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Category: Featured Articles

  • Back-to-School Guide

    Back-to-School Guide

    The time has come. Stores are shelving paper, pencils and backpacks in prominent places, your parents are eyeing you with a gleam of anticipation in their eyes, and the black X’s on the calendar have all but wiped out August. The back to school rush is something of an ambiguous feeling for most students. You hate for summer to come to an end, yet there is excitement in seeing where the new school year will take you. Regardless of where you weigh in on the bitter or sweet scale, there is no chance of turning back the clock. September is a month of change and moving forward, new beginnings and challenges, and the countdown to next summer.

    10 Tips for Getting Ready

    1. Go to Sleep.
    You need a sizeable chunk of sleep to be mentally and physically prepared for the demands of school. Summer may be one endless party of late nights and midday wake-up calls, but your sleep schedule is about to change drastically. A little preparation goes a long way. Give yourself a week before school starts to regulate your sleep patterns.

    2. Eat Right
    Nutrition matters. Your brain must be nourished with healthy food choices. If you have existed on a diet of carbonated beverages, hotdogs and potato chips it is time to do your body a favour and add some vegetables. Following a healthy meal plan does not mean a strict diet of tofu and Brussels sprouts, it is all about balance.

    3. Reach Out
    If you have been away on vacation, or have kept a low profile then take a minute to touch base with some of your friends before school starts. This keeps the awkward hallway greetings to a minimum and gets you in the spirit of higher education, or at least the spirit of socializing.

    4. Go Surfing
    Check out some new sites on the internet. There are hundreds of websites that offer educational and fun games. National Geographic is science enrichment; Test your geography knowledge with Seterra, a free map game; Learn what innovative people are thinking and doing by watching TED Talks.

    5. Read
    See if you can get an advance copy of the year’s reading list and get an early start. Or pick up any book and shut down the electronics.

    6. Shop
    Find some back to school outfits that make you feel confident and ready to face a new school year. Buy something fun for your locker that emphasizes your personality.

    7. Organize
    Go through your old books, study materials, and papers. Purchase a large calendar and start recording important dates.

    8. Find Space
    Choose a quiet place in your house to turn into a study zone and furnish it with everything you need to be an organized student.

    9. Join a Club
    Research the clubs and organization your school offers and think about ones you may wish to join. Make a list of what you want to accomplish in the year and refer to it often.

    10. Discuss
    Talk to your parents about their expectations of the upcoming year when it comes to grades, curfew, homework schedule, friends, downtime, and employment.

    You may be trading in your swimsuit for a backpack and hitting the books instead of the beach, but a positive attitude goes a long way.

  • Do You Really Need a Career Guidance Counsellor?

    Do You Really Need a Career Guidance Counsellor?

    When you think about it, it’s pretty crazy. You’re young, you’re either still in school or freshly graduated, you’ve likely never had more than a part-time job while in school, and yet you’re expected to decide on what you want to do for the rest of your life! Okay, before you hit the panic button, take a deep breath, relax and seek out a career guidance counsellor.

    Even if you have a reasonably good idea about what you want to do, it is worth spending time with a counsellor just to get an objective, non-biased opinion. Talking to friends and family is fine, but they can often give advice or opinions that leave you feeling even more confused than before!

    If you are still in school, it is safe to say that you are probably aware of your school’s guidance counsellor. Most schools have them, whether they’re a permanent staff member or one who comes in once or twice a week. Their job is to help you navigate the confusing and sometimes downright frustrating work of choosing your direction in life. Unless you already know your counsellor reasonably well, which is more likely if they are a permanent staff member, your first couple of sessions may be more of a ‘getting to know you’ meeting. The counsellor is specially trained to ask specific questions to get an idea of the direction you may want to go in and also if your personality is suited to that field. You may think you want to be in the nursing profession, for example, but are you strong enough to deal with the often emotionally draining (not to mention physically demanding) shifts that the job requires? In addition to being asked to complete aptitude, skill and even IQ tests, being open and honest with a counsellor and knowing the right questions to ask will help them understand exactly what areas they need to concentrate on during each session.

    If your assigned school counsellor is not quite the right fit (feeling at ease with any type of counsellor is essential) or if you are out of the school system, it will be necessary to seek out independent help. There are many available sources, but as with any professional service you will need to do some homework first in terms of ensuring the individual, or company they work for, is licensed and reputable. Check all their qualifications and get references that can be verified. Although you will have to pay for an independent service, they will often have additional resources and knowledge that benefits other areas of career guidance. For example, once a clearer idea is established of what you want to do, they can suggest certain training courses or internships that would help you advance in the chosen field. They can also help you compose a great cover letter and resume that will get you noticed and even coach you on acing an interview.

    While you may not end up with a clear cut decision about a lifelong career, by taking full advantage of a career counsellor you will at least be setting off down the right path. The greatest journeys start with a single step!

  • Benefits of Volunteerism in High School

    Benefits of Volunteerism in High School

    High school students, it’s time to get motivated! Volunteering while still in high school provides you with the framework for your future career path, as well as instills in you the importance of giving back to others. It may seem difficult to fit in volunteer hours with such a busy schedule of classes, studying and extracurricular activities, but with a little planning you can achieve your volunteer goals. Many not-for-profit organizations only require a few hours a week of your time. For example, the Ottawa Humane Society has a dog walking program that requires a commitment of 2 hours per week. If you love dogs, that is a very easy commitment to make! Even though you may not be reimbursed financially for your time, volunteering is something that can be put on your resume that will help impress future employers and university admissions officials alike. Below, a list of just some of the benefits that volunteerism can provide you:

    Impress Admissions Officials
    You’ve got the great GPA and amazing standardized test scores. But what makes you stand out from students with similar grades? The answer is what you do in your spare time. Volunteer hours and part-time jobs listed on your application will really make you shine. Volunteerism is a great way to show admissions officials that you not only care about the community, but are able to manage your time well enough to balance a volunteer job with your other commitments. By all means, don’t spend every spare minute working on your volunteer hours – you need to balance volunteerism with your personal life, too. But a sustained commitment to one particular cause over a year or two shows that you are willing to stick to something that you care about. This will be very impressive to admissions officials and work in your favour.

    Get Involved Outside of School
    Volunteering allows you to meet people you may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise, especially if you are volunteering outside of school. If you have heard the term “networking”, that is essentially what you will be doing! You are forming a network of contacts that can help you get to where you want to be. If you already have a good idea of what you want to study in college or university, you can volunteer your time in that field. For example, if you want to study psychology, why not volunteer your time with the Canadian Mental Health Association? You can find volunteer opportunities for almost anything that interests you, so spread your wings outside of your school and gain immeasurable benefits!

    Earn Academic Credit and Scholarships
    Some high schools require you to put in volunteer hours in order to graduate. Others offer extra credits or scholarship opportunities if you do volunteer your time. Check with your high school’s administration office to see if any of these opportunities are available to you. If they are, take advantage of them! A scholarship will help you to cut down on your student loans when you reach university, and extra credits will look great on your transcript to help you land the university placement of your dreams. Check out studentawards.ca to find all of the different community service scholarships that are available – your volunteerism won’t only impress your university of choice, but also the officials who will be deciding whether or not you obtain your scholarship!

    Above are the curricular advantages to volunteerism. But let’s not forget the personal advantages that come from it, too. Giving back to your community and contributing positive energy to the world will do wonders for your self-esteem and self-worth. Volunteering is the way to go!

  • Apprenticeships!

    Apprenticeships!

    Apprenticeship is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a skill, (an apprentice),  and an employer who needs a skilled worker.  Apprenticeship is a proven industry-based training system that combines on-the-job experience with technical training to produce a certified journey person. Upon completion of the specified training period and successful writing of an examination,apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification. On average, 85% of the apprentice’s two to five years is spent in the workplace, the rest is spent at a training institution. Apprenticeship training begins when a student first registers at a training institution, or signs a Contract of Apprenticeship with an employer, and continues until such time as the apprentice has completed all of the required technical training and has received the required industry experiences necessary to write an interprovincial examination.

    What is the Interprovincial Standards “Red Seal” Program?

    The Red Seal program was established to provide greater mobility across Canada for skilled workers. Through the program, apprentices who have completed their training and certified journey persons,  are able to obtain a “Red Seal” endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification by successfully completing an Interprovincial Standards Examination. The program encourages standardization of provincial and territorial apprenticeship training and certification programs. The “Red Seal” allows qualified persons to practice the occupation in any province or territory in Canada where it is designated, without having to write further examinations.

    To date, there are forty-five occupations included in the Red Seal program on a national basis. Because legislation permits each province and territory to designate apprenticeship programs for their own requirements, there are in excess of 150 apprenticeship programs available across  Canada. Human Resources Development Canada, in collaboration and consultation with the provinces and territories, produces an Ellis Chart which is a comparative chart of these  apprenticeship training programs across Canada.

    What are the entrance requirements for apprenticeship?

    To gain entry into the occupation as an apprentice, you are required to:
    – complete the designated first year courses specific to the occupation; or indenture into the occupation by an employer, who agrees to provide the appropriate training and work experiences as outlined in this plan of training.
    – be enrolled in a program of study that includes all entry and advanced level skills and required work experiences, as approved by the Provincial Apprenticeship Board.

    Each candidate must have successfully completed a high school program or equivalent and in addition may be required to have completed certain academic subjects as specified in particular plans of training. Mature students, at the discretion of the Director of Institutional and Industrial Education, may be registered. A mature student is defined as one who has reached the age of 19 and who can demonstrate the ability and the interest to complete the requirements for certification.

  • 10 Ways to Gear Up for School

    10 Ways to Gear Up for School

    So, summer vacation is almost over, and you long to spend the last few weeks hanging with friends, soaking up the sun, holding hands with your sweetheart and thinking as little as possible about the upcoming school year. But, perhaps you should rethink that last part. As important as it is to enjoy your summer vacation, it’s equally as important to be prepared for its inevitable end. Getting ready for school a little early can ease stress and make the transition a lot easier to deal with. So, here are a few suggestions to get you back in the swing of things:

    1) Get back into a routine- during the summer most students tend to stay up late and sleep in. This may be fun; however it’ll be much easier to cope with the daily grind if you start getting back into your routine. Two weeks before school starts try going to bed and getting up at the time you would if you were already in school.

    2) Go shopping- get prepared early. Buy your school supplies, clothes, back packs and shoes. You’ll feel prepared and it’ll be a lot of fun.

    3) Clean your room- okay, okay, I know I’m starting to sound like your mom nagging you, but by cleaning the clutter away you’ll be able to find stuff faster, get ready quicker and have a great place to study.

    4) Set Goals- make a list of a few goals you’d like to accomplish during the upcoming school year and jot down a few ways to accomplish them. Maybe you’d like to get a B in math. You could get a tutor or see if there will be extra credit assignments you can do. Or maybe you’d like to become a starter on the varsity basketball team. You could start training and even plan a few pick-up games with your friends at the local park.

    5) Eat right- during the school year it’s important to remember to eat right. Try to have healthy meals and snacks regularly. Don’t allow yourself to skip breakfast because you’re in a hurry. 30% of adolescents skip breakfast which can cause both mental and physical problems for you during the day. It’ll be harder to concentrate, you’ll be more sluggish and get fatigued faster, and you’ll be less able to cope with complex problems.

    6) Study- so, you’re probably laughing at this one. But getting a head start on a book that’s required reading, or reviewing some French or math could set you on the right path for the year. “Summer learning loss” is real and on average students lose about a month of learning during the summer months.

    7) Get acquainted- if you’re starting a new school or going away to university for the first time you should visit the campus. Take a walk around; find your classes, the cafeteria and the gym. If you know where you’re going the first day will seem less intimidating and probably go a lot smoother as well.

    8) Do some online research- find some websites online that give homework help, or that you think may be useful for future book reports or class projects. If you bookmark them this will save a lot of time later on, and hey it’ll give you an excuse to be online.

    9) Do some actual research- find out if there are any team try-outs starting up before you get back to school, get a list of the stuff you’ll need. And if possible get a copy of your class schedule.

    10) And finally make a scrapbook of summer memories- this way if you get depressed summer is over you have something to look back at and remember all the good times. It’ll be a nice keepsake, and a great way to express yourself.

    Just remember the Boy Scout motto, “always be prepared.” This will come in handy in the coming weeks and months. And have fun. After all you’re only young once.

     

     

     

  • A Career to Consider: Ghostwriting

    A Career to Consider: Ghostwriting

    Not everyone is given a natural knack for putting words together. Often practice is enough to foster and fine tune writing skills, but not everyone has the time or the motivation. Do you ever see the latest celebrity autobiography on display at your local bookstore and wonder how that vapid starlet managed to pen 500 pages? Or ponder over how James Patterson seems to put out books faster than seems possible to even write them up? In both of these cases, a ghost writer comes into play.

    A ghost writer’s duties can range from editing and touching up an already mostly completed piece, to fleshing out an entire outline on their own. In most cases a ghost writer isn’t even credited- in fact, it’s usually part of their employer’s contract that the extra help should remain anonymous. There are a variety of situations in which a ghost writer could be brought on: an already established author, for example, could hire a ghost writer to mimic their style in order to get more of their books out on the shelves. A business person or a doctor wishing to establish themselves as a professional in their field may bring on a ghost writer to research and write a book under their name.

    Regardless of the circumstances, a ghost writer is rarely given any kind of credit for their work, and the general public goes on unaware. A ghost writer can be paid a flat fee, a per-page rate, a portion of royalties from book sales, or some combination of those. If you’re not worried about getting your name out there it can be a very profitable career for a writer: the person who helped pen Hilary Clinton’s memoirs, for example, is reported to have received $500 000 for the job.

    There’s no one way of going about training to be a ghostwriter. While many people pursuing this career choose to go to college for a degree in English or journalism, it isn’t strictly necessary. Mostly what you need is to be a strong writer, and a good set of interpersonal skills. A ghostwriter must be able to capture their client’s voice, as well as understand and produce their client’s idea of an ideal end product.

    If a career in ghostwriting interests you, the best way to start would be to write as much as possible. Join the school paper or year book committee, start a blog, look into whether the local newspaper has a student co op program. Acquiring references and experience is a good way to start on your path to becoming a ghostwriter!

  • What does a forest ranger do?

    What does a forest ranger do?

    A forest ranger is responsible for the care and conservation of designated wild areas and parks that are held both nationally and locally. A forest ranger oversees various aspects of these wild areas and parks including managing the plants, trees, animals and even the development and use of the lands contained in parks and reserves. This responsibility may include historical sites or campgrounds that are located within the park that are managed by a federal or state government.

    Forest rangers play a large part in the management of fire control within parks or designated wilderness reserves as well as working to educate the public about fire prevention in the outdoors. Many forest rangers also provide educational services to groups touring the areas or they may be involved in research projects that are relevant to the flora or fauna of the particular forest or reserve where they work. Often the forest ranger acts as a guide or information to visitors and tourists about the areas of interest in and around their park.

    Forestry Conservation

    Forest rangers also have a responsibility to enforce local or national laws, regulations and restrictions as they apply to wildlife and wildlife conservation. They may complete safety inspections on campsites, investigate complaints, participate in search and rescue activities as well as responding to accidents or emergencies that happen within the park or wildlife reserve.

    Common work activites include:

    Working in a variety of settings from high in the mountains to deserts and even on water. The forest ranger will provide information and tours in these areas as requested.

    Responding to emergencies calls including missing or lost people, accidents on by boats or other vehicles in the park.

    Presenting information to schools, groups and businesses about the forestry service and the conservation of wildlife and parks. This may include going to the school or agency or having groups travel to the park.

    Enforcing all the laws and regulations within the park from noise violations through to more serious complaints. The forest rangers are assigned to various areas of the park and are responsible for the management of that area.

    Keeping the roads and campgrounds in the area clean and safe for visitors. They may be required to maintain and care for the forestry cabins or lookout towers in the areas that they are assigned to.

    Working almost exclusively outdoors in during all seasons.

    Monitoring and watching for any signs of fires with the park or surrounding areas. They act as first responders to forest fires as well as assist fire services in any capacity required.

     

     

  • What are Environmental Engineers?

    What are Environmental Engineers?

    Environmental engineers are the technical professionals who identify and design solutions for environmental problems. Environmental engineers provide safe drinking water, treat and properly dispose of wastes, maintain air quality, control water pollution, and remediate sites contaminated due to spills or improper disposal of hazardous substances. They monitor the quality of the air, water and land. They also develop new and improved means to protect the environment.

    Although many people are concerned about the state of our environment, environmental engineers are the people who do things to protect it from damage and to correct existing problems. Environmental engineers possess the scientific and technical knowledge to identify, design, build, and operate systems that make modern society possible.

    The environmental engineering field and environmental engineering education are multi-disciplinary. They involve traditional engineering components such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering design. But environmental engineering education and practice also includes a range of other disciplines, such as biology, microbiology, ecology, public health, geology, meteorology, economics, political science, and computer science. To address the spectrum of issues facing the environment, environmental engineers are broadly educated, as well as technically trained.

    Where do Environmental Engineers Work?

    Environmental engineers work in many places.

    • Engineering consulting firms that design and construct water pollution-control systems
    • Industries that need to treat their air or waste-water discharges
    • Private and municipal agencies that supply drinking water
    • Companies that treat and dispose of hazardous chemicals
    • Companies that operate treatment facilities for municipalities or industries
    • Government agencies that monitor and regulate waste discharges
    • Universities that teach and conduct research on environmental control
    • Private and government laboratories that develop the new generations of pollution-control systems
    • International agencies that transfer knowledge and technology to the developing world
    • Public-interest groups that advocate environmental protection

    What do Environmental Engineers Know?

    Like most engineers, environmental engineers must have a strong background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. They learn engineering problem-solving and how to work in teams to accomplish goals. They develop the ability to apply scientific principles as part of making engineering decisions. Environmental engineers are skilled at analysis and design, and they apply their knowledge to protect the environment and human health.

    The breadth and multi-disciplinary nature of environmental issues requires that environmental engineers expand their skills beyond the range normally associated with any single engineering field. Depending upon their specific career goals, environmental engineers gain knowledge and skills in areas such as chemical technology, geology, water and atmospheric chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, hydrology, soil science, computers, economics, and law.

    What is Required to be Licensed as an Environmental Engineer?

    Engineering licensure is a prestigious step in professional growth and development. Licensure is a way for engineers to demonstrate to their employer and clients their commitment to the profession. Licensure is a four-step process. It requires graduation from an accredited civil engineering program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, having four years of work experience, and passing the professional engineering examination.

    How do You Become an Environmental Engineer?

    You can pursue environmental engineering as part of a Bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering.

    Graduate education, leading to a Master of Science or to a Doctor of Philosophy degree, is an important part of environmental engineering. Graduate programs are open to students who do not have a Bachelors degree in civil or environmental engineering, as well as to those students who study environmental engineering as undergraduates. This openness to students with a wide range of backgrounds is a hallmark of environmental engineering and continually brings fresh ideas to the environmental engineering field.

     

  • Boost Your Brain Power

    Boost Your Brain Power

    Why Fitness is Just as Important for Your Brain as it is for Your Body

    We’ve all been there- feeling tired and worn out after a long day at work, or feeling sluggish after indulging in an extra large burger and fries combo from the local fast food joint. When you can’t find the time to eat healthy and exercise, you can feel it in your entire body. So what do you do to refresh your body and keep it in optimal condition? I’m sure we’ve all heard it umpteen times: eat a balanced diet and exercise, exercise, exercise! But did you know that the same philosophy applies to keeping your brain healthy as well? Like the rest of your body, your brain can get tired and sluggish if you don’t work to keep it in shape, and this causes it to function at a sub-optimal level. If you’re looking to boost your brain power for an upcoming exam, unfortunately there is no magic pill you can take to make you instantly smarter. However, by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly you can help maintain your brain’s health and thus optimize your brain power

    There is much evidence that nutrition during all stages of life is equally important. Throughout one’s life, nutrition affects various aspects of cognition, such as memory, IQ, attention, and learning ability. Thus, nutrition is directly linked to how well the brain functions. More specifically, a balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle can “optimize brain function, prevent dysfunction, and even treat disease.” According to M. J. Dauncey, there are several key factors that exert the most influence on cognitive functioning, including energy balance, fatty acids, and trace elements such as copper, zinc, and iron. In order to incorporate these key elements into your diet, try to include a balance of carbohydrates (such as whole wheat), proteins (such as dairy products and lean red meat), and food that contains fatty acids (such as fish).

    On the other hand, try to stay away from processed foods and foods high in trans and saturated fat. Too much fat or sugar in your diet can make you feel tired and sluggish because it ultimately drains your brain power. However, don’t feel like you can’t indulge every now and then in some of your favorite treats; moderation is also part of a balanced diet. Even sweet treats like chocolate can be good for you in small quantities. Cocoa contains compounds called flavanol that actually increase blood flow to the brain and can make you feel more alert.

    In addition to a healthy diet, physical activity also helps to maintain and improve brain function. The benefits of physical activity (namely aerobic exercise like jogging, which gets your heart rate up) are numerous. For starters, exercise increases blood flow to the brain which in turn increases energy and boosts concentration and awareness. In addition, certain hormones that are released during exercise can actually help repair damaged neurons. Moreover, exercise decreases stress, increases mood, and fosters a more positive outlook on life in general. All of these factors contribute to help the brain perform at its optimal level, which of course varies by individual.

    So even though you can’t take a pill to miraculously increase your IQ, you can ensure that your brain is functioning at the highest level possible simply by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and exercising a few times a week. Who thought boosting your brain power could be so simple?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • What Comes Next?

    What Comes Next?

    Planning for Life After High School

    You’ve waited for years to get to high school. Since elementary school, you’ve been preparing, doing your homework, heeding teachers warnings, and nervously asking older siblings if it’s really like the movies. Hopefully, high school has met (or exceeded) your expectations- so what comes next? There are hundreds of things you could do after graduation, but there are three major options that apply to most high school grads: university, college, or the work force.

    If post-secondary education is not for you, you can get a jumpstart on your career. Without any formal education in the field, the best way to get a leg up is experience. While you can accomplish this through a part-time job, you could also try a co-operative education program (also called work experiences). Generally in grade eleven or twelve, co-op students get placed in their field of interest to sample the career for school credit. This program lets students see if a certain field is right for them, meet higher ups in the profession, and gain some experience for after graduation. Talk to your guidance counsellor to reap the benefits of the co-op placements.

    If your ideal career requires some formal schooling, you’ll have to decide between college and university. College is the best place to go for hands on training, or more practical careers. For example, would-be firefighters, paramedics and veterinary technicians would go to a college, where they will learn practical skills. Programs are usually shorter (they can range from one to four years) and focus on hands-on learning with a specific career in mind. If you think college would be a good fit for you and your career goals, the best classes to take are those that pertain to what you want to study. Hands on classes, like auto mechanics, music, or computer studies are excellent to take when they relate to your interests. Be careful, though, not to neglect core classes like english, science, or math; a good foundation is necessary for any program. If you would prefer, you can take these high school classes at the “applied” or “college” level, which focus less on theory and more on application.

    If the career you have in mind is something that needs a bachelors degree (think doctor, engineer, or teacher) then university is what you should aim for. For this, you will need a wide range of core classes to help meet program requirements. It’s also necessary to take high school courses at the “academic”, or “university” level. When it comes to deciding what you want to study, you have a lot of flexibility. Since universities are more concerned with theory than colleges, there is also more room to change your major. In high school, the best preparation is a wide range of classes. Your choice university’s website will have a list of class requirements for each program, so take a brief look at it before you decide whether or not to take that extra science class!

    If you’re worried about not knowing what to do- don’t be! It’s perfectly normal to change your mind a few times (or ten) about your potential career. As such, the best advice for any high school student is to try everything to see what really is interesting. If your childhood dreams of being a doctor fade once you dissect a fetal pig in biology, try a class, or a co-op program, that you haven’t before. You might find your new ambition, or you might just learn what you don’t like. Either way, high school is the best time to experiment with your interests, and most of all, enjoy yourself.