Richmond Service Canada Holds First Annual Youth Fair

With the need for youth to gain employable skills, work experience and many other resume-builders increasing, youth employment is becoming a much more important issue for teens. However, many teens can find it difficult to not only seek out employment opportunities but also to acquire these much needed skills.

In order to tackle this growing problem, Service Canada Centres for Youth has many branches to address these challenges and on July 14th the Richmond Service Canada Centre for Youth (SCCY) hosted a Youth Fair at Lansdowne Shopping Centre. The event was held in order to expose and connect youth with potential employers, and create an environment where young people could network. Some of the exhibitors included Aerotek, A-Star Studios, Emily Carr University, WorkSafe BC and Langara College.

Not only were many employers and companies present at the fair, but the Honourable Dr. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Richmond also made an appearance and addressed those in attendance as part of the fair's opening ceremony. In her speech Dr. Wong stated, “I have been working with youth all of my life… youth are our future.” When asked what prompted her to get involved in the fair, she replied, “Before politics I used to work with a lot of youth myself as the international project manager for Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and I was also the person in charge of a Rotarian program for young people.” The youth fair also featured great entertainment, but most importantly, it allowed youth to gain some valuable knowledge that will assist them in their search for employment.

Service Canada provided skill training at the fair, such as resumé, cover letter and interview tips, all of which can be obtained through the drop-in services at the various Service Canada Centres for Youth. The SCCY also has computers where people between the ages of 15-30 can access online job banks, which has been a very valuable resource for youth. According to Julisse Lecca, Youth Services Officer for Service Canada, the Richmond SCCY has posted 110 jobs for young people, of which 40 have been full time, 55 have been part-time and 15 were odd jobs. Programs for youth with disabilities, lack of education or other barriers are also present at SCCY. So whether you're looking to gain some tips on how to write cover letters or are looking to secure a job, Service Canada Centres for Youth is the place for you!

The Lower Mainland Service Canada Centres for Youth (SCCYs) are here to help you with your job search! If you are looking for casual, part-time, or full-time summer employment, the SCCYs are a great place to start. All of the employers who post jobs with our office are specifically looking to fill these positions with young people. A thorough job search means researching more than one source to find job openings. In addition to the SCCYs, there are many other sources of potential summer jobs. Other possible sources to consider when you are looking for a job include:

• Telling everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Tell friends, neighbours, teachers, relatives, former employers and anyone else you can think of. Many positions are filled through personal contacts.

• Check the yellow pages in the telephone book. Make a list of businesses that might have the kind of job that you are looking for and contact them yourself.

•Read the want ads in newspapers. Many businesses and organizations advertise in the newspaper, so check it often.

•Positions may be posted on bulletin boards right at the place of business. Keep your eyes open.

•Drop off your résumé at places that are of interest to you. Many businesses and organizations don't advertise publicly. They want applicants who are interested to come to them.

•Do some research on the Internet. You can access job postings from any computer with an Internet connection and look for opportunities in your area or all over the country.

There are 9 SCCYs within the Lower Mainland that are open and helping youth and employers each year from May to August. To learn more about the SCCYs or to find the location nearest you please call 604-658-8358 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am and 5 pm on Friday or go to servicecanada.gc.ca.

To Volunteer is to Learn

One summer day last year, I was thrilled to hear that my table tennis coach had granted my volunteer request!

I, a 15-year-old, intermediate level player, would assist my coach by helping beginner level kids (ages from 7 to 10) to learn. I was very excited about it, not only because I could put into good use of what I’d learned in the past three years at Bridgeport Table Tennis Club in Richmond, but also because this was my very first volunteer job! I couldn’t help but start imagining how I would begin a session with a bunch of novice kids.

At first, I thought it was going to be fun. But it turned out that it wasn’t. The little kids needed me to feed the ball to the same spot every time, or else they would not be able to return it. Sometimes even when I fed the ball to the preferable spot, they would still miss! I couldn’t help but criticizing them, but they didn’t seem to understand! This was not the kind of volunteer job that I had expected. And it was really testing my patience.

After a few classes, I was bored and grumpy. Before long, the situation was getting out of control. I started the class with an attitude and left the class with an even worse attitude. What’s wrong with the kids? What’s wrong with me?

One day, during a break, I asked my coach Mrs. Tian, once a professional player in China and a seasoned coach in Bridgeport Table Tennis Club: “How should I deal with the small kids? They seem too slow to get it.”

She smiled: “Star, don’t you remember how you were handling the racquet when you came for your first class three years ago? Look at how well you play now.”

“Learning is a process; it comes slow in the beginning,” she added.

“Then what should I do with them?” I asked.

Her answer was surprisingly simple: “Patience.”

Later that day, I thought about what my coach had said. I realized that she must have plenty of patience. She taught a lot of pupils and many of them (like me) could barely hold a racquet properly when they started.

She taught me from the very basics to some advanced techniques. When I was a beginner, every time I hit a ball, she praised me, and every time I missed a ball, she encouraged me.

With her patience and encouragement, I turned out to be a decent player. Now, if I could do the same to the small kids that I volunteered to help，they would improve a lot as well.

Yes, I need first to change my attitude for the kids were already a bit scared of me. I decided to start with a positive attitude - to acknowledge their improvement rather than to focus on their flaws. I encouraged them when they won a game by high-fiving them.

I demonstrated to them how awkward a player I was when I started playing three years ago. They were laughing out loud. But they were encouraged!

Every class now seems fun and action-packed and everyone is making good process, including me. I am not just helping coaching; I am learning important lessons myself.

I have learned that being a coach helper is a hard-but-rewarding job. It is hard because it requires a lot of patience in dealing with students who start from square one. Now I understand the quote: “The expert at anything was once a beginner.”

It is also rewarding as I witness the novice kids making amazing progresses!

Your May 2010 Horoscope: What's the Career for You?

High school is a time of planning for your future career. Making major life decisions can be challenging, but don’t stress – eventually you will find the path that is right for you!

	Taurus (04.20 - 05.20) You are a practical and dedicated person who people turn to in times of need. Although it takes you time to come to a decision, you usually make the right one. Bouts of weariness and stress have been holding you back recently, but with seemingly never-ending emotional and physical endurance, you will get through it! Dedication has always propelled you to a better place in life and this month will not be any different, even if new challenges arise. Your dream job: Psychologist
	Gemini (05.21 - 06.21) Friends admire your nurturing manner, and you genuinely value their opinions before making a decision. This sometimes gets in the way of your personal goals and it’s time to go for the opportunity you have thought about but have been too scared to pursue. Go for it! Your dream job: Nurse
	Cancer (06.22 - 07.22) Life can be hectic, but with your bright personality, you manage to overcome everything. Optimism is an essential part of your daily life; however, it’s fine if you don’t always have it all together because friends will be at your side to reassure and assist you. Your dream job: Film producer
	Leo (07.23 - 08.22) Being persistent comes naturally to you. A problem will arise that will be tricky, but you will pull through with intellect and help from a loved one. Although patience is not always a virtue you stand by, it’s important not to let a bad day get to you and bring out your short temper. Take a few deep breaths and it will pass. Your dream job: Teacher
	Virgo (08.23 - 09.22) Rationality keeps your mind from wandering and allows you to be the voice of reason for others. Although you are naturally observant, sometimes you look into situations too deeply – try to relax and not over think. Your dream job: Doctor
	Libra (09.23 - 10.22) No matter what happens in your day, you manage to keep calm. You are honest and always stay out of other people’s arguments. Stress is an issue in your life, but be patient because soon it will settle down. In the meantime, Google some stress management tips. Your dream job: Lawyer
	Scorpio (10.23 - 11.21) Tough times don’t stop you because of your strong work ethic. This isn’t always a good thing as you almost never allow yourself time to unwind. This month is an opportunity to work at a slower pace with the aid of a friend. Remember that it’s OK to ask for help when you’re overwhelmed. Working with others will teach you teamwork. Your dream job: Banker
	Sagittarius (11.22 - 12.21) Teachers and peers admire your innovative ideas. Even though it is difficult to stay on task while enjoying yourself at the same time, you should know that completing something that’s got to be done is a priority. Your dream job: Reporter
	Capricorn (12.22 - 01.19) Practicality and thoughtfulness has gotten you far in your work and social life. Lately, you have been focusing on one area of your life and neglecting the others. Something you are going to have to work on this month is balancing your work and social life. Your dream job: Counsellor
	Aquarius (01.20 - 02.18) Humour and creativity are incorporated into your daily life. Friends and family enjoy your wittiness, but you have let that get in the way of your real priorities. It’s easy to slack off, but it’s crucial to get back on track this month so you can be successful in the near future. Finding a healthy balance between work and play is crucial for you. Your dream job: Actor / Actress
	Pisces (02.19 - 03.20) The past month has not been trouble-free, but, with guidance, your days are getting better and your natural leadership skills are coming back to the forefront. Be careful with first impressions, but still voice your opinions. Your dream job: Airplane pilot
	Aries (03.21 - 04.19) Compassion has shown others that you are the person to go to in times of need. This last month has been draining so focus on what matters the most. Your care has allowed others to feel comforted so remember that you can lean on them if you need some support! Your dream job: Social worker

Get Inspired to Volunteer

If you haven’t already taken up volunteering, here are three reasons to help you get inspired.

You can make a difference in your community.
As cliché as it sounds, volunteering really does make a difference. Think about what you’re passionate about. Is there anything that can be improved? If you care about animals, you can volunteer at your local SPCA as a dog walker. Assisting others in your community is one of the easiest ways to put a smile on someone’s face.

You can experience something new.
Volunteering is one of the best ways to open your eyes to the world. By putting yourself out there, you gain memorable experiences that will help foster insight into what the real world is like. It also allows you to socialize and bond with a variety of people whose values, cultures and viewpoints may be different from yours.

You can become more confident.
Volunteering is a form of empowerment that requires you to be independent and proactive. Taking initiative through your volunteer work will help raise your self-esteem, and helping others in your community will give you a sense of personal fulfillment.

How to Avoid Slacking Off Before and After Spring Break

Every teenager knows that a break from school is a mercy call from the heavens, giving us a chance to slow down and enjoy some much deserved rest and relaxation.

Spring Break is one of these very few pleasant intermissions from regular life, but causes the same problem all of us face during the preview and the aftermath of this short-lived vacation: the slacking-off slump.

It may seem impossible to avoid being thwarted by the ceaseless fatigue that plagues us the week before and the week after spring break, but never fear, here are a few helpful tips that may help you out!

BEFORE:
Don't Think About It
It may seem blasphemous to force yourself to believe that spring break isn’t going to happen, but pretending like next week is just another week of school, may cause you to continue as you always do with steady schoolwork. Thus creating a pleasant sense of surprise when you wake up the first Monday morning at ten and aren’t late for anything.

Keep Yourself Busy
This is an age-old trick that may be as simple as actually doing your homework the night before the class, or as extreme as taking up kickboxing for a week. Both ways your mind is distracted and the week will fly by quickly, making it impossible for the slacking-off slump to infect your work habits.

Go to Bed Early
As crazy as it may sound, when your parents used to say, “The faster you go to sleep, the faster it will be morning!” they were right. Going to bed at nine or 10 will not only give you more energy to keep busy during the day, but it also kills time and makes the days go by faster. Before you have time to realize it, it will be Friday afternoon.

Treat the Week Like the Tour De France
Use the week before spring break as your sprinting week. This is your chance to catch up on homework you haven’t done, and give your 100 per cent until the very last minute on Friday. After all, you won’t even have to think about homework for a whole week afterward.

AFTER:
Count Down the Days to Summer
Alas, once the restful week is over, you have to snap back to reality and accept that school will continue even if the fond memories of spring break are still alive in your heart. The best way to avoid the depression that is sure to follow is looking forward to the next (longer) break coming up: summer!

Relate Everything to Spring Break
So we all know that the major conversation topic for the week after spring break is of course, spring break. So why not let that flow into your schoolwork? Need to write an essay? Write about spring break! Need to do math? Calculate the trigonometric angles of a slice of pizza you ate on spring break! The possibilities are endless!

Schedule in Time for Nostalgia
Thinking about and missing spring break isn’t going to do you any good, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget it never happened! Shift your focus onto school during the day, and set aside an hour at night to look at photos and share some laughs with friends about the good old days.

When faced with the deadly slacking-off slump, we must rise to the occasion with fierce battle techniques or succumb and suffer. Even when the promises of spring break are inviting, and the hilarious (and sometimes heartfelt) souvenirs are distracting, school will always remain a high priority. Just remember, don’t give in, and have the best spring break imaginable.

Career Profile: T-Shirt Designer

When you see come across a quote and you want it put somewhere so you can remember it, what better place than to print it on a T-shirt? You can bring it with you wherever you go, make a fashion statement and share a few laughs or insightful moments with friends.

Getting into the business of T-shirt designing takes a lot of work, but one that is filled with fun, creativity and some out-of-the-box thinking. Just like writing and publishing a book, you tell a whole story in a few words (with or without an image to go with it) that leaves people standing in awe of the designer’s wit.

And so Youthink contacted ninja T-shirt designer Kym Banguis, who runs her own T-shirt designing business, to take a look into her wacky days and creative process.

YT: Can you give me a brief description of your job?
KB: I think up designs and create it on the computer. Once the design is finished, I put it on t-shirts and other things and sell them online. I get to network and meet new people every day, get to know them, and share ideas.

YT: What are the perks of your job?
KB: Since it’s my own business, I call the shots. I can wake up whatever time I desire, work for as little or as much as I want, take breaks anytime, work in my pajamas, go on vacation whenever I want, etc.

YT: How competitive is this career?
KB: Handmade is becoming very popular nowadays and I am seeing more and more people get into silk-screening or screen-printing. It is definitely competitive in places like L.A. but Vancouver is quickly catching up.

YT: What sort of training did you need before making your own shirts?
KB: Everything was self-taught with the Internet being my best resource. I watched a lot of videos online, read a lot of forums, talked to a lot of people and asked a lot of questions.

YT: What advice would you give to future t-shirt designers out there?
KB: A lot of people have dreams, but very few actually take the first step towards achieving their dreams. You’ll only go as far as you let yourself. Don’t let negative thoughts slow you down or keep you from getting started. It’s tough running your own business but at the same time it is very rewarding – make sure you’re ready physically, financially and emotionally. Dream BIG!

Are you craving for a shirt now? Visit www.beecreative.ca or www.herrohachi.etsy.com to quench your shirt thirst!

How to Survive Going On Exchange

Photo: Arielle wearing a yukata (traditional dress, far left in the upper row) and her exchange partner Mioka (centre of the upper row).

Many of us dream of travelling the world, learning new languages and experiencing different cultures. Last August, I had the chance to do just that on a short cross-cultural exchange to Japan with eight other Albertan students.

For two and a half months, I attended Tsukisamu High School in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. My exchange partner from Japan, Mioka, was a high-school student who showed me around and helped me live out the daily life of a Japanese student. Mioka and her family were exceptional, making sure I was comfortable in my new settings.

Photo: Arielle at a tea ceremony (bottom row in the very centre) with her exchange partner Mioka (far right in the bottom).

If are interested on going on going on exchange, here are the top five things to expect as an exchange student:

Becoming Tired
After the enthusiasm wears off, a bit of anxiety kicks in. Between the general culture shock, lack of knowledge of the language and activities planned for you by your host family and teachers, a pronounced tiredness is to be expected on cultural exchanges.

Getting to Know Yourself
Think of an exchange trip like moving to college and living with a roommate. You’re going to find yourself both loving and hating your partner at the same time. She may be a fun positive person, but living with her can really enlighten you to some of your pet peeves, as well as the qualities you tend to look for in a friend. You’ll also learn a lot of patience towards others while on your exchange.

Being an Anomaly
While I was in Japan, I was the only Caucasian in the school I attended. I stood out from the crowd a lot, and most of the students knew who I was. It’s like moving into a small, rural town where everyone knows everyone and, all of a sudden, you’re the one sticking out.

Experiencing Different World Perspectives
During an exchange, you’ll meet new people and experience different ways of living. While you’re staying with your host family, it is generally recommended that you adapt to their specific way of living in order to fully experience the culture.

You will also encounter people who have stereotypes of the country you came from, or your ethnic background. These aren’t meant to be insults, and most people are just curious to see if these stereotypes are true, so you’ll only have to say a few words to set any wrongs right.

Meeting New People and Making New Friends
Obviously, you must be ready to meet others and make new friends, or you’ll have a very lonely trip ahead. Be polite, ask questions and say “thank you”!

Exchanges can be the experience of a lifetime. As with every other experience, there are positives and negatives, but an exchange student must make the best of both. If you want to experience something new and learn about our world, than an exchange trip is a choice you won’t regret.

Buckling Down in Grade 9

You're in grade 9 now so we need to start buckling down to prepare for high school. You keep telling yourself this, but when it comes time to actually carry out this task, you're not doing very well.

First of all, you do pay attention in class – or at least you try to. No matter what though, you keep zoning out. And then there's homework. Whether you're busy with sports, music, other extracurricular activities or you just plain don't like homework, it's something that you have to do. So maybe you start it, thinking that if you can just finish this, then you can have fun, but soon you get distracted. Or maybe it's your TV, computer, pet, friend or annoying sibling. Either way, that homework goes unfinished and the next day: welcome to detention.

School is sometimes a long and painful process, but it is necessary. And even though you might not want to admit it, it can be pretty fun. Not necessarily the homework, but the friends you make, the laughs you have and the silly things you do, all make the school experience worthwhile. So although it may seem hard to buckle down right now in grade 9, if you want to make it to grade 10 where the fun really starts, you have to do the work. So try to listen in class and do your homework on time and you won’t regret it next year when you’re in high school.

Get Involved! (It’s Worth It)

Every school out there has a variety of clubs, sports, and activities that are worth getting involved in. The hardest part is finding the right one for you. With so many choices, which activity will give you the most opportunities and let you have fun? Find out who you truly are and what interests you, and then go from there.

If you’re the athletic type, try out for a sport. Most schools offer each sport for both boys and girls, and new sports are being introduced like golf and dance. There is everything from basketball and football, to soccer and badminton. Talk to a coach and find out when tryouts are, then get the equipment and start practicing!

Sports not your thing? Schools have a variety of clubs that you can join, some academic and others just for fun. If you like taking pictures and writing, try the school newspaper or join the yearbook club and help put it together. If you’re in grade 12, some schools have a grad committee. Join the club and you can help make decisions and fundraise money for your graduation. If there isn’t a club out there for you, start your own! Get a teacher to sponsor the club, and then spread the word. You could make a difference with something you truly enjoy.

Getting involved in your school can also mean volunteering for events like organizing a dance or designing the backdrops for the school play. There are many opportunities to volunteer or get in some work experience. Ask your career counsellor what is available at the moment in your school.

Getting involved in your school has its rewards. Some scholarship committees look for students who take part in their school. Involving yourself in the school demonstrates school spirit and allows you to explore different activities. So get moving and sign up for something in your school!

8 Things To Know About University

Sarah-Beth is currently in her first year studying kinesiology at the University of Calgary

University is a big step after leaving high school. Choosing a faculty and major, the chance to finally study what you find most interesting, getting to meet lots of new people... the list goes on. There is so much to discuss that often a few things go unmentioned in the tours around campus. There are many things I know about university now that I wish I’d known in high school, and not just the basic facts like 8 am classes are tough to get up for and playing on a university team means you lose most of your weekends.

To help you get prepared, here are my top eight things to know about university:

Like Dad Said: It’s Hard, Really Hard
There is always studying to be done, since a test that is worth 20 to 50 per cent of your final grade is common and will cover loads of material.

Get Familiar With Your Surroundings
Just because you walked around campus a few times doesn’t mean your classrooms are easy to find. Find all of your classrooms before the first day to avoid wandering around aimlessly and being late to your first lectures.

Be Textbook Savvy
Textbooks can cost a small fortune. So before you buy, go to the first couple of lectures and find out if the textbook is really required. Then visit the used bookstore to save yourself a few dollars. Or buy your textbooks from another student who was enrolled in the course previously, and help them fend off student debt.

Get Tech Ready
Learn where there are outlets on campus to recharge your laptop/phone. Especially if you have classes in buildings that pre-date the age of cellphones.

Keep in Touch
University is a huge place! Just because you go to the same school as your friends, it doesn’t mean you’ll see them. Organize study sessions, coffee dates or movie nights to catch up.

Success is in Your Hands
You have total responsibility for your education. It’s up to you to pay tuition on time, register for your classes, actually attend lectures and labs and hand in assignments by their due date. No one is going to be running after you to hand in that paper that was due last week.

Be Prepared to be Surprised
University can be a culture shock. Diversity is a major part of campus life, with people coming from all backgrounds, religions, ideologies and ages. It’s an exciting opportunity to learn about yourself and others. You will meet some of the most interesting people in the world right in your classroom!

Make an Effort
Be outgoing and try to make friends. If you don’t make an effort, you may be the annoying person sending out mass e-mails to your classmates asking for notes for missed lectures. And who wants to be that person?