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The Interview

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The Interview

She walked into the reception’s office and greeted the receptionist who welcomed her with a friendly smile, “Good afternoon, I’m here for the interview.” She spoke slowly. “Okay, write your name here seat over there. You’ll be attended to shortly.” “Alright, thank you.” As she moved towards the seats provided, she noticed a man who had arrived earlier sitting at the far end of the phone. He had not looked up since the time she arrived as he kept scrolling through his phone.  She made an attempt to exchange pleasantries with him, but she soon discovered that he wasn’t in the mood for such. She sat down and began to brood over her life’s problems. From the moment she left her house, fear had overpowered her. This was the first she would be going for a job interview since she graduated. She had no idea on what to expect, and she wasn’t sure her internship experience would be enough to grant her a job. She only hoped that she would get the job. Her friend had messaged her about the job opening, and she seized the opportunity and applied for it. A month after her service, she was beginning to get tired of her parent’s continuous ranting about her lazing around at home while her mates were getting jobs in reputable companies. Although they seemed to be saying the truth, she had hoped they would be more careful with their words when addressing her. Before she finished her service year, she had already begun to apply for various jobs. She wished she got one in the state she served so she wouldn’t need to travel home. She received no positive response from them, and in frustration, she returned. At home, she decided she was going to take some time to recuperate before launching out again. Before she knew what was happening, her parent had started to ask questions and demanded some changes. She was frustrated and tired of life all together, and their bickering wasn’t helping her in anyway. Just then, another interviewee walked in, but her thoughts were only on her personal problems. He greeted her, and all she could do was respond with a smile. At this point, she was able to understand why the man sitting behind wasn’t responsive to her own greeting. To her greatest surprise, when the new man hollered at him, he responded with a loud voice. This action made her to intentionally turn around to look at him, just to be certain his mouth was actually moving. Before their eyes could meet, the man was back on his phone again. She chose not to react to his bizarre actions as her thoughts quickly snapped back at her. She had always fantasized about how she was going to act once she got a job. There will be no more sitting around at home, and thinking of ways to get busy all day long. She would have to wake up early; dress formally while she’s leaving the house, in her work shoes and a good bag to fit. She also thought of the stress that would follow after her work each day, and if it wasn’t a job that she had a passion for, “Oh, how depressing that would be!” There was also one thing her parent was repeatedly talking about that had just skipped her mind. In a flash, her mind made the connection, “Of course, marriage. What is it about marriage talk all the time?” she thought, frowning deeply. “Did I say something wrong?” the new interviewee who sat next to her asked, bringing her out of her thoughts. Apparently, he had been speaking to her. “Sorry, you said?” she asked a little confused. “I asked for your name,” “Oh! My name….. my name….” she searched her brain for what her next response ought to be, “That would be Hannah,” she said unsure. “Yes, Hannah.” She affirmed confidently. “Are you alright?” he asked, observing her closely. “Of course, I am alright,” she faked a smile at him. “Is this your first time doing an interview?” “Yes, it is,” she stated nervously. “Alright, I’ll just get you a bottle of water. It will help calm your nerves.” He brought the bottle of water and handed it over to her. She collected it, thanked him and was about to down the whole bottle when he cleared his throat. She stopped herself in time as he spoke, “Erm! I think you should take just a little. Like take it in small sips. It will help better, and you won’t have to be so pressed during your interview.” He smiled genuinely. She nodded and tried to heed his advice. After taking a sip, she asked, “What’s your own name?” “I’m Mercy,” he said with a smile, “and this isn’t my first time doing an interview. So, how long have you been here?” “It’s just a few minutes before you walked in. I think he came here first,” she said referring to the man sitting behind them. “Does he even look like an interviewee? I think he just came to observe us?” “Do you think so? I was just wondering why he chose to be such a snub,” she responded disgustedly. “Why do you say that?” “Before you came in, I greeted this man and he didn’t even bother to look up, let alone respond to me. See the way he responded to you like he already knew you somewhere, yet we’re all seeing one another for the first time. I don’t know if he just has a problem with ladies or it’s just me. He’s definitely a snub.” “Well, you don’t really want him to hear that,” he said whispering. She smiled looking down at the bottle. “Well, thank you for the water. It’s really calming. Where did you learn such trick?” “Oh! I saw it in a movie. Actually the person was given tea to drink. I just thought water should be helpful too.” She … Read more

Happiness – Discover 5 Secrets To A Joyful and Fulfilling Life

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Happiness - The Secrets To A Joyful and Fulfilling Life

“The thing everyone should realize is that the key to happiness is being happy for yourself and yourself.” ―Ellen DeGeneres Happiness is very essential in human life. Happy people tend to live healthy and longer. The impact of joy in human life has recently been a self-value that builds human life to live longer. You will agree that, in recent years, people have begun to be happy. Happiness is one of the most excellent medicines that help boost the human immune system, helping them stay healthy. Happiness can not just happen; some factors trigger happiness in one’s life, such as staying positive, building solid relationships, knowing your purpose in life, building oneself, and believing in oneself, among others. All these factors are what fuel happiness. This post will look into all these factors and how they will help humans cultivate happiness for a positive, healthy, and fulfilling life. What is Happiness? Happiness generally consists of positive emotions, contentment, joy, and fulfillment. Even though we can’t control everything happening around us, we can control our emotions, anger, feelings, and how to react to them. Happy people tend to live longer. We have the right to engage in activities that will promote happiness in our lives, and the power to create our happiness is in our hands.  The Importance of Happiness  Being happy is not about being satisfied; it is a force that flows from the inside and manifests physically. Happiness triggers joy, fulfillment, and contentment. It is known to be contagious; that is to say, when you are happy, it reflects on your personality, spreads to people around you, and builds a strong connection with others.  Everyone desires to live a happy and fulfilling life, as it is vital for every human being. Delving into the lifestyle of happiness and practicing all its principles in our daily routine will help us live fulfilled lives, which in return helps us achieve both physical and mental health. Factors That Help Us Achieve Happiness and Well-being Knowing Your Purpose in Life It is true that when you know your purpose, you exist in life and have a significant role that will enable you to practice happiness for your overall well-being. Your life goal gives you a reason to exist and will propel you to live happier because satisfaction is vital. Meanwhile, Knowing your purpose in life gives you motivation and a sense of direction and existence. Finding purpose helps you cope with stress, both physical and mental health, and a fulfilled life. Purpose and meaning in life enhance human well-being. When you have a sense of purpose, you will experience a positive mindset and have a healthier mental and physical lifestyle, thereby living longer. Positive Emotions for Healthy Living  Happiness is a positive emotion. These emotions have the power to trigger joy. When you have positive emotions, it will reflect in your total well-being. Having a positive mindset will not only make you feel good and happy, but it will help to improve both your physical and mental well-being.  Positive emotions help reduce stress and increase how we solve problems, strengthening our relationships. Positive emotions are essential for a happy and fulfilling life. They not only make you feel good, but they also have several other benefits. They build positive emotions and help you focus on the good things around you.  Furthermore, Having a positive mindset towards others is paramount to happiness. Once you practice all these things, ensure you are on your way to staying happy and living a life full of satisfaction and contentment. Physical and Mental Health Taking care of health is an overall healthy living. To do that, ensure you eat healthy. Eating healthy with a good diet is very necessary. Regular exercise is also an essential aspect of maintaining mental and physical well-being.  There are exercises to practice that are suitable to assist your health. Please choose the one that best suits your body, then stick to it. Having enough sleep is another factor that helps our mental health. Ensuring you have enough time to sleep will help boost your mental health. Building Relationships for Happiness Another way to live a happy life and connect with people who will bring happiness into your life is crucial. Doing that will enable you to live a healthy and fulfilling life.  Living a life full of happiness is essential, which you can trace to building relationships with people around you. You must nurture your relationship with people with love and commitment, not minding who is involved. The fact that there’s commitment, openness, love, and care will boost your physical and mental well-being. Work on Your Self-Care for a Happy Life Caring for one’s physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health is self-care. It is a choice one makes to promote well-being in life based on individual preferences. When you have self-care, you will be sure you live a healthy and happy life.  Taking care of yourself helps you overcome life-threatening challenges to live a better and fulfilled life. To have self-care in your life, ensure you make time for yourself, identify your needs, and be flexible in your life dealings. Cultivating self-care is vital for a healthy and happy lifestyle. Caring for yourself will help you manage stress and be yourself all the days of your life. Having enough sleep and connecting with loved ones are some of the activities that can help nourish your physical and mental health.  Conclusion  With the present happening around the globe, you may find yourself in a funny situation; it may be your past, present condition, and many more. Ensure you try to cultivate a life of happiness, be grateful, know why you exist in life, build relationships with people, and have an open mind. Note: It is within your power to make yourself happy, cultivate a life of happiness, and promote happiness with the above factors. By so doing, you will live a fulfilling and healthy life.  

How To Grow A Vegetable Garden

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Over the past decade, there has been a need to grow a vegetable garden. One of the major causes is the presence of pesticide residue in commercially grown vegetables has risen due to pesticide toxicity. The implication of consuming vegetables that have been exposed to high concentrations of pesticides is that over time, there will be an accumulation of pesticide residues, which leads to pesticide toxicity. To combat this problem, it is best advised to grow your vegetables. Apart from growing vegetables for personal use, it is a very lucrative venture for commercial purposes. If you are a vegetable lover, student, or retiree, this article is for you. Let’s highlight the steps needed to start a vegetable garden without further ado. 1. Currently, we have over 30 vegetables that thrive well on our soil. Examples are tomato, spinach, fluted pumpkin, carrots, water leaf, quail grass, bitterness, etc. Carefully consider the type of vegetables you want to grow. One of the factors in deciding is dependent on the season and demand. 2. Prepare your garden by first clearing your garden in readiness for seeding. 3. A good harvest is dependent on the types of seeds purchased. Therefore, it is essential to source excellent and quality seeds from credible and trustworthy sources. 4. Check the soil texture, porosity, and aeration using a 12-inch spade. 5. Apply organic manure and fertilizers at least two weeks before planting to enrich the soil. 6. To further enrich, bone, blood, or cottonseed meals can be added to the soil. 7. Plant your vegetables according to the vegetables in season for maximum harvest and results. For example, pumpkin leaves are best planted between May and April, the peak of the rainy season. 8. Water your plants regularly to ensure they don’t dry out or have stunted growth, especially if you are planting in the dry season. 9. Protect your garden by doing the following: (I) Weed your garden every 2 weeks to prevent weeds from overgrowing your vegetables. (II) Protect your garden from predators such as goats, cows, sheep and other animals. To do so, concrete walls or net fences should be erected around the garden to prevent predation.   Conclusion Starting a vegetable garden is a lucrative venture that doesn’t require capital or funds. This article has provided a step-by-step guide to establishing a vegetable garden. By following this guide, you can rest assured that your garden will blossom.  

Opay Controversy: Safeguarding Trust in the Digital Finance Age

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IoT In Agriculture And Its Application

On the 2nd day of October 2023, a video circulated throughout social media showing Opay agents storming the financial institution’s office in Lagos. This was due to large sums being removed from Opay users’ accounts and transferred to unknown accounts. Other activities included purchasing airtime and receiving calls from loan companies, as the account holders’ phone numbers matched their account numbers. The trust level of customers of the Digital Finance company in Nigeria is depleted. The earlier controversy was used to make many fear the financial risk sensed through the enragement of the agents in the video. The customers’ confidence was shattered. This made them indict the Opay company as a scam. The incident was reported by TVC News, whose credibility raised suspicious concern among Opay users. Opay, as a Digital Finance company, had been a lifeline, especially during the strenuous cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of the then Governor, Godwin Emefiele. During this period, Nigerians began to trust Opay for transactions. This was because of their no transaction fees, swift, and fast services, as opposed to other commercial Banks which had network failure and were unable to meet customers’ expectations. The period of the cashless period controversy led to the discovery of this Fintech company by businesses, it was a renowned and vast payment method and with this Opay built customer confidence, security of funds due to their fast alerts, and safety from scams. It is in the nature of Nigeria to be paranoid,  that is, at any hurdle, they label a digital finance company as a scam. This is because of their experience with companies like MMM and others, which made many Nigerians go bankrupt. So, to win customers’ confidence in the country is hard. Many Nigerians had to withdraw their funds from Opay to prevent potential bankruptcy immediately the video surfaced, and they advised their friends to do so. Nigerians are not to be blamed; the nature of Nigerians’ present situation has made them a little bit skeptical of Digital Finance companies. Coupled with the fact that their offices cannot be located easily, which makes them a little skeptical of their funds. Opay is a one-stop mobile-based platform for payments, transfers, loans, savings, and other essential services. Opay Digital Service Limited is a company founded by Opera Norway AS Group with emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in countries like Mexico, Nigeria, Egypt, and Pakistan. Opay is a digital finance company. A digital finance company, also known as a fintech (financial technology) company, is a business that leverages technology to provide financial services and solutions to individuals, businesses, or other organizations. As a company that operate primarily in the digital space, using online platforms, mobile apps, and advanced software to deliver a wide range of financial services. Opay offers services such as Digital Payments, Online Banking, Investment and Wealth Management, Lending (though through other services), and, Remittances. Other Digital Finance companies in Nigeria include: Interswitch, Paystack, Flutterwave, Carbon (formerly Paylater), Kuda Bank, Cowrywise, Renmoney, Paga, and Opay.  These companies must adhere to regulatory requirements and data security standards to ensure the safety and protection of customer information and transactions The company (Opay) is keen on the security of its customers, they do so by continuously analyzing risks that could affect customers and mitigating them before something wrong could happen. They use risk assessment methodology, which is consistent with PCI-DSS standards. The company went further to build the Continuous Awareness Training Programme, which helps the company’s personnel or staff to gain and test their knowledge against possible security threats like phishing or stealing passwords. The company also got PCI-DSS Compliance Level 1 Certification, which is proof that its product is built and maintained in alignment with all security standards. Notably, Opay is insured by NDIC, which means Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation. They are a system the government set up to protect depositors against the loss of their insured deposits placed with member institutions in the event that a member institution is unable to meet its obligations to depositors. NDIC protects the Insurance Fund and saves customers from scams by keeping it with the CBN and investing the Fund in safe but liquid financial instruments such as Treasury Bills, Federal Government Bonds, and instruments of similar nature. Opay is licensed by the central bank to operate as a microfinance and NDIC, which provides sound risk management in the Nigerian banking system. In defense of its integrity, Opay issued a disclaimer over the allegations, assuring customers that the video was old and the allegations were resolved in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The failure of the Nigerian banking sector made Opay rise to prominence, and the resurfacing of the video might have resulted from rivalry aiming to bring down the company’s reputation. Your favorite Opay bank is secure, and customers’ accounts and funds remain safe.

The Dearth of Stage Plays for School Children in Nigeria

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A cursory search on YouTube for stage performances for a literary text like The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka will reveal a not too encouraging result. The most complete production of the play, spanning one hour thirty-three minutes, was performed by The National Drama Company of Guyana. Other performances are basically excerpts of the play. The longest of these excerpts takes about forty-five minutes to watch. Technology has come to the rescue, hence this plays and others can be watched on viewing platform like YouTube. Yet the fact remains that the dearth of physical stage plays for school children has robbed them of the overall experience and exposure needed to enjoy and thrive in the performing arts.

Exams to Consider for Studying Abroad

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Studying abroad is now open to all students regardless of their background. However, students are required to meet some academic criteria before they are given admission. There are various criteria, but passing an international entrance examination is at the top of the list for most universities. In most cases, people who display an excellent performance in these examinations receive scholarships or financial aid. SAT, IELTS, GRE, LSAT, TOEFL, among others are the most popular tests. Universities or colleges make these tests a requirement for admission. Each university has a minimum score that they can accept from people who take any of these tests. You should find out and ace which of the tests are required if an international university is what you aim for.   IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) This test is the most used English Language test in the world. IELTS can take you to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. IELTS helps you work or study in a country with English as its native language. This test assesses your ability to listen, read, write and speak. Acing this test will prove to the university you intend to go to that you have a good command in English Language. IELTS is recognised by over 11,000 organisations including professional bodies. There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General IELTS. For studying in an English-speaking university, it is advisable to take the academic IELTS. However, for work or immigration, the general IELTS is recommended. The test is in four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking test. The total test time for IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes and it is graded on a scale of 1 – 9 in each area. You should find out the format and minimum score that your intended university requires.   GRE (Graduate Record Examination) This is a multiple-choice test. If you want to study in an ivy league school, taking a GRE should be on your list of considerations. The admissions assessment of GRE is in two types: GRE general test and GRE subject tests. The GRE general test assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. This test focuses on the skills you have developed overtime and are not related to any specified field of study. The GRE subject tests measure your knowledge and skill in a particular field of study. The disciplines in question are: chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. These test scores supplement your other qualifications for graduate-level study. The tests are done three rimes in a year in the month of September, October and April. The total testing time is 2 hours and 50 minutes.   TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) This test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. It tests an individual’s ability to understand and use English. Universities trust TOEFL scores so if you ace the test, you will prove to them that you understand English and you can excel in your studies. TOEFL is held throughout the year. The test scores last up to 2 years. However, most universities prefer the latest scores. So, until you are ready to apply for admission, do not take the test unless you want to use it to practice.   SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) This test evaluates a student’s skills in mathematics, writing and verbal aptitude. SAT test is over 1600 and 400 is the minimum score a student can get. The sections are reading, writing, math and essay writing (which is optional). All questions are multiple choice apart from some math problems. The test scores are usually available after 2 weeks of taking the test. Each section is an hour long, making the test a h-hour test. The optional section (essay) is about 50 minutes long. To register for SAT; Go to the College Board website and create a profile by signing up. Fill out a SAT application form. Book a suitable exam date and centre. Pay the SAT registration fees.   Opeyemi Kareem

The Beauty of Writing

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Writing is an art. Maybe not the conventional type of art that we know like drawing or painting, but it is an art. Just like a painter mixes colours together on a drawing board to bring out a design, a writer puts words together to form something beautiful. But to be honest, not everybody writes a beautiful piece, and not everybody writes in a way that will excite your emotions. It’s just the same way anyone can learn the basics of drawing but not everyone will do a drawing that will make it to a museum or be auctioned for a really good sum. There is something beautiful in putting words together to make sense to you or your readers. Have you ever been at a wedding and seen two people exchanging their vows and reading their promises to each other? It is always beautiful to witness them bare their hearts to each other. Sometimes they cry, other times you as the guest who knows nothing about their love story cry with them. That is because the words were beautiful, and they were beautifully put together. This same experience can also be felt when you read certain poems. Some people are gifted in the art of writing poems and when they put those words together and arrange them in stanzas, you’ll be swept off your feet. There is something about words that brings colour to life. And when these words are mixed with emotions it deepens the effect. However, you must also note that in as much as writing can be beautiful, it can also be hurtful and can cause irrevocable damage. Here are things you need to keep in mind to make your writing beautiful. 1. Emotion Emotion plays a very vital role in making your writing beautiful. Have you ever compared a piece of writing written with emotion to one written without emotion? The difference is clear. The one with emotions would always make sense to you and stand out because someone is baring their heart. Someone is writing soulfully to you – even if the writing is a lie. Words carry power, either written or spoken. 2. Think about who you are writing for This also springs from emotions. When you think about your readers when writing, you’ll write in a way that will communicate directly to them and make them see your point. The writing will be personal to them, and your readers might even believe that you are talking to them directly. 3. Share personal experiences There are times when people read a book and it makes them eager to know what inspired you, the writer, or what was going through your mind as you wrote. When you share your personal experience in any area that relates to what you are writing about, people hold it dear to their hearts and they term the book as a beautiful book.   4. Write what people can relate to Another way to see the beauty in writing is to write what people can easily relate to. That way it is easy for them to have a close connection with the book. You can take this a step further by providing solutions to any life problems that you might have raised in the story. That way, the book would remain dear to your readers’ hearts. In summary, writing is an art and can be beautiful, but it will take some effort and deliberateness to write a book that people would consider beautiful. Let your writing meet people’s needs at different points in time and the work will become dear to them.   Olamide Omolawal is an avid research enthusiast with interest in creative and content writing.

Which is Easier; Writing or Speaking?

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WHICH IS EASIER, WRITING OR SPEAKING? Just like I mentioned in my last article, different people have different opinions as regards speaking and writing and different people have different preferences as to which is easier. Today, we would look at it together, and then you would be allowed to comment on which you think is easier from your own end. Before I start, I need to tell you that despite the differences between writing and speaking, they still have some similarities and the same rules guiding them. They run by the rules of semantics and syntax, and they both use languages to express their feelings. Skipping introductions, I will go straight to tell you that writing simply involves putting words down. And these words can be for different purposes, but the end result is so they can be read. Writing involves putting nice words together to give a good read, but that is not all. It is not enough to put words together or write down your thoughts. You have to make those thoughts make sense because they are your thoughts and you have the back story behind them. Anyone picking your writing should be able to read it with the same or almost the same intentions you had when you were writing. Meaning, appropriate pauses, right emotions, right tone of voice and the other things that are communicated while writing. This is where writing becomes a bit difficult. You may not be the one doing all the talking, but your writing must make it possible for the person talking to deliver it properly. When it comes to speaking, it is a different ball game entirely, and you are allowed to be as dramatic as you want, to vary your words and the tone of your voice, to use your whole body to communicate. But you still have the responsibility of doing a good job because people are watching you. You don’t have the luxury of hiding behind the letters in a paper like a writer. For some people, working up the right emotions to speak is not easy. All they want to do is speak and go. But speaking blandly causes the real intent of a book or a speech to be lost as the people cannot follow through. I will give the example of reading a story to children. One thing that keeps the children excited to the end is the way the story is being read. Some of the people that read to children are usually very dramatic, and they make different hand and facial gestures so the children can follow and be properly involved. But in order for the reader to be that dramatic, the writer must have done a very good job of putting the appropriate punctuation and all other necessary things in place. Another advantage that a speaker enjoys is being able to make eye contact with his audience which is impossible for a writer. The only way it can be possible for the speaker to have eye contact is if the writer has done a fantastic job of writing that the audience could not help but follow till the end. A speaker also has the advantage of talking in a multidimensional manner rather than a writer who just writes in one direction. And a speaker enjoys the privilege of getting responses and reaction from his listeners. In as much as speaking has its own advantages, it also has some disadvantages like stage fright, bad pronunciation on the part of the reader, speaking colloquially in a formal setting, too much mannerism and excessive repetition. These differences can go on and on, but some people are still better suited for one of the two while some are comfortable doing the two. Some people would rather work hard at writing to make it make sense rather than being at the forefront of speaking or working up emotions as they speak. Same goes in the other direction, some would rather be out there speaking, gesticulating, making people keep their eyes on them rather than being the brains behind the written text and struggling with putting words together for it to make sense. I must also add that mistakes can be permitted when speaking. You can always apologize and rephrase your statement. But when writing, it is almost impossible to correct your mistake once your work has gone out. Hence the extra work of rereading and proofreading to produce the best. These are not all the different things to note about writing and speaking. There are more things to consider but I believe that you have the basic idea from this write up. Therefore, I would love to know your opinion and what you think about these two subjects. Feel free to comment in the comment section on which you prefer. Speaking or writing. And state your reason for your choice. Thank you!   “Olamide Omolawal is an avid research enthusiast with interest in creative and content writings”      

Traveling with kids: Family Travel Tips for Parents

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Going on a vacation can be gruelling. Traveling with kids can be even more daunting. Vacationing can be fun for kids. They get to be in a new environment, try new foods and experience new activities. However, the task of preparation and travel with children has proven to be a demanding task for some parents. Not to worry, these tips will put you on the right track and make your family vacation stress-free.   Before You Go Do Research Research is necessary before putting your kids on a plane to a different country. You need to know if where you intend to go to is safe for you and your children. You also need to know if they have activities that children can enjoy. Another thing to find out about is what the weather will be like. You should know the weather your children favour and set your family vacation for that time. Summertime is a very popular vacation period for most families. This is because the weather condition is favourable for fun outdoor activities.   Get All Necessary Documents Children need passports when travelling out of the country, even infants. To get this ready, you should visit an immigration office close to you. If they already have passports, you should check the expiry dates. Some countries have policies about how long your passport must be valid before you travel. You also need to get tickets for your kids – although children under 2 years can sit on your lap on the plane.   Settle Accommodation You cannot land in a new country with children and then start looking for a place to stay. You need to sort this out before you go. You need to decide if you want to stay in a hotel or if you want to rent a house. Whichever is more convenient for you and your family is what you should choose. It is advisable to make payment so your slot will be secured. You might get there and they may be fully booked, leaving you and your family with nowhere to stay. This preparation is very necessary and should be at the top of your list.   Pack Only Necessary Items Many parents want to make a new country as familiar as possible to their kids. This is why they try to pack everything that will make them feel like they are home. This is a smart idea. However, if you find yourself packing what is not necessary, you will have problems. You cannot predict what the space where you will be staying will look like. Having too much luggage in a small space, with children, will not be comfortable.   During the Flight Flight Time = Nap Time Some children find it difficult to settle during flights. Maybe from excitement or nerves, they are restless. To avoid this, align the time for your flight with their nap time. Their body will lull them to sleep. Another thing you can do is provide some distraction, like books or toys. This will calm their nerves and make the flight more relaxing (for you).   Sit in the Right Place Generally, flight attendants will show you where to sit but it is advised that children don’t stay in the aisle seat. This is because of the moving carts along the aisle. They can easily dunk their hands in hot water or hot coffee. That can cause injury and a sour mood for the vacation. You do not want your vacation to be ruined before it begins, do you? Then make sure you sit at the right place.   Prepare for Flight Vibrations Many children have problems when flights are taking off and landing. These vibrations may be uncomfortable for them and may cause tantrums. This may be a good time to feed them. That will distract them from the vibrations. You can also give them gum to chew (if they are old enough to know not to swallow it). You should also note that the air pressure in planes is different and can cause some pain. You should be prepared for this.   When You Land Once you have landed and settled, there are other tips that can make your vacation more fun and safer. Use Public Transportation Using the train or a public bus is good for children. Some children have not been on a train before. It will be good for them to experience something new. It can also be a means for them to see the country. Some form of unplanned sightseeing.   Entertaining Activities If they are old enough, you should let your kids choose the activity they want to do for the day. Of course, you must have a list of all the activities you intend for them to engage in. Just present them with the list and let them make their selection. Remember to include as many activities as you can afford.   Safety You should always look out for your kids, especially in environments you are not familiar with. They might wander off and get lost. Their safety and yours should be the top priority.   Opeyemi Kareem

Working While Studying in Canada – A Guide for International Students

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Are you a student of a university in Canada who is looking for a way to gain experience and make a little money on the side? Well, you clicked the right link! You are of course aware that, as an international student in Canada, you can work for up to 20 hours a week. Working and studying at the same time is, after all, one of the many advantages of going to study abroad in Canada. But it can only be possible if you meet the requirements that make you eligible to earn while studying. Once you pass these requirements, you can work on or off campus. If you wish, you can help your spouse to get a job while you study.   Working on Campus Working while studying on campus means that if you meet the criteria, you are allowed to get a job in the buildings around the school campus. You are only allowed to work on the campus where you are studying if your school has more than one campuses. However, there are exceptions on the basis of which you can work at both campuses: if you are working as a teaching assistant or if your work is related to a research grant, you can work as many hours as you want so long as you are eligible. If you decide to work campus, your employers can fall under one of the following categories; ·         The school ·         Yourself (if you run a business on campus) ·         A member of the faculty ·         A student organisation   Eligibility You can work as an international student on campus without a work permit if; 1.       You have started your study program. You cannot start working if your study program has not commenced. 2.      You have a valid study permit 3.      Your study permit explicitly says that you are allowed to work on campus. 4.      You are a full-time public/private post-secondary school student. 5.      You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). When are you no longer eligible? You should know that you risk your student visa being taken away if you keep working when you are not eligible to. You should stop working when: ·         Your study permit expires. ·         You are no longer studying. ·         You are switching schools.   What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)? It is a 9-digit number that is given by the Canadian government and enables you to work and receive government benefits. To be able to apply for this number to work on campus, your study permit must have this condition printed on it. “This permit does not authorise the holder to engage in off campus employment in Canada. May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f). must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”       Working Off Campus You can work off campus without a work permit. Just like working on campus, you must only start working after your study program has begun. You can only work for up to 20 hours a week if you are eligible and if you have your SIN. Eligibility You can work off campus if: 1.       You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). 2.      Your study program is at least six months long 3.      You are enrolled in a training program. 4.      Your study program leads to a degree, diploma or certificate. 5.      You have started studying. 6.      You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).   When are you no longer eligible? You must immediately stop working if: ·         Your study permit does not grant you access to work. ·         You no longer meet the requirements. ·         You are only taking general interest courses.   To get your SIN to work off campus, your study permit must have this condition printed on it: “May work 20 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.”   Opeyemi Kareem