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  • How to Nail a Scholarship Interview

    How to Nail a Scholarship Interview

    Discovering that you have been chosen from a pool of applicants for a scholarship interview is an exhilarating moment. However, many students quickly find themselves getting anxious as they start to prepare for the big interview. It’s normal to feel this way, especially when you have great sums of money on the line. The following is a list of tips and tricks that can help you get ready for the big day:

    1. You’ve probably heard this from your parents and teachers already, but it’s important that you appear relaxed and confident. If you display confidence in yourself, the interviewers are far more likely to have confidence in you, too!
    2. Keep in mind that the interviewers have to sit through several students for hours, who often respond to the same questions with the same answers. If you want to stand out, provide memorable answers that will stick in their minds for the rest of the day. However, this doesn’t mean that you should give ridiculous responses either. You need to find a healthy balance between appropriate and creative. You can also make your responses stand out by sharing something personal about yourself. It might be a brief story or it might be a personal goal that you’ve held for years.  Just make sure it’s not too random and that it fits within the context of the question being asked.
    3. You need to present yourself as a worthy investment. Interviewers don’t just want to hear why you want or need the money; they want to know how you plan to use it to better your future. Try to prepare some ideas beforehand about how this scholarship money can change your life in the long-run.
    4. Your attitude can differentiate you from the pack as well. Try your best not to be monotone and boring. Speak conversationally with your interviewers because it will make the atmosphere far more relaxed. This will be like a breath of fresh air for the people interviewing you!  Remember that they have probably been sitting stationary for a while so they could use something to wake them up.
    5. There are several “little things” that you can also do to bring yourself to the top of that list. These little things are often forgotten by most so keep them in mind: Shake hands with your interviewer.  When they ask you how your day was, return the question. Thank your interviewers for even considering you for the scholarship. Believe it or not, these simple and polite gestures will increase your chances of being remembered!
    6. At the end of the interview, most interviewers ask if you have any questions.  Use this as an opportunity to extend the conversation beyond the standard questions that they ask everyone. A cool technique is to ask a question about the organization that is offering the scholarship. This gives the interviewers a bit more time to talk about themselves, which will be a welcome change from a long day of asking questions!

    You now have a bag full of tricks to get you through your big interview. Keep your head held high and remember to show off that sparkling personality!

  • Using Kids Help Phone

    Using Kids Help Phone

    Everyone has those days where they may be feeling a little down or are dealing with something scary or sad. Sometimes, on days like those, you just need someone to talk to! On the other hand, you may have questions that you just feel too embarrassed to ask your parents or friends. It is good to know that there is a place you can go to – whether it’s picking up a phone or going online.

    Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is a free service for all youth up to the age of 20. The phone lines are open 24/7 and you can remain anonymous and discuss anything you wish to in complete confidentiality. The agency does not have caller ID display and you do not have to leave your name. If you are hesitant to call in, they also offer advice via their website – www.kidshelpphone.ca. Ask your question online!

    The website provides valuable information on topics such as dating, bullying, family, friends, school, mental health, violence, abuse, money and so much more. I looked up the topic “Bullying” on their website and it listed many different types (physical, emotional, social, cyber-bullying, etc.). I also learned that if you are victim of bullying, you should always tell someone, whether it be your teacher, parents, friends or even someone at Kids Help Phone. The next important tip I read on this topic was to make sure that I stay safe by taking the necessary steps to protect myself as much as I can. If the bully is targeting you when you are alone, try to walk with friends and keep in the company of others when at school. Try to avoid the person and, again, reporting this person is the best course of action to take.

    Take a look at the website and browse the topics which offer so much advice and reading material on the daily issues that may be a part of your life right now. There is also a forum in which you can see other readers’ questions and posts under any topic. The best part is that a counsellor from Kids Help Phone responds to the posts, so you know you will be getting great advice. This may help you if you are going through a similar life event or situation. Just remember that this service exists for a reason – to help kids know that there is someone out there who cares and wants to listen. Even if you feel that you don’t need to call this number right now, it is helpful to keep the number handy by putting it in your cell phone or writing it down somewhere. No question or concern is too little, so feel welcome to use Kids Help Phone at any time!

  • Time Management: Making the Best of What You Have

    Time Management: Making the Best of What You Have

    Do you ever feel that you have too much to do and too little time to do it? Besides going to school every day, you might have swimming or music lessons, sports team practices, chores at home, and much more. How can you get everything done without wearing yourself out? For people of any age, the best way to deal with a busy schedule is through good time management.

    As the name says, time management is about learning to organize and manage activities throughout the day. The first step is to separate the very important activities from the less important ones and the things that you can change from the things that you can’t. Going to school or work, for example, is something that people usually can’t change. They might be able to find an easier job or a school that gives less homework, but they can’t normally eliminate it entirely. Sleep is another unchangeable part of life; whether people sleep for five hours a night or ten hours, everyone needs to rest.

    What are the parts of your life that you can’t change? You might be surprised to find that the list of necessary activities is quite short. After you separate the necessary activities from the optional ones, you can find ways to manage your time better. You can try to cut down on activities like being in clubs or watching television if they make your life too full. Working better and more efficiently can also help a lot.

    The most important part of time management is to decide what level of activity you enjoy. Some people can manage to fit a lot of activities into the day, but the danger is that they might do too much. Other people need a much slower pace, and they easily become overwhelmed by any pressure. Both kinds of people can be perfectionists who think that they have to get everything exactly right. Trying to do everything well can be good, but can also put a lot of pressure on people to accomplish more than they are able to do. Often, a heavy schedule and high expectations cause mental breakdowns in very busy people.

    Knowing yourself and how you use your time can make time management easier. The best place to begin is to record everything you do on an average day, or even a week, and to see how you organize yourself and your work. You might find a lot of short periods of time, such as between school and supper, when you can quickly finish a project. Writing out a schedule can help you to find much more time than you might have realized you had. Creating lists of things that need to be done and knowing why they’re important can help you with your priorities, and learning to say “no” to people’s requests can be useful. Whether you love to be busy or not, good time management can help you get through each day.

  • No More Bullying

    No More Bullying

    In elementary school, everyone is undergoing changes developing themselves in different ways. Because of the pressures of growing up, some people learn to adapt and cope in successful ways, such as by finding an outlet for their emotions in activities like competitive sports, clubs, or even just seeking friendship and support from others. Unfortunately, some people have negative coping mechanisms that lead them to find more destructive outlets for their emotions. Sometimes a negative coping mechanism will reveal itself as bullying. This bullying can take many forms, from verbal abuse to stealing from people and even to physical abuse. Bullying is a problem that needs to be addressed with the bully and with the victim because both are affected.

    When people are bullied they can feel sad and left out, as well as feel that they have something wrong with them that results in the bullying. If you are being bullied, the most important thing to remember is that it is not your fault that you are being picked on. It may not be safe to confront the bully themselves, but by informing your principal, teachers, parents and friends, you can create a support network to protect yourself from the person or people that are harassing you. Also remember that the law is on your side when it comes to bullying and any evidence that you can get for proving that the person or people are harassing you will be invaluable. Try to have a friend present with you at all times so that you have a witness and a protector.

    The person or people who do the bullying have emotional wounds themselves that need to be addressed by a counselor or other qualified professional. Most of the time bullies have problems at home or problems with other aspects of their life story that is causing them to act out in negative ways. These people may be viewed as “bad people” but the reality is that they probably have a serious insecurity or deep emotional wounding that is preventing them from growing up in a healthy way. By talking to someone about their feelings, they can start to heal.

    By reporting a bully, you are doing everyone a favor because that person is probably bullying more people than just you. This negative situation may be painful for you, but don’t worry –  bullying is becoming more and more of an important issue in schools, so when you do speak out it will be received by a well-prepared audience.

    Remember that you are not alone and your voice will be heard.

  • What to Do if Your Teacher is a Bully

    What to Do if Your Teacher is a Bully

    Wouldn’t it be great if all teachers were devoted to educating their students and dedicated to encouraging them? Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

    If you are under the supervision of teacher whose behavior has crossed the line into bullying, there are things you can do to stop it. Discussing your concerns with the teacher in question and the head of his/her department, filing a formal complaint with your school and in the most extreme case, asking to be transferred to another class are just a few of your options.

    Many students think that they will never be believed if they bring a complaint against a teacher, but don’t let these unfounded fears stop you. Bullying by a teacher is unacceptable behavior, and no student should be subjected to it.

    What Is Teacher Bullying?
    It’s easy to get on a teacher’s bad side, or for a teacher to get on your own, but this does not mean that the teacher is a bully. Bullying behavior by a teacher includes behaviors such as:

    • Degrading comments about a student.
    • Unwanted or hostile physical contact with a student.
    • Unwanted or suggestive physical contact with a student.
    • Inappropriate or lewd remarks made to a student.
    • Suggesting to a student that his/her grade depends on something other than his/her studies.

    What Is the First Step to Stopping Teacher Bullying?
    If you feel that your teacher is a bully, the first step is to tell someone. This could be your parents, your principal or another teacher that you trust. If you are afraid to speak out, calling Kids Help Phone will get you in touch with people who can help you through this process. Remember – you are not alone and there is help available!

    Teacher bullying is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. If you feel that you are being treated poorly, but are uncertain if you are being bullied by your teacher, confide in a trusted adult.

     

  • Preparing for Exams and Mid-Terms

    Preparing for Exams and Mid-Terms

    Stress – that’s often the first word that comes to mind when students think about studying for finals, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a number of steps you can take to cut back on the stress and anxiety you inevitably feel at test time. Try some of the suggestions below. They should help you feel more prepared and confident going into the exam.

    1. Accept the fact that you have to study. There is no easy way out. Sleeping with a text book under your head will not make you magically absorb all of the information in the book you never read. You just need to realize you HAVE to do some work.

    2. Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. Cramming will make you more stressed and you won’t be able to remember as much info.

    3. If you are an overly organized person, put your skills to good use. Create a chart to document when, where and for how long you will study each subject. For example: Monday, 6-8 p.m., campus library, History. This will ensure you have enough time to adequately prepare.

    4. If you are a less rigid kind of person make flashcards and recite them while doing household chores, brushing your teeth, riding the bus to and from school, and between commercials while you’re watching the latest episode of The Voice.

    5. Don’t plan to study somewhere super comfy like in bed, wrapped up in a warm furry blanket, surrounded by twenty fluffy pillows. Chances are you will end up doing more napping then studying. Do however find a comfortable chair and work space large enough for all your text books (and snacks) with good lighting. It’ll make life a whole lot easier.

    6. Turn your phone off or, at the very least, set it to vibrate and only check it every 45 minutes (and then only stay on it for 10 minutes). Phones, tablets, iPods, etc. are great, but are very distracting. Contrary to popular belief, being a Candy Crush savant will not help you when it comes to school work.

    7. Before you start studying, write down everything you know about the subject. That way you’ll have a better grip on what you still need to know and what you don’t need to focus as much time on.

    8. Study with friends – but actually study. Don’t just sit around and chat. Your friends can be a great resource. If they were in the same class as you chances are they may remember stuff you don’t.

    9. Read through all your class notes. If you don’t understand a definition or a particular theory, try looking it up online. If you have time, ask your teacher for help.

    10. Take breaks, get exercise, sleep well and eat well. It’s not just studying the material that’s important. Your body needs proper exercise, sleep and nourishment to function at its peak.

    11. Know the material in your own words. This will ensure you actually understand it and haven’t just memorized a text book. It will also increase your confidence and your ability to answer any question thrown at you about the subject.

    12. Make sure you know where and when the exam is and how long it will take you to get there. Try to arrive about 30 minutes early, but don’t do any more studying for about 15 minutes before the exam. This will give you time to calm yourself and get acclimated with your surroundings. Scope out a good seat; get out all your necessary supplies (water, pens, pencils, calculators, scrap paper, etc.). If you have a favorite song that calms or relaxes you, listen to it on your iPod. Music often has a calming and soothing affect and can help put you in just the right mind set before you begin writing the exam.

    The important thing in avoiding exam stress is to be prepared. You may still be a little nervous, but you will have the knowledge and confidence to succeed.

  • Finding Your Niche

    Finding Your Niche

    After high school you then have to move onto post-secondary education – and that’s when you no longer have to take courses that make you think, “Why would I ever have to use this in the future?” We have all been there and thought about it. However, when you get to post-secondary, it all becomes very specific. You have to figure out what you are into and what you really wish to study.

    From experience, it is much easier to take a program that you are genuinely interested in rather than pursuing something you know you won’t like. After I changed my courses to something I enjoyed, I absorbed the information so quickly and in such great detail that I was able to retain a lot of information with little effort. When you are genuinely thrilled to learn the information you are provided, it’s a lot easier to stay focused and to achieve the best grades and goals!

    At this point, you need to focus on really finding your niche; your specialty. Find out what you are good at! Some of the lucky students have already figured it all out. My friend wanted to be a veterinarian since she was six years old, for example. If you’re like me, though, you had a lot of different plans and options throughout your life. When I found my niche, I found what I really enjoyed and knew a lot about. For example, if you are a very strong persuader and can effectively communicate your ideas to a wide audience and create outstanding rapport with your peers, you can pursue Public Relations positions.

    Finding your niche is all about exploration, and volunteering helps with taking a chance on many different fields; Extracurriculars and electives will also help with this.

    Always take a chance and find out what you enjoy and pursue your talents!

  • How to Prepare for an Interview

    How to Prepare for an Interview

    You’ve found a company you think you’d like to work for, you’ve sent in your resume and they’ve called back, excited to interview you. You’ve got an interview set up in a week or a few days. What do you do until then?

    If you’re serious about the job, and you want to land it, there are a few things you can do to prepare leading up to the big day.

    Research the company

    You already know you want to work there. Maybe it’s cool or they pay more than other places for similar work, but if you want to get in, it helps to have an edge.

    Check out the company’s website. Find out what the company prides itself in and who they see as their customers. The more you know about a company and the position you’re applying for, the better you can respond to their needs and show why you’re the best fit for the job.

    Showing that you’re familiar with the company demonstrates that you’re serious about wanting the position and that this isn’t just a random job application (even if it may have started out that way).

    Practice

    It may sound hokey, but if you haven’t interviewed much before, preparing practice questions with a friend or family member can help you get over your nervousness and ensure you have smart, relatable answers at the ready.

    Prepare concrete examples

    Interviewers want to see that you can think on your feet and they’ll often ask, “Tell me a time when…” questions. Things like, “Tell me a time when you weren’t able to meet a deadline.” Saying you’ve never had trouble with this will sound disingenuous – everyone’s handed in an assignment late at some point.

    Be honest and talk about how you let your boss or teacher know as soon as you knew you were in trouble, and how you negotiated an extension or workaround. Interviewers want to know that you know how to act professionally, even if this is your first job.

    Prepare your wardrobe

    Plan your clothes the night before and remember that it’s better to dress smart rather than casual. Even if the job is a jeans and t-shirt kind of place, it’s a sign of respect to dress well for an interview.

    Ensure anything that needs ironing has been ironed and that you have everything at the ready. You don’t want to make yourself late searching for your dress shoes  five minutes before you’re supposed to be there.

    Plan your route

    Use Google Maps to plan how long it will take you to get to the interview and aim to be at least fifteen minutes early. Plan for traffic and check road closures.

    Be calm

    It’s easy to get nervous before an interview, especially if you haven’t interviewed much. Take a few deep breaths before going in and smile. It really will relax you. Just be yourself.

    Remember that each interview is practice for your next one, whether you get this job or go on to something else. It gets easier each time.

    Good luck!

  • Dealing with Stress

    Dealing with Stress

    At any age, stress can take a toll on your mind and body. For most, stress is caused by an event or situation that is considered dangerous, difficult, or unpleasant. If it is not dealt with properly, long term stress can cause physical and mental damage. Coping mechanisms, if taught early, can be a helpful ally in battling stress and conquering stressful situations.

    For teens and young adults, stressful situations can be present in everyday life. Some common things that can cause stress are demanding school schedules, drama with friends, low self-esteem, changing bodies, high expectations, and family problems. Most young people encounter one or several of these situations on a daily basis. After a while the weight can start to take an affect and they can become overloaded with stress.

    Fortunately, stress is manageable, especially if the proper coping techniques are taught early. One way to help manage stress is to exercise and eat healthy. Exercise reduces the stress hormone levels in the body and causes the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood lifters. In fact, exercise actually helps you relax. Doing some sort of moderate physical activity every day can ease stress or even prevent it. Healthy eating goes hand and hand with exercise. The healthier you eat, the better you feel. Keeping the body well-nourished and balanced is especially important during stressful times.

    Another way to cope with stress, especially with school, is to prioritize. If you have a heavy work load, do the biggest most difficult projects, or the projects that are due sooner, first. This way, you will have peace of mind knowing that they are completed. The smaller and easier tasks will be a piece of cake after the more difficult tasks are off your plate. Also, if a project or assignment seems overwhelming, break it into smaller pieces. For example, if you have a large paper to write, give yourself the time and take it paragraph by paragraph. Treat each paragraph like it’s a separate assignment. This way, the thought of writing large paper won’t seem so daunting.

    Last but certainly not least, the best way to deal with stress is to talk to someone. Stress is common and many people can relate and sympathize. Talk to a person who is close to you, someone who you can open up to and be honest with, like a parent, a teacher, or even a best friend. Voicing your stresses and frustrations can help you get them off your chest. Sometimes a long chat with your closest friend can do wonders for your mood and stress level. Situations that are seemingly stressful might not be so bad once you know you have support and you’re not alone.

    Stress can be dangerous, especially for teens and young adults who are not sure how to manage it. It’s important to recognize when a situation is beginning to weigh on you and make it a priority to do something about it.

  • What Kind of Jobs Are Really Out There?

    What Kind of Jobs Are Really Out There?

    The job market is changing all the time, but there are a few rules to follow that will ensure your survival/success. Firstly, there is the importance of including work and volunteer experience on your list of activities and subsequent job applications, then there is the importance of engaging in some sort of entrepreneurial activity, and then generally accumulating activities, courses, or experiences that show you are progressive and have an opinion on what your field needs to succeed.

    Remember that it is important to build practical experience and community involvement into whatever career path you are building. Even if you don’t know what you want to do, it is important to get experience doing a variety of practical tasks (work/volunteer) or other interesting activities (work/volunteer). When you have work or volunteer experience to supplement your school activities, you are ahead of the game and that much closer to getting a job because you show that you are actively engaged in your world and care about helping your community.

    Recently, the importance of entrepreneurial activities has been brought to the attention of popular media such as CBC Radio 1. They have reported on the importance of having entrepreneurial activities to supplement or even replace education in an unpredictable market like today’s, where an education doesn’t necessarily mean a job. This aspect has been brought to the foreground due to the 13.5% unemployment rate among young people (Career Options, 2013). There are many people who have graduated with university degrees and are left without a job. This situation is not something you would expect when you look at all the advice supporting a university education, so beware and consider initiating or joining some sort of entrepreneurial activity. Consider your interests and search for something well-suited that will teach you new things and increase your hire-ability.

    Also, accumulating some experience that shows that you are aware of current issues in your field of interest is important for getting jobs that are really out there, like the trades. If you need to take an environmental studies course to show your employer that you are aware of the realities of a changing climate and an emerging “green economy”, do this. It is important to show that you are current and aware of a changing world when you are trying to get the jobs that are out there.

    Remaining a competitive candidate on the job market and getting the jobs that are out there can be assured by accumulating volunteer/work experience in your field of interest, taking on some entrepreneurial activities and taking a few courses relevant to important topics for your field of interest. Good luck!