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Welcome

Being one of OLC's classic storytelling tools, blogs are crafted by SFU Community members which include the everyday student as well as expert voices. This is where we share touching stories, resourceful advice, and insightful knowledge with each other. In keeping with the OLC vision, the following blogs are created by and for students, so why not contribute to the OLC today?

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INTERNATIONAL

 

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Kaylla
Staying Productive While Working Remotely for a Health Authority

Working from home is a common reality for many Co-op students in the past year. Working from home while working for a Health Authority in the thick of the pandemic is a tremendous experience Kaylla went through last year. Take a look at how she learned to stay productive in these uncertain times.

The Latest

 

THE LATEST
Two women talking while sitting at a  coffee table.
On Self-Care, Capitalism, and Social Justice

I didn’t go into Co-op thinking that I would learn how to take care of myself. I was expecting to gain the traditional benefits–building up your resume, strengthening your professional skills, obtaining good references–but it ended up becoming much more than that.

Image of False Creek
Cycling Out of a Cycle

As I was finishing my third and final lap biking around the Stanley Park Seawall, my legs felt like Jell-O. I never biked this much before (a whopping 53 km that day, by the way), which made me wonder why I agreed to go on a “short” bike ride with my new co-workers at Vancouver Coastal Health. Looking back, however, I am glad that I agreed to join the bike ride. Continue reading to learn how this activity got me to know my co-workers outside of work – something that I didn’t know I needed.

Fireside chats at SFU
How SFU Celebrates the Holidays

We talked to members of the SFU community about how they celebrated the holiday season. 

A piece of paper with "New Years Resolutions" written on it.
Keeping to Your New Year's Resolutions

It's the start of another year, and that means it's resolutions time! Hermine from the Student Learning Commons has some great tips for acing your goals in the new year.

A person writing on a pile of papers with a pen.
Making Your Assignments Perfect: Step 1

Lost for words? No problem. The first of this two-part series from the SFU Library goes over how to edit your essay, exam, or final paper. 

Collage of 6 social media posts
Full-Time Co-op, Part-Time Artist: It Can Be Done!

I’m a student at SFU and on top of that, though, I’m a freelance creative. I do a bit of everything. As my first Co-op work term approached, I got nervous. I was terrified, frankly, that I would have to stop creating if I wanted to pursue full-time work. Keep reading to learn about how I learned to balance working full-time and being a freelance creative. 

A picture of a hand holding a phone with a blue, green, and orange case.
How to Take a Break from Technology

While smartphones and other tech devices are helpful for our personal and professional lives, it’s beneficial to take a day off occasionally. Here are some tips on how to take a break from endless scrolling. 

A person typing on a computer.
5 Email Etiquette Tips Every Employee Needs to Know

You probably know that dreadful feeling you get after opening an email that is so long your finger gets tired from scrolling. While the process of sending an email may seem intuitive, there are many considerations that should be made before hitting that “send” button. Therefore, I present to you, essential email etiquette tips every employee should know.

a potrait of Karina in her workplace
Karina Ibrayeva: Making the World’s Water Data More Usable and Accessible

Meet Karina Ibraveva, a SIAT Co-op student who's working with Aquatic Informatic as a Junior UX/UI Designer. Learn more about her journey in Co-op by clicking on the link below.

Laptop with a black and white filter
Putting my Passions to Work

Sydney shares how she managed to combine her long time passion for writing and her work.

An empty journal laying open with a pencil resting on it.
Learning to Express Yourself in a Healthy Way

As the year winds down, it's time to look inward. OLC staff member Terae notes down her favourite ways to beat the blues. 

Person typing on their laptop
Did your Co-op Term Confirm your Career Path? It’s Okay If It Didn’t.

If you are anything like me, one reason that you might have applied for Co-op was because of the many success stories that you've read and heard about. While these stories can be so inspiring and motivating, I have realized that it’s also important to remember that it’s okay to come out of a Co-op term still unsure of what you may want to do. Continue reading to learn about what I learned after my first Co-op work term.

A headshot of Rifayat against a white background.
MA student establishes career in health economics through co-op work experience

A master's student recently graduated from Simon Fraser University (SFU)'s Department of Economics, Rifayat Raisa had always been interested in venturing into the field of health economics. Read to discover how she broke into the industry using SFU Co-op. 

Two people using a computer in a top-down point of view.
From Volunteering to Working: How My Volunteer Experience Helped Me Land a Job That I Love!

Wondering how to land a co-op job that you enjoy with no experience? Volunteer! My volunteer experience with the SFU Health Peers translated into a co-op job with the Canadian Mental Health Association. Keep reading to find out how volunteering can lead to a full-time job!

New Westminster's Pattulo Bridge at night.
Placemaking at My Urban Planning Co-op

How rewarding it is to be able to work for the city you live in? As an immigrant, it was a unique way of strengthening ties with my new city and gain work experience at the same time. 

A multitude of stepping machines in a gym.
7 Tips for Overcoming Your Fear of Going to the Gym

They say starting is the hardest part, but how do you start? How do you overcome that initial fear and anxiety of the gym? Read SFU Recreation's blog to find out some tips to help get you motivated.

Audrey Heath posing in front of a red mosaic
Communicating Indigenous Narratives

As the Communications Program Assistant at the Indigenous Student Centre at SFU it is my job to create content to share with students that not only promote our programs, but foster community. Read more to find out how it went!

A picture of Vancouver's Gastown while snowing.
Things to Do During Winter

It’s getting chilly outside, and you might feel like there’s nothing to do. Never fear, there are always options for fun here in Vancouver.

A picture of six smoothies of differing flavours.
The Endless Possibilities of Smoothie Making

Need to spice up your morning? No fear! This article by SFU Recreation gives us a few tips and recipes for perfect smoothies. 

a photo of Jack Le
SEE Co-op: Look at Sustainability from a Different Perspective

SEE Co-op student - Jack Le has a very interesting experience working with one of the largest energy companies Baker Hughes as an engineering intern. Find out more about his journey in this article.

A person working at a laptop with a cup of coffee besides them.
Yes, You Can Have It All: A Post-Graduate Degree, Professional Experience, and Peer-Reviewed Research!

There's so many ways to do a Co-op! Read about Diana's experience with Mitacs and learn about how fellow graduate students get experience in their field.

woman holding a piece of paper with a laptop in front of her
Business Development & Sales World for Dummies (and Communication Students)

As a Communication major, I’m comfortable with hearing “the medium is the message”, getting lost in 15-page essays, and wondering why a picture of a pipe is in fact, not a pipe (shoutout CMNS 110). Throw me in a tech start-up in a (remote) business development position and well, I’m a touch out of my comfort zone. Keep reading to learn about my experience working in a business role as a Communication major. 

A photo of boots standing on wet leaves
Finding Positivity in Your Everyday Life: How to Deal with the Changing Seasons

Spring forward, fall back – daylight savings time has taken effect again, and we're in for a long, cold winter. Read our tips on how to see the bright side of things during such a dark time.

Open laptop, pen, and clipboard on a table. Paper on clipboard reads "my resume".
Imposter Syndrome and Finding My Confidence With Co-op

Michael joined SFU’s Co-op program during his first year and quickly realized one thing as he began the job search process: projecting confidence and composure are key to showing your best points and skills. Continue reading to learn more about how Michael dealt with imposter syndrome and found his confidence with Co-op. 

Eight people in a circle cheering.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: Team Sports Edition

Team sports are a great way to have fun with friends, especially when the weather is nice during the summer. However, it isn't always easy to organize or find the people, space, and equipment. That's why we would like to help you out. With this blog we will discuss some of the different teams and drop-in leagues throughout the Lower Mainland that you can join!

Five members of the SAH Network, two sitting and three standing.
A Social Innovation Seed Fund Guest Blog: South Asian Healing (SAH) Network

The South Asian Healing Network is a group dedicated to the wellness of South Asian students at SFU and is a 2021 SFU Social Innovation Seed Fund recipient. Read on to hear about the group's philosophy and goals for the future!

Two people sitting at a table with masks on.
The New Normal: Transitioning Back to In-Person Meetings

 As you initiate or continue your time as an SFU student or employee, there are a lot of important things to consider when returning to public spaces. Whether it be large-scale activities or one-on-one meetings, we have you covered. 

A portrait of Hanna at a conference, with a nametag on.
Finding a Place in the Fight for Climate Justice

Read Hanna Araza's piece on her experience with SFU's Semester in Dialogue program to learn about how you can involve your passions with your work! 

Three SFU students standing in front of a laptop.
Six Tips to Make the Most of Your Undergraduate Degree at SFU

The undergraduate experience is what you make of it – whether you volunteer, do research, join Co-op, or just go to class. Read on for more tips on how to make the most of your time at SFU.

A woman lying on her back in a field with roses and a phone next to her.
How to be Mindful

Are you feeling frazzled? Do you have a lot of fatigue or forgetfulness? It may be time to take action and bring yourself back to balance with a self-care tool like mindfulness.