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Category: Elementary

  • Dream Job: Sports Coach

    Dream Job: Sports Coach

    Many people dream of becoming great hockey players or tennis stars. A few of them manage to fulfill their dreams and to play in the sport they love. However, the career of an athlete is usually fairly short. Depending on the sport, athletes might be finished by the time they are twenty-five or thirty years old. What can they do after that?  Some of them get into an entirely different type of work, like teaching or accounting. Others, however, stay in their sports through becoming coaches. That was the case for Michel Therrien, coach of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team.

    If you play on a sports team at school or a community centre, you probably know a bit about what coaches do. Basically, they help the athletes in the sport to play better than before. They might help players improve a certain part of their style, such as how they hold a hockey stick, or they might just generally encourage them to keep on practicing. Often, being a coach involves making decisions about who will play and for how long. Being a coach involves an ability to deal with people calmly and to make good decisions quickly.

    Normally, coaches work in sports that they also have played in the past. Michel Therrien, for example, used to be a player for the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. Now he is the team’s coach. His experience as a player is useful in helping him understand how players can improve their hockey skills. He also knows how to advise the players on the best way to play their game. For example, he might see how a really fast skater can help someone who is slower but very good at getting goals. He can see when a player is working well with the others and when someone needs help. Michel Therrien has experience with both the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and everything he has learned has helped him to become a better coach.

    The requirements for being a coach can vary a lot. Coaches for school teams are usually teachers with degrees in education, and many coaches take courses to become certified in their area. Through these programs, they learn different coaching techniques and ways of dealing with people. Experience, however, is often the most important way to learn the work. Many people start out as assistant coaches and learn from someone who has been doing the job for a long time. Michel Therrien started his coaching career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he coached two teams before becoming a professional hockey player.

    If you love sports and dream of playing them for the rest of your life, becoming a coach just might be the job of a lifetime!

  • Succeeding In High School

    Succeeding In High School

    Whenever we are facing a life change, we are worried that there may be new challenges that we may have difficulty with. This is natural and is actually adaptive for your survival as a human being. By thinking about what high school might be like, you are helping yourself to be prepared for what may lie ahead. Try thinking of yourself as an explorer entering the jungle on an expedition. Would it be smart for that explorer to enter the jungle without first having thought through the possible outcomes of their expedition? The answer is no. The explorer must prepare themselves for what lies ahead in order to stay out of danger and ensure their success on their expedition. As you enter high school, you are like the explorer – in need of some preparation for what lies ahead. Be sure to think through some of the challenges you may encounter and try as best you can to prepare for these, such as buying appropriate school supplies and being open to learning new things.

    It’s important to keep in mind that a positive attitude is your best friend wherever you go, especially when you are facing new challenges that may intimidate you and challenge you to change yourself in some ways. Being positive will help you to overcome situations that are unpleasant or uncomfortable and to help you remember what it is that you do have, as opposed to focusing on what you don’t have, what you lack, or what is negative.

    That being said, it is equally important to have your own goals and ambitions that surpass your desire and need to be better than others. Remember that you are your highest competitor, and that you can most satisfactorily achieve your goals by competing with YOUR goals and only YOUR goals. Set goals for yourself using the SMART formula: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timed (Wikipedia, 2013) and make your own success. You will have more work in high school than you’ve had before, so it’s important to set your goals and work to achieve them!

    Overall, being prepared, having a positive attitude, believing in yourself and setting goals for yourself is the way to success in high school. Good luck and, above all, have fun!

  • The Importance of Being True to Yourself

    The Importance of Being True to Yourself

    Each and every single one of us has a unique set of values, beliefs, and even inspirations that make us who we are as individuals. Naturally, as we progress through life, these very important elements that lie at the very core of our existence will slightly alter and adjust in a manner to allow for the new experiences and situations that we have endured. Life is much like a sea… at one time; we may drift peacefully and quietly atop the glistening waters. Then, there will be situations in which we must work to keep ourselves afloat waters that are ferocious and ominous in nature.

    Yes, it is true, there will be treacherous waters and frightening and intimidating clouds that linger among us throughout life, but it is essential that we each realize the importance of being true to ourselves. Is it not true that in the roughest of seas men learn to survive? Is it not among the violent waves that men learn to welcome and appreciate the calm surfaces of the water? Is it not true that when men face the evil of the storm that they relish in the calm that occurs after the thunders and treacherous waves have passed? If you are searching for the importance of being true to yourself, consider the man that was consumed by something much larger than he.

    In order to be true to yourself in the midst of peace and calmness, you must stand firm in your beliefs when staring opposition in the face. This is what assists in developing who you are, this is what defines you… your ability to overcome and learn.

    Many times in life, we will be faced with temptations that may defy who we are as individuals. It is so much easier to go with the natural flow of the tide than to push against it. It is human nature to want to experience as little complications as possible. What you must consider is if you are denying yourself of some important lesson, of something much bigger than you or you ever imagined. If floating with the direction of the tide defies you as an individual, and you feel as if you will not gain any type of insight as to who you are, or it does not allow you to stand alongside of your personal beliefs and convictions, turn that boat around and push with all of your might against the tide.

    It is better for a man to be true to who he is, rather than deny himself of all the rewards he will experience as standing alone in his personal convictions and beliefs.

    Being true to yourself is a very rewarding experience. Many experiences and situations will come your way and threaten the very existence of your unique stand in life. We pass over many different waves in life, many ships come in, and many ships pass us by. In many cases, animals of the wild such as sharks will want to engulf us in order to define their existence. Stormy skies will sometimes linger over us, and violent wars sometimes rest on the banks of life. In all of these things, you must stand strong in who you are. Allowing these situations to overcome you, violate you, and even control you in any way, just may be the point in which you lose sight of the horizon, sight of who you truly are.

  • Be Internet Smart

    Be Internet Smart

    The internet plays a vital role in most of our lives. We use it to communicate with one another, research and educate ourselves and create things. But the dangers of the internet are always there and carelessness and misuse of it can result in some serious consequences.

    We have all heard of computer viruses. They aren’t limited to harming just a single computer, they can attack multiple computers within seconds. Viruses are used to spy on random targets and collect confidential information such as bank or credit card information. It is important to make sure your computer has its firewall set up as well as anti-virus. Before playing on the Internet, ask your parents or a teacher if the computer you are using is protected. Also be aware of deceiving ads that often unknowingly install software on your computer to steal personal information.

    As the Internet offers an array of entertaining activities, such as movies, television and games, it can be very addictive. It may sound funny, but there is a medical condition known as IAD (Internet Addiction Disorder). Symptoms may include excessive or compulsive use of websites used for social media and online purchasing.  It is a good idea to take consistent breaks from the internet every so often.

    We know the Internet is a great place to interact. You meet people through chat rooms and games. However, it can be very dangerous as we cannot always put a face behind the person on the other side. Individuals may become victims of cyberbullying or may be coerced into sending photos or sharing personal information. So be aware of who you are chatting with and only chat with people you personally know, such as classmates and your friends, on a safer platform like Skype. And NEVER go into random Internet chat rooms.

    Although the Internet offers a variety of activities, it also poses a major threat in many ways. Always be cautious of viruses, personal usage and potential predators online. Be safe and have fun.

  • Why Do We Have to Study History?

    Why Do We Have to Study History?

    History is a very interesting subject. It is the study of ancient times up until the present since the discovery of writing. History is basically the written account of events since the very dawn of human civilization. So why is it so important to study the past? What’s so interesting about history?

    History is very important for a large number of different reasons. It isn’t only important to just remember the people and events of the past because we want to remember them; the events of the past have all, in some way, led to the way things are in the present. Studying history can help us understand this series of events, and how the changes that occurred led up to the present day.

    It is often repeated that, “if we don’t study history, we are doomed to repeat it.” This statement is very true.  Since the past affects us so much now it is important to know where ancient people went wrong, such as which decisions led to unpleasant things like wars, technological innovations, and laws.

    For example, World War One, which lasted from 1914 to 1918 was one of the most deadly and dangerous wars that ever occurred. This war changed the balance of power in the world, creating whole new countries and destroying old ones. Its easy to see why its so important to learn about this war, many of the reasons that things are as they are, is due to the changes that the war brought about.

    Another very big historical changing point was known as the Protestant Reformation. This event changed the entire world. Before the Reformation all of Christianity was controlled by the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Luther was a German man who disagreed with the way the church was being run, so he nailed his 95 Theses to the front of a church door. This event led to the creation of many new sects of Christianity and more huge changes in the world. Wars happened between countries that supported the Catholic Church, and those who did not.

    The most important reason to study history is so that the mistakes of the past are never repeated again, for the good of all of humanity. Two major examples of this are the Holocaust and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, two Japanese cities. The Holocaust was a horrible atrocity that occurred in World War Two where millions of Jewish, Gypsy, Polish, and communists died under the orders of Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany. Knowing history is so important because awful events like this can never be repeated. As long as we remember the tragedies and mistakes of the past, we can take steps to avoid them in the present.

    Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed entirely by American atomic bombs at the end of World War Two. The cities were completely destroyed with only one each. The power of the bombs shocked the world, and since then no country has ever again used a nuclear weapon in war. This is an example of people learning from the past by studying history, and putting the information to peaceful use  in the present.

    For these reasons, it is important for us to learn about the history of our world.

  • Dream Job: Illustrator

    Dream Job: Illustrator

    When you first learned to read, you probably enjoyed books with a lot of pictures and very few words. The pictures were important for making the book fun, but also for helping to tell the story. If you didn’t understand the words, you could look at the pictures for help. As you got older and understood longer words and sentences, you probably still enjoyed seeing pictures and maps in books or on the computer screen. Even for adults, pictures, diagrams, and maps can be very enjoyable and helpful. Most of these pictures and drawings are the work of illustrators.

    Most children learn to draw pictures when they are very young, and some people continue to develop their skills long after childhood. Knowing how to draw well is an important part of being an illustrator, but the career involves much more than that. In the past, most illustrators worked with a pen or pencil and paper. Some of them still work that way, especially when they do illustrations for books or magazines that come out in print. Now, however, many illustrators work with computer programs and software to create drawings with colour and movement. They might illustrate video games, movies, and television commercials. Anything with pictures can use the services of a good illustrator.

    Being able to draw and to use the right software is an important part of becoming an illustrator, but it is not the only important thing. Learning new techniques and developing natural talents can help people find work in the field and to make a good income. Some illustrators become successful in their field just through practice, but many people find it helpful to study their craft at a university or community college. A four-year Bachelor of Illustration degree can help give students the background information they need to get god jobs, and shorter community college programs can give a very practical basis for a career in illustration.

    Do you like putting pictures and words together? Maybe you should consider becoming an illustrator.

  • Dream Job: Painter

    Dream Job: Painter

    Imagine that your work is famous across Canada. That might not happen for a plumber or an electrician, but it can happen for the kinds of people who paint pictures. Do you know about any famous Canadian painters? You might have heard of some artists called the Group of Seven, who were well-known artists in the twentieth century. If you are interested in becoming an artist and you develop your talents, you might also become a well-known painter.

    In 1920, several Canadian artists were beginning to develop a new style of painting. These painters were especially interested in painting using the same modern style as the well-known painter, Tom Thompson. They decided to support each other by forming the Group of Seven. Artists such as A. Y. Jackson and Franz Johnson thought that by working together, they would be able to develop their skills much better than they could by working alone. They travelled throughout Ontario and studied European painters to learn more about art. The style of art that they developed is still easy to recognize now.

    Tom Thomson, who had inspired the artists of the Group of Seven, died in 1917 and was never part of the group. However, artists who followed his time also followed the style that he had preferred. The landscapes around Lake Superior were some of their favourite subjects to paint. Later, their style influenced artists like Emily Carr and others.

    You might never be as famous as the Group of Seven, but you can still become a painter if you are flexible and willing to work in all kinds of areas. Painters can work for businesses, schools, magazines or museums. A special type of education is generally not a requirement, but a degree in the fine arts can be helpful. Under half of the artists in Canada have formal training from a university or college.

    Special festivals and fairs are good places for painters to sell pictures to people, and art shows give customers the chance to look around for what they want. If people like your art, it might even end up in an art gallery.

    An important part of becoming a painter is developing a personal style. You might use only bright colours or darker shades. You can work with others to develop your favourite type of art or you can work alone. Whatever style you prefer, you can become an effective and successful artist.

  • Jobs with Animals: Dog Groomer

    Jobs with Animals: Dog Groomer

    I interviewed Kelly Booth, a local dog groomer. We talked about dog grooming as a career, some challenges she faces at work, and what she enjoys about her job.

    M: Being a dog groomer isn’t a typical occupation. When and how did you decide to pursue it as a career?
    K: I knew I wanted to work with animals, so I just started applying to pet stores and veterinary clinics. I dropped off my resume at PetSmart where the manager explained the process of becoming a groomer. I would start as a bather and, if I showed potential, they would send me to the grooming “academy” which is run by PetSmart. So this is what I did, and I’ve been doing it for about three years now.

    M: What kind of schooling is required, and how long does it take?
    K: The training I received was pretty basic. I just went to an “academy certified” PetSmart store where I was trained how to groom. This lasted about a month and we learned how to do the different cuts on the main breeds of dogs.

    M: What are some typical challenges that you face at work?
    K: As you can imagine, working with dogs is not always easy. They can be temperamental and unpredictable. The most common challenge I face is grooming dogs that are just generally uncooperative, i.e.: pulling their legs when I’m trying to brush them or groom them, not standing, squirming when I’m trying to do their nails, etc. I get bit and scratched quite a lot. It can be frustrating and scary because I’m dealing with sharp objects and it can be dangerous.

    It’s also really hard on your body. A lot of groomers end up getting carpal tunnel and back and leg problems.

    M: What is the career path for someone who has just completed their schooling?
    K: I started as a bather/brusher, which is basically just bathing and brushing out the dogs, clipping their toenails, and cleaning their ears. After about six months, I started my training. After that, I had to do a 100-dog “apprenticeship”, in which I had to groom twenty shave-downs, twenty sporting dogs, twenty short-legged terriers, twenty long-legged terriers, and twenty hand-scissor cuts. When I was finished that, I became a commissioned groomer.

    M: What are the typical earnings per dog?
    K: The earnings vary depending on the cut that the pet parent wants. For example, a simple shave down ranges from $55-$65 or $80-$90 for a hand-scissored poodle. Some larger dogs, like a Newfoundlander or an Old English Sheepdog, can be $100-$120. Commissions are typically 50-70%.

    M: What is your favourite thing about your job?
    K: I love working with animals. Sometimes we get dogs that like to give hugs and kisses. And the little puppies are always so much fun! I also really like being able to use my hands to create something. Helping the dogs feel better after being all matted is really rewarding.

  • Dream Job: Voice Actor

    Dream Job: Voice Actor

    A hidden group of people is making a big impact on our society. Voice actors might seem invisible, but they are everywhere. Have you ever watched an educational television program? Do you watch cartoons or play video games? If you have, you know the work of a voice actor. Just like regular actors on television or in movies, voice actors play many different roles. Instead of appearing on the screen, they use their voices to provide the words in many different movies, televisions, commercials, and more.

    The general public might not know what voice actors look like or even recognize their names. However, voice actors have an important role in all kinds of media productions. They provide the voices of cartoon characters and read the narration on programs about all kinds of topics. Have you ever watched a program about a famous scientist or maybe about deserts or wild animals? If so, you most likely heard a voice actor speaking. Commercials on television or radio also often have voice actors talking about the product or service, giving information on the choices that are available.

    Video games, telephone messaging systems, and training videos all use voice actors. Audiobooks, where people make recordings of novels or other books, are also the work of voice actors. These books are useful for people who are blind, but also for people who want to listen to a book in the car or who have trouble holding books for any reason. Voice actors might read short stories, complete novels, biographies, history books, and more.

    Like the people who act on television or in movies, voice actors learn their skills by going to acting school. Many universities and colleges offer courses in the performing arts. Courses in readers’ theatre are especially good for learning how to put different emotions and ideas into the voice. Taking roles in community productions can also be very useful practice.

    Most regular acting happens in groups, with one or more actors and several people on the film crew. Voice acting, however, often happens with one person alone in a studio with a sound engineer listening nearby. Bad weather or problems with messy hair or the wrong clothes are not issues for voice actors. However, health is an important factor. No one can avoid ever getting a cold or the flu. However, being able to speak clearly is very important for voice actors. Voice actors need to try to keep themselves healthy and to prevent illness if possible.

     

  • Dream Job: Game Show Researcher

    Dream Job: Game Show Researcher

    Watching game shows can be a fun way to relax. Do you or your family like to watch them? One of the very popular game shows is a quiz show called Jeopardy. The show features three people answering all kinds of questions about topics like sports, history and languages. Have you ever thought about the people who write those questions? Game show researchers help to provide the material to keep shows like Jeopardy running, educating and entertaining people.

    Some game shows involve a lot of action and audience participation, but Jeopardy is different. It involves three people at a time answering questions read out by the host, Alex Trebek. The show has gone through several versions with different rules and styles.

    Each show features three basic sections: jeopardy, double jeopardy, and final jeopardy. The first two sections include six different topics or categories with five clues in each one, which any contestant can answer. Final jeopardy involves one category, and all of the contestants must try to answer that one. Questions can come from almost any field that people might know, including history, language, science or mathematics.

    When people watch the show, they might not know how much work goes into research for each episode. A whole team of people spend hours every day looking for information to use on the show. Michele Silverman Loud is one of those people. She graduated from Tufts University in the United States and hoped to become a journalist.

    When Michele was unable to find work in that field, she applied for work as a researcher for Jeopardy. She enjoyed the work and later moved into being a clue writer for the show, using the information from the research team. Since the show is on television five days a week, she was never out of work.

    Both the researcher and writer jobs require a certain amount of knowledge but not any particular education. Most people in this field have at least a bachelor’s degree. However, the ability to find good information and write clearly is more important. Finding good sources of information is the first step. If the information is wrong, the contestants and the audience will be unhappy. Clear writing is also essential to avoid confusing the players. Researchers and writers have to know how to write something that is easy to understand

    Can you imagine working on a fun game show for a living? You can do it! Dream big.