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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
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. 

Three people riding their bikes down a road.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: On Wheels Edition

Looking for a new adventure on wheels? Read more for some local suggestions from SFU Recreation!

A person serving soup to people in line.
Finding Your Path in Community Justice

A co-op student at SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement speaks with her boss and a fellow colleague to gather advice for students who are looking for a future in community organizing.

A picture of a canyon and a lake.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: Hiking Edition

BC offers so many amazing hiking opportunities whether it is a 1-day hike or a weeklong backpacking trip. Learn more about what you need to prepare for your next hike.

An illustration of a bunny with text all around them, representing different life paths such as trade school, uni or college, and travel.
I’m Considering University and Panicking! What’s Next?

Louise Bindon shares their journey to SFU, dealing with uncertainty and cultural pressures to go to university, as well as their day-to-day as an undergraduate student. "Attending university has introduced me to like-minded and diverse groups of people. It teaches you about yourself, about employment and volunteer options, and about your community."

A portrait of Justine in an outdoor setting.
Co-op Work Experience Propels Economics Student's Career Trajectory

Even as a child, economics student Justine Mok loved helping others and she aspired to pursue a career that would allow her to make a meaningful difference. Read on to see how she used her time at SFU Economics to fuel her future.

A woman in a gym standing in front of a weight rack.
ABC's of Setting up a Home Gym

Want to start doing home workouts? Check out SFU Recreation's blog on tips for setting up your workout space and how to get started.

Four silhouettes on a beach with a sunset behind them.
How to Capitalize on Your Mistakes

Mistakes and regrets are a part of life, but there will always be a way to move on from them. Look at OLC staff member Terae’s blog on how she learned to accept her failures and find a new perspective on her path to the future. 

A person in a wetsuit surfing a wave.
Ways to Stay Active in the Summer: Water Sports Edition

With an abundance of beaches and lakes on the West Coast, there are lots of different activities that you can do outside while staying cool. Here are some of our recommendations for ways to stay active in the summer, water sports edition:

Aleisha Fernandes, Michelle Lam, Alisha Rana
The Student Experience From a Retired Commuter Student

Aleisha shares her experience as a commuter and how it helped shape her university experience and how it helped her in her studies.

An illustration depicting many people exercising in a park.
The 5 Components of Fitness

Keeping a well-rounded fitness approach is important for overall physical health. Focusing on the 5 components of fitness can help with this.

Painted sign of the sun and blue skies that says "Burnaby"
What Is It Really Like Working For a Non-Profit?

I have always wanted to work at a non-profit organization. While my main objective during my first Co-op term was to gain experience in the Communication field, that goal to work at a non-profit had always remained in the back of my mind. Keep reading to learn more about my experience working for a non-profit. 

Girl smiling
How Working in the Health Care Sector during a Pandemic Rekindled My Passion for Communication Work

Communication? What do you do in Communication? It wasn't until my Co-op term with Fraser Health that I started to gain a solid understanding of what a career in Communication could really encompass. Keep reading to learn about how working in the healthcare sector during a pandemic rekindled my passion for Communication work. 

Vancouver Biennale project under the Cambie Bridge
Working in the AR Industry as an App Designer

SIAT Co-op Student Michelle Illing talks about her work experiences at Vancouver Biennale and how the SIAT Co-op programs helped her during her work term

white desk with open laptop, computer mouse, phone, notebook, and plant
Non-Profit, Start-Up or Corporate: What's Right for You?

Co-op can be an overwhelming process. You are entering a trial adult experience where you look for and apply for jobs. But what do you do when you are scrolling through the long list of job postings and a wave of companies and organizations blind your eyes? Continue reading to learn about Carissa's experience working for a variety of industries. 

Photo of Novia Chen
Developing Feminist Narratives in Filmmaking

Dr. Novia Chen receives a doctoral degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies! Before joining GSWS, Novia worked as a film/video production instructor, filmmaker, and festival coordinator. She decided to pursue a doctoral degree to further inform the ways in which her position negotiates gender politics, representation, and feminist film criticism and theory. 

A woman studying on her laptop with notebooks open around her
Must Knows for Exam Prep

Final exams are the pinnacle of your semester, and they never get any easier to cram for. This blog post by the Student Learning Commons gives us some tips on how to prepare for the worst. 

 

Two girls kicking around a soccer ball on a soccer field.
Reasons Why You Should Join the SFU Recreation Promotions Team

Helping out the SFU Recreation team can come in many different forms! Read as Aleisha, a Promotions Assistant at SFU Rec, tells us about her role and why Promotions is a great team to partner with.

Four people sit around a table in business casual wear.
Value People as Much as You Value Your Work!

When a company invests in its people, the work experience can go from good to great. Roop Gill’s anecdotal piece on how she prospered in her co-op despite massive setbacks proves that there is nothing more valuable than workplace connection.

A stethoscope resting next to an open laptop.
How I Created My Own Co-op Opportunity and How You Can Too

Interested in self-directed Co-ops and want to know more? Read on as Jessica shares her experience creating a self-directed Co-op at TELUS and gives advice that can help make your work term run as smoothly as possible!

Photo of Jordan Eshpeter
Bringing Industry Experience to your Studies

Jordan shares his thoughts on his SIAT experience after coming back to university as a member of the industry.

Photo of Isabelle Soares
Convocation Spotlight: Isabelle Soares

Isabelle Soares is a stand-out SIAT student who is graduating this week with a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Arts & Technology. During her time as a SIAT student, Isabelle was involved in the IAT student union and took part in an internship at LinkedIn where she was placed on the LinkedIn Learning Enterprise Growth team.