1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Category: Advice

  • Advice for Those Who Feel They’ve Lost or Wasted Precious Time Because of Their Depression or Mental Health Struggles (French version available)

    Advice for Those Who Feel They’ve Lost or Wasted Precious Time Because of Their Depression or Mental Health Struggles (French version available)

    Overcoming mental health struggles/depression is a difficult feat. While many are able to overcome them or see a light at the end of the tunnel, some might also encounter even more related challenges afterward. Certain ones may include feeling like valuable time has been wasted because of their struggles.

    If this is what you’re experiencing, here’s some advice on how to effectively tackle this issue:

    Examine Things That Have Been Negatively Impacting Your Mental Health

    If you haven’t done so already, take a look at what that you feel has been negatively impacting your mental health. It could be anything from toxic behaviour from people you have relationships with to feeling irritated by the clutter in your workspace (what’s often considered a minor problem can have more of an effect than you think when ignored for long periods of time).

    Instead of solely dwelling on the time you’ve lost, try to solve these issues. For instance, if the examples stated above apply, consider the logical solutions. You can start with something simple, such as tidying up/reorganizing your room. Then, when you’re ready, try addressing the more difficult issues like toxic relationships. Have honest conversations with the people in your life who’ve been exhibiting unacceptable behaviour/making you uncomfortable.

    Though it depends on your unique situation(s), accomplishing these things generally is easier said than done. Nonetheless, they remain necessary measures when looking out for your well-being. Overall, this isn’t to say that you aren’t allowed to mourn the lost time/feel lost. Rather, the suggestion is a matter of channelling these negative feelings in a way where you can be productive because you now know and are able to execute what must be done to improve your circumstances.

    Try Not to Lose More Time than You Already Have

    It’s absolutely understandable that you feel lost, or you’re upset about losing time. However, it won’t do you any good if you continue to focus on it and let this take over your life. Try not to waste any more time and think of things that bring you joy. Spending quality time with loved ones or even just catching up on the latest season of your favourite TV show are great places to start. Another is trying something new. Is there anything you’ve always wanted to experience or a place you’ve wanted to go to but haven’t yet? Do you want to engage with something that can potentially turn into a long-term hobby?

    Work or Continue Working with a Mental Health Professional

    Of course, even when you think certain actions will help, there are chances that they won’t yield the results you expect. If you have tried your best to take on these measures but still feel the same, or you find that they haven’t made enough of a difference, it is encouraged for you to see (or continue seeing) a mental health professional. They can help by providing you with the right tools to navigate how you’re feeling.

    Without a doubt, the last thing you need is emotional challenges following already-taxing bouts of depression/mental health struggles. Even so, if you have a genuine desire to make improvements, exercise perseverance, and actively take on the advice above, you’re taking the right steps toward conquering these setbacks.

  • Staying Focused: 5 Useful Pointers to Avoid Distractions while Studying or Working from Home

    Staying Focused: 5 Useful Pointers to Avoid Distractions while Studying or Working from Home

    You’re in the living room alone, concentrating on an assignment that’s due the next day. You’re confident that you’re on track. After all, you haven’t missed any of your online classes and you’ve always kept up with previous homework.

    Out of nowhere, you hear rock music blasting from the speakers in your older sister’s room, which you unconsciously hum along to. And then your younger brother plops himself down on the sofa next to you and turns on the TV to stream his favourite show, and you can’t help but tune in. Then your phone rings, and it’s your best friend sending you multiple messages, so you start replying.

    Then you take a pause, and the thought suddenly hits you: this assignment will make up 75 per cent of your final grade, and now you feel the pressure. What you think will be a walk in the park turns into serious hard work. But you’re falling behind because you’ve allowed yourself to be distracted.

    It’s a scenario we’re all familiar with. Every day, we set our goal to accomplish something, whether it’s for school or work, but we get sidetracked. Luckily, it’s something we can easily resolve by following these tips:

    1. Learn to prioritize.

    People pride themselves on their multitasking skills so much that they include it in their resumes. One can’t expect to do multiple things at the same time and expect the best outcomes for all. Something is bound to suffer along the way. So when you have several deadlines due, prioritize those. Remember, the most important ones go on the top of the list, so put the less-than-important tasks down in your to-do list.

    1. Schedule your time.

    If you’ve made prior commitments and can’t take those back, then do your best to work around a schedule and keep to it. For example, if you’ve promised your boss that you’ll pick up a shift because your colleague is going out of town for family reasons, then find the time to do your assignments before or after your work shift. Maybe you can also squeeze some time in between your breaks to catch up. Be prepared to make sacrifices. If you normally go out with friends on Saturday night, but you feel you’ll lag behind if you go, then politely decline this time around and explain why you’re sitting this one night out.

    1. Be strict with your boundaries.

    If your siblings have a habit of letting themselves into your room or your friends regularly drop by your place unannounced, then it’s time to put your foot down and clarify with them that you have deadlines to meet. As long as you let them know how you’d appreciate it if they could hold off on their usual activities with you, they’ll understand and give you the space you need. However, if you don’t make it clear that you’re in a “Do Not Disturb” mode, then they’re most likely going to bug you.

    1. Turn off all electronic devices.

    You may have warded off all the human distractions successfully, but sometimes it’s your own devices which are proving to be the most difficult to set aside. This is especially true if you’ve made it a habit to have your phone on hand for whatever you’re doing, or you’ve always done your homework while the TV is on. To truly avoid distractions, it’s best to put aside all the electronic devices that can cause interruptions. This is one of the most effective ways to truly stay focused.

    1. Give yourself ample breaks.

    While you may be putting 110 per cent into your work, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take breaks. Taking a breather is important so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Use those breaks wisely though. Go for destressing exercises like stretching or a short walk in the park. Or simply practice breathing techniques. They will help!

    Distractions come in many forms, but you can’t let them stand in your way when you need to complete your tasks. Follow the suggestions above and you’ll be 100 per cent focused!

     

    Sources

    Connley, Courtney. “4 ways to be productive and avoid distractions when working from home.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/31/4-ways-to-be-productive-and-avoid-distractions-when-working-from-home.html

    Prossack, Ashira. “6 Easy Ways To Overcome Work From Home Distractions.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2020/04/29/overcome-work-from-home-distractions-with-these-easy-tips/?sh=1161b1614626

    Shi, Diana. “8 tips to beat distractions while working from home.” Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90502236/8-tips-to-beat-distractions-while-working-from-home

  • We All Feel Embarrassed! The Pros and Cons of Feeling Embarrassed (French version available)

    We All Feel Embarrassed! The Pros and Cons of Feeling Embarrassed (French version available)

    By Tiffany Chang

    We’ve all felt embarrassed at some point in our lives. From giving a person an incorrect answer to tripping and falling down, these are all things people would typically feel embarrassed about.

    While it’s not always a fun experience, there are both positive as well as negative outcomes from feelings of embarrassment. Some pros and cons include:

    Pros

    You Could Learn to Laugh At Yourself

    Sometimes you just need to learn how to laugh things off. Evidently, you can’t go back and change what transpired, so have a laugh and move on from there. If people start laughing at you, join them. It may help mitigate or even counteract your embarrassment and be an effective coping mechanism.

    Humility is Essential When Building Character

    Once and a while, we need to remind ourselves that nobody’s perfect. That dread you feel when you’ve made a mistake while presenting in front of, say, your classmates, can be productive if you look at the experience from a more introspective standpoint. Maybe you could see it as a good lesson and, in the event where you have to perform something similar again, you’ll know what to do differently the next time.

    Say to yourself: “I don’t like how this experience made me feel. What can I do to hopefully prevent feeling embarrassed going forward?”

    It Can Initiate Opportunities to Relate With Others

    Oftentimes, you’re in the same boat as a lot of other people. If someone else had something similar happen to them, it could provide some relief because they know that they aren’t alone. People bond over their shared experiences, whether it be positive or negative, which may result in a favourable outcome.

    Cons

    Feeling Embarrassed Might Cause Overthinking

    Of course, moving on with a more positive attitude about the situation is easier said than done. It’s extremely difficult not to think: “would’ve… could’ve… should’ve…” We tend to berate ourselves for our shortcomings and mentally replay the incident(s) over and over again. Even if we do see it as a learning experience(s), we may start obsessing over the event to try and ensure that it will never happen again.

    Overall, embarrassment could reinforce pre-existing/create new insecurities and frankly, be outright anxiety-inducing, which could therefore affect our mental health.

     At Times, Embarrassment Hinders Us From Seizing Opportunities

    Embarrassing experiences can be very discouraging and in some cases, make us hesitate to take advantage of potentially beneficial opportunities. Why would we risk embarrassment when we have the power to avoid it altogether?

    Living life in fear of what might happen may inhibit us from living fuller lives and having more fulfilling experiences. It could become habitual, depending on how much we’ve been psychologically impacted by the embarrassing incident. Staying in our comfort zones tends to be an attractive option.

    On the whole, feeling embarrassed remains inevitable. Obviously it has its downsides, but embarrassment could definitely help you grow as a person. You must embrace the negative in order to reap the positive. If you exercise some resilience while taking active steps to figure out how to handle your embarrassment, you’re on the right track.

     

    References

    Walden University. “The Pros and Cons of Comfort Zones.” The Pros and Cons of Comfort Zones | Walden University

  • Show Them How It’s Done: 5 Ways to Conduct an Effective Interview (French version available)

    Show Them How It’s Done: 5 Ways to Conduct an Effective Interview (French version available)

    It’s a given that the pandemic had a big impact on our online activities, but Statistics Canada gives a much clearer picture of just how much. Based on a report released in June 2021, 75% of Canadians 15 years of age and older engaged in various online activities, with almost half (48%) saying they engaged in these online activities for the first time.

    Keeping these in mind, it’s no wonder that most interviews now are done via online platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. If you’ve been tasked to conduct an interview soon, whether it’s for your job or something related to a school project, it pays to arm yourself with these five sure-fire tips on how to do an effective interview. Read on below.

    1. Lay out a professional environment.

    Knowing you’re the one conducting the interview may bring about the temptation of keeping it casual, but it’s just as important as being on the other side of the camera. The pressure may not fall on your shoulders in a major way, but you still have a mission to accomplish during these interviews. This means you’ll have to find a spot that gives off the most professional vibes possible and fight that urge to use the beach or Golden Gate Bridge background. Keep an eye on too casual behaviour as well, such as munching on snacks or drinking coffee constantly during your interview.

    1. Give a roadmap for the interview.

    Don’t let candidates go into an interview blindly. Before firing off with your questions, introduce yourself accordingly and provide an outline for the interview. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy one – you want the interviewee to do more of the talking, after all – but relaying the gist will give a better picture of how the interview will be conducted. You can also emphasize that towards the end, you’ll allow time for the interviewee to ask questions.

    1. Prepare the questions beforehand.

    To ensure the interview meets your goal, do your part and review the interviewee’s resume or any related documents and list down your questions. This will make the interview more focused and time-efficient. Doing research is also a great way to know if the interviewee has an interesting aspect that you would like to further delve into during the interview.

    1. Keep an eye out for non-verbal cues.

    In face-to-face interviews, it’s easier to watch out for non-verbal cues, but this is something you shouldn’t miss out on during remote interviews. It’s an effective way to assess your candidate’s confidence and grace under pressure. If the interviewee looks away while talking instead of looking directly at the camera, then it’s a good sign that they’re unsure of themselves and may not be a reliable team player when the situation calls for it.

    1. Give yourself a breather.

    While it’s tempting to pack in as many candidates as you can, it’s important that you give yourself sufficient time to take a break in between interviews. This is also a good way to ensure you can mentally draw a line among your candidates and distinguish them from one another, instead of lumping them all together. You’ll have a better chance of assessing who will be the best fit for the job or the school project you’re working on.

    Doing interviews comes with its own set of challenges. So be sure to give the above tips a try, and you’ll be more than ready to conduct the interview and find the best candidate!

     

    Sources

    Domencic, Andrew. “5 Tips for Conducting an Interview.” Geneva College. https://www.geneva.edu/blog/career/5-tips-for-interview

    Monster. “Interview Tips for the Interviewer.” https://hiring.monster.com/resources/recruiting-strategies/interviewing-candidates/interview-tips-for-the-interviewerus/

    Statistics Canada. “Internet use and COVID-19: How the pandemic increased the amount of time Canadians spend online.” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2021001/article/00027-eng.htm

  • Important Facts for International Students Settling in Canada

    Important Facts for International Students Settling in Canada

    By Selina

    Congratulations, you have arrived in Canada! Below is some useful information to help you get started with settling in.

    Geography

    The Canadian landscape varies from mountains and grasslands to forests, lakes, and shorelines. The climate varies depending on where you are in the country. The winter season in Canada can get very cold with snow and ice (especially in the north and inland), while some parts (such as the west coast) tend to have milder but wetter winters.

    Climate

    Wind chill, which is a way to measure the temperature effect of wind, can make a cold winter day feel colder (especially when the wind gust or speed is strong). For example, a -2°C winter day can feel like -10°C when wind chill is factored in. Similarly, in the summer, the humidex measures the effect of humidity or moisture in the air. A high humidex value can make a hot summer day feel hotter. For example, a 25°C summer day can feel like over 30°C when the humidex level is above 80%.

    Because Canada is located north of the equator, the UV index can be quite strong as it is closer to the North Pole (and hence the sun) in the summer. UV index provides information about the risk of exposure to the sun. The Weather Network (available through its TV channel, website, and mobile app) provides the latest UV readings at all times of the day, across Canada. A high UV reading (above 6) means that you should seek protection from the sun by using sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, or try to find shade.

    Time Zones

    There are 6 time zones in Canada:  Pacific (PST), Mountain (MST), Central (CST), Eastern (EST), Atlantic (AST), and Newfoundland (NST). The time difference from coast to coast is 4.5 hours. For example, when it’s 3:00 p.m. in Vancouver (PST time zone), it’s 7:30 p.m. in Newfoundland (NST time zone). Vancouver is in the Pacific (PST) time zone, and Toronto is in the Eastern (EST) time zone.

    Due to Daylight Saving Time, clocks are turned forward by 1 hour on the 2nd Sunday in March (“spring forward”) and turned back by 1 hour on the 1st Sunday in November (“fall back”). This happens on an annual basis in most parts of Canada, except in certain regions of Saskatchewan and small parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Nunavut, Ontario, and Quebec.

    Languages

    English and French are the 2 official languages of Canada. Being a very diverse and multicultural country, Canada is home to over 200 languages from around the world, and 60+ Indigenous languages. It’s common to hear various languages, dialects, and accents in public, especially in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. The most common languages outside of English and French include Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Urdu, German, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

    Business Hours and Holidays

    The typical business and store hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This can vary by business or store. Many stores and clinics have extended evening and weekend hours. Some restaurants and grocery stores are open 24/7 (this is more common in big cities such as Toronto).

    The following are the national statutory holidays (celebrated nationwide and are paid days off work for most employees):

    New Year’s Day – January 1

    Good Friday or Easter Monday – Spring (usually in March or April)

    Canada Day – July 1

    Labour Day – First Monday in September

    Christmas Day – December 25

    In addition to the above national statutory holidays, different provinces and territories of Canada recognize other public holidays:

    Family Day – Third Monday in February in most provinces

    Victoria Day – The Monday before May 25 (Queen Victoria’s birthday)

    Civic Holiday – First Monday in August

    Thanksgiving – Second Monday in October

    Remembrance Day – November 11

    Boxing Day – December 26

    Legal Age for Drinking Alcohol

    The legal age for buying and consuming alcohol in Canada is 19 in most provinces and territories, except in Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba, where the legal age is 18. Drinking and driving is prohibited and can result in demerit points or suspension of one’s driver’s license.

    Electricity

    Appliances in Canada use 120 volts and plug B. An electrical converter is needed if you bring appliances from another country that uses a different voltage. This can be purchased at airports and most hardware stores in Canada. Electricity is often referred to as “power” in Canada.

  • Taking Out a Loan? Boons and Banes of Different Ways to Get Financing

    Taking Out a Loan? Boons and Banes of Different Ways to Get Financing

    According to a Statistics Canada article, there was a decline of 18.3 per cent in credit card debt between February 2020 (prior to the pandemic) and January 2021 (during the pandemic). This means Canadians applied more financial savviness to their budget. However, the fact that there weren’t many opportunities to spend money, as the country was in a lockdown and under restrictions, also helped Canadians to limit their expenses.

    Now, most Canadians are keen on getting their lives back on track. This could mean going back to school, opening a small business, or buying a car. If you’ve got your mind set on a big-ticket item purchase soon and have limited spending money, taking out a loan could be an ideal next step. Let’s look at the different ways to get financing.

    Banks

    When obtaining a loan from a bank, you would need a good credit score to get approved. If you’ve had problems in the past paying your credit card debt, the bank would most likely take that into consideration, and it will affect your chances of getting a loan. You need to prove that you can pay your loans on time, and a high credit score is the best gauge for that. With a bank, you can specify exactly what type of loan you need, whether a student loan or an auto loan, and they can set up a payment plan that works best with your financial situation. Be wary though that if you don’t pay your dues on time, you’ll likely end up paying a high interest rate.

    Payday lenders

    As the name suggests, payday loans are financing you can get that’s equivalent to what you’d normally receive in your paycheque. They are meant to be short-term loans but with high interest rates, and because of these, they are best used when dealing with an emergency and you don’t have any other option – but not when you’re aiming to buy a high-ticket item. An advantage of payday loans, though, is that it’s easy and quick to get approved for one because they won’t need to do a credit score check on you. Since it’s highly accessible, payday loans can easily make one fall into the debt trap because of the high interest rates that come with them, but lately, the government has launched efforts to clamp down on these to protect consumers.

    Pawnshop loans

    This is another type of loan that’s easy to obtain but may have costly consequences, especially if the item you’ve pawned has great value to you n,ot just financially speaking but also emotionally speaking. Getting money from a pawnshop means you have to part with a valuable item so you can get the cash you need. The loan typically amounts to about 25 per cent to 60 per cent of the value of the item. To get it back, you can pay in installments, nd unfortunately, if you’re not able to do so, you may have to get ready to lose that item forever.

    Loans from family or friends

    You may have a family member or a friend who has available money to lend you, and as they are close to you, it’s more than likely they will say yes once you tell them of your need. And since they’re aware of your situation, it will be easy to work out a payment plan that truly works for you. However, as the adage goes, going into business with friends or family could lead to dire consequences, and it may ring true as well when it comes to borrowing money. If you’re unable to pay within the agreed timeline, then it may cause a strain on your relationship.

    If you’re eyeing something that comes with a hefty price tag but don’t have the finances readily available, it’s not the end of the world. There are several ways you can obtain the budget you’d need. However, be careful as they all come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Go through them thoroughly to work out the best one for you.

     

    Sources

    Pritchard, Justin. “How to Get a Bank Loan.” The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-get-a-loan-315510

    Statistics Canada. “Study: Trends in household non-mortgage loans: The evolution of Canadian household debt before and during COVID-19.” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210823/dq210823c-eng.htm

    VanSomeren, Lindsay, and Jordan Tarver. “16 Types of Loans to Help You Make Necessary Purchases.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/loans/types-of-loans/

    Webber, Matt Ryan. “Payday Loan.” Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/payday-loans.asp

  • When Being Let Go Is a Good Thing: 5 Reasons to Hold Your Head Up High

    When Being Let Go Is a Good Thing: 5 Reasons to Hold Your Head Up High

    A man being fired from his job goes on a rampage. We’ve seen this premise in movies and TV shows one time too many that it’s become almost a trope now, like the ugly duckling turning into a swan or the underdog guy winning the manic pixie dream girl of his dreams.

    Being let go of a job that one loves can be a devastating experience, especially when the news comes out of nowhere and you’ve put in a lot of time and effort into your work. However, it’s not as dramatic as it has been depicted in pop culture.

    If you’ve recently lost your job, remember that it’s not the end of the world. Read below on how you can turn this negative into a positive.

    Let’s get started!

    1. You have freedom.

    It’s normal to get attached to a job you’ve had for years, which you feel you’ve been amazing at, especially if you’re the type who prefers routine. However, maybe you’ve stuck with the job for as long as you can because of fear of change, which may be something that has held you back from searching for one that’s truly in line with your career goals. Now, the opportunity falls into your lap, and you’re free, and the door’s wide open for you to explore what else is out there.

    1. You get to do a self-evaluation.

    When you have your work commitments and your time is spent keeping up with deadlines, it’s challenging to find the time to step back and evaluate where your career is at even though perhaps you had meant to do it for a while. Now that you aren’t thinking of work-related tasks anymore, this is a perfect time to reflect and analyze your career and whether you’re truly on the path that’s aligned with your career goals. This doesn’t happen overnight, so give yourself time to figure things out.

    1. You can find your inner strength.

    Being dismissed from a job can be emotionally taxing, but it’s during these gruelling times that we discover we’re stronger than we perceive ourselves to be. Maybe the thought of you losing your job has plagued you for a while, and now that it has happened, you realize that it wasn’t exactly the monster that you thought it would be. It’s something you’re able to deal with, and therefore, you condition yourself to be ready for whatever challenge comes your way next.

    1. You make use of your creativity.

    Being fired doesn’t mean one can take it easy, especially when they have loads of financial obligations to fulfill: student loans, rent, credit card debt, and others. True, these financial commitments can be overwhelming, but they can also serve as an opportunity for you to reach out to your creative side and discover ways to make money to at least tide you over until the next job comes along. This can be a passion project like designing websites or baking custom cakes. These or anything that fancies your interest can help you earn money until things get better. If you truly love doing it, maybe you can even retain it as a side gig when you’re back to work full-time.

    1. You turn into a better version of yourself.

    Losing a job will motivate you to up your game, so to speak. Maybe you’ve always known that additional training or courses could be an advantage, and now’s a good time to catch up on those. You set your mind to being a better version of your previous self and work on yourself. This way, when you start the job search process, you’ve built enough confidence to project that you’re the best candidate for the job and nothing will get in the way.

    Being let go can be heartbreaking, but there’s always a way to turn things around. As the saying goes, there’s always a silver lining in a grey cloud.

     

    Sources

    Ryan, Liz. “The Ten Best Things About Getting Fired.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/12/27/the-ten-best-things-about-getting-fired/?sh=3d1ac9bf77e5

  • Taken by Surprise: 5 Strategies to Cope with Unexpected Large Expenses (French version available)

    Taken by Surprise: 5 Strategies to Cope with Unexpected Large Expenses (French version available)

    These days, it seems the essentials all come with a high price tag: education, living expenses, food, transportation, and more. This is especially true when you live in a major city like Calgary, Vancouver, or Toronto. Expect to shell out tons of money on groceries, meals, rent, and gas (if travelling via personal car).

    It’s incredibly stressful when an unexpected expense comes, like your laptop crashing and needing replacement equipment, or your landlord increasing the monthly rent without notice. While such situations are likely to put a downer on your mood, know that these types of setbacks are only temporary. With the right attitude and effort, you’ll be able to handle this adversity and be in a stable financial position in no time.

    1. Apply for a loan.

    Taking out a loan does mean that you’ll have debt, and that has, in itself, its drawbacks. However, there are different types of loans, and it’s merely a matter of taking your time to decide on the right one that best fits your needs. For larger expenses, obtaining a loan from a bank is the best way to go, though you’d need to have a good credit score to get approved. Meanwhile, you can also try your hand at a payday loan, which is an option if you want something quick and easy. The amount of payday loans is typically equivalent to a paycheck, thus the name, so it may not be ideal when you have a high-ticket item in mind.

    1. Ask your employer for a pay-in-advance.

    If you have a good working relationship with your employer and you consider yourself a valuable employee, this option can be a good one for you. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Most employers will be familiar with this concept when employees ask to be paid in advance for the future hours they’re scheduled to work, but only a few may be agreeable to it. Some employers fear that employees will up and leave and not fulfill their part of the deal once they receive the advanced pay. Thus, it helps to have a stellar record with your employer.

    1. Defer from school or enroll at a community college.

    Tuition fees most likely make up the bulk of your expenses, and it will be extremely difficult to entertain the thought of putting your studies on pause until your finances become steadier. An alternative to putting your education on hold is to enroll at a community college instead to get transferable credits or fulfill the requirements for general education classes. While this may be a bit of a detour to your educational path, it’s definitely a smarter option than putting your studies to a full stop.

    1. Look ahead and apply for scholarships and bursaries.

    Scholarship or bursary applications take time, and thus, this may not be the option you need at the moment. However, it helps in long-term budget planning. In case a similar situation crops up again, you’ll be better prepared. Take time to carefully go through each requirement for the scholarship or bursary. Reach out to your teachers and give them a heads up about writing recommendation letters for you. Being approved for these applications can go a long way in keeping your educational expenses to a minimum.

    1. Be smarter with your money.

    Take a step back and do a self-assessment to know how you can better prevent being in a similar predicament in the future. You may be able to get the funds you need to cover the emergency expense now, but you’ll need to start thinking about how to be better equipped in a similar scenario. Apart from having a working budget that covers your daily spending needs, have an emergency fund. Commit yourself to starting a savings plan by cutting unnecessary expenses as much as you can and limit your spending by going for economical options.

    Handling an emergency expense gracefully is admirable, but going forward, it’s better to make an effort to avoid falling into the same trap again.

     

    Sources

    Bright. “How to deal with unexpected expenses.” https://www.brightmoney.co/learn/unexpected-expenses-and-how-to-deal-with-it.

    Honestmoney.ca. “Real Talk: How to deal with unexpected expenses.” https://honestmoney.ca/stories/how-to-deal-with-unexpected-expenses.

    Vohwinkle, Jeremy. “How to Deal With a Financial Emergency.” The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/coping-financial-emergency-1289712.

  • Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    The transition between elementary or middle school to high school is a big one. As you grow older and move into high school-level classes, your responsibilities will change as well. Don’t be nervous, though! High school is not as scary as it seems, and you might find that you meet a lot of new friends and try a whole bunch of new things. It’s one of the most exciting times of your life!

    So what are some of these new responsibilities? For one, most schools don’t tolerate lateness, and some teachers even lock their doors to late students, so it’s very important to get to your classes on time. It might be difficult to find your way around in the first few weeks of high school, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Be sure to bring a copy of your timetable with you so you know where and when your classes start.

    Secondly, you will be expected to be much more independent than in the earlier grades. Teachers don’t hound students for homework or assignments and often penalize late essays. That’s why you need to keep track of when everything is due. The best way is to get a separate binder for each class (one in every colour) so you don’t get papers mixed up. An agenda, notebook or calendar is also vital in high school. You’ll want to be able to keep track of when tests are, when assignments are due and when the holidays start.

    You will have a locker where you can store your books, binders, sports equipment and any other assortment of pens, paper and articles of clothing. You are responsible for keeping your locker clean – or at least presentable.

    Meet some new people! While not necessarily a responsibility, you’ll find that if you reach out to other students, you might end up making friends you’ll have for years to come. Remember, this is a new experience for everybody in your classes.

    Work hard! Now that you’re in high school, you can’t slack on grades. These marks can affect which classes you take in the following years, and may even limit your options for college or university programs. If you pay attention to your teachers, show up on time, do your homework and hand in your assignments, then you’ll do fine in your classes. Just make sure to keep organized and on top of tests and assignments.

    Going from elementary into high school is a big leap, and with it comes new responsibilities and new freedoms.  If you work hard, show up on time and meet a few new friends, you might even find that you want to go to school in the morning. It’s a big adjustment to make, but soon you’ll be just as comfortable in your new school as you were in your old one.

  • It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    The first year of post-secondary can often feel very scary and sometimes overwhelming for many students. Post-secondary is such a large leap from the comfort zone of high school; students often feel as though the pressure and work expectancy can be overbearing. This is why it is important to know what to expect before you enter post-secondary, and have a better understanding of how to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

    So, what does the first year of post-secondary have in store for you?

    The first —and arguably most critical— expectation for post-secondary is: prepare yourself for a heavy course load. I’m sure it’s no surprise post-secondary is more academically challenging than high school. However, with the course load of each semester being much more condensed than that of a typical high school semester, the workload becomes intensified. This is often a big shock for most students, which is when the sense of being overwhelmed begins to come in.  A full course load in high school is not equivalent to that of a full course load in post-secondary, so be sure to prepare yourself for the next level and only accept as many classes as you can handle.

    Although you’ve probably heard it many times before, the next thing you should expect in post-secondary is to study! While of course studying has always been an important aspect throughout your education, now more than ever, you will need to study and learn the proper techniques on how to do so effectively. Gone are the days of cramming for an exam the night before; say hello to learning proper study techniques in order to reach academic success! (You’ll find proper study techniques are a lot less stressful than cramming, anyway!) One of the most effective study tips is to review your notes from each class every day. That way, when exam season rolls around, you won’t have to re-teach yourself any of the material; you’ll already have all of the knowledge memorized, and a quick refresher should be all you need!

    Despite taking all the right steps for academic success, expect some amount of stress. With new surroundings, unfamiliar professors, and a new level of academic pressure, some stress is going to arise. However, there is no need to fear, just prepare yourself and you’ll get through it! When you feel stress starting to take over, remember to make time for yourself to recharge before you burn yourself out! Exercise is a key aspect of staying physically and mentally healthy in post-secondary. Remember to give yourself breaks while studying, and try to exercise as much as possible! Remember, if you’re ever feeling too overwhelmed, there are resources available to help guide you. Seek your institution’s counselling services if you find your stress levels unmanageable.

    With classes, assignments, exams and any potential out-of-school obligations, expect to be busy in post-secondary! Time management is key to maintaining your stress levels while still reaching academic success. Use a day planner, agenda, or calendar to keep track of important deadlines and exam dates, and plan your days accordingly. Ensure you are always giving yourself an adequate amount of time for studying and assignments, in order to avoid the “cramming the night before stress,” and are always handing in the best representation of your capabilities.

    Expect to meet some awesome new people! While post-secondary might feel slightly intimidating at first, remember you are not alone! There are plenty of other first-year students who feel exactly the same way as you do. Post-secondary institutions offer a variety of clubs, sports teams, and programs that cater to a wide variety of different interests and talents. Get involved in different school activities that interest you; chances are you’ll meet some other great students who share similar interests. Remember, new friends can be found within the classroom, too! While you may feel shy or intimidated at first, remember the students in your class are in the very same position as you. Reaching out to students in your classes helps you break the ice, find new study-buddies, and potential lifelong friends.

    So, while post-secondary will undoubtedly be quite a change from anything you’re used to, remember you’re there for a reason! Just keep in mind what to expect when you walk through those doors, understand how to prepare yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be handling your first year of post-secondary like a pro.