FEATURE | EDGE, Education In Greater Edmonton by Kelle C

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COURSES & CLASSES education/greater/edmonton

photography

becomes a

career

hen Paul Burwell was six years old his mother gave him a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera. Young Paul was quickly hooked onto what would be a lifelong passion and eventually a career. As a teenager Paul purchased a Pentax K100, a camera on which nothing was automatic. Paul learned about exposure, focus and film, and he learned even more about the allimportant element of exposure when he built a darkroom in his bedroom closet. In high school Paul was the school newspaper photographer, and after graduation he was to decide between his two favourite pastimes: photography and computers.

“Every penny I earn comes from photography in one way or another.” — Paul Burwell “At the time I thought I could make more money in computers,” said Burwell. “So I learned computer programming through NAIT and ended up working in the information technology industry for about 20 years. I had all sorts of jobs, from programmer to systems engineer to network manager and finally ended up the president of an Internet services company.”

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At the digital camera fundamentals class at the Paul Burwell School of Photography, Paul himself encourages students to use LEGO figures while playing with their settings. The figures are exceptionally well-behaved and stand still for long periods of time.

A childhood passion for

Photo: Sarah Pratt

Throughout his career in computers, Burwell never wavered from his love of photography, and he had some of the first digital SLR cameras available. In 2004 he sold his company and thought he would write a new business plan. “I planned to start a new Internet company,” he said. “It seemed to be the thing to do in 2004.” Instead of following the path he set out and building a new business plan, Burwell found himself photographing nature and wildlife with increasing frequency and vigour. He started to consider trying to make a living as a photographer. “I contacted a number of professionals working as nature and wildlife photographers and explained what I was planning,” he said. “They weren’t reassuring at all and, in fact, told me to consider abandoning the idea and switching careers, as they were finding it difficult to make a living in the modern, digital era.” He made his own decision and in 2007 opened the Burwell School of Photography, with more than 20 classes and a team of 12 award-winning photographer educators. “Every penny I earn comes from photography in one way or another,” said Burwell. He sells his photos to companies looking for images for corporate reports. He sells photos to environmental organizations looking for images for various campaigns, and to greeting card and calendar companies. He

ilates lets you move and live like a child again – with ease and total body connectedness – while also helping develop the focus and inner power needed to achieve any goal, physical or otherwise. Pilates can improve your golf game, alleviate lower back pain, reconnect you to your core after childbirth and keep you looking good in your jeans. Joe Pilates (the creator of this inspired workout system) knew intuitively that true vitality and health could only be achieved by working with the whole being. Health practitioners of all stripes are increasingly recommending Pilates because it makes sense in the body. Pilates feels good and is good for you. Balance is the key. How we breathe, strengthen from the inside out, open to flexibility, and align ourselves are of equal importance. Pilates works the deepest muscles in the body, keeping the knees, shoulders and back strong and able to move with confidence, while creating long, lean muscle tone. It’s strength without the stiffness. At Integration Pilates Studios we offer everything Pilates. The mat work classes are usually the best place to start for newcomers. Our unique approach to Pilates mat work includes elements of yoga, calisthenics, and rehabilitation using balls, rollers, magic circles, gliding discs and resistance

also sells photos to individuals through his website, and is a contributing editor and regular columnist with Outdoor Photography Canada magazine. This year, Burwell introduced three diplomas for students: portrait, wedding, and nature and wildlife photography. “I’m very proud that we’ve just had our first student receive their portrait photography diploma,” said Burwell. “She’s a mom with two young children and she’s started a photography business that specializes in newborn and child photography and is extremely busy.” Burwell often meets people who want to further their career or start a new career, including students who want to make money from their photography and existing professionals who want to introduce new skills to their repertoire and offer their clients more options. Burwell is certainly glad he switched careers and ignored the advice of those naysayer photographers. “We’re the province’s largest independent photography school,” he said. “I’ve never been happier.”

bands, so you are never bored. Each prop helps you connect to new muscles in your body. Pilates Equipment Classes have revolutionized group exercise. Integration has several levels of classes using the Universal Reformer, Tower, Chair and Standing Pilates Machines. Springs are used for a resistance-training workout that allows the body to move more than it could on its own. Muscle tone is developed very quickly without straining or jarring the joints. At Integration we are noted for creating a comprehensive and evolving core workout system. In that vein we also offer classes in Vinyasa flow yoga and cardio and core using the Bosu (half ball), gravity straps and kettlebars. It’s more of a bootcamp-like workout that works with your own body weight to develop functional strength and agility, plus the weight of the kettlebar – a free weight that works to develop high velocity strength and explosive power. New to the studio is the dance barre class, taught by Tracy Friesen, who holds her BFA in dance from York University. Come to our open house Dec. 29 to try a free class in something new. Our next session of classes begins Jan. 6 and runs for 12 weeks. Check out our website for more information and class schedules: www. integrationpilates.com.

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Leaving security for the hope of happiness

e’ll call him Alex for the sake of privacy. Alex has worked an office job for 18 years. He says he kind of fell into it, starting in a junior position and moving up the ladder. It is comfortable. Secure. Known. But he isn’t happy. “It’s a boring, mundane desk job. I just don’t like it,” said Alex. “They froze my salary and I’m doing the job of two or three people. I feel squeezed.” After years of thinking about moving on, Alex decided to take a new career seminar. Through a series of questionnaires, he learned that his interests lie heavily in the field of engineering. This was a bit of a surprise, as Alex has never worked with his hands and says he has never been one to create or construct much. He heard quite a bit about power engineering, and started researching the program at NAIT. “It was pretty straight forward,” said Alex. “I applied online, I could do the work from home while keeping my job, there are tests on the website. It’s completely managed learning.” The cost of the course and the books is a bit steep, but it’s a hit Alex is willing to take for a brighter future. “Less than a year after starting, I’m ready to apply for a job,” he said, adding that the hiring rate for power engineering is estimated to be 93 per cent. Along with the good news, there have been challenges along the way. “There are 500 people in the course, and there were only 55 lab spots available this time around,” said Alex. “You have to take the lab or find a job that will teach you hands-on, and that’s hard to find. To ensure a lab spot, I was online at midnight refreshing over and over again until I could add it to my cart.” Sleep was never far away for Alex, and being tired became his normal. “Some nights I would nod off after 15 minutes of studying,” he said. “I used my vacation time to study. But I hate my job so much, I was motivated to complete the course.” Alex soon realized he enjoyed the hands-on work, especially since it was a dramatic change from sitting in front of a computer. “There are few grey areas in power engineering,” he said. “I like knowing how things work and I’ve found it all really interesting. And you’re not doing the same thing day after day.” Alex’s success also comes from the support of his spouse. His wife has been able to pick up the duties that he would usually do, such

as walking the dogs and household chores. She knows the change is important for Alex and the family. “In two years I could be earning three times what I’m making now,” he said. “And I feel like I have the monkey off my back. I won’t be dreading going to work and I’ll make more money to put toward home renovations, vacations, a new car. They’ll pay me what I’m worth.” Alex’s only concern is the shift work, but it’s something he thinks he can get accustomed to. “I just know I should have done this sooner, but I guess I didn’t have the same motivation as I do now.”

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- courtesy Bev Shumilak, Director of Education for Central Sewing Machines

The

game of

sewing

Everyone is getting into sewing these days, including young boys and girls. There are so many advancements in technology that make sewing more interesting and creative than ever.

Enjoy the many benefits of taking a class There are a multitude of reasons to take a course or class for adults and kids. Adults can find pleasure, social interaction and health benefits, such as stress relief, relaxation and focus. You can set a goal or just freewheel it. You can work on existing skills and talents or step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to try something new. Hobbies can lead to increased positive energy and mental stimulation. Children participating in extra-curricular classes can enjoy increased self-esteem, social bonding, learning new skills and exploring creative expression. Kids also learn how to learn, a valuable life skill. For adults over 50 years old, the Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization founded in 2001. ELLA partners with the University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension, to offer an annual three-week spring session. There are a variety of classes available in music, art, science, politics and more. This year’s spring session runs April 28 to May 16. Art classes are popular for people of all ages. You can take community art classes and classes at an art studio or educational institution. Start from scratch or hone existing skills. Art can transport you and your imagination to a different world, one that you create. Pottery is another art form that can be a creative outlet where you make something personal out of nothing. If you’re looking for something more active, karate might be the answer. Karate promotes health and confidence. It’s a discipline that helps increase your focus and strength, and you can take classes as a family. It’s good for all of us to search out options and try new things, whether it’s for fun or to further your career. You truly never know where something will lead.

OPEN HOUSE SAT JAN 11 9:00 - 5:00 BOTH LOCATIONS BOTH LOC OCATIONS OCAT ATIO IONS NS • Free Fr Seminars • Door Prizes Prize • In-S In-Store • Specials Spec ecials ls Coffee ee & Snacks Sna nacks ck South uth h Location Location 10:00 Fashion Fa Fash shion Show Sh 11:30 Quilting ilting Favorites Fav avorites avor or es 1:00 00 Welcome me to t My Sewing S ing 2:30 Machine Maintenance West Location 10:00 Pattern Drating 11:30 Excerpts from the American Sew Expo 1:00 Rulers 2:30 Machine Maintenance Friday Night Special January 10 6:00 - 7:30 South Colour in Your Quilts and Book Signing with Joan Statz

WINTER SEWING CLASSES Ki & Tee Kids Teens eens Sewing Classes ses se s Learn to Sew Le Serger Classes Se es Wardrobe Ward rdrobe Essentials E Traditional Traditio Tr ad ional Rug Ru Hooking Ho Grandma’s Gran andma’s an s Apron Apro Ap ro Embroidery Embroidery ry Classes C es & Webinars Webinar Embroidery Embroi Em oide dery as a Business ness Computer Basic for Sewers Comp Comput Bernina Software 7 Classes Husqvarna 6D Software Classes Getting to Know Your Machines Trudy Jansen’s Pure Couture Workshops with Joan Statz LongArm Quilting Classes Quilting Classes Using Your Cameo Cutter

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Open House - Jan. 4, noon to 4pm Winter Classes run Jan. 6 - May 14th Coach & Olympic gold medalist Jujie Luan Recreation, Competitive, Homeschool and Parent/Child Classes Offered

hen Darby Hanson decided she wanted to work on a master’s degree, there were a lot of factors to consider: her husband; It is possible for a working mother to further her their two children; her full-time job; education, but it takes a lot finances; friendships; stress; sleep. of time and commitment Her altruistic nature helped her make and a supportive family. the decision, as she wanted to help children, youth and families. Hanson is a counsellor at Ardrossan Junior/Senior High School, and her experience with youth extends back to 1998, when she earned her bachelor of education degree. She soon found a position as a teacher with the Rockyview School Division, just outside of Calgary. After a few years it was time to move closer to home. Her next job stemmed from her university years working with children, youth and families in crisis. This experience, combined with her teaching experience, led to a desire to move toward counselling and she took a job as an addictions counsellor with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (formerly AADAC and now part of Alberta Health Services). “I loved my time working as an addictions counsellor,” said Hanson. “However, after my first child was born I “It was wanted desperately to work part time and there was no opportunity to do so within the organization at that time.” challenging, So she took the position of family school liaison in required Strathcona County. After a few years she had the perseverance opportunity to return to the world of education as a school counsellor. She also began work on her master’s degree in and increased counselling. my self“Choosing to do my master’s gave me the educational backing to match my career experience and helps ensure I confidence.” am providing the best practice to the children, youth and — Darby Hanson families that I serve,” said Hanson. She completed her degree and is continuing her education in the area of psychological assessment. While Hanson works on her academic goals, the personal challenges have never been very far away. “I can’t say this is a process that I would take lightly,” she said. Despite earning a significant scholarship, cost was a major factor. The time away from her family was the biggest emotional challenge. “The one thing I am most aware of in life is that the time I have with my children is most rewarding and rapidly fleeting,” she said. “Some individuals may be better at flexing, but I was unwilling to miss a whole season of hockey and ringette and dance recitals.” The result was late nights, all-nighters and lots of caffeine. As she churned out essays and assignments, Hanson says she was trying to be her best in perhaps too many roles. “Some friendships suffered, others carried me through,” she said. “And fitness, although probably even more needed after hunching over a computer for hours at a time, fell completely to the bottom of my list.” She did, however, love a solitary bike ride to Starbucks with her laptop in tow. Throughout this experience, Hanson says her husband was impacted the most. “Where the slack dropped home, he had to be willing to let it drop or pick it up,” she said. There were days she questioned her decision and its effect on the family. “At times the stress seemed insurmountable,” said Hanson. “And I contemplated quitting school more than once. I began calculating days completed versus days left to finish, and after crossing the halfway mark, life somehow began to feel more sane, or at least there was an end in sight.” The light at the end of the tunnel for Hanson was first of all completing her goal and feeling a sense of accomplishment. “It was challenging, required perseverance and increased my self-confidence,” she said. It also taught her children that not everything worth having comes easily. “Ultimately it helped renew my love for and interest in my chosen field and to open opportunities for change and continued growth.”

Working mom sets her goals on further educational achievement

ewers come in all shapes and ages, and no matter what the individual interest of the sewer, there is a game to play. There are programs and machines for children as young as six. Instead of playing hide and seek they are playing sit and sew with sewing machines. Sewing programs feature cute illustrations with happy and sad faces to indicate the right and wrong side of the fabric. One just has to observe a kids sewing class to want to join the game. Moms with small children at home are in a league of their own. They are sewing for their families, often not to save money, but to outfit their family members in the latest fashions with a touch of creativity added. Grandparents have also entered or re-entered the playing field we call sewing. This team of sewers is looking for ways to enhance the leisure hours that were non-existent when their families were young. Many outfit themselves with state-of-the-art equipment and enroll in classes for pure enjoyment. Then we have the computer nerds or wanna-be nerds (the group we are in). We now play with software instead of softball. Computerized sewing machines and software to go with them adds to the excitement of the game. Many of Central Sewing’s customers and friends are now buying laptops or adding apps to their smart phones as a companion to their sewing equipment. Sewing has evolved from a necessary task to a fantastic leisure-time activity. So get that sewing machine out of the closet and give it a workout! Central Sewing has specialized classes for it all. Now is the time to be a part of the sewing team. Check us out at www.centralsewing. com. Come on Edmonton, let’s go and sew!

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