Drugs and college

How to succeed at college without drugs and alcohol

Why it’s vitally important to avoid substance abuse in college

Fexposure to drugs is when they begin college. Regrettably, there is a more casual attitude toward drugs and alcohol on campus, which makes experimenting with legal and illegal substances appear less risky. And ever-present at house parties, sporting events, and other student get-togethers, many college students end up drinking alcohol more frequently.

If there’s any doubt about the negative here’s some sobering statistics, reported by the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: • drink alcohol, half of which binge drink. • Almost 2,000 die every year due to alcohol. • Nearly 100,000 are sexually assaulted or raped due to alcohol. • Close to 600,000 are injured when intoxicated or due to other people’s intoxication. • About 700,000 are assaulted by a student who has been drinking. • Suicide attempts and health problems • Academic problems due to drinking plague 25 percent of all students.

Getting familiar with common situations on campus, and the myths and realities behind them, will help students make smarter choices about substance abuse and make college a more rewarding, fun, and healthy experience. may not turn out to be your best choice for making long-term friends. You’ll come across people unlike anyone else you’ve ever met, and you may feel you need to pressured to go to parties where there is a lot of drinking, while it’s not easy to dodge social pressure, remember, you don’t have to say yes. There are plenty of students who participate in social activities without taking drugs or drinking alcohol. If one group of friends doesn’t take no for an answer, this group may not understand and support your sobriety.

When refusing to attend an event where you know there’s going to be excessive substance abuse, always judgmental language that may lead others to believe you feel morally superior to them. In a friendly way, explain why you choose to remain sober. You might be surprised how many other make friends who are looking to lead a similar lifestyle.

If you are at a party or other event and see something that seems risky or unsafe, don’t hesitate to say something. help you take action to resolve or avoid the situation. Leaving when you feel uncomfortable can be tricky, especially if you’re with a friend or group of friends. Trust your own judgment.

Some students say that they use alcohol and drugs to reduce stress. But this can lead to a downward spiral of poor academic results and more stress. Drug and alcohol use decreases your academic skills and can have a negative impact on your cognitive skills for up to 48 hours. So if you get wasted on Sunday night, you may struggle to do well in class that as well.

Studies on marijuana have shown that focus, lead to memory loss, increase overall fatigue, increase heart rate, and even cause anxiety and panic – ironically, things many users are trying to reduce. temptation to drink is strong because to loosen up and socialize. But don’t be fooled. While you may feel more relaxed the worse you’ll feel, as alcohol and many drugs are considered depressants. Further, routine drinking can lead many into addiction.

Make your room on campus or apartment into a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place to be. When you go out, visit places where you don’t have to be social, such as the campus library, and Along the way, you’ll no doubt encounter others who are struggling with social you’ll develop healthy ideas for avoiding unhealthy habits.

Other things you can do at college to have fun without getting wasted are to throw sober parties – watch movies, dance, listen to your favourite music, play cards or other games, or think up other creative activities. You can also explore your new city or surrounding or concert with a friend. Check the college directory for student groups or you can connect with.

Coming up with ideas to avoid the lure of drugs and alcohol can be a major part of the fun in and of itself.

Avoiding the temptation of drugs and alcohol can help you succeed in college and make you a stronger person than you might have imagined. It’s also possible to have even more fun in college while sober.

Suite 304, Melbourne House

11 Parliament Street

Hamilton HM 12

Bermuda

Travel and tourism:

big things are still happening

There is no point trying to ignore it – tourism, from cruise ships to airline travel to hotel bookings, has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is still hope. Recently, jobs were advertised for the new St. Regis Hotel in St. George’s, ranging from a butler also announced the appointment of Bermudian Stephani Lacey as its human resources director of operations.

The Southampton Princess is due for a multimillion-dollar renovation, and the old St. George’s Club is to be redeveloped as a hotel. The future does look bright. owns and operates the Little Venice group of more than 10 restaurants, did not hold back when she described 2020. “It was a searing year for the hotel, restaurant, and hospitality business both internationally and in Bermuda,” she says.

“Overnight, a promising travel outlook turned dire, businesses closed with virtually no notice, and employees in the industry found themselves trapped in a nightmare scenario that was only too real.” reliance on tourism has decreased since the early 1980s, while international 2019, tourism had contributed to $379M or 5.1% of the GDP.

But the critical issue, she says, is that the when it comes to employment of Bermudians and non-Bermudians.

Despite the reduction in total numbers since 1980 (in the hotel sector primarily, with restaurants more than doubling their employment numbers), there has been a gradual and promising increase from 2015 (4012 jobs in 2015 to 4689 jobs in 2019), with 13.6% of the Bermuda 2019 workforce in the hotel and restaurant sector. This does not account for those in related industries reliant on a healthy tourism product.

“Where are we now?” she asks. “By January 2021, hotel employment may have dropped by two-thirds. Restaurants, bars, and clubs that managed to crawl back from the abyss at the start of the summer were hammered by the increased (and necessary) measures taken by the Bermuda government with the

“The numbers are only a part of the picture,” she goes on. “For an industry reliant on personal relationships, on providing everything a customer wants, on building contacts over years, the loss of jobs, the loss of the continuity of relationships has been unprecedented on a global scale.

“Here in Bermuda, many of those who have worked for 20, 30 years in hotels or restaurants have suddenly found themselves not only without a job but without the work family. That is unprecedented and will take time to rebuild.” on the bright side, adding, “Bermuda has ways of changing their models.

“Restaurants invested in outdoor dining, with some easing of liquor take-out was met by an increase in food menus and wine lists appeared with customers became more critical.

“Hotels focused on local residents and staycations, attracting memberships where possible and minimising contact on property to reduce possible contamination.”

Looking further ahead at how the industry in Bermuda can continue to

an individual who is oriented toward multitasking, does not want a routine desk job, loves interacting with others, there is no better industry.

“It does not require a university degree or even a high school diploma – only interest, enthusiasm, energy, and a love of working with others to create an environment that allows guests to relax and enjoy themselves.

“And for those who are fascinated by food and wine there are opportunities to train as a chef or a sommelier and work their way up the ladder of a fascinating and unique world.”

She says Bermuda College has a formal culinary course and that scholarships a 15-week trainee server programme in conjunction with the Department of Labour and Training. The initial programme began in December 2020 and will conclude in April.

“For those who want to experience the hotel environment, not exclusively food and beverage, there is a multitude of opportunities through the hotels on the Island and through the Bermuda College as well as the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“The industry is driven by individuals who are passionate about hospitality and and a willingness to learn. To train those new to the industry, experienced team members are needed to nurture and mentor new entrants both in the front of house and in the culinary areas.

“Professionalism and knowledge of the industry are not imparted in a short introductory programme but come from years of work and absorption of customers’ needs.” “Bermuda in 2020 was a model of what could be achieved in the face of extreme adversity — in every arena. Yes, there yes, the downturn was brutal, but the Island and its residents jointly faced government ably handling the health mandate.

“Where will the hotel and restaurant industry and delivery on a more trend that is likely to continue. Increased outdoor dining is here to stay. Liquor licensing laws need upgrading and post-COVID needs.

“The continuing use of technology to minimise unnecessary human interaction for routine tasks will increase, together with an ongoing focus, post-COVID, on cleanliness and safety.

“Restaurant and hotel products and as such, customers will expect parallel quality and service and choice of services. There may be less restaurants in the short-term, but there may be more interest from overseas investors in the Bermuda hotel sector at the right price for opportunistic buyers.

“The trend toward higher-end hospitality occasioned by the opening of Rosewood Bermuda, the revamped Hamilton Princess and The Loren, soon to be joined by the St. Regis, is likely to accelerate.

“There is an opportunity in every crisis, and Bermuda can pivot toward a brighter future in hospitality with the right combination of employees, Bermudians and non-Bermudians, and innovative business owners, along with government support and cohesive marketing of Bermuda’s unique product.” general manager at the Hamilton Princess, which has been renovated at the cost of tens of millions of dollars, says the pandemic has presented challenges never faced before. He says fewer arrivals have meant pivoting to creating new and exciting staycation opportunities. “While people might not be travelling right now, we believe that most people who are staying at home are dreaming of their next great holiday destination. There will always be a huge appetite for new experiences, delicious food, and luxurious escapes,” says Mr. Morrison. for those who enjoy working environment that allows them to make connections with people all over the world. Working for a global brand means having the opportunity to work all over the world.”

In terms of training, Mr. Morrison says the hotel’s general recruitment philosophy for roles that don’t require a for talent and train for skill.” “We partner with Bermuda College students at the college and engage with them through exciting events such as our annual chef competition, similar to “Top Chef,” usually judged by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The winning chef is team at the Hamilton Princess. for most roles, as we believe the best way to learn is by experiencing the role. internal trainings on service essentials and hospitality ‘etiquette’ facilitated by internal learning and development specialists as well as online courses available to all colleagues.”

On the future, he says, “We believe that Bermuda’s tourism industry will rebound, stronger than ever. Bermuda’s track record with successfully handling the pandemic as well as the BTA’s tourism plan will strengthen the island’s reputation as a safe and beautiful destination.”

Sustainable Career Generation

Are you ready to build a sustainable energy future with BELCO?

As the world grapples with the companies in the energy industry are actively seeking solutions to provide energy in more sustainable ways. Here in Bermuda, the Integrated Resource Plan, published by the Regulatory Authority in July 2019, aims to see Bermuda derive 85% of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2035. Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) is committed to a sustainable energy future and has already begun to move forward in a direction that will make its current fuel-generated energy more on renewable energy sources in the coming years.

This year, BELCO will continue the process of retiring old engines by disposing of decommissioned engines, including the eight that were replaced in the new North Power Station. As part of this asset disposal, the soil in the area will be remediated to remove any pollutants before the land is repurposed within the BELCO campus.

The power grid continues to be upgraded to allow it to transmit and distribute energy from renewable sources. Some of the current underground cables are over 60 years old, and the grid was designed for central generation and not to accommodate generation sources distributed across the network. The upgrades will allow the grid to support large-scale renewables.

When BELCO’s parent company, Ascendant Group Limited (Ascendant), was acquired by Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (Algonquin) in 2020, it laid the groundwork for more rapid adoption of renewable energy in Bermuda. Algonquin’s energy and water arm, Liberty, has extensive experience with converting power generation to renewable sources. Now, as a Liberty company, BELCO is well positioned to take an aggressive approach to becoming more sustainable.

Ensuring a sustainable future, however, is more than simply seeking renewable energy sources. It will require expertise and a talented team that is able to innovate and implement new methods of providing reliable, impacting our environment. With training and development, young Bermudians have the opportunity to energy.

BELCO has a long history of supporting education and developing young talent. Notably, each year, BELCO provides a host of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students within various fields of study. The annual scholarships include a $25,000 engineering scholarship, a $25,000 STEM postgraduate scholarship and a $25,000 business postgraduate scholarship. Additionally, BELCO provides $1,000 Bermuda College bursaries to graduating seniors of Cedarbridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute, as well as STEM education awards of varying amounts.

Each summer, BELCO and Ascendant to college and university students, enabling them to gain invaluable work experience. Students are matched to the departments that most closely align with their studies. Available departments typically include bulk generation, information technology,

Through its apprenticeship programme, BELCO has also provided on the job training to young people mechanical or electrical tradespersons. These apprentices take part in formal overseas training as well as local training.

To learn more about the opportunities available at BELCO, please visit belco.bm.

What to do after a job interview?

So you’ve just had that job interview. What should you do next?

When you’re waiting to hear whether or not you’ve got that job, it can be a stressful, frustrating, and agonising time – and just doing nothing doesn’t help. You may feel that the decision is out of your hands and that you’re powerless to do anything else without appearing to your prospective employer as being desperate. However, there are actions you can take that will not only help your mental health but also provide you with an advantage over other applicants.

As the interview comes to a close, courteously ask about the next steps: when will the company be making a decision on fulling this position and, if you were interviewed by more than one person, with whom you should follow up with. Before you leave the building, ask for business cards from the interviewers or contact details from the receptionist. If the interview was conducted via Zoom or other digital platform, you can ask for email addresses. do is send a thank you to those who interviewed you. Personalise your message by mentioning something emphasise that, following the interview, you are more excited than ever about joining the company and the job you applied for. It’s always a nice touch if that’s not possible, or it’s a hightech company and mailing a letter or card seems inappropriate, an email letting them know that you appreciate their time is also acceptable. Another possibility is to send a message of thanks through LinkedIn.

Another way to follow-up is to send additional material pertaining to the job or your experience. Perhaps something came up during the interview around which you could send pertinent information that the interviewers may not be aware of. Or you may now be clearer about the job experience the interviewers samples of your work may relevant. But be careful about making this a “re-do” event. Only send new information and don’t use it as an opportunity to correct the answer explain what you think may have been misunderstood. You don’t want to appear too desperate or needy. It’s critical that your approach here is appropriate and professional. Be respectful and don’t push too hard.

Even if this is your dream job, continue to explore all other possibilities. There may be a number of reasons why your application is not successful – a change of direction for the organisation, a new or even something more catastrophic hits the business, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’ve got other possibilities brewing, not getting this position will have less impact on your life. The more jobs you apply for, the more likely you are to get accepted. It only takes one. So keep on networking. Who knows? You

To ease the stress while you wait to hear about your application, develop some positive distractions. Research shows that even computer games can help in coping with the pains of everyday life by focusing attention away from negative experiences. stressful situations can have positives outcomes, helping to strengthen you in take on future challenges. So spend time enjoying your hobby, sport, or other pasttime. It can also be especially important to spend time with family or friends who can help inspire you and reinforce your positive self-image.

If your application wasn’t successful, follow up with a note of gratitude to the interviewers to thank them for considering you for the position. You could also ask for any feedback they might willing to share to help you with other job applications and to also consider you for future positions at the company.

The chance to advance

in uniform with the Royal Bermuda Regiment

Former Corporal LeeAnn Tucker, 29, is now a from Bermuda to attend the British Army’s training school.

The nursing assistant from St George’s completed the gruelling eight-week army the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, along with excolour sergeant Sheldon Fox, a full-time soldier and the student bandmaster in the RBR’s Band & Corps of Drums.

Second Lieutenant Tucker says, “I feel proud and excited. It was a humbling experience. I went out there knowing a bit knew – it was stepping back, absorbing their teaching and learning everything I could from them. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was extremely loved the whole experience.”

Tucker, who joined the RBR in 2015, says she waited for a few years to get good grounding before she applied for a commission. “I wanted to gain some experience and climb the ranks,” she says. “I think that was the best thing I could have done.”

Tucker goes on to say that her RBR service helped her develop skills that were useful in civilian life. “I think before I speak. Before, I would be quick to react. Now I observe more, and I’m more reserved in my judgments. I think more before I speak or act.”

Royal Bermuda Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Ben Beasley says, “Having a female step toward demonstrating our commitment to our progressive stance on equity, inclusiveness, and diversity, underpinned by our ethos and core values.”

Beasley adds that both soldiers proved themselves over the tough Sandhurst Course, designed for British “As commanders,” he says, “they will have to demonstrate leadership, tact, resourcefulness, and compassion at all times for they serve.”

But life in the island’s chance to get ahead on land – the RBR Coast Guard gives recruits the opportunity to gain their sea legs and marine Patterson, a 30-year veteran former sergeant major with the RBR Boat Troop, now the regiment’s marine unit commander, says the Coast time roles.

“There’s also a sense of pride in the country – giving back to Bermuda,” he says. “You watch someone come in and, when they do leave, it’s with a sense of accomplishment. They come in as an individual and leave as part of a team. They’ve met people they would never have met otherwise, and the friendships they make can last a lifetime.”

LOOKING TO GAIN SKILLS, CHALLENGE YOURSELF & LEAD?

CYBERTIPS CYBERTIPS

Promoting a safe, technology - aware Bermuda Promoting a safe, technology-aware Bermuda

Bermudians are harnessing the power of technology to explore, connect, conduct business, ore, connect, conduct business, create and learn in ways never before imagined. While the latest technological advances t tt h l i l d provide remarkable opportunities, they also present potential pitfalls. Cybertips plays a key role in the Island’s technology and digital literacy education by continuously promoting proper use of technology, improving the public’s cyber-safety, increasing community engagement and expanding access to digital services. Contact our team today for more information on our technology centered educational programmes for all ages, the latest cybersecurity threat information and more!

441-294-2774 cybertips@gov.bm www.cybertips.bm

How social media affects your future

Cybertips is a Government initiative that is organised by the Economic Development Department. The Cybertips team runs a yearly calendar of events that includes regular visits to the Island’s schools, youth organisations, community events and local businesses as they strive for digital leadership.

One of the team’s most requested my future?” That is a timely concern since COVID-19 has changed the way we source, interact with, and access information while we continue to use the immense power of digital media to explore, connect, create and learn.

The online activities that we engage and potential pitfalls: the potential spillover can result in cyberbullying, digital cheating, and digital safety and security concerns. Today’s reality of social distancing and virtual work/education means our ability to read and understand social cues and assess educational, professional, and even social, situations may be challenged. While some are thriving in the virtual learning space, others are struggling.

From watching videos on Instagram to interacting on Tiktok and hosting family gatherings on Zoom, social media has become a very big deal and gets bigger by the day. That's why digital literacy and proper cyberhygiene are more important now than ever before. No matter what you do online, it’s important that you know what kind of trail you’re leaving, and what its consequences may be.

Your digital reputation is like a fresh and white. Each time you post something negative, cyberbully someone or post inappropriate content, your sheet of paper gets a blemish, a crinkle or a rip. When you apply for a job, college or a scholarship opportunity, you may begin to look at your social media and try to clean things up. No matter how hard to try to A picture is worth a thousand words. Make sure your photos are telling the right story. Social media apps are becoming a go-to source of information about you. Before you post something online, think to yourself ‘would I be happy having my Grandma see this?’ If not, you probably shouldn’t post it.

Be wary of those around you (and their phones). Be mindful of who is taking photos of you and when. It’s no a situation where a phone is pointed at you. Ask yourself where might that photo or video end up?

Check your privacy settings. Many social media applications change important to regularly check your settings so that you may manage who can see your content and personal information.

Create your own brand. Conduct a Google search of yourself. Imagine that you are a potential employer or college administrator viewing this content. Would you hire yourself? You are your own brand. Carefully curate what you post online and what you allow to be posted about you.

smooth the kinks or remove the blemishes, your digital reputation, like the sheet of paper, will never be as clean and crisp as it once was. A blemished digital footprint may be the reason you aren’t accepted into a certain school or why you are not granted the position that you worked so hard for. It is much easier to keep a clean digital footprint from the start than the fact. Detox. Set aside some time and/or place where phones and screens are a no-go zone. It could be during meals, in your bedroom, or while going for a walk. Do something that is productive and “unwired” to give yourself a rest from the fast pace of online life.

Cancer prevention, early detection and treatment

Bermudian students with a keen interest in mathematics, biology and physics are encouraged to world of cancer.

Is a career in diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology for you? These professionals will generally have: • Interest and ability in sciences — biology and/or physics • Interest in healthcare and focus on patient care • Logical thinking • Problem-solving skills • Good communication skills • Enjoy working in a teamwork environment • Interest in using state of the art technology

At Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre our diagnostic imaging team includes mammography and bone densitometry technologists, ultrasound sonographer and a radiologist (doctor). Our radiation therapy team consists of radiation nurses, therapists, oncology medical physicist and a radiation oncologist (doctor). an essential part of our clinical team and work to ensure we meet the needs of our patients. These positions include front managers.

And the opportunities in cancer care do not just sit with these clinical teams. The Centre also employs public health educators and fundraising, marketing the Centre engage in the prevention, detection, treatment and support of cancer and other health concerns in Bermuda. paths to follow, depending on where you choose to study and which area you decide to pursue. Make sure whatever programme you choose is accredited, especially if you plan to become

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is a registered Bermuda charity #70, working to serve the community, building healthier lives free of cancer and disease. services should be available to everyone regardless of health insurance coverage or ability to pay. Fortunately, donations from our community to the Centre's Equal Access Fund make it possible for the Centre to subsidise the cost of services for those in need.

Clinical services include 3-D and digital mammography, ultrasound, breast and prostate biopsy, bone densitometry and radiation therapy.

Bringing world-class expertise to Bermuda, our radiation therapy unit Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. In 2018, only a year and a half States to achieve the gold standard of accreditation, the American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited for Radiation Oncology facility.

Our multi-disciplined, patient-centric team and state of the art technology is more about Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's services and the work we do in the community, visit www.chc.bm.

A Career in Healthcare Science

Due to Covid-19, students are considering a choice of a career in healthcare from a new positive perspective

Over the past year we have seen the importance of scientists and laboratory technologists as we how to detect it and most importantly, spread.

A career in the lab can range from a laboratory technician to a medical technologist that can specialise in biochemistry, histology or microbiology.

STEM education is where it starts — a curriculum based on educating students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. Bermudian students who have a passion perfect career in laboratory science with Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB).

Senior medical technologist Kamala Burns has had a passion for science since she was six years old, but was uncertain exactly what career she wanted to pursue each morning,” says Kamala. She began her journey as a candy striper with the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda and in the Student Day Release Programme at BHB. an undergraduate degree in biology. When she returned home in 2005, she applied for a lab assistant role with BHB. “It was during this time that I found my a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.”

As a senior medical technologist in the Microbiology Department her work is integral to treating patients. “We test from nurses and physicians. Once the microbiologist has determined the cause of the patient’s illness, we test the organism growing against suitable antibiotics for that particular organism. We then report the organism, and the antibiotics of choice to the physician so that they can make the appropriate decision for treatment,” Kamala explains.

“I love the problem solving. Every day is a mystery with patient’s specimens. allowing the patient to feel better. Although we don’t have patient contact in the lab, each specimen is treated as if it were our own.”

Kamala has a degree in biology and clinical laboratory science. She also had to pass a board exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). applied for a senior position and was successful. She began her new role in December 2020.

“My role requires that I manage people and although I did not have much managerial experience, I am grateful for the on-the-job training and coaching provided by BHB to prepare me for the job. I also took the initiative and enrolled in a management training course online with ASCP and received management.”

This new role is a career growth opportunity for Kamala and provides a new challenge in her journey. Her advice to young people is: “No matter how many times you get knocked down, keep getting back up.”