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  • The Art of the Resume

    The Art of the Resume

    Introduction

    Click on the job posting. Upload your resume. Hope for the best. That document is your introduction to a potential employer, and so it is no wonder that it induces so much stress for so many. Especially when research indicates that the typical resume is assessed or dismissed in an average of six seconds. How do you even go about making an impression in a tenth of a minute? Think of it as art – your resume is you on paper.

    The Structure

    You want employers to see you as a valuable addition to their team, and you want to display that confidence concisely. Carefully select no more than three or four sections based on your past experience, such as “education,” “work history,” “training,” and “summary.” If you have a plethora of past experiences, carefully analyze and pick out the ones best suited for the job you are applying for. If you are an up-and-comer, confidently speak of the volunteer and educational experience you do have. Small volunteer roles and college courses are stepping stones to the roles that you one day hope to have on your resume.

    Incorporate bullet points to elaborate on positions. Within three to five points, talk about accomplishments using specific numbers and data. For example, a tutor or teacher should include the number of students they work with. Like telling a story, start with basic, fundamental information in your first point, and elaborate by the third to fifth point. If you are applying for a role you have never had before, show how your previous jobs have given you valuable transferrable skills. Studies show that the verbs you have can greatly impact your chances – terms such as “first” or “hard” have a negative effect as they imply inexperience and lack of confidence. Focus instead on your strengths and skills in the present, as opposed to your history or future goals.

    If you find you have littered the page with walls of text, such as my previous paragraph, add more white space. More words do not always equate to more ideas.

    Blank space gives the reader, and your words, room to breathe.

    The Art

    As you craft your resume, it is easy for all of this to feel mechanical. Given how many applications end up in a recruiter’s inbox, the little idiosyncrasies that make you unique can also make you more employable. In my education section, my undergraduate degree is a necessary but nonchalant line of text – it has to be there, but it warrants little attention.

    After university, I took a one-year post-graduate college program entitled “Children’s Media,” which focused on writing and production for children’s television. Those two lines on my resume – one for the program, and another to briefly describe it – have piqued the interest of many recruiters. I have been told by employers for schools, entertainment companies, and more that it was one of the reasons they brought me in for an interview.

    For writing work, my resume includes two cartoon drawings at the top. They depict original characters from stories I have written, as drawn by my talented sister. Employers have also commented on these and spoke of how it got their attention.

    These little unique touches must be true to you and what you are applying for. They must also have substance – flashy text or images for the sake of flashiness will get you nowhere. You should be enticing questions from the interviewer that apply only to you – questions that elaborate on your specific experiences and accomplishments. No matter how limited your experience is, it is yours and yours alone.

    Conclusion

    This should all be accomplished in no more than four sections spanning one or two pages. Take your time crafting your resume, and send it to you friends – preferably the brutally honest ones – for a second opinion. By treating your resume as a work of art, you can see all the one-of-a-kind experiences, skills, and quirks that make you a valuable asset for the position. Thank you for your time.

    Sources:

    Giang, Vivian. “How To Write The Perfect Resume.” Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-write-the-perfect-resume-2012-11

    Shavin, Naomi. “Tips For The Perfect Resume And Cover Letter.” Forbes. http://www.forbes.com/sites/naomishavin/2014/07/16/tips-for-the-perfect-resume-and-cover-letter/#33cb28871638

  • Why Is It Important For Me to Become More Independent in Post-Secondary?

    Why Is It Important For Me to Become More Independent in Post-Secondary?

    Up until now, it may have been easy to rely on teachers, parents/guardians and friends to help guide and keep you on track both academically and financially. However, upon reaching post-secondary it’s important to begin to think and act in a more independent way, and take the right steps to ensure academic, financial and overall lifelong success. Of course, reaching out for help from others now and again is a perfectly acceptable part of life. However, with post-secondary comes the growth into adult hood, and the many independent responsibilities that come along with it.

    Do you find yourself relying on teachers to remind you about important test dates, or assignments you forget to hand in? Maybe you need your parents to constantly tell you when you need to study. If this sounds like you, you may want to reconsider your academic independence. As you are reaching adult hood upon entering post-secondary, professors will have the expectation you have already developed the independent skills of remembering assignment due dates and exam schedules. Often times professors will deduct marks for late or missing assignments, making it critical for you to have enough independence to complete assignments on time, without relying on professors for reminders. This independent skill is not only critical for post-secondary success, it prepares you for the importance of understanding deadlines as you enter the professional working world. Relying on co-workers or your boss for reminders of the work you are responsible for will simply not be an option as you enter into the workforce, so it’s important to leave these bad habits in high school and begin to develop a new sense of independence as you enter your first post-secondary term.

    Effective study habits are a critical part of academic success in post-secondary, and learning how to manage a full course load independently will allow you to feel prepared exams, without the stress caused by cramming the night before. Gaining independence with your own study schedule will teach you time management skills, the importance of planning and scheduling, and how to create guides to your own success, all of which are applicable to both academic and professional success.

    Beginning to learn and understand financial independence is also an important tool that should be further developed in post-secondary. Whether you are paying for post-secondary independently or through the help of student loans, understanding how to properly manage your money and pay off any outstanding debt is an essential aspect to financial success. Post-secondary (or shortly after) tends to be the time when many individuals begin to move out on their own for the first time, either to residency on campus, or to a new place all on your own. Moving out is a huge step, and it has many independent responsibilities that come along with it. Understanding how to responsibly save money for bills, rent, food, as well as any outstanding debt is essential for sustainable living. Branching away from the financial comfort and reliability of your parents and beginning to develop your own financial independence upon entering post-secondary will help develop a better understanding of money-management, and how to implement these skills once you are living away from home.

    It’s important to begin to become more independent as you enter to enter post-secondary, as the skills you will develop through independent thinking will not only help you succeed academically, but will better prepare you for both your professional and everyday life.

  • The World Wide Web of Information: Ways to Tell Real from Fake

    The World Wide Web of Information: Ways to Tell Real from Fake

    Is there a question on your mind that is plaguing you at the moment? Something from your homework perhaps? Chances are, you do not have to look far for the answer or make a lot of effort, for that matter. Simply bring out your device, go online, and type your query in the search bar, and you will find numerous answers to your question. This information age is not called as such for nothing, after all.

    However, how would you know what you are reading is actually factual or not? It is one thing when some websites claim that a certain celebrity looks awful without makeup or that using pop to clean toilets is 100x more effective than using toilet cleaner—these are trivial matters—but it is another thing to post a story that can potentially be damaging or harmful to the people mentioned in the article. Take for example, the recent news story that went viral of a pizzeria owner in Washington who was allegedly involved in unspeakable criminal activities. A man who read that story wanted to take matters in his own hands and opened fire on the pizzeria. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but things could have really gone downhill. After law enforcement intervened, the news story was discovered to be fake.

    This is just an example of the negative effects of falsified information on the Net. Whether you are doing something for school or simply intending to expand your knowledge, it pays to be discernible on what you are reading. Below are effective ways to tell the real ones from the fake ones.

    Check the URL.

    Some websites that thrive on fake stories have the audacity to pass themselves off as legitimate by having a URL that has a misspelling or a dubious extension, like washingtonpst.com or nationalpost.or. At first glance, you won’t find anything wrong with those URLs, but if you look closely, you will notice the errors. A website URL is extremely important to companies as it is part of their brand, so if you notice a wrong spelling or an unusual extension on the URLs, then something is definitely amiss.

    Be wary of sensationalized titles.

    In journalism, it is important to have an attention-grabbing title to hook the reader. However, trusted and well-established websites, especially news websites like the Globe and Mail or the New York Times, steer clear of sensationalized headlines that make them sound like the tabloids. As such, if you spot an article with a headline that is practically screaming at you so you can pay attention (especially if it is in all caps), chances are, you are reading an article that’s been fabricated.

    The author is nonexistent.

    A story that does not need a famous author for it to be credible. However, trustworthy websites have their pool of equally trustworthy writers, and as such, you can definitely find out more about any author through the links to the social media provided within the article or at least the About Me page (some authors do like to keep their social media profiles private). If there is no information about the author whatsoever, it is likely the author is nonexistent at all, which is a read flag.

    Compare the information from reputable websites.

    These days it is so easy to come across articles on interesting subjects without you actually making an effort to find them. For instance, your best friend might share a link about energy drinks having health risks on her Facebook page, and you can easily click on that to read the whole article. Sometimes, you might be searching for something else and there pops out an article that catches your interest. When information is this accessible, the more you should be cautious of where they are coming from. So if you laugh at that article about energy drinks being unhealthy, you can do a fact-check yourself by navigating the pages of well-known websites like Web MD or MSN Health. This way, you are selective about what you are reading.

     Check for links to original sources.

    Ever noticed how print and broadcast journalists make an effort to get an interview for a quote or sound bite to accompany a news story to validate what is being reported? It is the same case with websites too. Reputable websites always cite their reliable sources because no one can churn out information out of the blue—unless the information has been invented. As such, when you read a story, take the time to go through the links to the original sources and read through them.

    We are particular when buying branded items and we avoid knock-offs like the plague. We should be the same way when it comes to the information we read online. Just follow the suggestions above, and you will find yourself more knowledgeable than ever.

  • A Perspective: 5 Highly Ranked Universities in Canada

    A Perspective: 5 Highly Ranked Universities in Canada

    Aside from being a beautiful country, Canada is also gifted in the realm of universities. A friendly spot for foreign students to expand their education and forage into adulthood, Canada is safe and features schools with high incentive to excel in the business of higher education. Here are some of Canada’s best:

    McGill University

    Not only is McGill one of the top universities in Canada, it is actually ranked within the top thirty best in the world. This one is always bait for international students from over 150 countries, and it is especially recommended for those seeking their medical doctoral. Situated in the heart of Montreal, McGill is a leader in continued education and boasts multidisciplinary and collaborating experts and faculties. Montreal is gorgeous and cosmopolitan; a perfect cultural center for a young person to learn. If you are a graduate student, McGill is made up of around 23% graduate students and has an extremely hands-on faculty.

    University of Toronto

    Again, ranked within the top of the world, U of T is set within Canada’s largest city and is particularly attractive to those within the literary criticism, communication and theory fields. It is also extremely impressive in research innovations; it happens to be the birthplace of insulin and stem cell research. Fun fact: it has the largest number of Nobel Prize winners and Rhodes scholars of any university in Canada.

    University of British Columbia

    Let’s head over to the West Coast! UBC has nearly 60,000 students between its Vancouver and Kelowna campuses. As of last year, 13,200 of these students were international students hailing from 155 countries. UBC has an especially fantastic business school, which fits in with Vancouver’s finance-based scene. It you want a more small-town feel, Kelowna is gorgeous and boasts high life quality with its lakes, orchards and wineries.

    University of Alberta

    A major economic driver in Alberta, the U of A is very well respected for its arts and humanities courses. Harbouring world-leading facilities like the National Institute for Nanotechnology and the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, this university is very attractive to those looking to take on more research-based education. With 7,000 of its 39,000 students being international students, U of A—like its peer universities—is a warm and welcoming stop for non-Canadians. Well, maybe not warm in the literal sense.

    Université de Montréal

    One of Canada’s major research centers, this university allocates nearly $524 million specifically to research conducted in more that 150 research centers as of 2011. Nearly 10,000 of the school’s population is made up of international students. This school is a leader in the field of life science and medicine, and is 35th in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology. Its study abroad agreements are also well known. Furthermore, being in a Francophone school will expose you to quick language learning and culture.

    Works Cited:

    www.topuniversities.com

  • How to get along with your Roommates

    How to get along with your Roommates

    Everybody wants to get along with the people close to them at school – when living in residence, this can be really important. Your roommate(s) can still be your friends long after school ends and can create important connections, like when you’re looking for a job.

    I suggest that you start early. Colleges and Universities often “match-make” roommates these days for the best possible fit; but sometimes, this doesn’t happen as smoothly as they would like. Everyone is different and has a distinct personality. This makes it very likely that not everybody will become lifelong friends. The trick, therefore, is how to get along.

    Step 1. Get in touch with your roommate(s) early, before moving day; if possible. School staff will usually forward your name and connection information to your new roommates so that you can understand what to avoid, what they like, and what to do. Sometimes, it’s good to know who is bringing something (and willing to share) so that you don’t have two microwaves, two bar fridges or four toasters, for example. (Check to see what’s allowed in your residence first.
    Also check for space – residence tours come in handy here – because sometimes items don’t quite fit in small spaces.)

    Step 2. The first meeting! It’s best to be sociable here, and I strongly recommend that if you haven’t done so, examine what your roommates are comfortable with. If you need to, ask these questions, as sometimes parents fill out the roommate questionnaire.

    A list like this can help:

    Who likes to sleep in? Get up early? Go to bed early?
    Are you a morning person?
    Do you like to study in the room?
    What time would they like to study?
    What about guests? What times are best to avoid having guests?
    What is the best way to contact them? (I recommend cell phone numbers be exchanged, if only to find where they are in the case of a fire alarm / drill or if you’re looking to have a quiet room.)
    What are their hobbies, favourite music, favourite television shows?

    Step 3. Try to work things out on your own, in case there’s friction. Sometimes being the “bigger man” can work here, and can go a long way, even if it’s something you don’t particularly want to do.

    Step 4. The final ‘nuclear’ option is to involve the residence staff, or school advisors. They have training and negotiating skills to help solve the big problems, and to try to help the two (or more) of you to reach middle ground. Failing this, the staff members know that there’s a conflict, and will try their best to minimize it.
    Hopefully, these guidelines help you to understand that just like the group projects you may dread having, there is always a way to work things out. It may require some compromises, but it can help make an overwhelming freshman year at your school so worth it, and you’ll always have great memories!

  • Career Profile: Cryptographer

    Career Profile: Cryptographer

    Everyone has secrets to keep from other people. Many secrets are small, such as a surprise birthday party or a gift for a special occasion. Normally, simple actions like hiding a present in a closet are good enough to keep these secrets safe. Other secrets are much bigger and can involve governments, businesses, and law enforcement agencies. These kinds of secrets need the help of cryptographers to keep them safe.

    The word “cryptographer” comes from the Greek words “secret” and “study” or “writing.” If you needed to send a secret message to one of your friends, a cryptographer could invent a special alphabet or a different language to make sure that no one except your friend could read it. However, cryptographers normally would not work with codes like that. Instead, they might work with a government agency to help keep people’s personal data secret. They often work with businesses to make sure that important information is safe. Computer coding is also a common place for cryptographers to work.

    Becoming a cryptographer normally requires a university education. People in this field usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or computer science, and often they have master’s degrees. The field involves mathematics, and cryptographers need to be as skillful as possible in that area. Basic tasks such as division and multiplication are important, but also many of the more complicated ones. An advanced degree in mathematics can help with that.

    Gaining knowledge is the first step, but gaining experience should also be part of the process of becoming a cryptographer. Working with computers is very important, since many cryptographers use them to develop models for what they are doing. Many employers also require security checks before they will hire someone. Employers need to be sure that the cryptographers are honest people and that they will not reveal secrets to anyone else.
    Have you heard of the word “encryption”? People often use “encryption” and “cryptography” to mean the same thing, and cryptographers work at keeping computers private. ATM cards, computer passwords, and buying or selling online (electronic commerce) require encryption to keep people’s information safe. When people type into websites, other people can read what they have written. Without encryption, hackers can gain steal people’s information and then their money.

    Cryptographers can work in any area where keeping information safe is important. Not all companies or government agencies are able to use cryptographers, but information technology companies are good places to start. Most cryptographers work in offices, and they might work alone or with others. Depending on where they work and what their work is, cryptographers might earn about $47,000 per year. However, job prospects for cryptographers can be limited because the field is very specialized. Still, it can be a good job for people who enjoy mathematics and working with computers.

    Bibliography:
    Careers.org. “Career Occupational Profile for: Cryptographer.” http://www.careers.org/occupations/4245/cryptographer.
    Payscale.org. “Average Salary for Skill: IT (Cryptography).” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Skill=IT_(cryptography)/Salary.
    Study.com. Cryptographer: Job Description, Duties and Salary Information http://study.com/articles/Cryptographer_Job_Description_Duties_and_Salary_Information.html.
    Wikipedia.org. “Cryptography.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptography.

  • Moving into your Dorm

    Moving into your Dorm

    So you’re moving into your school’s dormitory? Congratulations! However, there are some things to consider first, as things can vary from school to school. So, consider the following:

    1. What size is the dorm?

    You’ve taken the campus tour, which usually includes a dormitory example. Not all dorms are the same size, and can even differ by building type, but you can get a rough idea of what to expect once you get a spot on the waiting list. Are you sharing with a roommate? Is it a smaller room than you expected? Do you have a full-fledged apartment? By knowing what the room will look like, you’ll have a better idea of what you need to have in the room to make it feel like home away from home, and what will be both useful and necessary. There are also dorms with a common washroom: bring flip-flops, it will be healthier for your feet; and a caddy to carry all your toiletries so they can stay easily in one place.

    1. What are the school’s / dormitory’s policies?

    This varies from school to school as well. Since dormitory rooms vary in size (and shape), dorm policies will differ as well, depending on how strict they are. The policies are generally there for safety reasons, or events that have happened in the past that have made it necessary. If you don’t have a kitchen, you may be able to have a small fridge in your room, but no hot plates for cooking. Some electronics (other than laptops) may be restricted as well.  You should always research to ensure that you can bring what you want to bring to the dorm. By failing to do so after the first couple of weeks, you might get a fine, which can add up at the end of the year. There are fire drills within the first couple of weeks, so ensure that you know how to easily evacuate from your building, and know where your dorm is.  In addition, find the laundry machines (you’re going to have to do laundry at some point, trust me; or let your parents do it when you’re at home?!).

    1. What to pack (other than the essentials)?

    So now you know what your room looks like, and you’ve got all the equipment. What else do you need to pack? There are lots of good suggestions online, but the basics are bedding and clothing. Some items you never thought you needed (or things you realized you actually don’t need), you can always take back on a trip home. Another essential is a battery-powered alarm clock, as power outages do happen, (even on campus) and it can be a backup to your usual alarm clock. There are some things that have multiple uses such as coffee cups that can double as a spoon; a multi-purpose charger, so do some research and ask yourself if they are both useful and necessary.

    I hope these first questions help you know what to move into your dorm. There are always further questions, but with some research, you’ll be confident enough to be comfortable at your dorm, and to have fun on campus!

  • Chill Out – Coping with Exam Stress without Losing Your Focus

    Chill Out – Coping with Exam Stress without Losing Your Focus

    A student’s life is not easy, and things even become extra difficult when it is exam week. A large percentage of the final grade is usually based on the result of these exams, making students feel even more pressure than necessary.

    Of course, all students react differently to pressure associated with exams. Difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, lack of energy or lethargy, difficulty concentrating, and irritability are just a few common manifestations of students who are under extreme pressure.

    If exams are just a few weeks away for you and you feel that you are getting stressed out, below are powerful suggestions to cope:

    Accept it.

    When you have exam anxiety, sometimes you can make yourself feel better by imagining the exam will be postponed. Maybe the instructors will change their mind and will allow a few more weeks to give the exam. Or maybe school day will be cancelled on the day of the exams. Or maybe for some reason you will be exempted from taking the exams. These are all nice thoughts, but if you keep yourself in the stage of denial and daydreaming, you will become stuck. When you accept that the exams are indeed taking place on schedule, then you can move on and set your mind to the task.

    Think positive.

    Since there is a lot riding on the exams, you might be prone to negative thinking such as not getting a good enough grade or even worse failing. Getting rid of negative thoughts, of course, does not happen overnight, but a good start to combat this negativity is to fill your mind with positive thoughts instead. Visualize yourself that you are getting a high mark for the exam—maybe even the highest mark in your class. Believe in yourself, and soon enough, you can easily set aside that negative thinking.

    Develop a good study plan.

    Getting an excellent grade, of course, involves more than acceptance of the fate that awaits you and positive thinking. You actually have to work hard for it. Now, keep in mind that studying hard does not mean you have to be at the library the whole time! Burying yourself in the books too much is not going to help you in your cause either. Instead, create a timetable that allows you quality study time with ample breaks in between, such as scheduling a study time for two hours after school but with a 15- minute break for snacks and another 15-minute for TV or internet surfing.

    Stick to your routine

    To stay in line with your study plan, be prepared to sacrifice some things here and there. However, this should not mean you should completely break your routine, especially if it is an activity that helps you unload the stress you are feeling. For instance, if you go to yoga every Friday after school, then continue doing so. Yoga can actually relieve stress and make you feel relaxed. The thing to remember is that stress relief comes in different forms for different people. Knowing the things in your routine that can actually help you is key.

    Remember to guard your health

    Some students tend to pull off an all-nighter for studying, thinking this can actually help them get better grades. However, putting your health and well-being at risk is a definite no-no even when you are chasing A+ marks. As such, get yourself enough hours of sleep especially on the night before the exam, and eat healthy. Junk food and drinks like chocolates, coffee, chips, and others can energize you for a short period, but you really need nutritious food like fruits and nuts to keep you focused on your goal and keep you going until the long haul.

    Find support

    If you feel the exam anxiety is getting the better of you, then it might be ideal to seek out people you trust whom you can share your feelings with—whether it is your childhood friends, your siblings, your parents, or your fellow classmates. Who knows, your classmates might be undergoing the same thing and you might even do better with studying for the exams if you form a study group. This way, you can learn from each other and give each other practice exams.

    Still anxious about your upcoming exams? Follow the suggestions above, and you will be knocking out that anxiety… maybe even for good!

    SOURCES

    http://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/studyskills/assessment_evaluation/assessment/exam_stress.html

    http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/coping-with-exam-stress.aspx

    http://youthconnect.ca/htdocs/english/learn/examstresstips.asp

    http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/content.php?r=16171-dealing-with-exam-stress

  • The Bubble of High School, and How to Pop It

    The Bubble of High School, and How to Pop It

    The same group of friends, same activities, same teachers, same everything. This comfortable world of high school is what you know; you’re used to it. It’s what makes sense. This is our comfort zone. It’s our bubble of safety we can rely on during the challenging years of high school. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap that our bubble of high school is all there is in the world. But as scary as it may seem, there’s a whole other world outside of high school, and it’s just waiting for you to discover it.

    Branching outside of the “high school bubble” not only allows you to expand your       interests, try new things and meet new people, it also helps better prepare you for when graduation day hits and you leap into the “outside world”.

    So, what is the “high school bubble anyway?”

    When your high school lifestyle tends to be the only lifestyle you really know, or you can’t remember the last time you tried anything different, chances are you may be in the high school bubble. A lot of times we can put ourselves in a bubble without even realizing it, or realize just how much it limits our personal growth. It can be hard (and a bit scary) to do, but once you pop that high school bubble, you’ll be glad you did.

    Why does it matter?

    Sometimes, newly graduated students can find the world outside of high school to be very intimidating and really quite foreign. We get so used to the stability our high school routine provides that when that routine comes to an abrupt halt, it can sometimes be hard to adapt and we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. By introducing ourselves to new, outside elements before high school ends, we allow ourselves to be more prepared. It’s kind of like dipping your toes in the pool before jumping right in. On top of that, expanding past our comfort zone allows us to grow and build character, something that can never hurt.

    How can I expand past the high school bubble?

    Looking to expand your horizon is already a great first step! While there’s no exact recipe for how to break out of your high school comfort zone, here are a few tips and tricks that can be very helpful:

    • Join a new sports team, dance group, cooking class, or any other out of school activity you’ve been feeling interested in, but just haven’t quite gotten to trying yet. Trying a new out of school activity is great for a number of reasons. Not only are you expanding your interests and learning a new skill (which looks awesome on a resume, I might add!), you’re also going to meet a whole new group of people who have similar interests as you.
    • Try something completely out of the box. In high school, it’s especially easy to feel like you’re placed into a certain category. Maybe you’re known as an athlete, or a math wiz. But it’s important to realize, you are so much more than just one thing! You may have an entire portfolio of hidden talents and interests you aren’t even aware of yet; don’t let the high school bubble stop you from discovering them! Try one thing (or a few things) that are completely out of the ordinary for you. You may discover something new about yourself.
    • If you don’t already have one, try searching for a part-time job. Not only will you learn countless new skills and build up your resume, you’ll gain real world experience that will help you once you set out towards your career path.
    • Selflessly offering your time will not only help others, it will help you as well. Volunteering gives us the opportunity to see the world in a new light, and understand the impact we have, and the importance of helping those around us.

    These are just a few tips to popping that high school bubble, but remember there are plenty of other great ideas you can try. The best part is, just by you reading this article you’re already well on your way.

  • Cons of too much TV and Video Games

    Cons of too much TV and Video Games

    Honestly, nothing sounds better than coming home from a hard day at school and plopping down in front of the television. To get lost in the world of video games or to watch your favourite show or movie has the potential to erase any stress from the mountain of homework staring you in the face. But, among all those bright lights and cartoon anvils, you may not be aware of the damage you’re doing to yourself.

    First, let’s start with the fun stuff. Video games and television aren’t all bad. They have lots of positive effects on those who engage such as “the opportunity to practice problem solving and logic skills. They increase fine motor and coordination skills and foster an interest in information technology,” according to developmental psychologist Douglas Gentile. However, before you rub it in your parents’ face that video games are actually good for you, you need to know the cons as well.

    Video games and television has the potential to, among other things, take time away from playing and engaging with friends, allow children to become accustomed to the violent plots involved in some games, and cause children to perform poorer in school. In fact, according to raisesmartkid.com, “a study by Argosy University’s Minnesota School on Professional Psychology found that video game addicts argue a lot with their teachers, fight a lot with their friends, and score lower grades than others who play video games less often. Other studies show that many game players routinely skip their homework to play games, and many students admitted that their video game habits are often responsible for poor school grades.”

    According to the same site, video games have also been linked to some pretty nasty and quite frightening side effects such as “obesity, video-induced seizures, and postural, muscular and skeletal disorders, such as tendonitis, nerve compression, and carpal tunnel syndrome.” Keep in mind that these may be the most extreme cases of video game and television exposure, but these are still very real problems that need to be dealt with. There’s a reason so many video games come with warnings for flashing lights and imagery.

    Now, I know that these studies make it sound like television and video games are evil, but they’re not. The important thing to remember is that you need to make time for other things. You can’t sit down in front of the television when you come home and zonk out for hours at a time. There is just as much to be gained from hanging out with friends as there is from an episode of your favourite TV show; everything in moderation.