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
If you ever work with computers, you know how helpful but sometimes frustrating they can be. You might have worked for hours on a project and then found that only the first few pages of your work were saved. Maybe you have a project ready to send to a classmate or teacher, but your connection to the Internet is not working. That kind of problem can be a major issue for businesses. Information technology network technicians help to keep computers and their connections running smoothly so that people can continue with their tasks.
Generally, information technology network technicians work in places such as large offices, universities, or school districts where people use computers regularly for a variety of tasks, such as information searching, communicating with colleagues, or other tasks. As the job title suggests, much of the work deals with networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks) or web servers. They install software to monitor security or to allow computers access to printers, monitors, or keyboards.
Sometimes people in this field work with computer hardware, including hard drives and web server equipment, to make sure that it is working properly. At other times, they work with software. Anything related to making sure that computers are functioning properly can be part of the work of an information technology network technician. Often, this job involves responding to crises and finding problems in computer coding or connections. Troubleshooting is an important skill for people in this field.
Sometimes, information technology network technicians work with several other people in a computer department of an office, but they often work alone or sometimes with one colleague. Being able to work alone is an important aspect of the job. However, these technicians also need to be able to explain the concepts to people in the office who might know little about computers or networks. Being able to take a complicated concept and explain it to others is helpful in this job.
The education necessary for this job depends on the situation. However, most employers require a college education in computer science, network administration, web technology, or a similar field. An education in a related area is also a possibility in some cases. Normally, these programs take at least two or three years to complete. Software vendors also have training programs that can help people gain the knowledge they need.
Preparing for a career in this field is important. In high school, taking computer courses is a good idea. Classes in English are useful for reading instructions and learning more about the work, and mathematics courses are good for learning to make calculations.
Working as an information technology network technician can involve long hours and occasional emergencies when a network breaks down. The work is normally indoors, but technicians might sometimes need to work on outside cables and do the necessary repairs. Paying attention to details is important to be able to detect the problems when they occur.
Generally, salaries begin at about $37,000 per year and can rise to $69,000 per year. The detailed work can become difficult later in life as people’s vision fades and their hands become less steady, but it can be a good career for many years. It could be the right career for you.
Bibliography:
Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists. “Information Technology.” https://www.cctt.ca/disciplines/information-technology.
Job Bank. “Computer Network Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/24514/ca.
Payscale Canada. “Average Network Technician, IT Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Network_Technician%2C_IT/Hourly_Rate.
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/.
Are the winter blahs getting you down? Do you feel like you need a change? If only you could get away from it all.
Well, maybe you don’t have to. Changing your space (both your physical space and your head space) can make you happier and healthier.
There are a lot of little things you can do to improve your mood and your outlook on life.
Colours, for example, are a great way to express yourself and they also emote certain feelings. This concept is called “colour psychology”. Though there isn’t a lot of research on the subject right now, it is commonly considered in marketing, design and art.
Certain colours are believed to make a room give off a certain vibe. Blue is considered to be a calming, tranquil colour that may help people sleep, which is why lighter shades of blue are often seen in bedrooms. Violet can bring inner peace and balance. Green reminds people of the outdoors and has a calming, refreshing feeling (there’s a reason TV studios leave guests in what is referred to as a “Green Room”). Grey is cooling and soothing. Red is vibrant and brings energy to a room. Yellow is bright, happy and joyful. Brown also represents nature and gives a more earthy feel. And purple (the colour of royalty) often makes people feel sophisticated and wealthy.
If you are going to paint your room, think of how you would like to feel in the space before you pick a colour. If you want to feel calm and relaxed, you probably wouldn’t want to pick bright red.
Painting isn’t the only way to spruce up your space. You could create original art for your walls, dresser or bookshelves. Buy a blank canvas at a craft store and let your imagination inspire you. This will help you feel like your room is yours. It will also give you something to do on cold, wintery nights. If you’re handy, you could look at making a new lamp for your desk. There are a number of great ideas online that can get you started. You could try reusing some old household materials and creating a unique statue or sculpture.
Try moving your furniture around, even just a little bit. People who believe in the power of Feng Shui, which in simple terms is a Chinese system that believes the positioning of certain items in your home has a direct relationship to the flow of energy, believe even a slight movement will help improve the mood in your room.
Reorganizing your space will not only alleviate the tension between you and your parents, but it is a proven fact that a clean, tidy, organized room has a positive effect on your mood. De-cluttering can make you feel calm, in control and grateful. If you clean out your old clothes that no longer fit, old sporting equipment you don’t use and old toys you have outgrown, you’ll not only notice how lucky you are for having so much, but you can also help others by donating them to a charity or organization for people in need. Another benefit to having a tidy, well-organized space is you will become more creative and efficient. Writing a big paper will be way easier in a room you enjoy being in, rather than a messy, disorganized space you can’t even find the top of your desk in. And actually being able to find your clothes and backpack in the morning will reduce stress and probably make you late less often.
Whatever you choose to do to embrace your space, make it your own. You’ll be much happier in the long run, and it’ll give you a project to help banish those winter blues.
Who knows? You may even inspire the rest of your household to revamp, rejuvenate and de-clutter other rooms this winter.
When you think about the winter season, you might think about the cold weather, and its shorter and darker days. During this season, it is very important to remember that you should still stick to your usual routine, even if you have to change it up a bit. Taking care of yourself and your health may be difficult if you aren’t feeling too motivated.
Take Care of Your Health
As it gets colder, you may think you’ll feel better if you curl up under blankets while eating your favourite comfort foods. Although it is perfectly okay to take some time to “chill”, it isn’t something you should be doing all day, every day. It is important to take care of your health by engaging in physical activity and eating healthier and more nutritious foods. Food that contains Vitamin B can help the brain produce serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that helps balance moods. Exercising also releases good chemicals called “endorphins”. Endorphins are chemicals that can help you feel happy. If you want to exercise at home, you could find fitness videos online and follow along while playing your favourite upbeat music in the background. Or if you think you’ll feel more motivated by leaving the house to work out, you could sign up for exercise classes
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is a good way to feel relaxed. You can take care of your mind, your skin, and your body. Meditating and practicing mindfulness can make a big difference in your mood and your thoughts. Taking care of your skin can also help you feel better. In the winter, your skin tends to become drier. Making sure to alter your skincare routine during this time is a good idea. Taking a bath is a cozy way to merge skincare and mindfulness. Surrounding yourself with certain essential oils and candles can help keep you relaxed while you practice self-care.
Socialize
During the winter season, it is common for people to isolate themselves from the cold weather outdoors. Since most people spend time indoors, they don’t engage in many social activities. Staying isolated from others can affect your mood and make you feel unhappy. It is important to stay engaged in social activities during the winter. You could make plans with friends and enjoy the seasonal activities, such as skating and signing up for any classes offered during that time.
Get An Indoor Hobby
Just because the winter months are rolling in doesn’t mean that you have to abandon your interests and sit around sulking all day. There are several hobbies that you can add to your day. You could learn how to bake new treats, paint, read a new book, learn a new language, and more! Having a hobby to do in the winter can help keep your mind occupied and add some excitement throughout your winter days.
Vitamin D
During the winter, the days are much shorter and colder. Most people leave for work or school very early in the morning when it is still dark and come back around the time the sun begins to set. Since the sun is out for less time than in the summer, you are not exposed to the sun as often. One way to get as much sun as possible is to leave your curtains open and stay near windows where it’s possible. Another way to give yourself the vitamin the sun provides is to take Vitamin D supplements or eat many foods that contain that vitamin. Although the sun has its benefits, it can also be harmful. On that note, don’t forget to always apply SPF even if you are not going outside!
Now that you have a few ideas about how to keep yourself healthy and busy throughout this season, you’ll have a fun and healthy winter!
Resources:
https://www.tcmworld.org/tips-transition-winter-time/
https://claritychi.com/preparing-early-combat-winter-blues/
https://www.realbuzz.com/articles-interests/health/article/10-ways-to-beat-the-winter-blues/
There is no doubt that winter can make us feel a little gloomy given the fact that it limits our outdoor activities and forces us to stay indoors most of the time. However, there are ways to combat these winter blues that can even help us acquire a summer mood. One of those ways is to have an indoor garden, no matter the space. Read on for the essential tips.
Choose the right plants
Not all plants are built for indoors, but the good news is that there is a great number of plants that thrive indoors—and can even help improve indoor quality too! Examples are aloe vera, spider plant, gerbera daisy, red-edge dracaena, azalea, weeping fig, English ivy, and Chinese evergreen. You may ask your home and garden supply stores for these plants. Be wary of poisonous indoor plants like the snake plant (the name practically gives it away) as they can be harmful for kids and pets.
Check for the light
Most indoor plants require a great deal of sunlight. Thus, if you are starting an indoor garden, make sure you have enough space in your house so you can place them by the windows or anywhere else where they can receive ample sunlight—even during winter’s short daytime hours. Of course, there are plants that wither easily from sunlight too, so place them away from sunlight.
Don’t forget the right soil
You don’t have to be born with a green thumb to know which soil is best for indoor plants. Simply apply common sense. Garden soil is a no-no for indoor plants simply because it is for the outside garden. This type of soil will make your indoor plants undernourished. As such, go with humus and perlite instead. You may also choose to use fertilizer with half-strength liquid.
Know the adequate amount of moisture
You don’t have to drown your indoor plants with water. Give them just the ample amount. Spritzing them with water is the best move. For other plants, it is best to give water from the bottom up. Place the pot on a bowl or dish with water, and your indoor plants will thank you. If the pot is small enough, you can also take them to the tub or sink to soak them—but not too much.
Right-size the pot
Often, you would not have to change the pot that the plant came in with. In some cases, when you have to replant, it is best to go with a pot that is at least two inches bigger in diameter than the original one. Avoid using too big pots as this would tend to make you give them more water than necessary. Too much water can rot the roots, and you will have a withered plant in no time.
Kick away that winter gloom by following the tips above and filling your space with greenery instead. You will be happy that you made the move.
Go for natural critter control
It is unlikely your indoor plants would attract bugs. However, there are some types that do, especially if you have vegetable plants. If this happens, go for organic pesticide control. Always make sure not to spray too much, and when spraying, keep it at a safe distance.
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!
I was raised in a strict household with four other children, all younger than I. Throughout our childhood, we were constantly told that having a roof over our heads and meals to eat were privileges, and that our parents did not owe it to us. Needless to say, going beyond those simple necessities—like helping with post-secondary education—was not a priority for my parents. They never saved money for any of us, and we did not even receive high school graduation presents. At a very young age, we were on our own. Each of us got our first job at age thirteen, and knew that our futures would quite literally be decided by how hard we worked. In retrospect, for me this produced a great work ethic and a stubborn ambition that I will never escape. Given today’s economy and the size of some families, financial support from one’s family is not always available. But what happens if you find yourself without their emotional support as well? What if you find yourself in university surrounded by expectation and new people, drowning in student debt, and with no one to call and cry to about it all? What if you are—in actuality—all on your own?
In my third year of university I was diagnosed with ADHD, something I only found out because of a breakdown that stemmed from loneliness and financial anxiety that sent me knocking on the university counsellor’s office door. After a handful of sessions and a background check of my school patterns, the counsellor very carefully asked if I might want to take a few tests. I was opposed to it, but desperate to get better; at that point, focusing on things—which had always been a problem for me—had become so impossible that my schoolwork had come to a standstill. Since I was a child, I have always been a kind of an open book. It’s very difficult for me to keep things in, and I am constantly talking and telling stories. As the years went by, these seemingly harmless traits accelerated and turned me into an extremely anxious and scattered person.
ADHD has not been widely researched in women, and moreover it has a certain stigma as many—including myself—believe it to be over-diagnosed. Being diagnosed as a twenty-something was very strange and difficult to explain to people. But the truth is that many women with ADHD experience low self-esteem, eating disorders, obesity, depression and anxiety. And as you can imagine, being enrolled in university with this kind of setback and no family support can be crippling, but there are habits you can set for yourself to make things easier:
Don’t run away from financial talk.
Eliminating stress is crucial, and as a post-secondary student finances can always be on the brain. Even though it may seem easier to ignore the mess university can create for your bank account, stay on top of it:
• Keep a note of what is coming in and what is going out.
• Constantly be on the lookout for scholarships and grants.
• Have a financial advisor, either at your school, at your bank or both, that you see periodically. Be aware of your debts and have them advise you on long-term payment plans.
Always have someone you can talk to.
If you’re dealing with mental illness, make sure to see a professional on a regular basis. Even if you’re feeling fine, sometimes a quick check-in can work wonders for your health.
Build a family of friends.
Surround yourself with people who truly care about you and who you value as well. A support squad can keep you feeling motivated and provide you with people to talk to and team up with.
Fight the urge to be resentful.
This is the absolute hardest part. Grudges can cause anxiety and depression, the very things you are trying to avoid. It is so easy to be angry, and so hard to forgive. But if you surround yourself with positive people (see above ‘squad’ suggestion), and keep the conversation flowing about overcoming your obstacles, you will find that resentfulness will feel exhausting and you will avoid it. School, relationships and your health will flourish.
So, you are getting close to the end of your schooling, and you have decided to go into one of the skilled trades for your career. You may even already have an idea of what trade industry you want to work in – that’s great!
Whether you have already decided on a career path or are still looking at options, a great way to learn more about what it’s like working in a specific trade is to do a job shadow with someone in that field.
Job shadowing is when you accompany a professional during their workday to see what sort of tasks and activities their job involves. When you are learning about a prospective career, internet research, books, and other resources are very useful, but there are always some aspects of a job that need to be seen and experienced in person to give you a real sense of what it would be like to work in a specific trade.
Spending time with a working professional makes it easier to get accurate, first-hand information about the job responsibilities and the industry itself. You also have the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one with someone who is an expert in the field. As well, even though you will be shadowing with one person, you will have the opportunity to meet other people working other positions and in other departments. This is a great chance to network and make connections in the company and trade industry, which can be valuable contacts later on when you are looking for an internship or other career opportunity. Seeing how the employees of a company interact will also give you an idea of the company culture and dynamics.
Not sure how to find and arrange a job shadow opportunity? Your first option is to check with your school guidance counsellor or careers teacher, as they likely have a good idea of people or companies suitable for hosting a student job shadow. You can also ask someone you know personally, such as a family member or family acquaintance, if they or someone they work with would be interested in taking a job shadow with them for a day. You may also feel more comfortable spending the time with someone you are familiar with, and therefore be more relaxed and willing to ask questions or participate in work activities.
Lastly, you can approach someone at the company directly, such as through their human resources department, to inquire if they have done job shadowing opportunities before. Many companies in the trades also have co-op and youth apprenticeship programs, and so are likely to have someone willing to take you as a job shadow- don’t be afraid to ask!
Most importantly, when you are out on your job shadow, remember to be enthusiastic and interested. Whomever you shadow with, they are willing to spend valuable time in order to share their job, their experience, and their interest with you, so be sure to return the favour. Have fun shadowing!
You may not have thought of it, but working in a trade can help you in your everyday life. The skills you develop in a trade can be practical, technical, and useful. When you think about working in the trades, keep in mind all that it could bring to your personal life, alongside a great career.
Here are some trade career examples that have the potential to help you in your personal life:
Carpenter: Being a carpenter is about putting together projects and mainly building things. If you have ever dreamed about building your own home, being a carpenter would cut labour costs for you, making it easier to afford in the long run. Carpenters have a general sense of how to fix practical things. For example, if you have a door that won’t close in your house, you would be able to examine the problem, take the door off and put it back on properly. Even if you don’t build your own house, but are still a carpenter, you would be able to fix things that are broken within your house. How cool would it be if you could build a tree fort for your kids?
Chef: Being a professional chef has its perks. When you train to be a chef, you learn about safe food practices, nutrition, and the importance of cleanliness, before and after cooking. These things can be applied at home. You can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills by hosting social events and parties. If you have children, you will be aware of what nutritious food is best, and you could even teach them how to prepare it. You could also lend your skills and knowledge to places like shelters and food banks. We can’t live without food; so naturally, being a chef will always be a part of your personal life, alongside your career.
Electrician: We use electricity almost every moment of every day. If it isn’t powering the lights on in our house, it is charging our phones or laptops. Electricians have exciting jobs, for every day is different. You could be doing commercial wiring in a big building to setting up power cables in a residential home (depending on what company you work for and what your specialty is). If you are an electrician, you could fix faulty wires in your house or your friend’s house, possibly fix your electronics, install solar-power within your house, and maybe fix the radio wires in your car. The opportunities to bring your electrical know-how into your everyday life are endless.
Auto Mechanic: The perk of being an auto mechanic is simple: You can fix your own vehicle. People spend thousands of dollars a year on their cars and trucks. If you become an auto mechanic, you will be able to fix your own vehicle problems without anyone trying to hustle you for more money. Most auto mechanics have a garage at home and work tools on hand, just in case they have any problems with their own vehicles. You could even help your family or a friend in determining what their car problem is before they go into the shop, reducing the chances of them being taken advantage of.