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  • Protecting Your Mental Health in Times of Crises (French version available)

    Protecting Your Mental Health in Times of Crises (French version available)

    Open discussions about mental health and efforts to destigmatize it have drastically increased over the past few years, with prioritizing your state of mind being communicated as an integral part of your overall welfare. These discussions are encouraged during particularly difficult times. In turn, society is now approaching related issues from a more compassionate standpoint.

    That being said, one of the most critical tools regarding the subject matter is not only acknowledging your mental health, but additionally, knowing how to effectively protect it.

    If you’ve recognized this importance and are looking for ways to ensure your mental state remains healthy, through unforgiving times in particular, here are a few pointers:

    Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

    This statement especially refers to those who consider themselves “people pleasers.” In general, we take on many responsibilities or tasks because we have that desire to appear resilient and capable, even during times of crises. However, always remember: putting yourself first in certain situations, mainly when it involves your well-being, should also be prioritized.

    Occasionally, when things are not absolutely necessary for you to accept, say “no” if you truly believe they’ll have any further negative impact on your mental health.

    Focus On Things That You Can Control

    The devastating events occurring in Ukraine have sent shockwaves around the world. With how technology is today and having that ability to access content at your fingertips, you’re likely seeing non-stop coverage of these events. The amount of negativity people are exposed to is astronomical and may likely be instigating much apprehension amongst those who regularly engage in online news consumption. Thus, there’s an implication that we focus on things outside of our control.

    A suggestion would be to continue staying updated, as it of course remains important, but monitor more closely how much news, such as that regarding Ukraine and Russia or other grim, broadcasted information, we consume. If you feel anxious as well as sensing that it’s taking a toll on you mentally, try to limit your screen time in this respect and concentrate on upholding productivity within your own life.

    In an event where you’re experiencing feelings of anxiousness, power off your device(s), take a deep breath and ask yourself basic questions including: “What’s the next thing I have to do right now?” or “What can I do to get my mind off of what’s happening?”

    Establish Boundaries

    Ensure that you have healthy relationships with the people in your life. They should be there to encourage and support you when times are tough. If you find that you’re noticing unhealthy patterns within your relationships with friends and/or family, distancing yourself from them or, in some cases, even ending the relationship(s) might be a good idea. Toxicity is not what anyone needs when attempting to protect themselves from emotional/psychological distress.

    Although every person must exercise resilience in times of crises, it does not at all imply that caring for yourself shouldn’t be a priority. In most cases, looking out for yourself will likely enhance your overall quality of life and actually put you in a better position to tackle the inevitable challenges ahead. Depending on your individual situation, review what’s stated above and see which or if all tips provided can help protect your mental health.

  • High School Horror Stories: The Fall (French version available)

    High School Horror Stories: The Fall (French version available)

    As a grade 12 student, I am no stranger to the happiness and also embarrassment of being in high school. Things that are seemingly normal, when put under the teenage lens, are uncomfortable. However, anyone who has ever attended high school feels the exact same way. And because I believe in backing up what I say, I am willing to embarrass myself further and share one of the most humiliating things that has happened to me.

    Let’s set the scene. It’s 2:35 p.m., the final bell has rung and everyone is eager to get home. People are gathered in the atrium talking with their friends and racing to get a good seat on the bus. Science class has just ended and for safety purposes, we were not allowed to have our backpacks in the room. This means I had two binders, a notebook, a calculator, and a pencil case in my arms. Feeling the usual rush, I take quick steps down the atrium stairs. I try to maintain the foot traffic and forget to look where I am stepping. I reach the very last step, and I slip off the edge. My life practically flashed before my eyes; all the papers I was holding flew out of my arms and onto the floor. As I fell flat onto the ground, it felt like all eyes were on me.

    My face was beet red as I panicked. I started grabbing at everything on the ground, trying to collect my things and leave that area as fast as possible. I ended up with a few pencils that were not mine. I had what I thought was mine in my arms and started to lift myself up off the ground. While I was falling, I did not notice that my shoelace was slightly untied. If falling once was not mortifying enough, fate decided to play a cruel trick on me. The shoelace was underneath my foot and I slipped, once again.

    This time, I only fell on one of my knees, and did not lose any of my papers. My chest felt so constricted and my face was hot. I had never felt so humiliated at school. Falling down in front of practically half the school is something no one ever wants to do – let alone a grade nine student who was trying to find their footing (literally). I ended up at home, replaying that moment over and over in my mind. I was so embarrassed and I thought everyone was doing the exact same thing. I was worried for the next day that people would talk and laugh at me for some silly misstep. When the next day rolled around, and no one said anything, I was so confused. How did they not remember what happened? And it wasn’t until a few weeks later that I realized, they just did not care. Instead of leaving that situation being made fun of, all I ended up with was a nasty bruise on my knee.

    Looking back on this three years later, I know so much more about high school and its environment. No one cared because they were far too concerned with how they were coming across to others. Every student was scared to mess up or make a fool of themselves, so when I messed up, it did not matter at all. And knowing all this now, I want to tell all of you high school students that it is okay to mess up and embarrass yourself. Embarrassment is where the memories and joy lie in high school. And I guarantee you, no one remembers that little misstep you took in the ninth grade.

  • How to Start Thinking of the Job You Want (When You Have No Idea What You Want to Do) (French version available)

    How to Start Thinking of the Job You Want (When You Have No Idea What You Want to Do) (French version available)

    As you prepare to graduate high school, it may seem like all your friends and classmates have everything figured out – leaving you confused about the future and too shy to admit it. The truth is that many young people aren’t sure about what they want to do with their lives (even those who are well into their university degrees). It’s important to remember that you don’t need to have the next ten years planned out – and even if you did, that plan would probably change in a hundred ways as you learn and grow. That said, it’s a good idea to think about the kind of job you want in the future so that you can start cultivating the skills, experiences, and credentials you need to be successful. But how do you start when you have no idea what you want to do?

    1. Reflect on Your Skills, Needs, and Preferences

    Sometimes, the best way to predict the future is to explore the past. Think about the last few years of school. What classes or subjects did you tend to enjoy? If you liked math, you could start your job search by researching related fields, like business and finance. When you are unsure where to start, it is best to follow your instincts.

    You should also reflect on your past work, volunteer, and extracurricular experiences. Have you ever been involved with a club or team? If so, what did you enjoy about it? If not, what prevented you from getting involved? Think about future job opportunities related to the activities you’ve already grown to love. If you spent four years on the student council, you might enjoy leadership and public-speaking roles. On the other hand, if you worked there for three months and then quit, these roles might not be the right fit for you.

    1. Do Your Research

    There are thousands of jobs out there, and, likely, you haven’t even heard of most of them. If you’re unsure what you’re looking for in a career, take some time to educate yourself about the possibilities.

    • Review Career Profiles on JobsPeopleDo.com to explore your options.
    • Browse job listings on popular websites like Indeed, Charity Village, Glassdoor, and Monster. Which options stand out to you?
    • Talk to people. Set up a conversation with someone who already works in a field that interests you. You can ask them questions and learn insider knowledge about the work involved.
    1. Experiment

    It may be challenging to figure out what job you’re looking for if you have limited experience. Search for opportunities to try out different roles, such as volunteering or job-shadowing. If you have no idea what you might be looking for, then you really can’t go wrong.

    The Government of Canada has a list of volunteer opportunities for teenagers and young adults. You can gain experience in community development, youth mentorship, environmental conservation, and other important areas of social action. Whether you love the role or hate it, you will learn something new about your likes, dislikes, and skills.

  • I Want to Write a Novel: How to Get Started (French version available)

    I Want to Write a Novel: How to Get Started (French version available)

    Humans are natural storytellers, and one of the ways people like to tell stories is by writing a novel.  Libraries and bookstores are full of novels, and the thought of writing one yourself might seem intimidating.  But like many challenging projects, writing a novel is entirely doable — and extremely enjoyable! — with a bit of planning and determination.

    Plan Your Story – At Least a Little Bit

    There’s no “correct” way to write a novel; there are as many different methods as there are different authors.  But all novels have a common core made up of a plot, characters, and settings.  In other words, a novel tells a story about events that happen, the people involved, and the places where everything occurs.

    You don’t have to plan out every single detail, but when getting started writing a novel, it can be helpful to take a bit of time to think about these parts of your story.  Grab a paper notebook or open a blank document on the computer, and write down your thoughts on the story you want to tell.  Most importantly, let your imagination run free!

    Decide Your Plot

    The plot of a novel is the overall “what happens” throughout the story.  Will you tell an adventure story, a comedy, or a science fiction or fantasy tale?  What events do you want to happen in your story?  Will you write about heroes and villains, or strange new worlds, or magical animals?

    Next, think about how your story starts and what kind of conflict will give your characters something to do.  Try to think of all the different ways your character could overcome their conflict, then decide which ones you want to write into your story.  A good way to plan your plot is to keep asking yourself, “And then what happens?”

    Lastly, try to imagine how the story could end.  Will your characters be successful?  Will the ending be happy or sad?

    (Don’t get too hung up on knowing the ending before you start!  Lots of great writers don’t know how their story will end until they have written most of it!)

    Create Some Characters and Locations

    Get an idea of who your characters will be, and the places where your story will take place.  You don’t need to be super-detailed; all you need is what’s called a “character sketch” or “location sketch.”  This isn’t a drawing, but rather a few lines or paragraphs describing the people and places in your novel.

    Come up with a name for your character (or characters) and a description of what they look like and how they act. You can include information such as hair and eye colour, personality traits, their family, and things they like or dislike.  You can also decide their role in the story: are they the hero, or the villain?  Family members, friends, or love interests?  What plot events will they be involved in?

    Do the same for your story locations, and create a short description of what the place looks and sounds and smells like.  Decide what events happen there, and how much time your characters will spend there.

    These are just a few brief suggestions to get started, but there are lots of useful resources about writing novels at your local library.  You can also get your parent, guardian, or older sibling to help you search for novel writing tips on the Internet.

    And remember: nothing is set in stone!  Stories change as we tell them, and you will think of new things and change your mind as you write — that’s part of the process!  Let the story take you where it wants to go!

    Writing A Whole Novel Sounds Intimidating – But It Doesn’t Have to Be!

    Don’t panic!  Writing a novel might sound difficult (even impossible), but it’s not!  Once you know the basics of the story you want to tell, it’s time to get into the actual writing.

    Once again, there’s no single writing process that is the “right” one.  But there are a few tips that can help you start writing and keep writing until you successfully reach the end of your story.

    Develop Regular Writing Habits and Manageable Goals

    The main advice when it comes to writing a novel is: “Just write.”  Putting words on the page is the only way to get it done.  Try to build regular writing habits by finding time to write where you can concentrate without distractions.  Whether this is twenty minutes every day, an hour a couple of times a week, or a weekend afternoon, find the time that works best for you to have some uninterrupted writing time.

    Setting yourself manageable writing goals will also help you keep motivated and keep your writing moving forward.  You can choose a word count goal per day or per week, or count by pages of your notebook or digital document — whatever works for you!

    Find a Writing Community for Encouragement and Support

    Writing is often a solo activity, but connecting with other writers means you can encourage each other, trade tips, and discuss your stories to brainstorm and share creativity.  You can find other young writers through your school with the help of your teacher, or through your local library.

    One well-known writing community is the online non-profit NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month.  The NaNoWriMo organization champions writers of all ages; it offers supportive communities, resources, and several challenges a year where writers work on writing their novels.  The NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is geared toward youth and teen writers and provides challenges and online tools to help with creating a story, setting writing goals, and motivating young writers.

    One of the most important things to remember is that every story is worth telling, and only you can write the story you want to tell.  Get writing!

     

    Sources:

    Jones, Lily. “Tips to Bring Novel Writing to Elementary Students.” Teaching Channel. https://www.teachingchannel.com/blog/novel-writing-elementary

    Reading Eggs. “A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Child Write a Story.” https://readingeggs.ca/articles/2015/06/19/story-writing-for-kids/

  • A Guide to Practicing French Outside the Classroom (French version available)

    A Guide to Practicing French Outside the Classroom (French version available)

    “A little ‘bonjour’ goes a long way,” says the main character in the hit TV show Emily in Paris. And she does have a point. A little knowledge of the French language itself goes a long way, too. Not only because French is on trend right now and is known to be a language of culture, but mostly because of its practical use.

    After all, French is one of the two official languages in Canada, and if you’ve got your heart set on applying for a job in the government, a substantial knowledge of the French language is a huge advantage.

    If your goal is to hit the international market after your post-secondary studies, you’ll reap benefits knowing French. Why? Well, as it turns out, French is the second-most widely learned foreign language after English, and the fifth-most widely spoken language in the world. In fact, more than 300 million people speak French across five continents.

    Now you may have started your French classes, but there are ways to amp up your knowledge outside the classroom. Read on for a practical guide to learning French.

    Watch French movies with French subtitles.

    With all the streaming services available these days, both free and through paid subscription, it’s easy to come across French TV series and films. Normally, when we watch these, we turn on the English subtitles so we can follow the dialogue in the language that we’re familiar with. However, if you’re truly serious about learning French, a pro tip is to turn on the subtitles, all right – but the French subtitles, not English. Through this, you’ll have a good idea of what’s being said and how it’s being said… in French! It could be challenging at first, but eventually, if you do this often enough, you’ll realize that you probably don’t have to go back to turning on the English translation when watching French cinema or programs anymore.

    Listen to French podcasts.

    A tricky thing about the French language is that how it sounds like is most often different from how it’s spelled. It’s certainly not English where you can probably have a go at the spelling by hearing how it’s said. Therefore, when learning French, you must step up your listening skills. Getting accustomed to how the words sound is truly helpful for you to figure out how they’re written. And the best way to do this is to tune in to French radio or podcasts. Training your ears to how the French language sounds will truly improve your French.

    Join French conversation circles.

    French conversation circles provide a safe space for you to speak French with fellow learners. Through these, you’re able to receive the support and encouragement you need to speak French with confidence, while at the same time, learn your areas for improvement. This is an effective way to apply what you’re learning and inspire you to practice. Public libraries often have these available for all age groups and you can easily sign up without fees involved. Next time you visit a library, go ahead and ask away!

    Listen to French songs or French radio.

    You may not know the entire lyrics, but French music typically has great melodies anyone would love. Listening to French tunes will help you familiarize yourself with the words, while at the same time, enjoy yourself. There are plenty of French music artists who have gained international fame, and their catalogue is easily accessible through music streaming apps like Spotify or SoundCloud. Try to listen to a French tune now, and most likely, you’ll find yourself humming to it in no time.

    The above are useful pointers to build up your French knowledge outside of the classroom. Which tip do you think will work best for you?

    Do you want to practice right now? Click the red “En Franćais” button at the top of this page to read the French version of this article. Open it in another window to read the English and French versions side-by-side. Bonne chance!

     

    Sources

    Alpine French School. “Great ways to practice outside your French lesson.” https://alpinefrenchschool.com/blog/great-ways-to-practice-outside-your-french-lesson/.

    Haslett, Jamie. “Practicing French… Outside the Classroom.” French Cultural Center. https://frenchculturalcenter.org/2018/10/15/practicing-frenchoutside-the-classroom/.

    Lawless French. “Daily Practice Ideas.” https://www.lawlessfrench.com/learn-french/daily-practice-ideas/.

  • Strategies and Tips for Turning the School Year around if It Got Off to a Bad Start (French version available)

    Strategies and Tips for Turning the School Year around if It Got Off to a Bad Start (French version available)

    Feeling anxious when going into another school year is completely understandable. You have to go back to your everyday routine, familiarize yourself with a new timetable, and get used to being in a classroom setting again. While some do look forward to certain pros like seeing old friends, others might be greeted with less pleasant circumstances, which could make starting the year even more difficult than usual.

    If this is what you’re experiencing, here are some strategies and tips on how to turn things around:

    Create Goals and Challenge Yourself!

    This is especially relevant if you don’t like your classes. Being in classes that you dislike without a doubt can be discouraging, so try to look at the situation in a different light. Rather than focusing on how unfortunate it is, use this as a motivator. Work hard to succeed in them so you can look back at the school year and say to yourself that you were able to persevere and make the most of your bad experience. You’ll likely feel a strong sense of achievement as a result.

    Overall, changing your perception and establishing a higher purpose are arguably the two most powerful tools you can apply to an unpleasant start. The first step is determining what you’re able to control, then proceeding from there as you see fit.

    Join or Create a Club(s)

    If you’re experiencing challenges with socializing, it might be a good idea to branch out. Consider the existing clubs/activities at your school. Joining one (or multiple) is a great way to make new friends, as you can bond with others over a shared interest.

    Another option is starting your own club. If considering this, ask yourself these questions: “What is something unique that I contribute to my school’s community?” and “How can I go about promoting it to entice people to join?” Not only does this give you an opportunity to engage with something you have a passion for, being an executive of a club can also help you gain valuable leadership skills that may prove to be useful in the future. Of course, there’s no pressure to do so. However, taking initiative is encouraged if it’s what’s necessary to make life at school more enjoyable.

    Try to Maintain a Positive Attitude and an Open Mind

    Having a positive attitude can be difficult, especially when you aren’t happy with your circumstances. Nonetheless, remember that the school year just started, so there’s still plenty of time for things to improve. Keep an open mind and be patient. Maybe you’ll see improvements and they’ll be better than you’d ever thought, but they’ll be taking longer than expected to happen.

    Facing difficulties at the beginning of the school year is normal. Though everything appears bleak now, there’s a good chance that you aren’t alone, and others may be having similar experiences as well. In summary, if you stay positive and attempt to deal with these challenges as best as you can, you’re on the right path to improving your current situation.

  • Advice for Those Who Feel They’ve Lost or Wasted Precious Time Because of Their Depression or Mental Health Struggles (French version available)

    Advice for Those Who Feel They’ve Lost or Wasted Precious Time Because of Their Depression or Mental Health Struggles (French version available)

    Overcoming mental health struggles/depression is a difficult feat. While many are able to overcome them or see a light at the end of the tunnel, some might also encounter even more related challenges afterward. Certain ones may include feeling like valuable time has been wasted because of their struggles.

    If this is what you’re experiencing, here’s some advice on how to effectively tackle this issue:

    Examine Things That Have Been Negatively Impacting Your Mental Health

    If you haven’t done so already, take a look at what that you feel has been negatively impacting your mental health. It could be anything from toxic behaviour from people you have relationships with to feeling irritated by the clutter in your workspace (what’s often considered a minor problem can have more of an effect than you think when ignored for long periods of time).

    Instead of solely dwelling on the time you’ve lost, try to solve these issues. For instance, if the examples stated above apply, consider the logical solutions. You can start with something simple, such as tidying up/reorganizing your room. Then, when you’re ready, try addressing the more difficult issues like toxic relationships. Have honest conversations with the people in your life who’ve been exhibiting unacceptable behaviour/making you uncomfortable.

    Though it depends on your unique situation(s), accomplishing these things generally is easier said than done. Nonetheless, they remain necessary measures when looking out for your well-being. Overall, this isn’t to say that you aren’t allowed to mourn the lost time/feel lost. Rather, the suggestion is a matter of channelling these negative feelings in a way where you can be productive because you now know and are able to execute what must be done to improve your circumstances.

    Try Not to Lose More Time than You Already Have

    It’s absolutely understandable that you feel lost, or you’re upset about losing time. However, it won’t do you any good if you continue to focus on it and let this take over your life. Try not to waste any more time and think of things that bring you joy. Spending quality time with loved ones or even just catching up on the latest season of your favourite TV show are great places to start. Another is trying something new. Is there anything you’ve always wanted to experience or a place you’ve wanted to go to but haven’t yet? Do you want to engage with something that can potentially turn into a long-term hobby?

    Work or Continue Working with a Mental Health Professional

    Of course, even when you think certain actions will help, there are chances that they won’t yield the results you expect. If you have tried your best to take on these measures but still feel the same, or you find that they haven’t made enough of a difference, it is encouraged for you to see (or continue seeing) a mental health professional. They can help by providing you with the right tools to navigate how you’re feeling.

    Without a doubt, the last thing you need is emotional challenges following already-taxing bouts of depression/mental health struggles. Even so, if you have a genuine desire to make improvements, exercise perseverance, and actively take on the advice above, you’re taking the right steps toward conquering these setbacks.

  • Vancouver, B.C.: Where Animation Thrives (French version available)

    Vancouver, B.C.: Where Animation Thrives (French version available)

    Many industries were negatively impacted due to the pandemic, but animation flourished and continues to flourish. The temporary pause from live-action projects meant that people flocked to animated, on-demand media that they could watch from home. The demand for animated media rose, and there were certainly companies that worked to meet that demand.

    Vancouver, B.C., was one city reaping in the benefits of this animation demand, as a top city in the business. With over 8,000 people employed within over 150 businesses in Vancouver’s visual effects and animation industry, there is certainly a lot of talent to be found locally — and it pays off. Between 2017-2019, the average annual salaries for people within this industry were $77,176, a number 48% higher than the average provincial wage.

    With a clear demand for animation within Vancouver, what exactly makes Vancouver so attractive for people who wish to study or work in animation?

    1. Vancouver Has Many Animation Studios

    Vancouver’s first animation studio was started in 1967, but more than 50 years later, the city has over 60 animation studios and over 150 related businesses. In fact, Vancouver has the greatest concentration of domestic and foreign-owned studios in the visual effects and animation sector.

    Examples of Animation Studios Located in B.C.

    Atomic Cartoons

    From Canadian classics like Teletoon’s Atomic Betty and Treehouse’s Max and Ruby (seasons 6 and 7) to other works like Netflix’s Hilda (some episodes of season 1) and Disney Junior’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends (2021), Atomic Cartoons has had its hands crafting some unforgettable childhood memories since 1999.

    Bardel Entertainment

    Founded in 1987, Bardel Entertainment has two studios located in Vancouver and Kelowna. The studio is known for their work on popular shows like Netflix’s The Dragon Prince, Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty, and Cartoon Network’s Teen Titans Go!

    Titmouse, Inc.

    Vancouver is one of Titmouse’s locations, alongside its other studios in Los Angeles and New York City. The studio has worked on shows like Amazon Prime’s The Legend of Vox Machina and Niko and the Sword of Light, and Cartoon Network’s Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart.

    1. Vancouver Has Many Animation Programs

    If you want to learn how to animate, Vancouver has a lot of options! There are animation programs at schools like Vancouver Animation School, Capilano University, LaSalle College, and many more. Not only can many animation studios be found within the province, but the practice can be taught locally, and to a high standard as well.

    In Animation Career Review’s list of “Top 10 Professional Animation Training Programs in Canada” for 2021, six institutions were from British Columbia, and the other four were from Ontario. The top three B.C. institutions for animation were:

    1. Vancouver Film School

    In operation since 1987, Vancouver Film School provides four main branches of programs for students interested in visual effects and animation: 3D animation and visual effects, animation concept art, classical animation, and creature animation.

    1. Vancouver Institute of Media Arts

    Founded in 1995, Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) offers a 2D or 3D character animation program for students interested in animation.

    1. Think Tank Training Centre

    Established in 2005, Think Tank Training Centre offers learning about computer animation, visual effects, and game design in a single one-year program.

    1. B.C. Tax Credits Help the Animation Sector

    British Columbia has tax credits, Film Incentive BC (FIBC), that help the animation sector and make the province more attractive for animation companies. The credits reduce tax that must be paid on taxable income. Therefore, these tax credits help companies run by giving them a little break on the expenses that they must pay.

    Examples of B.C. Creative Production Tax Credits

    B.C. Production Services Tax Credit

    Production companies that permanently operate within the province can receive a 28% refundable tax credit on eligible labour costs.

    Digital Animation, Visual Effects, and Post-Production (DAVE) Tax Credit

    Production companies employing B.C. talent for post-production and sound services can receive a 16% refundable tax credit on eligible labour costs.

    Scriptwriting Tax Credit

    Production companies that incur expenses related to scriptwriting can receive a 35% refundable tax credit on eligible labour costs, before the work goes into the final stages of production.

     

    Sources:

    “About – Bardel Entertainment.” Bardel Entertainment, https://bardel.ca/about/.

    “About – Titmouse.” Titmouse, https://titmouse.net/about/.

    “About VFS.” Vancouver Film School, https://vfs.edu/about-vfs.

    ACR Staff. “Top 10 Professional Animation Training Programs in Canada – 2021 School Rankings.” Animation Career Review, https://www.animationcareerreview.com/articles/top-10-professional-animation-training-programs-canada-2021-school-rankings.

    “Atomic Betty.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/atomic-betty/.

    Canada Revenue Agency. “British Columbia Film and Television Tax Credit.” Government of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/corporations/provincial-territorial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-provincial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-film-television-tax-credit.html.

    Canada Revenue Agency. “British Columbia Production Services Tax Credit.” Government of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/corporations/provincial-territorial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-provincial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-production-services-tax-credit.html.

    “Film Incentive BC.” Creative BC, https://www.creativebc.com/services/motion-picture-tax-credits/film-incentive-bc/.

    “Hilda.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/hilda/.

    Krewen, Nick. “Surge in Animation Drives Demand for Talent in B.C.: Report.” Playback, https://playbackonline.ca/2021/10/15/surge-in-animation-drives-demand-for-talent-in-b-c-report/.

    “Max & Ruby.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/max-ruby/.

    “Programs.” Vancouver Film School, https://vfs.edu/programs.

    “Programs.” Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, https://www.vanarts.com/programs/.

    “Projects.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/projects/.

    Robinson, Chris. “Vancouver, Canada’s Animation Powerhouse, Is Thriving In The Pandemic.” Cartoon Brew, https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/vancouver-canadas-animation-powerhouse-is-thriving-in-the-pandemic-194208.html.

    “Spidey and His Amazing Friends.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/spidey-and-his-amazing-friends/.

    “VFX, Animation, Character & Environment Design Programs for Games and Films.” Think Tank Training Centre, https://www.tttc.ca/programs/.

  • Staying Focused: 5 Useful Pointers to Avoid Distractions while Studying or Working from Home

    Staying Focused: 5 Useful Pointers to Avoid Distractions while Studying or Working from Home

    You’re in the living room alone, concentrating on an assignment that’s due the next day. You’re confident that you’re on track. After all, you haven’t missed any of your online classes and you’ve always kept up with previous homework.

    Out of nowhere, you hear rock music blasting from the speakers in your older sister’s room, which you unconsciously hum along to. And then your younger brother plops himself down on the sofa next to you and turns on the TV to stream his favourite show, and you can’t help but tune in. Then your phone rings, and it’s your best friend sending you multiple messages, so you start replying.

    Then you take a pause, and the thought suddenly hits you: this assignment will make up 75 per cent of your final grade, and now you feel the pressure. What you think will be a walk in the park turns into serious hard work. But you’re falling behind because you’ve allowed yourself to be distracted.

    It’s a scenario we’re all familiar with. Every day, we set our goal to accomplish something, whether it’s for school or work, but we get sidetracked. Luckily, it’s something we can easily resolve by following these tips:

    1. Learn to prioritize.

    People pride themselves on their multitasking skills so much that they include it in their resumes. One can’t expect to do multiple things at the same time and expect the best outcomes for all. Something is bound to suffer along the way. So when you have several deadlines due, prioritize those. Remember, the most important ones go on the top of the list, so put the less-than-important tasks down in your to-do list.

    1. Schedule your time.

    If you’ve made prior commitments and can’t take those back, then do your best to work around a schedule and keep to it. For example, if you’ve promised your boss that you’ll pick up a shift because your colleague is going out of town for family reasons, then find the time to do your assignments before or after your work shift. Maybe you can also squeeze some time in between your breaks to catch up. Be prepared to make sacrifices. If you normally go out with friends on Saturday night, but you feel you’ll lag behind if you go, then politely decline this time around and explain why you’re sitting this one night out.

    1. Be strict with your boundaries.

    If your siblings have a habit of letting themselves into your room or your friends regularly drop by your place unannounced, then it’s time to put your foot down and clarify with them that you have deadlines to meet. As long as you let them know how you’d appreciate it if they could hold off on their usual activities with you, they’ll understand and give you the space you need. However, if you don’t make it clear that you’re in a “Do Not Disturb” mode, then they’re most likely going to bug you.

    1. Turn off all electronic devices.

    You may have warded off all the human distractions successfully, but sometimes it’s your own devices which are proving to be the most difficult to set aside. This is especially true if you’ve made it a habit to have your phone on hand for whatever you’re doing, or you’ve always done your homework while the TV is on. To truly avoid distractions, it’s best to put aside all the electronic devices that can cause interruptions. This is one of the most effective ways to truly stay focused.

    1. Give yourself ample breaks.

    While you may be putting 110 per cent into your work, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take breaks. Taking a breather is important so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Use those breaks wisely though. Go for destressing exercises like stretching or a short walk in the park. Or simply practice breathing techniques. They will help!

    Distractions come in many forms, but you can’t let them stand in your way when you need to complete your tasks. Follow the suggestions above and you’ll be 100 per cent focused!

     

    Sources

    Connley, Courtney. “4 ways to be productive and avoid distractions when working from home.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/31/4-ways-to-be-productive-and-avoid-distractions-when-working-from-home.html

    Prossack, Ashira. “6 Easy Ways To Overcome Work From Home Distractions.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2020/04/29/overcome-work-from-home-distractions-with-these-easy-tips/?sh=1161b1614626

    Shi, Diana. “8 tips to beat distractions while working from home.” Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90502236/8-tips-to-beat-distractions-while-working-from-home

  • We All Feel Embarrassed! The Pros and Cons of Feeling Embarrassed (French version available)

    We All Feel Embarrassed! The Pros and Cons of Feeling Embarrassed (French version available)

    By Tiffany Chang

    We’ve all felt embarrassed at some point in our lives. From giving a person an incorrect answer to tripping and falling down, these are all things people would typically feel embarrassed about.

    While it’s not always a fun experience, there are both positive as well as negative outcomes from feelings of embarrassment. Some pros and cons include:

    Pros

    You Could Learn to Laugh At Yourself

    Sometimes you just need to learn how to laugh things off. Evidently, you can’t go back and change what transpired, so have a laugh and move on from there. If people start laughing at you, join them. It may help mitigate or even counteract your embarrassment and be an effective coping mechanism.

    Humility is Essential When Building Character

    Once and a while, we need to remind ourselves that nobody’s perfect. That dread you feel when you’ve made a mistake while presenting in front of, say, your classmates, can be productive if you look at the experience from a more introspective standpoint. Maybe you could see it as a good lesson and, in the event where you have to perform something similar again, you’ll know what to do differently the next time.

    Say to yourself: “I don’t like how this experience made me feel. What can I do to hopefully prevent feeling embarrassed going forward?”

    It Can Initiate Opportunities to Relate With Others

    Oftentimes, you’re in the same boat as a lot of other people. If someone else had something similar happen to them, it could provide some relief because they know that they aren’t alone. People bond over their shared experiences, whether it be positive or negative, which may result in a favourable outcome.

    Cons

    Feeling Embarrassed Might Cause Overthinking

    Of course, moving on with a more positive attitude about the situation is easier said than done. It’s extremely difficult not to think: “would’ve… could’ve… should’ve…” We tend to berate ourselves for our shortcomings and mentally replay the incident(s) over and over again. Even if we do see it as a learning experience(s), we may start obsessing over the event to try and ensure that it will never happen again.

    Overall, embarrassment could reinforce pre-existing/create new insecurities and frankly, be outright anxiety-inducing, which could therefore affect our mental health.

     At Times, Embarrassment Hinders Us From Seizing Opportunities

    Embarrassing experiences can be very discouraging and in some cases, make us hesitate to take advantage of potentially beneficial opportunities. Why would we risk embarrassment when we have the power to avoid it altogether?

    Living life in fear of what might happen may inhibit us from living fuller lives and having more fulfilling experiences. It could become habitual, depending on how much we’ve been psychologically impacted by the embarrassing incident. Staying in our comfort zones tends to be an attractive option.

    On the whole, feeling embarrassed remains inevitable. Obviously it has its downsides, but embarrassment could definitely help you grow as a person. You must embrace the negative in order to reap the positive. If you exercise some resilience while taking active steps to figure out how to handle your embarrassment, you’re on the right track.

     

    References

    Walden University. “The Pros and Cons of Comfort Zones.” The Pros and Cons of Comfort Zones | Walden University