Yana Hempler: Finalist In National "Start Something With Alesse" Competition

Hi everyone!

I'm very happy that you are here. :)

The campaign is called "Start Something With Alesse" where young women present an idea of a business/social enterprize/project/etc and have a chance to win $5000 to put towards the project, as well as mentorship from powerful business people.

I am honoured to have been chosen as one of 6 finalists from hundreds of entries to take part in this contest. My project is called YOUNight for Compassion and Fashion, and it is designed to help the homeless people in Victoria. If I win, I would like to donate some of the prize money to a non-profit organization to continue/extend their operations, as well as produce the fashion show as a fundraiser.

I am the ONLY finalist from Western Canada, which makes it even more exciting for me.


Image: Screenshot of website

Homelessness is a big issue, and many of the people who are homeless had to face terrible circumstances beyond their control.

I want to help them because I do not believe that other human beings should suffer.

Please go to the website and vote for me if you believe that helping someone live their passion while making a difference in their community is the right thing to do. Voting is open until March 4th, 2011. Voting is easy when you sign up with your Facebook account.

Thank you in advance for your support,
Yana

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed here are my own and not those of sponsor of the "Start Something With Alesse" contest.

Reader's Dilemma: Where should I go to school? Should I move?

I got another email from a reader asking me about where he should go to school.

Here is a little bit of background information on him:
*He's an average student
*His family is not rich and he has very strict parents, to the point where they abuse him
*He wants to be a writer and his parents want him to get an engineering degree (talk about conflicting interests)
*He works a lot

Here is what he wrote in an email to me:

Hello Yana,
I ran into your answer to a reader on blogger and that made me think of sending you an email question.

I am just finishing grade 12 and I'm nothing special in terms of scholastic achievement. I have average marks, but I really love writing stories and poetry. I want to publish a book one day too. Additionally, I want to move to a different province and pursue a writing career by getting an English degree in university.

Here's the dilemma though: I can't just pack up and leave, since my budget does not allow for such a move. At the same time, my parents refuse to support my writing career because they want me to do something more serious, like math and science. They suggest I become an engineer because they read a newspaper article that said engineers are in demand. They joke about my writing and want me to stay as far awy as possible from it. At the same time, I want to stay as far away from them as possible, since they are extremely unrealistic in their expectations of me.

So, what do I do? Stay in my hometown and live with my parents while going to university and studying engineering or moving to a different province, starting from scratch, working for a few years, and then going for an English degree?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Confused Guy

Here is my response to this interesting email:

Dear Confused,
It seems to me like you are in a very interesting situation. Your parents are not supportive of your career choice and you absolutely hate the choice that they've given you.

It would be cheaper for you if you endured them for the next 4 years that you have to be in university while finishing a program that you know you will absolutely hate. Sounds like fun!! NOT!

It appears like you want to get away from your parents, which is very high on your priority list. I honestly believe that you are already on your way to making a great decision and getting them to let go of you.

The main thing that you have to consider here is your personal happiness. If you are ok with starting a new life in a different province, then go for it! I can suggest a few things though: make sure that before you decide to make such a big move that you have arranged employment and housing in your new location. Then, work out a budget which allows you to pay your bills and possibly even have money left over to put in a savings account so that in a few years you could go get your English degree if you still want it. However, there is no set rule that says you "have to have an English degree in order to be a writer". I also suggest trying to do some freelance writing, which can help you improve your writing skills, gain some experience, and possibly expand your network.

Check out some local bulletin boards, newspapers, as well as look into internship opportunities for writers. There is no harm in trying and the worst thing that can happen is you get told "no". Honestly, you have nothing to lose and happiness to gain if you succeed and land an entry level writing position of some sort.
I wish you all the best in all that you do.
Cheers,
Yana

A wonderful person once told me that one should pursue what he/she loves. :)

I wish only the best for everyone who puts forth the effort to deserve it.

Reader's Email Question: "why should I care about my high school grades?"...Answered!

The other day, I was going through my emails and I received a question from a high school student (who chose to stay anonymous knowing that her question would end up here) who happened to stumble upon my blog. She stated that she enjoyed reading some of my posts about scholarships, and especially the one about making money while in university.

But then, she said...

"I'm in grade 10. I have no clue what to do with myself, and I just can't seem to wrap my brain around why I should care about my grades when I'm 2 years away from graduating. So tell me, why should I care about my grades? I'm in grade 10 and I just want to have fun! Grade 12 is where it's at."

My response to her was along the lines of the following...

Hello dear (sender's name),
I understand exactly how you feel about high school, and not knowing what you will do for the rest of your life. It is a common thing that almost all young people worry about.

However, I can tell you this. Worrying about what you will do in the future will not bring you the success that you are hoping for. For now, focus on doing the best that you can while you are in Grade 10, and young and have a long road ahead of you. Do not take this as "advice to not care about your future", but you have to know how to balance between "caring vs. worrying yourself to death".

While in high school, you have to care enough about what you are doing so that whatever you choose to do after graduation becomes more of a choice, rather than "Oh...darn, I did terrible in school, couldn't get into university, and now I'm stuck working this minimal wage job that I did not choose". I am not saying that if you do bad in school that you won't be successful, but I AM saying that your chances of success decrease the worse you do at school.

And finally, the long awaited answer to your very last question about why high school grades matter, even early on. Considering that most universities primarily look at your grade 12 marks, I can see why you would be asking this. However, a habit is a habit. If you get into the habit of being organized, getting your homework done and having a good work ethic while you are in grade 10 (or younger), then you are more likely to carry those good habits with you to university and into the workplace. In addition, some of the higher caliber universities DO look at your grade 10, 11 and 12 marks, especially when they see your transcripts. It is better to be safe than sorry. :)
Thank you for your question, and I will you all the best in all your endeavors!

That's kind of interesting for me to get readers' questions. I love to answer them! :)
So, if you have a question you can email yhempler@gmail.com or simply post a comment here. Please state if you would like to be anonymous, since I want to protect the privacy of my readers.

Yana Hempler Reviews StudentAwards.com

StudentAwards.com is a resource site for college and university students. It is a site where they can find information on scholarships, awards, cash prizes and grants, which will help them finanace their education.

When signing up for StudentAwards.com, you are asked to fill out a profile with your interests, work experience, volunteer experience, as well as your intended area of study/career objectives. Other bits of information that you are asked to provide are: contact information, biographical information, parental background, memberships/affiliations, activities, religion, cultural background/heritage, hobbies, important criteria and circumstances, and much more.

The reason you are asked for all the personal and private information is so that you are matched with scholarships that best suit your criteria. Therefore, StudentAwards.com is much better than many scholarship info sites because it matches you to scholarships on a much deeper level.

Some of the scholarships are available only to people who are of a certain ethnic/religious background or have afilliations with certain clubs. Therefore, it is very important not to leave this information blank.

Here are some tips for using StudentAwards.com:
1. Fill out your profile accurately and completely. Do not leave blanks, because the more honest and detailed you are the higher the chance that you will be matched with a scholarship that you can win because you are eligible.

2. Check StudentAwards.com often, at least once a month. I missed quite a few scholarship opportunities because I was away from the computer for a while and realized that the deadlines have passed. :( Don't let this happen to you.

3. Check the scholarship deadlines. Sometimes StudentAwards.com posts expeired scholarships into your "awards inbox", so keep that in mind.

4. Make a printout or a list of scholarships that you have to apply for and their deadlines as well as what you are required to include in your application. For example: are you asked for reference letters from 3 people? do you have to have your official transcripts? etc. Make sure to get those well ahead of the due date, so that you do not put together an application package in a rush and end up missing deadlines or risk having your application rejected because you do not have everything they need.

5. Keep your profile updated. If you got a new hobby/interest: fill it in. If you've changed your career objective: edit your profile, etc. It is very important!

6. Take advantage of the Uthinkonline surveys that StudentAwards.com forwards to your email. After filling out a survey, you are always entered into a draw where you can win cool prizes, cash money, and much more. Those surveys usually take anywhere between 5-30 min, and ask basic questions about stuff that you are most likely doing anyways. They are easy and who knows, you might get lucky!!

So I definitely suggest that students check out StudentAwards.com and sign up. My experience with them has been quite good. The site is easy to navigate, well worth it.
Good luck!! :)

Financial Resource Websites for University Students

Are you planning on going to university? Worried about not being able to pay tuition?
Well, I am in the process of compliling a list of websites that provide information on applying for scholarships. If you know of any legitimate scholarship websites, please submit them here.

www.studentawards.com

Yana Hempler: BP scholarships to local students

This article was taken directly from the website of BCLocalNews.com
It was Published: December 15, 2009 5:00 PM

Two North Island students are twice winners of business scholarship funded by Black Press.

The scholarship program administered by the University of Victoria grants s a $5,000 scholarship to one student in each of B.C.’s 37 school districts.

The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage the development of business skills in students to encourage them to build strong businesses in their home towns, generating economic diversity and stability in communities throughout B.C.

Yana Hempler is a graduate from North Island Secondary in Port McNeill.

“I am entering my second year of studies at the university (UVic),” said Hempler, who also won the Black Press scholarship last year.

“In my fourth year, I am planning on specializing in International Marketing or Entrepreneurship. I hope to one day work for one of the top accounting firms in North America, or open up my own accounting firm or a talent agency.”

Fellow recipient Russell Murray was born and raised in Port Alice. Russell is entering his fourth year of UVic’s Business program and is two-time winner of the Black Press Scholarship after learning about it from the UVic’s website last year. Upon graduation, he plans to attend law school and become a corporate lawyer.

Reference: http://www.bclocalnews.com/business/79352102.html

51 Money Making Ideas for University Students

Through my personal experience, as well as the experience of others, I have done a lot of research on ways to make money in university. If you don't want a minimum-wage part-time job since it doesn't fit into your schedule, and you want to make money on your own terms, please read on.

WARNING: Results may vary. Not everyone can do everything, but I can guarantee that there is a way for everyone. Some things require a lot of talent and skill, but other things are trivial and require very little thinking. Even with these ways, you need to put in some time if you want to make money. If you are looking for a guaranteed get-rich quick scheme, this posting is not for you. But, if you are committed, and want to make some pocket money, and possibly more, then keep reading.

Not all of these ways apply to every area, province, country. Be sure to check out bylaws/policies for some of the things, such as raffles, etc.

1.Get good grades and be an active member of the community/school in order to have a chance to apply for and get scholarships

2.Start working while you're in high school and save money to go to university. Put that money into a high-interest savings account

3.Find something you are good at and use it. Examples include: photography, web design, etc.

4.Tutor high school and elementary students (some people make $20 or more per hour)

5.Babysit: you can earn good money from regular gigs.

6.Event Hosting: If you are a social butterfly, you could bring tonnes of people into a club and share in commissions.

7.Collect Bottles: although it does not pay much, it is good quick cash

8.Promo-work: If you love to talk to people and hand out flyers, that's awesome!

9.Life-drawing model: If you are not the typical model material, you can find paid work in art classes (However, you may have to work nude)

10.Create a simple affiliate/link building website: charge people small amounts (like $5/link) to place their permanent link there.

11.If you know a language,become a translator for tourists/new students

12.Sell on EBay: You can buy things cheap in bulk/wholesale and then everything will sell.

13.Paid Surveys: some sites pay you to take product surveys, but you have to be very careful and check a site thoroughly before applying, so you don't get scammed or spammed.

14.Coaching athletics: If you're good at sports, it's awesome.

15.Dog walking: some people pay a lot if they are too lazy to walk their dogs. Imagine if you had 5 people paying you $50/week to walk their dog?

16.Research projects at the university: some studies pay for students to participate

17.Mystery shopper

18.Referee at Intramurals (pays well, esp if you have experience and a certificate)

19.Clean people's houses (some pay very well for you to come in once a week and do a great job)

20.Phone soliciting for commission: some companies pay up to 25% commission on sales/leads

21.Go to sites like craigslist, etc, and look for free things. See if you can then sell them to someone else at a yard/garage sale. Even if you sell something for $1, you will have still made a profit if you got that item free.

22.Medical trials (could sometimes pose a risk to your health though)

23.Become an extra

24.If you have a car/license, you could drive drunk people home at prices that are a little bit cheaper than a cab and still profit

25.Work for the university doing campus tours/be a community leader

26.If you're good at baking, you could sell your baked goods

27.If you live where there is snow, you could shovel people's drive ways

28.Mow people's lawns/do yardwork

29.Go through your things at home and see which clothing items/board game/CDs, etc you don't need and sell them. You'll get rid of your junk, and make some pocket money.

30.Sell your textbooks that you no longer need.

31.Sell other people's stuff (if they want to sell it) and charge commission.

32.Write articles for magazines, if you have some useful expertise in the area they are looking for

33.Share your rent with other people needing a place to live.

34.Do grocery shopping for someone else. Many people don't want to do their grocery shopping. Some are even willing to make a list, give it to you, and then you get all items, and they pay you for going.

35.Wash windows for businesses/private homeowners

36.Get paid to click on people's ads online. Make sure it's legit though.

37.Write articles for eHow.com. If your article is good, you can make a good amount of money.

38.If you have any musical talent, become a street performer

39.You can review music by listening to it on http://www.slicethepie.com/

40.Write a blog on a subject that you are passionate/know a lot about, then you might get advertisers in your niche wanting to place their ad there.

41.Traditional market research by providing reviews on a product.

42. Win some competitions: Bikini contest (if you can), fitness contest/competition, hair styling competition, artwork, local talent contest, etc,enter draws, send in mail entries. If you enter many things, you may be able to win some.

43.Set up a professional ironing business. Seriously, people will pay for it too.

44.House-sitting. Many home owners going on vacation may want someone to keep an eye on their nice house, so they will pay you.

45. Along with house sitting is pet-sitting. Come in, feed the cats/dogs/birds, etc, and leave. Then get paid.

46.Become an interviewer. Some research companies are looking for freelance interviewers to talk to their subjects. So, if you are good with people, this could be great.

47.Advertise on your car. Some companies can pay you a monthly fee to drive around with their ad.

48.Work at election/count votes (some places only get volunteers, so check to make sure they pay if you want money)

49.If you are knowledgeable of a subject matter, write a downloadable e-book and sell it to people who want it.

50.Offer marketing services to Offline businesses.

51.Hold a raffle.You may need licensing.