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Category: Elementary

  • School vs. Life

    School vs. Life

    When you  make the move to junior high and high school, everyone seems to think that there is no way to balance both having a social life and excelling in you academics. However, there is always a way – as long as there is a will!

    The way I see it, you need to earn your breaks, vacations and time off; That is what used to drive me to finish up my last essays and my final projects. I would look at the calendar and mutter to myself, “It’s almost March Break – I got to work hard now so that I can fully enjoy my time off school”. Then I would put all of my effort into my work until the very last class and forget about (almost) everything! Essentially, you want to be able to relax during your breaks and long weekends, so you just have to think of this as a “crunch time”.  Even now, in university, I do this to myself – I work and study hard and once I finish the exam, I shop! Sounds odd to some people, but I call it a “Celebratory Spree Day”, the day when I get to relax after pushing myself to study so hard for my exam period.

    One can also practice time management by planning when you will study and setting aside a few hours for fun with friends, too. For example, give yourself some hours to hang out with your friends before heading home to finish assignments and study.  It’s possible to have great academic standing and a social life, you just need to have the determination and the planning.

    Always remember to enjoy life!

  • Are You Supposed to Pick Just One Career When You Grow Up?

    Are You Supposed to Pick Just One Career When You Grow Up?

    As you enter the world of responsibility, you will be facing many challenges and questions that will have you wondering what exactly it is that you are supposed to do when you grow up. This can leave some wondering whether they need to have a perfect career path already planned out or if they can experiment a little bit and see what feels like a fit. There are many different paths to success and sometimes it takes people a little longer to find what is right for them. This is natural and normal and is a result of the questions and challenges that individuals face along their life’s path.

    When looking at what type of career path you want to pursue, having an idea of what subjects you are good at and can get good marks in is important. This will help you to determine what your natural skills are and will lead you on the path to having a job that you love. Maybe you do really well in your science classes and will follow the path towards a career that involves science in some way. If you excel in sports, you might dream of becoming a professional athlete or even teaching sports and fitness to others. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to choose a career right now – just follow your heart and it will take you where you need to be.

    Know that you are not alone, and seek to get the answers you want about different jobs you see people doing. But above all, have fun and you will find that your career path will open up before you!

  • The Choice is Yours

    The Choice is Yours

    Choosing an educational or career path is difficult, especially when you try to do it alone. But asking for advice can sometimes make things more confusing. When asking for opinions, it’s important to know what – and who – to ask. This guide will help you to collect the kind of advice that will help, not hinder, your decision making.

    1. Think about who really knows you best. You might automatically think, “Mom!” or “Grandpa Joe!” – but that may not be the case. Loving someone or being close to them doesn’t automatically mean that they know you best. Does your Grandpa Joe see you the way you are, or the way he would like you to be? He might think you’d make an amazing mathematics professor when, really, you can’t count and love ballet.

    2. Consider why people make the suggestions they make. Does your Aunt Louise want you to be an orchestra musician because she knows that you love to play violin; or is it because she never realized her own dream of playing in a symphony? Make sure that the suggestions you get are tailored to you, and not to the person suggesting them.

    3. Interview people and ask work-related questions. Ask people what they do (or did) and find out what their jobs were like. Ask family members about their jobs – why they chose them, what they like and don’t like, or what a typical day looks like. People are your best resource: don’t be afraid to ask around to get a better idea of what field might most interest you.

    4. Do your homework. If you already have an idea of what you’d like to do, research it before asking opinions on it. If you’d like to work in accounting, you may not want to ask the opinions of your performing arts family members unless you’ve done a bit of background research. People often react to jobs that they think are “boring” or “difficult” without considering whether or not they’d be right for you. Doing research can also help you when asking questions about other peoples’ jobs.

    The right advice can help you to make a career decision that you feel good about. The wrong advice, on the other hand, can do the opposite. The most important thing to remember is that at the end of the day, the only person doing your job is you. Your cousin Fred may love you, but he won’t be coming to work with you every day. Take advice with a grain of salt; use it to inform your decision making, but remember that your decisions are yours to make.

  • Feel Good About Yourself

    Feel Good About Yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • You Have to Have Fun!

    You Have to Have Fun!

    Starting off in high school can be scary, especially if your list of things to do and your goals are weighing down on you. As important as it is to have goals and to be prepared to work hard, it very important to also be able to manage your stress by letting go and having some fun.

    Everybody has fun in different ways, whether by playing a sport, playing a game, hanging out with friends, doing art, writing or spending time with family and friends. Playing a sport is a great way to focus your energy on something other than whatever is worrying you. Playing a game is a great way to learn some new things, whether it is through a video game or a board game, like Scrabble. Hanging out with friends will help you to connect with others who are facing similar problems and help you to cope with any stress that you are experiencing. Laughing with friends is a great way to release the ever important “happy brain chemicals”, your ally when it comes to facing stress in your life. Doing art can help you to explre any feelings that may be “stuck” or that need to be addressed. Writing can help to mobilize any thoughts or emotions you might have that are lying unconscious, under your level of awareness, ready to be discovered through creative writing.  Spending time with  family is a great way to connect with meaningful people in your life and share any stresses that you may be facing. Also, just relaxing and hanging out with people who you care about will help you to feel good and have fun.

    The important thing is to avoid getting bogged down by your worries and seek an outlet for the playful part of yourself that can get pushed down in times of stress. By relieving stress and having a good time, you release feel good chemicals in your brain which will allow you to better survive and adapt in your everyday life.  Basically, in order to preserve our natural instincts, we must be able to let go and have fun every once and while. This will help us to be stronger and better adapted to our present day life.

  • Studying Actually Works!

    Studying Actually Works!

    It seems like a no-brainer, but when I was in high school I never took the time to actually study effectively. As I got older, I knew I had to take things a lot more seriously and I was going to have to study.

    As you prepare to enter junior high or high school, you might be wondering about tests and exams. How exactly are you supposed to plan for them, especially if you’ve heard horror stories from your older siblings about exam time?

    To be truly honest, studying really is not difficult – and it works! The first time I got back a test in high school with a 100%  grade after I took the time to study effectively, I knew that I had been overreacting about the stress of studying. All that it really takes is time management, good notes and planning.  The following are some tips for effective studying – from an ex-procrastinator:

    1. Take Notes: Though this may seem like an obvious point, a lot of students do not take effective notes. Make sure to pay attention and link back certain class discussions or topics to pages in your text for further reference. That way you can get a full picture of the subject at hand. I also write my notes as if I am trying to explain that day’s class to someone else.
    2. Read Over Your Notes: I never understood the concept of this in high school, put it really does help sink in all the information you learned. It’s good to either go over the previous day’s notes before class starts, or to go over notes right after the class ends.
    3. Ask Questions and Make Note of the Answers: Don’t be afraid to approach the teacher during or after class to get more insight on your lesson of the day.

    Don’t worry – you’ll be a pro in no time!

  • Strange Jobs: Escape Artist

    Strange Jobs: Escape Artist

    Try to think of a job where you get handcuffed, locked in a box, and thrown in a river. Can you imagine anything like that? Most people work in offices, hospitals, factories, or schools. Escape artists, however, work in coffins, burning buildings, steel boxes, and many other unusual places. People such as Dean Gunnarson of Winnipeg use their skills with chains and locks to entertain people in circuses and private performances.

    Escape artists are part of a profession called escapology. The practice of trying to escape from restraints like handcuffs or chains has been around for a long time. In the 1800’s, people began to perform escapes as part of circus acts. The most famous escapologist was Harry Houdini, who could escape from locked boxes while wearing handcuffs and perform all kinds of other amazing feats. He earned a living by doing his escapes in front of people as part of circus acts or on his own.

    A Canadian escapologist is now becoming almost as famous as Harry Houdini. Dean Gunnarson grew up in Winnipeg and began practicing to become an escapologist while he was still a teenager. His success really began after he took part in a television program in which he performed one of Harry Houdini’s old tricks by escaping from a large can that was filled with water. That program made him famous, and soon the hosts of other television programs were talking about him. Soon, he was doing stunts that even Houdini had never done. He has received several awards and world records, including the “World’s Most Daring Escape Artist” from Ripley’s Believe it or Not in 2013.

    Dean Gunnarson earns money from his work as an escapologist, but he also gives a lot of performances for charity. Instead of taking the money for himself, he often performs at events for groups like the Cancer Society or the Variety Club. He has performed in many different countries, including China, Italy, and Venezuela, and his escapes have been shown on television around the world.

    Working as an escape artist can take people to many different places and types of work. Some escape artists work in circuses, where their basic living costs are covered, but they frequently have to move from one city to another. Others manage to get regular performances in places like concert halls and theatres. Some escape artists work at other jobs, such as teaching or library work, while they prepare for a few months per year of travelling around the world with their acts. Working in a circus provides the most reliable income for escape artists, but skilled escapologists can often earn a good living on their own.

    There is no specialized education for becoming an escape artist, but practicing and studying the methods of famous escapologists can help to improve anyone’s skills. Having a flexible body, being physically healthy, and being unafraid of small, dark spaces are some of the main things an escape artist needs. For the right person, escapology can be an exciting and rewarding career.

  • Interview with a Dog Groomer

    Interview with a 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.

  • Using Kids Help Phone

    Using Kids Help Phone

    Everyone has those days where they may be feeling a little down or are dealing with something scary or sad. Sometimes, on days like those, you just need someone to talk to! On the other hand, you may have questions that you just feel too embarrassed to ask your parents or friends. It is good to know that there is a place you can go to – whether it’s picking up a phone or going online.

    Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is a free service for all youth up to the age of 20. The phone lines are open 24/7 and you can remain anonymous and discuss anything you wish to in complete confidentiality. The agency does not have caller ID display and you do not have to leave your name. If you are hesitant to call in, they also offer advice via their website – www.kidshelpphone.ca. Ask your question online!

    The website provides valuable information on topics such as dating, bullying, family, friends, school, mental health, violence, abuse, money and so much more. I looked up the topic “Bullying” on their website and it listed many different types (physical, emotional, social, cyber-bullying, etc.). I also learned that if you are victim of bullying, you should always tell someone, whether it be your teacher, parents, friends or even someone at Kids Help Phone. The next important tip I read on this topic was to make sure that I stay safe by taking the necessary steps to protect myself as much as I can. If the bully is targeting you when you are alone, try to walk with friends and keep in the company of others when at school. Try to avoid the person and, again, reporting this person is the best course of action to take.

    Take a look at the website and browse the topics which offer so much advice and reading material on the daily issues that may be a part of your life right now. There is also a forum in which you can see other readers’ questions and posts under any topic. The best part is that a counsellor from Kids Help Phone responds to the posts, so you know you will be getting great advice. This may help you if you are going through a similar life event or situation. Just remember that this service exists for a reason – to help kids know that there is someone out there who cares and wants to listen. Even if you feel that you don’t need to call this number right now, it is helpful to keep the number handy by putting it in your cell phone or writing it down somewhere. No question or concern is too little, so feel welcome to use Kids Help Phone at any time!

  • No More Bullying

    No More Bullying

    In elementary school, everyone is undergoing changes developing themselves in different ways. Because of the pressures of growing up, some people learn to adapt and cope in successful ways, such as by finding an outlet for their emotions in activities like competitive sports, clubs, or even just seeking friendship and support from others. Unfortunately, some people have negative coping mechanisms that lead them to find more destructive outlets for their emotions. Sometimes a negative coping mechanism will reveal itself as bullying. This bullying can take many forms, from verbal abuse to stealing from people and even to physical abuse. Bullying is a problem that needs to be addressed with the bully and with the victim because both are affected.

    When people are bullied they can feel sad and left out, as well as feel that they have something wrong with them that results in the bullying. If you are being bullied, the most important thing to remember is that it is not your fault that you are being picked on. It may not be safe to confront the bully themselves, but by informing your principal, teachers, parents and friends, you can create a support network to protect yourself from the person or people that are harassing you. Also remember that the law is on your side when it comes to bullying and any evidence that you can get for proving that the person or people are harassing you will be invaluable. Try to have a friend present with you at all times so that you have a witness and a protector.

    The person or people who do the bullying have emotional wounds themselves that need to be addressed by a counselor or other qualified professional. Most of the time bullies have problems at home or problems with other aspects of their life story that is causing them to act out in negative ways. These people may be viewed as “bad people” but the reality is that they probably have a serious insecurity or deep emotional wounding that is preventing them from growing up in a healthy way. By talking to someone about their feelings, they can start to heal.

    By reporting a bully, you are doing everyone a favor because that person is probably bullying more people than just you. This negative situation may be painful for you, but don’t worry –  bullying is becoming more and more of an important issue in schools, so when you do speak out it will be received by a well-prepared audience.

    Remember that you are not alone and your voice will be heard.