Career Choice (Volume 2)

PO Box 2990, Sunninghill, Jhb, 2157 | Telephone: 011 036 2977 / Fax: 086 610 6052

Publishing Editor

Client Relationship Manager

Loyiso Ngavu loyiso@jozi-media.co.za

William Masoga william@jozi-media.co.za

Directors

Career Marketing Executives

Loyiso Ngavu Chantal Kruger Tony Ramaphosa

Thatho Mangwegape thatho@jozi-media.co.za Naima Bokveldt naima@jozi-media.co.za

Special Thanks to: GCRA, Gauteng Department of Education, Jozi Media Foundation, Loyiso Ngavu Scholarship Fund, Student Brands, Eduloan, SANews. gov.za, Babalwa Buthelezi, Nick Sally, Gordon Clive, Phinah Ramalepe, Sfiso Ndebele, Kobus Venter, Rob Dickson, Themba Ngavu and Vusi Khumalo.

Chief Operations Officer Phinah Ramalepe phinah@jozi-media.co.za Nipun Garodia

Publisher

Z!

MED!A EMP!RE

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Creative Director

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Azhar Kahn azhar@jozi-media.co.za

TM

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PUBLISHING EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the inaugural issue of Career Choice magazine: a peer-refereed academic publication of a new kind.

According to the Bill of Rights of South Africa's Constitution, all South Africans have the right to a basic education, including adult basic education and access to further education. The state has an obligation, through reasonable measures, to progressively make this education available and accessible.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of public investment in education in the world. At about 7% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 20% of total state expenditure, the government spends more on education than on any other sector.

Government spending on basic education during 2015/16 is estimated at R203 468 billion.

More money is always needed to address the huge backlogs left by 40 years of apartheid education. Under that system, white South African children received a quality schooling virtually for free, while their black counterparts had only "Bantu education", a keystone of the overall apartheid system.

Over the next three years, roughly R640 billion will go towards basic education.

The matric pass rate, which was as low as 40% in the late 1990s, has improved considerably. A total of 511 152 candidates sat the matriculation exams in 2012, 73.9% of whom passed. This is an increase of 13.3% since 2009 (60.6%) The matric pass rate, which was as low as 40% in the late 1990s, has improved considerably. South Africa's 2014 matric students achieved a pass rate of 75.8%. There was an increase in achievements by distinction in subjects such as History: increased from 3.3% to 4.1%, Mathematical Literacy: from 1.8% to 2.4% and Physical Science: 3.0% to 3.3%.

The government's newest strategy for turning education around is known as "Action Plan to 2014: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2025", which aims to improve learning and the work of teachers.

Although today's government is working to rectify the imbalances in education, the apartheid legacy remains.

Illiteracy rates currently stand at around 18% of adults over 15 years old (about 9-million adults are not functionally literate), teachers in township schools are poorly trained.

South Africa relies on the matric pass rate as a significant marker of what's going on in its schools.

The 2015 statistics from the Department of Basic Education show that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination was written by 550 127 full-time learners and 138 533 parttime students, in public and independent schools. In South Africa, the average ratio of learners to teachers is 30.4 to one, which includes educators paid for by school governing bodies. Without those extra posts, the ratio would be 32.3 to one. In general, public schools generally have larger classes than those in independent schools.

Compared with most other countries, education gets a very large slice of the public pie ñ around 20% of total state expenditure. It receives the largest share of government spending.

Despite the challenges, much has been achieved since apartheid legislation was scrapped. For example, in 1993 nearly half of all students in higher education institutions were white, but since 1994, black African enrolments have nearly doubled, growing by 91% (or 4.4% a year) and overall enrolments have grown by 41% (or 2.3% a year).

However, South Africa's student participation rate ñ that is, the proportion of 18- to 24-year olds in higher education ñ is a low 16%.

Equity has yet to be achieved: almost 58.5% of whites and around 51% of Indians enter higher education. The rate for coloureds is 14.3%, while blacks are even lower at 12%.

The reason for this is generally understood as poor quality primary and secondary schooling, which is a priority for the current government.

The greatest challenges for schooling lie in the poorer, rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Schools are generally better resourced in the more affluent provinces such as Gauteng and the Western Cape.

progress; an emphasis on early child development and universal access to Grade R; ensuring learners have access to good quality textbooks; and improving school infrastructure and strengthening school management.

The education of the poorest of the poor remains a priority, and includes two notable programmes. One is no-fee schools, institutions that receive all their required funding from the state and so do not have to charge school fees.

These have been carefully identified in the country's most poverty-stricken areas.

Teacher education and development programmes have also been strengthened, including funding for bursaries for trainee teachers.

With a new curriculum at its heart, the focus is on literacy and numeracy. Known as the national Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), the new curriculum provides very specific guidelines to streamline what is taught in schools with the aim to close the divide between wellresourced and poor schools. Curriculum implementation is supported through the national educational portal, Thutong (Setswana, meaning "place of learning").

Other measures include the introduction of standardised assessments of grade three, six and nine to better track

I would like to thank many people who created the opportunity for the publication to be born and who made it happen. The list includes all current Editorial Board, the Jozi Media Foundation team, and many others. In particular, my greatest thanks are due to Simon Molefe, Samantha Ngidi, Dimpho Masokela, Makhosazana Gwala & Elizabeth Tladi, who put a lot of their time and energy into the Youth Opportunities & Careers Expo thumbs up guys, let’s make the circle BIGGER for 2017.

The Youth Opportunities & Careers Expo 2016 took place on 10-19 June and we had a massive 50,026 visitors through the door and over 200 exhibitors.

We would like to thank all of our visitors, exhibitors and partners and we look forward to 2017 event.

Working together we can do more for our Youth.

Till next issue

Loyiso Ngavu Publisher

CONTENTS

10 10 Tips for Changing Careers 12 10 Things to Remember before applying to University 18 Choosing a Career : How to decide!

21 Techniques that can improve matric results 22 10 top tips for saving for your child’s education

HOW TO FORM A STUDY GROUP AND KEEP IT ON TRACK

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24 Get Time on your side: Start saving today for your Child’s Future 26 How to apply for a bursary for 2017 28 5 Time management tips for exams 29 Tips on how to prepare for examinations

FARMING IS INDEED A GREAT CAREER CHOICE FOR THE YOUTH

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30 8 things you should know before starting a part-time job 34 30 Money Saving Tricks for Students 36 Paying Off Your Student Debt: Tips From Someone Who Did It 38 Buying Textbooks For School? Here’s What You Need To Know 42 High school study tips: Three steps to Better Grades!

COLLEGE VS. UNIVERSITY: WHAT ARE THE REAL DIFFERENCES?

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46 Learn the Signs of Depression in Teens and How You Can Help

10 Tips for Changing Careers Is your career not what you expected? Do you want to do something different? It happens more than you might think. Jobs change, the workplace changes, and people change. What seemed like a great career option when you started out might not seem so great now.You don’t need to jump into a new career all at once. Sometimes it makes sense to start with baby steps, and gradually transition. Here are some ways to gradually switch to a different job or career.

COFFEE CONVERSATIONS.

PUT THE WORD OUT.

People usually enjoy talking about their career path. Don’t be shy to ask for a little of their time for an honest conversation about how they got where they are, pro’s and con’s and what they’ve learnt.

Discretely let a few strategic people know that you’re looking for a change of career.

ON THE JOB.

Make sure your CV tells the best story about you and that the way in which you have presented it is well-suited for the field you’re hoping to go into.

If you know people working in a field that you think you might want to be in, ask if you can spend time with them on the job. It may feel like a big ask, but do it anyway.

GRADUAL APPROACH. In some cases, it may be possible to volunteer in the area you’re interested in changing to. By doing this, you’ll have an idea of whether it is something that you could see yourself doing full-time.

KNOW THE INDUSTRY. Even if change feels far away, start familiarising yourself with the industry you’re hoping to move into. Subscribe to newsletters, read up about key players and get a general sense of the lay of the land.

SKILLS TRANSFER. Think about your current skills set and how they could be transferred to the kind of job you want. You’d be surprised at what you come up with after a bit of lateral thinking. It may also be good to get input from friends on this one.

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WORK ON THAT CV.

STRATEGISE. When thinking about the change, keep your priorities in mind – these will play a big role in determining where you end up. For example, someone who values flexibility over a competitive, cutting edge work environment may make very different choices.

BE PREPARED TO LEARN. You might not have all the skills you think you need for the change but these can be acquired. There are many online courses and part-time short courses that you sign up for to bridge this gap.

CHANGE MAY TAKE TIME. The change you want may not happen overnight. Don’t be discouraged – gradually work your way towards the goal.

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How to form a Study Group and keep it on Track Imagine you're competing on a game show for a million-rand prize, and you're challenged to come up with a mystery story, complete with clues, a good twist, and a surprise ending. You have a half hour to complete your task, and you're pretty relaxed until you see your competition. You're playing against a team of five students your age, and they can collaborate on their work!

Chances are, most students would prefer to be on the team of five, because groups offer a variety of view points and strengths. No one person can do everything well, but a group of students working together can get great results in a shorter period of time.

Don't feel you have to limit yourself to study only with your friends. Pick smart people who do homework if your goal is to improve your grades.

In the game show example above, the group of five would be more likely to come up with better results at a faster pace because they would probably benefit from having a variety of skills andlearning styles--like an analytical person, a good note taker, a lateral thinker, a person with great recall abilities, and a person who is able to explain things well.

Give your group a name. This will give the group a stronger identity and encourage participation.

Establish a regular meeting place and time and encourage each other.

At your first meeting, encourage each member to talk about his/her strengths that will help the group.

Take turns acting as group moderator, to keep the conversation on topic. The moderator should speak up if the conversation drifts too far from assignments.

STUDY GROUP TIPS If you decide to form a study group, you will need to establish some rules or guidelines to keep the group from losing enthusiasm.

Predict test questions and quiz each other.

Create a code word or prize for good ideas. Everyone likes to receive a pat on the back. Come up with a special word or small reward to congratulate group members when they come up with a "zinger."

Limit the size of your group to three to six students for best results. Too many voices adds confusion.

If you have eight or more students who are interested in group study, simply form two groups and mix the membership from time to time. This will avoid hurt feelings and avoid having a stronger and weaker group.

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Come up with a friendly word for members who are slacking off. Use it as a warning to encourage them to pull their weight!

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10 Things to Remember before Applying to University

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Application dates at many universities in SA are closing soon. If you’re considering applying to any University in South Africa there are a few simple steps you need to remember. Applying to university.

Check out the steps below and soon you’ll be well on your way to applying to your universities of choice!

1. Closing Dates Make sure you are aware of the closing dates of the various universities you intend to apply towards.

You can also check out the Stoogle Bursary Listing for more ways to fund your studies!

To find out more information about student loans go here.

Your application must reach the University before the closing date in order to be considered.

6. Current Year’s Activity

For University application dates, please go throught the university websites.

For your application, you will most likely need to fill in what you have been doing for the last year.

If you were a student at school you also have to submit your exam results and school subjects.

2. Online Vs Postage or Courier Be aware of how your application must reach the University.

Some universities such as UCT have an online application process while other universities require you to post or courier your application so that they have the physical copy.

Make sure you allow for the amount of time that postage and delivery takes.

3. Exam Results Make sure you have all your exam results from Grade 11 and June matric exam marks on hand. You will need to submit these results to the University with the application.

You will need to submit a certified copy of these results.

Never send the originals!

FYI: Some universities require you to complete a National Benchmark Test (NBT). Find out more here and check with the institution if you need to complete one.

4. Make sure all details are correct Forms can be a pain to fill in, and are often complicated!

Go through the forms slowly and make sure you fill in each part of the form carefully so that you do not make mistakes.

Consider doing your application in pencil before you fill it in in with a pen.

A black ballpoint pen is usually the accepted method for filling in forms, put the purple pen away!

If you were travelling, you may be required to provide details of your activities.

7. Signing the Declaration Your application will need to be signed by your parents or guardians and by you.

Make sure that you all know exactly what you are signing and that all the information in the application is true and correct.

8. Supporting Documents Most of the documents.

applications

require

some

supporting

These are certified copies or your ID and certified copies of your parents or guardians ID’s.

Other supporting documents may be your exam results, proof of residence and a recent pay slip.

Make sure that you have copies of these documents and never send the original!

9. Pay the Application Fee Find out what the application fee for your University is and make sure that you pay the fee in the required method before you send your application.

Do not send your application fee via post.

To consider:

Pay the fee at the bank or via EFT.

Make sure you have a working email address, which anyone can create by registering an email address on gmail.com.

Find out whether or not you need to provide a proof of payment that the application fee has been paid.

FYI: You will also need a working cell phone number and a postage address.

10. Acceptance If you are accepted to your chosen University you will be sent a formal letter or email.

5. Financial Aid Have a look at the fee’s booklet with your parents or guardians and together. Come to a conclusion about whether or not you might need financial aid. If your household income falls below a certain bracket, either of your parents or guardians are pensioners or either of your parents are unemployed, you may qualify for financial aid.

If you do require financial aid from your University, there will usually be a separate form you may need to complete.

Make sure you have your parent or guardian’s most recent pay slip for this.

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You will usually have a few months in which to accept based on your final results (so no slacking off yet!)

Remember to accept the offer and make sure that in the following year you have paid the Minimum Initial Payment.

The MIP is the minimum amount of your fees which must be paid in order for you to begin a ‘payment plan’ with the university. It is also often what must be paid in order for you to secure a place in a residence.

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Farming is indeed a great career choice for the youth

We believe that farming is a noble job; one that feeds billions of people around the world. Without farms, people do not eat. Working on a farm is a good job like any other, it is hard work but very satisfying. Farming fits the various definitions of a job. So, we can conclude that farming is a job and a great career choice. Here are a few suggestions to popularise farming as a career.

Exposure The youth need to be exposed to the various opportunities in agriculture. With the challenges of climate change, food and water security, there has never been a greater need for innovative and sustainable farming.

But the industry is facing a severe shortage of new recruits.

Image and perception More can be done in schools to promote farming as a career choice, and to make better links between subjects such as agriculture, geography or chemistry and their practical applications in farming.

Farming is profitable We have to portray farming as profitable. The financial rewards have increased, and this should be used to fuel optimism about farming.

However, it is important to encourage youth to have good business acumen.

Publicise Highlight stories of young successful farmers who have

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lucrative enterprises. This would arouse interest in agriculture.

Young farmers need more inspiring tales focusing on the satisfaction and financial rewards.

Stories that communicate these aspects of farming can also attract those who can make a positive social and environmental impact.

Education and training The education system needs to expose youth to key skills.

Most agricultural courses offer theory and principles and less practicability.

Establishing career progression routes would also make farming attractive. Talent and skill must be rewarded if the industry is to get people with ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.

Funding One of the biggest entry barriers is the cost. There is need for support from government and other key stakeholders such as financial institutions.

Agricultural loans that incorporate elements like “farming grace periods� can tremendously increase interest.

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College vs. University: What are the real differences?

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There is a commonly held perception that a university education is the be-all and end-all of tertiary education. Get a university degree and you are set, we tend to think. But then it happens that university graduates sometimes struggle to find work, while someone with a technical diploma from a college walks into a high-paying job on the first day.

Level of education Both colleges and universities are tertiary educational institutions. This means that they offer post-high school education and training.

The biggest difference, however, is in the level of education they offer. Colleges will usually go up to NQF level 6, which is a certificate or diploma. Universities usually offer qualifications from NQF level 7 to 10, which starts with abachelor’s degree and ends with a doctorate.

There are, however, colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programmes, just as there are universities that offer diplomas and certificate programmes.

Qualifications Universities are accredited by the Department of Education to offer degree programmes. Colleges, on the other hand, have to be registered with the Department of Education and must attain separate accreditation for their certificate or diploma courses.

The accreditation for college courses usually comes from SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) that regulate qualifications related to specific professions or industries. This also means that the qualifications that you earn from a college are industry-related qualifications, while university courses will lead to academic qualifications.

Opportunity A university education will give you a big advantage in the labour market. Yet, while a degree will give you good foundational credentials, you will often need additional specialist training, or an extra vocational qualification, if you want to secure certain positions.

If you want a job in a specific industry, then a National Qualification or accredited course from a college will most likely give you the exact qualification you need. It will also equip you with a list of skills that are directly related to your chosen career path.

The fact stands, however, that in a lot of cases, university graduates will earn a higher salary than college graduates.

But it might take a university graduate a long time to work himself/herself up professionally, while many college graduates easily enter and succeed in the job market with technical qualifications. And don’t forget: there are also plenty of high-paying careers for which you don’t need a degree.

certain professions. Even though these qualifications are generally not as highly valued as a degree, in certain professions the vocational qualification will give you an advantage above a university graduate.

There is a compromise between colleges and universities in this regard. Technical universities, formerly known as ‘Technikons’, focus on providing vocational degree programmes.

Time Undergraduate university degrees usually require at least 3 years of full-time study. To get your degree, you have to have the time and money set aside to do it. Postgraduate degrees or diplomas often take an additional year.

Colleges allow you to study shorter programmes such as Certificates and Short Courses that you can complete in under 12 months. Colleges also offer longer programmes that you can do in separate levels, like the N1 to N3 Engineering Courses.

Flexibility Universities usually have very strict semesters, timetables, and class times. You have to fit your plans around these institutional schedules.

Though there are many campus-based colleges using the same model, there are also numerous colleges in South Africa that offer part-time, distance learning, or flexible education. This means that you can study from home via correspondence, and set your own schedule. This also allows you to keep a full-time job while studying.

There are a few distance learning universities too. However, few of them offer the same level of flexibility that their college counterparts do.

Registration Universities often have very strict registration periods, which usually close around September in the year preceding your proposed studies. You also have to wait a long time before you find out whether you have been accepted for your course of choice or not.

Many colleges are more flexible with registrations. This is especially true of distance learning colleges, where registrations are often open right through the year. This allows you to start your course whenever it suits you.

Cost

Courses Most university courses are academic, especially general BA or BCom degrees. Universities are generally more focused on academic training, rather than on vocational training.

Colleges, on the other hand, aim to give students vocational training and skills development that relates directly to

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The biggest advantage that colleges have over universities is that they are considerably more affordable. While universities are very expensive, and often require you to pay a large fee upfront, colleges in South Africa aim to make education accessible and affordable to anyone who wants to study. This often includes allowing you to pay for your course in easy monthly instalments.

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CAREER ADVICE

by Nomvuyo Maseko

Choosing a Career The Basics : How to decide!

There are three steps to successful career planning: 1. Reflecting – thinking about what makes you tick.

Your interests and skills. What you enjoy doing and why. Things you are less good at or don’t enjoy.

2. Exploring – finding out about the different courses, training schemes and jobs that you could move on to.

3. Planning – sorting the different options open to you into priority order. Deciding what steps you need to take to get more information about your favourite options, to improve your chances of success and to apply for things.

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Step 1 : Reflecting about themselves

Step 2 : Exploring careers

Before they start planning their next move, your child will need to find out more about their own interests, likes and dislikes. They could start by answering the questions below and making their own list as they go.

The world of work is changing all the time. To help them plan their career, they’ll need to find out more about the kind of jobs that are out there now, and which ones could be big in the future. To get some inspiration, they could have a look at these websites, which feature video clips and case studies of people in lots of different careers.

What are their interests? What do they enjoy doing at school or in their spare time? For example, they might like: art, music, sports, writing stories, looking after pets, playing computer games, socialising with friends

Bright Knowledge, Careersbox, iCould, Notgoingtouni, TES Growing Ambitions, Total Professions

What are their skills? What kind of things are they good at, in school or their free time? For example, they might be good at:

These are just a few of the sites that are out there. To explore others why not visit my Useful Sites page. They can also find out more by using careers software programs at their school or college.

science, maths, talking and writing, using computers creative work like painting or music, practical tasks like making models or repairing things, researching information for a project What are their personal qualities? What are they like as a person? For example, they could be good at: > managing their time and meeting deadlines > working well with other people > planning ahead > talking to groups of people > joining in discussions > caring for other people > coming up with original ideas > listening to other people’s views NB: you will hear these referred to as 'generic', 'soft' or 'transferable' skills. Whatever you call them, they are very high on employers' priority list!

How do they like to learn? Different options will offer different ways of learning. For example, some education courses will be mostly classroom-based while others will involve placements with employers or practical project work.

If they enjoy classroom-based learning with exams they may want to take a general education course like A Levels in the sixth form or at college. If they prefer practical project work with hands-on work experience they will probably be interested in a vocational course like an NVQ or BTEC which are also available in sixth forms or college. There is more on these alternative qualifications in the section on further education qualifications.

If they like the sound of learning new skills while they work and gaining qualifications for the job they are doing they may be interested in an apprenticeship, a traineeship or a job with training. You can find more information in the section on Apprenticeships.

If they would rather learn step-by-step at their own pace, in a small class, while gaining some useful everyday skills, a Foundation Learning programme could be the right choice for them. You can find out more in the section on Foundation Learning.

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Careers programs can help them to explore their own career ideas and interests and find out about hundreds of different jobs so they can decide what kind of career might suit them.

Schools and colleges are responsible for making sure that careers advice is available to their students so find out what careers software is provided by your child's school.

Some commonly used programs: Careerscape (from Cascaid), eCLIPS, Fast Tomato, Higher Ideas, JED (Job Explorer Database), Kudos (from Cascaid), Launchpad, U-Explore The National Careers Service site has over 750 job profiles.

They can look at job families or use the search facility to find out more about careers. The Prospects site has similar information for graduate level occupations.

UCAS Progress has a searchable database of post-16 courses and work-based learning.

Once they’ve got some career ideas, they could try listing those they are most interested in and why they like the sound of them.

Did you know? Many of the top careers in high-tech areas like computing, engineering and research did not even exist a generation ago! There’s also been a big increase in caring jobs, such as those working with children and with older people.

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Step 3 : Making a plan Once they’ve found the jobs they are interested in, they could try to answer the four questions below: 1. Can I start this career straight from school? This may depend on what qualifications they have or are predicted to get when they leave school.

Remember, the majority of jobs these days ask for some qualifications. The Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) means that they can still go straight into a job, but there must be some recognised training as part of that job.

2. Could I do an Apprenticeship? For some areas of work, an apprenticeship is one of the main ways to start their career. They may need some qualifications before they can begin an apprenticeship. Find out more in the Apprenticeships section.

3. Do I need to get some more qualifications for this type of job? They may need to gain some more qualifications at school, college or even university.

Find out what subjects and types of qualification they may need. For example, they might need a general course like A Levels, or a vocational course (sometimes called an applied general course) like a BTEC (one that helps prepare them for a particular area of work). Find out more in the section on further and higher education -qualifications explained.

4. Do I need to build up my confidence and skills?

They may not feel ready yet to start a higher level course, apprenticeship or job. Foundation Learning could help them to progress towards a Level 2 qualification (for example, GCSEs or a BTEC), which could move them closer to their career goals. They can find out more in the section on Foundation Learning.

Have a back-up plan!

Even if they’ve got their ideal career in mind, it’s a good idea to think about other choices in case things don’t work out the way they planned. This is especially important if they’re aiming for a very popular course or career.

For example, if they don’t get the grades they are hoping for or there are no places available on their chosen Apprenticeship, they’ll need to have a good alternative to fall back on.

Ask them to think about their alternative career choices and have a second or third option ready in case their plans need to change. This could be a different career choice, or perhaps a different route towards their first choice career — or a similar one.

Did you know? T here are fewer and fewer unskilled jobs available. In fact, the government predict that in 10 years time 40% of jobs will need a qualification at higher education degree level.

EXAMS ADVICE

by Dr. Chris Tisdell

Techniques that can improve matric results

“Matric is the gateway to further study and a primary indicator of success at the end of 12 gruelling years within the school system – a student who does not pass matric will have no proof of their educational status. No wonder there is such pressure on learners before exam time,” says Natalie Bosman, Marketing Manager at Boston City Campus & Business College.

Due to limited space available at tertiary institutions, the stress of being successful in the matric exams becomes more severe. For example, at three of Gauteng’s leading institutions only one in four applications will be accepted. Having to make a career choice, the affordability of studying further, bursary applications and securing study loans, also adds to the pressure.

“Yes the pressure is on and unfortunately learners go to extreme emotional lengths to make things worse for themselves. It’s as if the fear of failure suddenly takes centre stage. But matric exams shouldn’t be like this – exam time should be a positive academic experience,” says Rabson.

So, how does one best approach this final step in one’s school life and give oneself the competitive edge to be accepted at a tertiary institution?

Cognitive science has gone a long way in addressing this issue and today the belief is that a radical rethink is what’s needed to prepare for exams. ”Learners should condition themselves not to stress or panic.

“Whilst normal levels of stress can help you think faster and more effectively and improve your performance, if anxiety becomes overwhelming it can have debilitating effects. It’s therefore important to take time out to identify what’s causing the problem and then to face it head on,” says Rabson.

Only then can one make use of a few simple techniques that cognitive scientists believe will improve the effectiveness of studying. The first three techniques directly contradict some common wisdom about good study habits. For instance, CAREER CHOICE

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according to Benedict Carey of the New York Times, alternating study locations improves retention. This happens because the brain associates between what it is studying and the background sensations that are occurring. Forcing the brain to make multiple associations with the same material provides the support needed to improve recall of it.

Carey further says that research has proven that it’s better to study distinct but related skills or concepts in one sitting, rather than focusing intensely on a single subject: “For example, alternating between vocabulary, reading and speaking in a new language seems to leave a deeper impression on the brain than does concentrating on just one skill at a time”.

Another myth is that writing has little impact on learning.

Research done by Hansen & Hansen indicates that writing more, including making class and textbook reading notes and creating review sheets, will improve retention. Therefore by simply writing notes or jotting down definitions and formulas, more than once will help imprint information in your memory.

“Although the Internet is seen as a distraction during exam times, it can also be a valuable tool in helping you prepare for exams. “Do use it when you need to, like if you need greater explanation on a subject. Yet, there will be times when you will have to nix the net” adds Rabson.

Most importantly, continuously test yourself. Retrieving information helps students store the information better, making it more accessible in the future. And remember, the harder it is to get it into your memory, the more likely we won't forget it.

“Finally, now more than ever before is the time to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and to remind yourself of those times when you were successful and what it took. Stay calm, stay positive and set the challenges of the year that follows aside,” concludes Rabson.

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WEALTH BUILDING

10 top tips for saving for your child’s education For many prospective parents, the burden of providing for a child’s education becomes more and more of a challenge as costs escalate and the general level of public school education appears to deteriorate. It is not uncommon for a public secondary school to charge an annual fee of R30 000. This is 150 000 over 5 years, not allowing for increases.

Nursery and primary education are no less expensive and parents wanting to ensure that their children receive the very best are going to have to dig deep to make financial provision for these expenses.

Here are some examples of what a degree will cost on a yearly basis: 1. Medicine (5 years): 52 000 per annum for 5 years escalating at 10% per annum – 317 465 (Fees only!)

2. Engineering (4 years): 45 000 per annum for 4 years escalating at 10% per annum – 208 845 (Fees only!)

So how do prospective and existing parents plan to provide for this essential part of their children’s upbringing?

Here are 10 helpful tips that will go a long way towards easing the burden.

1. Start putting aside funds from your child’s birth: You only have six years before the child commences school.

In these six years, you can build a substantial fund.

Remember that generally, the older the child gets, the more expensive the annual costs become.

2. Cutting your coat according to your cloth: It just may be unrealistic to save for primary, secondary and tertiary education. Remember that whilst Nursery and primary education are important, they provide the foundations for the important secondary and tertiary levels and there are excellent low cost alternatives for public primary and secondary schooling. It is a myth to say that there are NO good public schools – you just have to find them. Focus on putting together a sum for tertiary.

3.

Take advantage of Fundisa: This is a government sponsored, education savings scheme. Households earning less than R 180 000,00 per annum are eligible for this benefit, which is used to fund a child’s tertiary education.

4. There are a number of affordable, flexible investment vehicles on the market: The real magic is to decide on a disciplined approach to the challenge and set up a monthly debit order to assist you with the discipline and frequency of saving.

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5. Family Resources: encourage grandparents, godparents and other family members to add their contribution to the plan, in place of gifts at Christmas, birthdays and other events. Suggest to grand-parents and god-parents that the best legacy they can offer your children is a contribution to their education. This can even extend to a testamentary legacy in their Will and what a wonderful gesture that would be!

6. Growth Assets: Putting money in the bank is one thing, but interest rates do not realise the sort of growth that such a savings plan demands. A competent financial planner will advise you that the investment should be in assets that are going to grow and to this end, he will likely as not recommend something with growth potential without a very high risk. After all, if you start early enough, an Equity based investment linked to the JSE will ultimately reward you with an above average growth rate.

7. Invest in your own name: Whilst it is your child that will ultimately benefit from your prudent savings, it is your money and you should exercise whatever decisions that need to be taken to make it work for you.

8. Involve your child: Children need to be taught the value of money and the necessity to save for eventualities.

Involve them in the finances and show them what you are doing for them.

9. Take advice: History has shown that people who make use of a financial adviser do 25% better than those who do not.

10.Evaluate your plan: Circumstances change as the years go by and what was a good plan last year may be insufficient this year. Involve your financial planner in all aspects of your educational savings on a yearly basis.

The only real legacy you can provide for your children in order to help them through the challenges of life is a good education – make sure that you start early enough to ensure that this becomes a reality for them and for you.

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Get Time on your side: Start saving today for your Child’s Future

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To save enough, you need discipline, an appropriate plan and a suitable product. At the start of every new year, we feel the impact of the rising cost of our children’s education on our household budgets. And with education inflation surpassing general inflation of 4.7% at 9% this year, the future is unlikely to get easier.

The long-term solution? If you haven’t already, start saving today for your children’s education.

For many prospective parents, the burden of providing for a child’s education becomes more and more of a challenge as costs escalate and the general level of public school education appears to deteriorate. It is not uncommon for a public secondary school to charge an annual fee of R30 000.

This is 150 000 over 5 years, not allowing for increases.

Nursery and primary education are no less expensive and parents wanting to ensure that their children receive the very best are going to have to dig deep to make financial provision for these expenses.

Here are some examples of what a degree will cost on a yearly basis: Medicine (5 years) – 52 000 per annum for 5 years escalating at 10% per annum – 317 465 (Fees only!)

Engineering (4 years) – 45 000 per annum for 4 years escalating at 10% per annum – 208 845 (Fees only!)

So how do prospective and existing parents plan to provide for this essential part of their children’s upbringing?

Here are 10 helpful tips that will go a long way towards easing the burden.

01. Start putting aside funds from your child’s birth – you only have six years before the child commences school.

In these six years, you can build a substantial fund.

Remember that generally, the older the child gets, the more expensive the annual costs become.

02. Cutting your coat according to your cloth – it just may be unrealistic to save for primary, secondary and tertiary education. Remember that whilst Nursery and primary education are important, they provide the foundations for the important secondary and tertiary levels and there are excellent low cost alternatives for public primary and secondary schooling. It is a myth to say that there are NO good public schools – you just have to find them. Focus on putting together a sum for tertiary.

03. Take advantage of Fundisa – this is a government sponsored, education savings scheme. Households earning less than R 180 000,00 per annum are eligible for this benefit, which is used to fund a child’s tertiary education.

04. There are a number of affordable, flexible investment vehicles on the market The real magic is to decide on a disciplined approach to the challenge and set up a monthly debit order to assist you with the discipline and frequency of saving.

05. Family Resources – encourage grandparents, godparents and other family members to add their contribution to the plan, in place of gifts at Christmas, birthdays and other events. Suggest to grand-parents and god-parents that the best legacy they can offer your children is a contribution to their education. This can even extend to a testamentary legacy in their Will and what a wonderful gesture that would be!

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06. Growth Assets – Putting money in the bank is one thing, but interest rates do not realise the sort of growth that such a savings plan demands. A competent financial planner will advise you that the investment should be in assets that are going to grow and to this end, he will likely as not recommend something with growth potential without a very high risk. After all, if you start early enough, an Equity based investment linked to the JSE will ultimately reward you with an above average growth rate.

07. Invest in your own name – Whilst it is your child that will ultimately benefit from your prudent savings, it is your money and you should exercise whatever decisions that need to be taken to make it work for you.

08. Involve your child – Children need to be taught the value of money and the necessity to save for eventualities.

Involve them in the finances and show them what you are doing for them.

09. Take advice – history has shown that people who make use of a financial adviser do 25% better than those who do not.

10. Evaluate your plan – Circumstances change as the years go by and what was a good plan last year may be insufficient this year. Involve your financial planner in all aspects of your educational savings on a yearly basis.

The only real legacy you can provide for your children in order to help them through the challenges of life is a good education – make sure that you start early enough to ensure that this becomes a reality for them and for you.

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BUSARY INFORMATION

How to apply for a bursary for 2017 For those of you who are not sure of what a bursary program is, how you can apply as well as what you can gain from such a program, here is a quick look at it all.

Bursaries are sponsorships given by companies to qualifying students to study further and achieve a great qualification for better work opportunities and a decent future.

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What is a Bursary?

A bursary is basically a study program that is financially aided for by someone else or a company. This means that funds are made available by a company for a student who wants to study further and who qualifies can do so but moreover need the financial assistance to do this. The company then pays the fees of such a learner to complete their studies and gain a higher qualification.

Some bursary programs do however require the candidate to ‘work back’ the bursary amount after successful completion of their studies, but not all bursaries have this requirement.

Most undergraduate bursary programs mainly aim to add to a student’s funding but some also supply complete funding’s to deserving candidates.

Who Benefits From A Bursary?

Well to put it bluntly everyone who needs funding and deserves to study further!

A candidate must ensure that all criteria is met for the requirements as not to waste their and the companies time.

How To Get Access To A Bursary?

Firstly you would need to decide upon the career you would like to pursue and then have a look at bursaries in that line.

Most bursary programs have specific requirements that needs to be met so have a look at the companies that offers bursaries in your chosen career path and see if you are a fit for their needs.

There are a wide range of bursaries available and if you cannot find a suitable one on this site, do not give up. Do a search on the internet, talk to family and friends and find out which companies might be able to offer you a bursary that suits your needs.

Make sure you also do the following: Complete the application completely, do not leave any open spaces, thus ensuring you provide sufficient information about yourself, your future plans and how you can benefit the company.

Student: Candidates receive the opportunity to study without paying Candidates will receive great qualifications

Never submit late as this will automatically disqualify you for the bursary.

Employer: Gains expertly skilled employees

If you are not in financial distress it will be picked up as all financials have to be submitted and bursaries are mainly for aid of the financially strained.

Gains employees that can do what is required with less supervision Gains a workforce that is knowledgeable

Keep it real when asked for a yearly spending budget do not try and get more than really required as it may end in you not qualifying for the bursary.

Industry: The skilled and professional workforce gains strength

Be honest and open about the available resources you do have as it will improve your chances of gaining a bursary.

Develop a work force that is of world-class values Gains a competitive edge in the global marketplace

How Do Bursaries Work?

To do a specific work according to set standards one need a great education and if this is not possible due to financial strain a bursary is the answer.

Bursaries and scholarships are not the same and this should be understood. A scholarship only covers the study fees and is based solely on merit whereas a bursary mostly include study fees as well as book fees, living allowances, pocket money and in some cases a guarantee of work after successful completion of studies. Bursaries are also mostly awarded on merit and the need for financial aid thus they are sponsored by companies.

If there is a working arraignment tied to a bursary and after completion of studies a student decides that they want to work for a different company this can be done by paying back the fees of the bursary in most cases. A student should however discuss this with the company involved.

Who Qualifies To Apply For A Bursary?

In most cases bursaries are made available for students who are in need of financial aid and shows that they are dedicated to study further. It is recommended that a student only applies for a bursary that they will qualify for. Bursaries are made available to all students in need thus if one wishes to apply they should ensure that all the requirements are met and all information is forwarded in time.

Each bursary has different terms and conditions and candidates ought to carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding to apply or accept. It is recommended to do a thorough search before applying and compare different bursaries and what they offer so that one applies to a suitable bursary.

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Bursary Application Letter Bursary is the treasury kept aside for the utilized for funding the students who cannot pay the educational fees of the institutions. Asking for bursary funds is like asking for the help so the letter should be so drafted in polite words showing the sincerity and the willingness to study and make the fruitful use the funds received. <Addressee name and address> <Date> Subject: Bursary application letter.

Dear Mr. XYZ, I would like to inform you of my intention to apply for a bursary aid to assist me in my educational development.

I am currently enrolled in your school taking Bachelor of Science Major in Accounting Management. I am now at my sophomore years in college however my financial resources are keeping me out for educational opportunities.

Should I be given the chance to be a recipient of your bursary program, I am very glad to accept it and pledge to do my very best to exceed your expectations to me. I also wish to give honor to our school by maintaining my educational status and by excelling in some fields of education.

I am hoping that this will merit your preferential attention.

Thank you.

Yours Truly, <Your Name>

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ADVICE

5 TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR EXAMS 1 Don’t waste time Prioritising daily activities is the first step to effective time management.

2 Schedule time to schedule time Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your time plan.

3 Set deadlines Being a successful student is all about being a good time manager.

Assess your situation, and then set realistic and achievable deadlines.

4

Use your downtime Plan to spend your downtime engaged in thoughts, activities and conversations aimed at exam prep. Often study-related problems are solved not when one is sitting at a desk.

5

Reward yourself Time management skills are there to make your day easier.

When you accomplish something – celebrate it, and enjoy the moment! Take some time off – just keep it healthy.

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Tips on how to prepare for examinations These exam tips are provided by UJ educator Dr Chris Tisdell, the author of “Engineering Mathematics: YouTube Workbook”.

Do exams make you nervous? Are you worried about failing or under-performing? It doesn’t need to be this way.

As an aspiring global educator, students from all around the world regularly ask me about what I believe are the most effective study habits. The following 7 tips have been designed for you to SUCCEED when studying for examinations.

Spend time everyday working on the subject matter Devoting time periods each day for study means that frequent learning advancements will occur organically. Learning almost any subject (engineering, mathematics, economics, psychology) can be compared to learning languages – if you don’t regularly “use” it, then you’ll lose it. Spending regular time reading, writing, thinking and researching each day will also get you into good organisational habits.

Understand via questioning When revising material, ask yourself questions that facilitate understanding. For example, if you are reading a section within a book, then ask yourself: “What are the main points / ideas of this section?”; “What is the author trying to tell me?”; “Why does the conclusion follow from the premise?” This will develop critical reasoning and enable you to summarise the section in your own words and style.

Concentrate for no longer than 50 minutes Giving yourself regular breaks is an essential part of effective studying, as a break will freshen the mind and relieve stress.

My advice is to study for no longer than 50 minutes before taking a 10 minute break. The break might involve a drink or snack to keep your energy up.

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Consider simple cases first Many people learn a new idea most effectively by starting with simple and introductory examples, rather than general and abstract theories. Get your confidence up by trying to understand a basic case of a more general idea. By moving from the simple to the more abstract, you’ll master different levels of knowledge and detail, logically progressing to comprehending the ideas deeply.

Examine past test papers If a subject’s syllabus does not change much from year to year, then it is a good idea to locate past test papers for the subject and to study them carefully. Complete as many as you can.

What kinds of questions have been asked in previous years?

Not only will this familiarise yourself with subject-matter, but it will also give you a guide on what questions teachers have found important over the years, plus it will inform you on what level of details in answers / solutions are required.

Engage with the material to help the learning process A positive attitude can go a long way to break down mental barriers to learning. Try to stay positive when studying seemingly tedious or dry material. If certain content seems irrelevant or downright boring then ask yourself, or your teacher, how the ideas can be motivated and contextualised.

Don’t give up: You can do it!!

If you persevere with sustained and strategic study habits, building confidence along the way, then you’ll SUCCEED in your examinations. You can do it!!

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JOB ADVICE

8 things you should know before starting a part-time job Are you applying for a part-time or a summer job? Already got one? Before you start, you should know the benefits and obligations of having a job. Here are 8 things you should know before getting started.

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1) How old do I have to be to get a job?

7) Is my workplace safe?

You need to be 14. If you're under 18 years old, you can't work during school hours unless the job is part of your school program. If you're unsure if there is a minimum age requirement for the place you want to work.

Your boss has to make sure your workplace is safe. You also have a number of rights and responsibilities including:

2) Can I work wherever I want?

No. Only in places that are not dangerous like offices, stores, arenas and restaurant serving areas.

After turning 16 years old, you can work in factories (other than logging operations), restaurant kitchens and warehouses.

Right to take part in health and safety training and safety programs Right to know about possible dangers you may be face at your job Right to say no to unsafe work and the responsibility to follow safety rules

At 21, you can work in construction, surface mines (except for where the minerals are extracted), logging operations and mining plants.

A workplace accident could cause an injury or worse. Every day in SA, an average of nearly 50 young workers are injured or killed on the job. Think of it. That's 2 teens every hour and it's often because of what they didn't know.

Jobs like underground mining and window cleaning are only for teens 18 and older.

If you believe that you're working in a dangerous place call the Department of Labour.

3) How much do I get paid? What is the minimum wage?

R2000.00.

You may get a student minimum wage which is R1500.30.

This applies if you are under 18 and work up to 28 hours a week when school is in session or work during a school holiday. There are also specific wages for liquor servers, hunting and fishing guides, home-workers and farmers.

4) Do I get breaks?

Eating Break You should get a 30-minute eating break for every five hours that you work in a row. If you and your boss agree, you can take the break in two parts.

"Coffee" Breaks Your employer doesn't have to give you "coffee" breaks.

Both eating and "coffee" breaks can be paid and/or unpaid depending on your employer. Ask your boss before you start your job.

5) Do I have to work on holidays?

8) How do I avoid getting hurt on my job?

You have to work on holidays if you're working at:

Protect yourself at work by following these 7 tips for staying safe:

hotel, motel and tourist resorts restaurants and taverns hospitals or nursing homes workplaces that need continuous support such as alarm companies If you are not doing any of those jobs, you may take the following nine public holidays off and still get paid.

But you can always voluntarily agree to work on those days.

6) Do I get vacation pay?

You have the right to get at least two weeks of vacation with pay after each 12 months of being at your job, even parttime. Your vacation pay will be at least 4 per cent of the total wages you earned. The 4 per cent doesn't include wages earned from vacation pay, tips and gifts. It is usually paid when you take your vacation or it could be added to your regular paycheque.

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Follow the rules and get the training to know what to do in an emergency.

Be supervised and make sure that someone is watching over you.

Wear the safety gear and use them properly.

Identify risks or hazards and report unsafe work practices to your supervisor.

If you're hurt, no matter how minor, tell your boss and let your family know.

Say no if a task is too much for you.

Never assume. If you don't know, ask!

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LOVE ADVICE

by: Nandi Khumalo

Tips For A Successful High School Relationship It seems as though every teenager in today's age is always looking for love. As a senior in a public high school, and as a person that has spent almost 12 years of my life in the public school system, I can confidently make that statement. Not everyone is looking, but 99 percent of kids are.

It has always made me wonder, "Why is everyone in need of a boyfriend/girlfriend?" and "Why can't more people just be happy without having to have someone else?" The second one especially, because I have never seen a faithful relationship in high school last more than a year.

Young relationships always are so great in the beginning, but it always seems to end up with a lot of fighting and bickering. Why spend all of that time fighting with someone, when you can be productive doing something and being happy? It befuddles me, and I see it time and time again.

However, because we are young we are always going to be on the look-out for someone of the opposite sex that makes us happy. Someone that can make us laugh and smile, and someone that we can make memories with. It shouldn't have to end with fighting and bickering, so here are some helpful tips for making a successful relationship.

First, it is key to find someone whose maturity is on the same level as yours. If you are a quiet and shy person it probably isn't going to work out dating the loud, class clown.

The same goes for someone who likes to think about their future. If the only thing you care about is what you're going to be doing on Friday night, dating someone who is worried about their life past high school just isn't going to work.

Second, you have to have someone whose interests are the same as yours. This basically goes without saying, but I have seen many times where people do not follow this one. If you're a girl who plays in the orchestra and is in the drama club, dating the quarterback and star pitcher on the baseball team probably isn't going to mesh real well.

As we are maturing and beginning to become more round people, we think that we can overlook the interests that don't line up, and focus on the ones that do. But, you're still a teenager and you have the amount of wisdom of a teenager.

Don't set yourself up for failure.

Third, do not let your relationship play out on social media.

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We live in a society where there is Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, among many others. Posting pictures and statues every now and then is okay, but constantly bombarding your followers and friends with your relationship isn't going to make them happy, and can easily lead to an argument with your boyfriend/girlfriend or possibly a breakup. Keep social media out of your relationship.

Fourth, you each need to learn how to compromise. This isn't a quality that comes easy with being young. We want what we want for the reasons that we want it, and normally if we don't get it, we aren't going to be too happy. Not having compromise normally leads to arguments, and at our age, arguments lead to breakups. Find some middle ground and be happy that your significant other is happy.

Fifth, you need to learn to pick and choose your battles. All the time, things happen in life that will frustrate and upset us, but sometimes you really have to stop and think if it's really worth getting upset about or making a big deal over.

You need to think before you act. If you don't, you'll normally find yourself beating yourself up because you wish you would have thought before you acted. Keep calm and think everything through.

Sixth, do not let temptation get to you. There is an old adage that goes, "Once a cheater, always a cheater." It hasn't let me down yet. Don't cheat on someone, period. If you do, you will end up with a bad rap, and no one else with any self-respect will want to date you. If you believe you will ever be tempted to cheat, just stay away from relationships.

These are just some of the thing you must do in order to have a healthy high school relationship. Young relationships are always fun when you're young, but they are often building the foundation of your abilities to handle situations later in life, especially when you're ready to settle down and find a spouse. Learn while you're young, so you're not questioning yourself 20 years down the road as to why no relationship of yours works out.

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MONEY ADVICE

by: Vuyo Ngavu

30 Money Saving Tricks for Students

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Do you have fine wine tastes on a cheap beer budget? It’s ok – most college students are living on a budget. If not, they’re likely students getting themselves into a cycle of debt. While neither is fun or easy, you can become smarter about the way you spend your money. Keep in mind that the key to financial success is being aware of how you’re spending your money.

Also, know that there’s a difference between being cheap and having spending savvy. There’s nothing wrong with living within your means, rather than beyond. Stretch your dollar further with the following money-saving tips.

01. Buy or rent used textbooks and sell last semester’s books back.

02. Don’t make impulse purchases.

03. Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.

19. Take advantage of what your campus has to offer in terms of activities, rather than spending money on going out. Many campuses have an array of museums, offer movie nights and other social events for cheaper or, sometimes, for free.

20. Skip expensive spring break and summer trips – look into alternatives, like volunteering, instead.

04. Limit the number of times you eat out monthly.

05. Cut out vices – smoking and binge drinking are terrible for you and expensive.

06. Always pay bills on time to avoid late fees.

21. Wait to get a pet until after college – a pet can become very expensive. Not only do you have another mouth to feed, but veterinary bills are costly. If you love animals, there are plenty of shelters that need volunteers.

07. If you have a credit card, pay it off as quickly as possible.

(It’s good to establish credit, but a bad credit score follows you everywhere.)

08. Walk, use public transportation or ride a bike instead of having a car.

09. Live with others so you can split rent and utilities.

10. Cut out expensive cable packages you don’t need.

11. Consider more basic phone packages and plans or plans that include unlimited texting with free incoming calls 12. Don’t buy the most expensive college meal plans. Figure out what you actually consume and get the correlating package.

13. Shop where they offer student discounts. There are so many places that offer discounts to students with a school ID. 14. Look into a campus gym versus a gym in town. Many colleges offer memberships for free or at a reduced rate for students.

15. When planning meals, make dinner with friends and split the cost of groceries. Often times, you’ll be cooking too much for one person anyway!

16. Sell what you no longer use or need. There are plenty of stores and web sites, like Gumtree, where you can sell your used clothing, furniture or tech items.

17. Don’t buy unnecessary school supplies. Why buy cumbersome notebooks when you can type on your laptop? It’s better for the earth anyway!

18. Don’t buy books you will only need for a short period of time – check them out from the library instead.

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22. Go to class. You’re paying for it and skipping is like throwing money out the window!

23. Drink water. It’s free and better for you, anyway.

24. Make your own coffee. While coffee shops are convenient, they charge hefty prices that really add up over time.

25. Open a savings account that earns interest. Credit unions have fewer fees and are great for students.

26. Never take out a loan for anything that’s unrelated to your education.

27. Don’t buy music. Use the free services like Spotify or Pandora offer.

28. Look into class requirements and the options for testing out of classes. Why pay for a class you could easily test out of?

29. Consider becoming a resident advisor. Many get free room and board.

30. Avoid buying name brand items. Purchase generic items whenever possible. They are exactly the same item, at a highly reduced price. You can even check the ingredients to make sure!

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DEBT MANAGEMENT

by: Fatima Naidoo

Paying Off Your Student Debt: Tips From Someone Who Did It

I interviewed Amanda Mpshe, a recent graduate of Wits University Studies master’s program and no stranger to student debt, for her advice on how to quickly repay a loan.

You recently paid off one of your loans, right?

Yes, I am proud to report that I finished paying back my NFSAS – a total sum of R68,500 – this last year. It took several months of penny-pinching to make it happen, but the interest rates were quite high so I made paying it off a priority. It felt amazing to make that final payment!

I still have a student line of credit to pay off and I expect it will take me some time, but I’m doing what I can to speed up the process.

That’s quite an accomplishment! How did you manage to pay off your NFASAS just one year after finishing your master’s?

Well, there are lots of things that helped me. For starters, I gathered my student loan statements to make sure I knew exactly how much I owed and how much interest I was being charged. It was a little painful at the beginning but I really recommend it. It helped me to prioritize which loan I wanted to tackle first and was a powerful motivator – interest can add up quickly and I wanted to pay as little of it as possible.

I also used the no-interest grace period (the six or eight month window after graduation before you have to start paying back what you borrowed, supposedly while you are

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looking for work) to make as many payments as possible so that my balance was a bit lower when the interest kicked in.

I imagine that you used a budget to keep you on track? How can students and recent grads use a budget to help them pay off their loan?

Absolutely, having a budget really helped me to stay organized. My advice to anyone in debt would be to look at your bank account every day, because knowing exactly how much you have in the bank (or rather how little) will make you less inclined to spend. You’ll also be more likely to notice any small, unwanted fees charged by the bank and mistakes charged to your credit card. Plus it can help you to budget because you’ll always be aware of how much you’re spending on housing, transportation, food, bills, personal care, etc., on a monthly basis.

I also suggest including a repayment goal in your budget.

Aim moderately low for the first month to see if you can reach your goal; if you do, re-evaluate and increase the amount slightly. Continue doing this for three or four months and you should get a pretty good sense of how much you can realistically forward towards your loan. During months where you have a bit of extra cash on hand, or if you want to challenge yourself, try to pay back your goal and then some.

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How did you make sure you were meeting your repayment goal? Do you have any moneysaving strategies?

I learned a few great ways to save money while paying back my NFASAS. For example, I always bring my lunch to work, which easily saves me up to R500 per week and doesn’t mean any extra work for me. I simply make extra of whatever I’m having for dinner and I pack up the leftovers for the next day. I also do my best to control myself at my neighbourhood coffee shop – if you’re an addict like me, try cutting back by just one day a week, then two, until gradually that morning coffee from Starbucks is an occasional treat instead of a habit. And when you do head to the coffee shop, bring your own reusable mug to shave a few cents off your final cost.

Beyond that I make use of consignment shops on a regular basis as a way to make a bit of extra money outside of work.

I take the clothes I don’t wear anymore (that are still in good condition) to a store in my area to see if they’ll sell them for me. Although I don’t make anywhere near what I originally paid, it’s a bit of extra cash for items I don’t really wear anymore. Plus, it’s a great way to de-clutter.

Those are great tips! What other advice can you share with other students who are also trying to pay down their debt?

I recommend signing up for a credit card that has a cash-back rewards program (instead of a points or air miles program) so that you get a portion of what you spend back once per year. It’s usually only about 1% but it’s extra money in your

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pocket that you can put towards your loan or use for other things to minimize your spending. Just be sure that you’re paying your credit card bills on time throughout the year, otherwise the interest you’ll accrue will far outweigh what you’re earning through the rewards program.

Anyone in debt should also talk to their bank about their repayment goals, since an advisor may be able to offer suggestions or make sure you have the best bank account for your needs (e.g. one with a higher interest rate or no minimum balance). If you’re still a student, your bank can also make sure that you’re being charged student rates for debit transactions and cheques, etc.

Lastly, I really recommend two books that taught me about taking control of my finances: The Wealth Chef by Ann Wilson and The Smart Cookies’ Guide to Making More Dough and Getting Out of Debt, which is a great read for women in particular. What I realized after graduating is that we’re not really taught about how to be smart with our money – there’s no class that teaches you how to be financial responsible, even though it’s such an important skill for everyone to have. So I encourage others like myself to take the initiative and learn what they need to know. I liked these books because they’re simple and easy-to-understand, which is perfect for “beginners” who are intimidated by the world of money management like I was a year ago.

The bottom line: paying off a student loan can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to control your life. These tips will help you to start living debt-free, fast… at least until you take out a mortgage to buy your first home.

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BOOKS ADVICE

by: Sally Young

Buying Textbooks For School?

Here’s What You Need To Know.

Purchasing textbooks can be pretty stressful. Depending on your program, one book can set you back a couple hundred dollars and yet, if you don’t purchase the course’s required text, you risk jeopardizing your marks. When you add in the fact that there are many different types of textbooks to choose from, that shopping trip becomes even more daunting.

Unsure of your textbook type? Here are a few questions to ask yourself so you can pick the perfect one.

Should you buy a new or used textbook?

The answer really depends on your personal financial situation. Whether the textbook is new or used really has no impact on its content. If you can afford new textbooks, by all means purchase new textbooks. If you want to save a little bit of money, used textbooks are definitely the way to go. Keep in mind that if you’re going to sell the textbooks afterwards, new textbooks, if they’re in a nice condition, are often easier to sell.

You may want to consider whether there are any markings on the pages. If you are the type of student who highlights their textbooks and writes notes in the margins, you should avoid purchasing textbooks that have already been written in. The previous owner’s annotations may conflict with what you want to highlight and mark. On the other hand, if you don’t care about markings, then these used textbooks are often cheaper than ones that have not been written in.

Should you buy a physical textbook or an e-textbook?

Laptops and tablets have increasingly become indispensable tools for today’s students. The idea of e-textbooks is appealing because physical copies are so heavy and a mobile device can store multiple e-textbooks without any additional weight. The cost of an e-textbook is definitely less than that of a physical edition, but there are some disadvantages.

First, you don’t technically own the e-textbook: it’s not a freely accessible file like a PDF that you can copy or send to friends. Some sellers will give you a unique access code (that is only good for a certain period of time) so you have to go to their website and enter this code every time you want to access the book contents. Other sellers, like Amazon, allow you to purchase the digital copy but you can only read it with their proprietary technology, such as the Kindle app. In both cases, you cannot resell your e-textbook because your access is expired or because the purchase is linked to your personal account.

If you are still interested in purchasing an e-textbook, start with purchasing the e-textbook for one of your courses (and use physical copies for the rest of your courses). It is important to have this trial period to see if you can study as well using a e-textbook as you do with a physical textbook.

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Some students dislike using e-textbooks because they’re reading them on mobile devices so it’s easy to get distracted by email notifications, games, YouTube, etc. It will take time for you to adjust your study style to e-textbooks. After this trial period, evaluate how well you learned using a digital textbook and then decide whether you want to purchase any more e-textbooks.

At this moment, it seems that e-textbooks have more disadvantages than advantages. Purchasing a physical textbook is recommended, although if you really want to use an e-textbook, purchase it for an elective course.

Should you buy or rent a textbook?

This question is only applicable if your school’s bookstore offers you the option of renting a textbook. If they do, find out all the details.

Are you allowed to highlight the pages, make notes? Will you be penalized if you damage the book in some way (for example, coffee stains, cracked spines, etc.)? You want to ask these questions to see if you can treat the textbook as if it were your own for the rental period of time.

Determine exactly how much renting a textbook is going to cost you. Take into consideration not just the rental cost over the period of time you need the textbook for, but also check to see if there are any penalties for damage or for late returns!

Add all those possible fees together and if this overall cost is almost the cost of a textbook, then you are better off buying the textbook. That way, you can sell the textbook afterwards to recoup some of your money.

Renting a textbook is ideal in situations where the rental fee is much lower than the cost of buying a textbook and if the textbook is for an elective course and will likely never be used in your studies again. Otherwise, you should consider purchasing your own copy.

A textbook is a major investment whether you rent, buy, or download. Take a second to ask yourself these questions to ensure you pick the right option for you.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

by Phinah Ramalepe

What Are the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle in School?

Eat smart and be smart! This, and other factors may make you a more successful student. By making healthy decisions, you increase your effectiveness and efficiency in and out of the classroom. Diet, exercise, rest and other factors influence your ability to learn and perform, both intellectually and physically.

Nutrition Eating a balanced diet gives your brain the energy it needs to function properly. By eating small meals at regular intervals, there are fewer fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Many students, especially at the high school and college level, eat too many processed and fast foods. Also, most soda and caffeinated beverages contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup and other high-caloric contents that are contraindicated in a healthy diet plan.

Exercise Exercise increases blood flow to all areas of the body, especially the brain. Physical activity decreases the incidence of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, allowing greater ability to focus on the educational tasks at hand. Also,

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by maintaining a healthy body mass index, or BMI, you are less prone to many diseases that can rob your body of energy consumption such as diabetes.

Sleep Rest is a required component in a healthy lifestyle. One of the challenges of a busy course load is finding the time to fit it all in. Time management must include budgeting time for adequate sleep. According to the Student Health Services at the Oregon State University, college students report at least two times the amount of sleep issues as everyone else. Sleep deprivation hinders the ability to focus, decreased recall, as well as increases stress and depression. Ensure that your sleep is of adequate length and quality as well. Seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep are recommended.

Choose Friends Wisely Choose a healthy social outlet. Fellowship and camaraderie are important factors in the growth and development of school age children and young adults. Unfortunately, alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, and illicit drug abuse may be prevalent in this setting. Not falling victim to peer pressure, and more importantly, choosing your friends wisely, will decrease unnecessary problems caused from poor decisions.

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STUDY TIPS

by: Fatima Naidoo

High school study tips: Three steps to Better Grades!

There are many benefits to getting good grades in high school. High marks can help you get into your ideal college or qualify for scholarships that require academic excellence. Read on for three key tips to help you study better and improve your grades.

Step 1: What Motivates You? Do you want to attend a prestigious university, or do you thrive in competitive situations? Think about the factors that motivate you to perform at an academically high level, and set realistic goals that are challenging but attainable. A few ideas for academic goals include finishing every reading assignment before class, getting straight As in every class for one semester, pursuing extra credit assignments or keeping your grade point average above a certain level.

Rewarding yourself is a great way to stay motivated. Rewards can include buying something for yourself or even going out to dinner with friends. You might even involve your parents as accountability partners who reward you for academic success.

Despite the challenges you may encounter, such as difficult assignments or a low quiz grade, remember to stay committed.

Instead of having a pity party when things go south, chart a path for future success and take action.

physical or digital calendar. Set timelines for short- and longterm goals and due dates for school work. Make sure to leave space for extracurricular activities and socializing.

Keeping your study space neat can help you concentrate and make it easier to find important textbooks and notes. This also applies to your notebooks and binders: Organize your notes by class and date in a system that you find intuitive and efficient.

Step 3: Develop Good Study Habits Not only will the study habits you develop now improve your high school grades, they will carry you into college and beyond. Follow these basic tips and watch your work improve: • Attend class regularly and arrive on time • Review assigned readings and notes before each class • Complete assignments in advance - don't procrastinate!

• Tackle larger projects in manageable increments

Step 2: Stay Organized Being organized is an important component of academic success. You can manage your time efficiently by getting a

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• Allow ample study time to avoid cramming the night before a big exam

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LIFE ADVICE

by: Themba Nodumo

STOP BULLYING Have you ever been called funny names that you did not like at school? Have you ever been repeatedly laughed at by someone or a group of kids, or a gang in your class in a way that makes you sad? What about repeated threats and even physical abuse by someone for some reason? Probably. It is estimated that about 20% of all kids are bullied in school at any time, and about half have experienced bulling at some point before.

Bullying… what is that?

Bullying is when someone keeps doing or saying things to have power over you. This includes calling you stupid names, saying or writing nasty things about you, leaving you out of activities, not talking to you, threatening, making you feel uncomfortable or scared, taking or damaging your things, hitting or kicking you, or making you do things you don't want to do.

No doubt, this can make you feel very unhappy, afraid, uncomfortable, depressed, hurt and alone. It can negatively affect your performance in class.

Research shows that bullying has three main ingredients: Aggressive behavior: Physical or verbal attack intended to cause bodily harm or cause shame Imbalance of Power: The person bullying is stronger, more popular and able to do overpower the victim in many ways Repetition: The behavior re-occurs often, leaving the victim scared of another attack soon again.

Others include spreading lies (or even or truths about something bad you did) 4. Cyber, Internet or Online: This includes people using the Internet to send you dirty, embarrassing and dangerous messages, intended to cause problems for you.

Why do some people bully others?

Below are a few reasons why bullies behave the way they do: > People can direct frustrations, hurt, anger and difficulty at home or in class to you by bullying. > Lack of attention from friends, parents or teachers can make a person bully you, just to feel popular and seen as ‘tough’ or ‘cool’ and in charge. > Some kids have learned bullying from others (parents, brothers or sisters, friends).They have seen them getting their way by being angry or pushing other people around.

They believe that by putting fear in you, they will have the best shot at everything in school or in your neighbourhood.

Bullying could come in any of these four ways:

> Some people also do that because they are victims themselves.

1. Physical: This includes threatening, or actually doing the action of hitting, kicking, pushing, and any other physical harm. Others include stealing, hiding or destroying your belongings. Sometimes, you are forced to do things you don’t want to do.

> Bad up-bringing at home can make people insensitive to other people's feelings and emotions. They are happy to see their classmate depressed, sad and hurt.

2. Verbal: This includes calling you names, poking fun at you, teasing, people giggling, insulting and laughing at you each time they see you.

3. Relationship: This also includes people refusing to talk, share or allow you to join in games and play activities.

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> Watching a lot of violent films (movies and TV), and video games can make a person try out violent things. They usually try them out on people who appear smaller or weaker to them.

Why are people bullied?

Some people are easily picked on by bullies. Research shows that one out of every four school kids experience regular

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bullying of one type or another (this may vary from country to country). People may be picked on because of: Their size: too big, too thin, too short or too tall. > Skin colour: e.g.. only black in a white domination class (or the other way round), extreme skin colour from the rest of the class. > Special needs (or some kind of physical challenge): A disability of some sort (defective eyes, style of walking, tone of speech, body proportions) or even your name can be an issue. > Bad temper: People with bad temper are a great catch for bullies because it is easier for them to set them off and get them angry. > People who have no friends. > An embarrassing event you got involved with: People may laugh and tease you because of something you did, or your reaction to something, and never let go of the issue. They will bring it up at the slightest chance to shame you.

Looking at all the reasons above, you will notice that each of us fall short in some way. We all make mistakes. None is perfect. This is why we should never make fun, tease, or make people sad because of something they have no control of, or a mistake they make.

drop-outs. > Engage in early sexual activity and become vulnerable to child sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infections. > Bullies may become abusers toward their spouses and children.

TIP...

Don’t try to fight bullies or bully them back. It can easily escalate into violence and someone might get badly hurt. The way is to keep cool and tell an adult.

Tips to help prevent bullying!

Coping with bullying can be very difficult. First, understand that you are not the problem. The problem is the bully. Like everyone else in the class or school, you have the same rights to everything, including freedom and safety. Doing nothing might suggest to him that there is no problem. Be very firm and say it straight to his face that you do not like what he does. Act brave.

Sometimes you can ignore him to let him know that you really don’t care about his comments or insults to you.

Let us now see why bullying can be dangerous.

Below are a few more tips that can help.

Effects of Bullying

Try to avoid the bully.

Somehow, people think bullying is a part of life, a part of growing up and an opportunity to stand up for yourself. Some kids naturally will not accept being bullied, and will stand against it. Others are not that brave and will crumble at it.

They end up feeling lonely, unhappy and frightened. It can make them lose confidence and interest in school. These effects are also signs that kids may exhibit when being abused by bullies.

If you have to go to a place (bathroom, canteen, games room, locker room) where you may meet the bully, try going with a friend. Do not go alone. Try to make friends with those who use the bus, hallway or waiting room so you can move with them.

Bullying has effects on people – both the victim and person doing it (the bully). Let us see how: THE VICTIM > Kids who are bullied can lose interest in school. They may suffer physical injuries and mental health issues. > They may suffer depression and anxiety. They look sad and lonely. They suffer eating and sleep disorders and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. > Kids begin to perform poorly in academic work. Some end up dropping out of school. > There has been media reports on extreme cases where victims end up committing suicide (killing themselves) or shooting in retaliation. Some people call this tragedy ‘Bullicide’. In the 1990’s about 70% of school shooting were bully-retaliation related.

THE BULLY Kids who bully tend to have violent behavior as well. If they are allowed to continue bullying, they may engage in risky and more violent behavior. They will take this to adulthood.

Bullies tend to: > Start alcohol and drugs abuse in adolescence and as adults. > Engage in fights and vandalism. Some end up as school

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Try to stay calm and be patient.

Bullies feel good when they are challenged or when you loose your temper. Ignore him and walk away. If he teases or laughs at you, try counting up to 10 slowly in your mind and head for the exit. This trick is great for temper control and you always come out stronger in the end.

Tell an adult.

Adults like your teacher, parent, school nurse, or even older friend can help. They usually have good advice and ways of ending that bully’s activities.

Make friends.

Bullies tend to pick on people who do things alone. Try and make friends with more than one person and try to move with them. There is always strength in numbers.

Look out for your friends.

Yes, that’s what real friends are for. If you see someone bullying another, you need to do something about it. There is a wise saying that goes “evil thrives when good people do nothing” If you feel you are strong enough to face him, you can tell him that what he is doing is wrong (Do not go and fight him, just make your point).You can also encourage the victim to report it and stand by him as a witness.

Remember that you should never do to others what you would not like others to do to you. This means you should stay well away from gangs and groups that gossip, laugh and kick others.

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PARENT'S GUIDE

Learn the Signs of Depression in Teens and How You Can Help Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and the occasional melancholy—it’s a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Teen depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, self-loathing and self-mutilation, pregnancy, violence, and even suicide.

But as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many ways you can help. Talking about the problem and offering support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track.

Understanding teen depression

> Sadness or hopelessness

There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self.

> Irritability, anger, or hostility

Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.

> Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Whether the incidences of teen depression are actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of them, the fact remains that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only one in five depressed teens receive help. Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.

> Lack of enthusiasm and motivation

Signs and symptoms of teen depression Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence.

With all this drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Making things even more complicated, teens with depression do not necessarily appear sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. For some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression, and rage are more prominent.

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> Tearfulness or frequent crying > Withdrawal from friends and family > Loss of interest in activities > Restlessness and agitation > Feelings of worthlessness and guilt > Fatigue or lack of energy > Difficulty concentrating > Thoughts of death or suicide If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.

The difference between teenage and adult depression Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teenagers than in their adult counterparts: • Irritable or angry mood: As noted above, irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.

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• Unexplained aches and pains: Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.

• Extreme sensitivity to criticism: Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure.

This is a particular problem for “over-achievers.”

• Withdrawing from some, but not all people: While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.

Effects of teen depression The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” or “act in” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain: • Problems at school: Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student.

• Running away. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help.

• Low self-esteem. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.

• Internet addiction. Teens may go online to escape their problems, but excessive computer use only increases their isolation, making them more depressed.

• Reckless behavior. Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.

• Violence. Some depressed teens—usually boys who are the victims of bullying—become violent. As in the case of the Columbine and Newtown school massacres, self-hatred and a wish to die can erupt into violence and homicidal rage.

Suicide warning signs in teenagers Seriously depressed teens often think about, speak of, or make "attention-getting" attempts at suicide. But an alarming and increasing number of teenage suicide attempts are successful, so suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very seriously.

For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater. Because of the very real danger of suicide, teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior. > Talking or joking about committing suicide > Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.” > Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”) > Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide CAREER CHOICE

> Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for the last time > Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves

Encouraging a depressed teen to open up If you suspect that a teenager in your life is suffering from depression, speak up right away. Even if you’re unsure that depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emotions you’re seeing in your teenager are signs of a problem.

Whether or not that problem turns out to be depression, it still needs to be addressed—the sooner the better. In a loving and non-judgmental way, share your concerns with your teenager. Let him or her know what specific signs of depression you’ve noticed and why they worry you. Then encourage your child to share what he or she is going through.

OFFER SUPPORT: Let depressed teenagers know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.

LISTEN WITHOUT LECTURING: Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk.

The important thing is that your child is communicating.

Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.

VALIDATE FEELINGS: Don’t try to talk your teen out of his or her depression, even if his or her feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness he or she is feeling. If you don’t, he or she will feel like you don't take his or her emotions seriously.

Getting treatment for teen depression Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don’t wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. If you see depression’s warning signs, seek professional help.

Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the family physician for a depression screening. Be prepared to give your doctor specific information about your teen’s depression symptoms, including how long they’ve been present, how much they’re affecting your child’s daily life, and any patterns you’ve noticed. The doctor should also be told about any close relatives who have ever been diagnosed with depression or other mental health disorders. As part of the depression screening, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of your child’s symptoms.

Seek out a depression specialist If there are no health problems that are causing your teenager’s depression, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in children and adolescents. Depression in teens can be tricky, particularly when it comes to treatment options such as medication. A mental health professional with advanced training and a strong background treating adolescents is the best bet for your teenager’s best care.

When choosing a specialist, always get your child’s input.

Teenagers are dependent on parents for making many of their health decisions, so listen to what they’re telling you.

No one therapist is a miracle worker, and no one treatment works for everyone. If your child feels uncomfortable or is just not ’connecting’ with the psychologist or psychiatrist, ask for a referral to another provider that may be better suited to your teenager.

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Don’t rely on medication alone Expect a discussion with the specialist you’ve chosen about treatment possibilities for your son or daughter. There are a number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, including one-on-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and medication.

Talk therapy is often a good initial treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. Over the course of therapy, your teen’s depression may resolve. If it doesn’t, medication may be warranted. However, antidepressants should only be used as part of a broader treatment plan.

Risks of teenage antidepressant use In severe cases of depression, medication may help ease symptoms. However, antidepressants aren’t always the best treatment option. They come with risks and side effects of their own, including a number of safety concerns specific to children and young adults. It’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks before starting your teen on medication.

Antidepressants and the teenage brain Antidepressants were designed and tested on adults, so their impact on the young, developing brains is not yet completely understood. Some researchers are concerned that the use of drugs such as Prozac in children and teens might interfere with normal brain development. The human brain develops rapidly in young adults, and exposure to antidepressants may impact that development—particularly the way the brain manages stress and regulates emotions.

Antidepressant suicide warning for teens Antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some teenagers. All antidepressants are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry a “black box” warning label about this risk in children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 24.

The risk of suicide is highest during the first two months of antidepressant treatment.

Certain young adults are at an even greater risk for suicide when taking antidepressants, including teens with bipolar disorder, a family history of bipolar disorder, or a history of previous suicide attempts.

Teenagers on antidepressants should be closely monitored for any sign that the depression is getting worse. Warning signs include new or worsening symptoms of agitation, irritability, or anger. Unusual changes in behavior are also red flags.

Supporting a teen through depression treatment As the depressed teenager in your life goes through treatment, the most important thing you can do is to let him or her know that you’re there to listen and offer support. Now more than ever, your teenager needs to know that he or she is valued, accepted, and cared for.

BE UNDERSTANDING: Living with a depressed teenager can be difficult and draining. At times, you may experience exhaustion, rejection, despair, aggravation, or any other number of negative emotions. During this trying time, it’s important to remember that your child is not being difficult on purpose. Your teen is suffering, so do your best to be patient and understanding.

ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Encourage your teenager to stay active. Exercise can go a long way toward

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relieving the symptoms of depression, so find ways to incorporate it into your teenager’s day. Something as simple as walking the dog or going on a bike ride can be beneficial.

ENCOURAGE SOCIAL ACTIVITY: Isolation only makes depression worse, so encourage your teenager to see friends and praise efforts to socialize. Offer to take your teen out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art class.

STAY INVOLVED IN TREATMENT: Make sure your teenager is following all treatment instructions and going to therapy. It’s especially important that your child takes any prescribed medication as instructed. Track changes in your teen’s condition, and call the doctor if depression symptoms seem to be getting worse.

The road to your depressed teenager’s recovery may be bumpy, so be patient. Rejoice in small victories and prepare for the occasional setback. Most importantly, don’t judge yourself or compare your family to others. As long as you’re doing your best to get your teen the necessary help, you’re doing your job.

Taking care of the whole family when one child is depressed As a parent dealing with teen depression, you may find yourself focusing all your energy and attention on your depressed child. Meanwhile, you may be neglecting your own needs and the needs of other family members. While helping your depressed child should be a top priority, it’s important to keep your whole family strong and healthy during this difficult time.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: In order to help a depressed teen, you need to stay healthy and positive yourself, so don’t ignore your own needs. The stress of the situation can affect your own moods and emotions, so cultivate your well–being by eating right, getting enough sleep, and making time for things you enjoy.

REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT: Get the emotional support you need. Reach out to friends, join a support group, or see a therapist of your own. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, helpless, or angry. The important thing is to talk about how your teen’s depression is affecting you, rather than bottling up your emotions.

BE OPEN WITH THE FAMILY: Don’t tiptoe around the issue of teen depression in an attempt to “protect” the other children. Kids know when something is wrong. When left in the dark, their imaginations will often jump to far worse conclusions. Be open about what is going on and invite your children to ask questions and share their feelings.

REMEMBER THE SIBLINGS: Depression in one child can cause stress or anxiety in other family members, so make sure “healthy” children are not ignored. Siblings may need special individual attention or professional help of their own to handle their feelings about the situation.

AVOID THE BLAME GAME: It can be easy to blame yourself or another family member for your teen’s depression, but it only adds to an already stressful situation. Furthermore, depression is normally caused by a number of factors, so it’s unlikely—except in the case of abuse or neglect—that any loved one is “responsible.”

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