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Category: Fun

  • Tree Planting as a Summer Job

    Tree Planting as a Summer Job

    The most common summer job field for teens is the food service industry, followed closely by the retail trade industry, according to the American Bureau of Labour Statistics. That means that most of us spend our summers flipping burgers or folding t-shirts, honest work that feeds and clothes the capitalist masses. But for some, the call of consumer culture falls on deaf ears. 17-year-old Sam Krawec has decided to earn his summer income while serving a greater purpose: tree-planting in Northern Ontario.

    Sam is a freshman in St. Francis Xavier University’s Development Studies program. He has always been environmentally conscious, thanks to a family that values sustainable living and global citizenship. “My mom inspired me to care about the world when I was very young,” he explains, “I always felt that it was important to give back.”

    By planting trees, Sam will be helping to filter pollutants from the air, reducing carbon dioxide levels in a community and producing healthy oxygen in a renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable way. Summer tree planting jobs generally coincide with the planting season; between six and eight weeks beginning in early May and ending in late June/early July. The average worker ends up planting upwards of 20,000 trees in that time, making a substantial impact in removing large quantities of the major greenhouse gases involved in global climate change.

    Tree planting is ‘piece work’, wherein you are paid according to the number of trees you produce. This means that the income you earn is a direct reflection of your productivity. In Ontario, agencies generally pay planters between 8 and 12 cents per tree, with first-year planters averaging between $2500 and $5000 in gross pay for the season. This varies depending on several factors, including whether or not your agency is unionized. Unionized agencies typically have better health and safety options, and may pay slightly more. The Ontario Forestry Safe Workplace Association produces written packages to educate planters on their health and safety rights.

    Joanna Gillies of Lakehead University compiled “A Qualitative Pilot Study of the Physical Demands of Tree Planting”, outlining them as specific areas of concern for anyone wishing to apply to a tree planting program. She claims that “factors affecting a planter’s performance include flexibility, grip strength, balance and agility, back strength, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, strength endurance, mental toughness, aerobic fitness, and body fat percentage.” There are tests online to see if your general health is cohesive to the demands of life as a tree planter. If so, you are ready to start digging and making a difference in your environment.

    For Sam, every little bit he can contribute is worth the physical demands and summer-time commitment. “The pay is good, and it’s something tangible that I can do to help the planet. The world is a beautiful place, and I want to have a positive part in maintaining that”.

    If you are interested in working with a tree planting agency, check out http://www.replant.ca/.

  • Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    As the weather gets reliably warmer and the assignments begin to die down, you have probably realized that the school year is coming to a close. If you’re a post-secondary student, it’s likely your break is just around the corner; if you’re in high school, you’ve got just a couple of months to go. That in mind, start thinking about how you’re going to spend your time on vacation.

    It may seem great to have all that time on your hands, but it’s important to use it wisely. Being out of school for a few months can cause your brain to get a little lazy, which unfortunately means that the cramming you did for finals isn’t going to stick unless you keep at it. You worked hard for the better part of the year, so you definitely don’t want that knowledge to go to waste.

    Of course, there’s another side to summertime that doesn’t focus on academics. You can use the time to advance your goals, practice your hobbies or just explore. Think of how little free time you have during the school year: aren’t there so many things you wish you could have done? Capitalize on your summer vacation to cross some things off your bucket list.

    There are many ways you can make the most of your summer. Here are some suggestions.

    Summer employment is a good way to gain work experience, as well as make some money (which can be particularly important for those of you heading into post-secondary). A job can teach you responsibility, time management, and work ethic. If you’re looking for something humanitarian or more relevant to your career goals down the line, consider applying for an internship or volunteering for an organization you love.

    We all have something that makes us tick, and summertime can be a great opportunity to practice your hobbies (or develop new ones). If you’re looking for a challenge, try something new—you have a few months to take a class or follow a self-coaching program in an activity you’ll enjoy.

    If you have the opportunity, travelling, exchanging, or a road trip with some friends is a great way to explore (and take advantage of the lovely weather). If travel is not financially or logistically feasible for you, take some time to explore where you live. There’s sure to be a unique restaurant you’ve never eaten at or a fun event you’ve never checked out.

    Think about setting goals for the coming year, and take the opportunity to get a head start. School may seem ages away at the start of the summer, but free time (regrettably) goes fast. If you think ahead, you’ll be at a great advantage once the new semester begins.

    And finally, don’t forget to relax. School’s out, you worked very hard, and you deserve some time just for you. Take a break and live your summer on your own terms—you’ve earned it.

  • Messy Summer Science Experiments! (French version available)

    Messy Summer Science Experiments! (French version available)

    Ok, so school’s out, you’ve watched every episode of your favourite show on Netflix, and you’re trying to avoid doing chores. Or maybe you’re trying to entertain the kids you’re babysitting, a younger sibling or two, or just really, really feel like making a mess! Here are a few experiments that are fun, messy, and educational! No one can get angry about a mess when you’re learning. Right?

    *TIP: Do these outside.*

    • Giant bubbles: Everyone loves making bubbles, but giant ones are even better! This takes simple supplies you may already have around the house. You’ll need string, plastic straws, bubble solution, and a flat container like a cookie sheet. You’ll attach the string through the straws to form a big circle with “handles” (the straws). Then you can create large bubbles to delight kids of all ages. PBS.org has a great how-to with photos on their website.
    • Rainbow Bubble Snakes: Do you have a pile or a drawer full of socks missing a match? This activity will use those poor, lonely socks. You will need a water bottle, an orphaned sock, food colouring and dish soap. This website has detailed instructions with photos that show just how fun and messy things will get. See how long a bubble snake you can create. Can you create a rainbow? How many different colour combinations can you create?
    • Outrageous Ooze: One of my favourite messy experiments involves corn starch. You only need corn starch and water. You can add food colouring if you want more mess (who doesn’t?). The corn starch feels so silky smooth, and the properties it exhibits while you play in it are so soothing. When you manage to get the consistency right, it will look like a liquid in the container, but if you smack the surface of it hard with the palm of your hand, it feels solid! I did this one with 5-year-olds, and while they didn’t “get” the science behind it, they had a blast! You older kids will enjoy it as well, as you explore non-Newtonian fluids. This site shows you how to do it and explains the chemistry behind the ooze.
    • Ice cream in baggies: Now for an experiment, you can eat! Did you know you can make ice cream in a baggie with your own two hands? This website lists the recipe and the detailed instructions. But suffice it to say that this experiment is a delicious way to explore chemistry. I highly suggest this activity be done outside in case a baggie leaks, and bring your spoons. As an alternative, try doing more than a single serving in a coffee can, rolling it back and forth between you and a friend until the ice cream sets. Don’t forget your winter gloves, your hands will get very cold!  Have fun!
  • Cure the Winter Blues: Spruce Up Your Space (French version available)

    Cure the Winter Blues: Spruce Up Your Space (French version available)

    Are the winter blahs getting you down? Do you feel like you need a change? If only you could get away from it all.

    Well, maybe you don’t have to. Changing your space (both your physical space and your head space) can make you happier and healthier.

    There are a lot of little things you can do to improve your mood and your outlook on life.

    Colours, for example, are a great way to express yourself and they also emote certain feelings. This concept is called “colour psychology”. Though there isn’t a lot of research on the subject right now, it is commonly considered in marketing, design and art.

    Certain colours are believed to make a room give off a certain vibe. Blue is considered to be a calming, tranquil colour that may help people sleep, which is why lighter shades of blue are often seen in bedrooms. Violet can bring inner peace and balance. Green reminds people of the outdoors and has a calming, refreshing feeling (there’s a reason TV studios leave guests in what is referred to as a “Green Room”). Grey is cooling and soothing. Red is vibrant and brings energy to a room. Yellow is bright, happy and joyful. Brown also represents nature and gives a more earthy feel. And purple (the colour of royalty) often makes people feel sophisticated and wealthy.

    If you are going to paint your room, think of how you would like to feel in the space before you pick a colour. If you want to feel calm and relaxed, you probably wouldn’t want to pick bright red.

    Painting isn’t the only way to spruce up your space. You could create original art for your walls, dresser or bookshelves. Buy a blank canvas at a craft store and let your imagination inspire you. This will help you feel like your room is yours. It will also give you something to do on cold, wintery nights. If you’re handy, you could look at making a new lamp for your desk. There are a number of great ideas online that can get you started. You could try reusing some old household materials and creating a unique statue or sculpture.

    Try moving your furniture around, even just a little bit. People who believe in the power of Feng Shui, which in simple terms is a Chinese system that believes the positioning of certain items in your home has a direct relationship to the flow of energy, believe even a slight movement will help improve the mood in your room.

    Reorganizing your space will not only alleviate the tension between you and your parents, but it is a proven fact that a clean, tidy, organized room has a positive effect on your mood. De-cluttering can make you feel calm, in control and grateful. If you clean out your old clothes that no longer fit, old sporting equipment you don’t use and old toys you have outgrown, you’ll not only notice how lucky you are for having so much, but you can also help others by donating them to a charity or organization for people in need. Another benefit to having a tidy, well-organized space is you will become more creative and efficient. Writing a big paper will be way easier in a room you enjoy being in, rather than a messy, disorganized space you can’t even find the top of your desk in. And actually being able to find your clothes and backpack in the morning will reduce stress and probably make you late less often.

    Whatever you choose to do to embrace your space, make it your own. You’ll be much happier in the long run, and it’ll give you a project to help banish those winter blues.

    Who knows? You may even inspire the rest of your household to revamp, rejuvenate and de-clutter other rooms this winter.

  • Academic Resolutions for the New Year (French version available)

    Academic Resolutions for the New Year (French version available)

    Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of 2025. Whether you’ve already got a list of goals you’d like to accomplish next year or are still thinking about what to do tomorrow, don’t leave your academic career out of the picture. When it comes to things like study skills, research abilities, or time management, you can never stop improving—and it’s certainly never too late to start. Consider some of these academic resolutions when you’re setting goals for the New Year.

    Stay on top of things. Don’t let upcoming projects get the best of you this year. Make it your mission to stay organized so you know exactly what’s due when, what’s expected of you, and what’s coming up next. This includes keeping track of assignments and test dates (invest in a day planner—or a handy smartphone app), and doing a little bit each day so the workload doesn’t get too overwhelming. You’ll thank yourself when the deadline rolls around.

    Get involved. There’s more to school than tests and papers: committing to a club or team is a fun way to meet new people, develop your skills, and make yourself known among your teachers. If you have something to look forward to (aside from your next homework assignment), it’s a positive source of motivation, and your academic focus will improve, too. You’ll be surprised at what a positive effect getting involved outside the classroom can have on your grades.

    Challenge yourself. Go beyond what’s expected of you. If something in a class sparks your interest, do some more reading or ask your teachers for extra information (or extra credit). Don’t be afraid to set higher goals for yourself: for instance, if you were hoping and praying for a B paper last year (and you got it!), why not try for an A this time around? It may seem difficult to change your mindset at first, but by motivating yourself, you’re more likely to improve—and your instructors will recognize the extra effort you’re putting in.

    Learn from last year. Is there a class you were hoping to do better in or an assignment you kind of dropped the ball on? Based on your past academic experiences, think of ways to improve yourself this year. Whether it’s revising your study strategy or just working harder, confronting your past slip-ups is crucial to ensure they don’t happen again. Not to mention that teachers and professors love to see their students taking constructive criticism: prove you’ve learned something from the class, and there’s nowhere to go but up.

    Happy New Year and good luck in your academic endeavours!

  • Holiday Gift-Giving on a Student Budget

    Holiday Gift-Giving on a Student Budget

    The dropping temperature is a surefire sign of the start of the holiday season. But while December is “the most wonderful time of the year”, it can also be the most stressful! It’s often difficult to dole out the holiday cheer when you’re saving up for college or have no time for a part-time job.

    If you’re feeling the pressure to splurge on lavish gifts for everyone you know, remember that sometimes it really is just the thought that counts. In fact, something not so expensive but truly heartfelt can make for a better present overall. To ensure you’re not left completely broke by the time New Year’s rolls around, consider some of these student-budget-friendly holiday gift ideas.

    Baking. Dig out your grandmother’s secret recipes (or find some online) and spend a day making a few types of cookies, bars or candies. Then wrap them up in a basket and give them away! Not only is this gift especially sweet (in more ways than one), it’s practically no-fail. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love holiday treats?

    Crafts. Forget kindergarten macaroni art! You’d be surprised at how many incredibly creative gift ideas are out there—all you have to do is conduct a quick search online. Chances are, the materials for your next DIY project can all be found at your local art store. Some examples of cute and crafty gift ideas are Sharpie mugs, notebooks, bracelets, and even handmade cosmetics. 

    Stocking stuffers. A collection of small knick-knacks is not only an affordable gift option, it’s perfect for situations when you just don’t know what the recipient will like. Instead of one big present, opt for an assortment of inexpensive stocking stuffers: chocolates, lip gloss, gel pens, soaps, mints, etc. Then find an extra-large holiday stocking and tuck all of your little presents inside!

    IOU’s. Really strapped for cash? The tried-and-true coupon book is your best bet. Come up with some ideas for fun things to do with your gift recipient: a home-cooked dinner for two, a foreign film screening, a vintage-store adventure and anything else you can think of. Then the next time you both have nothing to do, your recipient can cash in one of the coupons for an awesome day together (just make sure you’re doing all the planning, so it really feels like a gift).

    Your meagre student wallet doesn’t have to spoil your holiday season. Remember, the important thing is that you spend time with your loved ones and that the gifts you give them are more than just the price tag—they really come from the heart. Happy holidays, and happy hunting! 

  • The Holidays on a Budget (French version available)

    The Holidays on a Budget (French version available)

    We all want to get the special people in our lives the perfect gift for the holidays. But who says the perfect gift has to cost a lot of money? Most people appreciate the time and effort you put into the gift giving process. The old cliché is actually true – “it’s the thought that counts.” So with that in mind, here are a few holiday gift ideas you can buy or make that are sure to please your family and friends (and not break the bank):

    – Family Cook Books: Buy a nice hard covered notebook (you can usually get them for under $5.00). Use stickers, paint or markers to label the cover (e.g. “Hadland Family Recipes”) and write out all of your family’s past and present favourites. You can even go online and get some new recipes your family might like to try.

    – Use Photos: You can print them for free on your home computer or go to a retail store and print them there. You can use the photos to make a collage, family photo book or scrap book, or individual magnets of each family member (all you have to do is buy magnet paper at a craft store. Cut out a photo of each person, stick it to the paper and then carefully cut around it). You could also buy a wooden photo frame and paint and decorate it yourself.

    – Bookmark: Make bookmarks using photos of your family or characters from their favorite movie, TV show, book or singer. Print off the graphic you like and glue it to a piece of hard cardboard. Then cut the cardboard into whatever shape you want. Pierce the side with a small hole and string through ribbon or yarn.

    – Coupon Book: Make a homemade coupon book with personalized coupons. A few ideas are: One free house cleaning, a free coffee at your favorite coffee house, one free car wash, etc.

    – Memory Jar: Buy a large glass jar and then write down short memories or phrase that reminds you of your family on 365 pieces of paper (one for each day of the year) or, if you can’t think of that many, 52 pieces (one for each week of the year). Write a tag to hang off the jar stating the jar contains one memory for each day (or week) of the year. And instruct the receiver of the jar to take one at a time, read, remember and enjoy.

    – Baking: If you can, bake cookies, squares, breads etc. It is a yummy gift idea that is sure to please. And if you can’t bake, try making a trail mix or party mix instead.

    – Go to a Second Hand Shop: Look for books, DVD’s, CD’s or ornaments that are in good condition. Second hand shops are full of treasures. They are affordable and, even better, often times the money raised goes to a charity. So it’s like two gifts in one!

    – Wall Art: If you can paint, use your talents to create fun art for your family and friends. Paint something they like, like a beach scene, or try something abstract in colors that match their décor. If you have no artistic ability to speak of, find a second hand book or album cover that’s cool and frame it to create instant art.

    – Finally, if you have younger kids to buy for try making homemade crayons. First, find old broken pieces of crayons. Set the oven to 250 degrees. Place the crayon pieces in an old muffin pan, about an inch deep, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Let the new larger, multi-color crayons cool and pop them out. Make a homemade, personalized coloring book to go with the crayons printing off coloring pages online of their favorite things, place the pages in a report cover and label the front with their name (e.g. “Jamie’s Very Own Coloring Book”).

    Whatever you decide, remember the best gift you can give your family is the memory of a happy holiday. If you think back ten years, chances are you probably won’t remember what you got for Christmas but you will remember the little things…dancing in the living room while decorating the tree, the smell of simmering apple cider, the Christmas tree falling over in the living room, your whole family gathered around the table eating dinner and chattering all at the same time. These are the things that make the holiday season truly special. The gifts are just a nice added bonus.

  • Pay It Forward with Kindness

    Pay It Forward with Kindness

    I recently heard about someone in a Tim Horton’s drive-thru paying for the coffee of the driver behind them. I thought it was such a nice thing to do for a complete stranger. I also couldn’t help but think about how great it would be if more people did kind things for others without expectations of owing them back.

    Couldn’t our society use a couple more acts of kindness? It all starts with one person, and that person could be you. Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference, even if it may seem like they aren’t. Something as simple as smiling at someone accompanied by a good morning greeting can really make someone’s day.

    On a larger scale, volunteering for different charitable causes can contribute to a larger issue. Many organizations rely on volunteers to bring about social change. You will be helping others who really need it and doing it out of the goodness of your heart.

    Paying it forward with kindness is a wonderful, selfless thing to do. It doesn’t have to require any money and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. There is no reward greater than doing nice things for others and making others happy. Although the reward isn’t in the form of money or recognition, the way you will feel about yourself after you pay it forward with kindness will be a reward in it itself. The key to paying it forward is that it comes from a genuine and sincere place within you. You should want to do kind things for others not because you think you will get something out of it, but for the betterment of the other person.

    The last time somebody held the door open for you, you probably felt gratitude. Maybe you made sure to hold the door open for the person that was behind you. Even a small gesture of kindness can make you feel great and make the world seem like a better place. Often kindness works in a chain reaction effect. It can start with one person doing something kind for another person and then that person wanting do to something kind for another, and so on and so forth. It can be almost infectious, in a good way.

    Doing kind things for others can also help strengthen the community. It allows you to connect with another person even if only for a short period of time. It brings people closer together and allows them to co-operate. People begin to act as a support system to one another and look out for each other’s best interests. So, today, why not try paying it forward and doing something kind for someone else? I guarantee that you will feel awesome after!

  • Finding Your Perfect After-School Activity

    Finding Your Perfect After-School Activity

    Extra-curricular activities help give you valuable experience, keep you active, and provide a myriad of benefits. As more and more options become available, it can be difficult to decide which activities to take on. After all, there are a limited number of hours available, and knowing that you are choosing one activity while sacrificing another can lead to feelings of regret. There are a number of things to consider as you decide what to pursue.

    Before you start looking into activities that are available in your area, write down a list of your interests. This can be a point-form list or a journal entry, depending on how you like to organize your thoughts. Also, write down what you want to get out of the activities you choose. Ensure that you take this step before looking at what is out there. This way you are avoiding any biases or impact on your thought process from what you read. By going into the decision-making process with a clear goal and mindset, there is far less chance of confusion and regret later.

    Make sure to weigh the benefits of the activities you find. Upon selecting potential picks for programs you can enroll in, write out the positives and negatives for each one. Take into account your schedule, the mental and physical energy involved, and the short-term and long-term benefits. Certain activities may not be worth their strenuous nature, especially physical ones. On the other hand, ones that may not seem like an immediately good choice could prove to provide long-term benefits, such as work experience that will shine on your resume.

    Finally, do not be afraid to take risks. Children and adults alike tend to stick to habits and the things they know. Instead of choosing an activity you have done before and are well-versed in, it might be worth stepping outside your comfort zone. Take a look at the options available with as open a mind as possible. There are many sites to visit as you investigate your potential picks. There are many possibilities to consider, and thoroughly examining your options will make sure your ultimate decision is one you will be happy with.

    It can be a lot to take on choosing and participating in these activities on top of your usual schoolwork. By taking the time to analyze what you enjoy and want to get out of these pursuits, as well as extensively reviewing your options with an open mind, you are ensuring that what you undertake will be well worth your time. Although you are restricted to certain classes during the school day, extra-curricular activities help you in taking the first steps towards independence and building the life you want to have as an adult.

     

  • The Rise of Short Films in a Digital Age

    The Rise of Short Films in a Digital Age

    By Natasha Cooper

    The History of Short Films

    Short films have an incredibly long history within the world of film.  In the beginning of the art form’s inception, short films made up the entirety of film work until there was further technological development of the craft. It was until about 1913 that all films were fifteen minutes or less in duration.  While eventually, feature films that were much longer became the dominant structure of film and storytelling, comedies, documentaries and children’s animated specials mainly remained short, and were very popular.  During times when film and creators were becoming more experimental, the length of a film was often utilized to express objection to formal structures of films that had been established.  This was prevalent throughout the 1930s, when both technology and practices within the film industry had been normalized, and therefore could be challenged.  By the 1960’s, many emerging directors were using short films to start off their career.  Some famous directors who entered their careers through the creation of short films were Roman Polanski, Jean-Luc Godard and Federico Fellini.  Additionally, many film students might eventually find themselves in a class where they are asked to direct a short film, which can be both a challenging and rewarding task.

    Because of the long history of short films, and their presence from mainstream media, academia and within experimental film making, there are many perceptions of this kind of film.  In current times, the short film would generally be a film around 30 minutes or less, and this format is still holding up, and in fact seems to be growing in popularity once again.  There seems to be a few reasons for this which we will explore.

    Changes in Technology

    These days, just about everyone has a smartphone which has astonishing amounts of tools and applications to create with. A smart phone camera and video editing programs have opened the doors for many aspiring filmmakers to make films in varying durations with technology they already have access to.  This has led to an influx in short films.  Additionally, the internet and various social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok etc., make it easy to upload and share your work with others and gain exposure.

    Streaming Services

    As more and more people have begun enjoying film and media entertainment through the usage of streaming services, this has led to a larger variety of the types of film being included on different streaming platforms.  There has been a growing demand for more short films on streaming services which is being recognized and responded to.  This has led to these streaming services showcasing more short films within their collections and even having specific categories for them. Netflix is one of multiple platforms that now has different collections of short films including categories of animated short films, independent projects, and even a collection highlighting short films that have won Oscars.  This exposure of short films on popular streaming services is resulting in a growing interest in this kind of work.

    Shortening Attention Spans

    The very technology discussed previously that has made filmmaking more accessible to digital creators is also arguably to blame for people’s shortening attention spans . The American Psychological Association states that shortening attention spans is a real thing, and can mainly be attributed to the fact that it is the new norm for people to be attached to their phones and computers all day.  This can explain why sometimes audiences simply want to watch a YouTube video, or a thirty-minute episode of their favourite TV show.  However, short films are also a great option for someone who wants to sit down and watch something, knowing they do not have two hours’ worth of time or attention to give.

    The Future and Benefits of Short Films

    So, while short films have had ebbs and flows within their production and audience appreciation, recent trends in streaming platforms, growing accessibility of technology all mixed with societies shortening attention span, arguably can assure many that short films are not going anywhere, and in fact may be thriving.  They have stood the test of time this far, and it seems there are still many more ideas that can be expressed and showcased through this medium of film.  Next, are some benefits as well as a list of opportunities and tips to consider when working on a short film.

    They Are Less Costly

    For emerging filmmakers who might be tight for cash, short films are a viable option to get your work out there with a budget that works for you.  By using the accessible technology and simply spending less time in the production stages, short films are a great option to consider for those wanting to tell a story.

    The Creative Challenge

    To be able to present a plot that is both concise and resonates with an audience is a huge artistic challenge.  Being capable of this shows great talent from the creator, and the fact that short films are gaining popularity once again as well as a variety of mediums to share short films will hopefully reassure short film directors that it is possible for their work to be appreciated by the masses. Also, beginning to work on and complete short films are a great way to create or expand upon a creator’s portfolio.

    Exposure

    As said before, the internet is a great starting place for creators to get their work out there.  There are also many festivals and competitions as well that are dedicated to showing short films.  Below are a range of festivals creators can think about attending or submitting work to.

    There are many opportunities in Canada and beyond for those interested in becoming involved in the world of short films.

    Virtual Film School Canada

    If you are interested in one day creating a short film, or any other sort of captivating media, consider checking out some of the training courses offered at Virtual Film School Canada.  Courses in screenplay and script writing, new media technologies, and all stages in the production process are offered to help ensure emerging creators are equipped with all the skills they need to be successful.