This summer, I am lucky enough to be employed, but many of my friends are STILL looking for a job. The scary part: most incoming first year students are still in high school until the end of June and haven’t even began looking for work yet.

Here are my tips for finding a job this summer:

1. Have your resume on hand.

Keep this staple document up-to-date and saved on your computer. That way, when opportunities come up, you don’t have to scramble to pull together your information into a cohesive document, you can just tailor your resume the various jobs you apply for.

2. Ask around (and start early)

With so many students looking for work in such a short period of time, it is important to start looking early.  Many university students start looking as early as Reading Week for employment! The earlier you go, the less amount of people there will be looking for summer employment as well. This translates into more face-time with the manager and a shorter stack of resumes to compete against. Plus, pinning down a job early takes the stress out of job hunting. So if you haven’t already (especially high school students): get out there now and start looking!

This summer, I can attest to the adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”, as my Dad’s co-worker’s husband was able to get me a position at his company. By shamelessly asking everyone in your family and circle of friends to assist you in your job search, you are bound to find opportunities for the summer and when that happens…

3. Apply, Apply, Apply!

No matter how great a candidate you are, nothing will happen unless you apply. Remember that you don’t have to take the position if you are offered it, but filling out applications and handing out resumes opens you to be considered for jobs. Don’t be afraid to apply for something out of your comfort zone either. On a personal note, I am experienced in aquatics but just traded in my bathing suit and whistle for a pair of work boots, which would not have happened if I didn’t take a chance and apply.

4. Be positive

There are always two ways to look at any situation, including job seeking. Even though it can be incredibly stressful, approaching the situation with a positive outlook not only leaves a good impression with potential employers but it also makes the monotony of filling out applications, going to interviews and waiting for “the call” slightly easier.

So what are you waiting for? Start talking, applying, building your resume and above all, unveiling your positive selves to potential employers- I know they’d be thrilled to hire you!

-Christine

Exams can be stressful. I remember writing my first set of exams in grade nine. I only had three to write (which is nothing compared to the 4 or 5 you will write in university) but I was still so nervous. I can still remember writing them- I had Geography first, English second and Science third! Thankfully I had a weekend before Science to ease the stress! None of the exams were too difficult, but being an inexperienced grade 9, just making it to the day of the “big test” was hard! I didn’t really understand the concept of studying back then. I figured if I prepared study notes, I would be fine (To be honest I still have my moments when I believe this motto). Thankfully I have three older siblings who told me otherwise. Their guidance allowed me to obtain great marks! However, more importantly I gained excellent study habits which will aid me in my University career. If you are still having difficulty grasping the concept of studying (yes that does mean sitting down for a couple of hours reviewing your notes!) here are a few tips that I have for you (to be honest it is a good refresher for me) !

Using sticky notes (can be fun) is helpful to mark off important sections in textbooks!

1.     Don’t cram

As tempting as it may be, we all know that it doesn’t work! Try to start studying a few weeks ahead so that you have time to digest the material! Besides, studying twenty minutes a night is easier than studying 7 hours the night before! This also gives you plenty of time to ask questions.

2.      Minimize visual distractions

Chances are you won’t be able to concentrate if you are studying in a noisy place. Try studying in a quiet (For example Beryl Ivey Library!) and comfortable location (and do NOT bring your cell phone!). Also, find your best time to study- some people prefer the morning while others prefer nighttime. If you find yourself dozing off or losing concentration, take a break! There is no sense pushing your body too far.

3.     Use a planner

An agenda (which you can purchase at your university or high school book store!)  is one of the best organizational tools! It allows you to keep track of how much you have already studied and it helps you to plan out your future learning sessions! Try adding colours and stickers to personalize it!

4.     Don’t copy your friends notes

Make your own study notes! Try recording bolded words and any Titles. They generally give you a pretty good idea of what the chapter is about! Look for key words and try to paraphrase. Memorization is for robots, for best success try to make sure that you understand the terms!

5.     Don’t study the stuff you know well

Start with the most challenging information first. This way, if you were to run out of time you would have focused more on the material that you were unfamiliar with. There is no point going over information that you already know (except that it does make you feel smart).

6.     Ask for help

If you don’t understand a concept, book an appointment with your Teaching Assistant or Professor (or in my case, high school teacher!). There is no sense studying a topic that you don’t understand. Remember your professors are there to help you (after all they are being paid!)! They want you to succeed!

7.     Learn in Class as well as at Home

If you are an active participator in class, than chances are you have already retained most of the information! By looking over your notes after a class, you will help to reinforce the information that you have learned so that it sticks in your brain!

8.     Deactivate your facebook, blog or even hotmail account

Don’t worry it will only be temporary! Just put a parental lock on your addicting accounts (is stumble upon that useful?) for the month. Your marks (professors and parents) will thank you later! This being said you can always check bresciablog.ca – it is an educational distraction J

9.     Reward yourself

As Ivan Pavlov’s (a famous Russian physiologist) Classical Conditioning theory proved, rewarding an animal (or person!) will create a conditioned response. If you praise yourself for your efforts, you will be more apt to want to try harder. Everyone takes a break (and deserves a treat) so why not go to Starbucks for a latte, the movies for some popcorn or even hit the gym to release endorphins! Try bringing a snack as well so that your brain is continuously fueled!

10.  Make studying fun!

Yes studying can be entertaining- just think of all the new interesting facts you are learning. If it isn’t a distraction, try studying with a friend. Not only can you give each other helpful hints, but you can quiz one another. If you are afraid of getting side tracked, prepare flashcards so that you (or even your parents!) can test you!

Eventually we will all be forced to study (as much as some of us try to avoid it) so you mind as well make the most out of your study sessions. These are the techniques I use, does anyone else have any other fun ways to learn and memorize? Acronyms are fun and handy has anyone else tried using them to learn long terms or orders of elements?

❤ Molly

As I get ready (well count down the 37 days (and twenty three hours) left and search madly for the perfect shoes) for my grade 12 Prom, I can’t help but wonder what great dances Brescia will have to offer me next year.  It’s sad to think that this will be my last high school dance but it’s also exciting to think that future dances might be even more meaningful!

This is my prom dress (but not me in it)!

Through friends, I have heard that the Brescia Ball is outstanding and I am almost positive that the years to come will also hold many other types of dances.  Who needs a limousine when they can ride the Brescia Shuttle?  From parties to semi, casual to formal, dances can bring you the time of your life!

Some people take the idea of a “dance” a little bit too seriously.  I just think that they are such great opportunities to meet new people.  All you have to do is dance (which is something I am sure most of you are great at)!  If dancing isn’t your thing (trust me I am not that good at it) there is always mingling and singing to get in the mood (ok I realize I am starting to sound a little juvenile but you know what I mean- you don’t HAVE to dance it is just recommended). It’s one of the less awkward places to meet a boyfriend (because you can easily ask a guy to dance) and one of the easiest ways to de-stress. There is no formula or procedure involved, the only chemical you need is fun and laughter. Dances are meant to be crazy; they aren’t called poise and dignity clubs. Even Kate Middleton and Prince William enjoy letting lose sometimes- didn’t you hear about their party after the royal wedding (well that’s another post)? Try not to just stand around tables and instead grab a group of friends and move to the music. If you feel weird, or like you don’t fit, in assign yourself a different role. Everyone likes photographs (memories) or offer to get your friend a drink (and do not spike it). If you aren’t going to attend the dance, then why not be your friend’s stylist? It’s important to dress for the occasion- you don’t want to wind up looking like Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (see below… maybe I am being a bit too critical).

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice at the Royal Wedding

So what are your experiences? Did you “trash the dress” after prom (Hey not all of us were born in the 90’s with nice style J) or keep it as a souvenir? Was your prom as thrilling as it was meant to be? I’ll be sure to let you know how my prom goes!

❤ Molly

As many of us know, Victoria Day celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday. Victoria Day is always on a Monday which allows Canadians to have a long weekend. So it’s no surprise that people have nicknamed the event, May Two-Four. After all, a case of beer is called a “two four” and many of these are consumed over the holiday.

Arive Alive, don't Drink and Drive!

Some of us choose to celebrate the Victoria Day weekend at a cottage, planting gardens, watching fireworks or relaxing at home. Others prefer to drink (and maybe not even remember) the weekend away. I am not here to crash your party, but remember you can have a fun long weekend without over consuming alcohol.

Obviously for all of you high school students, there is no need to worry about drinking. So what do you guys enjoy doing over the weekend? Do you guys host an awareness event in advance of May two-four?

Prior to the long weekend, my high school hosts a “Choose Your Ride” event. It’s a good reminder that alcohol and driving do not mix. It allows students to “walk the line” while wearing goggles that impair their vision. This activity simulates the sensation of drinking and driving. Students are also given the opportunity to take a breathalyzer test which illustrates the procedure police follow when they pull over drunk drivers. As well, students are able to tour a hearse, ambulance, police car, limousine and taxi. These modes of transportation represent the potential ways to get home after a night on the town. Through this experience, students gain insight into the realities of drinking and driving. The goal of the event is to educate students about how to drink responsibly.

Have a great weekend everyone! Please remember to have fun and be safe! Oh and be sure to check out this great and appropriate video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfWr5_l8_gQ

❤ Molly

I may be the only one in my household that is on “summer mode” right now, but a new update from Brescia’s facebook page says I’m not alone!

Summer Orientation Days (or SODs) have started accepting registration. These three hour sessions cover topics like financial aid, how to succeed academically in university, degree options and course selection. For my SOD, my mom and I came down for the day. I found it really helpful to attend the various workshops and it really helped both of us understand the services available on campus.

For me, the most valuable part of the day was the personal academic advising where I discussed my course options with an advisor and then went to the library to put together my timetable.

Since I had so many half courses and in first semester, almost all my courses had labs, timetabling was a challenge that my mom and I could not have handled had it not been for the ever-helpful  Brescia staff! (Just because something is online,  it does NOT make it easy.) In addition to timetabling issues, the SOD gave me a reason to once again check out my prospective school and it made me feel a lot more comfortable in the new setting come September.

I would highly recommend that all incoming students attend a SOD…I had a great day and my timetable (complete with 11:30am start times) thanked me for it!

So what are you waiting for?!? Go register HERE!

-Christine