Showing posts with label adjustment period. Show all posts
Vancouver's Prestige
This city is one of the best places to be
in. It has everything any person could ever want. The environment, culture,
climate, and the location are all conveniently compatible to my tastes, as well
as anyone I’ve ever talked to about Vancouver. For instance, the climate that
does not become too hot or too cold, but still changes enough to justify a
genuine winter and summer. The drawbacks, ranging from the minute to the
serious, are altogether outweighed by the Vancouver perks. Anyone can argue
against the livability, the quality of living, of Vancouver, but they will
eventually run out of reasons. Not surprisingly, Vancouver is always included
within the lists of the best cities to live in, and at the rate we’re going, we
can expect a more attractive Vancouver, problems transformed to treasures
unique to the city.
For now, I’ll only show the things I like
about the revered metropolis, the ostensible problems won’t have a significant
effect on you if you’re reading this. So, to begin with, one can experience a
perfect blend of temperatures even in the coldest winters and the hottest
summers. It never becomes too cold to hibernate in the home for half of winter.
It never becomes too hot to drink 8 liters of water during the summer.
Vancouver also has an attractive pattern in its weather. Rain doesn’t disparage
the beauty of the city, but it highlights the nature found inside the area. In
spite of this, on very rare occasions, Vancouver still gets affected by one in
a hundred storms. On the other hand, there is a lot of time and good days to do
something outdoors in Vancouver. So it’s generally fine to consider Vancouver’s
atmosphere, also its favorable air quality, as a wonder of nature.
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| "ANIREVO 2014, Vancouver" by roaming-the-planet |
An obvious reason for our good air is the
vast amounts of nature found everywhere. The mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests
make great activity places. There is a plethora of possibilities—winter
activities, summer hikes, calm boat rides, anything else that makes us feel
nature every once in a while. While budget could be detrimental to my points,
many people in Vancouver usually do these things for cheap or even free. Stanley
Park, as an example, is one of the things I absolutely hold in high regard. It
is a charming place, the inside is wonderfully natural, it is a place that
serves many people throughout the seasons, and the best part about it is that
it’s a park, so it’s free.
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| Aerial shot of Vancouver, courtesy of Evan Leeson
*Just beside Downtown Vancouver is Stanley Park…
which is consistently recognized as one of the best parks in the world.
|
Any rational person would agree that cultural integration is a problem for the old, not the young. It has also been stated, by many experts and TV figures, that racism would die with older generations. I would even assert this myself, I never notice anyone young projecting offensive behavior to others. This means that schools and their students are in good shape, the youth population will just add to Vancouver’s praises. A huge reason for this is the immigrant groups, the foreign transfers, and the location of the city. There are many newcomers here, barely any of them would feel alienated, they always have groups during their first moments, then they join the mainstream after they feel comfortable enough. Another reason is Vancouver’s location—it is at the bottom of Canada, beside the shoreline, and above another cultural hub, the US. It’s plausible to say that Vancouver has the stereotypical Canadian values and beliefs but devoid of the countryside-ignorance an isolated place could have. The high amounts of technological development is a reason, as well as the government of Canada itself, and again, debunking preset stereotypes, and behaviors, by fusing multiple cultures into one city.
Overall, I’d like to live in Vancouver, it would also be the most logical choice. However, personally, I just don’t want to settle in the place forever. Adults, especially those who are “easily bored,” won’t really like the perceived boredom in the city. A lack of infrastructure, perhaps as a result of a lack of population, might be the cause, besides the job problems. Anyway, this won’t be Vancouver’s conclusion, this is just the present. I won’t consider myself as part of the adults for around 10 more years. So, if Vancouver transmutes rocks to gold by then, I might just stay in here forever. A truly rare combination of simplicities.
Overall, I’d like to live in Vancouver, it would also be the most logical choice. However, personally, I just don’t want to settle in the place forever. Adults, especially those who are “easily bored,” won’t really like the perceived boredom in the city. A lack of infrastructure, perhaps as a result of a lack of population, might be the cause, besides the job problems. Anyway, this won’t be Vancouver’s conclusion, this is just the present. I won’t consider myself as part of the adults for around 10 more years. So, if Vancouver transmutes rocks to gold by then, I might just stay in here forever. A truly rare combination of simplicities.
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| "Telus World of Science" by Jason Mrachina
Rogers
Arena (left) and Science World (right; sparkling dome)
We lack many things, from
zoos to respectable financial districts… Vancouver is still a budding city
compared to other metropolises, it is quite young, but we have enough, like Science World,
for young thinkers; and Roger’s Arena, for sporty youths. Despite all the
shortages, our infusion of nature with a diverse society (more than 40%
have an Asian heritage)… offering us an influx of Asian restaurants,
yum… altogether makes Vancouver one of the most livable cities in the world.
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- Angelo
How is Immigration a Reset Button?
A few years ago, before immigrating, I was ostracized in my old
school, I was called “special” and was teased for my eccentricity, and then I
became the black sheep. All of that because I was raised with foreign beliefs,
something my xenophobic home country has no tolerance for. Luckily, a major
change happened, it opened up a million possibilities, an ongoing story’s new
chapter—immigration.
The chilly winds did not remind me of home; the snowy fields
did not even cause surprise; budding flowers inspire; the hot summer breeze
desired. Coming to Canada made me realize that I should not waste a hefty
privilege by sticking to my old, pre-immigration self. As much as I regret to
say, I don’t miss my past, and having a new life, a new society, peers and
expectations, is a really big change for a young person. However, I’m not
trying to persuade you to relinquish your background, just try to integrate it
into this Western environment.
Possible reasons for leaving your old self behind:
- - People from your country have terrible attitudes towards your new society
- - Afraid of racism and discrimination
- - Your old society’s habits may be harmful, especially to the new environment you’re in now
- - Can’t progress without adopting some Western attitudes
- - And a lot more you can probably think of
Now, I want you to think about a choice. If you
could ever relive the first days after immigration, what would you want?
- - Speak English without a thick accent?
- - Handle culture shock in a better way?
- - Have your family and friends be more Canadian?
- - Be an advocate for your country, being an exemplary immigrant who fares better here?
These are all wishes many of us did not receive as
newcomers. The first weeks were the hardest, but it is also one of the most
memorable, a puzzling era of your life.
Just start changing. Immigration has many positives as well
as negatives.
You will experience negative stereotypes, ultimately causing
you to ignore the underlying causes, then you will not be able to adapt to the
new culture. A few years later, your life plans become awry, your life in the
self-segregating ghetto groups, you lose contact with your family as a bonus
too. This actually happened to a person my family knew, he could not CHANGE
because he was AFRAID. No matter how we look at it, his life got ruined, his
extreme attachment to his long-established beliefs caused his downfall.
While his case was severe, it does not mean it can’t happen
to anyone. His projections to society were pathetic, they just reinforce
negative stereotypes. YES, negative stereotypes are the problems! A black
person who is not a brain-dead athlete, an Oriental who is not a robot
mathlete, Muslims are not brainwashed terrorists, and whites people are not
racists; and a lot more. Society is built by humans, so society should not
force humans its beliefs. Be an individual, not a boring, hollow,
insignificant, ignorant sheep. Start changing for the better now!
To simplify my point, think of an elastic metal spring,
stretch it too much then it breaks, not stretching it means it won’t be of any
use. I like to think of people as metal springs, they need to stretch to have
some use, they become useless and rusty if there is no change after a long
time, changing too much will break the spring and make you an individual, free
from self-stigma if you ever try to do something different in a conformist
environment. A heavy load breaks a spring; a lot of effort can go a long way.
Why try?
Every person has special talents, traits, abilities, potentials…
they just don’t get to use them. Everyone you know has a niche in society, not
everyone can be rich, not everyone can be popular, not everyone can be like
Leonardo DiCaprio. However, you can be as best as you can be, limitless, by
changing into a better, productive person.
"Haters gonna hate cuz I'm doing great" - Anonymous
- Angelo
Culture vs. Ethnicity
What is your group of friends like? Do you
share the same culture and race? Is it your own home country’s culture, more of
the Canadian culture, or a bit of both? Are they also immigrants?
The newcomer’s
dilemma is this:
Who would your first friends be for your first time in a Canadian school? Fellow immigrants, from the same origin country? Most likely.
Those who share your interests, like video games or art, but are from a different culture? Maybe, but it’s rare because of a culture/language barrier.
Or perhaps, you are a culture vulture who hangs out with different kinds of people, regardless of their backgrounds.
The actual question is: would you join a group of immigrants, or do the opposite, immerse yourself immediately with normal English speakers?
Who would your first friends be for your first time in a Canadian school? Fellow immigrants, from the same origin country? Most likely.
Those who share your interests, like video games or art, but are from a different culture? Maybe, but it’s rare because of a culture/language barrier.
Or perhaps, you are a culture vulture who hangs out with different kinds of people, regardless of their backgrounds.
The actual question is: would you join a group of immigrants, or do the opposite, immerse yourself immediately with normal English speakers?
At my
school, I usually notice new immigrant teens banding with other immigrants from
their home country, myself included, I was sent forced by the school to
befriend a group of racially-like immigrants on my first days of Canadian high
school. I disliked the school’s decision to do that, it left little room for
possibilities, but it paved the way for my adaptation to multicultural Canada.
It went like this, I was introduced to friendly newcomers, I felt safe and
comfortable, I spoke my language with them, then I slowly, but successfully,
pushed myself to adapt to Canadian culture.
Actually,
I lied to get your sympathy. That did
not happen to me (because I’m just weird) but it usually does to most newcomers
(who aren’t weird at all). The forced, and societally imposed grouping
reinforces stereotypes, usually negative ones. It’s also extremely pointless if
the goal is to achieve a multi-cultural, inclusive society in schools. Placing
immigrants to their own distinct racial groups can weaken cultural adaptation,
which even at the cost of extra convenience and comfort become
counterproductive. This is because people will want to be with other people
they can relate with, and this paired with forced grouping, is what makes
casual intercultural relationships difficult. Different groups are going to
have different expectations from other groups, because their large sizes make
stereotypes visible.
Going
back to the question, we can say that you either have friends from your home
culture, or you have friends who you share specific interests with (video
gamers, artists, academics, and all of the other cliques). If you belong to the
latter, the second answer, or even if you belong to both at the same time, then
you have successfully adapted in some way. However, if you only belong to the
first, let’s say an exclusive Asian-Korean culture group as an example, then it
means that you need to absorb various cultures around you. It’s effective since
it makes the definitions of “stereotypes”
and “racism” obsolete, they just
stopped getting used, and multiculturalism prevails if kept that way.
So to simplify this, either you belong to a group of friends who share the same ethnicity and still keeps their home culture out of the house, or you have a mixed culture group of friends who you hang out with. Anyway, even if you mostly have country-culture immigrant friends, it won’t give you disadvantages if you become bicultural, having both your home culture and Canadian culture at the same time, proving that multiculturalism is possible.
Finally, some advice I heard from a Croatian friend, “…just accept different cultures, but you also have to observe and understand the differences.”
“Keep your language. Love its sounds, its
modulation, its rhythm. But try to march together with men of different
languages, remote from your own, who wish like you for a more just and human
world.”
- Hélder Câmara, author of
Spiral Of Violence
- Angelo
Dealing With Stereotypes
I started to avoid making eye contact with the people I was talking to
because of the way they were looking at me. They stared with their sparkly eyes
as if they were reading my mind, and it always put me into an irrational fear
that I could not ignore. I could not help but think that they were judging me
by the acne on my face, the weird Korean accent that I had, and everything else
that made me different from everyone else.
But was my fear really 'irrational'? I thought about it and realized
that I had this fear because I felt that people were judging me by the way I
look, talk, and act. I was afraid that when people saw the acne on my face,
they would start thinking, "She probably doesn’t wash herself often." But I do. I wash my
face at least twice a day, shower once a day, and brush my teeth at least twice
a day.
Stereotypes are formed when people try to figure out who you are simply by your appearance, actions, and words. They connect you to their past experiences with others who have acted in certain ways and assume that you will be like those people, too. This leads to prejudice and affects people's ways of thinking about you, as well as their attitudes toward you.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes are formed when people try to figure out who you are simply by your appearance, actions, and words. They connect you to their past experiences with others who have acted in certain ways and assume that you will be like those people, too. This leads to prejudice and affects people's ways of thinking about you, as well as their attitudes toward you.
How to Deal People with Stereotypes
In most cases, people who view you through stereotypes will not be very
kind to you. They might look at you critically and treat you with contempt,
which may lead to discrimination from others.
However, should you be afraid of what others may think about you and
therefore hide your true self? Of course not! You should always be confident
and proud of yourself so that people can feel that you are not weird, but
unique. Prove to them that their stereotypes and prejudices are wrong.
Other effective ways to get rid of the stereotypes that people have of
you is to talk to them. Do not avoid eye contact like I used to do; it will
only make them think that you have low self-confidence. Look them in the eye so
that they can see clearly for who you are, not through the lens of stereotypes.
The most important thing that you need to remember is that you should
not be influenced by any judgement someone may have about you. Let them think
what they want; do not hide or lie about yourself so that you can fit in and be
like the others. All you need to do is to be proud of who you are and of your
differences, because you are special.
- Cindy Hong
Step Up Your Game (A Guide on Breaking the Ice)
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| Photo courtesy of: The Gouger |
First of all, the author wants to establish that this guide will not promise a hundred percent success result and that she will not be held responsible for the consequences of your action. Anonymeh also wants to acknowledge that this guideline might not work for everyone although it has been proven and tested to be effective... for her. So good luck and may the odds be always in your favour.
Hello
everyone! Lately, I’ve realised that one factor as to why us, teenage
immigrants, are rather desolated when we first get here is that, we don’t have
friends. (Nice one, Sherlock)
What I’m
trying to say is, when youth immigrants migrate to a new place, most of them do
not know anyone in that place besides their family. And that’s why I’m going to
give you tips on how to make friends or at least how to approach people! YAY! (Not
to be too self-serving, but these tips will be extra useful now that another
school year has just started!)
1. Bring 10 kilos of gum
- Effectivesness: 6/10
- Cons: You got to spend to buy gums
I know all of you have heard the gum technique, sometimes they work, and sometimes you’ll end up offending the other person “What you saying man? I have a bad breath?” (but hey, you
got to take risks!) On a serious note, I think this is a nice way to get to
know people especially during class. When the class is boring, a gum is like suddenly
the best thing you could have in your life. Alas, bring that gum and show how
generous you are with your classmates.
2. Wear a cool shirt
- Effectiveness: 7/10
- Cons: It’s hard to find a cool shirt
3. Say ‘bless you’ to someone who sneezed
- Effectiveness: 5/10
- Cons: It’s awkward
4. Borrow a pencil
- Effectiveness: 8/10
- Cons: You’re not really making a good name for yourself if you show up on the first day of class with no pencil or pen
I heard that
there’s a psychological trick that you can get someone to like you by borrowing
a pencil from them. Maybe this is because it induces a feeling that they (the
lenders) are doing something good for someone and now you (the borrower)
somehow owe something to them. Nevertheless, borrowing a pencil can be a great
friendship starter. You can give it back to them the next day and pretend you
forgot to bring one again then voila! Conversation! And they most likely will remember
you.
5. Wear a smile
- Effectiveness: 10/10
- Cons: Your cheek bones might get tired
What does,
basically, anyone tell you when you go to an unknown place and are supposed to
make friends? SMILE! Yes, you have to smile. It’s the international sign for
“Hello, I am friendly”. Always wear a smile when you execute one of my advices
from above. Or just do it all the time! It’s scientifically proven to be good
for your health!
6. Just start the conversation
- Effectiveness: 10/10
- Cons: NO CONS!
Sometimes
you just don’t realise that the other party might be the one who is shy. I
myself am someone who doesn’t like to be the one to initiate a conversation. So
you just have to have the guts and say hello. Ask them their names or classes –
who knows, you might be in the same class!
So that’s it
mate! I wish the odds to be always in your favour and keep that cheeks smiling.
If everything else fails just contact me and I’ll be your dear friend.
- Anonymeh
- Patrick Star, Spongebob
Conquering Conventions
Modern 21st century students have an advantage over their parents from the 1980s. Unlike our folks, we have access to much more advanced forms of technology such as the internet, personal computers, smartphones and digital communication.
Unfortunately, most of us, especially our parents, are left
to wonder about the effects of technology to our generation. Internet
addiction, for example, could be the effect of unmanaged internet use. Instead
of discussing about the negatives, why don’t we list down the positives?
Phone Homework
As of 2014, almost every teenager has an indispensable
resource called a phone. These gadgets are equipped with cameras that can be
used for retaining memories through photos. The texts on a page of a textbook
can also be considered as memories once they are read, absorbed, and
understood.
The question is, which is better? To take 3 photos of the 3
pages for your biology homework, or to bring home a 400 page-Biology textbook?
The answer is obvious. A smartphone can do wonders if used
appropriately. As for notes, I’ll enlighten you on that one later.
Google the word
The average student mainly uses Google to find out if a
workforce strike will affect school, or for Wikipedia links. Meanwhile, on the
wider spectrum, we use Google for references in grammar and words.
Think about a word that outweighs ‘sad’ yet retains the
meaning of sadness. Forlorn, dismal, morose, and the confusing ‘melancholy’ are
just a small fraction of the synonyms I’ve found. This is actually very useful
advice, implement this to your English homework routine if it’s not yet a habit
of yours.
So you’re probably wondering about bringing a laptop to
class? No! As your vocabulary and writing style (more on this later) evolves,
you will rely less on technology, but being a bookworm does not mean you have
to abandon it. So if you’re with a teacher who abhors all forms of technology
from the 21st century, explain the benefit of smartphone
dictionaries/thesauruses for the long run.
All around charmer
So you’re too smart and you think that having a supermodel
body is not necessary. Or you think that Aphrodite can’t be seen as
intelligent, as she is too beautiful for smarts. Well, lucky for you, the fair
compromise would be to listen to lectures while exercising.
But I don’t have Japanese-sensei with me whenever I go for a
jog - of course! In most circumstances you won’t, but you do have, again, a
smartphone! Whenever you think that you can listen to music while exercising,
consider listening to a tutorial, lecture, lesson, etc. An example could be
just listening to French lessons while running on the treadmill.
The advantage here is just way too good to be true, but the
method is feasible. Healthy, cultured, charming~. You could soon be like
Leonardo Da Vinci, a polymath, after some time from double benefits. Two
rewards in one time. Thank you, to whoever makes lectures and the like!
I can listen, why subtitles?
HD TV, HD video, subtitles and
CC/DS. Well, you may not like this one because subtitles are distractive.
However, the mild distraction does have an unconscious advantage. Watching a
Korean drama with English/Korean subtitles won’t make you fluent in Korean or
English.
Subtitles at best, could be a
supplement to language learning. Also, it can provide tacit knowledge in
natural-sounding native communication.
Simply watch films with
subtitles, even if you already have a good grasp with the English language. ESL
people eventually become, or already are, great at English, but they could have
a quaint accent if they speak. But why not just observe native speakers at a
park or school? Because, technology will, for this generation, just be a
supplement to our education, but extensive hands-on experience with a
supplement is the key for the language barrier.
Note taking is outdated
But asking questions and
discussions are not. This is especially true if you’re currently in high
school. In a class of 30, it is most likely that everyone will have different
intellectual abilities. You could be in the “upper” group, while the teacher
caters to those from the average. You lose, unless if you study ahead.
Take a copy of the teacher’s
notes for reference. Study from a different source, perhaps a book or a study
on the internet. Retain useful information and integrate what you’ve learned
from school and from the different source together. Expanding your knowledge on
a single topic can snowball into deep, complete understanding, and sometimes
even uncommon information.
Tactical Reading
The strategy is to read, relate and retain knowledge from
books to support experienced knowledge. However, the twist is to take 4
different categories of books from your local library. Young adult fiction,
non-fiction studies, objective non-fiction, and a genre which piques your
interests.
Young adult fiction is
self-explanatory; typical books that fall under this genre include Hunger
Games, Harry Potter, Mortal Instruments and a whole lot more.
Non-fiction could look dry and
intimidating with their “big” words, but they involve a plethora of theoretical
and practical knowledge. Although textbook-type books often come to mind when
thinking about non-fiction, it is a lot bigger genre than that. Non-fiction
also includes biographies and autobiographies of prominent figures. Try reading
the biographies or, if you’re lucky, the autobiographies of the people that
inspire you!
Lastly, get something else,
consider it the dessert of your 4 course [book] dinner. Anything that will make
you a more interesting person, as well as increasing your overall insight about
anything you’re curious to know about. Could be languages, modern technology,
musical instruments, movies, anything at all that will have you something to
talk about while in school or at a dinner party.
Specialize in One Topic
Earlier I mentioned that you
should expound on some studies. Unfortunately, specializing is taking it to a
whole different level.
Have you heard proverbs about
every person having some kind of talent?
That is true, each person has
innate abilities just being inhibited for reason I am not known of. Until they
have cultivated their abilities, they will remain a “loser.” So if you know enough
about yourself, I’d recommend you to refine your most prominent talent.
This could be musical, academic,
physical, social, technological, lingual and even creative success. This is
also how child prodigies are made, they specialize in one field.
Polymath, a dead term
In basic definition, a polymath
is a person who covers a wide range of expertise. Or simply, someone who is
multi-talented enough in many fields. A modern polymath could be someone who
can cook like a chef, write like an author, paint like an artist, understand
like a psychologist while keeping a healthy social, intellectual and physical
composure.
Wouldn’t you love it if you were
an engineer who has an attractively healthy body, artistic talent, broad knowledge
including languages, and social tact? I would, and you would too if you were
given the option to choose over a polymath engineer or an average, regressing,
waning middle-aged guy.
Luckily, you probably have access
to a smartphone, the internet and a computer which make being a polymath a lot
easier.
So for the sake of simplicity,
you, young student, should integrate technology to your education the “right”
way. Unlike most of your colleagues and classmates, you can actually begin
investing time on yourself for your polymath standards. Just remember to use
technology and improve at the same rate it does. You don’t want to be like your
friend’s grandmother who has not caught up with modern technology. I would like
to remind you to supplement your life with technology, and culture yourself for
modern, evolving society because everyone wants to have good future, but we
want to have the best futures.
- Angelo
One Page at a Time
Being “you” is easier said than done especially when you are adjusting into a culture that you are unfamiliar with. As a young
migrant, it can be tough to adjust to cultural differences between your adopted country and home country while you are trying to map out your identity as an individual.
As an immigrant, it is common that you are first identified
by your racial background – a part of a greater whole – a culture with its own
ways and tradition. But aside from that, you are also an individual molded by
experiences and stories strengthened through time. All of these can be a lot more complicated
when you are parachuted into a new life – a new culture that may be different
from what you are used to together with new experiences that shapes your new
personality. And even then, there is a bigger question:
How are you going to fit yourself in this new culture
or society with their own ways? How will you find a way to keep ties to your
roots, fit into this newly introduced culture all while you keep on growing and
mold yourself as your own person or as an individual?
It is fairly easy to get lost with these questions as it is
a lot to take it all in at once. But each individual has their own ways of
dealing with it. Some just go with the flow; some manage to paint it all
together in one canvas – a mosaic with vibrant colours clashed together as an
art. Sometimes it is a tug of war. It is a battle between keeping your identity
and losing it in order to fit in and even then, there is no assurance or
certainty that you win the game.
Finding balance is the key to answer the question. It is
important to realize that being in a new place or country does not necessarily
mean forgetting your roots nor does it require you to completely ignore the new
ways of living and continue your old ways. Your roots, culture and tradition
will always be yours and there is no shame of being proud of it. The same goes
for trying out new things and exploring this new culture in front you for it
expands your horizon and will let you explore greater things and experiences
that will later on help you to become your own person and become a part of a
larger community that is molded by individuals just like yourself – each with
their own experiences and stories to share.
Trying to fit in does not mean forgetting. Embracing your adopted country does not mean
turning your back from your home country. Sometimes it is a matter of putting
pieces together to create a bigger picture. It is a way of building bridges and
opening a door to new possibilities and vital connections that put both aspects
of old roots and new ties into a well-rounded individual with the capacity of
living in the best of both worlds.
As far as individuality goes, it is a story with an endless
possibility and the course of its progress is entirely up to the person holding
the pen: you. So let your pen find its way to your paper because sometimes,
being ‘you’ is a story written one page at a time.
Janine
Now What?
As summer approaches, another year of school has ended. Some of you are
probably getting ready for a trip somewhere else and enjoy the heat. Some of
you might be starting to wonder what is waiting for you after summer and where
you are heading to and some are still probably looking for signs that will take
you to the right path.
I can still remember the summer I had after my high school graduation.
It was both exciting and scary at the same time. Exciting because I was finally
out of high school and it was the first summer that I finally landed a job.
Scary because I wasn’t really sure what I would be doing after summer. It is
the time where we start to think more about our future and start making ‘adult’
decisions.
What
shall I pursue?
Which
college/university will I apply to?
How
do I sign up for classes?
Will
I make any friends?
How
will I be able to pay for my tuition fee?
How
do I apply for student loans?
Who
will I speak to about my concerns?
Some of you are probably asking the same questions above. It is
overwhelming and it somehow feels like you’ll never get to where you want to be
because of all these processes that you need to take care of before you
actually get there. In other words, it’s like going sky diving and realizing
that you forgot to put on your parachute.
Just kidding. It’s not that scary.
For us immigrants, it might be a completely different process than for those
who were born in this country or have been here a lot longer than when
they started high school. Some of you might have to go to adult school to
complete your credits from high school, some might have to upgrade in order to
take college level classes, some might have to take additional classes for
specific programs that have prerequisites, and some have yet to decide what it
is that they really want to pursue now that high school has ended.
I am not an expert but as an immigrant who has gone through the same
situation, here is a three-step advice that might help you get started and less
scared of what future holds.
1. Make a list.
Make a list of your goals, interests and possible career plan. It
doesn’t have to be an intricate and complete list. A simple, abstract one will
suffice. It can be as simple as putting your interests and checking out the
ones that you are most passionate about and would not actually mind
furthering your knowledge about that specific subject area. It can be a list of
the colleges you wish to attend to. It can also be a list of your simple
everyday ‘to-do’ list. Making a list will help you to look forward for
something and get you inspired to keep going.
2. Research.
I am pretty sure that you are all familiar how internet works and the
great thing about it is that it is more than just social networking sites and a
place to watch cat videos. Everything that you need to know about applying for
college is sitting somewhere around the interwebs. Remember the list I
mentioned earlier? That list will now come in handy. You can start by
searching about a specific interest of yours. For example, I am interested in
Psychology so I searched about the career areas, specializations and pretty
much everything that there is to know about the field. Then, I searched for
colleges that offer the program and then the requirements that I need in order
to get into the program. Yet, here’s another tip, when you do a lot of research
and you gather a lot of information it can be quite overwhelming and when that
happens, I suggest that you take a deep breath and stop searching. Remember the
list? Now is the time to take a pen and paper out and make a list again. This
time, list the questions that you have in mind or just simply write down your
thoughts about the whole research. This will help you map out a plan and
specify the things that need to be done.
3. Email. Call. Make an Appointment.
I know this part is a lot more challenging than the previous ones but
treat this as an experience and a way for you to step up your game and put your
foot forward one step at a time. Most of the colleges and universities offer
assessment and counselling for students who wish to pursue their post-secondary
education in their respective institutions. Talking to someone about your
concerns will be helpful not only to help you get started but to learn and
understand more about the processes with regards to your academic career. If
you are not comfortable going alone, ask your parents or older siblings to help
you out. If that doesn’t work out for you, you can still go back to
researching. This time, do your research in the college’s website. List the
things and questions that you are unable to find answers to and then call,
email, or make an appointment with the school you are interested in going.
I know that the three steps require effort and a lot of thinking. But I
do hope that it will help you get started and figure out where you are heading
or at least, inspire you to not give up just yet. Think of it as one item on the
list that you can cross off in order to get where you want to be. Just take a
deep breath and get on to work because I guarantee you, a year or two from now,
you’ll be surprised how far you are from where you started. And one last thing,
Don’t be scared.
Because nothing is scarier than knowing that you let an opportunity and
a chance passed by without you doing anything to grab and hold on to it. And even if
you are, scared, just know that we’ll be at the sidelines rooting for you.
- Janine
The Language Barrier
Before
moving to Canada, one of the things that I feared the most was speaking the
English language. I mean, I was not entirely unfamiliar with the English
language since I had studied it in school. In the Philippines, students are
taught English from kindergarten up until college. Despite having had learned
English in school, I was scared and terrified by the fact that I would be
speaking full English in conversations. As part of my not-so-pretty human nature,
I don’t fancy to look stupid. I did not want people to think I was not smart,
and that was my biggest mistake.
As a
Filipino, I would say it is part of our culture that we laugh at everything. Man,
the way we laugh at everything. If you mispronounce an English word, laughter
immediately ensues (especially if you mix up the “p” and “f”, “o” and “u”, or “i”
and “e” sounds). Though it is merely for fun, it is still pretty embarrassing
to be laughed at. Because of this mentality, I had a notion that other people would
look down at me or laugh at me at my poor communication skills. I did not want
to be laughed at because of my English skills—whether it may be because of my
pronunciation, accent, or grammar.
That was
where my mistake was made.
I was too
hard on myself. I forgot that I was at square one. I am not a superhuman. I am not
perfect and I commit mistakes. Besides, not all people are cruel. To think that
they would belittle me is just plain petty and narrow-minded of me.
I
spent my first two weeks not talking to other people, nervous about doing
activities that involved interacting with people such as ordering at the
cashier, interacting with salespersons, and asking for directions. I tried not
to converse with anyone.
Thankfully,
I learned how to cope. My confidence grew each day and having friends to
converse with helps alongside watching movies, reading books and.. watching
movies. Wait, I have already said that. Seriously though, watch movies and even
turn the subtitles on. You might be surprised to find yourself using the same
catchphrases and comebacks that they used.
So go on! Do not be afraid (especially not for the same reasons that
I had), do not be shy, and be proactive!
CHEERS!
Anonymeh
“Here's the thing about
mistakes: Sometimes, even when you know something’s a mistake, you gotta make
it anyway.” - Ted Mosby
10 Vancouver-Based Instagram Accounts You Should Follow
It cannot be denied that social media has been changing the world in many ways. It has changed our way of communicating, way of learning, and view of the world. According to a recent research, the fastest growing social media platform in the world is Instagram. Because I always see people on transit, at school, and in malls scrolling through their Instagram feed, I have no trouble believing this.
Since social media is an effective source of information and it is popular especially among youth, I have decided to make a list of Instagram accounts that I think would be helpful to new youth immigrants in Vancouver. So if you are on Instagram and want to learn more about Vancouver, here are ten Vancouver-based Instagram accounts that are worth following:
1) Vancouver Aquarium (@vanaqua)
Vancouver Aquarium is the largest and most popular aquarium in Vancouver. Whoever handles their Instagram account is a genius because each post makes you love and care for aquatic animals -- regardless of whether you are an animal lover or not.
2) Vancouver Is Awesome (@viawesome)
Each day, this account features a photo taken by Vancouver residents and tourists. Browse through its posts and you'll immediately see the photos that make Vancouver awesome, which were taken by different people at different places during different times of the day!
3) Vancouver 4 Life (@Vancouver4Life)
Vancouver 4 Life posts photos of Vancouver events, stores, food, public places, and nature that are sure to make you fall in love with the city. The account perfectly captures the lifestyle of Vancouverites.
4) Chris Bruntlett (@cbruntlett)
Chris's account shows Vancouver's beauty from different angles, under various weather conditions, and at different times of the day.
5) 604now (@604now)
Follow this account if you want to catch the latest updates on Vancouver news, events, and entertainment scene!
6) Vancouver Coffee (@vancoffee)
Love coffee? @vancoffee features different specialties of various local Vancouver coffee shops. Follow this account and discover your next favourite drink!
7) Vancouver Park Board (@vanparkboard)
If you want to do some recreational activities, or are looking for great hangout spots with your friends, follow @vanparkboard.
8) Vancouver Foodster (@vanfoodster)
@vanfoodster is handled by Richard Wolak, the founder of vancouverfoodster.com. If you are looking to find your next favourite food and/or Vancouver restaurant, this account is for you!
9) StreetCheek (@streetcheek)
Curious about the latest fashion trends and most popular fashion choices of Vancouverites? Don't fret, @streetcheek has you covered.
10) Dreamin' On Transit (@dreaminontransit)
If you are going to follow only one of the ten Instagram accounts that I have listed here, follow @dreaminontransit. This account takes photos of all the people taking a nap on Vancouver transit. You better make sure you look presentable when you sleep on transit!
Sean
2014 Projects and Goals
Since we are only 19 days into the year, there is still time for you and me to set some year-round goals and try out some year-round projects! If you are looking for some fun year-round challenges to do this 2014, I have listed some of my favourite ones below. This is a customized list intended to assist new immigrant youths in their adjustment to their new environment here in Canada.
1) Reading Goal: 24 Books In A Year
Books are excellent friends. They're those people at the party who are as weird (and cool) as you. Reading 24 books in one year may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually not. That requires you to read only two books per month! My advice? Choose books that you know you'll love! Visit Goodreads to see what other people think of books that you want to read. By doing this challenge, you will not only undergo an enjoyable experience of life lessons and roller-coaster emotions; you will also greatly improve your English skills! If you do not know where to start, check out this list to help you choose what you want to read first.
2) 52 Week Money Challenge
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to save money, then try this! Each week, you have to save an amount of money that is equal to the number of that week. For example, during the first week, you save $1; in the second week, you save $2; for the third week, you save $3, and so on. If you do this until the last week of the year, you will save almost $1400! However, do this only if you can actually afford to save money. Do not starve yourself just to accomplish this task. I suggest doing this challenge if you spend a lot on the things that you don't need.
3) Photo Challenge: Photo-A-Day
Take one photo every day until the end of the year. I'm sure you have a device that can take pictures (it can be your handycam, polaroid, tablet, or even just your cellphone), so why not try to document your life this year by taking at least one photo every day? You can even upload your photos to Instagram or whatever social media platform you'd like!
4) Movie Challenge: One Movie A Week
For me, this is not really a challenge; it is a hobby! But if you're a new immigrant and want to improve your English, watching at least one English movie each week will definitely help you develop your English skills. Watching movies can make your English listening skill stronger. It can also help you pick up some English phrases/expressions that are commonly used by English speakers every day. Pro-tip: Try to find a movie that shows subtitles. You will enjoy the movie more this way, trust me.
5) Goal: Get involved!
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When I moved to Canada, I initially did not know anyone aside from my close family members and relatives. First week of school was hard because I hardly had any friends. Fortunately, I joined clubs which allowed me to meet lots of friends and meet people who share the same interest as me! So this year, I am challenging you to:
- Join at least one club at school
- Join at least another one outside of school
- Volunteer!
6) Challenge: Keep a blog or a journal in English
Writing your feelings down will not only help you relive your favourite moments, it will also stimulate your creativity and memory. Also, if you do it in English, you will learn to improve your grammar, widen your vocabulary, and discover your own writing style.
There you have it! We still have 345 days before 2014 ends; you still have 346 days to try and accomplish these goals before the year ends. You do not have to do all of it. Do what you think will benefit you the most!
Hope 2014 treats you well!
Sean
