FEATURE | EDGE, Education In Greater Edmonton

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GUIDE TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

education/greater/edmonton

Where in the world is your future?

Career counselling can help you find the right path

Students find the right fit at King’s

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raduates of The King’s University College are equipped to learn dynamically, ask big questions, and engage the world around them.

Located in Edmonton, Alberta and serving nearly 700 hundred students (694 students to be exact – a record in the history of King’s), King’s offers a post-secondary experience that challenges students, both inside and outside the classroom, to apply what they learn to their lives and future careers.

Balancing student life and academics is an important element of life at King’s. A key goal of our faculty is to develop each student as a whole person – mind and spirit. Students are challenged to ask tough questions, engage in diverse studies, and complete high level, hands-on research projects, while at the same time encouraged to look at their field of study in the context of their school and of the broader community – both locally and globally.

With 90 per cent of King’s full-time faculty

holding doctorate degrees, students are challenged to achieve their academic best.

King’s believes that students benefit the most from taking classes that build knowledge in all areas; a fundamental part of a balanced education is the ability to create connections between big ideas. A cornerstone of that philosophy is King’s Interdisciplinary Studies Conference, a two-day event held every semester where dynamic speakers challenge the King’s community to think critically about community issues, including faith, homelessness, and sustainable food production.

“King’s is a unique place to get my education because of its intentional learning community.

Through classes, interdisciplinary studies, and co-curricular activities, I am challenged to ask the hard questions, think critically, and become a well-rounded student,” says current student Sandra Thiessen. “My professors care about my progress and success, and are there to guide me in my educational journey.”

Educating artists designers

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But is that really what makes King’s unique?

Aren’t there many excellent institutions that offer students a high-caliber education?

King’s isn’t just about academics. When students aren’t thinking big, they get to experience a vibrant campus life that includes athletics, service opportunities – some of them internationally – and an energetic student community. The dedicated team in Student Life works actively on behalf of students to make connections between individuals and life on campus. Student Life also offers the services of tutors, counsellors, and even a few puppies to help students manage the stress associated with university.

All of this adds up to a university now ranked number 1 in the country for its caring and nurturing atmosphere, according to independent student surveys conducted for Maclean’s and the Globe & Mail.

Find your fit at King’s.

or more than 87 years, the Alberta College of Art + Design has been educating artists and designers.

Currently, over 1,200 students are registered at ACAD. Within our walls, students receive the techniques, tools, intellectual stimulation and encouragement to discover and develop their own personal voice and passion.

ACAD sets the standard by offering the highest quality art and design education available in the country, largely because we graduate students that have the skills to both think and do. Our studio-based and practical theory produces innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers, and visually talented students. ACAD classes are small, allowing for regular one-on-one interaction. As a result, ACAD is ranked as one of the top of the field in post-secondary institutions in job placement and career satisfaction particularly in our design degree programs.

The path to an enriching career isn’t a linear one, and creative schools like ACAD arm students with the skills and entrepreneurial spirit that empower them to forge their own career path. Our graduates are leaders in the art and design fields, impacting contemporary art and design, pioneering breakthrough design, and acting as a catalyst for change in communities around the world.

They play an integral part in diversifying the economy and have a significant role in the growth of creative industries in Canada. To put this in perspective, creative industries across Canada contribute a staggering $57.1 billion to our economy when compared to other industries such as mining, oil and gas extraction at $57.4 billion or professional, scientific and technical services at $61.6 billion we are on par.

In Alberta, the arts specifically create 22 jobs for every million dollars spent as compared to oil and gas extraction which creates five jobs per million spent.

Alberta has the highest per capita spending in the country on admissions to museums and heritage-related activities, on works of art, carvings and other decorative ware, on books, and on live performing arts. In fact, revenues generated through arts programming have consistently exceeded expenditures.

These are significant numbers, producing real jobs and real economic impact.

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With the A to Z list of career options available, choosing a path can be a challenge. People of all ages spend time wondering what to be, what to do and where to go.

Start by thinking about what your interests and skills. What do you enjoy? What are you good at?

Answering these questions will often point you in the right direction. When you have some ideas in mind, it’s time to start your research.

Guidance counsellors are a great resource for students. They can help you determine your best career options and they have to tools to help you make choices. You can also check out career counselling websites, especially government sites, for a lot of links and videos.

And it’s always a good idea to talk to people who are doing a job that interests you, and ask if you can job shadow. The day-to-day reality of your profession of interest may help you make choices. Maybe there are professional associations to connect with, or volunteer positions that will give you a taste of what the job entails.

If you go to youth.gc.ca, the federal government has laid out a variety of resources when you’re investigating careers. There is a career navigator at seekers.jobbank.gc.ca. Here you register for an account and can find careers to match your profile.

The federal government’s Training and Careers website, jobsetc.gc.ca, helps you identify and research careers, and offers decision-making models, a five-step plan and more.

For interactive career planning, check out the provincial government’s Alberta Learning Information Services and CAREERinsite at careerinsite.alberta. ca. You can take quizzes, create a career plan, watch videos, explore options and contact a career advisor.

If you are a research-minded type, you might want to go to workingincanada.gc.ca for labour market information.

Throughout all of your exploration, remember: know yourself, know your options, take action and prepare.

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EJ School enjoys a partnership with another inquiring minds site, City Hall School. At the end of each day, students have an opportunity to reflect and write about what they’ve experienced. An enthusiastic class of Hillview School Grade 6 students from City Hall School visited EJ on Sept. 24.

A Grade 5 and 6 class from McDougall School brought dozens of great questions to the Edmonton Journal on Oct 1. One of the students commented on the larger size of the newspaper back in the 1970s. “People must have had longer arms back then, look how huge the paper was!”

of today rnal. t r a p e it r u ou “My favo o the Edmonton J ow they tt dh n we wen it is like there an is because e h w s a w ow nal learned h e Edmonton Jour ce (quiet e w e s u th pla Beca hy I liked er and it’s a nice w ly t s o M st!!” wspap work. secret ne k in. It was the be n o n a it is wor DY place) to — CO

“I thought it was real ly fun because we took sneak peeks at reporte them questions and al rs, we asked so we said comments.

The most part I enjoye walking there and liste d was going ning to people’s opinio n and why is their job — Jessica important.”

ported journalist. She re e im cr at th d te si n trip. when we vi l it was a really fu al “I really liked it in l al t u b s ew tive d sad n ny. In my perspec bad, negative an co al b e th on t en we w e advertising.” or m t lo Especially when a d an r le gotten way smal newspapers have — HASI

“There are like reporters, edito rs and photographers are all a team.”

— Para manpre et

EJ School offers hands-on learning

Photos: Larry Wong

At the end of her first day at EJ School, Ken-lee wrote in her skinny reporter-style notebook, “I liked everything about today but the best was going underground.”

Ken-lee, along with her teacher Mary McKinnon and Grade 4/5 classmates, came from the Paul First Nation School to spend the week of Sept. 23-27 exploring the world of news, Edmonton Journal style.

As an Inquiring Minds of Edmonton site, EJ School offered the class the chance to use the Media Lab at the Edmonton Journal as a base for observing, interviewing and connecting their curriculum to the real world.

As well as touring the Journal building and a walk to explore the downtown pedway system, the week included hands-on experiences in radio at CKUA, an interview with columnist Paula Simon, a visit to Sun and Moon Visionaries Aboriginal Artisan Gallery in Rossdale, a day at the University of Alberta’s site-based program U School and a trip on the LRT. They headed back to their school Friday with their reporter notebooks full of notes and facts and more questions to drive a year full of inquiry and learning.

- courtesy Sandy Van Riper, EJ School co-ordinator

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Occupational profile: Human ecologist Human ecologists provide advisory, counselling, management, research and education services related to family functioning, parenting, consumer education, money management, textiles and clothing, foods and nutrition, and community resources.

Also known as: Home economist • Minimum education: four years post-secondary education/training Employment outlook: turnover plus new jobs due to above average growth in occupation in Alberta from 2012-2016

Duties Use a holistic, preventative approach to help people optimally manage their daily lives. For example, they may develop and deliver programs on a wide range of topics: parenting; intimate relationships; financial management; community leadership; meal planning and food choices; small business development; marketing and public relations; textiles, clothing production and consumption; life skills and lifestyle management; career planning.

Working conditions Work in a variety of office and field settings with business and community groups. Some work in corporate and government office environments; others work in manufacturing plants, retail stores, small businesses and not-for-profit service agencies. Depending on the nature of their work, some evening and weekend work, as well as travel, may be required.

Personal characteristics Human ecologists need the following characteristics: a genuine interest in people and in helping others; strong management, organization and leadership skills; a team-oriented, collaborative approach to work; adaptability, creativity, initiative and independence; excellent communication and presentation skills. They should enjoy co-ordinating information, developing innovative approaches to problems, and consulting with and advising clients and customers.

Salary According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers occupational group earned on average from $29.56 to $39.74 an hour.

The mean wage for this group was $34.35 an hour.

Educational requirements

Employment and advancement Human ecologists may be employed by or work on a contract basis for: consulting firms; government; utility companies; retail outlets; food manufacturers, retailers or marketers;home-decorating firms; apparel and fashion manufacturers or retailers; not-for-profit service agencies; international aid and development agencies.

Human ecologists may move into a wide variety of occupations. With additional training or experience, they may become dietitians in hospitals or food service instituions; textile conservators or museum curators; or teach in junior and senior high schools, technical institutes or universities. Research positions

generally require a post-graduate (master’s or doctoral) degree.The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including: – trends and events affecting overall employment–location in Alberta – employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions) – occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before) – size of the occupation Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

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The minimum educational requirement is a four-year bachelor of science degree in home economics, human ecology, family and consumer sciences, nutrition and food sciences, or equivalent. In Alberta, the University of Alberta in Edmonton offers: – a four-year BSc program in Human Ecology with specializations in family ecology, and clothing, textiles and material culture. Minor specializations in family ecology include child and youth studies, aging, community diversity, community ecology, community nutrition and international development.

Minor specializations in clothing, textiles and material culture include material culture and design studies, fashion merchandising, textile

science and interiors. The entrance requirement is a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30 and of the following: Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30 plus one other approved Grade 12 subject. Clothing and Textiles 30 or advanced level credits in CTS Fashion Studies Strand are recommended for students entering the textiles and clothing specialization. Chemistry 30 is recommended for students interested in foods or textile science.

– a four-year BSc program in Food Science and Technology or Nutrition and Food Science. The entrance requirement is a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30

and one other approved Grade 12 subject (Physics 30 recommended). Minor specializations in Nutrition and Food Science include food science and technology.

Post-secondary institutions throughout the province offer university transfer programs that allow students to apply up to two years of study toward university bachelor degree programs. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the courses they choose to take will be accepted for credit at the institution to which they wish to transfer. For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Other sources of information – post-secondary institution calendar or website – EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo – Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association, www.ahea.ab.ca -courtesy the Government of Alberta, Human Services

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Encouraging Alberta’s future leaders Program investing in the development of Aboriginal youth

Helpful student loan websites alis.alberta.ca hrsdc.gc.ca studentaidalberta.ca canlearn.ca academicinvest.ca Also, check out the websites of your financial and educational institutions.

Members of the Alberta’s Future Leaders program at Athabasca Mountain during a leadership retreat.

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n1996, The Alberta’s Future Leaders (AFL) Program was developed as a community and youth development initiative. The program, according to the creators, “is based on the shared belief that sport, recreation, the arts and leadership skills training can be used as a holistic model of youth and community development that can also serve as prevention and intervention tools in Aboriginal communities.”

to express themselves through performing and visual arts.

Both mentors work to help youth learn new skills, build self-esteem and develop personal strength that they can carry forward through the rest of their lives.

The program benefits are varied and far-reaching, including: • improving self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image • providing positive role models • teaching teamwork, co-operation, leadership, conflict resolution and other social/life skills • providing a sense of belonging and enhancing a sense of community • reducing risk factors for disease and promoting wellness • providing a constructive way to release anger and stress and reduce boredom The Vision: Promoting active, • promoting positive values, a sense of fair play and vibrant First Nations and Métis respect for rules communities, where local sports, • improving thinking skills recreation, arts and leadership • developing motivation in other aspects of life experiences inspire youth to • enhancing cultural awareness become positive leaders.

• promoting family and community support Partner communities host two • decreasing youth crime and vandalism rates trained youth mentors during the three-year partnership, and these This past summer, 12 First Nation, Métis and community mentors execute youth-focused associations throughout Alberta were involved in the activities based on the needs and program, including: interests of the host community. • Aseniwuche Winewak • Fort McMurray The mentors live in the • Alexander • Janvier community from May to August.

• Boyle Street Community Service • East Prairie The first is a youth mentor who • Beaver • Dene Tha’ creates and delivers sport and • Mikisew Cree recreation programs. The second • Fort McKay • Whitefish is an art mentor who, through • Fishing Lake arts activities, encourages youth Program partners include: corporate and service-agency

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sponsors; Alberta First Nation and Métis communities; Alberta Foundation for the Arts; and Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Over the years, the AFL Program received acknowledgement from various organizations.

At the National Recreation Roundtable for Aboriginal People it was noted that the AFL is the only program that co-ordinates partnerships between Aboriginal communities, government and sponsors, for youth development programming in Canada. And we are very proud that the AFL Program received a Bronze Premier’s Award of Excellence in 2005 and an Award of Innovation in 2000 from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association.

The program’s success can also be measured quantitatively. In the 11 communities involved in the AFL Program in 2012, more than 3,400 hours of programs and activities took place, involving approximately 7,300 participants.

For more information contact Shannon Ford, Alberta’s Future Leaders Program Coordinator, at 780-422-9254 (toll-free in Alberta at 310-0000) or shannon. ford@gov.ab.ca.

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A major decision

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hoosing a post-secondary major has caused panic and hair pulling in university students for years.It feels as though you have to make a huge decision that will affect the rest of your life. And then, what if you make the wrong decision?

With a little research and by asking questions and understanding the post-secondary process, you can ease the pressure and feel confident in your choices.

There are a few schools of thought on choosing a major.

If you’re going to attend a technical school, their careeroriented curriculum means that most students choose a program and stick with it.

Start by taking a look at your own strengths and interests, and if you need help with your investigation, schools are always willing to help.

Use your available resources, such as the high school counselling offices.

This exploration is an important part of the process, but nothing is written in stone. Follow what you want to do right now at this point in your life based on the best information possible.

It’s important to note that parents are often a part of the decision-making process. A parent’s wisdom may really come in handy if a student is planning to attend university, which is often a broader curriculum. That “lost” feeling is

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likely more prevalent in university students than in those attending technical schools.

Students should start with what they enjoy doing and what they do well. Go with what your feelings tell you about your interests and abilities, as these will be important direction finders.

Look at your grades for clues to your strengths, although university courses are often markedly different from their high school namesakes.

If you don’t know what you want to do, try to get the broadest education possible.

Most students need to explore through university. An education is to prepare people to be citizens.

And changing your mind is certainly a normal part of the university experience. You are going to be challenged and you are going to find out more about the world. Just go with it.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re investigating your options.

— know the rules set out by the school you’re attending. Do you have to declare a major right from the start? What are the steps if you want to change your major? Many students change their major, but be careful about required courses. If you start in an arts program and then switch to science, you likely won’t have your first-year science courses that will lead

to the senior levels.

— assess your own strengths and interests. If you’re a brilliant mathematician who enjoys French, you might want to lean toward science as a career and take French as an elective. You can do anything you set your mind to, but it’s often wise to do what you’re good at. Your success will lead to confidence and motivation. Your interest will lead to a hunger for knowledge that will propel you through your courses.

— do a career investigation. Talk to people working in your field of interest. Find out about job shadowing opportunities.

Be realistic. If you are interested in forestry are you prepared to live in small town? Sometimes you may not even know a job exists.

— be sure to read over the entire program. Know what courses you need to take and if there is a co-op program. If you are thinking of completing further studies, be sure to read up on those as well.

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Gathering bright minds in oil and gas

he largest gathering of young energy professionals (20-35) in the world is about to take place as the 4th World Petroleum Council (WPC) Youth Forum gets underway Oct. 22 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary.

Hundreds of delegates from 50 countries will actively participate in four days of talks, workshops and special events to share knowledge and best practices with some of the top minds in energy. The forum will provide a platform for the leaders of tomorrow to find ways to deliver affordable energy to the world in a way that improves lives and protects the environment.

“Our goal is to bring together the brightest minds in oil and gas and get them talking about the most important issues facing industry today,” says Joanna Desjardins, Chair of the 4th WPC Youth Forum. “The forum is an important opportunity for the next generation of petroleum professionals to discuss and debate ideas about supply and demand, the future energy mix, career opportunities and sustainable production.”

The program is anchored around the theme Unconventional Solutions for an Unconventional World. Forum events and presentations will revolve around three pillars: technical innovation, business leadership and sustainability. The forum will feature topics relevant to a global

How do you choose a school?

investment and it’s important to go for a test drive.

While many students actively recruit schools, schools also carefully plan their own student recruitment. School visits, university fairs and conferences are opportunities for schools to showcase themselves to potential students. These events are overflowing with information and recruitment officers who are passionate about not only their school but also education in general. Every school makes it clear they want each student to choose the right fit for them, whether it’s their institution or somewhere else. They really do have a student’s best interest in mind.

As you, the student-to-be, sift through all the information you’ve gathered, you start to consider the selection and application process. So why do students choose one school over another?

Some schools appeal to students because of opportunity and choices or reputation and student life and athletic programs. Smaller schools appeal for different reasons than large schools, including location, specific programs, athletics and fine arts. Concordia, for example, offers church work programs, and daily chapel is offered to students and staff.

Whatever your reasons for choosing a school, whether it be athletics, graduate studies, size or student life, you are sure to find the right fit if you take the time to do research and visit campuses whenever possible. By being organized and proactive, you’ll give yourself a head start on the road to success.

Prospective students investigating post-secondary schools is an exciting challenge.

It can also seem like a huge task. There are many schools, programs and options, and it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Before choosing a school, it’s a good idea to do your homework and research all your options.

The Internet is the most popular way students find information, and post-secondary institutions are continually expanding their website to accommodate. For example, the University of Alberta Bear’s Den online community includes discussion boards, chat rooms, student blogs, e-newsletters and podcasts. Websites allow students to learn admission requirements, see the campus view the programs, communicate with professors and other students, and so much more.

Print publications are another useful tool, and an academic calendar often becomes a student’s best friend. Many schools also publish general information books, or viewbooks, as well as awards and program-specific brochures.

On a more personal level, most schools have open houses, student information sessions and individual or group tours.

Visiting a campus, if possible, is an important part of the selection process. It’s like buying a new car. It’s a huge

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audience including unconventional resources, technology advancements and sustainability.

The Honorable Alison Redford, premier of Alberta, will participate in the opening ceremonies, as will Matt Fox, vicepresident Exploration and Production for ConocoPhillips, the forum’s title sponsor.

This event marks Jiping’s first visit to Canada. Empowering the next generation of energy leaders will be the topic of a plenary run by Ken Lueers, president of ConocoPhillips Canada and the lead sponsor of the forum. Janet Holder, executive vice-president Western Access for Enbridge Canada, and Nishi Vasudeva, director of Marketing for Hindustan

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Petroleum India, will be among the presenters in the Women’s Energy Panel.

Other energy leaders from as far away as Russia and Denmark, Brazil and the United Kingdom and our neighbouring country will be among an impressive lineup of forum presenters.

Hundreds of delegates have registered to date. For more information about the forum, please visit www.wpccanada.com/ youthforum or email chair@ WPCYouthForum.com.

This is the first time the WPC Youth Forum will be held in North America.

Previous forums were held in Beijing (2004), Paris (2009) and New Delhi (2010).

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Gateway to legal, insurance and hotel careers at Academy of Learning Career College

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Digital School graduates ready to drive Alberta economy

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he Alberta economy continues to be one of the strongest in the world. That means there’s a demand for workers with specific skills. One of the most in demand is computer aided drafting and design (CAD).

Not long ago, the Alberta government released a report projecting an annual shortage of skilled technicians in the province through the year 2021.

Edmonton’s Digital School Technical Design College, with three decades of training Alberta’s drafters as a base, is where the skilled CAD technicians of tomorrow come to learn what employers are looking for.

Digital School is one of the leaders in education in collaborative design technologies and practices like Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM opens a new world of opportunities for those ready to embrace its possibilities, and Digital School graduates are among the best-prepared in the province.

Digital School is an industry leader in offering its Computer Aided Drafter Certificate as an online, part-time program; the first in the country. Now, no matter where you are, you can become a Digital School student, preparing yourself for your new career as a computer-aided drafter without having to give up your current job, or move to a different city.

If you’re looking to make an impact on the world, remember what they say at Digital School: “They can’t build it until you design it.”

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here’s a world-wide revolution going on in education. The ability to bring learning materials to students with video, audio, and interactive components is being combined with in-person guidance and instruction in a delivery method called blended learning. It’s a simple concept, with almost no end of applications. You might wonder why it took so long for it to be developed and made use of.

No one is wondering at Academy of Learning Career College, because they’ve been doing it for years. Academy of Learning has always been ahead of the curve with self-paced, individualized blended learning. Over the past quartercentury Academy of Learning has grown to become the largest network of career colleges in Canada, and developed nearly 30 career programs in business, healthcare and information technology.

Academy of Learning students can find exactly the right course for their needs, and the school can continually add and

improve specialized programs in response to the demands and opportunities of the labour market.

For example, the Insurance Advisor, Hotel and Tourism Management Studies, and Legal Administrative Assistant programs are now available at seven campuses in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat. The Insurance Advisor Diploma focuses on giving graduates the knowledge and skills required to pass a provincial licensing exam and enter the insurance industry as an employee of an insurance company, brokerage, or agency.

The Hotel and Tourism Management Studies Diploma is a 34-week program in which successful completion not only gives students their Academy of Learning Career College diploma, but also certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, which is recognized internationally.

The Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma is a particularly specialized 46-week program which gives graduates

the skills and knowledge they need to assist an Alberta lawyer in various practice areas, such as civil litigation, criminal, family, real estate, corporate/ commercial and wills/estates practice.

All Academy of Learning Career College programs are gateways to fulfilling careers for as wide a variety of people. Visiting an Academy of Learning Admissions Advisor at your nearest campus is the best way to find the right program for you.

5 steps to winning scholarships 2. Apply

• Complete the appropriate application form.

• Keep a copy, and apply well before the deadline.

• Have extra copies of letters of recommendation and transcripts nearby.

1. Search • Follow-up with award sponsor before There are a variety of scholarships, the deadline to make sure your awards and grants available to help application was received. finance your education. Some are awarded on academic achievement, 3. Write the essay while others are based on athletic • If an essay is a requirement, it may be involvement, leadership, community the deciding factor. Give yourself plenty service, area of interest and the institution of time. Read instructions carefully. Seek advice from a family member, friend, you plan on attending.

• Visit the Alberta Learning Information teacher or counsellor.

Service, awlis.alberta.ca for more details. • Go for quality, rather than quantity. Use clear and concise language and avoid • Check out the post-secondary school slang. you plan to attend for possible • Review your essay. Read it aloud. scholarships and entrance awards.

Refine it. Have someone read and • Search studentawards.com proofread your essay.

•Talk to your parents and/or relatives, • Keep a copy on file, you may be able to they may be members of a club or organization or their employer may offer use it for another scholarship. awards to family members.

• Talk to your school guidance counsellor.

4. Collect the money

• Make sure you meet all the conditions to receive the money: enrollment, residency, institution, etc.

• Advise the scholarship donor if you move.

• If you are attending an awards ceremony or luncheon, dress appropriately and thank the donor

5. Maintain your scholarship potential

• Keep your marks, athletics, leadership and volunteer work at an outstanding level and continue to look for scholarships as you progress through your studies.

• Be positive and believe in yourself. It’s hard work and time, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Direct deposit nets students money faster Too much month at the end of the money?

Need your student loan cheques or other federal payments faster? Students across Canada are signing up for direct deposit to receive federal payments faster and more securely, under a federal program designed to save trees, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut $17.4 million in the delivery of paper cheques.

Eighty per cent of Canadians already receive their federal cheques electronically with the remaining being targeted for direct deposit. The benefits are faster, secure payments with zero risk of misplacing or losing cheques, no inconvenience, cost, travel time to mail box and guaranteed payment in the event of a postal strike. You don’t even need a computer or Internet access. Track your deposits at your bank or financial institution.

Direct deposit has so many advantages so enrolling now makes sense. While students can’t receive student loans through federal direct deposit, they can enrol for their T1, GST/ HST refunds and child tax benefits.

As easy as it is to check your Facebook accounts, you can receive your money conveniently by signing up for direct deposit at your local bank or financial institution, or directdeposit.gc.ca.

-www.newscanada.com

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Student’s experience at MacEwan University fosters confidence, success

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revor Moyah admits if he’d been asked what his life purpose was eight years ago, he wouldn’t have had a clue.

From Frog Lake First Nation and born and raised in Edmonton, Trevor had fallen into a life resembling that of many of the youth he strives to help today: homeless, troubled by addiction problems and well on the road to selfdestruction.

Now Trevor is married and the father of two little boys, and is heading into the second year of the Master of Social Work program at the University of Northern British Columbia. The graduate of MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Child and Youth Care

attributes the support of family members and his church with helping him change his life’s direction, but feels his undergraduate education was key in helping him grow into the person he is today.

“When I decided to pursue my postsecondary education I often wondered if I would be able to do it – I had a lot of self-doubt and did not believe in myself,” he explains. “My experience at MacEwan University helped me gain confidence and grow stronger both academically and individually.”

Now Trevor has a life purpose: to help Aboriginal youth, and youth in general, discover their own strength and purpose. “The one thing I hope to

accomplish in my life is to help youth understand how important they are to the future,” says Trevor. “My hope is that these youth will go back to their communities to help build them and a brighter future.”

Photo: supplied

MacEwan University graduate Trevor Moyah says his undergraduate experiences helped him become the person he is today.

Pack snacks & lunches Stock up at the grocery store and snack on leftovers instead of buying lunch on campus. This can drastically reduce food expenses.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”- Thomas Merto

Art encourages confidence, focus and a love of learning Kids create masterpieces in a ‘beehive of creative energy’

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hen a child picks up a pencil, a paintbrush or a piece of clay, they open the door to a special world. It’s a place of imagination, creation and freedom. It’s a way to non-verbally communicate what they see, feel and love. There are no rules, and the only boundary is the edge of the canvas.

When you introduce your child to art, you are giving them freedom of expression.

Whether it’s art at home, school, or a class or camp, it all matters.

My son and I both take classes at 4Cats Art Studio in Sherwood Park, and we’ve even taken some family workshops. 4Cat is, without question, a professional art studio full of creative, positive energy. The name is inspired by the 4Cats Café in Barcelona, Spain, the place where Picasso gathered with his artistic friends.

Most of the classes are for children ages two to 15. They learn about the weird and wonderful lives of famous artists while using quality art materials to create their own masterpieces inspired by the artists.

The 4Cats curators are enthusiastic and supportive, and they share stories and encourage art conversation.

“Art is very important for young children, as it develops focus, attention and good

Photo: Sarah Pratt

Students at the 4Cats art studio in Sherwood Park work on masterpieces inspired by artist Paul Klee.

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hand-eye co-ordination, and builds selfesteem,” said Karen Freeland, an artist who owns the studio with her equally talented sister Kathy Smith.

Some of the children are “literally hopping up and down when their parents arrive and they can’t wait to show them their painting, drawing or clay piece. We really see the child’s confidence soar, they feel so good about themselves.”

More than 33 per cent of children are visually learners, says Freeland, and it has been shown that when art is integrated into other curriculum areas, children become more engaged in the process.

One of the biggest learning experiences for my son is to take a risk and learn from mistakes, while I work on exploring playfully and freeing my mind to the possibilities.

“Art teaches children that there can be more than one solution to the same problem,” said Freeland. “It fosters open-ended thinking and creates an environment of questions rather than answers.”

Kids work in a variety of mediums and take their inspiration from famous artists.

“If we are studying Vincent Van Gogh, we create acrylic on canvas painting using modelling paste and quick brush strokes, just like Van Gogh did,” said Freeland. “We also throw in a lot of age-appropriate art history.”

When I asked what a love of art can lead to in the future, she listed qualities that would benefit anyone in any career.

“It leads to an acceptance of others, including other cultures. It also leads to better workplace skills, such as critical thinking skills, problem-solving, experimenting, decision-making, adapting to change and communication. It has also been shown to improve memory, motivation and attention.”

And while all of this is happening in the brain, the kids (and often adults) are having fun, whether it’s splatter painting, drawing your favourite animal, choosing colours for your own version of Starry Night, or sculpting a polymer clay creation.

And who knows, you may have a Picasso on your hands, or an art therapist, graphic artist, private artist, art teacher…

Tips to keep money in your pocket

Use a reusable water bottle and a travel mug for coffee The difference between buying water and coffee and bringing from home is huge.

Free events & activities Review local listings or signs around campus to take advantage of free concerts, movies or trivia nights. Stay entertained and have a night out with your friends at a low cost. Look for coupons and student discounts.

Cheap transportation Depending on the season, save on transportation costs by walking or biking rather than using local transit. Try hitching a ride home for the holidays with a classmate or purchase your home ticket in advance watching for seat sales.

Get sharing A roommate is an easy way to save by sharing monthly costs and minimizing expenses. Host a fashion swap with friends to get new clothes for your wardrobe at no cost; hand down your smartphone to a friend to save on the monthly costs; it’s always cheaper to share cable and internet services.

Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training An industry-driven system that ensures a highly skilled, internationally competitive workforce

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his workforce supports the economic progress of Alberta and its competitive role in the global market.

Industry (employers and employees) establishes training and certification standards and provides direction to the system through an industry committee network and the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. The Alberta government provides the legislative

framework and administrative support for the apprenticeship and industry training system.

Through the combined efforts of industry, government and the training institutions, Alberta’s apprenticeship and industry training system is able to respond to the labour market and contribute to developing a highly skilled workforce that is competitive nationally and internationally.

This collaboration helps to ensure that the apprenticeship and industry training system is timely, up-to-date and responsive to the needs of industry and the economy.

There are many ways for you to get involved with the AIT system, whether you are an apprentice, an employer, or an employee of an Alberta business that hires and trains apprentices. Visit tradesecrets.alberta.ca.

-courtesy of Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education

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