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Category: Featured Articles

  • STEM Career Profile: Astronomer

    STEM Career Profile: Astronomer

    The darkness of the night sky illuminates the countless stars, planets, and more that populate our universe. But have you wondered how we know all this? How can we measure their size, distance, movement, and history when we are so small and so far away? Part of the answer is the field of astronomy. Astronomers use the science and math that you study in class and point it skywards. They use equations, laws of physics, and more to figure out the universe.

    Becoming an astronomer is far from an overnight task. Earning a Ph.D. in astronomy can take five to seven years to complete. On top of that, graduates spend another two to three years researching under the guidance of more experienced astronomers. Those wanting to enter this field should work on their research skills and ability to analyze data. They should work hard at math and science in school, and also be able to work in a team.

    Astronomers do not typically work alone. They are usually working within a team composed of scientists in an office environment. They also use observatories to gaze up at the skies via telescopes. Most are hired to work at colleges and universities, where they conduct research in the field. Those are not the only places you will find astronomers, however. The federal government hires astronomers, too, and departments of private research and development may also rely on astronomers.

    In Canada, base salaries for astronomers range from $50,000 to $108,000, with the median salary at $90,000. With bonuses, profit sharing, and commission, total salaries can be up to $131,000.

    The field is filled with excitement and opportunity. The advent of new technologies and discoveries makes this a very exciting time to pursue the subject. Astronomers work hard to develop theories related to our universe and write proposals for research. It can be a thrilling challenge to find ways to test these ideas. This can be followed by extensive analysis and writing scientific papers that are read and reviewed by other experts. This ensures that ideas are accurate and can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These newfound concepts and understandings of our universe have a profound impact on our lives.

    From planets to black holes, from in-depth mathematical formulas to childlike stargazing, astronomy is filled with wonder and awe. By putting greater effort into your math and science studies now, you can lay the foundation for your future career. The field pushes humanity’s knowledge beyond its supposed limits and helps us realize how vast existence really is. As an astronomer, you can be a part of that grand journey.

    Sources:

    Lindzon, Jared. I want to be an astronomy. What will my salary be? www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/life-at-work/i-want-to-be-an-astronomer-what-will-my-salary-be/article24512769/

    National Careers Service. Astronomer. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/astronomer.aspx

    PayScale.com Astronomer. https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Astronomer/Salary

    Study.com. Astronomer: Job Info & Career Requirements. http://study.com/articles/Astronomer_Job_Information_and_Requirements_for_Students_Considering_a_Career_in_Astronomy.html

  • Career Profile: Furniture Finisher (French version available)

    Career Profile: Furniture Finisher (French version available)

    Every room in your home or school likely has furniture in it. The tradespeople who make this furniture look and feel good are furniture finishers. As the name shows, these people work at the end of the process of making furniture. If you have abilities in design, skills in working with your hands, and an interest in helping to keep furniture comfortable and safe, the job of furniture finisher might be right for you.

    Furniture finishers generally work in factories, retail stores, or repair shops. Some furniture finishers are self-employed, but others work for large companies. In factories, they normally work with new furniture, applying stains and varnishes to wood or paint to metal.  Elsewhere, they might work with either new or used furniture, anything from a small stool to a large dining room table to the frame of a sofa. Sometimes, older furniture might be fragile, and furniture finishers need to be especially careful to avoid breaking anything.

    Except in factories, furniture finishers work mainly with older furniture that people want to renew so that it looks better. Sometimes, furniture finishers might need to file or sand down rough areas on chairs or tables so that the people using the furniture will not get splinters in their hands or cut themselves on rough edges.  In large factories, they might work on only a small part of the process, but in smaller companies, they might also do other jobs, such as assembling the furniture or working with sales.  Being able to work with others and to deal well with the public is important for many people in this job.

    Generally, furniture finishers need a high school diploma or its equivalent to work in their business. Mathematics and English courses are helpful. Some additional training at a trade school can be helpful, but most people learn on the job. Having a good sense of colour and style is useful for being able to match wood stain with the colour of the upholstery or the shade of metal with the rest of the piece of furniture. Skills in mathematics can help with calculating the amounts of necessary supplies or for bookkeeping if necessary, and a fairly high reading level can help workers understand written instructions on paint cans and other supplies.

    Working as a furniture finisher is not a very dangerous job, although small injuries such as cuts and sprained wrists are some of the main hazards. The fumes from paints and stains can also be harmful, and furniture finishers might need to wear special masks to avoid harming their lungs. The days can be long if a job is in progress, especially since stains and paints look better if they dry evenly. Wages for furniture finishers start at about $18.00 per hour and can rise to $29.00 per hour with experience, or between $37,000 and $59,000 per year.

    Finishing furniture is the kind of work that people can do for many years if they want. Reasonably good vision and a basic level of strength are important, and people in this field should be able to bend and stretch without too much trouble. However, the work can become too difficult for older workers, and they might want to move to an office-based aspect of the job as they age. If this trade appeals to you, working as a furniture finisher can be a good career choice.

     

    Bibliography:

    Career One Stop. “Furniture Finishers.” https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Furniture%20Finishers&onetcode=51702100&location=Maine.

    Job Bank. “Furniture Finishing in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/12759/ca.

    Payscale Canada. “Furniture Finisher: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Furniture_Finisher/Hourly_Rate.

  • Career Profile: Auto Body Repairer (French version available)

    Career Profile: Auto Body Repairer (French version available)

    Every day, accidents happen on roads all over Canada. They might be minor and barely dent or scratch the vehicles involved, or they might badly damage cars or trucks. For many kinds of accidents, auto body repairers help restore vehicles so that they look good and help protect the people inside the vehicle, as well as the engine and other parts that make the vehicle work. If you enjoy repair work, this job could be a good choice for you.

    Driving can have many small and large dangers. Minor accidents might involve a bit of scraped paint from a car door or a small dent in a bumper from running into a pole or a fence. Major accidents could involve crushed front or back ends of vehicles, broken bumpers, or more. Repairing the damage is important, especially with Canadian weather. Rust can easily form at places where the metal is buckled or the paint is gone, which can leave delicate mechanical parts exposed and cause the vehicle to fall apart quickly.

    Auto body repairers can help preserve vehicles for many years. Most people in this trade work in automotive garages, where they might be part of a large group of workers in the same field. Some repairers might start their own business in this trade, but the equipment and facilities can be too expensive for one person to afford.

    When an accident happens, the first task for an auto body repairer is to assess the damage and decide what to do. Often, a part will need to be replaced, and the repairer will need to do that job or assign it to someone else. Sometimes, it may be possible to hammer a dent out and repaint the spot. Part of the job is also completing other maintenance tasks such as replacing damaged head or tail lights, testing the shocks, checking the brakes, and anything else that might affect the safety of the vehicle.

    Most people in this trade learn on the job, but some extra training might also be required. In small businesses, knowing about accounting and customer service may be necessary. Most of the work happens during the day, but the hours can be long when a job needs to be finished. Typical workweeks can be either five or six days, depending on the size of the business, the number of other repair shops nearby, and other factors. Sometimes, people in this trade might need to supervise other workers, as well as manage the inventory and perform similar daily tasks.

    Like in many trades, working as an auto body repairer can be physically demanding. People in this trade should be able to lift heavy objects and handle a variety of tools. Good eyesight with or without glasses is important, and steady hands make the job easier. Although people can stay in this job for many years, they might find it difficult as they age.

    Wages for auto body repairers begin at about $15 per hour or $32,000 per year. With experience, wages can rise to $35 per hour or $87,000 per year. Jobs are more likely to be available in large cities than in small towns, but almost any community can have opportunities in this trade. This might be the right job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Centennial College. “Auto Body Repair Technician.” https://www.centennialcollege.ca/programs-courses/full-time/auto-body-repair-technician/.

    Job Bank. “Auto Body Repairer in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/7662/ca.

    Payscale Canada. Average Auto Body Repair Technician Hourly Pay in Canada https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Auto_Body_Repair_Technician/Hourly_Rate.

    Talent.com. “Auto Body Technician Average Salary in Canada 2022.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=auto+body+technician.

  • Job Applications 101: Choosing the Best References (French version available)

    Job Applications 101: Choosing the Best References (French version available)

    When applying for jobs, providing high-quality references is a valuable skill that can set you apart from other candidates and help you secure the role. It is as essential to the job search process as writing resumes, sending cover letters, and attending interviews. Even universities and colleges will sometimes request a letter of reference, especially if you’re interested in a highly specialized program.

    But how do you know who to ask (or how to ask them)? This article reviews some strategies for identifying potential references and avoiding common mistakes.

    1. Consider the Focus: Personal, Professional, or Academic

    It’s essential to pick the best reference for the opportunity at hand. The first step is to think about which type of reference makes the most sense in your situation.

    Most of the time, a hiring manager will ask for professional references. In this case, you would ask someone you know from past work experience, such as a former manager, to provide a reference.

    However, if you didn’t have a great relationship with your last manager or don’t have much work experience, you may submit personal references instead. You could ask a coach, camp counsellor, landlord, or mentor to provide you with a statement that speaks to your good moral character and a few key strengths. These references may seem less intimidating, but the trade-off is that the person you choose may not be able to speak directly about your performance as an employee.

    For students, academic references are another option. You could ask a teacher or professor to write you a positive reference. Since they’ve supervised and evaluated you as a student, they can likely comment on your work ethic and general abilities. If you’ve done well in a particular class, you might consider asking that teacher for a reference.

    1. Find Supervisors and Mentors, Not Family or Friends

    You should not use references from family members or friends for a job application. There are some exceptions to this rule – for example, if you’ve worked for a family business, it would be okay to provide a reference from whoever supervised you most closely, even if they’re a relative. But most of the time, references should come from people who have connected with you in the community through work, volunteering, or extra-curricular activities. Even “personal” references should come from people who know you in a more official capacity, such as a landlord or a coach.

    1. Pick Someone Who Knows You Well

    Remember that a good reference comes from someone who has a lot of positive things to say about you and your achievements. They should know you well enough to answer specific questions about you and elaborate on your past experiences (whether paid or unpaid). You need to pick someone who can provide specific examples to support your job application and verify the qualifications you’ve listed on your resume. If you’ve never spoken to this person one-on-one, they’re probably not a great choice.

    Always Ask Permission & Give Them Options

    Once you’ve identified the people you want to ask for a reference, you must reach out and ask for permission. This is an essential point: you must always ask each person for permission before listing them as a reference. Even if they’ve agreed to write you a reference for past job applications, you should ask again before beginning your next job search.

    It’s also polite to give them an easy way to decline your request. You don’t want to make them feel pressured or put on the spot. Some recommended phrasings include:

    • Would you feel comfortable providing me with a reference at this time?
    • Do you feel like you know me well enough to write a detailed reference?
    • Do you have enough availability to provide me with a reference?

    If you haven’t spoken to them in a while, it’s a good idea to write a brief email that outlines your relationship with them and what you’ve been up to since you last connected. For example, what jobs have you held since then? What have you achieved? In addition to reminding them of your qualifications, this prompting gives them material they can use to draft the reference.

     

    Resources:

    Alberta Alis. (n.d.). “How to Choose the Best Job References.” https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/resumes-and-references/how-to-choose-the-best-job-references/.

    Huhman, H. (2015, January 29th). “5 Tips to Choose Your Best Job Reference.” Glassdoor. https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/5-tips-choose-job-reference/.

  • Remote Learning for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities: Is It Helpful? (French version available)

    Remote Learning for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities: Is It Helpful? (French version available)

    Now a few years past the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, different forms of learning provide students with a simultaneous feeling of accessibility and restriction. Some people may prefer online learning, and some may prefer in-person learning, but it is not usually a choice left up to the students.

    For students with disabilities, whose experiences with school may already need pre-existing accommodations, the shifting class environments add to more troubles. However, for some students, the introduction of a remote option can be beneficial.

    This begs the question: what exactly are the pros and cons of remote learning for students with disabilities?

    How Do Students with Disabilities Navigate Remote Learning?

    Students with disabilities experience remote learning differently, and not only in contrast to students without disabilities. Experiences with remote learning depend on the type and severity of disability.

    For example, a person who is only affected by a physical disability will have a different experience with remote learning compared to a person who is only affected by a learning disability. Therefore, the vast spectrum of people and experiences means that the pros and cons will be different for everyone.

    Advantageous Situations of Remote Learning

    For students with physical disabilities or chronic pain, the lack of a commute to school is helpful. For some students they may have to skip or drop classes because the in-person environment might be inaccessible. Additionally, there can be cases where their disabilities prevent them from attending in-person classes consistently. Depending on the course, consistent attendance can be the key to success, but this is not always achievable.

    Attending class through a computer screen means that students with physical disabilities can manage their health on their own terms, without sacrificing their education. Potentially inaccessible buildings and tiring commutes are no longer issues that can stop people from pursuing an education.

    Disadvantageous Situations of Remote Learning

    For students with learning disabilities, remote learning may not be helpful. Many students require a repetitive schedule that stays the same: any changes from their norm can be hard to adapt to. Additionally, remote learning unfortunately means a lack of support. For students that may require more personalized support, one-on-one support is harder to provide in an online environment.

    Some students, those with ADHD for example, may receive accommodations such as the ability to write tests in a separate, quiet room, as distractions interfere with learning. For those who must do schooling at home, a quiet environment is not guaranteed. The option to attend class in person is a good solution for this.

    The Future of Remote Learning

    Remote learning existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It existed as an option for post-secondary students, albeit on a smaller scale.

    Many post-secondary institutions around the country have reintroduced in-person classes, with varying conditions. Currently, there is no one form of learning that satisfies everyone, but hopefully, some sort of balance can be found.

     

    Sources:

    “COVID-19: Updates for Canada’s Universities.” University Affairs, 13 Apr. 2022, https://www.universityaffairs.ca/news/news-article/covid-19-updates-for-canadas-universities/.

    Loeppky, John. “With the Shift to Online Learning, Students with Disabilities Face New Barriers.” Macleans.ca, 1 Dec. 2020, https://www.macleans.ca/education/with-the-shift-to-online-learning-students-with-disabilities-face-new-barriers/.

    Wotherspoon, Jennifer. “How Can Educators Support Students with LDs While Hybrid Learning?” LD@school: Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, 4 Feb. 2022, https://www.ldatschool.ca/ate-hybrid-learning/.

  • Taken by Surprise: 5 Strategies to Cope with Unexpected Large Expenses (French version available)

    Taken by Surprise: 5 Strategies to Cope with Unexpected Large Expenses (French version available)

    These days, it seems the essentials all come with a high price tag: education, living expenses, food, transportation, and more. This is especially true when you live in a major city like Calgary, Vancouver, or Toronto. Expect to shell out tons of money on groceries, meals, rent, and gas (if travelling via personal car).

    It’s incredibly stressful when an unexpected expense comes, like your laptop crashing and needing replacement equipment, or your landlord increasing the monthly rent without notice. While such situations are likely to put a downer on your mood, know that these types of setbacks are only temporary. With the right attitude and effort, you’ll be able to handle this adversity and be in a stable financial position in no time.

    1. Apply for a loan.

    Taking out a loan does mean that you’ll have debt, and that has, in itself, its drawbacks. However, there are different types of loans, and it’s merely a matter of taking your time to decide on the right one that best fits your needs. For larger expenses, obtaining a loan from a bank is the best way to go, though you’d need to have a good credit score to get approved. Meanwhile, you can also try your hand at a payday loan, which is an option if you want something quick and easy. The amount of payday loans is typically equivalent to a paycheck, thus the name, so it may not be ideal when you have a high-ticket item in mind.

    1. Ask your employer for a pay-in-advance.

    If you have a good working relationship with your employer and you consider yourself a valuable employee, this option can be a good one for you. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Most employers will be familiar with this concept when employees ask to be paid in advance for the future hours they’re scheduled to work, but only a few may be agreeable to it. Some employers fear that employees will up and leave and not fulfill their part of the deal once they receive the advanced pay. Thus, it helps to have a stellar record with your employer.

    1. Defer from school or enroll at a community college.

    Tuition fees most likely make up the bulk of your expenses, and it will be extremely difficult to entertain the thought of putting your studies on pause until your finances become steadier. An alternative to putting your education on hold is to enroll at a community college instead to get transferable credits or fulfill the requirements for general education classes. While this may be a bit of a detour to your educational path, it’s definitely a smarter option than putting your studies to a full stop.

    1. Look ahead and apply for scholarships and bursaries.

    Scholarship or bursary applications take time, and thus, this may not be the option you need at the moment. However, it helps in long-term budget planning. In case a similar situation crops up again, you’ll be better prepared. Take time to carefully go through each requirement for the scholarship or bursary. Reach out to your teachers and give them a heads up about writing recommendation letters for you. Being approved for these applications can go a long way in keeping your educational expenses to a minimum.

    1. Be smarter with your money.

    Take a step back and do a self-assessment to know how you can better prevent being in a similar predicament in the future. You may be able to get the funds you need to cover the emergency expense now, but you’ll need to start thinking about how to be better equipped in a similar scenario. Apart from having a working budget that covers your daily spending needs, have an emergency fund. Commit yourself to starting a savings plan by cutting unnecessary expenses as much as you can and limit your spending by going for economical options.

    Handling an emergency expense gracefully is admirable, but going forward, it’s better to make an effort to avoid falling into the same trap again.

     

    Sources

    Bright. “How to deal with unexpected expenses.” https://www.brightmoney.co/learn/unexpected-expenses-and-how-to-deal-with-it.

    Honestmoney.ca. “Real Talk: How to deal with unexpected expenses.” https://honestmoney.ca/stories/how-to-deal-with-unexpected-expenses.

    Vohwinkle, Jeremy. “How to Deal With a Financial Emergency.” The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/coping-financial-emergency-1289712.

  • Merry Christmas in October: From Celtic Festival to “Queer Christmas” (French version available)

    Merry Christmas in October: From Celtic Festival to “Queer Christmas” (French version available)

    When September comes, students get ready to head back to school. When October comes, everyone gets ready for Halloween. From walking among spirits to seeking candy from neighbours, the day certainly changed over thousands of years.

    For many people, Halloween remains a spooky holiday: children get dressed up in scary costumes, carve pumpkins, and collect candy. For the LGBTQ+ community, Halloween means Christmas comes early as “Queer Christmas”: a time of year when dressing up provides freedom of expression.

    The Origins of Halloween

    Halloween started out with a Celtic connection 2,000 years ago. Celtic people held festivals on Samhain, a period between October 31 and November 1. It marked the end of the harvest season, meaning that people would harvest their crops and hold feasts with their loved ones.

    During this time, they believed that spirits were able to walk among them, as the barrier between the living and the dead weakened for these two days. Since the Celtic people considered Samhain dangerous, dressing up as spirits and fairies, the act of “guising”, helped protect against evil forces.

    Guising combined with another tradition, souling, to create trick-or-treating. Souling involved poor, often young children going door-to-door asking for “soul cakes.” These soul cakes represented the release of trapped souls. Who knew that something so haunting would come in the form of a sweet bun?

    The Origins of Queer Christmas

    As the tradition spread to places like North America, Halloween slowly drifted away from its original Celtic roots. Not all Halloween costumes needed to be scary, and all sorts of candy replaced soul cakes.

    Even before Halloween became widely known as a trick-or-treating day, the LGBTQ+ community also transformed Halloween into their own unique day that celebrated dressing up and being around friends.

    Halloween parties were all the rage among LGBTQ+ communities in New York and San Francisco during the 1960s. As many American states still had laws against cross-dressing (dressing in clothing traditionally associated with other genders), Halloween provided a safe way to express oneself without breaking any laws.

    The Christmas aspect comes from sharing a space with like-minded people. Like Christmas in December, it involves being surrounded by family. The LGBTQ+ community is a family, where they support and relate to their shared experiences.

    Halloween Today

    The tradition of Samhain festivals continues to be celebrated in separate ways by children and adults of the 21st century. For the ghouls and witches out collecting candy, they celebrate dressing up as fellow spirits while sharing delights with their friends.

    For the partygoers, Halloween gatherings remain huge for the adult crowd. Among this crowd lies the LGBTQ+ community, a group who continues to embrace a holiday that allows them to experience their true selves, surrounded by their found families.

    2,000 years changed a lot of aspects about Halloween, but it has never changed the idea of people celebrating an evening together. Happy Halloween, or should I say, Merry Christmas to all!


    Sources: 

    Atkin, Elizabeth. “How Did Trick or Treating Become a Halloween Tradition?” Metro, 30 Oct. 2021, https://metro.co.uk/2021/10/30/how-trick-or-treating-became-halloween-tradition-15508512/.

    CBC kids team. “Samhain — the Original Halloween!” CBC Kids, 11 Aug. 2022, https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/a-history-of-halloween.

    D., Katherine. “Happy Gay Christmas! A History of Halloween and the LGBTQ+ Community.” Richland Library, 1 Nov. 2021. https://www.richlandlibrary.com/blog/2021-10-19/happy-gay-christmas-history-halloween-and-lgbtq-community.

    “Halloween.” LGBTQ Foundation, https://www.lgbt.foundation/halloween.

    “How Trick-or-Treating Became a Halloween Tradition.” History, 25 Oct. 2021, https://www.history.com/news/halloween-trick-or-treating-origins.

    Schmidt, Samantha. “Halloween Is ‘Gay Christmas’ for Many in the LGBTQ Community. This Year, It Has Been Canceled.” Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/10/15/halloween-is-gay-christmas-many-lgbtq-community-this-year-it-has-been-canceled/.

  • Les avantages et les inconvénients des activités extrascolaires

    Bien qu’il soit important de réussir en classe, les étudiants aspirent aussi à acquérir des compétences et cultiver des aptitudes qu’ils ne trouveront pas dans les livres. Ils recherchent également à valoriser leurs connaissances et leurs forces hors de la classe. La meilleure façon de le faire est de s’impliquer dans des activités extrascolaires qui mettent l’accent sur le sport, les arts, la musique, le théâtre et d’autres encore.

    Cependant, malgré les avantages de participer dans des activités parascolaires, il existe également des inconvénients.

    Les avantages

    Ça donne de l’allure à vos demandes de candidatures pour les universités.

    Bien sûr, c’est probablement trop tôt de penser au collège ou à l’université à ce stade, mais c’est bien de commencer de bonne heure. C’est toujours un atout d’avoir d’excellents résultats scolaires, mais les inscriptions dans les établissements d’études supérieures sont plus concurrentielles que jamais. Souvenez-vous aussi que si votre but est d’obtenir une bourse, les seules notes ne sont plus suffisantes. C’est avantageux de se démarquer, et le meilleur moyen d’y arriver, c’est de participer à des activités extrascolaires. 

    Ça renforce le sens des responsabilités et d’engagement.

    Avoir beaucoup de temps devant soi favorise la complaisance et la tergiversation. Par contre, les étudiants qui ont beaucoup d’activités scolaires et parascolaires sont tendance à mieux gérer leur temps. Ils s’assurent que chaque activité compte parce qu’ils ont peu de temps libre. En plus, ils améliorent leur sens d’engagement pour pouvoir répondre aux demandes des différentes activités, que ce soit un groupe d’études ou une équipe de hockey sur gazon.

    Ça inculque énormément le sens de l’organisation et de la gestion du temps.

    Demandez à n’importe quel adulte et il confirmera que les compétences d’organisation et de gestion du temps sont essentielles pour tout emploi, ce à quoi vous devrez penser plus tard. Équilibrer votre temps entre vos études et d’autres activités vous apprendra à l’aménager et à le maîtriser efficacement. En même temps, vous deviendrez plus ponctuel puisque vous avez un horaire à respecter, et que si vous passez trop de temps quelque part, toutes vos activités dans votre horaire seront touchées comme dans un jeu de dominos.

    Les inconvénients

    Ça peut mener à l’épuisement.

    Jongler avec trop de balles n’est pas toujours judicieux — elles ont tendance à toutes tomber et vous n’avez plus rien. Ce qui veut dire que si des étudiants deviennent trop absorbés par leurs séances de répétition avec le groupe ou par l’entraînement de soccer, ils n’ont plus de temps ou sont trop fatigués pour étudier et se retrouvent au final avec de mauvaises notes.

    Ça peut mener au stress psychologique

    Lorsque l’on est jeune, le stress physique est une chose, mais le stress psychologique est totalement différent. La contrainte de s’en tenir à un horaire peut donner de l’angoisse aux étudiants qui perdent pied dans leurs études et leurs activités extrascolaires. Certains peuvent même devenir des anxieux parce qu’ils n’arrêtent de penser qu’ils décevront s’ils ne respectent pas leurs engagements, et cela leur est insupportable.

    Ça peut mener à une vie sociale moins importante.

    Quand les étudiants ont trop d’activités, ils vont certainement sacrifier du temps passé avec leur famille et leurs amis, et cela fait échouer finalement l’équilibre entre l’école et la vie sociale. Manquer une soirée au cinéma, au restaurant, du temps de vidéo et l’entraînement de majorette n’est peut-être pas grand-chose en soi, mais ces activités avec la famille et les amis aident à soulager le stress. Par conséquent, lorsque les étudiants perdent ces privilèges, c’est sûr qu’ils vont se sentir plus angoissés et fatigués.

    Être actif avec des activités parascolaires est très utile quand on grandit, mais en faire trop est inefficace si ce n’est pas bien maîtrisé – tout est dans l’équilibre !

    SOURCES:

    https://greengarageblog.org/6-pros-and-cons-of-extracurricular-activities

    https://classroom.synonym.com/advantages-disadvantages-extracurricular-activities-4932.html

  • Méthodes et conseils pour redresser une année scolaire qui a mal commencé

    Se sentir inquiet lorsqu’on commence une nouvelle année scolaire est totalement compréhensible. Vous devez retourner à vos activités quotidiennes, vous familiariser avec un nouvel horaire et vous réhabituer à être en classe. Alors que certains ont hâte de retrouver leurs amis, d’autres sont accueillis par des circonstances moins plaisantes, ce qui rend ce début d’année plus difficile que d’habitude.

    Si c’est votre cas, voici quelques méthodes et conseils pour arranger les choses :

    Développez vos objectifs et vos défis vous-même !

    C’est surtout vrai si vous n’aimez pas vos cours. Être dans un cours que vous n’aimez pas est sans aucun doute décourageant, alors essayez de regarder la situation d’une manière différente. Plutôt que de vous concentrer sur votre malchance, utilisez-la comme une motivation. Travaillez dur pour réussir pour plus tard vous retourner sur votre année scolaire et vous dire que vous avez été capable de persévérer et de profiter au mieux d’une mauvaise expérience. Vous ressentirez probablement un fort sentiment d’accomplissement.

    En gros, changer sa perception et établir un plus grand objectif sont certainement les deux outils les plus puissants qu’on peut appliquer à un début d’année déplaisant. La première étape est de décider ce que vous pouvez contrôler et d’agir comme vous le souhaitez.

    Joignez ou créez un club

    Si vous avez du mal à socialiser, ça pourrait être utile de diversifier vos activités. Envisagez de vous joindre aux clubs ou activités de votre école. C’est une bonne façon de vous faire de nouveaux amis avec qui vous pouvez créer des liens par un intérêt commun.

    Une autre possibilité est de créer votre propre club. Si vous l’envisagez, posez-vous ces questions : « Quelle chose particulière pourrais-je apporter à mon école ? » et « Que puis-je faire pour inciter les étudiants à me joindre ? » Non seulement cela vous permet de vous impliquer dans quelque chose qui vous anime, mais devenir le dirigeant d’un club peut également vous permettre d’acquérir d’importantes compétences de direction qui pourraient s’avérer utiles dans le futur. Bien sûr, il n’y a aucune pression pour le faire. Cependant, prendre l’initiative est encouragée si cela permet de rendre la vie à l’école plus agréable.

    Essayez de maintenir une attitude positive et l’esprit ouvert

    Avoir une attitude positive peut être difficile, surtout lorsque vous n’êtes pas heureux de votre situation. Néanmoins, souvenez-vous que l’école ne fait que commencer, alors il reste beaucoup de temps pour que les choses s’améliorent. Gardez l’esprit ouvert et soyez patient. Vous verrez les choses progresser et elles seront encore meilleures que ce que vous aviez pensé. Elles ont juste pris plus de temps pour arriver.

    Rencontrer des difficultés au début de l’année est normal. Bien que les choses ne semblent pas très encourageantes pour le moment, il est très probable que vous ne soyez pas le seul et d’autres ressentent la même chose. En conclusion, si vous restez positive et essayez de gérer ces difficultés du mieux que vous le pouvez, vous êtes en bonne voie pour améliorer votre situation.

  • L’humiliation des obèses et de la vie scolaire

    En tant que jeunes, nous sommes plus perceptibles à l’impact des opinions des autres. Il faut des années pour développer la résilience face aux commentaires blessants ainsi que le sens de l’estime de soi. Quand il vient à l’obésité, il peut y avoir de nombreux facteurs contribuant à cette condition particulière; dont certains peuvent être des médicaments, la toxicomanie, l’anxiété ou la dépression. D’une certaine manière à travers les années, la société a lancé une attaque sur l’image corporelle. Mais le fait demeure … tout le monde à sa propre histoire, et cette histoire n’est pas votre affaire.

    La honte du corps est une telle maladie sociale et affecte toutes les formes et tailles. Il est si difficile de nous aimer nous-même, et pourtant si facile de juger les autres, parce que parfois, lorsque nous mettons d’autres personnes vers le bas, cela nous fait nous sentir mieux dans notre peau. Ce cycle est perpétué par les médias et la pression des pairs, et peut parfois sembler impossible d’y échapper. En tant que membres d’un corps étudiant, nous sommes jetés dans un réservoir d’autres jeunes, très impressionnables. Et avec les modes de vie sains constamment promus dans le monde éducatif, de jeunes passionnés se sentent souvent la nécessité de prendre sur eux pour “répandre l’évangile”, donc de parler. La Honte du corps mène directement à la honte de la graisse, une phrase que beaucoup utilisent pour encourager ceux qui sont obèses à perdre du poids ou une phrase qui peut être décrit comme de l’intimidation directe.

    En Septembre 2015, la vidéo de la star de YouTube Nicole Arbour intitulé “Chers gros peuple” a eu énormément de succès. Il parlait de Arbour crachant des commentaires blessants contre les personnes qui combattent l’obésité. Malgré le nombre important des vues, récemment, il a été décidé que la vidéo n’a pas été conçu pour être pris au sérieux et était en fait la satire, ses commentaires haineux représentent ce qui est mal avec notre société et-malheureusement-ce qui est largement soupçonné d’être vrai. Arbour, les allégations d’arrache-pied dans sa vidéo que l’adiposité est associée à la paresse, la gourmandise et de mauvaises décisions, un avis d’esprits étroits qui sans aucun doute beaucoup de personnes obèses ont entendu toute leur vie. Les personnes obèses ont souvent à faire face à la discrimination au travail et les commentaires indésirables de ceux qui sentent qu’ils ont le droit d’exposer leurs préjugés sous prétexte que ça ‘‘concerne leur santé‘‘.

    Avoir honte d’être gros n’est pas une si mauvaise une chose; les personnes grosses en font une grande affaire. Voilà une carte de race, sans race, déclara Arbour. «Si nous vous offensons à un tel point que vous perdez du poids, alors je suis d’accord avec cela » Les commentaires pour sa vidéo ont été désactivés, ce qui n’est certainement pas surprenant compte tenu de la tempête médiatique qu’il a créé. Et nous espérons que sa cruauté a ouvert un dialogue à propos de la soi-disant honte de l’obésité.

    Tout d’abord, pourquoi vous en souciez-vous?
    Pourquoi le corps de quelqu’un d’autre vous concerne? Comment ça concerne votre cheminement? Ta santé? Si vous êtes préoccupé par la personne, il a été cliniquement prouvé que leur disant que leur poids est hors de contrôle peut les endommager émotionnellement et peut-être même physiquement. Les émotions négatives peuvent conduire à des conséquences physiques négatives.

    La honte de l’obésité NE FONCTIONNE PAS
    Il y a une dimension socialement acceptable, et si vous n’êtes pas dans ces limites de taille c’est que vous avez probablement été victime d’intimidation à l’école à ce sujet. Alors que ses amies deviennent de plus en plus gentil avec vous de l’école élémentaire à l’université, les médias se développent plus sévère. Selon www.secureteen.com, l’Université de l’Hôpital pour enfants Mott Michigan CS a mené une étude qui a révélé que 34% de tous les enfants obèses sont victimes d’intimidation dans leurs écoles. L’étude a également constaté que les mères de plus de poids des enfants ont fait remarquer que 45% de ces enfants avaient été victimes d’intimidation. En outre, 25% des enfants obèses ont affirmé qu’ils ont été soumis à l’humiliation par rapport à leur obésité à l’école. Au lieu de provoquer une personne à perdre du poids de façon saine, l’humiliation des personnes obèse peut conduire à des troubles tels que la boulimie ou l’anorexie. Et même si le poids est perdu de la meilleur façon physique possible, durs régimes alimentaires et exercices, L’humiliation des personnes obèses peut causer des maladies mentales de longue durée et des insécurités sur le plan sanitaire.

    Ce qu’il faut retenir
    • Beauté et être gros ne sont pas mutuellement exclusifs. Être en surpoids ne rend pas moins intelligents. La physicalité est une chose personnelle. Nous ne sommes pas responsables pour les corps d’autres personnes. Seulement le notre. Piquer votre tête où vous ne devriez pas pourriez vraiment blesser quelqu’un.
    • l’autonomie du corps est difficile à avoir quand notre société avec des préjugées déclare votre corps comme inacceptable. L’amour de soi et l’acceptation conduit à un désir de prendre soin de vous. Apprenez à connaître votre corps ce dont il a besoin et ce à quoi il réagit.