Hey Have you Heard about Health Ed?

There are TONS of student clubs and organizations that are registered and recognized here at York,

Check out all our clubs HERE!

over 500 to be exact!! Among all these clubs and organization there is one that holds a special place in my heart, that organization is Health Education and Promotion.

You might be wondering, why I care so much about this one club. Could it be because I was a member of the club for 4 years? Could it be because it taught me countless skills that I use on a daily basis? Or could it be because their uniforms are totally awesome?? I would say that it is ALL of these reasons and so much more. I cannot even begin to discuss all the amazing experiences, friends and memories that I made over my four years with this organization.

Now that the mushy stuff is over with let's get down to the real question that's on your mind... WHAT does Health Ed do??

Well Health Education and Promotion is a student run organization that advocates for student health on

Check em Out on Facebook

campus. Health Ed consists of 2 professional health promoters who plan programs on and around campus focusing on health topics relevant to university students. Health Ed hosts events to raise awareness about health issues, health solutions and resources and organization where students can seek out support.

Health Ed hosts weekly events on both the Keele and Glendon campuses where students can find information on health topics that interest them. Wellness Wednesday would have to be one of my favourite events since no matter what topic is being discussed there are always really AWESOME prizes being given away!! Best part, all you have to do to get a prize is play a quick fun game, and who doesn't LOVE games?!?!

Health Ed is made up of 10 different topic teams:
1. Leave The Pack Behind (Smoking Cessation)
2. Health Eating and Nutrition
3. Active Living
4. Stress Management and Mental Health
5. Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships
6. Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness
7. Peer Sexual Health Outreach Program
8. Glendon Team
9. Health Education In Residence
10. Running Relief

To find out a little bit more about each of these team check the Health Ed Website HERE !!

These are some of the AWESOME folks I met at Health Ed!

During the course of my career at Health Ed I worked on the Stress Management, Alcohol and Other Drug and Peer S.H.O.P teams and I LOVED every second of my time there. How much did I love it you ask?? Well check out this video I made all about Health Ed!!

If you've got questions about Health Ed or you want to check out any of their events feel free to follow them on twitter @healthedyork and like them on Facebook!

As always remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!!

Nicole

Developing a Career Path

Which way to go?

Coming into first year you might have a lot of ideas about what you THINK you'll do when you graduate. As you move from one year to the next you might find that your vision of future career may shift a little. In my case my career path shifted A LOT and by the time I reached my final year I was in a completely different place than when I started.


People always say that university is the best time of your life, that this is the time that you learn about yourself and who you are, and when you develop into the person you'll be for the rest of your life.Coming out of high school you might be wondering... "How do I turn my interests into a job?" Today I'm going to talk a little bit about how you can use your time at university to help you develop a career path for yourself.

1. Get Involved

Develop your Career
Path!

 --It can be easy for students to fall into the commuter trap, that is only attending classes and then going straight home. Falling into this trap can make it difficult for you to find out where your interests lie and connecting with your fellow students. Join a club, student organization or college council can be a great way to connect with the York community and learn about where your strengths and interests lie. Being a part of clubs helped me to learn that I am really passionate about education, and health promotion.
This has translated into me learning that I want a career that allows me to help others and be an advocate for equal access to education and health services.

2. Use the Services

They're FREE
so USE THEM!

--Developing a Career Path can be daunting even for the most self confident among us. That's why I can't recommend the Career Centre strongly enough! For me personally I think they're one of the best
most under used service on campus!  The Career Centre can help you career counseling, resume building, interview skills and so much more...all FOR FREE!! I don't know about you but if something is free I'm that much more interested in using it, and when it's a service that helps me get ready for the 'real world'  I'm even more interested in using it. I'm not going to lie to you, it can be difficult trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, but you're not alone there are people that are here to help you!



3. Put yourself out there!

Go out on a limb and
see what happens!

-- This might be the most important tip I have to give you!! It's easy to keep to yourself, it's easy to stick to a routine you're comfortable with and it is easy to never challenge yourself, but if you want to get the most you possibly can out of your life then you have to put yourself out there and try new things. I'm not saying that you have go sky diving or run with the bulls, what I'm saying is be willing to try things that you have never done before. Try going to Frosh week, try joining a club, try taking up a new sport,
try something that pushes you outside of your comfort zone. You might find that you learn about about yourself, develop some new skills and make some amazing friends and life long memories! Who knows you might do something that leds you to a job, or a new path for your life!

Figuring out what you want to do with your life is not an easy decision, it requires a lot of thought, soul searching and in some cases a little help from your friends. I hope that this will inspire you to try a lot of different things during your time here at York so you can begin to figure out what you want to do with your life after university!

Good Luck and as always, remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

A Year in Review!

This is the LAST week of the 2012-2013 school year. Can you believe it? It seems as though this school year has just zoomed past us!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say congratulations to everyone for making it through the school year!!

To those that are in their first year... WAY TO GO!! You made it through your first year! I hope that you are proud of yourself! You might have started this year unsure of yourself, unsure of your place here at York. I hope that you were able to settle in, make new friends, new memories and I really hope that you feel like you've become part of the York Community!

For those in second and third year. You're well on your way to graduation, I hope you're proud of yourself for making it thought another year. Hopefully you got to experience new things this year, like joining a club or participating in intramurals. Or maybe you got to learn some amazing new things in your classes, either way I hope you feel a sense of accomplishment for completing another year here at York.

For my fellow graduating Yorkies...YOU MADE IT!! If you're anything like me you might be filled with excitement and maybe a little nostalgia regarding your upcoming convocation. Hopefully you've enjoyed your time here at York, hopefully you've made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. As you enter the real world don't forget about your time here at York, remember to look back so you never forget where you came from, so you always know where your heading!

Since it is the end of the year, I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to look back on my year as a RSA and share some of my highlights! I hope you enjoy!!

First Day With my RED Zone Family!

Having Fun Making Vidoes!!

Frosh Bossing for Stong College!

Then it was MY TIME!! 

And this kid Joined the Family! 

Then Our first Spirit Day!!

SCLD for the WIN!

Then there was my 

Cheap Meal Challenges!

And OF COURSE

THE SNOW DAY!!

And Last be not least that brings us to 

YORK'S BIRTHDAY!

Well that was my year in review! If you want to share some of the highlights from your 2012-2013 school year I encourage you to comment below or tweet myself or @yorksredzone we'd love to hear from you!

As always, remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

Wanna get ACTIVE this New Year? I've got the scoop!!

This month an on going theme for my blog is self-improvement! So far I've talked about setting realistic goals and some free workshops you can use to improve yourself as a student.

Now that I've discussed how to get your mind in shape, I'm going to talk a little about how to get your body in shape in the new year!

Every New Year people seem to become really conscious about their health. Everyone seems to RUN out and buy a gym membership, use it for a few weeks but by the time March rolls around the gym trips have ended and all of a sudden health isn't on your mind.

I'm here to tell you that you CAN stick to your health goals without having to buy expensive gym memberships, and without losing motivation a few weeks later. A lot of times people lose momentum with their health related goals because they are trying to achieve these goals alone. When you have no one to be accountable to it is very easy to give up on goals.

How can we avoid this?? Well I would recommend getting involved with health related clubs and programs on campus. They provide you with a safe place to get active and community of people to keep you motivated and on track (pun TOTALLY intended!) with your goals.

So, WHAT can you do on-campus to get active?!?

1. Check out Tait McKensize Gym.
--I know what I just said about getting gym memberships, BUTTT in this case the Tait McKensize gym  is only $15 for a full calendar year! That's a GREAT deal for students!! Also at the gym you have access to all the field houses, the courts and pool. Plus there are tons of classes you can take (for an extra fee) if you have a particular interest. Check out their website for more info here.

2. Running Relief - Toronto Track and Field Centre
--I've talked about Running Relief in past blog posts like this one . So feel free to read that post for more information. The reason I bring it up here is that, this program provides runners with a community, a group of people that will support them as they attempt to achieve their health goals. Best part of this program?? IT'S COMPLETELY FREE!!! So you really have NOTHING to lose and EVERYTHING to gain!!

3. Intramurals
--A lot of times people forget that playing games can be a form of exercise, in some ways games are the best form of exercise because you don't even realize that you're working out! Each college runs intramurals for their students, check out some basic info about Intramurals here. Wanna get involved? Contact the athletics rep on your college council to sign up. They are a GREAT way to meet new people, make friends and get active!

4. The Active Living Challenge
--This is a great opportunity to get started with your health goals and stay motivated. Check out the latest episode of RED Zone TV to find out more about the Active Living Challenge.

I don't know about you but I LOVE prizes and so sticking to my health goals and getting rewarded for it seems like a win-win to me!

Hopefully you'll find a way to get active in this New Year. I wish you all the very best with your goals whatever they may be. Let me know if you decide to try anything I mentioned here, by commenting in the comments section below!

Until next time, remember, take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

Feeling Stressed? Why not try Running Relief?!?

Now that we have passed through the dark days of Midterms and things are calming down a bit you might find yourself full of nervous energy. You might be looking for a way to expel that energy in a healthy and positive way. OR perhaps you might be finding that you want to get a little more activity in your life, since its getting colder outside.

With this in mind I have a suggestion for you!! Have you ever heard of Running Relief?

Running Relief is a FREE running program run by Health Education and Promotion.

How does it work? 

-Run at your OWN pace

-Run with peer coaches who help with technique and keep you motivated

-Attend a running related 30min workshop once every other week

-Run for stress relief, to quit smoking, to become more healthful, for your own personal interest or just for fun!

Where does it happen? 

-RR takes place at the Toronto Track and Field Center (TTFC) which, conveniently enough is located RIGHT ON CAMPUS!! Check out this walking tour on how to get there!!

-It is important to note that use of the TTFC is FREE for all FULL TIME York students, all you have to do is ACTIVATE your YUCard. To activate your card you will need to bring PROOF that you are in fact a current full time York student. Once you activate your card you will be able to use the TTFC for free for the rest of the school year. 

Yeah this all sound GREAT but...When is it??

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?!?

-Running Relief happens 3 times a week

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:00pm. 

Friendly Tip

--There are lockers that you can use at the TTFC all you have to do is bring your own lock and a quarter. You can store your extra clothing and personal items so they are secure while you run. 

How HAPPY do they look!?!
They are READY TO RUN are you?

Piqued your interest? 

If you have any questions about Running Relief or you want to talk some more about how it all works feel free to check out Running Relief on YU Connect, or e-mail healthed@yorku.ca or healthedprojects@gmail.com , you can always tweet @healthedyork or like them on facebook as well!

Now GET OUT THERE and Run for Relief!!

Until next time...remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the zone!

Nicole

You'll get by with a little help from your friends...

Worried that you won't make any friends when you get to York? Concerned that you'll be lonely?

Wanna know the secret behind making friends at University? COURAGE!

I know it might seem a little wishy washy, but having courage can make all the difference when it comes to meeting new people and making new friends. At York you'll find yourself surrounded by so many different people that it might be a little overwhelming to take that initial step. You might be wondering what opportunities you'll have to meet people, the VERY first chance you'll get will come in the form of FROSH WEEK!

FROSH WEEK runs from Aug 31st to Sept 9th and it will be your first and BEST chance to meet people and make new friends. EVERYONE at Frosh week will be NEW, no one will know anyone...so right off the bat you already have something in common with everyone at Frosh week.

Insert: COURAGE

No one is going to do it for you...you have to be the one to make the effort to talk. You have no idea how easy it is once you get started. A few conversation starters for the socially awkward among us...

1. Hey what's your major?
2. Did you grow up in Toronto?
3. What do you think of this college system?
4. Did the Frosh bosses scare you too when you first got here?
5. Are you totes excited about going to "blank" event?
6. Are you confused about what's going on as well?
7. Are you living in res or staying in the commuter room?
8. Are you pumped for today?
9.What made you choose York?
10.What classes are you in?

With these conversation starters even the most awkward among us can meet people and make friends. Try these out at Frosh week and let me know how it goes!

It's your first class...don't know what to expect?

 You've had a good nights sleep...of tossing and turning and waking up every five minutes. Now it's 7:00am and you think...well it's as good a time as any to get ready to go to school. For the first time in your life you got ready in record time and you find yourself getting more and more nervous as the seconds turn to minutes and you know that your first University class is approaching.

Maybe you're getting a ride, maybe you're driving, maybe your busing, however you're getting to York you figure it's about time to get on the road. After braving traffic and long bus lines you FINALLY walk into Vari Hall and you look around and you see HUNDREDS of people buzzing around on their way to and from class. In that moment you might be thinking..."WHAT THE HECK DID I GET MYSELF INTO?!?" But you figure you better get out of the fray and find your class since it's about to start.

You're pretty sure you might get lost amongst all these people so you stop by the RED Zone and get directions. After a little chat with an RSA you find your class and you reach for the door, you're more nervous now than you ever remember being before. You see other people walking in so you put on a brave face and walk in as well.

Ok so here's what to expect in your first class.

1. Awkward Silence: On the first day (unless you went to frosh) there will be dead silence in class until the prof comes in. No one will know anyone else and so no one will want to talk, this will be very awkward so PREPARE yourself for this fact. 

2. Words of "encouragement" from the Professor: Prof's always say that their class will be the one that will challenge you. They always threaten that their class will be the hardest class you've ever taken. Don't let these threats intimidate you, professors want you to take their class seriously and so this is their way to give you a wake up call so you'll make the effort to do well.

3. Expect diversity: York has people from all walks of life, from all races, religions and creeds. Some people are from the city, some from small towns, some are international, some came from big high schools and other from small ones, some people are straight outta high school and some have taken a victory lap. Moral of the story there are TONS of different people.

   

4. Generally you won't have a full lecture on day 1: Most professors will introduce themselves, the TA's and hand out the official syllabus. The Prof will go through the syllabus from start to finish, answer any questions and give a run down of how they will be running their class. They might give a very short lecture after covering the syllabus.

5. Generally if you have a tutorial on the first day of school you won't actually have that tutorial: If you have a tutorial BEFORE you have attended your first class, you generally will not have to attend that tutorial. What I recommend is going to the tutorial anyway just to make sure you know where it is so that the next time you have it you won't be late because you got lost. As a rule if no one shows up within 10 mins of the official start time of the class you are allowed to leave. 

Hopefully by the end of day 1 you'll feel a lot more comfortable on campus! If you have any questions, or you get lost or you just wanna chat feel free to stop by the RED Zone, myself and the other RSA's would LOVE you see you!

GOOD LUCK!

Nicole

Best thing about living in residence? The friends you make!

Juhi and I in 1st year!

Everyone is always saying that you make your TRUE lasting friends in College / University; I can say now, from first hand experience that what they say is true. 
Four years ago I came to York, fresh outta High school as an International Student I knew 0 people. I moved into residence and almost immediately after my parents left me there…all alone…I regretted coming to such a huge school in a different country so far away from home.


After my first residence floor meeting I thought WOW I’m never gonna make it here. I was ready to go back to my room and pack my stuff and GO BACK HOME! Then I heard a knock on my door and my whole university experience CHANGED! I made my first friend!!
 This girl was at my door, asking me about the internet, of all things. I helped her set up the internet, then we went for dinner together and everyday after that. Suddenly we realized we had a lot in common and so we became fast friends. 


As you move from year to year the people you were close with in first year are usually NOT still your friends by fourth year, but she and I were practically family at the end. Four years is a long time to be friends with a person, we laughed, cried and helped each other make it through the challenge that is University.
 She was an International Student just like me, she was from Dubai and I from The Bahamas. Leave it to us to make friends with people who live on opposite sides of the world!

4 yrs later still together!

As I sit here writing this I can’t help but to think of all the things we shared over four years, our first winter with SNOW, our first time on a subway, and of course let’s not forget our first time living away from home on our own. She was really a true friend, we were there for each other whenever we needed anything no questions asked! We took care of each other when we were sick, homesick or lovesick. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through this journey without her.
And now that she’s moved back home I wish her nothing but the best! I hope she is finds happiness, she is an amazing person and truly deserves the very best that life has to offer. I miss her like crazy! All I can say is THANK GOD for BBM and SKYPE!

There is a STRONG possibility that I might never see her again; but she’ll always be with me, because she helped shape the person I am today. I miss her so much, she was my sister, my mom and most importantly my FRIEND!


The moral of my story...living in residence can be such an amazing experience if you open yourself and take the opportunity that is there!

What's it really like to live in residence?

Hollywood and the media present us with many different representations of what "dorm" life is like. Films like Van Wilder and Animal House suggest that living on campus will be one big party, Old School and Road Trip play up the bonds we make and the community created on campus.

Sorry to be one that bursts your bubble BUTT not everyone's college/ university experience is like that. My life in residence wasn't like that at all. I'm not saying that I didn't have fun or create strong friendships, but my time in residence wasn't spent crawling from one raging dorm party to the next!

So... "What is life in residence like?" Excellent question! Life in residence for me was the best experience of my life. I got the chance to live with a wide variety of people from all over the world. In fact I met one of my best friends in my first week of living in residence!

There is always something happening in residence, the Don team is always busy at work trying to make your experience in residence a memorable and amazing one. There are weekly events that happen in residence including, movie-nights, common-room get-togethers and game nights. There are also monthly house meetings that all residents are required to attend, where dons tell you about upcoming events, important info and cool stuff happening on campus. The best part is that there is always someone around in residence. You are never alone. It's good to know that you have some place you can call home...LITERALLY!

Check out me and some of the friends I made while living in residence! Ahh the memories!!

Dorm life is MUCH more than just the room you live in, it’s also the people you live with. The girls on my floor were my FAMILY while I was at school without them I would never have survived!

YAY FUGITIVES (that was our house name lol none of the ladies in the pics had ever been charged with a crime…that I know of…unless AWESOMENESS is now a crime!)

What makes a "successful" student?? It might NOT be what you think!

These days everyone looks at letter grades or a g.p.a. as the only way to measure the "success" of a student. Of course both of these are really important, after all everyone wants to do well, but grades are only one small part of what makes a student succeed at university and at life.

I LOVE this meme!
 He looks so satisfied!

I know what you're thinking...how else can you measure the success of a student if you don't use letter grades or a g.p.a?

Grades aren't EVERYTHING!

I would challenge you to think outside the box a little bit.

Here are a few things that I think make a successful student:

1. I think that a successful student is able to find balance in their life.

Universal symbol for BALANCE!
Yin and Yang

Balance is everything! Knowing your limitations and understanding that you're not superman will help reduce your stress. Accepting that there are only 168 hours in a week will help you learn to prioritize your time. Learning how to effectively balance work, school, family and friends, will make your university experience richer.








2. A successful student should be able to look back on their university experience with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Key to Success?
Why YES thank-you!

This can be achieved by getting involved on campus. I know you've heard me say this before...but that's because it's GOOD ADVICE! Get involved in campus life!

Becoming a member of the York community made my university experience so much richer. I was able to avoid the commuter trap (going to school and then straight home), I was able to give back to other students and I was able to make friends! Accomplishing something as a result of your involvement on campus really makes you feel like you've succeeded at university life.

3. Finally I think that a successful student is someone that is open minded and willing to try NEW things.

University is your opportunity to try new things, and have new experiences. Successful students are those that open themselves up to new people, cultures, beliefs and practices. York is FULL of diversity, there are students from over 155 countries worldwide. There are so many different people with interesting and unique experiences sitting next to you in class, it would be a shame not to get to know them. Being open to meeting new people and trying new things will help to prepare you for the real world, which, thanks to globalization is becoming increasingly interconnected, so don't miss out!

These are just a few things that I think make a successful a student. If you can think of anything else feel free to make suggestions in the comments section!

Lollipop Moments...in the RED Zone!

I know what you're thinking...what the heck is a lillipop moment?? Were you guys giving them away, selling them, buying them...whattt?? Well a lollipop moment happens when you change impact someone's life in a positive way.

Yuuummmm!!!

Here's Drew Dudley...he explains it wayy better than I do... sooo check it out!

I've been having some AMAZING Lollipop moments with students this week...seriously it's been a pretty rewarding experience...for them and for me!!

The other day a prospective international student and her parents entered the RED Zone looking for some information about transitioning to York and Canada as an international student. They were directed to me...since I have first hand knowledge about moving to Canada and starting at York. We talked for almost an hour...about EVERYTHING! We discussed campus life, clubs, international student support and most importantly the sense of community at York. When we were done she looked really relieved and her parents seemed really excited about York.

As they were leaving they said: "When you have a memorable experience it's always best to take a picture. You were really nice and helpful, and we'd really like to take a picture with you, so that we can remember you, do you mind?"

I but felt totally honoured that they wanted to take a picture with me, and that they felt they had an experience they wanted to remember.

I guess they got a lollipop moment from me...and I got one from them!!

You HAVE to experience a moment like this!!

I couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day...knowing that I had helped someone really made me so proud of my  job, my University and the community that exists at York.

If you want to have your very one Lollipop moment you should stop by the RED Zone and talk to the AMAZING RED Zone Student Ambassadors!

The folks that you meet on campus...are amazing!

I've never thought of myself as SUPER outgoing. Some people think that I'm super confident and totally into talking to random people, but I'm a very private person, and there are times when I'm REALLY SHY!

Me and My Partner in Crime
a.k.a Me and My sister

So when people ask me "How do you know so many people on campus? or Wow you're so friendly!" I'm always a little surprised..."Who? You mean me?" is my typical response.

In high school we all know our place, we know who our friends are and we have settled into our nest. But in university it's a completely different situation. Suddenly we're not the captain of the team, we're not the A.V. geek we're all BRAND new people. We can become anything we want!


This can be overwhelming even for the most outgoing among us.

So how can you meet people or make friends? Excellent question!

My strategy is to just start talking!! Everyone is nervous, everyone wants to meet people, everyone wants to make a friend...ESPECIALLY in first year.

Here's a few conversation starters for those novice conversationalists
-Random Conversations in class:
1. Hey! What's your major/ What are you studying?
2. How do you like the class/ prof/ t.a.
3. How are you finding the readings?
4. Hey do you know the quickest way to (insert building)
5.I really like your scarf...bag...belt...shoes (make sure you do...people can always tell when you're not being genuine! Don't LIE! )

You meet the most amazing, interesting and unique people in a school the size of York. There are students from over 155 countries that attend school here...just look at me for example I'm an international student from The Bahamas, I'm one example of the diversity that surrounds you when you come to York.

"Tell me more" keeps the convo rolling!

People LOVE to talk and they always want a chance to tell their story...I saw an AMAZING speech by Tony Conte who gave the following tip for talking to people that you don't know...
-When you're talking to someone that you don't really know, ask them to TELL YOU MORE about their major, interests, future plans...basically anything that will keep the conversation going.




Honestly I use this tip all the time and it really works. I have met TONS of new people and asking them to TELL ME MORE about their hobbies, religions and interests has made our conversations much more interesting.

The people that I've met while I've been here have been changed my life in the most unexpected ways. I didn't expect to like York as much as I do now. I thought...I'll be done with this place in 4 years and then I can get on with my life. I've been here for going on 6 years and honestly I don't know how I'm going to handle having to leave...I don't even want to think about!

Seriously take the time to talk to the person next to you in class, in line at the book store, in tutorial or even the people standing next to you in the Second Cup line!

You never know where or how you'll meet your new BEST FRIEND! Try out these tips and let me know how they work out for you...or if you have some other tips that you want to share with me feel free to add them in the comments section!

Please TELL ME MORE about your conversation starters!

Nicole