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Category: Campus Life

  • Tips to Know Who To Vote For in an Election (French version available)

    Tips to Know Who To Vote For in an Election (French version available)

    By Avreet Jagdev

    As citizens, we have the duty to be civically involved. Civic involvement means staying involved in your community in a way that makes a difference — this can be through political or non-political ways. Examples include volunteering, staying informed on what is going on in your community, and donating to your local food bank. One of the most important aspects of civic engagement is voting.

    Voting is an absolute essential part of democracy. It is what gives ordinary people the power to choose who governs them. When you vote, you get to have your voice heard and make a difference in how your community and country are run.

    However, with this power can come some pressure. It can be difficult and overwhelming to know who to vote for. So how do you make an informed voting decision?

    1. Stay informed

    It is important to stay informed, not just during elections, but between them as well. Do your best to have some general knowledge on what is going on in your community, country, and around the globe. When the next election rolls around, you will already have a lot of information to base your vote on.

    Staying informed doesn’t have to be stressful! It can be as simple as turning on the news channel when you’re doing your chores or reading an article on your commute to school.

    1. Talk to friends and family.

    Although some families have the rule of “no politics at the dinner table”, talking to your family and friends can help you decide who to vote for. They might not always share the same views as you, but having discussions (and maybe even debates) on political issues can help develop your own views, which will make it easier for you to make your decision on who to vote for.

    1. Do your research

    As the election draws nearer, make sure to do your research on the candidates running in your area. Most candidates will have websites where you can read about them and their specific platforms. It can also help to watch debates and read or listen to interviews.

    1. Reach out to candidates

    If you have specific questions or concerns that a candidate hasn’t touched on in their platform, try reaching out to them! You should be able to find their contact information on their website. Candidates usually have entire teams of people who help answer these questions so that voters can make well-informed choices.

    1. Use an online tool like VoteCompass

    Some online tools, such as VoteCompass, can help you decide who to vote for by asking you questions and showing you how your answers align with different candidates or parties. If you’re completely stuck, this can be a good place to start!

    It can be overwhelming to decide who to vote for, especially when it’s your first time. However, following these tips can help make the process a whole lot easier.  At the end of the day, remember to vote for someone who represents your values and what matters to you.

  • Why We Should Protect the Environment (French version available)

    Why We Should Protect the Environment (French version available)

    Cleaning up a mess can be a dull job, but living with dirt and garbage is much worse than that. Have you ever smelled a piece of rotten fruit or a piece of meat that has gone bad? You can put rotten food in the garbage, but what if the whole world smelled like that? What if the water coming from the taps in your house made you sick with all kinds of diseases? Without clean water, good air, and healthy food, people easily get sick and die. That’s why caring for the environment is so important.

    For many years, people thought very little about the environment unless it affected them directly. Water shortages were important mainly for farmers and gardeners, and resources like trees or fuel were important for helping people make money. However, people’s ideas began to change when a writer named Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962. The book showed how the pesticides designed to kill harmful insects were harming the environment and people. The author said that our food supply and the whole world were in danger because of these chemicals. Partly because of that book, the United Nations established Earth Day in 1970, and people have used that day and other campaigns to raise awareness of environmental issues ever since then.

    What do you know about the challenges that the environment is facing? One problem that you might have heard about is global warming, which refers to the rapid increase in the Earth’s temperature. Many scientists believe that most of this warming is the result of pollution from human activity, such as burning oil and gas for fuel. Other problems include polluted water and air, which can make people sick or even kill them, the overuse of resources that take many centuries to replace and the loss of the top layer of soil that makes farming possible. Another issue is the deaths or disappearance of the bees, which helps plants to grow through pollination.

    People have many different theories on issues such as climate change and pollution. Some people believe that human activity affects the environment, but others do not. However, taking care of your home planet is still a very good idea. How can you help? You can save fuel by walking or taking the bus to school or your friends’ houses instead of getting a ride in the car. You can use energy-efficient light bulbs and turn the lights off whenever you leave an empty room. You can turn your computer off at night and try to use as little water as possible in the shower. These changes will not save the environment alone, but if we all do them, they will make a huge difference.

    Caring for the environment is a huge task, far too big for one person or even one country to do. Some environmental issues are beyond anyone’s control, and others depend on people far away on other continents. However, if everyone on Earth took responsibility for only one small part of the problem, we could make a difference.

  • Snowstorms in Spring: Explaining Climate Extremes

    Snowstorms in Spring: Explaining Climate Extremes

    Canadians stereotypically live in snow all year. While not year round, 65 per cent of Canada experiences snowfall for more than half a year. Canadians often live through strong winters. With temperatures rising due to climate change, one might expect this pattern to stop. Yet, large, freezing snowstorms still happen in many parts of Canada even into spring.

    Past Snow Trends in Canada

    According to a 2019 CBC/Radio Canada analysis, Canada continuously receives less snow in comparison to past records. Less snow falls and less snow remains on the ground. Between 1955-1975, Montreal received snowpacks, layers of packed snow, of approximately 60 centimetres. Between 1991-2011, this statistic halved. Snow kept sidewalks cooler by reflecting sunlight, but low snow amounts lead to more heat; this all made snow melt faster.

    Climate Change and Weather Systems

    If Canada receives less snow, why does the country still experience large snowstorms? Although the term “global warming” sounds interchangeable with “climate change,” this isn’t always the case. Despite increasing temperatures, snowstorms still impact on Canadian communities. In fact, climate change makes extremes in weather more frequent and more powerful: summers become hotter, and winters become colder.

    Jet Stream
    Climate change influences the behaviour of the jet stream, a collection of winds that carry weather with it, causing these stronger extremes. The jet stream moves east-to-west, with speeds sometimes over 400 kilometres per hour. The jet stream now moves slower than it used to, making weather effects stay for longer. A blocking pattern draws out these longer, more intense periods of weather.

    Arctic Polar Vortex
    The Arctic polar vortex is a group of winds that move west-to-east above the North Pole. When warmer winds disrupt the vortex, it moves itself to different areas. The Arctic polar vortex moves to lower areas, splits, or stretches, covering a larger area than usual. While scientists continue to search for a clear trend, research shows a strong polar vortex occurs when undisturbed.

    El Nino and La Niña

    El Niño and La Niña, Spanish for “little boy” and “little girl” respectively, cause alternating warmth and cold in water currents. El Niño, which occurs every 2-7 years, helps temperatures warm up by bringing warm water towards South America. La Niña, which occurs every 4-5 years, replaces the warm water brought by El Niño with cold water. Making winters unusually colder than normal, 2023 marked the “third La Niña winter in a row.” Officials say that despite La Niña periods, the world continues to break warming records.

    Climate Change Ahead

    Engage Ottawa predicts the National Capital Region will receive 10 per cent less snowfall by 2030. They also project that by 2050, that number will double to 20 per cent. While snowfall will decrease, rain will rise. Alongside more changes of freezing rain, rain may increase by 15 per cent in the 2080s. Freezing rain causes power outages and creates slippery streets and roads. Canadians should keep their winter coats and boots out.

  • Tips to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

    Tips to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

    By Selina

    The pandemic resulted in a tremendous increase in the time we spend on video conferencing calls and meetings using platforms such as Zoom. The term “Zoom fatigue” has become commonplace; it was coined to describe the exhaustion resulting by constant video calls. Although Zoom is one of the most widely used video conferencing platforms today, the term can also be applied to other platforms as well (such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet, and FaceTime).

    What causes “Zoom fatigue”?

    Video calls require more mental processing power compared to face-to-face interactions. Our brains have to work together to interpret the non-verbal cues that we can rely on in-person, including body language and voice tone. Fatigue can also result from the technical issues and annoyances that often occur during these video conferencing meetings, such as people not muting their microphones and having a lot of excessive background noise, screen delay, or freezing, and other technical problems.

    What are some tips to avoid “Zoom fatigue”?

    1) Plan Ahead and Shorten Meetings

    Lengthy virtual meetings can be tiring and frustrating. The shift to remote learning and virtual work makes it easier to schedule even more calls than before. However, longer meetings do not necessarily mean they are more effective. Some meeting objectives can be achieved in less time if all participants are focused and come to the meeting with a clear agenda. To shorten meetings, set and distribute an agenda to all participants ahead of time. Being well-prepared helps keep the meeting focused and to the point. Keep the discussion on track.

    2) Schedule Breaks and Avoid Back-to-Back Meetings

    Try to space out your meetings to have breaks in between. Block off at least 15 to 30 minutes in your calendar to avoid having multiple back-to-back Zoom meetings. During break time, stand up and stretch, take a short walk (such as walking the dog), make or grab a cup of coffee, rest your eyes, or use some time away from the screen.

    Prior to the shift to remote learning, commuting to attend meetings or classes in person created natural and necessary breaks in the day. Replicating those breaks in your online environment can help you avoid days that feel like one long, unvaried task.

    3) Use the “20-20-20 Rule” for Your Eyes

    Eye strain is common when you look at the computer screen for too long. Zoom calls and other online learning components that require computer use can lead to increased eye strain. Because the rigours of online learning often mean more screen time, it’s important to make sure your eyes get the rest they need.

    The “20-20-20 Rule” is: For every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. Developed by an optometrist in California, this practice can help relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

    4) Avoid Multitasking

    Our brains already have to work harder to process non-verbal cues and body language during non-face-to-face interactions, so there is no need to add more to the brain’s limited processing capacity. Studies have shown that multitasking can reduce performance by as much as 40%.

    Stanford psychologists discovered that multitasking not only affects memory, but it also makes performing simple tasks harder and more taxing. They identified engaging multiple types of media simultaneously as one of the main contributing factors. Removing distractions can help make video conference meetings more productive because you will be more present and feel less fatigued.

    5) Reduce Video Calls by Using Emails, Text-Based Communication Platforms, and Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools

    Some discussions or certain objectives can be accomplished by using simple, text-based communications such as email, discussion forums, or chat platforms (e.g. Discord, Slack). Not only can this help reduce Zoom fatigue, but it can also be more time-efficient as participants can reply or provide their input at a time that is convenient for them (without having to designate a single time slot when everyone is available).

    Cloud-based collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Microsoft Online products can help teams work collaboratively on the same documents. This is great for planning, brainstorming, editing, proofreading, and more.

    6) Replace Video Calls with Recorded Asynchronous Video

    A recorded, asynchronous video message can replace a meeting. Tools such as WebEx and Loom have recording options (including screen capture recordings). If you’re looking to kick off a project, provide a project status update, or walk someone through the steps of doing something on the computer, try a screen recording of your slide deck or capture a webcam video of yourself running through the explanation. You will save your and other participants’ time.

    Conclusion

    Online learning and remote work aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Using the above tips to avoid Zoom fatigue can help you feel more alert and productive in your online courses and projects.

     

    Sources

    Vidyard. 10+ Tips to Prevent Zoom Fatigue. https://www.vidyard.com/blog/zoom-fatigue-tips

  • Working from Home vs. Working in Office: A Close Look into Their Advantages and Disadvantages

    Working from Home vs. Working in Office: A Close Look into Their Advantages and Disadvantages

    Even before COVID-19 barged into our lives, Canadians weren’t exactly strangers to the work-from-home concept. In fact, according to Statista.com, 20 percent of the working population were already working from home even in pre-COVID times. Of course, this number had an exponential growth following the government mandates to curb the spread of the virus in the country and everywhere else.

    At the height of the pandemic, this number rose to 40 percent according to research by Statistics Canada. Out of those who have worked from home since the start of the pandemic, 80 percent said they’d rather not return to the office. Instead, they prefer to continue to work from home, though some were agreeable to a hybrid set-up where they can work from home for a few days a week and only head to the office for pertinent matters like client or team meetings.

    Productivity Levels

    Initially, there was reluctance for a majority of employers to allow remote work for their employees due to productivity concerns. However, a study by Tahsin Mehdi and René Morissette revealed that 90 per cent of respondents reported their productivity was on par with when they worked on the business premises.

    In fact, some employees reported that remote work even increased their productivity levels as they didn’t have to deal with the commute to go to work. On average, employees gained back 35 per cent of their time because of working remotely.

    Work-Life Balance

    Working from home also allowed employees more opportunities to achieve a better work-life balance. Since they primarily stayed at home, they got to spend more time with their loved ones. This was especially important for those with kids, as they were there with them for online study sessions and other school-related or extracurricular activities. For some, this also meant saving on expensive day care costs.

    Because of the flexibility, remote workers also enjoyed the benefits of taking breaks when they can or indulging in homemade treats like a cup of coffee or baked goods whenever they felt like.

    For animal lovers, being allowed to work from home also led them to go for something they held off on for so long because of the time spent at the office and commute to work: adopting a pet. It’s said that nearly three out of ten Canadians decided to be a pet parent during the pandemic. Pets are effective in alleviating stress, especially work-related.

    Social Connections

    Working from home is not without its challenges, however. There was the issue of the limitations to build team rapport online and the lack of social interactions because virtual meetings were often reserved for discussing work-related matters. The lack of watercooler talks to exchange chats on weekend activities or TV shows one’s currently binging on were being felt by employees who were used to enjoying these small talks during their office breaks.

    Because of the lack of social interaction, an article in The Atlantic reported that some people shared they were prone to feeling isolated due to fully remote work.

    No Delineation Between Work and Home

    In the same article, some people also claimed that mixing work responsibilities along with personal ones while they were working from home also took a toll on their mental health and caused them stress and anxiety. The overlap sometimes led to distractions and resulted in loss of focus. Some also felt burned out because they tended to work beyond the normal office hours.

    When working onsite, you’re able to turn your full attention to work. And when the clock hits 5:00 p.m., and your colleagues start to leave, you’re also motivated to leave on time and leave the tasks for the next day.

    Remote work versus office work will always have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, it’s up to each person to find workarounds to ensure that either option offers them an ideal work environment, so they can fulfill their duties and tasks efficiently while practicing self-care at the same time.

     

    Sources

    Brooks, Arthur C. “The Hidden Toll of Remote Work.” The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/04/zoom-remote-work-loneliness-happiness/618473/.

    Broom, Douglas. “4 ways to revive office socializing when working from home.” World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/revive-office-socializing-work-from-home/

    Burr, Britanny. “New Study Reveals The Reasons That Canadians Don’t Want To Go Back To Working In-Person.” Narcity. https://www.narcity.com/going-back-to-work-heres-why-canadians-dont-want-to-go-back-to-in-person-work#toggle-gdpr.

    Caramela, Sammi. “Working From Home Increases Productivity.” Business News Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15259-working-from-home-more-productive.html

    Evans, Pete. “As employees return to the office, the much-hyped hybrid model faces acid test: Does it work?” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/hybrid-work-office-return-1.6393222.

    Jeudy, Lucie. “Distribution of work in home office or at workplace before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada as of 2020.” Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1230526/remote-work-policies-before-and-after-covid-19-in-canada/.

    Langton, James. “StatsCan reports numbers on working from home.” Investment Executive. https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/research-and-markets/statscan-reports-numbers-on-working-from-home/.

  • March Break Activities to Do in Alberta

    March Break Activities to Do in Alberta

    If you are a student in post-secondary, you are probably more than ready for a well-deserved break by the time March Break rolls around. However, luxury vacations in exotic places may not always be an option, especially for students. So, what March break activities are available for Alberta students without having to venture past the province’s boundaries? Here is a guide for some fun and unique March Break activities to do in Alberta.

    Visit the Rocky Mountains.

    Skiers and snowboarders from all around the globe travel great lengths to visit the beautiful Alberta Rocky Mountains. Luckily, you have the luxury of visiting some of the world’s best exhilarating slopes right in your own province. Experience some of the most breathtaking natural wonders Alberta has to offer, all while getting some fresh air and having a great time. Skiing and snowboarding not really your style? Not a problem! From soaking up Banff’s year-round natural hot springs, visiting local shops, or adventuring on a hike, the Rocky Mountains offer an activity for everyone’s preference. Visit the websites below for more information on activities in Banff, Jasper, Canmore and Lake Louise.

    https://www.banff.com

    http://www.jasper.travel

    http://canmore.ca

    https://www.skilouise.com

    Take a museum, art gallery or conservatory tour in some of Alberta’s major cities.

    If you’re interested in staying indoors this March break, why not add a little bit of art and history into your break. Take a trip to one of Alberta’s major cities and visit some of the art galleries, museums and conservatories they have to offer. (Please note, not all galleries in each city are listed. For a complete list, visit each individual city official website)

    Edmonton: https://www.edmonton.ca

    Calgary:  http://www.visitcalgary.com

    Jasper: http://www.jasper.travel

    Drumheller http://www.dinosaurvalley.com

    Grand Prairie http://www.cityofgp.com

    Medicine Hat http://www.medicinehat.ca

    Shop, Swim, Swing and Stay at North America’s largest shopping mall; West Edmonton Mall.

    Looking to hit an indoor beach this March break? Is the idea of riding the world’s largest indoor roller coaster is your idea of the perfect holiday? Maybe shopping at over 800 stores has peaked your interest. If so, take a trip down to Alberta’s capital city and visit West Edmonton Mall! Is Edmonton too far for just a day trip? Not to worry, West Edmonton Mall is home to the Fantasy Land Hotel; a hotel built right inside the mall so you can stay as long as you need.

    http://www.wem.ca

    Visit one of Calgary’s largest attractions; CrossIron Mills.

    Looking to get some shopping done at outlet store prices? Calgary’s CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall is home to 100 outlets and 200 stores. Looking to save big bucks? If you’re visiting from out of town, CrossIron Mills can help make that happen. Ask the mall’s guest services desk about their savings booklet program. This little booklet offers savings to those with a mailing address at least 60 km outside of Calgary. (Picture ID required)

    https://www.crossironmills.com

    Decided on a trip to Edmonton or Calgary? Stay and watch a hockey game.

    Love hockey? Want to cheer on one of Alberta’s NHL teams in person? Watch the Oilers in action at the newly built Rogers Place arena in Edmonton, or catch the Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.

    http://www.scotiabanksaddledome.com

    http://www.rogersplace.com

    Feeling Adventurous? Try…

    • Ice climbing! Located in Canmore and the Canadian Rockies, programs range from beginner to expert level climbing. Depending on temperature and avalanche conditions, this exciting activity runs up until early April. For more information, visit the link below. https://yamnuska.com/ice-climbing
    • Walk Through an Ice Castle! Located in Edmonton, take a magical tour through this beautiful castle made of ice. https://yamnuska.com/ice-climbing

    Search by category for all the unique experiences Alberta has to offer on the travel Alberta website. https://www.travelalberta.com

  • February 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    February 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Arts & Humanities Neen Hodgins Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $80,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $11,000
    Awards Available: 72
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Commerce 1981 Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $40,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Ontario Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Trent University Prestigious Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Rodney Cooper Bursary in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    MacLauchlan McKenzie Scholarship in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $4,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Jean Caya Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026 (estimated)

    Carleton University Prestige Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 24
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Richard Lewar Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $21,500
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 40
    Award Deadline: March 6, 2026

    BEGIN Program
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 125
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Jean Chretien Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Indigenous Student Scholarships for February 2026

    Indigenous Student Scholarships for February 2026

    National Indigenous Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 14, 2026

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

  • Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Have you ever been talking with someone on the phone when the sound suddenly cut out? Maybe you were listening to the radio or watching television when it stopped working. Those situations are frustrating, but communications equipment operators can help. These people have an important role in helping people to communicate with each other over long or short distances.

    Communications equipment operators install and maintain equipment for radio and satellite communication, as well as maintain records for their work. When something goes wrong, they investigate to find the problem and then repair or replace the equipment. Many people in this field work for radio or television stations, but others work for the military or other agencies.

    Depending on the job, communications equipment operators might do most of their work in offices. However, outdoor work might be required in some cases, especially when repairs need to be done. Being able to work in the cold, rain, or heat is very important. Many people in this job work regular hours, but others might work at special events in the evenings or on weekends. Troubleshooting can also happen at odd hours.

    Some communications equipment operators work with very complicated machines, including communications systems, computers, weapons systems, and even vehicles. They may be responsible for developing the communications systems, or they might work with a system that is already in place. Having a good knowledge of computer coding, applications, and troubleshooting is useful.

    Educational requirements for communications equipment operators vary. A high school diploma is normally the basic requirement. High school students can begin to prepare for this job with English and mathematics courses, besides anything related to communication or technology.

    Most employers provide short-term on-the-job training. Some people in this trade take courses to get a certificate that takes a year or two to complete. The certificate includes practical training, as well as courses to teach students about the theory behind the techniques.

    Communications equipment operators can work in a variety of settings. Besides radio, television, and the military, people in this field might be able to find work in schools, career colleges, and even universities. Some jobs might include teaching or working in administration as well as operating communications equipment.

    Salaries in this type of work can vary, depending on many factors. Generally, salaries begin at about $51,000 per year and can rise to $72,000. Some people in this job might begin as an assistant to the main communications equipment operator. In this case, they are likely to receive a relatively lower salary than others. Job prospects vary with the economy and location, but at least some work is likely to be available in this field. Large cities like Toronto or Vancouver, which have movie industries, are the best places to find work, although opportunities are also available elsewhere.

    The ability to concentrate is important in this job since it often involves listening carefully to the people who are talking and adjusting the equipment for background noise, louder or softer voices, or anything else that might affect the quality of the sound. If the recording includes video, communications equipment operators also need to adjust the settings for different levels of light.

    Working as a communications equipment operator is not usually physically difficult, although it can be tiring if a recording session takes a long time. However, as people age, their hearing and vision can begin to fail, and they might find the work too hard to continue. For many people, however, working as a communications equipment operator can be a good career choice.

     

    Bibliography

    Career Planner. “Communications Equipment Operator.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Communications-Equipment-Operators-All-Other.cfm.

    Glassdoor. Equipment Operator Salaries in Canada. https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/equipment-operator-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.

    Indeed. “Communications Operator Salary in Canada.” https://ca.indeed.com/career/communications-operator/salaries.

    Zippia. “What Is a Communications Equipment Operator and How to Become One.” https://www.zippia.com/communications-equipment-operator-jobs/.

  • How to Cope with Depression in the Family (French version available)

    How to Cope with Depression in the Family (French version available)

    Depression is something that has been in the news a lot recently, thanks in part to the Bell Let’s Talk Day. Only recently have mental health initiatives as large as this one emerged in our culture. There is a historic stigma around sharing one’s mental state, as it has often been viewed as something that is within one’s power to overcome. Recently, mental illness has been defined as a disease; That is, something that one is afflicted with that is not within one’s control. Efforts within the pharmaceutical world have provided a wide range of options for coping with depression, and other, more holistic options are offered that include mental and physical therapy, such as counselling and yoga, respectively.

    People admitting to experiencing mental illness is becoming more common as social efforts to reduce the stigma around the illness are emerging. When a family member admits to having a mental illness, it can be very hard for everyone in the family to handle.

    My personal story with a depressed family member had a major impact on the direction of my life. When I was completing my first university degree and was enrolled in my City of Ottawa co-op program, I learned that my aunt was experiencing depression as a result of an accumulation of factors, including the loss of her son. This news was like the straw that broke the camel’s back for me, in that I was already over my personal capacity with school, work, running a committee and exercising. I went to my supervisor and quit my co-op position, feeling altogether overwhelmed by the news.

    My story proves that not only experiencing depression yourself, but also being affected by someone experiencing depression, can create challenges. It is important to talk about mental health problems and to reach out to people when you aren’t feeling mentally well, because it can affect others. Supporting mental health initiatives is another great way to get involved with the cause of reducing stigma around mental health. Good luck!