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Category: Campus Life

  • The Importance of Hobbies

    The Importance of Hobbies

    Between lectures, labs, essays and exams, the importance of constructive hobbies will quickly become evident within a post-secondary environment. Some turn to the arts, some to athletics, some look to develop skills that compliment their degrees and others choose hobbies that are as far from their individual programs as possible.

    Regardless of your hobby of choice, the need and importance of such activities will become clear. Soon you’ll be working hard at your degree, trying to balance your social life with work while trying to maintain some semblance of the evasive “you time”.

    Hobbies facilitate this. By dedicating yourself to a specific pastime you are making a promise to yourself to step back and breathe from the various pressures present in post-secondary education while, hopefully, allowing yourself to grow as an individual. Whether spending an hour on the treadmill, playing a video game, learning an instrument or sitting down to read a book, every hobby encourages the development of a new set of skills, allows you to meet a new network of individuals and, perhaps, allows a welcome escape from the stress of real life.

    A hobby is a good reflection of the ideals, characteristics and interests of an individual and, if you spend enough time on it, it will do so positively. Eventually you may be known as the guitarist of the group, the writer or maybe the athlete. Though such labels can be daunting, they can be positive as well. Soon people will be reaching out to you for music suggestions, writing tips or for advice on their new workout schedule.

    Such questions will only increase your standing within your community while allowing you to develop the skills and interests that will make you stand out as an individual. All the while giving you a welcome, constructive break from the strains of student life.

    The university atmosphere is also a perfect opportunity for the development of such hobbies. As with the academic quality unique to the post-secondary environment, you will find yourself surrounded by a new community of like-minded individuals, all of whom are eager and interested in developing their skills, meeting others with similar interests and sharing their expertise with one another.

    So go learn an instrument! Go join a sports team! Constructive pastimes are extremely beneficial to a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle and will allow you to grow as an individual, meet new people and develop new hidden talents.

  • Why Companies Hire Recent Graduates

    Why Companies Hire Recent Graduates

    There are many reasons to hire a university or college graduate. Employers often seek out recent grads because they are fresh and up-to-date on the most recent information available in a chosen field. Depending on the field of work, this is more or less important. In business and medicine, this is hugely important because business practices are constantly evolving and medical discoveries are always happening. The difference between a well informed employee and a poorly informed employee is enormous. There is no doubt that someone who is educated will serve a company better than someone who is less educated. Someone who is educated will contribute to the company by offering fresh ideas and by being aware of the most recent information. People who have not graduated from college or university may cost the organization in the long run by requiring more training and by making more mistakes.

    People with a university or college degree are also often hard working and determined to succeed. Finishing a university or college degree requires a lot of tenacity and some serious work ethic. This is a huge asset to any organization that is looking for its employees to be able to tolerate stress and be able to produce results. Recent grads are ready and able to learn, they are like sponges and are really keen to gain work experience. If an employer is determining between someone with several years of experience and a recent grad, they will often decide that someone who is fresh and keen to learn would be a huge asset to the team.

    On the other hand, an important thing to consider is that not every company will hire recent grads because they are looking for people with experience. To ensure that you have the best chance of success, you will need to have a great resume and build up your jobs skills and volunteer experience. Remember that you will be competing against people with years of experience, which can sometimes prove to be very tough.

    The best bet is to seek out organizations that are specifically looking to hire recent grads. The government often hires recent grads, and companies that are on the front edge of technology will also be looking for them. If you are in high school, it is not a bad idea to take a look at which companies may be accessible to you after you graduate from your university or college program. Look at what requirements they expect and, if you want to work there, start finding ways to fulfill those requirements; This is especially important if you are undertaking a difficult program for which competition for jobs is fierce. You will put yourself ahead of the game by being informed on what is currently expected of grads. Remember that planning is your best bet, and don’t assume that because you are a grad you will get hired right away. Just be well prepared and willing to learn!

  • The Power of the W’s

    The Power of the W’s

    You’ve probably heard of the five W’s a million times in class. This little family of questions – “Who, what, where, when, why” and their cousin “how” – are memorized by every student who ever has to put together a presentation. But their true power in everyday conversation is never really explained.

    No two people in the world agree on everything. You’re bound to talk to people on a daily basis who think differently than you do. Whether you like it or not, this will be the case for your entire life (unless you want to live alone in a cave in Antarctica!) So you might as well take what you can from these little disagreements.

    If someone tells you that aliens were in the neighbourhood last night, you can say, “You’re crazy” and walk away. Or, instead, you can use those W’s. Ask them “What do you mean?” or “Why do you think that?” or “How did aliens get here?” Your neighbour will tell you about all the evidence they collected. You’ll find out that there’s a thought process behind their opinion. People don’t just come up with wild ideas out of nowhere and fixate on them. They take the evidence around them and put together a case, the same way you or I do. Whether or not you agree, you are learning about your neighbour’s view of the world and giving yourself a broader perspective.

    Maybe you think peanut butter M&Ms are the best candy ever and your friend disagrees. If you just ask why, you might find out he’s allergic to peanuts – which is a great reason not to like peanut butter M&Ms! Or maybe he won’t remember why he thinks that and he’ll give it a second thought.

    So if you’re talking about global warming and someone else tells you it’s a myth, don’t call them an idiot. Ask them, “Why? What’s the point of the myth?” Maybe they’ll have a worthwhile answer or maybe they won’t. But it doesn’t hurt you to ask.

    A conversation is not a chance to prove you’re right. It’s a chance to inform yourself. Two people can sit and fight all day over which hockey player is the best or which prime minister is the best person to lead Canada, but arguing gets you nowhere if you don’t listen to what the other person is saying.

    So just ask questions. It’s easy and it takes you away from an argument and into the world of discussion. Just because all us humans live together, it doesn’t mean we feel the same things.

    Often, after asking these questions, you’ll find that even if you still don’t agree, at least you’ll have a better understanding of the issue as a whole and not just the side you see. Plus, you’ll have more respect for the person you’re talking to, who will be a normal, respectable person you happen to disagree with and not just a lunatic sent here to drive you crazy.

    If you really love asking these questions of other people, it might even lead you down an exciting career path! Journalists, writers, editors and reporters all ask these questions on a daily basis. Even people who work in marketing and advertising ask themselves these questions to determine the wants and needs of their target audience.

  • Prepping For A New Semester

    Prepping For A New Semester

    The beginning of a new semester can be a nerve-racking time for students, particularly those that are entering college or university for the first time. If you are concerned about starting college/university, don’t be! Many of your peers are having the same feeling. This article will provide five steps you can take to get prepared for a new semester of school and help guide you through your first week of school.

    Create a Budget
    Unlike high school, there are many costs associated with going to college/university. Creating your own budget will help you effectively manage your money and take account of the costs associated with your program. Your budget should account for tuition fees, books, food, housing (if you are away from home) and utilities, transportation/travel, cell phone, personal expenses, recreation, clothing and entertainment. A well-planned budget will ensure you have enough money for the year. If you are concerned you will not have enough money for the year, consider looking into getting a part-time job on campus.

    Create a Weekly Schedule
    Time is structured much differently in college/university. Most students have five courses that consist of two to three hour lectures and a tutorial or lab. Class times vary and you may have night classes or days without class. Since most new students struggle managing their time, it is best to create a weekly schedule. Your schedule outlines the time you need to read for each course, complete assignments, study for exams and relax. Most professors suggest that you spend 2 hours for every one hour of class you have per course.

    Set Deadlines
    As soon as you get your course schedule and course outline, take note assignment deadlines and exam dates. Some of these dates may conflict with each other, or you may have deadlines that are very close together. The best solution is to set your own deadlines. Make sure you give yourself a couple of days before assignments are actually due. This allows you to look over your assignment, make changes where necessary, and have extra time if you struggled with anything.

    Meet a ‘buddy’ in each class
    Most people that are starting at a college or university do not know any other students. Make sure you talk to the people sitting beside you during the first few weeks of class. These relationships can be particularly useful for forming study groups or catching up on notes if you had to miss class.

    Make a point of meeting your TA/Professor
    On the first day of class, the course instructor will usually tell you whether you have a teaching assistant (TA). If you do, make a point of introducing yourself to your TA and set up an appointment to discuss the assignments. Your TA will be marking your assignments and exams: ask them questions. If you are writing a term paper, ask your TA to review your thesis, check your preliminary bibliography or look over a one-page outline. TA’s can provide feedback and ensure you are on the right track. If the course does not have a TA, try to establish this type of relationship with the professor.

    Good luck on your new semester!

  • Choosing A Career Path

    Choosing A Career Path

    Whether you are in grade 8 or grade 12, there is always pressure to choose a career. While the pressure increases as you get closer to graduation, it’s never a bad time to think about your future. The key to choosing a career is to follow the SMART goals formula. Always remember to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed. This is a formula that is hugely useful when setting career goals.

    To begin, start thinking about some hobbies, interests and/or school subjects that you enjoy. Ask yourself – what am I good at? What kinds of things do I like to do? Are you a people person or a person who prefers to work with machines and technology? Especially important is to know your preferences in terms of work environment. You are trying to set a specific goal, so think about if you would like to have an office job, be on your feet, or be outdoors doing work in the field. Whatever specific subject you choose to pursue, remember that there will be variety within each of them in terms of what kind of jobs are available.

    Next, is to make the goal measurable. What time landmarks will be important to you? The first step could be choosing a subject of interest, then researching careers, then choosing a few careers of interest with similar requirements. Setting dates for each step is hugely important. Remember that your interests change, so some subjects can be ruled out very easily.

    The next question is to ask yourself if the goal is achievable, and why not hit two birds with one stone and ask yourself if the goal is realistic at the same time. In other words, is the career you are choosing something that you really think you can do and achieve? Is the career compatible with the subjects you are able to succeed at?

    The last step is to ensure that your career goal is timed, in terms of setting realistic targets for completing each required step. If you want to be a lawyer, you will have to complete high school, university and law school. This is a considerable amount of time, so breaking it down into sizable chunks is your best shot at success. Remember that your interests might change as time goes by, but it’s better to be caught with a sketch of a plan than to be caught without any plan at all!

  • The Bully, The Bullied and The Bystander

    The Bully, The Bullied and The Bystander

    There is a dangerous notion of what normal is for today’s young person, defined in part by media images, Hollywood and reality television. The rest in a cocktail definition is pieced together by those with a voice and a platform. Whether that platform is prom queen or king, fashion icon or cultural diva, it matters little for the message is clear from wherever it is preached; normal is what normal does and if you don’t fit the mold you do not fit in.

    The reality is that you either fit in or you are cast out. As long as you have a group to fit into, life should pace itself to the rhythmic meter that is everyone else’s. This is the important distinction. Friendship circles do not have to mimic each other, in actuality the only common factor they might have is the willingness to accept each other. What happens when there is no peer group that accepts you? What does a young person do when no one extends welcome and isolation creeps in? Suffer in silence? Dig deep for resilience and self-respect? Perhaps, but the number of suicides in this country has reached an all-time high. More and more teenagers are choosing to end their lives rather than fight for them.

    Why?

    The simple answer is that bullying is also on the rise, but this is an unsatisfactory conclusion. Bullies have always existed. Cruel pranks and hurtful words are nothing new. So why the percentage increase? It comes down to one thing, neither small nor easy to fix – the internet. Cyber-bullying is an emerging form of cruelty that is wreaking havoc on many a teen life and there is little to no awareness on the part of parents and teachers. Think of how fast gossip used to travel before Facebook, text and Twitter. We may live in the age of technology, but when it comes to human decency it appears we are in the dark ages. Kindness, acceptance and grace for our mistakes do not seem to exist.

    Barbara Coloroso, international speaker, author and expert on the topic of bullying, says bullying is about contempt; putting one down to build the bully up. She also asserts that bullying is a learned behaviour and that home is where children first learn how set their moral compass. Those who are bullied typically remain secretive about it. They don’t want their parents to think of them as weak and are afraid of retaliation. They endure while quietly losing themselves. The bystander is the one who watches the bullying and does nothing to prevent it. They may even contribute with laughter or taunts. Bystanders are usually afraid of bullies as well and may have low self–esteem. They worry about becoming a target themselves or go along with the bully for lack of a better option. Even if a bystander would never bully on their own, by not stepping in they are picking the side of the bully and in essence enabling them.

    It is too late to care after the fact. A suicide is not the time to ‘tsk’ the sad situation or wish something had been done about it. Kind words for those around us, a smile, inclusion and a willingness to see into the heart and soul of a person will make a difference. The greatest desire in all of our hearts is to be known.

    We all need to have a story. What do you want to do in the future? What are your goals? What would you like to get better at and how can you make that a reality? When we have a story we have focus on the horizon and all that lies ahead, which makes the daily struggles a little easier to endure.

  • Using a Tutor – Benefits Beyond Raising Your Grade

    Using a Tutor – Benefits Beyond Raising Your Grade

    Have you ever considered using a tutor? If your answer is no, there are a few things you should know about the benefits of a tutor that may help sway your decision. This article will explore how hiring a tutor can help students gain confidence in their own academic ability in addition to giving them a new outlook on course material. A good tutor will be willing to help their pupil become a stronger student, which will reflect in their assessments. I will also advise those hiring a tutor on what to look for when choosing a tutor to insure they are suited for your needs.

    Even those students that are satisfied with their academic achievements can obtain value from the guidance of a tutor. If you have ever studied for a test and skipped over a lesson or two because you did not fully understand it, all the while convincing yourself that one lesson would not affect your grade, you are not alone. Many students feel this way when studying for tests. What you need to consider is that one lesson in a grade 10 class may grow into an entire unit in grade 11 and you may regret not taking the time to get extra help to understand the material more fully. Tutors act as private teachers – to answer tough questions that you might not feel comfortable to ask in class and to help you understand difficult course material. By using a tutor to answer those questions, you will soon learn that no question is a “dumb” question and you will feel more comfortable speaking up in class (and trust me – there is always at least one other student wondering the same thing). Before you know it, your peers will be asking you for help!

    Understanding tough concepts is another place tutors can help. Sometimes it takes someone to explain a concept differently in order for you to understand it. Tutors can be great for this. They are there to help you understand and they can spend as long as you need – using examples until you feel comfortable with the material. For example, when being taught about optics in science class, understanding the specifics about near and farsightedness is lost on many students but few will ask for clarification. A tutor could take this concept of sight and compare it to the clarity of the words on an overhead screen as you adjust the focus to give the student a concrete example they can draw on when discussing or during tests.

    The examples above are determined by quality of tutor you hire. When hiring a tutor you should consider their education (a teacher, university student or senior high school student), their experience with the subject matter/course (they have already taken or taught the course and been extremely successful, or they have tutored this course in the past) and their philosophy on learning. I suggest meeting your potential tutor in person before hiring them and explain your needs and goals. When possible, consider tutors that have been recommended to you by family or friends. If that is not an option, try asking a teacher, professor, teaching assistant or guidance counselor for suggestions. Good luck!

  • Travel by Backpack!

    Travel by Backpack!

    A friend of mine was going on her first backpacking trip and needed some advice about what to bring. I looked in her backpack and the first thing I found were fake eyelashes. Those definitely wouldn’t be going! Then we looked through her ten-pound bathroom bag and I told her to make some decisions. Did she really need two types of shampoo or three half-bottles of sunscreen? Some things had to stay behind.

    Not everyone is as bad a packer as my friend, but it can be tough to know what to take on a backpacking trip. Taking too much will give you back problems, but leaving something out might get you stuck on the beach in hiking boots. Finding the right balance in your luggage is a matter of sticking to the necessities and knowing what you can find on your travels.

    Stick to the necessities.
    Good shoes are crucial. You’ll be traveling with lots of weight and you don’t want to get so sore you can’t walk by day three. A good pair of running shoes is usually your best bet. Hiking boots get really hot and they’re heavy to carry when you’re not wearing them. Also, most backpacking journeys have some resting time on the beach, so take some flip flops.

    Weather is unpredictable all over, so be sure to have warm and cool clothes. But don’t take much! Three or four t-shirts is enough. If you’re going somewhere hot, you won’t need more than one pair of pants along with your shorts. A sweatshirt or a light jacket is a necessity even in hot countries, and a bathing suit might prove useful even in cold places. Top it off with a few pairs of underwear and some socks, and you’re all set for clothes!

    Next, you need some bathroom supplies. Hostels might not have everything, so you should have the basics: toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap, shampoo and a towel. Sunscreen, bug spray and aloe for sunburns are good ideas, too.

    When in doubt, take less.
    Whether you’re in Brazil, Croatia or England, you can buy toothpaste or an extra pair of socks. Some people actually prefer to buy their clothes on the trip, since they can be much cheaper than they are at home. Also, never forget that where there are travelers, there are laundromats. If you only have four changes of clothes, that doesn’t mean you have to wear the same underwear for three weeks. There will be opportunities to wash them.

    Have money ready.
    You never want to carry around enough cash for your entire trip. You should have a debit card and ideally a credit card, too. These days, you can find ATM’s in pretty much any big city in the world. There are times when your debit card might not work or the bank listed in Lonely Planet isn’t there anymore. In those cases, American money never fails. Virtually anywhere you go in the world, people will take U.S. dollars.

    So keep things light, have some U.S. cash and a debit card and you’ll figure out the rest. If your clothes get a little muddy, that’s all part of the adventure.

    And of course, don’t forget your passport!

  • The Big Move

    The Big Move

    It goes without saying that starting university is an exciting time in a student’s life. So many changes, new faces, challenging studies, busy schedules…and then there’s the whole issue of possibly living away from home for the first time!

    The thought of living away from your parents is likely one that seems appealing, particularly when it’s combined with the fun of university. However, sometimes the reality may not be as good as the fantasy; It can not only lead to homesickness, but even some more major conditions and concerns. Students living away from home for the first time will likely face challenges and situations that they may not have even considered. Even the so-called “little things” – eating regular meals, getting adequate sleep, exercising – can all be forgotten when left to your own resources, particularly if you’re surrounded by people who may not see these things as priorities.

    Here, some tips to help you with your first time away from home!

    •Make a budget – and stick to it! The fact that the student budget is usually minimal is even more reason to spend what you have wisely. Prioritize – it is possible to still have money for entertainment while making sure all the essentials are covered. It’s a good idea to sit down with your parents before school starts to figure out a budget or take advantage of the school’s financial advice services.

    •Eat regular meals. Sounds simple right? Unfortunately, this can be one of the biggest problems for students away from home for the first time, especially when you have to actually buy the food and cook for yourself! Your schedule will be busy with the addition of extra studies and activities, but forgetting or not bothering to eat on a regular basis will not only be detrimental to your well-being in terms of maintaining a healthy weight, but lead to digestive complications, disordered eating, problems with concentration and lack of immunity. At the very least, start the day with breakfast.

    •Exercise on a regular basis. Exercise is important but it doesn’t have to be boring or become something to dread. The beauty of campus life is that usually there is a whole range of clubs and sports groups to join, whether the idea is to get involved with an activity you may have enjoyed in high school or take the opportunity to learn something completely new. The added bonus of this is that this can be a great time to meet like-minded people and socialize in a healthy way.If joining a group isn’t your thing, even just incorporating more movement into your schedule – walking or biking to class, to the store etc. – is all great for your physical and emotional well-being.

    •Which brings us to the subject of stress. While university has a reputation for being a fun and relatively carefree time of life, the often harsh reality is that you will be taking on a much larger work load than you may be used to. While some students handle the added pressures with ease, it is not uncommon to feel ‘bogged down’ with it all. Some stress can be beneficial – it keeps you alert and can even give you the kick you need to get work done on time. What is essential is to recognize in yourself when ‘good’ stress becomes harmful – trouble sleeping, panic attacks, negative thoughts and unexplained illnesses can all be signs. The fact that this is so prevalent in college students is why most schools offer excellent counselling services. Don’t feel embarrassed to take advantage of this – it could be the difference between finishing school with your sanity intact or dropping out due to pressure.

    One of the most important things to remember during your time at school, which can certainly be one of the best times in your life, is that there are always people to help and guide you. In addition to academic studies, university teaches us how to become independent. You worked hard to get here and it will shape a large part of your future – you owe it to yourself to stay healthy and happy.

  • Time Management Skills

    Time Management Skills

    At the end of the day, time management is going to be one of the chief challenges you face and one of the most valuable skills you develop throughout your post-secondary education. Though university and college is not the first time we’ve had to deal with time restraints, the increased focus on independent study and, for many students, the presence of a part-time job completely redefines how we appreciate and organize our schedules.

    A common joke you’ll hear in your post-secondary education is: “good grades, proper sleep, a social life: choose two.” This isn’t far from the truth! Though you are more than capable of doing all three, as well as hobbies, extra-curricular activities and jobs, many students are shocked by the time requirements called for in both university and college.

    For many this is made even more difficult by going away for school. For the first time you are solely responsible for getting up in the morning, organizing your meals and ensuring that you are capable of staying on top of your workload. It can be hard but it is possible! Developing your time management requires the growth of your individual organizational and prioritizing abilities, as well as sometimes forcing adjustments to certain study habits which may not function as well as they can or should.

    By the end of your degree I promise you’ll be laughing at your younger self, running around and stressing about first-year worries. Until then, let me try and give you some tips to help effectively organize your time:

    i) Design a class schedule around your own sleep pattern. Some of us are night owls, some are early birds. If you are like me and struggle to wake up for early classes, let alone study during that period, don’t be afraid to try and sign up for those 10:00 classes rather than the 8:30 ones.
    ii) Breaks are important. Some will make the argument that it is better to work through everything and, if it works for you, great. If not, accept well-deserved breaks as they come to you. If possible, do something that takes you out of the library or your room – a walk around the block? A jog? If not, try and do something with a clear start and finish. Watch an episode of a television show with the clear 21-minute end and don’t get lost on the internet only to look at the clock again two hours later.
    iii) Sleep is essential! Some cope with the time restraints by cutting back on their sleep schedules and for many we can afford to do this while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Be careful, though, as it can be a slippery slope. Sometimes it’s better to sleep that extra hour than stare listlessly at the computer all morning trying to wake yourself up.

    Just make sure to be careful with your time and make the most of it. In the end you’ll be able to handle your time constraints with no problem!