1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Category: Advice

  • Age and Work

    Age and Work

    How old do you have to be to work? The ages vary, but in Ontario the legal age of employment is 14 years. For students in particular, there are certain laws and procedures employers are provided by the Employment Standards Act (ESA) that they must follow, and it’s essential that you as a young employee know them as well.

    In Ontario, it is mandatory that employers only schedule working hours  for students after school hours, on weekends and on statutory holidays where permitted. This ensures students stay in school and have an appropriate amount to time to study. Unless a student has been excused from school, only then they may work during school hours.

    Depending on your age, your work place options may be limited. From age 14 you may be employed in an office, arena or store; age 15, factories and repair shops; and age 16, construction and logging.

    It is also important to note that the student minimum wage is $10.30 an hour while it is $11.00 an hour for any non-student worker.

    Set by the ESA, it is you right to refuse, question and know about any hazards or unsafe practices in the your workplace. You have the right to refuse any type of work you feel is unsafe.

    Always be aware of your surroundings and report any conditions you feel may be unsafe. Ensure you have been properly trained and know the facts to be safe.

  • Don’t Grow Up Too Fast

    Don’t Grow Up Too Fast

    All throughout school you’ve probably heard time and time again about thinking about your future. Looming college applications and career aptitude tests pressure you into worrying about your future career or post secondary education long before you actually need to. Of course, while it is important to consider these things, you should also take some time and enjoy your youth. These can be some of the best times of your life so don’t stress yourself worrying too much about the future. You still have plenty of time to grow up and deal with these things as they come upon you.

    As a student and young person, you’re under a lot of pressure from a bunch of people; your parents pressure you to behave, your school pressures you to achieve good grades, your friends pressure you to hang out, and (if you have a part-time job) you have to work, go to school, and maintain a social life – all of which can be quite stressful.

     While it is important to consider the desires and opinions of those around you, ultimately you should try to do what makes you the happiest and leaves you feeling the most fulfilled. Youth is a time of exploration, of making mistakes and learning from them. When you get older you’re suddenly obliged to deal with a bunch of adult responsibilities, such buying your own groceries, paying your taxes and hydro bill, working a steady job and paying for a house or apartment.

    When you’re still young, you have plenty of time ahead of you that are without major responsibilities. Youth is a time for having adventures, trying new things, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. So don’t try and grow up too fast – you’ve got decades to be an adult but only a few years to be young and free of adult responsibilities. Take this time to explore your boundaries, learn new things and find out who you are as a person.

    The bonds of friendship that you make when you’re young are strong and lasting, and you’ll often find that some of the people you meet in elementary school, middle school or high school will remain some of your closest friends. Grades are important, but so is having a good and balanced social life. It is no fun to have straight A’s if you don’t get the time to see your friends, relax and pursue your hobbies.

    The key to happiness is keeping a well balanced life. By all means spend time studying or working a part-time job, but remember to leave yourself some free time for socializing and just plain having fun. You want to enjoy your youth, not spend most of it stressed out over assignments and jobs. Do what feels right for you and DO take other people’s opinions into consideration, but always remember that it is your life and in the end it is up to you to decide what to do with it. So spend some time having fun and don’t grow up too soon!

  • Staying Organized with Technology

    Staying Organized with Technology

    How can you make the most of your technology? While electronics can certainly be frustrating distractions at times, they can serve as incredible organizational tools as well. Whether you’re working on a big project or are constantly misplacing your grocery list, chances are there’s an app out there for you.

    Here are a few ways you can use your devices to make your life more efficient.

    How many times have you missed one of your errands? A virtual to-do list is a great solution. Beyond just jotting down reminders (which you could easily do in a notebook), electronic lists allow you to set alarms, plan out short-term and long-term goals, and organize your tasks based on type and priority. Apps are available for most smartphones and computers, and in many cases, all you need is an Internet connection to keep your to-do list synchronized between devices and ready to go.

    Recommended (and free) to-do list apps: Todoist, Wunderlist, Any.Do, Remember the Milk

    If you’re balancing extra-curriculars or are struggling to keep track of your plans with friends, a calendar app is the best way to go.  Organize your events by type (work schedule, date night, final exams) and input them into a virtual calendar so you know exactly what’s coming up and how to prepare for it. Most calendars allow you to view your upcoming events by day, week, or month. For maximum efficiency, keep your to-do list and your calendar synchronized. You’ll never miss a deadline again!

    Recommended (and free) calendar apps: Cal, Sunrise, Google Calendar (Android-only), Timeful (iOS-only)

    Save some paper in your classroom and try using notation software instead. Digital notes allow you to easily modify what you’ve written, search for key terms in previous lectures, and even add links to online articles and videos to enhance your learning experience. If you prefer writing by hand or your classes don’t allow the use of computers, you can still use notation software to codify your lecture notes or create summaries for your tests and exams.

    Recommended (and free) notation software: Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Google Docs, SimpleNote (iOS)

    Finally, here are some miscellaneous apps you should consider incorporating into your daily routine:

    • It can be hard to stay focused if you’re studying for hours on end. Set a timer with an alarm to keep you working for regulated lengths of time and allow for breaks in-between.
    • Distracted by the Internet? Self-regulation apps can help. For example, Self-Control for Mac (or its PC equivalent, Freedom) allows you to create a “blacklist” of your distracting sites and set a timer for your work period—then it blocks you from accessing those sites until the time’s up.
    • Reinforce your good habits (drinking enough water, not biting your nails, not going on Facebook at work). Habit trackers allow you to note the ups and downs of your daily routine over time. Check out Lift, Fail Log, and HabitBull.
  • University Exam Prep

    University Exam Prep

    Before you can escape the stress of school and enjoy the winter break, you have to pass finals! You’re not alone. University students all over the country are cracking under the pressure of their exams. While this is an undeniably difficult and often exhausting time of year, it’s important to stay focused and motivated. You wouldn’t want all the hard work you’ve done over the course of the semester to go to waste over one bad test.

    When your exams are held depends on the university’s examination period. However, typically half-year courses taken in first semester have their exams in early- to mid- December. That being said, many full-year courses also have mid-term tests around this time of year, and while these may not be worth as much as final exams, it is nevertheless important to make sure you’re prepared for them.

    Here are some tips on how to get ready for a university exam.

    Summarize. Go through all your lectures and create a set of condensed exam notes. Write down all the important stuff, and paraphrase as much as possible in order to make the material more manageable. If you do this properly, eventually all you’ll need to do is glance at the key words and you’ll be able to explain the related material in detail.

    Draw connections. A subject can seem pointless if you don’t make the effort to connect it to your own life—instead of blindly memorizing, see if you can explain things through examples or anecdotes. Take a political theory and see if it’s manifested anywhere in world news, or do some more research on an experiment you found particularly interesting in biology. Get away from the word-for-word method of studying and think of ways to make what you’re studying relatable (and thus, memorable).

    Safety in numbers. Studying in groups is extremely valuable because you get to interact with the material instead of just reading alone in your room. Get together with a study group a few times before the exam. You should continue to study independently as well, but discussing concepts, quizzing, or even explaining things to someone else within a group will improve your knowledge and your memory.

    Get help. Don’t be intimidated by your professor or TA: they are really just there to help. If you have any questions about the course material, it is crucial that you clarify them before the end of the semester rolls around. Chances are, if you mention you’re stressing out about the exam, the prof or TA would be happy to give you some help on how to prepare.

    Take care of yourself. Get a good night’s sleep the day before the exam and make sure you’re keeping yourself healthy. Study hard, but make sure you keep well—otherwise, it could actually interfere with your focus. You wouldn’t want to compromise all of your hard work with one all-nighter or sick day, right when it matters the most.

  • Living a Balanced Life

    Living a Balanced Life

    People of all ages have routines. For young children, these routines are usually set by their parents or other caregivers. As they grow up, they have increasing amounts of responsibility for organizing their own lives. For some people, maintaining a balance between work or school and everyday life can be a challenge as they take on new responsibilities and try to manage the old ones. Are you already feeling pressured by all of the things you have to do? You might not be able to eliminate the stress from your life, but you can learn to balance your school work with the rest of your life.

    Are you the kind of person who likes to be busy all the time? Do you fill your after-school hours with as many activities as you can manage? Or are you the kind of person who likes to have a lot of free time? Either way, you might have a hard time or an easy time finding a balance between school and the rest of your life. You might feel stressed and overwhelmed to the point where you think that you can no longer manage. When that happens, what do you do?

    Almost everyone feels stressed at some point. For people who love to keep themselves busy with all kinds of projects, it might be when they take on too much to handle effectively. For people who try to avoid stress, it could be when an unexpected task cuts into their precious free time. Everyone is different. Knowing your limit is the first step towards living a balanced life. Do you work well under pressure? If so, you might be able to take on a lot of activities outside of school. On the other hand, does pressure cause you to crumble? If so, you should limit your after-school activities and give yourself enough free time to relax.

    Part of understanding your limits is learning how to use your time efficiently. For example, what do you do if you your teacher gives you class time to finish your work? Do you try to finish your assignment or do you spend the time doing something else? Doing as much work as possible at school will help you keep more time free in the evenings and on weekends. If you help with an after-school project, do you go to the meetings with all of the supplies you need? How much time could you save by being prepared for all of your activities? You can even use the time you spend in line or waiting for your friends at the mall to plan an assignment or to write down a schedule of activities for yourself.

    Even when they schedule their time efficiently, people can have trouble balancing work and the rest of life. However, you can still try. Find out what you have to do to keep yourself healthy and happy and then work from there. That way, you have a good chance of managing both school and everyday life.

  • Which University is Right for You?

    Which University is Right for You?

    Deciding to go to university is one thing, but deciding which one is another matter altogether. What factors should you consider when evaluating your options?

    Take university rankings with a grain of salt—have a look not only at each school’s reputation, but also what they’re famous for. Many institutions focus their attention on one or two extremely strong programs. Unfortunately, this may mean they neglect other fields. The best thing to do is to choose an overall renowned university (with no defining program), or a university that places a focus on your program. In either case, you ensure you’re getting a good education.

    Regardless of awesome residences or an amazing party scene, when making your choices you have to remember what’s important. The main reason you’re going to university (presumably) is to learn: education should be your priority. Maybe you’ll have a ton of fun at University X—but then again, maybe you’ll achieve your academic goals (and have a better chance of finding a job) with a degree from University Y. Consider that.

    Of course, post-secondary being such a crucial (and expensive) decision, you also want to make sure you’re seeing the issue from all sides. Here are some other factors you can consider when evaluating your options.

    1. Location. Would you prefer to study in a big city or a small “university” town? If your school is close enough to home, commuting may be a cheaper alternative to residence. If your school is far away, consider the adjustments you will have to make (potential homesickness, a new city, and in some cases, even a different culture).

    2. Size. Giant institutions offer some of the most comprehensive resources and talented faculty—but it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. Meanwhile, at tiny schools it seems like everyone knows your name. What’s going to work better for you?

    3. Accommodation. If commuting isn’t an option, where are you going to live? Many universities have different residences (single suites, apartments, etc.), and there are always off-campus options. Residence is an expensive investment, so do your research and make sure your school’s amenities are satisfactory.

    4. Social opportunities. What are you interested in? School is important, but involvement in your school community can be vital to a comprehensive education. (Fortunately, most universities have literally hundreds of clubs and associations, but see what they’re offering anyway.)

    5. Identity. Whether you like it or not, you may come to find you are perceived a certain way because of your university. It’s an unfortunate bias, but you can actually use this to your advantage. Pick a school that will reflect a part of you, and one of which you’d be proud to call yourself a student.

    University research may seem daunting, but you can usually find all of this information on school websites. For a more in-depth look at academics and student life, check out open houses, attend academic sessions, or speak to current students about their experiences.

  • Writing a Resume: The Basics

    Writing a Resume: The Basics

    An employer can shuffle through hundreds of job applications every day. How do you make sure yours stands out?

    Writing a resume is the first step to landing your dream job. In a work setting, it’s how you represent yourself—even before you speak to an employer, they often want to have a look at your qualifications. Not only is it important to advertise your best assets, but you have to tailor each application to fit the job you’re looking at.

    A standard resume consists of a Header (name, address, and contact information), Objective (a sentence explaining your career goal), and a variety of headings citing your Experience: education, past work and volunteer positions, skills, awards, and anything else you think is important to mention.

    Beyond that, the way you structure your resume is up to you. That being said, you should keep a couple of things in mind the next time you’re pulling together an application.

    Be adaptable. Imagine what your employer is looking for and think of skills you have that fulfill their expectations. Your resume should reflect the position you’re trying to obtain and why you’re the best candidate for the job. However, make sure you include only relevant information (e.g. if you’re applying for tutoring, you probably don’t need to mention that you can use a band saw).

    Be clear and concise. Your resume shouldn’t be longer than a page (beyond that, the employer’s likely to stop reading anyway). Requests for references often vary from job to job, but you can put these on a separate page if needed. And of course, make your resume easy to follow: avoid long sentences, embellished fonts, or extremely elaborate vocabulary.

    Be creative. Don’t be afraid to switch it up a little—especially in fields like art and design, which often leave their “resume” component open to interpretation. Sometimes a portfolio or even a video can impress an employer. For jobs with stricter requirements, you can still be flexible with your headings and layout if you want to make an impression. Just make sure you’re striking a balance between being imaginative and being understood.

    Be sincere. It might seem difficult to express your abilities through your resume. Be careful if you feel tempted to exaggerate your talents. Sometimes this works, but if you get called back for an interview, be prepared to justify all that you’ve written. More importantly, why would you want a job that you can only pretend to be good at? You should appear to be “the better version of yourself”, not someone else entirely.

    No application is perfect, but with practice you’ll find the resume style that works for you. Keep a copy with you the next time you’re going to school or running an errand: you never know where your next job will come from. Good luck!

  • How to Prepare for a Job Interview

    How to Prepare for a Job Interview

    Everyone wants to score a good job. But how do you do that? Make a good first impression. The job interview process is the most important part of starting work at a new place: not only do you get to market your talents, but you give your potential employer a sense of who you are and whether you’re the right fit for the position.

    That being said, you have to come prepared. In order to land your dream career, you’re going to have to prove you deserve it—and you definitely want to be memorable enough (in the positive sense!) to warrant a call back. Here are some tips for preparing for a job interview.

    Dress the part. Looking professional is a key part of your visual first impression on your employer, and it shows you really care about the job. That being said, dress appropriately for the work environment—if you’re applying for a job as a busboy, it might be a little weird to show up in a suit and tie. “Business casual” is usually your best bet: look presentable, but not like you’re about to go to the opera.

    Bring your file. Print out two copies of your resume, one to give to your interviewer and one for yourself to refer to as you speak. Depending on the job, you could also bring other documents that you think the employer might want to see (e.g. a portfolio, past works, etc.). Don’t be pushy, though. Only bring out these extra documents if they happen to come up in the interview.

    Know your answers. To make sure you don’t get blindsided, try to think of what may be asked of you. Don’t prepare a speech, but you should have an idea of what you’re going to say in response. Some classic interview questions include: Why do you want to work for us? Why do you think you’d be a good candidate? What are some of your strengths and weaknesses in the workplace? You can even try out a “mock interview” with a friend or family member.

    Be confident—and be yourself. You may be nervous, but stay calm and speak clearly. Bring a bottle of water—if you feel like you’re losing track of what you’re saying, pause and take a sip before you continue. If you are levelheaded and rational during the interview, the interviewer is going to know you’ll act the same way on the job. However, don’t feel like you have to put on a charade. Let the employer get to know your unique abilities. If you act totally different during your interview and you get hired, chances are you’re going to have to maintain that disguise when you start working.

    Good luck on your job searches!

  • How to Feel Good About Yourself

    How to Feel Good About Yourself

    Imagine for a second a world where you truly believe you can do anything; where the words “I can’t” no longer exist as part of your vocabulary. A place where you are as great as you always dreamed you could be. Now imagine that as your reality. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

    Here’s a few tips on how to feel good about yourself every single day!

    –Discover yourself: Get to know you. Listen to what you are thinking and feeling. Know what you want and why you want it. If it helps, keep a journal to help you understand yourself better.

    –Make a list every day: On the list write at least three things you really like about yourself. For instance, “I like how I can make people laugh even in uncomfortable situations” or “I like my eye colour.” It can be absolutely anything you like about yourself. This will help remind you why it’s great being you.

    –Remove the word can’t: Stop saying “I can’t do that” before you even try. Fear of failure is common and sadly it prevents most of us from doing things we’ve always wanted to do. To overcome this, think positively – don’t think of the worst possible scenario. Picture yourself succeeding. Some of the greatest experiences you will have in this life will come from overcoming things you thought you couldn’t do.

    –Treat others the way you want to be treated: It’s karma, baby; the idea you get back what you send out into the world. So send out the good, and always remember to treat others fairly and kindly.

    –Be prepared: One of the best ways to improve your self-confidence is by being prepared. Whether it’s a test you need to study for or a big basketball game coming up, make sure you are ready. Stop putting stuff off and get to it. You will feel more confident if you are ready to face what’s ahead.

    –Be grateful: Don’t dwell on what you don’t have. Be thankful for all you do have.

    –Exercise: It’s a great way to immediately boost your mood. It also helps in the long term to boost self-confidence. You will be healthier, happier and more sure of yourself.

    –Listen to your favorite song: Nothing gives me an instant boost of confidence and energy, especially in the morning, as my favorite song. It really helps me have the right attitude to face the day with.

    The most important thing to remember is to think positively. If you believe you are good enough, the world will see you that way.

  • If At First You Don’t Succeed… Try Something New

    If At First You Don’t Succeed… Try Something New

    We are always most comfortable doing what we know. It’s easier to invest time into something you’re already familiar with and it’s safer to avoid taking the risk that comes with learning new things. For these reasons, we generally like to abide by our normal routines. We walk through familiar neighbourhoods, we talk to people within our regular circles and, of course, we don’t learn anything new.

    While there is nothing wrong with sticking by a certain routine, it’s also unwise to be inflexible: by staying in your shell, you could be missing out on a world of opportunities. Think about the last time you really stepped out of your comfort zone to try something new. Whether you picked up a book you didn’t think you’d like, unexpectedly signed up for an audition or decided to wear different-coloured socks, no matter how insignificant or trivial that distinction may seem, even the tiniest bit of change is refreshing. It’s good.

    Trying new things is especially important in light of the back-to-school season. Perhaps you’re all set for another year of the regular stuff, but why not try and incorporate something you aren’t as ready for into your schedule? Most high school, college or university programs have electives you can select alongside your regular courses. Maybe you’re required to take calculus, chemistry, biology, and physics—but if you have a couple of spots free, sign up for classical literature or a foreign language. These elective courses may surprise you… and it may surprise you how well you do in them. Exposure to new material opens up even greater possibilities for your own research. You might even find yourself a new hobby.

    Of course, there are other ways to try your hand at something new. Clubs and extra-curriculars are not only fun and productive, but they can help you connect with people who share your interests (or people like you, looking for something new to do!). New courses, new pastimes, and new peers – that sounds like a sweet deal. All you have to do is put yourself out there.

    Yet most people are afraid to take even the slightest risk, worried that they won’t be good at what they do or that they’ll be made fun of for their efforts. In anything you do, there’s the possibility of failure, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try anything. Avoiding life is a waste of your time and talents, and believe it or not, people can be surprisingly supportive and understanding. So what if you mess up a little? If you want to commit to something, like any one of your current interests, it’s going to take a little work before you get comfortable with it.

    Maybe you won’t be good at what you try (at least not right off the bat). Maybe you won’t even like it. But at the very least, you can say you tried. Then it’s up to you to decide whether you want to stick by it or not.