Tips For High School New Immigrants
I’ve been writing advice articles for years, but every now and then new realizations hit me. Since I’m now older and wiser, I think and believe these new ideas of mine could help you guys and save you some time.
1. There is no shame in summer school
This shame in summer school belief may not be shared by everyone. From where I came from, summer school is somehow apprehended with a little bit of reluctance. Everybody knows that you’re there because you’re in remedial or repeating a class you failed. No one is there to do advance class. When I first got here, I almost cried when I found out I’m going to summer school. Then I realized, it was for the better. I was there to catch up with my credits so I could graduate in time. Moreover, no one should be ashamed in school during the summer. You’re doing it to better yourself, and, aside from that, you get to make new friends from different schools!
2. Eating alone in the hallway is not recommended
I know this may not sound true to introverts, but as a fellow introvert and an immigrant, it would only make you feel sad to eat alone during lunch break. When I was in high school, I never ate in the cafeteria. I never got the chance to meet someone new during lunch breaks. I remember once I was eating by myself in the stairwell. A sad background music is the only thing that’s missing to make a depressing emo music video. I thought to myself, "this has to stop". So I begged my high school counsellor to find me friends. Best decision I did in high school (and taking planning 10 online :P)
3. Decreasing your credit/term load is not always a good thing
When I got into grade 12, I finally got the chance to have free blocks. I thought I didn’t have to take classes that were not necessary. I thought all I needed really was English 12, the rest were electives. Boy, I was wrong. I wish I took an Accounting 12 or Pre-Calculus 12 then I would probably have something to write on my résumé as experience or have prerequisites for college courses. Although, spending all those hours reading in the library is a joy too. The caveat is know what credits or classes you need to take before embarking on a schedule with lots of free blocks.
4. Make friends outside your circle
For us immigrants, we tend to be friends with the same people like we are. How can that be wrong? We know that birds of the same feather flock together. I was content with the friends that I have in school that I never bothered making new ones in my classes. Now, I can literally say I only have six friends. I don’t have anyone to talk to when they’re busy. I didn’t have friends or even acquaintance in my classes that they weren’t in. Learn from my mistake and step out of your comfort zone and make new friends that are not immigrants like you. You’ll have more connections and more strings to pull when you need it in the future. I know that sounded like a crude business person advice, but we have to accept that connections are important in the adult world, especially when you’re an immigrant.
5. Your GPA does not define you
Like any other parents, mine want me to get good grades. B+ is not good enough. I get sad when I’m not in the honour roll even though I knew I worked hard. I got so obsessed with getting good grades that I was not learning anymore. Being in school should mean that we are learning life lessons that we can use when we’re done schooling. I got so fed up with only wanting high grades that I can’t even remember what I learned about last term. And when I finally got into the honour roll, it wasn’t much that gratifying. What’s a grade on a paper going to do when you’re finally out of school and have to do everything on your own? Besides, there are a lot of factors that determine your grades, and your intelligence is not the sole predictor of it.
I’m sure that sometime in the future, I will find some new realizations and I’ll be glad to share it with you again. For now, I encourage you guys to take these suggestions into consideration and keep your head high! High school is not a place to dread for! Good luck.
- Anonymeh
The Anti-Bucket List
(An anti-bucket list is a list of things that
one hopes to never do before s/he dies)
Summer is
coming and most of us are already making plans to make the most out of it. Usually, we want
to try new things; we intend to do things that we haven’t done yet. Some stick
to what they have done last year and just revisit it, while others pull out
ideas from their bucket list.
A bucket
list is a list of things that a person wants to do before s/he dies. Summer is the
perfect time to do things we have been wanting to do. However, I want to change things up. Instead of doing things
from our bucket list this summer, how about we list some things we wish to
avoid doing while we are alive? Here are some things from my own anti-bucket
list:
1. Do drugs
or smoke
I don’t know
about you, but I firmly believe in saying no to (routinely consuming highly
addicting illegal) drugs. Your stance on
drugs might be completely different from mine, but I’ve done my research and I
know its negative health side effects. I know there are various types of drugs
and some of them are harmless. I would love to further explain my side to those
who believe otherwise, but it’s hard to shake someone’s belief especially when
they formed that since childhood. Additionally, just like what high school or
college cliché movies show, there are peer pressures everywhere. It might not
be from your peers but we can’t deny that we currently live in an era where the
line on drugs is blurred. One second, I’m antagonistic about it, the next
second I’m rationalising using it. Thanks, philosophy lecture class.
Nevertheless, I wish to never do drugs until I die. That would be quite an
achievement for a person like me who changes her mind every 15 seconds.
2. Skydiving
Skydiving is
one of the popular things we see on a bucket list. But for me, I would never
take the leap of faith simply because I don’t have faith. Kidding aside, I know
I have faith, but it’s just not that strong. Every person has their weakness,
and I think this is mine. Even if you offer me a million dollars to do a stunt
with safety and harness and all, I would not have the courage to do so. This is
unfortunate for me because every time someone asks me between having the
ability to fly or be invisible, I always choose flying!
3. Be stuck
in a deserted place
This is
probably because I have watched a lot of horror movies where people get stuck
in a deserted place and one by one they die because of psycho-killers. Maybe
it’s also the fact that I don’t trust people in this kind of situation. I feel
like when this happens, people easily forget being “human” and a war of “all
against all” begins. Or maybe, it’s just that I don’t trust my survival
skills.
4. Wake up before 3am
I know my
schedule and I know I never set things to do earlier than 7 am. Normally my
wake up time is around 6:40 am. Waking up earlier than that mostly gives me the
“sad”. A bit irrational, but the only time I have to wake around that hour is
when something bad has happened. I remember being woken up at 2 in the morning
knowing that my grandma died, traveling
at 4 in the morning to get in time for a relative’s funeral, being at the airport before 5 to send off my
mom to the airport. My sister also told
me this story that 3am is the hour of the devil and it’s bad to be up at that
hour or you’ll see ghosts staring at you (If you’re reading this at night, be
careful not to look at the closet. That’s where they hide). It’s probably the
last one that I don’t like waking up at 3 in the morning.
5. Choose
between two people that are important to you
I think it’s
fair to say that this is one of the things that a lot of people dread. I only see this happen in the movies, but
I’ll be wrecked if this happen to me. You just can’t choose one between two
people who are important to you. That’s like asking, "if you have to choose
between your hands, which one do you keep?" But you know what, I think what’s worse than this dilemma is to be one
of the two people who are being chosen, then not get picked. #gentlyapplywatertothatburn
These things
are from my own anti-bucket list. Yours may be very different from mine, but
that’s okay. Just remember that sometimes we need to avoid certain things in
order to make space for better, greater things. What’s in your anti-bucket list?
- Anonymeh
What's Up, Vancouver? (May 2015)
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| Photo by: Kenny Louie |
Commercial Drive Street Party 2015
May 1, 2015
Grandview Park
1657 Charles Street (@ Commercial Drive)
Vancouver, British Columbia
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Eat! Vancouver at BC Place
May 1 - May 3, 2015
BC Place
777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8
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One Republic (Concert) at Rogers Arena
May 2, 2015
Rogers Arena
800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1
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Free Comic Book Day 2015
May 2, 2015
Various locations
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Vancouver Bird Week 2015
May 2 - May 9, 2015
453 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
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BMO Vancouver Marathon 2015
May 3, 2015
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Mucho Burrito's Plinko De Mayo (A Cinco de Mayo Celebration)
May 5, 2015
Various locations across Vancouver
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Anne Frank Exhibition at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
May 6, 2015 - May 29, 1015
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
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IGNITE! Youth Driven Arts Festival
May 12 - May 16, 2015
The York Theatre
639 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W3
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Vancouver Public Library Central Branch Architectural Tour
May 16 and May 26, 2015
VPL Central Branch
350 West Georgia, Vancouver, BC
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May 17, 2015
Massey Theatre
735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, British Columbia
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Cirque du Soleil: Varekai
May 20 - May 24, 2015
Pacific Coliseum
100 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 4A5
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May 22 - May 24, 2015
Emily Carr University
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TEDxStanleyPark
May 23, 2015
1585 Johnston Street, Granville Island
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Vancouver International Children's Festival
May 25 - May 31, 2015
Granville Island
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TEDxGastownWomen
May 29, 2015
Segal Building, 500 Granville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
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Bubble Tea in Vancouver
One thing I like the most about Vancouver is how diverse it is.
There are many people with different cultures and backgrounds. But of course,
when there are different cultures, there must be different kinds of food from
all over the world. As a foodie, I’m lucky enough to live in the heart of
downtown so I get to try different stuff every now and then.
I recommend one of my favorite
snack/hangout places in downtown: Bubble World. They opened many different
branches around Vancouver. The branch I like to go to is the one on Robson Street.
If you have never tried bubble tea, then
you NEED to try it! It’s one of the most popular drinks in Asia. Bubble tea is
a drink made with iced tea, sweetened milk or other flavorings, and usually
with sweet black “pearls” made from tapioca. It’s a great drink for summer!
They serve so many different flavors of
bubble tea, ranging from milk tea to different types of fruit tea. In the summer, they also have ice
cream, slush, and shaved ice.
I recommend the fruit slush. One of my
favorites is watermelon slush. Unlike some other bubble tea place, this place
uses fresh fruits in the drink. So you can actually taste the real fruit.
Not only that, you can replace your pearls
with all kinds of different jellies. So you can mix and match the drink and
jellies. Try out different combinations and you might find the one that you
like the best!
Also, this location just recently added a food menu! Now you can order
popular night market food items. My favorite snack is the deep fried chicken
and squid tentacles. Never tried squid tentacles before? Don’t worry. There are still a lot of other snacks you can
choose from. They have beef noodles, fried rice, etc.
This place is also a great hangout place
with your friends. There is a small arcade machine where you can play games on.
The reason why I like this place is because
It tastes just like the ones they have back home. I’m really glad how I can
still be having food from my home country even when I’m In Vancouver. And that is
one reason why I love Vancouver!
Other great bubble tea locations:
Vancouver:
- 1325 Robson St, Vancouver
- 3377 Kingsway, Vancouver
- 6260 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Burnaby:
- 8888 University Drive, Unit MBC 2282, Burnaby
- 4300 Kingsway, Burnaby
Richmond:
- #1136, 8328 Capstan Way, Richmond
Surrey:
- 137, 10090 152nd St, Surrey
Coquitlam:
- 555 North Rd. Coquitlam
New Westminster:
- 601 Agnes Street, New Westminster
- Lu
What's So Special About Vancouver?
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| Source: Jon Rawlinson |
As an immigrant coming from a third world
country, Vancouver is one of the best places on Earth. There are many reasons
to love the city--from its beauty, its opportunities, and its community. All of these things combined make the best
city ever.
Vancouver--British Columbia in general--is
SUCH a beautiful place. Have you seen the mountains? Have you seen the
waterfront? Have you seen the creative architecture of downtown? If you go on a
long drive toward any direction from where you are, I am sure there is
something amazing bound to be seen. We are blessed to have great beaches and
parks. Speaking of parks, did you know that our very own Stanley Park is named
as Top Park in the World according to TripAdvisor? Yup!
Most of us moved to Canada for a better
tomorrow. Although yes, the living expenses here are quite high, it’s still
something worth more than what we had. Vancouver is a place of opportunities-
may it be career-wise or education-wise or both.
My most favourite reason as to why
Vancouver is so awesome is its sense of community. For example, the Vancouver
Immigrant Youth Blog wouldn’t have been established if it wasn’t for a bunch of
new immigrant youth wanting to make a difference! And here in Vancouver, there
are numerous people who are inclined to change the world. Have you heard that
Vancouver is one of the greenest places on Earth (or at least trying to be
one)? Volunteerism is also on the incline because of all the beautiful,
selfless people inhabiting this little bubble of awesomeness. Vancouver is also
a diverse place. Everywhere you go, you meet a person of a different
background! I always like to compare Vancouver as a mall’s food court- you can
find food from all nationalities in one place! Vancouver is hundreds of
countries merged together in unity.
We are extremely lucky to live in such an
amazing place. I don’t know about you, but for me, Vancouver is the place to
be. So be grateful you live in a great city. Let’s also respect its beauty by
keeping it green and peaceful. Vancouver is definitely a place worth bragging
about.
To Vancouver, the city of rain
Jose
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.
 |
| "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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| "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.
|
- Angelo
What's Up, Vancouver? (March 2015)
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| Photo courtesy of: John Biehler |
Cannery Farmer's Market
March 1, 15, 29, 2015
12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond, BC V7E 3J1
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FlyOver Canada Presents AboveUSA
March 6-April 12, 2015
201 – 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1
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International Women's Day Youth Forum
March 8, 2015
Mount Pleasant Community Centre
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PlayDome - Canada's Largest Indoor Carnival
March 14-22, 2015
BC Place Stadium
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St. Patrick's Day Vancouver Parade
March 15, 2015
Granville Street
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Gathering Our Voices Youth Conference
March 17-20, 2015
Prince George, BC
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Theatre for Living Presents: Maladjusted
March 20-28, 2015
The Firehall Arts Centre
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Ballet BC Presents: Trace
March 26-28, 2015
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
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Defeat Depression 5K Walk/Run at UBC
March 29, 2015
UBC Vancouver - Thunderbird Park
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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
What's Up, Vancouver? (February 2015)
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| Photo courtesy of: truth24times |
Flight of the Dragon at Flyover Canada
January 5 to March 5, 2015
999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
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The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
January 17 to February 14, 2015
Various coffee shops and food places in Vancouver
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The Cutest Couple Ever
February 2 to 13, 2015
Highstreet Shopping Centre, Abbotsford
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Family Day at Vancouver Art Gallery
February 9, 2015
750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
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Origami, BBQ, Dance, and more - Family Day at Trout Lake Community Centre
February 9, 2015
3350 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC
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Family Day Free Skate at Moody Park Arena
February 9, 2015
701 8th Avenue, New Westminster, BC
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Family Day and Lunar New Year Celebration
February 9, 2015
Britannia Community Centre
1661 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC
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Family Day Free Skate at Robson Square
February 9, 2015
800 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B7
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The Canadian Improv Games
February 10 to 14, 2015
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC
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Talking Stick Festival
February 17 - March 1, 2015
Various Theatres / Community Centres in Vancouver
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Free Movie at Wesbrook Village - Hoodwinked Too: Hood vs. Evil
February 18, 2015
3378 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC
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Winterruption 2015 on Granville Island
February 19-22, 2015
1661 Duranleau St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
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Bouncy Castle on Kerrisdale Pool
February 20, 2015
5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver, BC
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Shamrock Dance Competition 2015 at St. Patrick Regional Secondary
February 28, 2015
115 E 11 Ave Vancouver, BC V5T 2C1
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Maple Leaf Monster Jam at BC Place
February 28, 2015
777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC
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