FUTURES Interview with Kevin Reimer
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
REVIEW
What should YOU do postGrad?
CLEAN.
SLEEK. EYE CATCHING.
SCHOLAR. By Henry West
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Editors letter
Throughout our 13 years of schooling we are urged to think of our futures, it can go back to as early as kindergarten when we are asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” common answers include a police man, veterinarian or some other noble career. Now, 12 years later the answers have changed. You might hear “financially stable” or “a home owner” or just a simple “happy”. Times have changed and so have we, but how can we ensure that this stressful time of unknown answers, to questions we don’t want to hear, can end in successful, happy futures? That is why I have put together this magazine. To give you a guide to some of the most common issues high school graduates face. How you use it is up to you.
Enjoy!
This is book is aimed towards predominantly youth and young adults, though I believe it could be beneficial for many adults as well. It includes drawings, comics, quotes, short stories and quizzes to support the writer’s points and keep the reader engaged. This also keep the book to seem less like a “lecture” and more of a guide towards building a better future. Its topics range from physical health and hygiene to parent-child relationships. The text also tackles common teenage issues, such as eating disorders, difficult home circumstances, addictions, and teen pregnancy. Real life testimonies will help readers relate to other teens and stay interested. It proves how people have had success using Sean Coveys ideas. I can personally say that using some of these ideas such as planning ahead, budgeting, volunteering and networking and thinking about my future career have proven beneficial to me and my success as a student, employee and friend. As Covey states in his novel “Don’t wait for the perfect job to fall into your lap, go after it. Send out your Résu-
mé, network, volunteer to work for free”. If every student did those things before settling for a mediocre job I guarantee there would be a much higher success rate for young adults that are job searching. I would recommend this book for teens who have a difficult time planning and organizing their time/resources well and need some guidance on how to prioritize and finish important tasks.
Universities in North America California Institute of technology
This impressive post-secondary education option is located in Pasadena, California. The school features six academic divisions that include: •Biology & Biological Engineering •Chemistry & Chemical Engineering •Engineering & Applied Science •Geological & Planetary Sciences •Humanities & Social Sciences •Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy Though furthering your education in Cal-Tech’s 124 acre campus does have many benefits, such as studying in a world renowned science institution, it does come with a hefty price tag. The average cost of attendance comes in at approximately $65,874.00. Cal-Tech’s mission statement includes “to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education”
Harvard University You’ve probably heard of this option before. Acceptance to Harvard University may seem like an elusive goal, one only achieved by the most intense and hardworking students the world has to offer, and you would be right. Out of the 37,307 applicants for the coming years of Harvard education, only 2,080 were admitted. Hard work, determination and diligence are must have traits for any student reaching as high as this prestigious school. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was founded in 1636, making it the oldest university in the United States.
Stanford University Stanford boasts one of the largest campuses in the United States and like Harvard, comes with a high level of prestige. Established in 1885, Stanford University now includes 700 major university buildings and 40 departments. Stanford’s alumni have proven successful in all areas of business, politics, and many other areas the university finds important. The list of important people that have arose from Stanford’s program include the 31st president of the United States, 30 living billionaires, 17 astronauts, 18 Turing Award recipients and two Fields Medalists.
University of Toronto Finally! A Canadian University to add to the list. Located in vibrant Toronto, this university ranked top 10% in both teaching and research in 2016. Though their history of innovation and research goes back much farther than that, This is the university where stem cells were discovered, where insulin was first used to treat diabetes and these incredible advances in technology are still coming from this University. U of T has 85,000 students and 13,000 faculty members, and attracts students from all over the globe with its promises of vibrant courses and extracurricular activities that are often managed by the students.
John Hopkins University A world Leader in teaching and research,
John Hopkins University is the United States first Research University. After over 135 years this University is still keeping the same values and goals that their first president had in mind: “The encouragement of research . . . and the advancement of individual scholars, who by their excellence will advance the sciences they pursue, and the society where they dwell.” With 9 academic divisions and 21,000 students this school has remained a prestigious university among the many that North American houses. The topics that can be studied at John Hopkins range from Medicine to Mathematics.
Words of wisdom from
Throughout reading JK Rowling’s Harvard speech, I couldn’t help myself but to be completely taken by the wonderful advice she had for the graduating class of 2008. Her deep insights in what it means to be a young adult in modern society brings clarity and direction to the lives of anyone, even if they have no idea what career path they want to follow. She teaches of how you can have many passions and how to rebuild your life when you feel as though you have nothing to live for. She is a powerful business women, a loving mother, and a world famous author and philanthropist. But this book gives a look into her life that many before have not seen, she becomes approachable and “real” when she admits her own self-doubt and anxieties. Though money is the least of her worries now, she didn’t always have that luxury. Both of her parents came from impoverished backgrounds and never went to college, she states here that she believes “poverty itself is romanticized only by fools”. Her speech
focuses on two main topics: The benefits of failure and how to use it towards your advantage, and the power of imagination. “Failure meant stripping away of the inessential” Rowling reflects, looking back on her post-grad life, “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” She also focuses on empathy and the power within the human mind, touching on the danger of apathetic thinking. She urges graduates to use their education, resources, and empathy to give a voice to the voiceless. This book is a must read for any person looking for some wisdom and direction in their life, it is filled with interesting anecdotes of Rowling’s early years, while remaining a quick read, fast and to the point.
How to stay healthy your first year of Post-Secondary Schooling It’s your first year of college and your professors are grading you harder than any teacher has come to close to. You have exams coming up, and homework to do. There is no time to make something, and your stomach has been grumbling since the last set of notes you just wrote. What do you do? Grab something from the vending machine down the hall? Make yourself a steaming hot bowl of 79 cent ramen noodles?
Gaining 10-15 pounds in your first year of college is a common occurrence in North America. With a steady of stream of Fast Food available constantly and your new found freedom, it’s not hard to allow yourself to pack on the pounds. But it is completely avoidable with just a few smart decisions and a bit of preparation. We’ll start with what NOT to eat:
Ramen Noodles – These noodles are high in all things except the nutrients you need to function at your best self. With high levels of calories, fat, and sodium, eating these noodles on a regular basis will increase your chance of heart disease, obesity, and stroke. Not to mention all of the chemicals that are packed in as well.
Granola Bars – Though this snack is considered to be healthy by many, we need to look at the basic build of a common granola bar. Layers of chocolate, chocolate chips, and sugar. Are these really the “healthy” snack we want fueling our bodies?
Soda – This one doesn’t need much explanation, it’s incredibly high in sugar, and calories, yet offering no nutritional value.
You may be asking yourself, okay fine, I can’t have any of the easily accessible food I’m used to. What am I supposed to eat? The foods listed below will fill your body with the nutrients it will need for you to perform at your best for your next test.
Avocado Toast – Simply toast some bread and smear it with a fresh avocado for a filling snack that also improves brain function. It’s filled with healthy fat that is known to lower blood pressure, which is something you will probably need with the high stress college introduces. Cook time – 2 minutes
Whole Grains – Next time you need something super filling, eat a bowl of oatmeal. It’s filled with fiber that promotes good digestion. This hearty grain also reduces your risk for heart disease. Cook time – 1.5 minutes
Dark Chocolate – I get it, sometimes you need to get your junk food fix. Dark chocolate is the healthy way to do that. This is perfect for your late night studying sessions as it contains caffeine to give you that extra boost. It’s also rich in antioxidants and will keep your taste buds happy. Prep time – 0 mins
Now that we’ve gone over some healthy alternatives, let’s discuss why the “freshman 15” is so common. Stress. Post-Secondary School leaves many new students stressed out and looking for something that they can control, which is food. So while your diet is important, managing your stress levels can also have a considerable effect on your weight and overall health. Healthy ways to reduce stress are exercise, yoga and even writing in a journal. With following these Do’s and Don’ts your freshman year is sure to be at least a little bit less stressful!
Good Luck!
Career Exploration To better grasp what I wanted to do post high school I volunteered at two of my top career picks to see if I really knew what I was getting myself into. Read further if you want to find out how it went! Entry #1 Job: Educational Assistant in a Special Needs Area Today I worked a 2 hour “shift” at GVC life skills. Throughout this week of regular volunteering I have been given more independence and responsibility. Today in particular was great because I was able to fill one of regular EA’S responsibilities as she wasn’t at work today. This included working with a new student and my main task was to guiding and translating what was being said to
him due to the severe language barrier. After this I worked with a different student, helping them learn how to use a new program and assisting in her assignment for the day. I really enjoy volunteering here and the people I am working with make me feel like I part of a team and belong there. Seeing the students learn and understand new concepts makes me feel like I’m really making a difference. Entry #2 I’m glad that I am working in two different educational assistants fields. It has helped me compare and contrast the two jobs and which one fits my personality better. So far working in GVC life skills has been the most enjoyable job for me. I enjoy working with this age group better than younger years, even though volunteering in parkland has been rewarding as well. I could see myself being happy at either of these jobs. My favorite
part of working at both places is making connections with the students and staff members. It is a really rewarding feeling when you know the kids are learning and understanding something they may have otherwise decided was too difficult to try on their own. I have learned through both “jobs” that an EA needs to be flexible and quick to learn because throughout the day each student will have a different learning style and personality and learning to work with that is important to any job in the education field. Entry #3 I’m still enjoying both placements and received positive feedback from both. I feel like I have grown in being flexible with how my day is planned, something I used to struggle with. Class changes can happen for many reasons, such as an EA being sick and not being able to come in, or a student may be having their own issues that hinder their ability to concentrate in class. This in particular is important because in the EA handbook I received upon arrival there is a specific duty that says “Student needs come first and the task comes second”. So even though we are in school and are there to learn, the student still needs to feel safe and taken care of. Entry #4 My last day of volunteering at Parkland was yesterday, but I will continue to volunteer in Life Skills two times a week. I really enjoyed building relationships with students while still teaching them and helping them grow. A skill I feel has further developed in me is persistence. Often kids may become comfortable in their “Setbacks” and don’t want to go through the effort of learning and growing. Another thing I have learned is the importance of recreational therapy. Spending time with these students
and doing something they enjoy and makes them feel important can have very beneficial effects on their progress in class. I really enjoyed these jobs and will be applying for positions as soon as I graduate!
“Seeing the students learn and understand new concepts makes me feel like I’m really making a difference”.
with a GVC graduate and Northwest Law Enforcement Academy graduate
Kevin Reimer Kevin Reimer has graduated from Garden Valley Collegiate and from there on continued to further his education though post secondary schooling, and volunteer work in law enforcement fields, in the next pages we will go over how his post graduation choices formed his future and the pros and cons of college/university. Did you know what career path you wanted to follow in high school? Yes- Halfway through high school I decided I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement? At first it was the career symposium, some of the presentations there have us a look into what the daily life of a police officer looks like. From there I began to research my options on my own and my enthusiasm grew towards it ever since.
Did you go to post-secondary school? Yes- Northwest Law Enforcement Academy
How do the benefits of Post-Secondary education weigh in with the cost? The academy prepared me a great deal for a career in law enforcement, we gained a lot of knowledge from our instructors, many of which had 20-30 years of experience in the field. Were there any unexpected costs for you? I did my research a planned ahead so there weren’t many surprises money wise.
Did you move for your schooling? Yes- to Winnipeg
What tips would you give to young adults going out on their own for the first time? Learn to be independent – cook, clean, be organized and choose your roommates wisely.
What was the most rewarding college experience? Probably getting to the end of it and knowing you completed something on your own and ended on a positive note. As of right now, what are your short and long-term goals? Short term: to pay off my student loans and “get my foot in the door” in law enforcement. Long term: To be a member of a police force in the general area. Have they changed since leaving high school? They have stayed relatively the same, though my short term goals have changed because in high school my goal was to get accepted into NWLEA and I have achieved that.
What advice would you give to current high school seniors? Don’t rush into deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life. Take some time to think about it before racking up student loans.
Why we get it, and how to stop It’s no secret that senior year may very well be the most stressful year of our academic careers yet. Some of the most common stress inducing thoughts are the possibility of not getting into the right college, figuring out what to do with the rest of your life, the competitive job market and/or figuring out how to make it on your own. Things that increase this stress include pressure from teachers and family, the emotional roller-coaster that is the teenage years and issues at home. Often these stressed out teens are mistaken for the moody brats that the media often portrays them as. Left alone, these anxieties will only grow and create bigger, more unmanageable problems in our lives. But there are several habits that when used consistently can make
senior year a bright and hopeful time. Though many students
it, ASAP!
may turn to more destructive coping mechanisms, (such as alcohol or drug abuse, excessive partying, or constant screen time) choosing to create a healthy balanced lifestyle will minimize many of these worries.
So what are these magical worry reducers? Keep reading to find out!
Planning your days and creating To-Do Lists increases productivity and creates short and long term goals for your life.
Yoga is a relaxing way to challenge yourself physically and to calm yourself mentally. If you have 20 minutes and need a healthy way to decompress try yoga!
“Ignorance is bliss” you’ve probably heard this phrase throughout your life, but in this caseI argue that it is completely false! Not knowing your options can very quickly make your future seem like an uncertain dreary abyss filled with “what if’s?” Learning about your post grad options may open your mind up to paths you hadn’t even considered.
It’s easy to let your own needs get lost in your busy high school schedule. But finding ways to recharge are essential to a maintaining a healthy body and mind. This could include a variety of things, whatever makes you feel refreshed and re-energized. Catching up with friends, getting some much needed sleep, or just enjoying a night in by yourself are all healthy activities that can help you live a well-balanced life.
What should
you
do after
Graduation? How would you describe your attitude towards money? A.) I usually make responsible choices, but I don’t mind going into debt to help myself in the long run. B.) I enjoy saving and need to be financially secure to be happy. C.) Don’t care about it – Experiences are worth more than money. What are your grades like? A.) My grades are never below 90% - school is my top priority. B.) Average, it was hard to keep my grades high while balancing work and friends. C.) My grades were okay- but not a priority. I’m more concerned with enjoying life and having fun. You are stranded on a desert island, what is the first thing you do? A.) Make a smoke signal to alert rescuers. B.) Find food and shelter. C.) Enjoy the surroundings and explore. After a day of classes you immediately… A.) Finish any homework or studying you need to do. B.) Get ready for your after school job. C.) Relax and hang out with friends. A big test is coming up, the night before you can be found… A.) Studying! B.) Unwinding and enjoying some downtime, you might study a bit later. C.) Out with friends. When job searching, you see that three openings are posted, you are most drawn to… A.) An unpaid internship that promises great networking opportunities and experience.
B.) A high paying job that will be physically demanding but is worth the pay. C.) A minimum wage job that offers a lot of flexibility and time off.
You’ve won the lottery, what do you do with the money? A.) Pay for my future schooling and housing B.) Put half into a savings account to collect interest, and buy a house with the remainder. C.) Travel the world! Your mobile device is filled with… A.) Pictures of assignments and notes so you can study on the go B.) Job opportunities, your day planner and To-Do lists. C.) Pictures of all the places you want to go.
Outcomes. If you chose: Mostly A answers
University/College: Your choices prove that education and knowledge are very important to you, you enjoy the school atmosphere and should continue that past high school. Mostly B answers Focus on a Career or job, your answers show that financial security is a top priority. Saving and planning are important to you. Mostly C answers Your answers show that travel and experiences have always been important to you and now’s the time to do them!
AD
Bibliography Covey, Sean. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Touchstone books, 1998. Rowling, JK. Very Good Lives. Little, Brown, Apr 14, 2015. http://foodrevolution.org/blog/ramen-noodles/ http://greatsuccessstory.weebly.com/success-story-of-bill-gate.html http://teens.webmd.com/features/freshman-15-means-more-than-weight-gain http://www.biographyonline.net/people/successful.html http://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/2015/01/11/law-enforcement-training-rhetoric-liability-andthe-certificate/ http://www.webmd.com/diet/eat-smart-healthier-brain?page=2 https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/admissions-statistics https://www.caltech.edu/content/caltech-glance https://www.mouseplanet.com/9365/Of_Failure_and_Success_The_Journey_of_Walt_Disney https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/california-institute-technology? ranking-dataset=1083 https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/harvard-university?rankingdataset=1083 https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/johns-hopkins-university?ranking-
dataset=133819 https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-of-toronto?rankingdataset=133819