It is a responsible position that at times can be challenging, but you will be rewarded many times over, knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life. As a teaching assistant, you’ll be well on your way to a career in education with many opportunities!

What Does A Teaching Assistant Do?

A teaching assistant has many jobs and responsibilities. These include –

• As a teaching assistant — to synchronize instructional efforts — you will be working closely with classroom teachers, helping with the lessons, homework, and student evaluations.

• To facilitate an understanding of the materials, your duties will include anything from setting up displays — including scientific and art exhibits (such as show and tell models and apparatus) to arranging other educational paraphernalia.

• Under the guidance and direction of the teacher — you will help deliver lessons and assignments through presentations, and discussions, as well as through other methods such as role-playing, and helping children in their show and tell activity. 

• Another important role is that of tutoring — working with children separately or in small groups, helping them to understand the assignments and to strengthen the learning concepts presented by the teacher. 

• You will be involved in all aspects of the teaching experience — from handing out the learning materials and coordinating assessments and homework assignments, to evaluating and scoring assignments and tests (using answer sheets and electronic rating devices)!

Is This Career Right For You?

If you have a passion for education, a love of sharing information, and a desire to improve the lives of others, the teacher’s assistant program is a perfect fit for you! It can be challenging at times, but with patience, adaptability and imagination, it can be just as rewarding too. As long as you know you will be shaping future minds to create a better world!

Where Are The Jobs?

There are many opportunities for teaching assistants all across Canada! Not only is this role in high demand in colleges and universities, but there are also a variety of learning environments you can choose to work in. For example, primary and secondary private/public schools and daycare centres require assistance in teaching their students.

Where Can You Study?

Here are just some of the colleges that offer a teacher’s assistant program. Contact your local campus to get more information on start dates, program length, admissions requirements and more:

• AOLCC, Edmonton
• Canadian Imperial College
• Sprott Shaw College

Are There Any Student Aid Programs?

Education can get expensive. But don’t worry. If you’re planning to enrol yourself in a teacher’s assistant program, you can always resort to student funding to ease the burden of finances. Here are some options available:

• Federal Bursaries
• Federal Loans and Scholarships
• B.C. Access Grant

There are more funding options available based on the state and school you choose to study in.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s natural to have more questions about the role and prospects of a teacher’s assistant. We’ve answered a few for you –

What do you need to become a teacher’s assistant?

To become a teacher’s assistant in Canada, you need to complete a 10-month-long college program in either teaching assistance or educational assistance. Additionally, you could also finish the same in a social science program. If you plan to work with students with special needs, you will have to have specialized training as well as experience.

How much does a teacher’s assistant earn?

On average, teaching assistants make about $49,277 per annum. However, this can go up to $82,000 depending on the school, your experience and other such factors.

The global perspective and broadened viewpoint of students who study abroad could be an invaluable addition to the country’s economy, if only more businesses realized this fact. At least that’s the conclusion of a recent report from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), as well as those who’ve capitalized on an international education and have subsequently climbed the corporate ladder.

One such proponent of studying abroad is Dr. Myers, the president and chief executive officer of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, who spent nine years doing graduate work in England. Not only was the experience an eye-opener in his opinion, but the contacts he made while studying at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Oxford definitely contributed to the success he’s achieved.

The challenge now is to help Canadian students, parents, postsecondary institutions, and businesses realize the economic benefits that come from personal networks fostered by studying abroad. Young employees who have this edge can bring great advantages to the table, especially when it comes to trade deals between governments.

It’s not an easy task ahead, considering Canadian students have one of the lowest numbers for studying abroad or student exchanges, at only 3 per cent. While the numbers continue to rise for foreign students coming to Canada, the CBIE report says that the percentage going abroad must increase fivefold to ensure success in dealing with global markets.

CBIE’s president Karen McBride states, “If we don’t increase the number of students studying abroad, we won’t be involved in the trade deals that Canada is putting into place now, or in meeting global challenges.”

Canada falls behind more ambitious countries such as Australia, who is spending millions to send thousands of students to study in Asia-Pacific economies. The United States is looking to up its percentage to 20, and Germany, already at 30 per cent, is aiming at 50 per cent for students studying abroad. Canada’s target of sending 15 per cent of postsecondary students abroad seems paltry in comparison.

One problem in changing the status quo actually comes from the success Canada has had in luring foreign students to study here. The multicultural environment of many postsecondary schools has led some to wrongly assert that they are already benefiting from an international experience.

Of course, another hurdle is the price tag. Many students feel it’s just too expensive to leave Canada to study abroad and their parents may agree.They may not see the opportunity as a worthwhile investment.

Judging by their meager initiatives, or lack thereof, the country’s officials and businesses seem to have the same difficulty with longterm vision. However, investing in study abroad programs may be an economic strategy they can’t afford to miss out on.

Tips to staying healthy during flu season

1) De-stress Yourself

It’s a proven fact that stress hampers our immune system’s ability to fight germs. Even taking a few minutes every day to engage in some kind of relaxing, stress-busting routine will help to boost your potential to ward off a cold!

2) Sleep

If your body tells you you need sleep, then get some sleep! Feeling overly tired is often the first indicator that you’re fighting a germ. It’s when you’re at rest that your immune system can efficiently and successfully fight against microscopic invaders.

3) Exercise

Not only does exercise aid in releasing stress-fighting hormones, but it also helps your body to sleep better by tiring it out in a healthy, physical way.

4) Take A Vitamin Supplement

Researchers tell us that vitamin D is a significant factor in healthy immune system functioning. Reports indicate that most people suffer from a deficiency in this vitamin during the fall and winter months when they’re not exposed to as much sunlight. Echinacea is also touted as a herbal remedy to support the immune system.

5) Wash Your Hands!

The number one way to avoid communicable illness is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Avoid touching your face, which could allow germs to enter your system through your eyes, nose, and mouth. This goes without saying in the post-pandemic world we live in right now.

6) Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Fluids, especially water, can help flush out your system and ensure your body has enough hydration to perform its vital germ-fighting operations!

7) Mask Up

First rule: if you’re ill, don’t step out. However, if interaction with certain people is a must, always mask up. It can prevent the transmittance of germs to and from you. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. 

8) Do A Saltwater Gargle 

Salt mixed in a glass of warm serves as a good gargling agent when you have a sore or scratchy throat. You can try ice chips too if this doesn’t work for you. And if both don’t, cough drops are always an option.

9) Give Honey A Shot

With a cold around, a cough soon follows. If you’re down with a coughing bout, try adding a spoonful of honey to hot tea when you’re drinking a cup. It’ll ease the cough. As a general rule of thumb, you should eat healthily to get better faster. 

10) Use A Humidifier

The benefit of using one is that it can add moisture to your home, combating the dry winter and helping clear up the congestion in your chest. Just be sure to follow all the instructions and change the water daily.

Having a cold can be a real dampener when you have a lot of pending tasks, and assignments and just cannot afford to miss school. However, if you follow these tips, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. 

Upon completion of a certificate program, you will be awarded a certificate, rather than a degree. Sounds inferior? Think again. A certificate program can be a surefire way to launch yourself into a successful career. Especially if you consider the benefits associated with them.

Benefits of a Certificate Program

Needless to say, the benefits of opting for a certificate program over a traditional post-secondary course are many. Check them out below –

• Reduced financial burden 

The biggest plus is the price tag. As college and university tuition rates increase, even an average education at these institutions is becoming less and less affordable, consequently leading to a debt load. Certificate programs are shorter in length and can even be completed online, which results in much lower tuition costs.

• Faster completion time

Because of the reduced length of the programs, students can finish their schooling and start a job a lot faster than with traditional courses. What could end up being a 3 to 4-year time investment at a college or university can be reduced to anywhere from 3 to 12 months with a certificate program. 

• Greater flexibility 

Certificate courses are designed to work with your existing schedule. Busy people with family or personal commitments can still get the training they need, without putting other responsibilities on hold. 

• Competitive advantage

Since certificate programs are skill-oriented, you stand to gain a competitive advantage in the job world by specializing in your field. Besides, such programs help you advance your skills and knowledge while adding to your professional credibility. 

• Increased earning potential 

Not only do you end up spending less on your fee, you actually end up increasing your earning potential by acquiring skills you didn’t have before. A certificate program on your resume shows employers the time and effort you put into perfecting yourself and they’re bound to reward you accordingly. 

These are just a few of the benefits of a certificate program.

Take a Certificate Program Online

Career Step, an online education and training provider, focuses solely on the importance of equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need, without all the frills of attending a physical school. 

Online courses allow students to study at their own pace, fitting in their schoolwork around other events happening in their lives. You’ll feel the freedom and dignity of learning without a rigid class schedule, and yet you’ll never be left on your own. Qualified instructors are readily available to give you the one-on-one assistance you need.

The specialized curriculum of certificate programs streamlines the learning process so that you’re job-ready as soon as you graduate. From medical transcriptionist to software engineer, you’ll be able to achieve your career goals without a huge dent in your pocketbook and with your personal and family life still on track.

When preparing your resume employers want to see a mixture of work and academics.

It’s the question college students all over the world are asking: can academics balance out a lack of real world work experience on a resume? It’s a valid question and an important one seeing as how employment is harder than ever for recent graduates to obtain. Even more aggravating is the fact that most recent graduates are finding themselves forced to take jobs that are low in pay and stature and only the very lucky are able to get those jobs in their field of study.

It’s enough to make any student want to run for the nearest retail shop, bank teller application or burger joint. Any employment has to look better and make you more competitive than no employment, right?

Not necessarily. The truth is, employers want to see a mixture of work and academics. Too much of one or the other (or going all of one and none of the other as some have tried) will get your resume sent straight to the trash bin.

So how do you do this? How do you find work experience while you are still in school? More importantly, how do you find relevant work experience while you are still in school? Most importantly, how do find relevant work experience that won’t take away from your studies and jeopardize your performance in school? Here are a couple of tips.

The All Important Internship

Current students are incredibly lucky: most internships offered these days come with pay. This was not the case even as recently as ten years ago. The pay might not be much but it’s better than doing all of that schlepping for free, right?

The reason that “any work experience you can get” doesn’t cut it is that employers want to see that you’ve put in a few hours in the field. Sure those hours might have been spent schlepping coffee and doing filing but if you can get a good recommendation out if it? That recommendation will mean much more than the recommendation you’d get from your fast food boss.

Internships are incredibly important for a few reasons. Obviously they allow you to gain “real world” experience in your field of study. Most schools now include them as part of their degree requirements so you’re probably going to have to do at least one whether you want to or not. The biggest and the best reason to do an internship, though, is that it gives you a foothold into your field. A lot of interns are able to turn their internships into full time employment with the same company after they graduate.

Extra Curricular Activities

Yep, they mattered on your college applications and they matter on your resume as well–at least as much as the classes you took (sometimes even more so). Before you rush to put “Dorm Video Club” on your resume, though, know that you shouldn’t be listing all of your extracurriculars on your resume. What you should be doing (and listing) are extra curriculars that pertain to your field. For example: if you are hoping to become a therapist one of the best extracurriculars you can have is peer counseling. Peer counseling gives you real world counseling experience (it requires some training) and looks great on your resume.

Presentation is Important

Whatever you choose to do to get your academic and work experience in the bag, remember that if you can’t present it well on your resume, nobody will probably ever know about it. A lot of students rush to include everything they’ve ever done on their resumes. This is not a great idea. Two of the best resume writing tips you will ever receive is to keep your resume limited to your relevant experience (work and academic) and to limit that document to a single page, or two pages at most.

Finally, try not to panic. It might take some time but if you are persistent and creative you can get the job you want in the field you love. We promise!

Transitioning from a regular diet to one consisting solely of vegetable foods has its challenges.

As more students reflect their values in their dietary choices, vegetarianism is becoming commonplace. The trouble is, school cafeterias are not quick to adopt acceptable options for those opposed to eating meat or meat products.

Moral, ethical, and environmental issues all impact the decision many youths are making to omit meat from their diet. There’s also the health concerns over hormone-injected animals that find their way to our dinner plates. In view of this, meat consumption among college students is declining, with some going strictly vegetarian, and others becoming ‘flexitarians’ or semi-vegetarians.

Transitioning from a regular diet to one consisting solely of vegetable foods has its challenges. This is especially so for students who lead a busy life socially and academically. Typically prone to grabbing fast food or relying on a menu of fried foods at the school cafeteria, students who decide to go vegetarian have their work cut out for them.

This usually entails packing their own lunch, including lots of small snacks that can deliver the calories needed to maintain sufficient energy levels. Some vegetarians and vegans suffer from lower than recommended levels of protein, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B-12.

5 Essentials for Vegetarians

1) Protein

Fortunately, protein is found in both plant and animal foods, so even if you’re vegetarian, it doesn’t mean you have to go without. Good sources of plant protein include peas, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lentils, beans, and tofu. Eggs and dairy products are also excellent sources of protein, if you have no objection to consuming them.

2) Calcium

Vegetarians can get their recommended amount of calcium if they consume dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese. Total vegetarians or vegans will have to look to dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or bok choy, or else try calcium-fortified cereals or soy milk.

3) Vitamin D

Exposure to sunlight or consuming dairy products that have been fortified is how most people get vitamin D. If dairy products are not part of your diet and you do not get regular esposure to sunlight, you may want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement.

4) Iron

Some plant-based foods that will boost your iron intake include dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, pumpkin and sesame seeds, dried fruits, and fortified breads or cereals. Even cooking in cast-iron pots or pans will help. Eating foods rich in vitamin C will help your body absorb iron.

5) Vitamin B-12

Here’s another vitamin produced mainly by animals, so vegetarians who eat dairy products or eggs will get sufficient amounts through these foods. Vegans should consider using a soy milk with added vitamin B-12 or take a vitamin B-12 supplement.

Below are some tasty snack ideas for students going vegetarian:

• Rice cakes
• Nut spreads like peanut butter or almond butter
• Oatmeal
• Whole grain breads and crackers
• Fruit, canned or frozen
• Beans
• Soups like lentil or minestrone

Just remember, the key to any healthy diet is to be balanced, to eat a wide variety of foods, and to make sure you take in the correct amount of calories for you personally.

More and more students want to avoid paying money for programs they end up disliking or having no interest in. Some feel they’re not ready to tackle the next level of learning. Taking a gap year, or a year off between high school and college, gives you time to consider your options and to get to know yourself, without comparing your goals or abilities with your peers.

Why taking a gap year can make sense

It might seem like a terrifying option to consider, but taking a gap year can make a lot of sense. Let’s take a look at some of these reasons below – 

• It may be true that you had your high school years to mull over your choices, but for many, those years were spent dealing with the challenges of growing up and getting through homework. Thus, not giving them the time or chance to find a fixed career path. 
• On top of that, the confusing array of program choices and the financial challenge of paying for tuition and living expenses at college or university are also things that can deter some students from starting college right away.
• The above considerations aside, taking a gap year can also give you the time to recharge and refocus so you can actually take up a course that’s meant for you. 
• A gap year can also give you the chance to travel or take up shorter programs abroad, which can prove to be beneficial in finding your direction and advancing your career.

How you should approach a gap year

Before you jump on the gap year bandwagon, it’s important to consider it from all angles. The following approach can help you take a gap year in the right away –

• Have a plan

Experts advise having a strategic plan so that a gap year isn’t spent earning some extra spending cash and sleeping in. Wasting a year in the prime of your life is not the desired outcome of a gap year. It should be used to save up your resources, perhaps investing enough money to live independently when you do go away to school.

• Use the time to get a job

If you’ll be using a gap year to work full-time and save money, it’s best to secure a job before graduation, to avoid competing with hundreds of other young people looking for summer work. This will ensure you have employment lined up before you’re overtaken by the temptation to take it easy or to take the summer off. Use a secure method to save the majority of your funds, such as a tax-free savings account.

Wondering how to save your money in a gap year? There are many money management tips that can come in handy.

• Travel but responsibly 

If you’ll be using a gap year to travel, instead of aimless galavanting, make plans to get involved in a variety of cultural or volunteer activities. Learning about other lands and their people adds to your knowledge and experience. A gap year should help you make sure you’re heading in the right direction, and expanding your horizons can help you accomplish this.

All said and done, you might still be wondering – is a gap year just for indecisive youths who want a break? Not at all. Heading off to school will cost you a few grand. Taking time to grow up is priceless. Each person is different and deals with decisions in their own way. Some are decisive and confident. Others need time to think it through. If you’re among the latter, taking a gap year could be the best decision you’ll make.

It might be hard to believe but eventually you have to pay back your student loan.

For many students, making post-secondary education a reality is only possible by applying for a student loan. This first taste of financial responsibility separates the frugal from the extravagant: some find their way out of debt as quickly and efficiently as they entered it, whereas others must start a long and painful journey towards financial recovery.

So, should you take out a student loan? In recent years, both federal and provincial student loans have become increasingly available to students, regardless of their family’s income bracket. Student loans supplied by the government are interest free while a student attends school full-time. They also offer flexible repayment options that can come in handy. For instance, when you hit a financial roadblock, payments can be stopped temporarily or reduced to a manageable amount.

Banks offer specialized student credit in the form of lines of credit for students who may not have a government loan or who have costs exceeding that amount. Student lines of credit usually require a co-signature from a parent.

The advice when it comes to loans from private institutions is the same as with any other borrowing situation: shop around. Banks want to outshine their competition and also want to ensure your future loyalty so that you’ll continue to use their services when you become a big business tycoon.

A helpful hint to remember is that borrowed money is just that, borrowed money! It has to be repaid at some point. After maxing out a $7000 line of credit, plus owing $14,000 in government loans, student Krystal Yee has a word of advice: “If I was talking to someone about a line of credit right now, I would say to treat credit with respect. It’s something that I didn’t do. I was really abusive to my line of credit and it really hurt me in the end.” After spending $1,600 on a cheap used car for transportation, Yee confessed: “besides my car, I was horrified to realize I had no idea where the money went. It just was gone.”

The most important thing to remember is that your ability to repay a loan or your failure to do so will affect your credit rating. So be aware of what you’re getting into, and be resolved to avoid wasting borrowed money.

To equip yourself with the information you need regarding student loans, visit the federal government’s CanLearn website, a great resource to help you plan and pay for postsecondary education. For student lines of credit, find out what you need to know by speaking one-on-one to a financial advisor at your institution.

The bottom line? Don’t use your loans for a trip to Hawaii. Treat credit responsibly so you can embark on your professional life with your financial situation under control.

Stress has a tendency to creep in, without us consciously realizing it.

A new school year is usually accompanied by increased stress. New routines, changes in your living situation, meeting new people, and homework are just some of the factors that contribute to higher levels of cortisol, the hormone the body releases in response to constant periods of stress. In other words, most of us just have too much going on, and our body is trying to tell us that a little balance and rejuvenation are needed to enjoy optimum health.

Warning signs of stress overload include lethargy, weakness, headaches, and even digestive problems. Stress has a tendency to creep in, without us consciously realizing that it is the cause of our feeling ill or tired. If these symptoms sound familiar to you, the stress-busting tips below can help you manage your stress before it controls your life.

1) Limit Your Commitments

You might feel like this is your year to make a difference or to become the wonder kid of the college campus. However, placing extremely high expectations on yourself can be detrimental to your health. View your wellbeing as important as your legacy, and be balanced. Don’t be afraid to say “no” if you have too many things to deal with.

2) Set Priorities

If homework or laundry is piling up, make a list in order of priority and, as you accomplish each item, cross it off. A feeling of accomplishment can go a long way to calming anxiety and stress caused by a heavy workload.

3) Eat Right

A diet that includes foods that promote the release of serotonin, our body’s calming hormone, can help reduce stress. The good news? Pure dark chocolate has been proven to boost serotonin levels and reduce stress. A diet that is balanced with whole grains, lean protein, and essential nutrients will also do wonders.

4) Get Enough Sleep

Does sleeping your way through a hectic back-to-school schedule sound too good to be true?  That just might be what it takes. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep, 7 to 8 hours a night, is only half the battle. Research shows that it’s just as important to get quality, deep sleep to benefit from your rest. Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day is also recommended. Altering your sleep/wake cycle can reduce energy and affect your overall health.

5) Exercise

Make exercise a regular part of your routine, whether it’s walking to and from school, or playing frisbee with friends. A regular workout not only helps regulate weight and keep your heart healthy, it also releases hormones that fight stress.

6) Take Time for Yourself

Treat yourself to a walk in the park, a short catnap, or a good book. Rest and recreation counteract stress and relieve mental and physical exhaustion. So don’t forget to schedule ‘me’ time to renew and rejuvenate yourself.

We can’t eliminate all causes of stress in our lives, and some stress is even beneficial. What we can do is learn to take care of ourselves and manage stress so that it works for us and not against us. Top off these stress-busting ideas with a relaxing massage or by watching your favourite comedy, and you’ll be laughing your way through back-to-school mayhem.

Living off-campus gives you greater choice when it comes to apartment size and location.

There’s a lot to consider if you’re planning to attend college or university away from home. One of your biggest decisions might be whether to live on-campus or off-campus. Since there are pros and cons to both, it can be a tough choice, especially if this is your first year away from home. Financially, socially and in many other ways, your decision will ultimately impact your entire college experience. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider before deciding on a location to call home.

On-Campus Pros and Cons

Advantages

Atmosphere: Living on-campus helps to foster a strong sense of camaraderie with other students in the college community and it keeps your focus on college-related activities. You might say it provides you with the ‘quintessential college experience’.

Social Life: It’s easy to meet new people and make connections when you have so many neighbours. Campuses are alive with various extracurricular activities, sometimes going on 24 hours a day. Sororities and fraternities can keep your social calendar full.

Accessibility: It goes without saying that living on-campus is convenient. Proximity to classrooms, libraries, computer labs, etc. means more time to sleep in or study, and less chance of being late. You’ll save time by not having to commute, and a short walk to class is good exercise.

Save Money: By living on-campus, you’ll save money on gas, transit, and parking. Room and board may include buffet style dining, saving you from eating out or buying groceries.

Disadvantages

Financial Costs– Depending on the campus, room and board may cost more than living off-campus, even when you figure in the savings on travel, etc.

Social Overload: If you’re an introvert, on-campus living may be challenging for you because of being constantly surrounded by people. You might feel like you can’t get away from the commotion or buzz of social interaction.

Privacy: Living in a residence hall means sacrificing privacy, at least to some extent. Likely you’ll have your own bedroom, but bathrooms and common spaces usually have to be shared. Having a roommate may not work for you if you are someone who requires peace and quiet to study and relax.

Space Constraints: Most dorms are small with little storage space; if you add a roomate, the space dwindles yet further. This means you’ll have to downsize and be considerate of crowding out your roommate. Hoarders, you’ve been warned!

Distractions: Because on-campus living is very social, it may be hard to focus on your studies, or to prioritize to get coursework done. The temptation to have a good time instead of completing an assignment or studying for a test may cause your grades to suffer.

Off-Campus Pros and Cons

Advantages

Living-space Options: Living off-campus gives you greater choice when it comes to apartment size and location. If you’re planning to set up home with all its comforts, you’ll need more bedroom, storage, and living space. In some locations, you’ll be able to choose between lofts, studios, or flats, if money is no object or if you’re planning to share the costs with a roommate. If you’re looking to be extra frugal, you can opt for a basement apartment or rent a room. You can also choose to live in an area of town that appeals to you, such as near attractions or amenities that offer convenience or entertainment.

Flexibility: While resident halls close during summers or breaks, living in your own apartment means you won’t have to worry about clearing out once or twice a year. You can stay put year round if you choose, or sublet if possible for the months you’ll be back home.

Solitude: With your own space, you can decide if you want or need a roommate. If you’re an independent person who enjoys your own space, a bachelor apartment  might be a perfect fit for you. If you do decide to share an apartment, you can choose a roommate other than another college student, such as a sibbling or friend.

Independence: On-campus living usually requires following certain rules and standards of the college you’re attending. Although these rules are intended to provide safety for the residents, you may want greater freedom and independence now that you’ve moved out on your own. If you’re looking to gain a sense of responsibility, see how fast you’ll ‘grow up’ by paying the bills, doing the shopping and cooking, and cleaning your apartment while going to school! If you just fainted, off-campus living might not be for you.

Lifestyle Fit: If you have family obligations or dependants, or if you’re planning to keep a job while going to school, living off-campus may be a better fit for your busy life.

Disadvantages

Isolation: You might feel disconnected or detached from campus life if you choose to live off-campus simply because you’re not there 24/7. It might also be harder to make friends or to get involved in social activities. If you want to be completely engrossed in the college experience, on-campus living can better help you achieve this.

Financial Costs: In some areas, finding a suitable apartment can mean paying high rent. You’ll also have to add in utility bills, internet costs and commuting costs, not to mention furnishing an apartment.

Travel Time: Spaces close to your school will probably be at a premium, so likely you’ll have to look a little further away which will result in a longer commute and less time to study and socialize. Traveling, either by car or transit, in a crowded environment can cause frustration and stress.

After you’ve weighed both pros and cons of on-campus and off-campus living, make a choice and go with it. Don’t second-guess yourself or grapple with regrets. Although choosing where to live is a big decision, you can make a success of college or university wherever you call home, as long as you’re prepared for the adventure ahead!

If your dorm room looks like this, it’s time to reorganize.

You’ve got enough on your mind trying to keep track of exam schedules, assignment due dates, and social events without worrying about organizing your dorm. Although your mother probably won’t be dropping by to make sure you’ve cleaned your room, life with a little less chaos is always a good thing. Make your space a little neater by investing in a few organizing essentials. Here are some ideas to help you master the mess.

1) The Notice Board

Keeping your mind organized is just as essential as your physical space, and a cork notice board is a great way to keep appointments and dates in front of you, literally. Sure, we all have digital calenders, but a notice board can double as a photo gallery of friends and family, too.

2) The Desk Tray

Pencils, highlighters, device chargers, and other trinkets can all be kept neat and organized in desk trays that fit nicely out of sight in a desk drawer.

3) The Letter Tray

Keep course work separate and organized with multi-level trays that come in letter or legal size. Hanging file folders also work great if you have a desk drawer big enough to hold them.

4) Door Hanger Heaven

If there’s one thing you learned at home, it’s that clothes don’t belong on the floor. A door hanger can go a long way if closet space is small or non-existent. If there seems to be a shortage of usable doors, try a valet stand placed in the corner of your room.

5) The Laundry Basket

The one exception when clothes belong on the floor – in a laundry basket of course. Keep your dirty clothes in one neat pile until laundry day.

6) The Shoe Organizer

Shoes are something we can’t go without, but for some of us they’re a bit of an obsession. And they add up fast – after all, they come in pairs. Hanging shoe holders or stackable racks are both good solutions for organizing footwear.

7) Magazine Mania

Magazines can add up to the point where they’re overwhelming. If you hang on to magazines, brochures and pamphlets for future reference, keep them tidy by storing them vertically in magazine files.

8) The Stackable Storage Box

Boxes or baskets of any sort are perfect for throwing in loose items that don’t have a permanent home. Stackable boxes with lids make your space go even further and can keep dust and dirt off your gadgets and treasures.

As the saying goes, a place for everything and everything in its place.’ Depending on how much stuff we have, that might be easier said than done. These organizing essentials, though, won’t let you down when it comes to keeping your dorm tidy and neat. In fact, you might even want to text a picture or two home, and show your folks how it’s done!

Actually, some of us may be looking forward to going back to school, catching up with classmates, and returning to the predictable routine of a regular schedule. As we try to cram events, trips, and leisure activities into the remainder of the summer break, however, many of us end up rushing around at the last minute to prepare ourselves to hit the books.

A little advance preparation can make going back to school a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Consider how you can gather your gear, slate your schedule, and adapt your attitude to be prepared for school.

1) Gear

School provides an opportunity for interaction with our peers, so it’s understandable that we want to put our best foot forward, whether that means brand new Oxfords or an over-the-shoulder messenger bag.

Selecting the appropriate gear and wardrobe usually accounts for a large part of back to school shopping. Electronic equipment, essential apps and basic writing supplies should also be on our list, as well as any materials that are specific to our chosen program.

2) Schedule

Organize your schedule before school resumes. This includes your work schedule, if you plan to keep a part-time job, as well as family and social commitments. If you’re attending a school for the first time, visit your school campus before the school year begins to get familiar with its location and the amount of time you’ll need to travel to and from school.

Then you’ll have a clear idea of how much time will be left over for other activities. Go over your class schedule so you know exactly when you have to be at school. This will alleviate stress and help you to be relaxed your first day back.

3) Attitude

Be positive and enthusiastic about going back to school. See your schooling as an educational adventure that will add to your personal growth and improve your marketable skills. Be relaxed and focused, and make up your mind to have fun.

Although you may choose to go back to school at some point in the future to upgrade your skills, make the most of your current scholastic investment by giving your education priority in your busy life and by preparing now for back to school time!

The study found that people who sleep for more than 10 hours a night do so because they are really deprived of quality sleep.

It’s the classic stereotype: a student who should be in class lies snoring on a pillow; the clock strikes twelve o’clock noon and somewhere far away, a bell tolls. After looking at a recent Harvard Medical School study, however, you may want to rethink the idea of sleeping in. Although we’re all aware of the negative consequences of a lack of sleep, it now appears that getting too much sleep is not a good thing either.

The Harvard-based Nurses’ Health Study has discovered why many of us who sleep in feel just as bad or worse than when we get up early. The study found that people who sleep for more than 10 hours a night do so because they are really deprived of quality sleep. That’s right. The key to feeling rested and alert is not really about how much sleep you get, but about getting an average amount of quality sleep.

What would average be in terms of sufficient hours of sleep? About 7, according to researchers. Study leader Elizabeth Devore states: “Our findings suggest that getting an ‘average’ amount of sleep, seven hours per day, may help maintain memory in later life and that clinical interventions based on sleep therapy should be examined for the prevention of [mental] impairment.”

Similarities Between Too Much and Too Little Sleep

The study looked at those who slept five hours or less per night and those who slept for nine hours or more per night, and observed worse performance on brain testing compared with those who got seven to eight hours of sleep a night. The results, published online in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, seems to indicate that oversleepers share similarities with undersleepers when it comes to negative impact on brain functioning.

Getting Quality Sleep

To improve the quality of your sleep, try these suggestions:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Our bodies respond well to a predictable schedule.
• If you live in an area with a lot of light pollution, or if you leave lights on at night, try to make your bedroom as dark as possible. Even weak sources of light can interfere with quality sleep.
• Do something relaxing, such as reading, before bedtime. Do not use a computer or watch TV because the light from the screen can act as a stimulant. Listen to soft music or take a warm bath.
• Get enough exercise each day. It may seem obvious, but expending energy through physical exertion during the day can help you feel ready to sleep when you go to bed. Exercise can also help reduce stress and anxiety which may get in the way of a good night’s sleep.
• Don’t eat meals late at night. As well, avoid caffine or alcoholic drinks before going to bed.
• Avoid taking long naps during the day, and…don’t sleep in too long in the morning!

But unless you live close to the campus, making it to class on time is a classic example of the daily battle against tardiness. Since others, including employers, will be expecting you to be on time for the rest of your adult life, it’s worth putting in the extra effort to learn punctuality while you’re still in school.

That said, learning to be punctual means changing deeply entrenched patterns of behavior. So don’t give up if you fail to succeed at first. Try using these seven practical tips to help you be on time until you succeed.

1) Adopt a New Mindset

First and foremost, remind yourself of the benefits of being on time: less stress, less embarrassment, being viewed as reliable and diligent, and less confusion in class over topics you might have missed. Being on time will improve the way others see you and the way you feel about yourself. It will also save you the time and hassle of having to catch up later.

2) Plan in Advance

Decide what you’re going to wear the night before. You can even lay out your clothes so you can easily see them in your semi-comatose state the next morning. Decide what you’re going to have for breakfast or plan out your route if you’re going to grab a bite on your way.

If you don’t have time for either, you can always grab some quick and healthy snacks to ease the pressure on your busy student life. 

3) Pack Ahead

Don’t leave the job of packing your bag and searching for your cell phone to the last minute. Pack your lunch, textbooks, or whatever else you need the night before and have them ready to go beside the door.

Organizing your dorm properly can be a great way to access everything you need without wasting time searching for them. 

4) Leave Time for Delays

If you have to travel a certain distance to arrive at a designated time, leaving yourself just enough time usually never works. Delays due to construction, accidents, or weather can come up. Calculate your normal travel time, then add 15-20 minutes so you can compensate for unforeseeable delays and be on time.

5) Set the Clock Ahead

Some people swear by this method, although it doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re always looking at the clock, hoping you’ve still got a few more minutes, try setting it ahead by 5 or 10 minutes to trick yourself into getting out the door earlier. However, once you start telling yourself, “that clock’s fast”, the gag is over!

6) Set Reminder For Essential Tasks 

This could be for anything – from finishing your reading list to ticking off that laundry list – setting reminders for every task at hand will ensure you don’t leave it to the last minute. The result? You don’t have to cram everything in right before leaving for school, which means you can be on time easily. 

7) Go to Bed on Time

If you’re usually late because you sleep in too long, try going to bed early when you know you have to be in class the next morning. Going to bed at the same time each night helps your body get into a routine, making it easier to get up at the same time each morning. Besides, they say sleeping in isn’t good for you anyway, so you might as well straighten that routine out. 

Asking others for suggestions, especially those you envy for their seemingly effortless punctuality, can give you ideas on how to improve. If you’ve already made progress in being on time, reward yourself! A little commendation can go a long way in the battle against being late.

Steer Your Career to Success With an Automotive Technology Diploma

Step on the gas and take control of the wheel, because if you’re interested in a career in automotive technology, it’s easy to steer your way to a successful future. With the right training, you’ll quickly find work in this in-demand trade, with the added bonus of having the freedom to work anywhere.

The Automotive Technology Program offered by Automotive Training Centres is an accredited vocational program, recognized by the Private Career Colleges Act. It provides a hands-on course covering a wide variety of important automotive skills, with the result that you’ll be job-ready in just a few months.

From electrical fundamentals to preventative maintenance, and from hydraulic brake operation and service to wheel alignment theory, you’ll have the bases covered when it comes to automotive technology. And of course, no program is complete without job placement counsellors who can help you find the job that’s right for you.

Other advantages of the Automotive Training Centre’s Automotive Technology Program include personalized instruction due to small class sizes, a skilled roster of instructors who can pass on their wealth of experience, and flexible schedule options such as full-time day classes or part-time evening classes so you can fit your automotive training into your busy lifestyle.

You’ll also be able to take advantage of state-of-the-art training facilities that boast a 4000 square foot mechanics space fully loaded with hoists, brake lathes, air guns, MIG and oxyacetylene welders, and electronic diagnostic tools, to name a few. You just might forget you’re in ‘class’ and think you’re already on the job!

Whether you’re the type to take to the road, unsure of where you’ll put down roots, or the type to stick around familiar territory, have the assurance that your skills as an automotive technician will be handy wherever you end up. You’ll be well equipped to work at automotive repair centres, car dealerships, custom and specialty shops, or even at heavy duty truck repair facilities.

No matter what part of the country you call home, jobs such as a lube specialist, automotive detailer, or maintenance technician are all needed services.

A certificate program is a course that awards a certificate rather than a degree when you finish.

There’s no question that getting an education can have a great impact on your life, but do you have the answer to all of the other questions like: where should I go? what do I want to do? do I attend a 2- or 4-year college? how am I going to afford tuition? There’s a lot to consider when you want to attend school.

But here’s another question: Have you ever considered a certificate program?

A certificate program is a course of study that awards a certificate rather than a degree when you finish. There are several benefits to these types of programs, which we will elaborate on in a second. If you want to go back to school and get working as quickly as possible in a growing field, a certificate program is a great choice (of course, you need to consider your career goals—a certification program wouldn’t be a great fit if your goal is to be a lawyer). Certificate programs are a great way to get through school and start working faster.

Cost Effective & Less Expensive

College tuition prices have gone up over 500% in the last few decades and depending on your field of choice, you could spend decades paying back your tuition loans. The average cost of a 4-year university costs anywhere from $48,000 to $70,000 and is expected to keep climbing over the next 5 years! And that’s just undergraduate studies. It’s not cheap to go to school.

Certificate programs take less time so they generally cost less money. With a certificate program, you only have to pay a fraction of traditional tuition—sometimes less than $3,000 for the whole course! Even when compared to 2-year colleges, these programs can save you thousands of dollars.

Graduate Faster

On average, many students take 4.5 years to earn their bachelor’s degree and over 3 years to get an associate’s degree. And with life’s curveballs, college can take even longer. Maybe you can’t make it to class, you can’t afford tuition, or there’s a family emergency and that 4.5 years turns 5 or 6. If you don’t want to spend years in school, certificate programs may be for you.

Certificate programs like those from Career Step see students graduate in 11 months on average! The online training let’s you study at your own pace, regardless of what happens in your life. Typical certificate programs can be completed anywhere from 3 to 12 months and, again, will save you a lot of money.

Gain Skills, Find Jobs

Many of the fastest growing occupations require 2 years or less of education, meaning you can get in, get out, and get working in no time. Take medical transcription for example. Every one of Career Step’s medical transcription graduates in Canada since 2012 has a job in their field, and companies are still begging for more graduates!

This is great news if you want to spend less than 2 years in school and work towards a promising career. Certificate programs are built on specialized curriculum that teaches you everything you need to jump right into your field of study after graduation. With the online format, there are no rigid class schedules, no teachers to call on you, and no group study projects to worry about. Instead, you’ll be able to study on the schedule and at the pace that fits your life and you’ll have one-on-one from dedicated instructors whenever you need it.

There are many benefits to pursuing an online certification. You save time and money and see a high return for your low investment. A certificate program is a great way to get your foot in your door in your chosen field. After gaining a few years of experience, you can always go back to school to acquire more education and certifications. You can move into management positions and take on other tasks, making you more marketable.

See if a certification program is right for you.

While it’s much easier to let someone else make the decisions for us, or to tell us what to do, as young adults, that choice has to ultimately be made by us. Standing at crossroads in life with schooling and career decisions ahead of us may seem daunting, or even terrifying, but the freedom to choose our own destiny is priceless.

After years of pouring time and energy into required schooling, you may feel you’re not up to the challenge of deciding which post-secondary course to take. Maybe you feel like taking a gap year. Or, you may be eager to jump right into the working world to start making money. How can you make the right decision for yourself? Instead of stressing about the choices that lie ahead, consider eight ways you can improve your decision making.

8 Ways You Can Improve Your Decision Making

1) Talk To Others

Take time to speak to guidance counselors, mentors or tutors to gather information. Don’t forget to talk to family and friends to get suggestions and advice. Ask them, “What am I good at? What career do you think I will excel at?” Don’t make decisions based solely on what your friends are doing, but be open to suggestions. Resist asking others to tell you what to do, or what they would do in your shoes. The truth is, no one else really knows what it’s like to be in your shoes. Your goal in talking to others is to gain knowledge that will help YOU make your own decisions.

2) Research

It might sound like a lot of extra work, but conducting  research will pay off. Visit open days at colleges and universities, and even at different businesses. Take part in campus tours, and check out career centers and libraries. Explore college and university web sites to learn about the types of courses available and the length of the programs, especially if you’re anxious to begin a job as soon as possible. Some courses are streamlined and don’t take as long to complete as others.

3) Volunteer

Spending time to support a worthy cause or to offer assistance to underprivileged members of the society can help you see qualities or traits within yourself that you may want to continue nurturing, even when earning a living. Perhaps, a career in healthcare, hospitality, or teaching could be a good fit for your personality.

4) Self-Analyze

Don’t ignore the type of person you are. You can excel at whatever you choose to do as long as you are passionate about it. Ask yourself, “What do I really like to do? What am I really interested in? Do I get bored easily? Do I work better on my own or in a group?” The answers to this kind of honest self-evaluation will help you choose a career that best suits your personality.

5) Keep Your Doors Open

If deciding on a school, a program, and a career all at once is overwhelming, consider taking courses that would allow you to work in various fields or industries, such as business management. Look for programs with credits that are transferable should you decide to continue your education.

6) Weigh The Pros & Cons 

Have you decided on a couple of colleges, courses and career options? Before you commit to stick to one field, take out your yellow legal pad and make a list of the pros and cons of each. This will give you a clearer picture of your choices and consequently, make it much easier for you to decide between them. 

7) Don’t let stress weigh you down

Often in the rush to make the right decision in the face of too many options, you may find yourself stressing a lot more than usual. Try not to let that get the better of you. Stress can hamper your ability to judge correctly and you may end up choosing a college or a course that just isn’t right for you. So take a deep breath and then think about making a decision.

8) Take A Break

For some, taking time off to reflect on their choices helps them to deal with big decisions. A gap year can give you time to learn about yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses. Travelling to other lands can open your mind and expand your horizons. Experiencing other cultures can broaden your viewpoint. Realize, though, that eventually, you will have to make a decision, so keep that fact in mind as you explore the world.

It’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed in the face of decision making. But remember that deep down, your instincts know exactly what’s right for you. All you’ve got to do is clear your head, follow the tips listed above and let the better part of your mind take over so you can choose well, without any regrets. 

Whether you thrive in a team environment or want to start a business of your own, a Business Management Diploma can help.

If you’re undecided about your future and want to keep your options open, a Business Management Diploma program might be just what you need to make your career choices grow. Not only will it allow you the freedom to work in any industry or in any location, but you’ll also have the option to work for a large corporation or to be your own boss and start your own business. The opportunities are endless.

The advantages of a Business Management diploma are front and centre at Trillium College, a career school that has numerous locations throughout Ontario and an exceptional edge in business training.

The Business Management program at Trillium College teaches a combination of business knowledge and managerial know-how, both of which are in demand in the business world. It also explores business opportunities, helping students to put their education into action and decide on a career path.

That career path will be different for each individual, based on personality type and personal preference. One fact remains the same, however: You will have the benefits of post-secondary education to help you succeed in business management, and in less time than you may think. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of owning and operating your own company. The Business Management Program can turn that dream into a reality. For some, a family-owned business is already up and running, and they would like to bring some extra knowledge and expertise to the company. And there is always the option of starting in any entry level position at a commercial or service-based small business.

Whether you thrive in a team environment or want to start a business of your own, keep your options open and put your Business Management education to work. After all, as Thomas Edison once said, “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.”

That’s the conclusion from several studies looking at the cumulative effects of attending college. Although individuals can succeed without higher learning, a college education does contribute to competence and cognitive development, personal growth and identity, and quality of life improvements. This is only the case, though, if you immerse yourself in your studies and get involved as much as possible in the college experience.

Consider five key benefits of applying yourself while attending college:

1) Cognitive Skills

Data from one study claims that “students make statistically significant gains during the college years on a number of dimensions of general cognitive capabilities and skills.” These gains include the areas of oral and written communication, critical thinking, and abstract reasoning.

The entire structure of college fosters a learning environment, so it’s no surprise that when you invest time and effort, you’ll become competent in your subject.

In general, college graduates end up with a more substantial factual knowledge base than high school graduates and are more likely to continue adding to their knowledge base in the future because of developing the habit of learning.

2) Identity

Character development and moral growth are both benefits of attending college. Studies show that college students have the heightened ability to use principled reasoning to judge moral issues, usually due to the amount of student-peer interaction.

Attitudes and values are also affected through the college experience, with students showing a tendency towards open-mindedness and a willingness to adopt new and different ideas. Tolerance for other people and their views is usually a by-product of immersing yourself in college life.

As well, self-esteem, social self-confidence, and leadership abilities tend to increase as students interact with faculty and peers.

3) Enhanced Skills

One of the most useful parts of attending college is the skill set you end up acquiring. When you study for post-secondary education, you get the chance to develop two kinds of skills – soft skills and hard skills. 

Soft skills are intangible skills that can help you in almost every aspect of life such as improved communication, problem-solving, multi-tasking, teamwork, etc. These skills can even take you places in the course of your career. 

Hard skills, on the other hand, can be very technical as well as job-oriented, thus having a direct bearing on your career. Think of skills such as developing code or practicing surgeries or designing a landscape etc. 

When you study at college, you get to explore and expand both of these skills to a great degree.

4) Wider Social Network

If there’s one thing that can help you climb the ladders of success as well as have a thriving life and career (among other things, of course), it is your social network. When you study in college, you get the chance to meet people from all over the world, which can broaden your horizons, and open you to new ideas and thoughts. What’s more, college is also a great place to meet prospective employers and interview for your dream job as most of them host recruitment drives for students in their final year. 

5) Quality Of Life Improvements 

Although the effects on quality of life from attending college are usually indirect, evidence suggests that economic benefits generally arise. According to one study, earning a bachelor’s degree “provides somewhere between a 20 and 40 percent advantage in earnings over a high school diploma” with an estimated financial return “somewhere between 9.3 and 10.9 percent.” Higher earnings and more equal treatment can result for women and minority groups when they have a degree.

Because of recognized accreditation from an institution, advantages are clearly seen in the types of jobs graduates obtain. A college education often leads to better-positioned or more satisfactory employment, especially when it comes to women choosing a career in male-dominated fields.

Factors such as interaction with faculty, peer group involvement, and time devoted to learning are all directly related to a student’s advancement in these three areas. The decisions of what you study and where you study are not the sole deciding factors determining your success at college. Just as important is what you do as a student during your college enrollment. In short, the greater your involvement, the greater your gain. However, if college seems too expensive an idea, you can always try other avenues to complete your education and reap the same benefits as listed above.

Since experts say that sitting is the new smoking, how can you combat the negative health effects of too much sitting? Let’s deep dive into tips that can get you up and about and away from that chair!

1) Take the stairs

Sure, it takes a little more effort than an escalator or elevator, but the extra workout will pay off. If you’re used to taking a shortcut to class, leave yourself some extra time and take the long route. Taking the stairs can also be great cardio so that’s some workout right there!

2) Get up every hour and stretch

The advice from experts to counteract the effects of constant sitting is simple: stand up more and move around more. Some recommend standing every half hour, but if possible, try to stand up and stretch at least every hour during your school day. The goal is to break up extended periods of inactivity. You could even lobby to have your school invest in adjustable-height desks that can accommodate standing.

3) Go for a brisk walk at lunch

Regular and frequent intervals of exercise are just as important as an end-of-the-day or weekly workout, so whenever you have spare time or a lunch break, make it count! Don’t sit in the school cafeteria or library when you don’t have to. Even if you’re cramming for an exam or working on a thesis, think while you walk. Bring along your mobile device and use it to listen to lectures or jot down ideas.

Studies show that a brisk walk can even reduce stress and turn a bad day around so it’s worth a shot!

4) Enlist the support of others

Standing up in the middle of a classroom and doing some stretching won’t seem so intimidating if others join in. Perhaps you can arrange, with the permission of any professors, to have pre-planned exercise breaks where the entire class can join in the physical activity.

5) Join intramurals

A lifestyle involving regular physical exertion is a passion that feeds itself. Standing and moving around often will come as a natural response to extended periods of sitting. Joining high school, college, or university intramurals is a great way to stay active and foster a desire to be less sedentary.

In fact, taking up extracurricular activities can even help you get into a school you want after you’ve graduated! So do consider it seriously.

The truth is, our bodies were designed to lead a much more active lifestyle than the ‘progress’ of the 20th century has resulted in. Time spent sitting in a classroom is time well-invested, but so is time spent making sure you’re as active as possible throughout the day. So make sure you take measures to keep yourself moving every day. And if you still have a difficult time, you can always check out our guide to staying fit.