Category: From the Editor

April 1st is here, which means you might want to double-check your chair before sitting down or look twice at any “breaking news” headlines. April Fool’s Day is all in good fun, but it’s also a great reminder not to take things too seriously and to let yourself laugh a little – especially as school ramps up again for the final stretch of the year.

Thankfully, April isn’t all pranks. It’s also home to Earth Day on April 22nd, a time to reflect on how we treat the planet and what we can do better. In this month’s issue, we’re featuring several articles that highlight the importance of environmental awareness. Learn how environmental engineers are helping shape a greener future, why Greta Thunberg’s activism matters, and what you can do to help the environment right now. We’ve also got pieces on acid rain, environmental education, and going vegetarian for health and the planet.

There’s more to explore beyond the environment, too. We’re profiling careers like traffic technician, psychiatrist, public relations specialist, and even library technician – proving that no matter what your interests are, there’s a path out there for you. And if you’re scratching your head over taxes this month (because yes, it’s that time of year), we have articles to help you understand what they are and how to handle them whether you’re employed or self-employed.

April is also a great time to tap into your creative side, with World Creativity and Innovation Day on April 21st. Whether that means picking up a musical instrument for the first time or finding small ways to solve problems differently, creativity plays a bigger role in our lives than we sometimes realize.

And as always, for even more unique insights into the world of work, be sure to check out our interviews with industry pros. They’ve been where you are, and their stories can help you figure out where you’re going.

Wishing you a great start to spring (no pranks, we promise!),
Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content

March is here, and after months of winter’s grip, we’re finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel! Sure, there might still be some lingering snow and chilly mornings, but the promise of spring is in the air. With March Break around the corner and Daylight Savings Time kicking in next week (yes, we lose an hour, but hey, more daylight!), it’s the perfect time to refresh your mindset and make the most of the rest of the school year.

This month, we’ve got plenty of articles to help you stay motivated and on track. Thinking about starting your own business? We break down the pros and cons of sole-proprietorship. Looking for smart ways to save money as a student? We’ve got advice on handling expenses after graduation. Curious about unique careers? From wooden boat rebuilding to geographic information specialists, we’re spotlighting all kinds of interesting paths you might not have considered.

Spring is all about new beginnings, so why not try something different? Whether it’s spending more time outdoors, exploring March Break activities, or even starting a spring tradition, there are plenty of ways to shake off the winter blues. And if you’re feeling like the school year is dragging, we have tips on making the most of the months ahead – because before you know it, summer will be here!

For even more unique insights, check out our interviews with industry pros for firsthand career advice and inspiration.

Enjoy the month, and happy almost-spring!

Warm regards,
Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content

February may be the shortest month, but it packs a punch! We’re deep into winter, and while the days are slowly getting longer, the cold and grey can make it feel like the season is dragging on forever. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, you’re not alone — it’s that time of year when motivation can dip. But February also brings important moments to reflect, learn, and reconnect.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians while also confronting the challenges and systemic injustices that persist. In this issue, we take a closer look at how BIPOC history is represented in schools, highlight five historic Black Canadians, and explore Canada’s past with slavery and segregation.

Winter can be tough, and mental and physical health can take a hit as February drags on. We’ve got articles on handling the winter blues, along with career profiles that highlight jobs keeping people warm — like insulation workers — and jobs that keep you close to nature if you’re already dreaming of spring. If you’re looking for a way to help others this season, we’re also covering careers that support the homeless and those living in poverty.

Family Day is a perfect chance to reconnect with loved ones, whether that means doing something special together or just enjoying some much-needed downtime. Check out this issue for ideas on fun Family Day activities and ways to strengthen your relationships.

For even more unique insights, check out our interviews with industry pros, where professionals share firsthand experiences and advice on their careers.

Stay warm, stay motivated, and keep pushing forward — we’re one month closer to spring!

Warm regards,
Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content

Happy New Year! 2025 is here, and it’s time to dive into a fresh chapter. Whether this marks your final semester or just another step in your academic journey, January is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and make the most of what lies ahead. And yes, that might include sticking to resolutions that sounded brilliant on December 31 but already feel like a challenge (we see you, gym-goers).

The start of the year isn’t always easy, though. Winter’s shorter days and colder nights can bring the blues, especially when school and life feel overwhelming. This month’s articles offer tips to combat the winter slump, from staying active to building support networks. Remember, it’s okay to feel down – what matters is how you take care of yourself and find ways to keep moving forward.

For those of you thinking about careers, we’ve got you covered with profiles on trade jobs that thrive in the winter months. And for post-secondary students facing tough times, we’re shining a light on food insecurity, a challenge many deal with quietly. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you navigate these issues with advice and resources. For even more unique insights, check out our interviews with industry pros.

2025 is a year of opportunity — whether it’s the chance to finish strong, try something new, or set goals you’re excited about. Take it one step at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate the progress you make along the way. You’ve got this!

Wishing you a great start to the year,
Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content

December is here, and the holiday season is in full swing! Between twinkling lights, gift shopping, and endless holiday music, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos. But let’s not forget: the end of the year is also a great time to reflect, recharge, and get ready to tackle whatever 2025 has in store.

This month might feel like a mix of holiday cheer and end-of-semester stress. Whether you’re wrapping up assignments, cramming for finals, or just trying to stay awake until winter break, remember to take time for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty mug. Prioritize rest, stay organized, and give yourself permission to enjoy the season.

This month’s articles are packed with ideas to help you make the most of the holidays. Learn how to give thoughtful gifts on a budget, explore ways to volunteer and give back to your community, and dive into career profiles to spark some inspiration for the new year. Also check out our interviews with industry pros for insights into different career paths. Whatever your plans, make sure they include time for family, friends, and — most importantly — you.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic start to the new year!

Warm regards,
Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content

We hope you enjoyed that extra hour of sleep as Daylight Savings Time came to an end! Getting that bonus hour is always a treat, but adjusting to the time change can be tricky, especially as the days get shorter and darker. It’s the time of year when balancing school, activities, and maybe even a part-time job can start to feel a bit overwhelming, so take a moment to check in with yourself and see what you need to stay on top of everything.

With less daylight, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But you can make it work by building routines that help you stay focused. Start by creating a to-do list each week, setting specific study hours, or trying out new ways to unwind and recharge. Keeping a balance will help you make the most of every day, even when it feels like the sun sets way too soon!

This month’s articles are below to help keep you inspired and on track, plus check out our interviews with industry pros for insights into different career paths. Keep pushing forward – we’re cheering you on!

Warm regards,
Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content

We hope you had a great start to the school year and are doing well now that things are in full swing. It definitely helps that we’ve approached that time of year when we celebrate one festivity after another. We here at JPD hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving long weekend, filled with great food, friends and family, and plenty of relaxation.

You’ve heard time and time again that this is the weekend to reflect on what you’re thankful for. If you’ve found it hard to take that to heart, don’t worry, we all have. This is a good chance to take the exercise seriously – this year, treat it like an assignment and write out a list of specific things you’re thankful for. Push yourself to list as many people, things, and parts of your life as you can. You’ll put yourself in a more positive mindset, remind yourself of all the great parts of life, and get a good reminder of what really matters.

One thing to be thankful for is JPD and our many articles and career videos, as well as interviews with industry professionals. Have a great long weekend!

Regards,

Anthony Teles

Vice-President, Content

And just like that, summer winds down and another school year is ahead of us. Everyone here at JPD hopes your first week got off to a great start. Whether that means the next year at school, or a whole new beginning starting high school, college, or university, this first week can be quite a lot to take in.

It can be especially daunting showing up to a new building, or a whole new campus, with the next chapter of your life underway. But this new year also means new beginnings, new goals, new friends, and plenty of adventure ahead.

As always, JPD is here to support you with our many articles and career videos, as well as interviews with industry professionals. A new school year means new challenges along with new opportunities, and JPD will help you with both. Best of luck!

Regards,

Anthony Teles

Vice-President, Content

With May well underway, we find ourselves at the exciting crossroads of the academic year and the vibrant days of summer. June is not just a transition in seasons but also the conclusion of another school year. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and looking forward to new beginnings.

This year, just as flowers bloom anew, so do opportunities and dreams for students. As we prepare to close this chapter and take a well-deserved summer break, we reflect on the journey. Each article in this issue, from career profiles like those of set designers and communications equipment operators to explorations of Canadian undergraduate tuition fees, has been crafted by our writers to provide you with knowledge and guidance as you navigate your educational and career goals.

This issue doesn’t just look inward but also outward to the broader economic factors that affect student life, such as tuition fees. These pieces aim to equip you with a deeper understanding of the financial world of higher education in Canada, preparing you for the decisions that lie ahead.

Remember that each end is merely a new beginning. As always, JPD is here to offer stepping stones to your next big adventure — whether it’s a summer job, a new semester, or a leap into the workforce. We hope to provide both inspiration and practical advice for whatever comes next.

Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, rest, and rejuvenation. Enjoy the break; you’ve earned it! JPD will be back in the fall with fresh perspectives and new stories to tell. In the meantime, also be sure to check out our video interviews with Canadian professionals.

Warm regards,

Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content

With people of all ages looking to the skies (please do so safely!), the much-hyped solar eclipse is happening on April 8th. With everyone sorting out what to do about school, work, commutes, their pets, and more, our daily concerns can seem so small in the face of the cosmos. The sun is unimaginably larger than our little planet, and yet it’s far from the biggest object in the universe. We are smaller than our brains can even understand.

And yet, during the solar eclipse, the moon is going to block out the sun. The little rock that hovers around our planet, itself a dot compared to the sun, is going to block it out — and it has all of us talking about it and excited to watch. It serves as a reminder that we can all have the chance to shine (or, in the moon’s case, darken), and we shouldn’t be intimidated when we feel small. Just like how the moon might look to the Earth, and the Earth to the sun, and so on, there is always going to be someone or something to compare ourselves to. If we’re not careful, we can shatter our confidence and feel like a pale tiny dot in the grand scheme of things.

Whenever that’s the case, just think of the solar eclipse. Think of the moon, and how in the right circumstances, it blocks out a shining star that’s 400 times its size.

Back here on Earth, be sure to check out our latest articles below, and as always, also watch our video interviews with Canadian professionals.

Regards,

Anthony Teles
Vice-President, Content