Thursday, December 06, 2012
Fit for Fitness
Introduction
From the dawn of time, we were told
to eat right and stay fit, but how is staying fit really affecting our
livelihood. I want to inspire men and women, who feel like they have no
motivation to exercise because they want to utilize their time on thing other
than going to the gym. In my opinion regular exercise can actually help these
people with their overall health and also create success in their careers.
Health Benefits
Let's face it; we are surrounded by
influences that dictate what we should expect in our day to day lives. Most of
these influences are derived from mass media impacting our way of life, like
what to eat, how to dress and also as far as how to act in front of others. How
can anyone feel inspired to work out, while we try to figure out our daily
activity and time manage them properly? We all know, we should go and exercise
regularly, then why is it that more and more people feel like they don't have the
drive to perform. In my opinion, depression might be the reason behind this
lack of motivation. Dumblittleman.com points out, “Study
after study
has shown that exercise promotes mental health and reduces symptoms
of depression. The antidepressant effect of regular physical exercise is
comparable to the potent antidepressants like Zoloft. It may take at least 30
minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to
significantly improve symptoms of depression”. Imagine just 30 minutes a day
can have that much effect on our mood. I myself spend 45-60 minutes a day
inside the gym four times a week, and let me tell you the feel of euphoria that
rushes through my body right after a good work out is well worth the effort. Study
after study also proves that regular fitness activity is a great asset for our
body in the long run. Dumblittleman.com elaborates "People who are
physically active live longer. According to a 20 year follow-up study,
regular exercise reduces the risk of dying prematurely". Students who
think they are too busy to keep fit while juggling four or more courses, they might
need to think again. Research has also shown “Exercise stimulates the formation
of new brain cells. Researchers found
that the areas of the brain that are stimulated through exercise are responsible
for memory and learning. For instance, older adults who engage in regular
physical activity have better performances in tests implying decision-making
process, memory and problem solving”(dumblittleman.com).
Career Benefits
Aside
from the health benefits, daily physical activities can also improve opportunities
for career advancements. It seems more and more companies hire individuals who
have a good physical fitness, as they are more likely to be motivated in other
aspect of their lives. Individuals who wake up early in the morning to go for a
simple jog appear more energetic and more productive afterwards. Going to the
gym regularly and getting that exhilarating feeling after a heart pumping work
out can also provide the same result. A quote from health style fitness states,
“Successful people like to jump start their day with an abundance of energy and
the feel-good endorphins that exercise offers.... A study by Jim McKenna, a
British researcher, showed that after exercising participants returned to work
more tolerant of themselves and more forgiving of their colleagues. The study
goes on to conclude that work performance was consistently higher, time
management skills improved, as did mental sharpness”(briancalkins.com). This
explains why many multinational companies have gym facilities built in their
establishments, to help their employees become more efficient and productive. There
has been research done on the direct link between fitness and career success. Studies
have shown, regular exercise allows “Better ability to focus, improved
confidence and enhanced ability to follow through were directly attributed to
improved fitness levels” (briancalkins.com). So what does the leading executive
search company survey say about the importance of physical fitness, “more than
1,300 executives who earn $100,000 or more annually [were] asked to describe
their perceptions of weight and work, 75 percent said good physical fitness is
'critical for career success at the executive level'”(briancalkins.com).
According to the article by health style fitness, "It goes well beyond
looking good. Fit people tend to have better eating habits and miss fewer days
at work due to a higher resistance to illness. And with competition continually
increasing in every industry, companies are now rewarding employees and
managers who miss less work and produce more"(briancalkins.com).
Conclusion
Staying physically fit has a direct impact
in everyone's life. It promotes good health which leads to optimistic behavior
that radiates throughout the day and into your work. So we needs to consider
the consequence of making unhealthy decision like boycotting physical activity
due to time constraints and the indirect impact it will cause in our lives,
such as hindrance in career advancements. In the end you will only gain from
the overall dedication you invest in your body.
Dumb
Little Man. 13 scientifically proven health benefits of exercise. Retrieved
from: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/02/13-scientifically-proven-health.html
Health
Style Fitness. The link between health and career success. Retrieved from: http://www.briancalkins.com/career.htm
ID#10067743
COMS 369- Lec 02
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Borderline Personality Disorder: A ‘hands-off’ approach
Richina Foggo
COMS 369 L02
In my first year of University I
was studying to become a nurse. I was placed in the psychiatric unit for my clinical
practicum, and it was there that I began to put names and faces of individuals
to one of the most ambiguous mental illnesses: Borderline Personality Disorder.
Patients would be placed and held in the psychiatric unit after doctors and
staff worked hard to bandage up the self-inflicted cuts and stitch the deeper
ones. Some patients had their stomachs pumped. A drip was hooked up and
intravenous drugs administered.
But what is Borderline
Personality Disorder and whom does it affect? My goal is to bring awareness to
this disorder; strike conversation regarding the current ‘hands-off’ approach
our health care system exercises in dealing with individuals with Borderline
Personality Disorder; and share the challenges individuals with mental health
conditions face as a result.
The National Institute of Mental
Health characterizes Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) as impulsivity,
chaotic relationships, instability of emotions, blurred identity and a
propensity for self-violence. Like many other mental illnesses the exact cause
remains unknown. Similarly, social and family factors are thought to play
roles. However, BPD appears to have a high degree of “heritability,” confirming
the likelihood of it being a brain disorder. Clem Martini (2011) describes
Borderline Personality Disorder as the “ugly duckling of the mental health care
system… it is stigmatized and ignored. And then one day it hits home.” (p. 39).
Martini (2011) also shares his personal experience:
As the patient stabilizes she/he is transferred to the
psychiatric ward for assessment. You feel some faint hope. You feel you will
have someone to help you/ an advocate. A guide. But that’s where you’re wrong.
The assessment comes back as Borderline Personality Disorder. The patient is
not kept for treatment. Instead you’re made to understand that the hospital
offers no particular treatment, A provincially funded clinic provides therapy,
but there’s a six month waiting list. In the meantime, there will be no
assistance. Your son/daughter/sister/brother is released into your confused and
thoroughly uninformed, unqualified, unprepared care. (p. 38).
Martini’s story highlights just some of the obstacles family
members and individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder face as a result
of our existing health care system.
Alberta’s
Mental Health Act permits involuntary detention and admission to a hospital for
examination and treatment against an individual will if their life appears to
be at risk. (Martini, 2011, p. 40). But Borderline individuals are exempted
from this act. Furthermore, as Martini notes, there are publically funded
clinics, however there is a six-month waiting list. Ultimately, this leaves family
members left to deal with the at-risk, distressed individual. But there are no
answers regarding what to do for the next six months until a therapy session
can be scheduled, or what to do if he/she gets too anxious or angry. And what
about the next time he/she tries to take his/her own life again? Is it just
that the liability of the unwell individual and potential guilt becomes the
caregivers responsibility?
Another way in which Borderline Personality Disorder
warrants this ‘hands-off’ response is the outreach programs available for
family members of those with BPD. Martini (2011) introduces the Mental Health
First Aid program, “which offers the layperson a kind of fast recognition and
first treatment for mental illnesses. It was modeled upon the standard first
aid program that was so successfully developed to deal with physical
emergencies.” (p. 40). The philosophy of the program was that laymen with
little information could offer the necessary immediate intervention that would
allow the mentally ill patient to survive in the short term until more
informed, better-trained treatment could take place. (C. Martini, 2011, p. 40).
Martini (2011) says “in the world of medical emergencies, this makes complete
sense… it has given rise to a variety of procedures meant to keep the patient
alive and well…until better informed, better prepared medical resources are
made available.” (p. 40). The problem here is that in many mental illness
cases, you are not only the first aid, but also the second, third and only aid.
Indeed, you may be the initial aid but the situation, responsibility, and care
giving is likely to be bounced right back to you. Using Martini (2011) to
conclude, “its worth nothing that the majority of suicides don’t occur in
medical facilities. They occur elsewhere, back in the homes of caregivers
trying to make sense of the situation… who have often requested assistance and
received none. And consequently, when deaths occur, the responsibility is
theirs. And the pain and long-term struggle to cope with the ensuing guilt will
also be faced alone.” (p. 40).
The
piercing reality of mental illness is that too often individuals do try to kill
themselves. And too often, these individuals are successful. “One million
people die through suicide each and every single year. That is about 2 every
minute.” (Martini, 2011, p. 41). It is obvious that our current health care
approach is not an effective way in dealing with, or preventing probable repercussions
of mental illness. If we are aware of the potential deadly outcomes mental
illness can have, why are our efforts and measures used in dealing with
illnesses, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, so dismal? Martini (2011) proposes,
“people find strange comfort in believing mental illness is the illness that
happens elsewhere”. (p. 41). According to Health Canada, 20 percent of
Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime. This
could be your loved one. This could become your reality. If it was your
significant other admitted into the psychiatric ward: bandaged, stomach pumped,
and fighting for their life, what efforts would you call for?
For more information
Martini,
C., (2011). Alberta views. Edge of the Edge.
38-41
Why You Should Travel Across Canda
Coms 369-02
Jill McConnell
With some of the world's finest ski resorts, natural wonders of the world, such as Niagara Falls and the Bay of Fundy, and perhaps its greatest invention: poutine, Canada is an extraordinary country. Canada is the second largest country in the world next to Russia and is known world wide for its stunning landscape and friendly people. Despite all the beauty that Canada has to offer, I believe that most Canadians don't appreciate the nation they live in. In general, Canadians would prefer to travel abroad rather than exploring their own country. People often forget what amazing landscape and culture exists within their own nation. Canada is an amazing country, and tourists from all over the world come to Canada to experience our culture, fresh air and friendly hospitality. I believe it is important that all Canadians get out into their own backyards and experience Canada.
From a very young age I had dreamed of going to Europe and traveling the world. My parents made it very clear however that before I could travel abroad I needed to travel in Canada and learn about Canadian culture. Every summer my family would pile into the mini van and vacation in British Columbia and then head east through Saskatchewan to Manitoba. Every couple of years my family would pick a province to travel to during summer break. As a result I have been to 9/10 of the provinces and I hope in the near future that I will be able to travel to Newfoundland and all three of the territories. Some of my best and most memorable vacations have been while traveling through Canada. I spent my sixteenth birthday in a French restaurant in Montreal; I built sand castles on the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island; I got to sail on a yacht on the Pacific Ocean along Vancouver Island; I have been to the very top of the CN Tower in Toronto and I even had the opportunity to stand in the Prime Minister's office while on a tour in Ottawa. All of these experiences have led me to have a greater appreciation for my own country and a greater sense of pride when I travel internationally. Some of the reasons I believe that it is
beneficial to travel within Canada are: economic, to learn about Canadian
history, its safe, most Canadians already speak one of the two official
languages, one can experience the diversity in Canadian culture, the Canadian
wildlife is some of the most amazing in the world. Combined with breathtaking
scenery it is no wonder that Canada is a popular destination for international
tourists.
Economically it makes sense to travel in Canada because Canadians are stimulating the market by putting their money back into the Canadian economy. With international travel it is required to purchase different currency. The current exchange rate implies that Canadians would have to pay more to get Euros, the British Pound, Australian Dollar, and Swiss Franc. When traveling within Canada there is no need to “buy” money because you already own it. Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) are the only real price changes that Canadians would have to deal with. PST and HST varies between province ranging from 5% in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon, to the highest total tax in Prince Edward Island with 15.5% with Nova Scotia next with 15%. By traveling within Canada economic prosperity is able to happen because money is circulating within the country.
Officially Canada became a bilingual nation in 1969 with the Official Languages Act. Due to the Official Languages Act English and French became the primary languages in Canada. Everyone in our Coms 369 class is fluent in English and would have no problem conversing with many locals across Canada. Even in Quebec were the language is predominately French most Canadian students have some sort of French education and would be able to get by.
Canada has a unique history, founded by the French and then taken over by the British in 1759. A result of this battle was a large English majority, however French Canadians continued to keep their traditions and culture rather than being assimilated by the British. Canada is a relatively new country in comparison to most. Despite Canada's age there is still historic sites to visit. By understanding Canadian history citizens can develop a greater understanding of their nations history and have a better understanding of issues within Canadian society such as the French-English divide.
Canadian culture is so diverse it is difficult to define. With so many foreign influences such as the British, French, Irish and Scottish in the Maritimes, native influences, and Canada being a multicultural nation, Canada is full of unique traditions and practices. Each province is different in Canada from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies to central Canada. The food within Canada is different from province to province. Each province seems to have a “local delicacy.” In the Maritimes lobster and crab is a stable where as in Alberta beef is popular. Montreal is famous for their Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich and poutine has become known as a truly Canadian creation. No matter where one goes in Canada they are sure to find a diverse group of people with a distinct culture and a great menu full of local creations.
Canada is one of the safest nations to live in scoring 8th in the world. Whenever I have traveled in Canada I have always felt safe and secure. Unlike in Europe where I am constantly guarding my purse and belongings I feel completely comfortable and secure when traveling through Canada. Canada also has a secure democratic government, which makes travel easy and safe.
Canada has become known world wide for its impressive wildlife and scenery. Containing natural wonders of the world such as Niagara Falls and Dinosaur National Park, the beauty of Canada can be seen across the entire nation. There is beauty in every part of the Canadian landscape whether it is the flat farm land of Saskatchewan or the icebergs in Newfoundland. International tourists always seem to get a thrill when they spot a grizzly bear or see a big horned sheep. Canada is fortunate to have such a wide range of landscapes and animals. Wherever your travels take you within Canada I am sure that you will come into contact with a native animal living in a beautiful environment.
If you have felt compelled to pick up your bags and travel across Canada some destinations I would recommend are: the Banff Springs Hotel, the Calgary Stampede, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the CN tower, the Parliament Buildings, Peggy’s Cove, and Anne of Green Gables House. Whatever your travel tastes might be I am positive that Canada will be one of the most memorable trips you ever have. Enjoy your travels!
References:
Currency Exchange (X-Rates) (paragraph 4): http://www.x-rates.com/table/?from=CAD&amount=1
Harmonized Sales Tax and Provincial Tax (paragraph 4): http://www.thehstblog.com/2010/07/articles/recordkeeping/canadian-federal-and-provincial-sales-tax-rates/
Department of Justice: (paragraph 5): http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/O-3.01/
World's 10 Safest Countries to visit: (paragraph 8) http://www.divinecaroline.com/31/82437-world-s-ten-safest-countries-visit
Jill McConnell
Why You Should Travel Across Canada
With some of the world's finest ski resorts, natural wonders of the world, such as Niagara Falls and the Bay of Fundy, and perhaps its greatest invention: poutine, Canada is an extraordinary country. Canada is the second largest country in the world next to Russia and is known world wide for its stunning landscape and friendly people. Despite all the beauty that Canada has to offer, I believe that most Canadians don't appreciate the nation they live in. In general, Canadians would prefer to travel abroad rather than exploring their own country. People often forget what amazing landscape and culture exists within their own nation. Canada is an amazing country, and tourists from all over the world come to Canada to experience our culture, fresh air and friendly hospitality. I believe it is important that all Canadians get out into their own backyards and experience Canada.
From a very young age I had dreamed of going to Europe and traveling the world. My parents made it very clear however that before I could travel abroad I needed to travel in Canada and learn about Canadian culture. Every summer my family would pile into the mini van and vacation in British Columbia and then head east through Saskatchewan to Manitoba. Every couple of years my family would pick a province to travel to during summer break. As a result I have been to 9/10 of the provinces and I hope in the near future that I will be able to travel to Newfoundland and all three of the territories. Some of my best and most memorable vacations have been while traveling through Canada. I spent my sixteenth birthday in a French restaurant in Montreal; I built sand castles on the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island; I got to sail on a yacht on the Pacific Ocean along Vancouver Island; I have been to the very top of the CN Tower in Toronto and I even had the opportunity to stand in the Prime Minister's office while on a tour in Ottawa. All of these experiences have led me to have a greater appreciation for my own country and a greater sense of pride when I travel internationally.
Economically it makes sense to travel in Canada because Canadians are stimulating the market by putting their money back into the Canadian economy. With international travel it is required to purchase different currency. The current exchange rate implies that Canadians would have to pay more to get Euros, the British Pound, Australian Dollar, and Swiss Franc. When traveling within Canada there is no need to “buy” money because you already own it. Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) are the only real price changes that Canadians would have to deal with. PST and HST varies between province ranging from 5% in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon, to the highest total tax in Prince Edward Island with 15.5% with Nova Scotia next with 15%. By traveling within Canada economic prosperity is able to happen because money is circulating within the country.
Officially Canada became a bilingual nation in 1969 with the Official Languages Act. Due to the Official Languages Act English and French became the primary languages in Canada. Everyone in our Coms 369 class is fluent in English and would have no problem conversing with many locals across Canada. Even in Quebec were the language is predominately French most Canadian students have some sort of French education and would be able to get by.
Canada has a unique history, founded by the French and then taken over by the British in 1759. A result of this battle was a large English majority, however French Canadians continued to keep their traditions and culture rather than being assimilated by the British. Canada is a relatively new country in comparison to most. Despite Canada's age there is still historic sites to visit. By understanding Canadian history citizens can develop a greater understanding of their nations history and have a better understanding of issues within Canadian society such as the French-English divide.
Canadian culture is so diverse it is difficult to define. With so many foreign influences such as the British, French, Irish and Scottish in the Maritimes, native influences, and Canada being a multicultural nation, Canada is full of unique traditions and practices. Each province is different in Canada from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies to central Canada. The food within Canada is different from province to province. Each province seems to have a “local delicacy.” In the Maritimes lobster and crab is a stable where as in Alberta beef is popular. Montreal is famous for their Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich and poutine has become known as a truly Canadian creation. No matter where one goes in Canada they are sure to find a diverse group of people with a distinct culture and a great menu full of local creations.
Canada is one of the safest nations to live in scoring 8th in the world. Whenever I have traveled in Canada I have always felt safe and secure. Unlike in Europe where I am constantly guarding my purse and belongings I feel completely comfortable and secure when traveling through Canada. Canada also has a secure democratic government, which makes travel easy and safe.
Canada has become known world wide for its impressive wildlife and scenery. Containing natural wonders of the world such as Niagara Falls and Dinosaur National Park, the beauty of Canada can be seen across the entire nation. There is beauty in every part of the Canadian landscape whether it is the flat farm land of Saskatchewan or the icebergs in Newfoundland. International tourists always seem to get a thrill when they spot a grizzly bear or see a big horned sheep. Canada is fortunate to have such a wide range of landscapes and animals. Wherever your travels take you within Canada I am sure that you will come into contact with a native animal living in a beautiful environment.
If you have felt compelled to pick up your bags and travel across Canada some destinations I would recommend are: the Banff Springs Hotel, the Calgary Stampede, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the CN tower, the Parliament Buildings, Peggy’s Cove, and Anne of Green Gables House. Whatever your travel tastes might be I am positive that Canada will be one of the most memorable trips you ever have. Enjoy your travels!
References:
Currency Exchange (X-Rates) (paragraph 4): http://www.x-rates.com/table/?from=CAD&amount=1
Harmonized Sales Tax and Provincial Tax (paragraph 4): http://www.thehstblog.com/2010/07/articles/recordkeeping/canadian-federal-and-provincial-sales-tax-rates/
Department of Justice: (paragraph 5): http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/O-3.01/
World's 10 Safest Countries to visit: (paragraph 8) http://www.divinecaroline.com/31/82437-world-s-ten-safest-countries-visit
Benefits of Adventure Travel
10078370
COMS 369 - LO2
Being a University student I never thought it would be
possible for me to travel until I had completed my degree and started my
career. It turns out I was mistaken. Recently I learned that with some tough
budgeting and perseverance, I was able to go on the trip of a lifetime. In
2010, I ventured out on a three month backpacking trip through Central America.
I had little knowledge of where I was going, didn’t have a plan, and only had a
limited vocabulary in the Spanish language. Although the odds were stacked
against me, the adventure I set out on was the biggest learning experience of
my life and I value and employ the lessons I learned during those three months
everyday of my life.
Most
places in North America live with a mentality of, work hard now and play later,
but why not play now and work later?
Many students hold the misconception that they will be able to travel
and experience new cultures once they have established themselves in the
workforce and saved some money. But, it is actually more advantageous for a
young individual to travel before they begin a career. Also, once in a career,
it can be very difficult to arrange enough time off to accommodate an
exceptional travel experience. I’m not just talking about traveling to another
province or going on a family vacation, I’m talking about going on an adventure
and forcing yourself out of your comfort zone.
There
are many advantages of doing this type of travel while you are young. Not only
do you gain knowledge of foreign cultures, languages, and valuable ‘street
smarts’ but it also helps you decide what you want in life and looks very good
on a resume. Diversifying your experiences early in life will assist you in
realizing your purpose in life and make you a more interesting person. The job
market is becoming continuously smaller and as the 2006 Canadian Census done by
Statistics Canada shows, “The number of Canadians between 25 and 64 years of
age having a university degree grew 24% since 2001…” (p.4). This study
indicates the increasing difficulty for graduates to enter the workforce and in
an article by Hope Yen written in 2012, she states “…53.6 percent of bachelor’s
degree-holders… were jobless or underemployed…” Therefore, in order to be
successful in finding a suitable career after school, you must set yourself
apart from other candidates.
Having
the experience and lessons from an adventure travel journey can contribute to
your value to an employer in many ways. You will learn to develop your
independence and how to be responsible through organizing your trip and relying
on your own intuition to overcome difficult situations. Via your multiple
interactions with others during a trip of this kind, you will also gain the
ability to successfully connect and cooperate with people of all ethnicities
and cultural backgrounds. You will also become more mature, adaptable, and more
confident in yourself and your decision-making ability. Another useful skill
that is acquired through your travels is the talent to manage your money
appropriately.
Budgeting
can be very troublesome for most students but the ability to manage money is
imperative to go on any vacation and even for your everyday financials. In 2012,
Nici Perreault, wrote an article outlining eight tips for students to save and
budget their money. Her tips include: regularly asses needs versus wants – buy
what you need before what you want; plan meals around savings – take advantage
of coupons; consider consignment shopping – there are great finds for up to 70
percent off at some stores; bulk is not always cheaper – check the price per
unit; consider store brands when they are on sale – some in-store brands have a
comparable quality to brand name items but are usually less expensive and
regularly have coupons; buy consignment books – you can also consign them again
once finished with them; try not to eat out as often as possible; share a
warehouse club membership – splitting a membership to Costco can help add to
your savings. Adopting these tips into your everyday lifestyle will aid
significantly in saving for your adventure.
There
are many ways to approach your adventure vacation, which will depend on the
amount of savings you have reserved. Students actually have more opportunities
available to them then do those who have completed their studies. For example:
at the University of Calgary they offer multiple options through their Study
Abroad programs including exchange programs, group study programs,
international internships, and work, volunteer, and research abroad programs. Many
of the costs associated with these programs have opportunities for funding which
can be found in detail on the University of Calgary’s Centre for International
Students and Study Abroad website.
Several companies cater to the
student population and provide discounted travel rates and tours optimal for individual
travelers or small groups. For instance Travel Cuts offers a variety of
packages tailored around the school schedule. They also have partnerships with
both ISIC (International Student Identity Card) and Contiki Tours in order to
grant students with further discounts. These packages range in price from $295
for a three-day exploration tour of London to $5,774 for a forty-seven-day tour
of Europe and Egypt. All you are responsible for after that is the plane ticket
to the meeting point and back home, and most of your food and drinks (some are
included). This is a great option for those who may be concerned about their
safety or who want to travel in a group setting.
Others may want to be more
independent and travel alone. For these individuals there are some travel
options that will assist in keeping a strict budget. These include staying at
hostels instead of hotels, which can be found in almost all major cities around
the globe; trying to cook your own food whenever possible; taking local transit
while traveling from one city to the next; and for the very adventurous,
couchsurfing.org is an online community of people around the world that offer
their homes for travelers to stay in.
The experience and knowledge
gained through an adventure travel vacation is unrivaled. During my trip to
Central America I met friends from around the globe that I have lasting
relationships with. I learnt how to speak Spanish and learnt about the local
culture and customs. I was able to adapt to the environment and navigate my way
through foreign cities and villages. I became confident in myself and was able
to break out of my shell and become a more outgoing person. I believe that
these acquired skills and traits have enabled me to be more successful in both
my personal and professional lives. The entire three-month experience including
transportation only cost $6,000 and has proven to be the best investment I have
made.
I am not a travel agent; I am not
an employee of any hostel or international organization; I am just a student
who believes that pushing your limits on an adventure travel journey can be the
most rewarding educational experience in life and I want you to have the same
opportunity as I did. So, be more that just a tourist, make the most out of
your travel experience. Add breadth to your degree and study abroad or learn
another language while immersed in a new culture. Develop the soft skills and
qualities employers look for and have an adventure. It may just change your
life.
For more information and reference material visit:
Centre for International Students and Study Abroad, (2012). Internationalize Your Degree – Study Abroad!.
University of Calgary. Retrieved from http://www.ucalgary.ca/uci/abroad
Contiki, (2012). Experience
Europe. Retrieved from: http://www.contiki.com/destinations/europe
Couchsurfing, (2012). Travel
the World and Stay With Friends You Haven’t Yet Met. Retrieved from: http://www.couchsurfing.org/
HostelWorld, (2012). Hostels
Worldwide. Retrieved from: http://www.hostelworld.com/hostels
Perreault, N. (Sept, 2012 17). 8 Essential Budgeting Tips for College Students. Retrieved from http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/8-essential-budgeting-tips-college-students-155600531.html
Statistics Canada, (2008). 2006 Census of Canada: Educational Portrait of Canada. Retrieved
from: http://www42.statcan.ca/smr08/pdf/smr08_107-eng.pdf
Travel Cuts, (2012). Deals.
Retrieved from: http://www.travelcuts.com/deals/#.UL5lOBzxYrg
Yen, H. (April, 2012 23). 1 in 2 New Graduates are Jobless or Underemployed. Retrieved from http://news.yahoo.com/1-2-graduates-jobless-underemployed-140300522.html
A Time For Change
I want to write about a
topic that’s dear to my heart. It begins with my grandmother who is a
remarkable woman. She was born
during the Great Depression in rural Alberta, and was one of four girls to
graduate in 1954 from the University of Alberta with a Bachelors of
Science. When she was seventeen
she was told that the surgery she’d had three years earlier had some
complications. They’d removed her
appendix, and somehow tied her tubes leaving her barren at the age of
fourteen. At the age of twenty-one
she married my grandfather who had just graduated university and was beginning
his career as a general practitioner in rural Alberta. As they settled in, they realized
something was missing, a child. So
on January 2, 1961 they received a call, they were getting their child, a
girl born to a young nineteen-year-old.
My mother lived a normal,
somewhat privileged life. She was
the eldest of five, and grew up spending her summer holidays at the family
cabin. She loved figure skating
and pursued it relentlessly throughout her teenage years, travelling back and
forth between my hometown and Calgary to train. She lived a good, well-adjusted life that prepared her for
the high paced job she’s in today.
She began her career as a lab technician, and soon rose to the position
if Manager of Blood Transfusion for Calgary, a position she held for the
majority of my life. A year and a
half ago, she moved into the position of Associate Director of Cancer Research
for Southern Alberta.
My mother is not unique,
and although she won’t be immortalized in history, she has impacted so many
lives. Whether being the child my
grandparents were unable to have, the kind mother who raised me, or the person
who’s received the blood she donates every month because her job has made her
aware just how important donations are.
The message is that everyone impacts the world, and who knows what the
world would be like without her contribution. I certainly wouldn’t be here.
Five years ago my mother
had the chance to meet her biological mother. It was an exciting, yet terrifying experience for her. Forty-eight years spent creating a
image of what her mother would look like and act like; and here she was meeting
the women who impacted her the most, without ever being physically present. During this meeting any illusions were wiped
away, as my biological grandmother told my mother about her affair with a
married man, sixteen years her senior that led my mother’s conception. Shocked to learn that this woman had
married him only two years after my mother’s birth made her press this woman
for more answers. Finally this
woman confessed that the man who was listed as my mother’s father on her birth
certificate was not actually her biological father. Before this man had left his wife, this woman had taken a
trip with a friend to Vancouver that ended when she slept with a random
stranger. Upon returning to
Calgary she discovered that she was pregnant, and used this information to
break up her current husbands marriage.
After giving my mother up for adoption, she married this older man and
together they had a family. Half
brothers and sisters my mother will never know. She confided to my mother her fear of the day my mother would
come back into her life and ruin it.
She finished this confession by telling my mother if she had been able
to, she would have had an abortion.
In a single sentence, this
woman degraded my mother’s entire existence. How dare she vocalize her opinion that my mother didn’t
deserve to live! Evidently, she
was the one person who if such a situation were to arise today, would be within
her rights to terminate my mothers’ life, as well as my brothers’ and my own.
Is it fair that a teenager
can engage in sexual activity without fully understanding the consequences? Is it fair that we’re allowing ourselves
the ability to avoid the responsibility of those consequences? Is it fair that we’re allowing
ourselves to be satisfied by instant gratification?
Now I want to be clear. I’m not saying that there aren’t
circumstances where an abortion is necessary, nor am I proposing that someone
is a bad person if they’ve had or are currently seeking an abortion. What I am proposing is that we instate
restrictions on abortions, and make first choice to an unplanned pregnancy adoption. We need to remove religious involvement,
and create educational programs that educate the future generations about the
impact of their sexual activity while providing information about contraceptives. I also propose that government needs to
become involved by providing free birth control to women.
Now I understand that this
proposal raises many problems involving a women’s control over her body. This is a valid point, with valid
concerns that can’t be disregarded.
On that same note, there are things we do everyday that may have consequences
that we would prefer not to have.
I assume everyone reading this has at some point in there life been in a
car. The truth of the matter is
that people get into serious car accidents everyday, and from those accidents, they
sustain life-changing injuries that will impact them for the rest of their
lives. These injuries occur even
when they wear their seatbelts.
This is an excellent
comparison to accidental pregnancies, the difference being that there is no get
out of jail free card when it comes to avoiding the injuries obtained in an
accident. But we’ve created such a
card for accidental pregnancies.
Or have we? There are reports that demonstrate the
termination of the pregnancy isn’t the end of the problem. Although we move on physically,
mentally women are impacted by the loss of their
unborn child. An article in the American Psychological Association journal discusses the possible impact
effecting women after they’ve had an abortion. The statistics provided by this journal article also suggest
that the majority of abortions are from unwanted pregnancies and of those
women, many report feeling pressured into having an abortion. That pressure came in many forms,
possibly an un-supporting family member/biological father, or by other issues
such as financial security. This except
from the American Psychological
Association addresses the psychological impacts that an abortion may have.
Rue and Speckhard
(1992; Speckhard & Rue, 1992) posited that the traumatic experience of
abortion can lead to serious mental health problems, for which they coined the
term postabortion syndrome (PAS). They conceptualized PAS as a specific
form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comparable to the symptoms
experienced by Vietnam veterans, including symptoms of trauma, such as
flashbacks and denial, and symptoms such as depression, grief, anger, shame,
survivor guilt, and substance abuse.
This demonstrates to me
that there are consequences to our actions whether we address it at the time or
not. The problem is that this
choice doesn’t simply affect you; it impacts the life growing within you. This isn’t a tattoo you got when you’re
teenager that remains as a permanent demonstration of your impulsive decisions. It’s a human life that has an infinite
possibility to what it can achieve.
How can anyone decide whether it has the ‘right’ to survive?
It’s time we started
educating our children not only about abstinence, but about the real
responsibilities that come with sexual activity. It’s time we stop looking for the easy way out. It’s time we change.
For More Information:
Major, Brenda; Appelbaum, Mark; Beckman, Linda; Dutton, Mary
Ann; Russo, Nancy Felipe; West, Carolyn (2009) Abortion
and Mental Health: Evaluating the Evidence, American Psychologist,
Volume 64(9), December 2009, p 863–890. Retrieved from: http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/sp-3.7.1b/ovidweb.cgi?QS2=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
Give the Gift of Giving
Student ID: 10089278
For the privileged, Christmas and the holiday season is a time of gifts, family and turkey dinner. However for some, trying to gather up enough money for just the necessities is a struggle. Last year alone the Food Bank recorded over 145,000 Calgarians used the services of the Calgary Food Bank with 42% of those being children. It is hard enough to watch grown adult struggle to make ends meet let alone watch a helpless child starve. Sadly, however this is the reality for many in our own community. What most people don’t understand is how little it takes to help out. This year we encourage everyone to volunteer at the Food Bank, even if it is just once. To you it is just an hour out of your day, however to someone in need you can be their saving grace.
Many Calgarian families are still feeling the effects of the recession when it comes providing for themselves and their families. It is shown that there has been a 70% increase of usage of the Food Bank since the recession started. These people are hard working individuals, some of whom hold two or three jobs just to skate by. Sadly however these individuals are finding that in this day and age even hard work and perseverance isn’t enough. While life during the rest of the year can prove to be difficult financially, many find they need to stretch their money the most during the Holiday Season. When families are struggling to obtain even the most basic needs, let alone trying to buy Christmas presents, that’s when they turn to the Calgary Food Bank for support.
The Calgary Food Bank is a not for profit organization that does not rely on government funding nor the United Way for support. They rely solely on the generosity of others in order to keep running. They have many large organizations that donate money and a loyal base of volunteers that, day in and day out, help to support those in need. With the cash donations that the Food Bank receives they use that to buy the staples that are included in every food hamper. The Calgary Food Bank takes pride of the fact that for every dollar they receive they stretch it to be worth four dollars worth of food. So as you can see every little bit can go towards making a huge difference for you fellow citizens.
At the Calgary Food Bank they take on clients based on their income, number of children and even family situations such as pregnancy. While the try to assist as many people as possible some must be turned away either to lack of resources and funds or lack of volunteers to run the center. However for those they can help, they provide healthy food that can last a family for weeks. They provide many non-perishable food items as well as fresh food such as bread, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. They even have a special section where if they see that it is a child’s birthday coming up they have gifts set aside to give them because clearly, if the family is struggling for food they can’t afford to buy presents. This is just one of the many ways the Calgary Food Bank goes above and beyond to really make the experience special even under unfortunate circumstance.
At the Calgary Food Bank there are many ways you can help others in need this Holiday Season. One of the biggest contributing factors is volunteering your services and helping to distribute food hampers. Every day hampers are distributed to families in need and to make a difference, all that is needed is an hour out of your day. With food distribution you can volunteer as an individual, with friends or even, if you so choose, in a group, such as a sports team or a group of coworkers. In the one hour you would be at the Food Bank you can help hundreds of hardworking people feed their families and truly make a difference in their lives as well as their children’s. If you cannot volunteer during hamper distribution, there are many other events that you can participate in. For example every year the Food Bank holds “Stuff-a-Bus” at local Calgary Coops. There they try to gather as much food as possible from Calgary Coop shoppers in order to try to fill the bus. Another activity that happens around the city during the holidays is the free gift wrapping at local malls and department stores. For a food donation volunteers will wrap your gifts for you. Therefore, we can see that while although volunteering to distribute hampers is the most common way to help, you can also volunteer your services at one of the many events held by the Food Bank year round.
With that in mind however, we realize that some may just not have the time to give. There are however other ways to help out those in need this Holiday Season. You can donate food or even money. Food Bank collection boxes are located practically anywhere throughout the city and most are held right at your local grocery store. So if you are feeling in the giving spirit, the next time you are at the store you can simply purchase a few extra food items and place them in the collection bins provided. You can also send cash or cheques as well. It is truly that easy, and every little bit counts when it comes to those in need.
Not only does volunteering at the Food Bank help others in need but it also gives the volunteers a sense that they are making a difference in the community. I can speak from experience that there is nothing better than seeing a smile on a clients face because you have made such a huge difference in their lives. Many of the clients that come in are upset and ashamed that they are in this situation. They are guilty because no matter how hard they work they still cannot provide for their family. As volunteers it is our goal to make the clients feel welcome and comfortable. There is no greater satisfaction than when a client leaves with a smile on their face and a “thank-you”. We can all take a look at our lives through experiences such as this, and we realize how thankful we are for what we have. I, however, am also thankful to be in a situation where I can afford to help others as well. This is the true spirit of the Holiday Season and I encourage everyone who can afford to donate their time, food or money to do so. Trust me when I say there is no greater feeling than to physically see the difference you are making in the world. With every dollar, every hour and every can of soup you may not only feed a hungry child or a working mother but you may also be their saving grace.
References: - All Statistics obtained from www.calgaryfoodbank.com
For the privileged, Christmas and the holiday season is a time of gifts, family and turkey dinner. However for some, trying to gather up enough money for just the necessities is a struggle. Last year alone the Food Bank recorded over 145,000 Calgarians used the services of the Calgary Food Bank with 42% of those being children. It is hard enough to watch grown adult struggle to make ends meet let alone watch a helpless child starve. Sadly, however this is the reality for many in our own community. What most people don’t understand is how little it takes to help out. This year we encourage everyone to volunteer at the Food Bank, even if it is just once. To you it is just an hour out of your day, however to someone in need you can be their saving grace.
Many Calgarian families are still feeling the effects of the recession when it comes providing for themselves and their families. It is shown that there has been a 70% increase of usage of the Food Bank since the recession started. These people are hard working individuals, some of whom hold two or three jobs just to skate by. Sadly however these individuals are finding that in this day and age even hard work and perseverance isn’t enough. While life during the rest of the year can prove to be difficult financially, many find they need to stretch their money the most during the Holiday Season. When families are struggling to obtain even the most basic needs, let alone trying to buy Christmas presents, that’s when they turn to the Calgary Food Bank for support.
The Calgary Food Bank is a not for profit organization that does not rely on government funding nor the United Way for support. They rely solely on the generosity of others in order to keep running. They have many large organizations that donate money and a loyal base of volunteers that, day in and day out, help to support those in need. With the cash donations that the Food Bank receives they use that to buy the staples that are included in every food hamper. The Calgary Food Bank takes pride of the fact that for every dollar they receive they stretch it to be worth four dollars worth of food. So as you can see every little bit can go towards making a huge difference for you fellow citizens.
At the Calgary Food Bank they take on clients based on their income, number of children and even family situations such as pregnancy. While the try to assist as many people as possible some must be turned away either to lack of resources and funds or lack of volunteers to run the center. However for those they can help, they provide healthy food that can last a family for weeks. They provide many non-perishable food items as well as fresh food such as bread, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. They even have a special section where if they see that it is a child’s birthday coming up they have gifts set aside to give them because clearly, if the family is struggling for food they can’t afford to buy presents. This is just one of the many ways the Calgary Food Bank goes above and beyond to really make the experience special even under unfortunate circumstance.
At the Calgary Food Bank there are many ways you can help others in need this Holiday Season. One of the biggest contributing factors is volunteering your services and helping to distribute food hampers. Every day hampers are distributed to families in need and to make a difference, all that is needed is an hour out of your day. With food distribution you can volunteer as an individual, with friends or even, if you so choose, in a group, such as a sports team or a group of coworkers. In the one hour you would be at the Food Bank you can help hundreds of hardworking people feed their families and truly make a difference in their lives as well as their children’s. If you cannot volunteer during hamper distribution, there are many other events that you can participate in. For example every year the Food Bank holds “Stuff-a-Bus” at local Calgary Coops. There they try to gather as much food as possible from Calgary Coop shoppers in order to try to fill the bus. Another activity that happens around the city during the holidays is the free gift wrapping at local malls and department stores. For a food donation volunteers will wrap your gifts for you. Therefore, we can see that while although volunteering to distribute hampers is the most common way to help, you can also volunteer your services at one of the many events held by the Food Bank year round.
With that in mind however, we realize that some may just not have the time to give. There are however other ways to help out those in need this Holiday Season. You can donate food or even money. Food Bank collection boxes are located practically anywhere throughout the city and most are held right at your local grocery store. So if you are feeling in the giving spirit, the next time you are at the store you can simply purchase a few extra food items and place them in the collection bins provided. You can also send cash or cheques as well. It is truly that easy, and every little bit counts when it comes to those in need.
Not only does volunteering at the Food Bank help others in need but it also gives the volunteers a sense that they are making a difference in the community. I can speak from experience that there is nothing better than seeing a smile on a clients face because you have made such a huge difference in their lives. Many of the clients that come in are upset and ashamed that they are in this situation. They are guilty because no matter how hard they work they still cannot provide for their family. As volunteers it is our goal to make the clients feel welcome and comfortable. There is no greater satisfaction than when a client leaves with a smile on their face and a “thank-you”. We can all take a look at our lives through experiences such as this, and we realize how thankful we are for what we have. I, however, am also thankful to be in a situation where I can afford to help others as well. This is the true spirit of the Holiday Season and I encourage everyone who can afford to donate their time, food or money to do so. Trust me when I say there is no greater feeling than to physically see the difference you are making in the world. With every dollar, every hour and every can of soup you may not only feed a hungry child or a working mother but you may also be their saving grace.
References: - All Statistics obtained from www.calgaryfoodbank.com
Concussions and Their Impact on the NHL
Concussions and Their
Impact on the NHL
10091728
I’d be lying if I said that headshots in the
NHL are not exciting to see. They are. They make for good television. I would
also be willing to bet that many fans watch hockey simply in anticipation of
such an event. But the lifelong effect that these hits are having on an ever
increasing number of players far outweighs the excitement of seeing an enormous
center ice collision. The NHL appears to have taken steps in recent years to
prevent such occurrences, as the public becomes more aware of the toll these
hits are taking on the players involved. However, these changes have ultimately
been nothing more than an illusion, used to convince people that things are
being done when nothing has changed at all. If the NHL really wishes to reduce
the number of concussions in their league, something more – something real – needs
to be done.
In
2010, the NHL increased the severity of punishment a player would face for
delivering a “blind” headshot, or a purposeful headshot. In the end, this
changes nothing because it can be difficult to determine what counts as purposeful,
and leads to guilty players facing no consequences, and accidental hits causing
unfair suspensions and fines. Some fans may be fine with this, as many people
see the increase in time lost to concussions as a decrease in manliness,
longing for the days when playing through such an injury was a sign of
toughness. The reality is, the rate at which players are concussed has not
changed, but the severity and awareness has. I will admit that major changes
could slow the game, and make it less enjoyable to watch if you’re looking for
hard-hitting action. That being said, the long term health of these players is
more important, even if it means sacrificing a bit of entertainment. If major
changes aren’t made, it may only be a matter of time before the NHL has similar
incidents to the NFL. In the NFL, brain injuries have become an important
talking point, as several former players have died in recent years for reasons
that can be partially attributed to the blows to the head they received throughout
their playing career. The NHL needs to prevent brain injuries before they
become as synonymous with the hockey as they are with football. The 2000-2001
NHL season, for example, saw 7.7 percent of players receive a concussion, a
staggering total that needs to be addressed. The problem is, the NHL seems
unwilling to commit to a change, perhaps out of fear that a drastic change
could harm the quality of the sport.
The
solution to this problem is anything but clear. One idea that has been
considered is even stiffer penalties for those at fault, but the penalties
already have been increased, and it has hardly made a dent in the way some of
the dirtier players choose to play. Alterations to equipment, namely shoulder
and elbow pads, would be a step in the right direction, but not a complete fix.
The equipment players use now is harder than that used by the players in the
1980’s; and that mixed with the fact that players are larger and stronger than
ever, makes for a dangerous mixture. Forcing player to wear visors may anger
some players, but would limit the possibility of being struck directly in the
head. Perhaps the most extreme measure is to instantly suspend anyone who hits
another player in the head. This would alter the way players play the game, and
would probably slow the sport down, but it may dissuade skaters from attempting
such large collisions.
Though the NHL has been adamant about not altering their rules too much,
there is one thing on this planet that the league cares about more than its rules:
Sidney Crosby. The undisputed face of the league, Crosby demands the attention
of hockey fan in the world, whether they love him or hate him. So when Crosby
was dealt a concussion during the 2011 Winter Classic, the NHL was forced to
pay attention. While it is not fair to say that Crosby’s injury should hold
more weight than anyone else’s injury, the media attention that this particular
situation created has put significant pressure on the league to ensure this
kind of thing never happens again. If any changes are to come in the future, it
will likely be a direct result of the injury to the leagues golden boy; and
while it is a shame that it took until this happened for the league to care, we
should be thankful that it happened at all.
Hopefully, the league wakes up and sees that they have a problem on
their hands. While it has not gotten out of control yet, it would be best to
deal with it before it does. We have seen the damage that similar injuries have
done to football players, and it may just be a matter of time before hockey is
dealt similar blows. Eric Lindros is proof that the damage is mental, and not
just physical. There are a number of ways to fight this issue, none of which
are perfect solutions, but that does not mean we should not try these
strategies. Perhaps hits to the head are just a natural, unavoidable part of
hockey, but for benefit of those involved with the sport, hockey should at
least make an effort eliminate these career-shortening hits.
For further reading on topics discussed in this post, visit
the following websites:
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Rate Your Professors and Yourself
10088274-COMS 369-03
Think back to your first term of university. You had a lot to learn in a short amount of time. Not only did you have to find your way around campus, you had to create your own schedule by selecting classes and professors. The process of choosing classes may have been daunting. Did you consult friends on which professor was the best? Did you ask which professor was the easiest to learn from?
Think back to your first term of university. You had a lot to learn in a short amount of time. Not only did you have to find your way around campus, you had to create your own schedule by selecting classes and professors. The process of choosing classes may have been daunting. Did you consult friends on which professor was the best? Did you ask which professor was the easiest to learn from?
It is common
for students to consult with their
peers before choosing their professors. They may consult with their friends or
fellow students in addition to university ratings and forum websites such as
RateMyProfessors.com. Although online sources are popular, students may not be
aware of the many biases present in online reviews. How reliable are professor
evaluations anyways?
Imagine
you are presented with this real list of student comments on RateMyProfessors.com
and are asked which professor you would choose.
- “I felt stupid almost every class that I attended. I have never met such a rude teacher.”
- “Absolutely hilarious, and he knows his stuff. Easy to get an A.”
- “Hands down the best prof I've ever had”
- “Decent prof, but not the best.”
- “He is very unapproachable and his tests are ridiculously unfair.”
- “I leave the class feeling disrespected and stupid EVERYday”
After looking
at the above list, you would probably be more inclined to enroll in the class
promising the “easy A”. But how do you feel after being told that all of these
reviews are for the same professor? How can you trust any of these reviews when
the responses are so varied? The reality is that you may consult these types of
reviews during your university career without being fully aware of varying
degrees of bias.
When students give feedback on their professors they are influenced by many different factors. Some
of those factors include class size, exam and assignment type, workload, and
timing of the evaluation itself. Studies have shown that teachers
with smaller classes consistently get higher ratings than those with more
students. Another influencing factor is the type of assignments and exams a
student is given; classes with multiple choice exams get consistently lower
ratings than those with written responses such as essays. Students who perceive
the out-of-class workload to be higher than other classes will also rate professors
lower. Students are influenced by all of these factors, but perhaps the important
factor is whether a student completes the questionnaire before or after a final
exam.
If a course
and professor evaluation is scheduled after a final exam, the chance of bias
increases. For many students, the final exam or submission of a final
assignment, is the ultimate test of knowledge of course material. A student may
experience a feeling of relief, disappointment, or euphoria following an exam.
These feelings will directly or indirectly influence the professor feedback. If
a student feels they did poorly on a test, they may use the course evaluation
to retaliate against a professor. Another student who feels they did well, may
give a more positive score to their professor. The degree of bias present in
evaluations is also intensified by how the evaluations are collected.
Forum
websites such as RateMyProfessors.com (RMP) carry significantly more bias than Universal
Student Ratings of Instruction (USRI) collected by an institution. The University
of Calgary asks students to complete a USRI near the end of the semester before
any final exams. The timing is no accident; the University is trying to limit
the bias in the ratings by scheduling the reviews before a final examination. In
contrast, RMP allows students to post reviews at any time, even years later.
The trustworthiness of the data is questionable as the site operates on the honor system; reviewers are not even required to prove
they are students.
The use of
RMP amongst university students is extensive even with so much potential for
bias and error. A study into the level of student awareness and utilization of
RMP was done recently at the Appalachian State University. The study surveyed a total of 216
students and the results suggested that the use of RMP was extensive amongst those students. The
survey showed that 95% of students regarded RMP as being a credible source of
information. When it came time to select an instructor, 75% of the students
admitted to using RMP. The results of this study are not entirely surprising
because students appreciate the qualitative responses that give more insight
into teaching style than the USRI numeric results.
Students may perceive RMP as being reliable, but the
students who leave reviews will often blame the professor for poor marks
instead of admitting personal responsibility. There are two components that
contribute to the academic success of a student. The first one is quality of
instruction; a good professor is essential to a successful learning
environment. The second component is the motivation of the student to learn. If
a student is not doing the required readings or attending class, they are
failing to take responsibility for their own education. You will ultimately glean the results of you efforts but many students will not own up to their own mistakes.
You will never read on professor evaluations
comments such as, “I wish I had attended more classes and done the required
readings”, or “If I had asked more questions or seen the professor during
office hours, then I would have understood the material a bit better”.
Personal responsibility is the missing piece of the puzzle. You will never get a complete picture of a professor from a review unless those reviewers provide an honest assessment of their own responsibility for their education.
Personal responsibility is the missing piece of the puzzle. You will never get a complete picture of a professor from a review unless those reviewers provide an honest assessment of their own responsibility for their education.
If you ask someone for a professor recommendation, ask a follow up question of, "how dedicated were you to learning the class material?" The response will indicate whether or not the professor deserves the criticism or the praise.
Keep an open mind when it comes to reading professor reviews. Remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure. You may find that some of your favourite professors may not appeal to everyone, but that doesn't mean they don't have knowledge to impart.
References
Davison,
E., Price, J. (2009): How do we rate? An evaluation of online student
evaluations, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 34:1, 51-65
McKeachie, W. (2007): Student ratings: The validity of use, American
Psychologist, 52:11, 1218-1225
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