cette réflexion :

    Il n’y a vraiment aucun mal à déposer une demande sans spécialité

    Vous n’avez pas besoin d’avoir peur ! Il vous reste encore beaucoup de temps et de nombreuses possibilités à envisager.

    Dans le cas où vous seriez accepté sans spécialité, vous pourriez faire comme beaucoup d’étudiants qui utilisent les deux ou trois premiers semestres pour déterminer quels sont les meilleurs programmes pour eux. (Bien sûr, cette période peut être plus courte ou plus longue, selon ce que vous avez choisi). Même si vous avez pris une décision et vous changez d’idée, c’est courant de modifier sa spécialité.

    Définissez quelles sont vos possibilités

    Si vous envisagez de déposer des demandes sans spécialité, mais en souhaitez une ou envisagez de choisir une spécialité particulière, regardez de plus près ce qui vous semble intéressant.

    Faites ce qui suit :

    Exercice 1: Faites la liste de vos goûts actuels et de vos forces, puis voyez s’ils correspondent à des programmes de vos éventuels établissements postsecondaires. Vous pouvez même les écrire pour rassembler vos idées.

    Microsoft Excel est un outil utile. Les colonnes donnent la liste que ce qui est dit plus haut, c.-à-d. vos goûts, vos forces et les spécialités possibles qui ont leur propre colonne et ensuite organisez-les pour que les séries qui montrent les éléments « goûts » et les « forces » s’alignent avec les éléments des programmes correspondants.

    Créez une colonne « programme/colonne » pour chaque école que vous envisagez.

    Un conseil : mettez de la couleur sur chaque colonne pour la rendre plus distincte. Par exemple, « université de Colombie-Britannique » pourrait être en bleu, pendant que vert et orange pourraient servir pour « université de Toronto » et « collège Langara » respectivement.

    Exercice 2: Sur une autre page, exprimez ce que, personnellement, vous pensez du fait de déposer une demande sans spécialité.

    Ensuite, relisez ce que vous avez écrit. Faire ces exercices peut vous aider à compléter votre choix.

    Entourez-vous de personnes qui vous soutiennent sans réserve

    Choisir par où commencer n’a pas besoin de vous effrayer. En ayant un bon système de soutien, comme des gens qui vous appuient, quelle que soit la direction que vous avez choisie, en plus d’une bonne attitude, feront que tout se mettra en place. Par conséquent, si vous pensez vraiment que commencer votre parcours postsecondaire sans spécialité est le bon choix pour vous, ne vous remettez pas en doute ou n’écartez pas cette possibilité.

    À cet égard, le terme « indécis » pour les étudiants devrait permettre d’apercevoir une porte ouverte sur de nombreuses occasions. Choisir une « spécialité incertaine » reste une occasion légitime et ne signifie pas de pression supplémentaire sur les étudiants d’école secondaire.

    En fin de compte, c’est vous donner un nouveau départ et une certaine marge de manœuvre qui implique de profiter de tout ce que votre établissement postsecondaire vous offre.

  • The Dog Days of Winter

    The Dog Days of Winter

    The days are slowly getting longer as winter drags on. February is often a challenging month with yet another snowfall and bitter cold temperatures. The pandemic nearing the two-year mark doesn’t help. Provinces like Ontario and Quebec are just starting to ease restrictions, and we are all wondering what the next stage of Covid-19 will look like. While you’re inside staying warm, take a look at what JPD has to offer this month.

    This month, we have recommendations for avoiding burnout from online schooling, advice for those going into their final semester of post-secondary life, and pointers for handling a Zoom interview. We welcome international students who have made the major decision to come here with some helpful tips for settling in Canada, as well as advice for those struggling to decide on their major and considering an undecided major.

    Beyond school life, we take a look at how the climate crisis has impacted BC, ways to overcome your fear of driving in order to get your licence, and a list of jobs that require great eyesight.

    As provinces begin to ease Covid-19 restrictions and we take cautious steps towards reopening, JobsPeopleDo will continue to guide you through this new normal. For now, enjoy our latest issue! To get started, check out our featured articles below:

  • Renseignements importants pour les étudiants étrangers qui s’installent au Canada

    De Selina

    Félicitations, vous êtes arrivé au Canada ! Voici quelques renseignements utiles pour vous aider à vous installer.

    La géographie

    Le paysage canadien est diversifié, des montagnes et prairies, aux forêts, lacs et littoral. Le climat fluctue selon la région où vous vous trouvez. Au Canada, l’hiver peut être très froid avec de la neige et de la glace (surtout dans le nord et à l’intérieur du pays), alors que certaines régions (comme la côte ouest) ont généralement des hivers plus doux, mais plus humides.

    Le climat

    Le refroidissement éolien, qui est une façon de mesurer l’effet du vent sur la température peut rendre une froide journée d’hiver encore plus froide (surtout quand il y a de fortes rafales ou que la force du vent est importante). Par exemple, une journée à -2 ºC peut donner la sensation de -10 ºC lorsqu’on prend en compte le vent. En été, également, le facteur humidex mesure l’effet de l’humidité dans l’air. Une valeur humidex importante rend une chaude journée d’été encore plus chaude. Par exemple, dans une journée d’été à 25 ºC, on peut ressentir plus de 30 ºC quand l’humidex est au-dessus de 80 %.

    À cause de la situation du Canada au nord de l’équateur, l’index UV peut être assez fort puisqu’il est plus près du Pôle Nord (et donc du soleil, en été). L’index UV donne des informations sur le risque d’exposition au soleil et MétéoMédia (disponible sur sa chaîne de télévision, son site web et son application mobile) fournit les dernières lectures UV toute la journée, dans tout le pays. Une lecture UV importante (au-dessus de 6) signifie que vous devriez vous abriter du soleil avec de la crème solaire, des lunettes de soleil qui bloquent les UV et un chapeau à larges bords ou vous mettre à l’ombre.

    Les fuseaux horaires

    Au Canada, il y a 6 fuseaux horaires : l’heure du Pacifique (HNP), l’heure des Rocheuses (HNR), l’heure du Centre (HNC), l’heure de l’Est (HNE), l’heure de l’Atlantique (HNA) et l’heure de Terre-Neuve (HNT). La différence d’heure d’une côte à l’autre de 4,5 heures. Par exemple, lorsqu’il est 15 h à Vancouver (le fuseau HNP), il est 19 h 30 à Terre-Neuve (le fuseau HNT). Vancouver se trouve dans l’heure du Pacifique (HNP) et Toronto dans l’heure de l’Est (HNE).

    Grâce à l’heure d’été, les horloges sont avancées d’une heure le 2e dimanche de mars (« heure avancée ») et reculées d’une heure le 1er dimanche de novembre (« heure normale »). Cela se passe tous les ans dans la majorité du Canada, sauf certaines régions de la Saskatchewan et de petites régions en Colombie-Britannique, en Alberta, au Nunavut, en Ontario et au Québec.

    Les langues

    L’anglais et le français sont les 2 langues officielles du Canada. Comme ce pays est multiculturel, il accueille plus de 200 langues du monde entier et plus de 60 langues amérindiennes. C’est courant d’entendre divers langues, dialectes et accents dans le public, surtout dans les grandes villes comme Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Calgary et Vancouver. Les langues les plus courantes en dehors de l’anglais et du français contiennent le mandarin, le cantonais, le punjabi, l’urdu, l’allemand, l’arabe, l’espagnol, l’italien, le polonais, le vietnamien et le tagalog.

    Les heures d’ouverture et les jours fériés

    Les heures d’ouverture habituelles des entreprises et des magasins sont du lundi au vendredi de 9 h à 17 h. Cela varie d’un magasin ou entreprise à l’autre. Beaucoup de magasins et de cliniques ont des heures d’ouverture prolongées le soir et le week-end. Certains restaurants et épiceries sont ouverts 24 h sur 24, 7 jours sur 7 (c’est plus courant dans les grandes villes comme Toronto).

    Ce qui suit est les jours fériés nationaux (fêtés dans tout le pays et qui sont des jours payés pour la majorité des employés) :

    Le jour de l’An – le 1er janvier

    Le Vendredi saint ou le lundi de Pâques – au printemps (habituellement en mars ou en avril)

    La fête du Canada – le 1er juillet

    La fête du Travail – le premier lundi de septembre

    Le jour de Noël – le 25 décembre

    En plus de ces jours fériés nationaux, différentes provinces et les territoires soulignent d’autres jours fériés :

    La journée de la famille – le troisième lundi de février dans la plupart des provinces

    La fête de la Reine – le lundi avant le 25 mai (l’anniversaire de la reine Victoria)

    Le congé civique – le premier lundi d’août

    Le jour de l’Action de grâces – le deuxième lundi d’octobre

    Le jour du Souvenir – le 11 novembre

    Le jour de l’Après-Noël – le 26 décembre

    L’âge légal pour consommer de l’alcool

    Au Canada, l’âge légal pour acheter et consommer de l’alcool est 19 ans dans la plupart des provinces et territoires, sauf au Québec, en Alberta et au Manitoba où l’âge légal est 18 ans. Boire et conduire ensuite est interdit et peut mener à des points d’inaptitude ou une suspension du permis de conduire.

    L’électricité

    Au Canada, les appareils électroménagers utilisent 120 volts et des prises B. Un convertisseur de courant est nécessaire si vous apportez des appareils électroménagers d’un autre pays qui utilisent un voltage différent. Ce convertisseur peut être acheté dans les aéroports et dans la plupart des quincailleries au pays. Ici, on emploie souvent le mot « puissance » quand on parle d’électricité.

     

    Sources

    EduCanada. (2019). Getting to Know Canada. https://www.educanada.ca/study-plan-etudes/during-pendant/know-canada-connaitre.aspx?lang=eng

    EduCanada. (2019). Canada’s Languages. https://www.educanada.ca/study-plan-etudes/during-pendant/languages-langues.aspx?lang=eng

  • The Article about Articles: The Process of Writing an Article for Online Like JPD

    The Article about Articles: The Process of Writing an Article for Online Like JPD

    By Tiffany Chang

    As students progress through school, their familiarity with longer written work continues to grow. Whether it’s an expository essay for English or a history report, they remain necessary parts of academia and what everyone is used to.

    But have you considered other forms of writing you can engage with?

    Do you enjoy writing? Have you ever wanted to write something else, like the online articles seen on this website perhaps, that can also showcase your talents/skills?

    If so, and you’re looking for some advice, here’s a guide on how to go about writing one:

    Know Your Audience

    The first step of writing an article is knowing the demographic you’re catering towards. This, in turn, will help you determine your writing approach. For instance, if you’re a website that publishes articles providing information concerning a specialized area for the general public, not everyone will understand its associated terminology. Therefore, the writer’s best approach would be using common language and maybe including definitions in these articles to effectively communicate this information.

    Establish Your Tone

    Tone can be described as the attitude in regard to the reader as well as the message’s focus. Carefully consider your topic of choice. Does it appear as though it should be light-hearted, or would a formal tone seem more appropriate?

    An example might include describing ways on how to relax. For an article offering this type of emotional relief, one may likely use a light-hearted tone. If you’re writing about a current issue such as climate change, you would want readers to take this topic more seriously, thus going with a formal tone.

    Write with Clarity and Conciseness

    Although a sense of formality is important when writing an online article, keeping your writing clear is also crucial. Excessive wordiness can distract from meaning and remains unnecessary in most cases.

    Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. Say you wanted to learn more about a certain topic and intended to find an introduction to it. Would you read an article with overcomplicated writing? Or would you prefer one that’s more understandable?

    In terms of writing concisely, articles typically range from around 500-1,000 words (evidently it could be more or less, depending on the specific parameters given to you). This count ensures writers stay within the word limit while further getting their points across. As you write, remember that having more words does not necessarily equate to better work. One should focus on quality more so than quantity.

    Editing and Proofreading

    After you’ve completed your article, read it over carefully. Like submitting any written assignment, it’s important to indicate that you write with professionalism and put care into your work.

    Does your writing flow well? Do you notice any run-on sentences that are able to be broken down? Are there spelling, grammar as well as other easily fixable errors?

    Writing an article for an online platform can be an exciting process. It allows you to put on a different writing hat, discuss a subject you’re interested in/are passionate about, as well as have your work published and read by others. If you encounter an opportunity to write an online article and currently considering it, I encourage you to do so.

     

    References

    Purdue Owl. “Tone in Business Writing.” Tone in Business Writing // Purdue Writing Lab

     

     

  • Tips for Starting Post-Secondary with an Undecided Major

    Tips for Starting Post-Secondary with an Undecided Major

    It is not uncommon to start your post-secondary experience without a specific major in mind. In fact, 20-50% of all students entering post-secondary are undecided about their major. This is so commonplace that post-secondary institutions will expect students that are still contemplating their major.

    Some schools will have “undecided” programs set aside for first year students for this reason. For example, University of Guelph, University of Alberta, and York University are just a few schools with these programs. These programs allow those students to explore their options without needing to pick a major immediately.

    Education is not a race, and everyone’s experience will be different at the start and the end. Here are some pieces of advice for new post-secondary students studying without a decided major.

    1. Self-Reflection

    Going to post-secondary is a new start! While in your new environment, take a moment to think about what you want to do there. It can be hard to think about yourself – it is certainly not a pleasant thing to be faced with life decisions – but here are some examples:

    • What do I want to achieve in my time in post-secondary?
    • What do I value in obtaining a certificate, diploma, or degree?
    • What kind of environment do I prefer?
    • What kind of skills do I want to develop?

    These questions do not need answers right away, nor are these questions easy, but they can provide a pathway to discovering more about yourself and what your education path can entail.

    For example, narrowing down what kind of environment you prefer, such as an office environment, will help you figure out which field(s) would be better suited for you.

    1. Explore Electives

    Your time with an undecided major is an opportunity to explore. While a major needs to be declared eventually, the addition of electives makes the process more manageable by showcasing students the possibilities of what they can study.

    Take this time to try out courses from varying disciplines that you are curious about. Time at high school might not give students the chance to try more diverse subjects like archaeology, linguistics, or criminology. If you want, these options allow you to test the waters for what fits.

    Post-secondary institutions offer many more subjects than high schools can offer, so it can be hard to be know if something is the right fit if you have not had the chance to experience it.

    Even if you take an elective and end up disliking it, disliking a subject is just as useful as knowing that you like it – every step during this period of discovery is an important one.

    1. Talk with Academic Advising

    Post-secondary institutions have academic advisors for a reason: everyone’s educational path is different, and they are here to help you navigate any questions and uncertainties you may have.

    Academic advisors will help a variety of education-related topics, such as course planning and career planning. They can help you have a clearer picture of what you want your education path to be.

    One use of academic advising is to help find your major. Even if you do find one, it might change – and that is completely okay! 50-70% of students change their major at least once during their time in school. The journey in post-secondary is constantly about exploration and revelations about oneself. It is natural for things to change as time goes on and more experiences are felt.

    1. Connect with the School Community

    Studying is important, but it is not the only reason to be at school. Campuses offer many opportunities for students to connect with each other and the school itself. Majors can help students find like-minded peers, but clubs and school events are other great ways to meet peers.

    One other benefit of clubs is that they offer an opportunity for students to have a leadership position in a low-risk environment. Clubs can still have obligations like workplaces, so students can learn how to manage tasks as if they were in a workplace.

    Studies have shown that participation in all types of post-secondary clubs is correlated with success factors like improvements in critical thinking, personal development, and academic growth. Clubs not only strengthen bonds with other peers, but also strengthen one’s own skills.

     

    Sources:

    “Choosing Your Program | Career Centre.” University of Toronto Mississauga, https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/career-planning/career-planning-year/choosing-your-program. Accessed 12 Jan. 2022.

    “How to Choose Your Program.” UniversityStudy.ca, https://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/how-to-choose-your-program/. Accessed 12 Jan. 2022.

    Miller, Benjamin. “Campus Clubs Offer a Profound Learning Experience Outside the Classroom.” University Affairs, 31 Aug. 2016, https://www.universityaffairs.ca/features/feature-article/campus-clubs-offer-profound-subtle-learning-experience/. Accessed 14 Jan. 2022.

    Scully, Allison. “Advising the Undecided: A Model for Engaging Students in the Major Exploration Process.” Advising in Canada, 24 Mar. 2020, https://advisingincanada.wordpress.com/2020/03/24/advising-the-undecided-a-model-for-engaging-students-in-the-major-exploration-process/. Accessed 12 Jan. 2022.

    “Undecided Major | Future Students | York University.” York University, https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/program/undecided-major. Accessed 12 Jan. 2022.

    “Undeclared – Programs – University of Alberta.” University of Alberta, https://apps.admissions.ualberta.ca/programs/sc/sc010/undeclared. Accessed 12 Jan 2022.

    “Undeclared | Undergraduate Admission 2022.” University of Guelph, https://admission.uoguelph.ca/bcom/und. Accessed 12 Jan. 2022.

  • Overcoming Shyness in the Classroom: How to Speak Up and Get More Involved

    Overcoming Shyness in the Classroom: How to Speak Up and Get More Involved

    It is common for students to be shy in school. They may not be comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas in class. Shy students should be encouraged to work on their shyness, especially if it is affecting them academically. The following are a few tips to help overcome shyness in the classroom.

    You Are Not the Only One Feeling Shy

    You may feel like you are the only shy person in a room filled with outgoing people that are secretly judging you. This is most likely false. Everyone feels shy at some point, especially if it is the start of a new school year. Some can hide it much easier than others. Remembering that other people may be just as shy as you are could help ease your mind.

    Get To Know Your Classmates

    Getting to know your classmates can help you feel more comfortable in class. You could keep an eye out and try to help someone needing help. If you are doing a project in groups, try to work with people you haven’t worked with before. You could get to know each other better and feel much less alone in the classroom. This is a good way to make new friends in your class.

    No Question Is A Bad Question

    Many people feel shy in class because they are afraid of being judged when they speak out loud. Their shyness may interfere and lead to them not asking questions when they are confused. If you have a question, you should ask it. Don’t worry about it being a silly question. There most likely is someone else that has the same question as you do. By asking your question, you will be helping yourself and possibly someone else as well.

    Set Goals for Yourself

    It is very difficult to overcome shyness overnight. The best way to do this is to work on it in small steps. You could set small daily goals for yourself. You could start by talking to someone new every day or raising your hand in class every couple of days. As you get comfortable you could increase your goals. Eventually, you could raise your hand in class once a day. With time and dedication, you will be able to successfully overcome your shyness.

    Share Your Goals

    Telling friends or even your teacher about your goals to help you overcome your shyness can be very helpful. It may be difficult for you to get the courage to go through with your plans yourself. Your friend and your teacher could help encourage you to participate and speak up in class. They will likely also praise you for your participation. This will further inspire you to achieve your shyness-related goals and others.

    Overcoming shyness may not be easy for some people. It is something that takes time. As long as you put in the time and effort, you will feel more comfortable speaking up and participating in class.

     

    Resources

    Marshall, Lisa B. “How to Overcome Shyness in the Classroom.” Quick and Dirty Tips. https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career/communication/how-to-overcome-shyness-in-the-classroom

    O’Connor, Jess. “Five tips for overcoming shyness in the classroom.” ITC. https://www.itc.co.nz/five-tips-for-overcoming-shyness-in-the-classroom/

    Schools with Scholarships. “How to overcome shyness at school: 10 Practical Tips.” https://www.schoolswithscholarships.com/overcome-shyness-at-school/

  • Staying Motivated during the COVID-19 Winter

    Staying Motivated during the COVID-19 Winter

    With its grey skies, and frosty weather, winter can be a rather gloomy period for many of us. Winter comes in at an odd time of year; if you’re in school you’re probably fresh off your winter break, trying to get back into the swing of things. However, this is a process that has only been made more strenuous by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve endured this pandemic for over 2 years now, and many of us are still fully operating online. As a result, the line between work and relaxation has been blurred out as our days are filled with seemingly never-ending online meetings. Feeling burnt out is now much more common than it used to be. As such, finding motivation can be extremely hard to come by. After numerous lockdowns and restrictions, we are used to them, but that doesn’t make them feel any less isolating. In the midst of this worrisome and stressful period, it can be easy to feel apathetic. Sometimes when we’re locked in, constrained to the four walls of our homes, we feel as though life comes to halt. But it doesn’t. We must go on and find it within ourselves to stay motivated.

    The pandemic began when I was in grade 11; I am now in my first year of university. In high school, I specifically remember being able to go to school, be with my friends, come home, do work, and relax for a little. In other words, there was a set division between my life as a normal teenager and my life as a student. The pandemic changed everything. Because of it, I found myself working up to ten hours a day, with very minimal time for relaxation or connecting with friends. In the beginning, this didn’t feel that bad. But after doing it for so long, I hadn’t realized how much I was burning myself out. For a long time, I found it difficult just to get myself to sit in front of my computer and do work. Of course, I didn’t have much of a choice but to keep going. Accordingly, I had to start making some changes and take whatever steps that I could in order to motivate myself and make my days feel just a little bit easier. Below, I have included my three main tips for staying motivated during this COVID-19 winter.

    Keep in Touch: Personally, one of the main things that makes me feel detached and unmotivated is not being able to see my friends or family – my support system. One thing that allows me to stay motivated in these trying times is keeping in touch with them so that things don’t feel so unusual. Many streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ have settings so that you can do a group watch; set up a movie night! Set up group calls, and take those five minutes to text someone and catch up. I know it seems like there isn’t much to talk about because our lives in isolation are relatively fixed, but it is still so important to keep in touch and maintain your relationships.

    Develop Productive & Healthy Habits: The pandemic has added a significant amount of auxiliary stress and anxiety. In trying times as such, it can be easy to neglect our self-care and to become impulsive. It can be easy to procrastinate and avoid tasks that may cause us stress; after all, it’s only natural. Therefore, it is important to try to develop some habits which can help you to stray away from that. These habits can be anything from creating a to-do list or making a point to take frequent breaks. In fact, research shows that taking time to relax is essential for your brain as it increases focus and concentration. It also helps tremendously in reducing stress. Personally, a healthy habit I like to do is at the end of the day, I write down three good things that happened that day in my journal, even if the day didn’t feel so great. It reminds me that even in the dark times, I still have so much to appreciate and be thankful for.

    Stay Organized: Sometimes when you’re feeling disoriented and all over the place, it can feel like there is more to do than there actually is. So, it is highly important that you find ways to keep yourself organized. In my own experience, I have found that creating a schedule and having a rough outline of what I would like to accomplish in the day has been helpful with orienting myself and my work better so that I can make some room for down time.

     

    Sources:

    Khidekel, Marina. “Wondering How You’ll Get Through a Pandemic Winter? Try These 9 Tips to Stay Connected and Motivated.” The Muse, Daily Muse Inc, 2022, https://www.themuse.com/advice/microsteps-self-care-success-coronavirus-pandemic-winter.

    Meilleur, Catherine. “Motivation: a Driving Force for Learning Engagement.” Knowledge One, Knowledge One, 3 Oct. 2019, https://knowledgeone.ca/motivation-a-driving-force-for-learning-engagement/.

    Terada, Youki. “Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 9 Mar. 2018, https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks.