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  • Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    The transition between elementary or middle school to high school is a big one. As you grow older and move into high school-level classes, your responsibilities will change as well. Don’t be nervous, though! High school is not as scary as it seems, and you might find that you meet a lot of new friends and try a whole bunch of new things. It’s one of the most exciting times of your life!

    So what are some of these new responsibilities? For one, most schools don’t tolerate lateness, and some teachers even lock their doors to late students, so it’s very important to get to your classes on time. It might be difficult to find your way around in the first few weeks of high school, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Be sure to bring a copy of your timetable with you so you know where and when your classes start.

    Secondly, you will be expected to be much more independent than in the earlier grades. Teachers don’t hound students for homework or assignments and often penalize late essays. That’s why you need to keep track of when everything is due. The best way is to get a separate binder for each class (one in every colour) so you don’t get papers mixed up. An agenda, notebook or calendar is also vital in high school. You’ll want to be able to keep track of when tests are, when assignments are due and when the holidays start.

    You will have a locker where you can store your books, binders, sports equipment and any other assortment of pens, paper and articles of clothing. You are responsible for keeping your locker clean – or at least presentable.

    Meet some new people! While not necessarily a responsibility, you’ll find that if you reach out to other students, you might end up making friends you’ll have for years to come. Remember, this is a new experience for everybody in your classes.

    Work hard! Now that you’re in high school, you can’t slack on grades. These marks can affect which classes you take in the following years, and may even limit your options for college or university programs. If you pay attention to your teachers, show up on time, do your homework and hand in your assignments, then you’ll do fine in your classes. Just make sure to keep organized and on top of tests and assignments.

    Going from elementary into high school is a big leap, and with it comes new responsibilities and new freedoms.  If you work hard, show up on time and meet a few new friends, you might even find that you want to go to school in the morning. It’s a big adjustment to make, but soon you’ll be just as comfortable in your new school as you were in your old one.

  • It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    The first year of post-secondary can often feel very scary and sometimes overwhelming for many students. Post-secondary is such a large leap from the comfort zone of high school; students often feel as though the pressure and work expectancy can be overbearing. This is why it is important to know what to expect before you enter post-secondary, and have a better understanding of how to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

    So, what does the first year of post-secondary have in store for you?

    The first —and arguably most critical— expectation for post-secondary is: prepare yourself for a heavy course load. I’m sure it’s no surprise post-secondary is more academically challenging than high school. However, with the course load of each semester being much more condensed than that of a typical high school semester, the workload becomes intensified. This is often a big shock for most students, which is when the sense of being overwhelmed begins to come in.  A full course load in high school is not equivalent to that of a full course load in post-secondary, so be sure to prepare yourself for the next level and only accept as many classes as you can handle.

    Although you’ve probably heard it many times before, the next thing you should expect in post-secondary is to study! While of course studying has always been an important aspect throughout your education, now more than ever, you will need to study and learn the proper techniques on how to do so effectively. Gone are the days of cramming for an exam the night before; say hello to learning proper study techniques in order to reach academic success! (You’ll find proper study techniques are a lot less stressful than cramming, anyway!) One of the most effective study tips is to review your notes from each class every day. That way, when exam season rolls around, you won’t have to re-teach yourself any of the material; you’ll already have all of the knowledge memorized, and a quick refresher should be all you need!

    Despite taking all the right steps for academic success, expect some amount of stress. With new surroundings, unfamiliar professors, and a new level of academic pressure, some stress is going to arise. However, there is no need to fear, just prepare yourself and you’ll get through it! When you feel stress starting to take over, remember to make time for yourself to recharge before you burn yourself out! Exercise is a key aspect of staying physically and mentally healthy in post-secondary. Remember to give yourself breaks while studying, and try to exercise as much as possible! Remember, if you’re ever feeling too overwhelmed, there are resources available to help guide you. Seek your institution’s counselling services if you find your stress levels unmanageable.

    With classes, assignments, exams and any potential out-of-school obligations, expect to be busy in post-secondary! Time management is key to maintaining your stress levels while still reaching academic success. Use a day planner, agenda, or calendar to keep track of important deadlines and exam dates, and plan your days accordingly. Ensure you are always giving yourself an adequate amount of time for studying and assignments, in order to avoid the “cramming the night before stress,” and are always handing in the best representation of your capabilities.

    Expect to meet some awesome new people! While post-secondary might feel slightly intimidating at first, remember you are not alone! There are plenty of other first-year students who feel exactly the same way as you do. Post-secondary institutions offer a variety of clubs, sports teams, and programs that cater to a wide variety of different interests and talents. Get involved in different school activities that interest you; chances are you’ll meet some other great students who share similar interests. Remember, new friends can be found within the classroom, too! While you may feel shy or intimidated at first, remember the students in your class are in the very same position as you. Reaching out to students in your classes helps you break the ice, find new study-buddies, and potential lifelong friends.

    So, while post-secondary will undoubtedly be quite a change from anything you’re used to, remember you’re there for a reason! Just keep in mind what to expect when you walk through those doors, understand how to prepare yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be handling your first year of post-secondary like a pro.

  • Benefits to Attending a Trade School

    Benefits to Attending a Trade School

    Pursuing some form of post-secondary education is often highly recommended, but college or university programs aren’t necessarily for everyone.  Attending a trade or vocational school is a great alternative for young adults looking to build or enhance their skills and get a great job, but who may not be interested in a college or university degree.

    Lower Cost

    University and college programs can be quite expensive, and for students who don’t have the financial resources to go straight into higher education, attending a trade school program is a much more affordable way to increase your knowledge and skills. Not only will tuition for a vocational program usually be less than a college or university program, but vocational programs also often include co-op or apprenticeship components that enable you to earn money while you’re learning your trade.

    Enter the Workforce Faster

    Another benefit to vocational and trade school programs is that they are typically only 6 months to 2 years to complete, as opposed to 3-5 years for a college or university program, though this changes depending on whether you are enrolled part-time or full-time.  Trade schools also often have flexible class schedules with evening or online options, which means you can continue to work or apprentice while completing your education. This will get you into the workforce and earning a great salary much faster than if you go through a longer educational program.

    Learn Specialized Career Skills

    One of the primary advantages to a trade school education is that you will gain a great deal of specialized knowledge and skills in your trade very quickly. These programs usually dive right into detailed, hands-on education in your trade, rather than spending time on general education and survey courses the way most college and university programs do.  You will be learning from experienced tradespeople who work in the industry, and who will be able to teach you a wide variety of skills for your chosen trade, meaning you will be a more effective worker right from the beginning of your apprenticeship or job.

    Be Ready for In-Demand Jobs

    Men and women working in the skilled trades fill some of the most in-demand careers. Nearly every industry requires tradespeople at some level, meaning you will have great job opportunities right after completing your education.  Vocational and trade schools are often able to respond quickly to the demands of the economy, as well, meaning they will be the first to offer training in new industries, and can tailor their educational programs to match the skills that employers are looking for.

    So, if you want to get more education after high school and are interested in a great career, look into the trade schools in your area and see what they have to offer!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.aimseducation.edu/blog/benefits-vocational-school-2-year-programs/

    http://www.gocollege.com/options/vocational-trade-schools/

  • Saving in Senior Year

    Saving in Senior Year

    When it comes to your senior year of school, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future.

    I know that a lot of students are already worrying about jobs, moving out, and exams. However, one of the things that will never stop being important is how to be responsible with money.

    One of the first things you should do is begin consulting with people who have been in the “official” adult world for a while. Your parents and potentially older siblings will be able to give you tips on how to be fiscally responsible. Remember that your parents have been budgeting and taking care of a family for years, so they’ll be one of your best guides. It might sound like they’re nagging you when they ask why you spend money on a new shirt when you already have 20, but they’re just doing what you should be – budgeting. You don’t need to disclose everything to your relatives, but asking them a few questions about how much they would recommend putting into savings, drawing up a plan with you, or even scheduling a meeting with a bank consultant are good places to start. You may be young, but the sooner you learn about money, the better your sustainability will be.

    Something else that works is to learn how to budget. Living within your means only becomes more crucial as you get older. If you’re crazy with your credit cards, don’t go shopping for a while. Take out cash and live with the money that you take out for a week.

    A big part of being financially responsible is understanding that sacrifices need to be made in order to help your future self. It may be a bit of a downer to not eat out as often as you’d like with friends, but there are always ways to improvise. Have a few friends come over for a homemade dinner. It’ll be worth it to give up a $40 restaurant tab if it means you’re putting money away for an apartment or a rainy-day fund.

    One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to consult with a professional. Schedule an appointment with a consultant at the bank about how to save, what plans are best for you, and the kind of account that will work best for you.

    Saving money is difficult – especially with the introduction of plastic cards. We don’t see our funds deplete and keep going until it becomes a problem. But, with these few tips to help get you started, fiscal responsibility and saving are right around the corner.

  • Career Profile: Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

    Career Profile: Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

    The world is full of hazardous chemicals and other dangerous materials which can damage the environment and harm people. When manufacturing, mining, or other processes produce hazardous waste, people have to come and clean it up. This job can be difficult and potentially dangerous, but it is essential. If you like the idea of helping in this way, you should consider becoming a hazardous waste removal worker.

    When you work on an assignment at school, you might have a computer printout or glue bottle that you discard after using them. Throwing something recyclable into the garbage is harmful in a small way, although the hazards add up quickly. However, the waste coming from processes like mining can be immediately poisonous to people and animals while destroying trees and streams. Hazardous materials removal workers help to clean up these types of materials.

    The first step in removing hazardous materials is to find out what they are and how to deal with them. People in this field need to study different types of waste and know what to do with each of them, or they can specialize in one type. They could choose to learn about mining waste or the dangerous substances that come from nuclear plants. Some people can even get jobs sorting out hazardous waste like batteries from the regular garbage, like orange peels and chocolate wrappers.

    Most hazardous materials removal workers need at least two years of training after high school to get jobs in this field. Throughout their career, they might need extra training to be able to work with certain types of hazardous waste. If an oil spill happens, for example, someone in this career might need to learn about that type of material.

    When disasters happen or hazardous waste builds up, people in this field assess the damage and decide how to deal with the trouble. They use various tools and cleaning solutions to remove the waste and store it in containers where it can be safe. People in this job often have to work long and tiring days, frequently outside in all kinds of weather. Sometimes, however, they need to be prepared to spend hours in an office, making plans, organizing work, and writing reports.

    Working with hazardous materials can be dangerous, and people in this field need to know about keeping themselves and others safe. Accidents can happen while people are cleaning up the waste material.

    Protective equipment is necessary in this job. Workers might need to wear thick rubber gloves, goggles, and other equipment to keep themselves safe. Even then, they should be careful not to touch the hazardous materials or breathe in the fumes from them. Besides the dangers, it can be very unpleasant and smelly work. Although it is possible to stay in this job for many years, it can become more difficult as people get older.

    Annual salaries for hazardous waste disposal workers average $68,000. Job prospects are limited right now, but they will likely improve in the next few years as older workers retire. If you like the idea of this job, you could already start to prepare to work in the field by researching further, looking into training, and becoming more aware of the hazardous materials that our modern way of life produces and how they affect us and the planet.

     

    Sources:

    ALIS. “Hazardous Waste Management Technologist.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/hazardous-waste-management-technologist/.

    Career Planner. “Hazardous Materials Removal Worker.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Hazardous-Materials-Removal-Workers.cfm.

    PayScale Canada. “Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal: Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Industry=Hazardous_Waste_Treatment_and_Disposal/Salary.

  • Career Profile: Architectural Glass and Metal Technician

    Career Profile: Architectural Glass and Metal Technician

    Almost every building has metal and glass in it, whether in small sections or covering entire walls. Architectural glass and metal technicians are the people who install these features. For people with the stamina and physical ability, this job can be a good career choice.

    Most buildings have at least some metal and glass, whether it covers the entire outer layer of a skyscraper or just a few mirrors inside the building. Architectural glass and metal technicians work with blueprints to measure and cut glass and metal to the right sizes and shapes. Often, people in this trade cut the glass and metal themselves and even assemble and dismantle scaffolding. They may work in teams or work alone.

    People in this trade should be in reasonably good physical condition and have good dexterity with their hands. Being able to manage heights is important, as much of the work can be far off the ground. Sometimes, however, technicians may need to work in small spaces. The job can be unpleasant in hot, windy, cold, or rainy weather. During winter, when construction usually ends, people in this trade might still be able to work on jobs inside buildings, but the possibilities are limited.

    Architectural glass and metal technicians can work almost anywhere, although they are more likely to find work in large cities than in smaller places. Generally, wages start at $20 per hour and can rise to over $38 per hour, or $42,000 to $81,000 per year. These technicians work with mirrors, prefabricated glass, and metal frames. Some of the work is indoors as people manufacture the items, and outside while they install the windows.

    A Grade 10 education is the minimum for people in this trade, but high school graduation is better. Courses in math, English, science, and technology are helpful. Following high school, many people enter an apprenticeship program, which normally takes four years of both practical work and classroom studies. It is also possible for people with some experience to challenge the Certificate of Qualification.

    Like in many trades, architectural glass and metal technicians can be part of the Red Seal program if they pass the Interprovincial Standards Examination. This means that they will be able to work in any province or territory without any additional training except for special tasks specific to the employer. That way, people in this trade can easily move to where the jobs are.

    Architectural glass and metal technicians need a certain amount of physical fitness to be able to lift heavy objects and to work with potentially dangerous machines. Being able to stand for long periods of time is important. As physical stamina fades with age, people might want to move on to other jobs.

    Like many trades, opportunities in this field depend on the economy and how many people start construction projects. Work is easier to find in large cities than in small towns, but some people may need to combine more than one job to earn a living. If this career sounds good to you, why not consider pursuing it?

     

    Bibliography:

    Durham Workforce. “Architectural Glass and Metal Technician.” http://durhamworkforceauthority.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Architectural-Glass-and-Metal-Technician.pdf

    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Architectural Glass and Metal Technician.” https://oyap.ca/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=131

    Payscale Canada. “Average Glazier Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Glazier/Hourly_Rate

  • Is Taking a Gap Year Before Post-Secondary Okay?

    Is Taking a Gap Year Before Post-Secondary Okay?

    Many students wonder if taking a gap year is okay. The answer to that is yes! It is perfectly okay to take a gap year before Post-Secondary. You have been studying for many years, and it is healthy to take this break that you deserve. Taking a gap year before Post-Secondary has many benefits. It can help you get to know yourself and the world around you. The following are five different reasons explaining to you why and how taking a gap year before entering Post-Secondary is a great choice!

    A Hidden Passion Could Arise

    During your gap year, you will have the time to think about your passions-maybe discover new ones. During your years in Secondary school, you probably did not have much time to deeply reflect and discover new interests due to all the schoolwork you had to complete and stay up to date with. Now, with this gap year, you have more time and more opportunities to try out new things and learn more about your interests and your passions.

    Become More Independent

    While you were growing up, you had to rely upon and look up to several different adults in your life. These adults could have been your parents, guardians, or even your teachers. They may have created certain routines, schedules, and rules for you to follow. Now that you are finished with Secondary school, you are transitioning into adulthood. Learning to become more independent is very important. It will help you lead your own life. By taking a gap year, you will be given the opportunity to practice being independent and set your daily tasks and schedules. These are skills that you will take with you and benefit from for the rest of your life.

    Travel the World…Maybe?

    During this year off from school, you will probably have lots of time off. An amazing way to spend this free time is by travelling and exploring the world. Getting to know different cultures can make you reflect and help you learn more about yourself. Through all the different cultures and traditions you may experience, they may also help you decide which career is best for you. Most people do not have time to travel since they begin their careers right after graduating. If you are interested in exploring different countries, it is best to do so before you begin Post-Secondary. The world is a different place now after COVID-19, and it may be harder to travel- it is up to you to decide if it is worth it or not. Safety and your health matter most.

    Avoid Burnout

    It is very easy and common to experience burnout after studying and working hard at school for many years. Burnout is when you have done something for an extended period, and it results in you losing interest and avoiding doing that thing. Students that do not take some time off before beginning post-secondary are likely to experience burnout. It is best to take a gap year before entering Post-Secondary to begin refreshed, well-rested and eager to learn!

    Learn Skills and Build Up Your Resume

    During your gap year, you will most likely have the time and the opportunity to be able to learn new skills and find new opportunities that can help your resume look great. You could learn a new language, take some courses, volunteer, and find jobs that suit your interests. These things can help you find good jobs during your gap year, as well as when you graduate from your post-secondary education. Employers not only look at your level of education but also your skills and the amount of job experience you have.

    Now that you know five of the many reasons why taking a gap year before Post-Secondary is beneficial, it will probably help you decide whether or not taking a gap year is for you. Remember that you know what is best for yourself. If you think you should take a gap year, then you should, and it is perfectly okay to do so!

    Resources

    https://www.globalcitizenyear.org/content/why-take-a-gap-year/

    https://www.goabroad.com/articles/gap-year/gap-year-benefits

    https://www.valuecolleges.com/guides/gap-year/

    https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/why-should-take-gap-year-after-high-school

  • How to Make Reading Books a Fun Habit (And Not Just for School!)

    How to Make Reading Books a Fun Habit (And Not Just for School!)

    Have you ever thought of making reading books a fun habit? Just because you may not have fun reading books for school, doesn’t mean you won’t have fun reading on your own. Reading doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re interested in making reading a fun new habit, then these tips are just for you!

    Find Books You’re Interested In

    In school, you may have to read and complete assignments on books you would never willingly pick up. To make up for that one boring book, you could read several books that you enjoy. There are so many genres to choose from! When starting to read your book, one good tip is to read the first 50 pages. If you don’t find it interesting, don’t waste your time and find another book.

    Read Several Books

    Are you the type of person who gets bored while reading just one book? If you prefer, you could read several books at once. You can keep one in your room, another in your living room, and even a third in your bathroom. Whenever you’re in one of those rooms and feel like reading, you can simply pick up that specific book and read it. Having several books to read at once can be challenging, but it can keep you from getting bored.

    Read a Book Before Bed

    Reading before bed is a good way to help you wind down and relax before going to sleep. Picking up a book is a good alternative to watching television or using other technology. The blue light from technology can keep you from feeling tired. Reading can help you sleep better. If you read before bed, you might even have your favourite book characters sneak into your dreams at night!

    Download E-Books

    You may be the type of person who falls asleep while flipping through the pages of a physical book. If that sounds like you, you could always download e-books instead. There are several apps and websites online that allow you to download books from any genre of your choice. Also, if you are having trouble finding a specific book at a bookstore or a library, you could always go online to look for that book.

    Read With Your Friends

    Instead of reading alone and keeping your thoughts and opinions to yourself, you could get your friends to read the same book. Create a little book club! You and your friends could pick a book you’d all enjoy reading. After every chapter, you could all talk about your favourite part and your least favourite part so far. If there happens to be a specific part you didn’t understand, you can ask your friends to explain it to you. Making reading social will also encourage you to read regularly.

    With these new tips you’ve just learned, you’ll have a much easier time making reading a fun habit. I promise that once you pick up a book you enjoy, you won’t want to put it back down! Go grab an interesting book and see for yourself!

     

    Resources

    https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/14-ways-to-cultivate-a-lifetime-reading-habit.html

    https://happyyouhappyfamily.com/how-to-develop-reading-habit/

    https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/25-ways-to-read-a-lot-more-books-this-year.html

  • High School Horror Stories: Surviving the Monstrous Math Class (French version available)

    High School Horror Stories: Surviving the Monstrous Math Class (French version available)

    Like everything else, high school has its ups and downs. However, one thing I’ve noticed about high school is that it has this way of making something feel much worse than it actually is. You’re at an awkward age where everything is changing: your friends, your life, your interests. Nothing is static. Plus, you’re forced to take a bunch of classes that you don’t really like at all. As a result, high school builds the perfect foundation for difficult situations. As a university student, I can now look back on my high school experiences and laugh at them. But at the time, there were many moments where I did not see a way out of my situation. The prime example of this being my math classes.

    As I am writing for a website that produces journal articles, you can make many assumptions about me. One of the first being that I like to write. If you guessed that, then you guessed right! I have liked to write ever since I was in elementary school. That said, when I got to high school, I hoped that there would be more opportunities to exercise my love for writing, but this was not the case. In elementary school, I had been really good at science and even math. As a result, my teacher enrolled me in the STEM (now STEAM) program at my high school. Honestly speaking, this may not have been the best choice for me. I stayed in the program because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do, plus at least I’d be getting a certificate for it, and that would look good, right?

    Getting that certificate was not an easy journey. Let me tell you, elementary school math and high school math are two very different things. As I took grade 9 math, I began to realize how difficult it could be, and I struggled immensely. However, my grade 10 math class felt much worse than the previous year because I already knew that I was not good at it.  On top of that, I was surrounded by other kids who were exceptional at math – they made it look easy. And of course, the cherry on top of math that semester was that it was the second period right after science. As a result, I ended up suffering from massive burnout after just the first half of the day.

    I used to spend hours on my math homework; I was always the kid who had to stay for extra time to work on tests, or go to class during lunch for extra help or get extra homework because I needed to boost my grade. I was one of only three other students who got called on for this. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with any of these. But at the time, it honestly felt humiliating. When I asked my friends for help, they tried their best, but it always took me a long time to even begin to understand what they were saying. And god, what made the fear worse was the thought of the final exam and how I already knew how lost I was going to feel during it. I believe the exam was only worth 15% of my grade, but back then, that number felt unattainable. Even so, I tried my absolute best throughout the semester. I always did the extra work, I went during lunch, I paid very close attention in class, and I got help from wherever I could.

    And then the time finally came for the final. At that point, I came to terms with the fact that it was okay not to be good at everything and that math simply was not my strongest subject. On the inside, I had done some re-evaluating: I knew that I wanted to be a writer. And I also knew that math was definitely not required to be one. So, I kept my head up and I walked into that exam calmly and confidently, knowing that I did everything that I could. I ended up passing the class with a B! It wasn’t as high as any of my friends’ marks, but that didn’t bother me at all. I had set my own standards.

    If you’re reading this, and you’re having a class that you’re struggling with, remember one thing: progress doesn’t always make itself obvious. Just because you do everything right doesn’t mean your mark is immediately going to boost from a C to an A. You must be patient. Even though I powered through the class until the end, it was not easy at all. Math took a lot out of my self-esteem because it wasn’t like the whole class was struggling either; in my mind, that meant that it was my fault that I wasn’t doing very well. The main thing that kept me going was taking a step back and realizing how hard I was trying. Like I said, I did everything I could to get help: did extra work, reached out, and spent extra time in class.

    Remember to consider the class in the broader context of things; in my case, I don’t need math to help me with my current area of study. In your case, you may, so try and find help wherever you can, whether it be through video tutorials or study sessions with friends. Also, keep in mind that everybody’s brain works differently; I am just catered towards the humanities. You may be the opposite; you can be good at math but not the best at English. Who knows, maybe you’re good at both. The point is that you should always put your best foot forward in anything you do. Always try your best!

  • Setting Goals to Help Guide Your School Year (French version available)

    Setting Goals to Help Guide Your School Year (French version available)

    With the end of summer and the start of the new school year, it’s back to class schedules and studying.  Whether it’s your first year at university or college, or you’re further along in your degree, the start of a new year is always exciting—but it can also be intimidating.  You may feel like everyone expects you to have your life planned out, while you’re busy facing the constant changes that come with growing up, learning, and experiencing more of the world.

    That being said, setting goals for yourself can be a helpful way to create some structure through the school year and ensure you make the most of your time at school both academically and personally. Having goals also helps you improve yourself and enjoy each day while also working toward your future.

    Short-Term vs Long-Term Goals

    Short-term goals are smaller, focused, and achievable in the span of a few days, weeks, or at most a couple of months.  These help structure your daily tasks and function as stepping-stones to completing larger and longer-term goals.

    Long-term goals are often broader or more complex and are intended to be pursued and achieved over a longer period of time, such as over a semester or the whole school year.

    Short-Term Goals

    Short-term goals can be personal, academic, or professional; in fact, it’s a good idea to have some of each.  The important thing is to choose goals that you’re interested in achieving, and which will make you happy or benefit your education or career development.

    Personal goals for the short term can include things like making a new friend in every class, dedicating time each week to spend with your friends, as well as explore your campus and city, or setting aside time for self-care. You could also join a sports team, take up a new hobby, or join a new club each semester.  Any of these activities will help you experience new things, build new skills, and grow as a person.

    Academic short-term goals are a great way to push yourself during school, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your classes and your education.  These goals can include achieving a specific grade in a course or finding a mentor to support you through your studies.

    Professional short-term goals could be finding a part-time job or internship that supports your education or one of your long-term goals.

    Long-Term Goals

    During your education, long-term goals serve to keep you on track toward the big picture of your future.  Ideally, many of your short-term goals will serve as the steps you take toward achieving these long-term goals.  For example, academic long-term goals can be aiming to enter graduate school after your undergraduate degree is complete, or to graduate with a certain grade or with honours.

    A long-term goal, more on the professional side, could be to target a specific job or field that you want to work in after school.  This would help you structure your education to work toward this goal when choosing courses and summer or part-time jobs.

    Grow Toward Your Future

    Goals for both the short term and the long term will help you plan and focus your efforts, and will give you specific things to work toward in your personal and academic life.  Just remember that there is no one-size-fits-all set of goals you must choose; you’re the only one who can decide what success looks like for your own life, and then you decide which goals will help you get there.

     

    Sources

    Betts, Jennifer. “Actionable Long-Term Goal Examples for College Students.” Your Dictionary. https://examples.yourdictionary.com/actionable-long-term-goal-examples-for-college-students.html.

    Booz, Nicole. “50 Short Term Goals for College.” GenTwenty. https://gentwenty.com/short-term-goals-for-college/.