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  • Career Profile: Market Research Analysts

    Career Profile: Market Research Analysts

    Suppose that you or a friend wanted to start a business selling cookies or taking care of pets. You would want to know as much as possible about your potential customers before you started. A market research analyst could help. If you enjoy talking with people and working with numbers, this could be the right job for you.

    Market research analysts work to understand the public, especially related to what they buy and why. If a scarf manufacturer can sell blue scarves but not orange ones, for example, a market research analyst might be able to find out why. If someone wants to open a pizza restaurant in an area where similar food is already available, the analyst could help the person decide if there are enough customers to make it worth the effort.

    Making these kinds of decisions can be difficult without accurate information. Market research analysts try to get the information and compare it to other data to see if it is accurate. They call people to ask for their preferences, go from door to door to conduct surveys, check government databases for information about the people in an area, and otherwise try to find out as much as they can about the situation.

    Large amounts of information are not very useful without someone to interpret the data. Analysts use their knowledge and experience to decide on the importance of different pieces of information and then put their conclusions into a report for the client. For the pizza restaurant issue, for example, they might look at similar neighbourhoods to see how many Italian restaurants have survived there.

    Market research analysts often conduct surveys online, over the phone, or in person to find the information they need. For the pizza restaurant, they might contact people in the neighbourhood to see how often they eat out, how much they are willing to pay, and anything else that might be relevant.

    Sometimes, this stage involves walking long distances through a neighbourhood or stopping people to talk to them in malls or parks. The pandemic has reduced the amount of face-to-face contact, and now much of the work is done through the phone or online. However, market research analysts should still be prepared to go outside in bad weather. People might also be rude or too busy to answer questions, making market research difficult.

    Once the information is ready, the next step is to write a report for the client. This stage might also involve meeting with the managers to explain what the numbers really mean and how various factors affect the business. Sometimes, these managers and business owners ask for advice on the best choice to make. The market research analyst might not be very well qualified to give this type of advice, but it is helpful to have some knowledge that is useful for the client.

    Market research analysts can work with government or private businesses. Often, they work for a series of clients, but some large companies have enough money to hire a full-time analyst. A four-year bachelor’s degree in marketing or statistics from a university is usually necessary, and experience in the field is helpful. In high school, courses in English and mathematics are useful. Depending on where they work and their level of experience, market research analysts earn between $41,000 and $78,000 per year.

    A job as a market research analyst can be intense but rewarding. If you enjoy statistics and talking to people about what they like, this might be the job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Glassdoor. “Market Research Analyst Job Description.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job-Descriptions/Market-Research-Analyst.htm.

    Job Bank. “Analyst—Market Research in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/3869/ca;jsessionid=F9A1964262A199A664BF4CA51DEE1376.jobsearch76.

    Payscale.com. “Average Market Research Analyst Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Market_Research_Analyst/Salary.

    Princeton Review. “Market Researcher Careers.” https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/92/market-researcher.

    University of Manitoba. “Market Research Analyst.” https://umanitoba.ca/career-services/career-planning/explore-occupations/market-research-analyst.

  • Promoting Positive Body Image and Self-Esteem in Young Children in India

    Promoting Positive Body Image and Self-Esteem in Young Children in India

    By Rabia Khan

    Since weight is the most controversial topic, children often shy away from talking about body issues. Media loves to stereotype human bodies and we tend to become pawns of this irrational system, turning us into puppets. The constant pressure put on young children to be perfect at times can get out of control.

    Obsession with fairness creams and being thin to an extent have proven that we still live around a cynical outlook. Multiple advertisements are hellbent on brainwashing young children, steering them to believe they are not good enough, and perpetuating unhealthy lifestyles that their parents often don’t desire.

    The patriarchal ancient system concludes that young women in India are looked at as subjective role models, hence not giving preference to their abilities as a person but giving preference to their outer appearance. Promoting such body image impacts the self-esteem of young children, leading them to unhealthy coping mechanisms like fasting, diet-crashing, various weight loss regimes, etc.

    We grew up in households where ‘superstitious’ beliefs were the heart of our family. Women are hammered with endless expectations and are looked upon as perfect and ‘neat as milk’. People in India and some traditional environments hold such a backward mentality that they believe a ‘docile’ woman is the perfect daughter-in-law, and that such a docile person would come without any warnings of foreboding. Just because a woman is born with a fair complexion, that doesn’t mean she cannot indulge herself in ‘feminine sins’.

    Promoting positive body image will surely bring a sense of security to young children. Setting their self-esteem in the right direction while they are in the primitive years can prepare them for a brighter future and bring success. This very system of promoting body image proves that we are so insecure with ourselves that we feel obliged to take somebody’s natural essence away by distorting their principles of basic human rights.

    Since endless jingles and advertisements surround our generation, tele-friendly adverts never show the dark side of various products and the very dangers that come with them, many have been proven to cause cancer due to the heavy amount of chemicals injected into them.

    Through education, we can fairly promote positive body image and self-esteem in young children. Receiving the right kind of education will not only feed your knowledge by eliminating malpractices, but it will also strengthen the ideologies that are overlooked in the industry.

    Unrealistic obsessions are thrown at us like a fairy tale, and it’s easier to get influenced because of our feeble minds. Parents need to foster an attitude of radical acceptance and teach them to love themselves when they are young. They grow up to become responsible adults when they feel secure within themselves. It’s essential to prioritize your child’s mental and physical being in a judgement-free environment.

    Listening and understanding your children will help elevate their self-esteem, making healthy living conditions for them to grow as their selves.

  • The Role of Pets in Mental Wellbeing

    The Role of Pets in Mental Wellbeing

    By Rabia Khan

    We all need that little something that uplifts us instantly. And what more than your pets doing their role in perfecting your mental wellbeing, and we all agree to it fully! There is substantial scientific proof and evidence that shows the role of pets in enhancing mental wellbeing in human beings. Dogs have been used for multiple scientific and medical purposes for the impact they have on human beings. Dogs are the only creature that connects with people on a spiritual level. Here is the reason how pets contribute to mental wellbeing, you’ll be surprised to know some facts about your pets that you didn’t know before!

    Companionship

    A sense of belonging and of drive is essential for humans. As is the want to feel linked together, which alleviates isolation and offers delight. Pets can help people who are depressed by offering friendship, especially those who are aged or unwell. The addition of a beloved pet or dog to the daily lives of veterans suffering from PTSD has also been shown to enhance their psychological state. As a result, servicemen are urged to obtain dogs as buddies while they adjust back to the normal world.

    Non-verbal communication

    You often don’t need to communicate with your pets, if you ever feel sad, your pets are most likely to understand your feelings much better without even communicating. Besides, dogs are super loyal to their caretaker. That’s why many believe that dogs are the best healers for mankind. Pets support individual mental wellbeing by just being in their lives. After all, their innocence plays a huge role in our stressful lives.

    Make you happy!

    Spending time with your pets releases certain endorphins in your brain. Stroking a dog has been shown to boost the release of serotonin. Similarly, pets can also boost the levels of endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin. They can also activate various additional hormones which contribute to an individual feeling healthier. It has also been demonstrated that simply contemplating pets in our daily life can help alleviate unhappiness induced by disappointment or loneliness.

    Treatment for illness

    Pets are frequently used in treatment for those suffering from severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, autism, or a genetic disorder called Down syndrome. Dogs often serve older individuals by filling positivity into their lives. A lot of mental health and rehab centers use dogs as a therapy to help individuals affected by any illness. Some hospitals will often see weekly visits by dogs to enhance a patient’s moods, and it has been very effective so far.

    If you have a dog, cherish them, as they are a gift!

  • Avoir le choix et l’équilibre dans le marché du travail à contrats

    Avoir le choix et l’équilibre dans le marché du travail à contrats

    Le monde du travail est en plein changement. Les technologies modernes permettent un plus grand accès au travail et à la possibilité de travailler à distance. Notre civilisation est en constante évolution et la sécurité d’emploi diminue ; le temps où les employés restaient avec le même employeur pendant des années s’éloigne rapidement. Cependant,  l’occasion de découvrir des emplois différents permet plus de possibilités qu’ont eues les générations précédentes.

    Ces 40 dernières années, le nombre de personnes avec plus d’un emploi a doublé au Canada. Et on s’attend à ce que ce nombre augmente. Cette façon non traditionnelle de travailler est une inconnue effrayante, avec des horaires étranges, une grande précarité et un revenu variable. En revanche, c’est une excellente occasion d’adapter vos heures de travail selon votre horaire et vos besoins. Si vous avez du mal à vous lever le matin, cherchez un travail qui commence plus tard en journée. Si vous êtes sujet à la dépression ou à l’anxiété, cherchez du temps de travail qui vous permet de travailler sans vous sentir débordé.

    Le travail à contrats est un formidable moyen d’obtenir de l’expérience dans toute une palette d’emplois. Cela n’a jamais été aussi facile de concilier différents postes. C’est notamment utile pour trouver le genre de carrière que vous voulez poursuivre à plein temps. Vous pouvez faire l’expérience d’une profession qui semble intéressante à temps partiel. Il y a moins de contraintes à garder votre emploi lorsque vous savez que vous en avez un ou deux autres dans lesquels vous pouvez augmenter les heures.  C’est aussi une bonne manière de trouver des emplois qui s’adaptent à vos besoins physiques et mentaux. De multiples emplois à contrats vous permettent de trouver les choix d’accès pour effectuer des tâches diverses, ainsi que les environnements et les postes qui vous correspondent le mieux.

    C’est important de le faire correctement. Beaucoup de gens qui ont plusieurs emplois se sentent souvent au bout du rouleau, stressés et indécis quant à leurs objectifs. Si cela est possible, vous avez un but à long terme pendant que vous occupez plusieurs postes – que ce soit une carrière particulière ou un équilibre entre le travail et votre vie privée qui s’adapte à vous et vos besoins de facilité d’accès. Assurez-vous que vos différents postes sont complémentaires. Leurs horaires et ce qu’ils vous apportent devraient former un tout équilibré. Vous pouvez avoir un emploi à contrat avec des heures flexibles et un bon salaire qui vous permet de payer vos dettes, pendant qu’un autre vous donne une expérience de travail privilégiée et un autre encore qui vous donne la possibilité de faire du réseautage pour vos objectifs futurs.

    En dehors du travail, assurez-vous d’entretenir un style de vie équilibré. Tirez profit  de vos heures de travail inhabituelles pour planifier des passe-temps durant la journée. Faites en sorte d’économiser de l’argent en le mettant dans un compte d’épargne libre d’impôt ou dans un régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite et de déduire vos dépenses de travail indépendant dans votre déclaration de revenus. Aménagez votre temps sur un  calendrier numérique avec différentes couleurs pour le travail, les sorties et le temps pour vous-même.

    C’est important de se rappeler que, pour obtenir un style de vie équilibré, il ne faut pas s’épuiser au travail. La nature du travail va continuer son évolution. Au fur et à mesure que les machines prennent de plus en plus d’emplois, il est très probable que les futures générations auront plus de moments de loisir et la liberté pour réaliser leurs passions et suivre leurs champs d’intérêt. Tirez parti de la nature du travail actuel pour découvrir ce qui vous captive, ce dont vous avez besoin et ce que vous voulez de la vie. C’est une aventure enthousiasmante et effrayante qui sera exceptionnelle pour chacun d’entre nous.

    Sources:

    Augustine, Avery. “How to Balance Multiple Jobs (Without Losing Your Mind).” The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-balance-multiple-jobs-without-losing-your-mind

    Dolan, Ed. “More People Working Multiple Jobs – A Good Sign or a Bad One?”

    Medium. https://medium.com/@dolanecon/more-people-working-multiple-jobs-a-good-sign-or-a-bad-one-d73494003a65

    Leong, Melissa. “Rise of the moonlighters: Why more Canadians are taking on side jobs and how to make it work for you.” Financial Post. https://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/young-money/rise-of-the-moonlighters-why-more-canadians-are-taking-on-side-jobs-and-how-to-make-it-work-for-you

  • L’importance de la représentativité des personnes avec des incapacités dans les médias

    L’importance de la représentativité des personnes avec des incapacités dans les médias

    Les films et les émissions ont une part importante dans notre culture. Ce que nous voyons sur les écrans peut affecter notre image de la société dans son ensemble. Pendant longtemps, les personnes avec des incapacités avaient peu de représentativité au cinéma ou à la télévision et lorsqu’on les voyait, c’était toujours de façon négative. Cela change lentement. La représentativité est importante, car sans elle, les groupes marginalisés peuvent facilement ne pas se sentir entendus, vus et s’estimer simplement invisibles. Au fur et à mesure que les personnes ayant des handicaps jouent plus de rôles devant et derrière la caméra, ils ont une voix plus forte et plus de possibilités d’affecter, de façon positive, notre société.

    Comme très souvent, les progrès sont lents. Aux États-Unis, environ 8 % des films pour la famille comportent un rôle principal tenu par une personne avec une incapacité en 2018 et 2019. La fondation Ruderman Family, en 2017, a mené une étude qui en a déduit que seulement 2 % de personnages sur les écrans avaient des handicaps, alors qu’il y a 20 % d’Américains dans cette situation. Sur ces 2 % de personnages ayant des incapacités, 95 % d’entre eux étaient joués par des acteurs et actrices sans handicap. Cette énorme disparité a simplement aidé à entretenir les stigmatisations autour des handicapés et un faux manque de diversité sur les écrans qui représentent de façon erronée la riche diversité du monde réel.

    Il y a toutes sortes de raisons qui contribuent à ce manque de représentativité. Les personnes ayant des incapacités, souvent, ne peuvent pas participer à des programmes d’apprentissage pour les futurs acteurs et actrices et luttent pour trouver les moyens financiers et d’accessibilité nécessaires pour vivre dans les grands centres urbains où se trouvent les emplois dans les médias. Cela peut être pris en compte par des auditions nationales et de meilleures politiques économiques et d’infrastructure. Les répercussions seraient étendues. Cela avantagerait non seulement les personnes avec un handicap qui cherchent à travailler dans les médias, mais aussi toutes les autres personnes ayant des incapacités.

    Les productions de films et de programmes télévisuels ont engagé de modestes mesures pour s’attaquer à ce manque de représentativité. R. J. Mitte, un acteur atteint de paralysie cérébrale a joué un personnage important qui a le même handicap dans Breaking Bad. Sesame Street a présenté Julia, une marionnette qui est souffre d’autisme. Ali Stroker est devenue la première actrice de Broadway à jouer dans un fauteuil roulant dans Spring Awakening de 2016. Des médias pour les adultes et pour les enfants au monde du théâtre, ces rôles ont aidé à développer une plus grande sensibilisation au besoin de représentativité. Cela permet aux personnes ayant des incapacités de voir d’autres personnes comme elles avoir du succès et permet aux enfants qui se battent avec des problèmes, comme l’autisme, de voir un personnage comme eux à l’écran. Ces choix de distributions individuelles ont le pouvoir d’influencer de très nombreuses personnes.

    Il y a encore un long chemin pour combler l’énorme écart entre la diversité du monde réel et ce que nous voyons sur les écrans. Mais il y a des progrès. Au fur et à mesure que les barrières tombent, permettant à plus en plus de personnes ayant des incapacités d’entrer dans le domaine du spectacle, nous verrons la présence grandissante des acteurs, des scénaristes, des directeurs et beaucoup d’autres. Ces changements sont indispensables. Plus de gens trouveront de meilleures possibilités d’emplois, ceux avec des handicaps sentiront un plus grand sentiment d’inclusion et nous tous aurons une plus grande reconnaissance pour la diversité et nous pourrons assurer de meilleures possibilités pour tous. Les conséquences sociales, économiques et culturelles seront révolutionnaires.

    Sources:

    Applebaum, Lauren. “Disability Portrayal on Screen Hits a Landmark High, Yet Reinforces Negative Stereotypes.” Respectability. https://www.respectability.org/2020/05/see-jane-study-disability-portrayals/

    McGrath, Mary Kate. “How To Get Disability Representation In TV & Movies Right, According To The People Doing It.” Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-get-disability-representation-in-tv-movies-right-according-to-the-people-doing-it-17129242

    Ruiz-Grossman, Sarah. “Disability Representation Is Seriously Lack In TV And Movies: Report.” Huffington Post. https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/disability-representation-movies-tv_n_5c9a7b85e4b07c88662cabe7?ri18n=

  • How to make the most out of the rest of the school year

    How to make the most out of the rest of the school year

    By Avreet Jagdev

    As we roll into springtime, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the school year is coming to an end. For many, this is exciting news — who doesn’t look forward to summer? But this also might mean you’re one step closer to graduating, which can be a big and scary change. Even for those not graduating, you’ll only be in your current grade once! So if you’re looking to make this academic year one to remember, here are some tips and pieces of advice to make the most out of the rest of your school year.

    1. Attend sports events

    Even if sports aren’t your thing, watching school sports events can be lots of fun, and will become memories you’ll cherish long after you graduate! As someone who graduated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I regret not going to high school sports games when I had the chance to do so. The energy is always unmatched, and it’s also a great way to unwind from the stress of school.

    1. Actively make new friends

    One thing that will always stick with you – even after the school year is over – are the friends you make. Especially if you’re someone who is more introverted or has had the same group of friends for most of their schooling, consider challenging yourself to actively pursue new friendships. This might mean sitting next to someone new in class, talking to a stranger in the hallway, or hanging out with your friends’ friends! However you do it, making new friends is one of the best ways to make the most out of the school year.

    1. Get involved in extracurriculars

    It might be late in the school year, but it is never too late to take on a new extracurricular activity! Consider joining a club, sport, intramurals, or other campus initiatives and opportunities. Look for things you truly enjoy.

    1. Study in a group

    Studying can be stressful, but you can make it more fun by starting a study group with your friends or classmates. Find a day and time that works for everyone in your group, and plan to meet at a library, school, or someone’s house. Bring your study material, and don’t forget snacks! Try setting timers for twenty-five minutes in which everyone is productive, give yourself five-minute breaks to chat and unwind, and repeat!

    1. Start thinking about your summer plans

    If you want to be proactive, the end of the school year can be a good time to start thinking about what you’ll be up to in the summer. If you want to save some money, start thinking about applying to summer jobs. If you want to have fun and make memories, look into summer camps or other activities you can join. If you plan to apply to university soon, think about dedicating your summer to working on your applications.

  • Starting Spring Traditions!

    Starting Spring Traditions!

    By Erin Rebello

    As the days start getting warmer and the new grass begins to peek out from the ground, it’s a sure sign that spring is on its way!

    As the snow melts, many animals come out of hibernation at this time of year. As a result, many people associate spring with “waking up” and “freshening up”. Many cultures also celebrate this exciting time of year with various customs and traditions. In India, Hindus celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, where colorful powder is thrown to show joy for the end of the winter and the beginning of the growing season. In North America, Catholics celebrate Easter, and you may be familiar with festivities such as egg hunts! Many people and cultures around the world celebrate the coming of spring. What will you do to celebrate?

    One tradition that my family takes part in every spring is the planting of a garden! We work together to decide what seeds and shrubs we want to plant and then spend a day driving around to different plant stores to pick them up. As a family, we prepare the garden with thoughtful weeding and soil-mixing. Then, we get together and plant our seeds and saplings for our blend of vegetables and flowers, which usually include tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, beans, zucchini and different coloured roses! We also take care of our perennial flowers and shrubs from previous years. If you don’t have a backyard, you can always grow plants in pots on a terrace or balcony. A lot of areas also have community gardens where you can work with neighbours to cultivate a garden together! One great thing about this tradition is that it continues through the spring, summer, and fall, so it’s a great way to do something as a family all year round! As a bonus, you also have a beautiful looking garden and tons of fresh produce to munch on! Delicious!

    Another great tradition to take part in this spring is DIY projects. With flowers blooming and the sun shining, it’s safe to say that spring is a truly inspirational season! Channel your inner artist and be inspired by the world around you! There are a variety of different crafts you can make; my personal favourites are crafts that can serve as room decor! If you’ve been thinking of growing some plants indoors but think that terra cotta pots look too plain, simply pick up a paintbrush and get to work! This way, you’ll add a splash of colour to your room before your plants even begin to bloom! Another “eggcellent” craft idea is decorating Fabergé eggs! In the 1800s Russian jewelers crafted beautiful eggs made of gold and dripping with gemstones. These eggs cost a fortune and were used as gifts for the Tsars and their families. Although you may not have gold or jewels, with some hollowed out chicken eggs, some spray paint, and a couple rhinestones, you can make your very own customized Fabergé eggs! These eggs also work great if you celebrate Easter or you’re planning an egg hunt!

    As boring as it sounds, spring cleaning is another great tradition that you should consider adopting this year! Considering the fact that spring is about renewal and regrowth, now is a great time to catch up on all that cleaning you’ve been putting off for months! While you may have a tidy room, take some time to do a deep clean, vacuuming those hard to reach spots and dusting every nook and cranny. This is also an excellent opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide whether you want to keep them or not. Chances are, you’ll find a lot of toys or clothes that you’ve outgrown that are still taking up space in your room. Instead of just dumping unwanted items into the landfill, be sure to consider what can be given to friends, donated to thrift stores, or sent to a recycling plant! Though this whole ‘spring cleaning’ thing may seem like a chore at first, having a clean and tidy room allows for new growth and productivity in this new season!

  • St. Patrick’s Day: How a Simple Irish Tradition Turned into a Spectacle

    St. Patrick’s Day: How a Simple Irish Tradition Turned into a Spectacle

    If you’ve dropped by the dollar store a week or two after Valentine’s Day, you probably saw a whole aisle of green hats, green jewelry, accessories with green four-leaf clover designs, and shirts that say “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” on display. And if you’ve lived in Canada for some time,  you know that this signals that St. Patrick’s Day is soon to come.

    St. Patrick’s Day is marked every year on March 17, which is the death anniversary of St. Patrick, who died in the fifth century.  Since the 16th century, the Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years as it falls during the Christian season of Lent.

    In those days, Irish families would attend church service in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. While it was common to fast and/or abstain from the consumption of meat during the Lenten season, as well as to observe solemnity, these practices were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

    White St. Patrick is highly regarded as the patron saint of Ireland, largely credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish, the celebration of his life and what he has done for Ireland translated differently outside of the country.

    The St. Patrick’s Day Parade

    While the Irish have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by way of large feasts and lots of dancing, the first ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade didn’t take place in Ireland. Rather, it took place in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida on March 17, 1601. It was organized by Irish vicar Ricardo Artur.

    The practice didn’t really take off until it was held by Irish soldiers serving in the British army – not in Ireland, but in New York City on March 17, 1762. The parade made the military members feel at home even though they were far from it. In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies joined forces to hold one official New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

    When the Great Potato Famine struck Ireland in 1845, close to one million Irish Catholics turned to the United States to survive. But because of their religious beliefs and accents that were unfamiliar to Americans at the time, the immigrants found it difficult to find jobs and ended up taking jobs that Americans didn’t really want.

    Then, when Irish Americans took to the streets on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate their heritage, they were portrayed as a cartoonish group of people in newspapers. Shortly thereafter, the Irish Americans realized they could turn things around by embracing a political power that they could use to full advantage. So they started to form a voting bloc which will later be known as the “green machine.” It wasn’t before long when the St. Patrick’s Day parade became a source of pride for Irish Americans more than ever and even became a must-attend event for political candidates.

    Everything culminated in 1948 when then-President Harry S. Truman attended New York City‘s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

    Now, this is considered as the world‘s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants and 3 million spectators, lining up the 1.5 mile parade route, which typically takes five hours. Other cities like Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Savannah hold big parades to mark St. Patrick’s Day.

    In 2020 during the early onset of COVID-19, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC was one of the first major city events to be cancelled.

    Misinterpreted Symbolisms

    Despite the massive popularity of St. Patrick’s Day, many Irish people feel that the day is full of misinterpreted symbolisms.

    For example, there is the myth that if you kiss the Blarney stone you become eloquent. This is something that the Irish don’t even do.

    Another thing is green beer, which doesn’t exist in Ireland, as do the cabbage and corned beef.

    Yet another one is the leprechauns, which is derived from the old term “leath bhrogan” which translates to shoemaker. In old Irish culture, they were a symbol of luck, thus the term “luck of the Irish.” How leprechauns became a stuff of horror movies though is anyone’s guess.

    Most of these things have stemmed to please the tourists or pop culture fans.

    Despite these, the Irish will always be proud of their heritage and will always be welcoming for others to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with them.

     

    Sources

    https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day

    https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/st-patricks-day-events-ds00/

    https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=91823&page=1

  • February 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    February 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Information Security Undergraduate Scholarship
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    RE/MAX Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program
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    Connex Foundation Scholarship
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    Jean Chretien Scholarship
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    Horatio Alger Association of Canada National Entrepreneurial Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $25,000
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    Kezian Science Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
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    Lift Parts Express Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $500
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    Emmett and Loretta Regan Memorial Award
    Scholarship Value: $4,500
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2025

    Pet Food Association of Canada Martha ‘Marty’ Wilder Honorary Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 1, 2025

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 30, 2025

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Indigenous Student Scholarships for February 2025

    Indigenous Student Scholarships for February 2025

    Investing in Indigenous Scholars Scholarship (CityU)
    Scholarship Value: 100% of tuition
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: February 21, 2025

    MLT Aikins Indigenous Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2025

    National Indigenous Scholarship Program (Western University)
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 14, 2025

    ii’taa’poh’to’p Indigenous Student Access Program Award
    Scholarship Value: $2,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: March 20, 2025

    First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Women’s Scholarship – Women’s Program (Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario)
    Scholarship Value: $1,250
    Awards Available: 4
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2025

    Innovation Place Scholarships for Indigenous Students in the Sciences
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 1, 2025

    Petro-Canada Award for Indigenous High School Students
    Scholarship Value: $750
    Awards Available: 8
    Award Deadline: July 1, 2025

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing