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SPRING CLEANING!

Our team is doing some spring cleaning starting with user accounts. Login using your CAS credentials for instructions. We appreciate your speedy action so we can move onto other new and exciting initiatives over the summer.

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OLC!

BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS

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Join the community using your SFU CAS account. Then, complete your registration by clicking on your name located in the top right corner of the page.

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Multilingual SFU

SFU students (graduate and undergraduate,) staff and faculty share their multilingual experience and welcome you to multilingual week at SFU. Do you have a multilingual story to share? Add it to the OLC.

Watch

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

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Blog
Discover Your True Self: 7 Tips to Develop Unwavering Self-Belief and Authenticity
Digital Resource Assistant

Take chances as you never know what opportunities may arise. Meet Priyanka Das, a Beedie Co-op student who’s working with SFU’s Communication and Marketing department as a Digital Resource Assistant. Learn more about how she landed her current co-op and other opportunities such as the CEOx1Day finalist by being authentic and believing in their abilities.

VOLUNTEER STORIES

 

FEATURED

Chinmayee's Picks

Chinmayee's Picks

OLC has things to help students go pro. Having been part of the OLC's technical team and coming from a tech background myself, I tend to skim through tech-related articles first, diving deeper into the ones that pique my interest. I've compiled a list of my favourite finds from the OLC website, considering them valuable assets for fellow students.

Jared's Picks

Jared's Picks

Working as an editor for the OLC has been such a positive learning experience and has help me connect with so many unique and engaging stories. I would like to share some of my favourite pieces that I had the pleasure of working on. Yes, their grammar and spelling is great and their writing voice is very personal but each of these had something special.

Serena's Picks

Serena's Picks

It's been an amazing four months as a Copy Editor here at the OLC. I've had the chance to work on a variety of content, and it's been quite a journey. The OLC is a unique space where students can explore and contribute to a wide range of topics. Choosing my top picks was tough with so much good stuff, but here are three pieces that really stood out to me.

FEATURED

Hustle Culture

Hustle Culture

When should you stop and take a break? How much work is too much work? In this episode of Diving Into the Everyday, join us as we explore what is hustle culture, looking at its rise in exposure, and why a person may feel this pressure to participate.

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

I learned a lot more about myself – new interests, being more adaptable, future ambitions, etc. It was one of the most unique and remarkable experiences in my lifetime.

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

If you are struggling to facilitate or actively participate in meetings, you are not alone, as many students share the same struggle in school projects, student clubs and the workplace.

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NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch
person laughing

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch

NEW POST

Activism Burnout: An Interview with Registered Clinical Counsellors

In light of the increased visibility of injustices around the world, taking a stand and contributing to social justice is becoming more prominent in our everyday lives. As you learn and advocate about different injustices, you may experience activism burnout with added stressors such as balancing work, personal life, school, and extracurricular activities. SFU Health Peers interview Counsellors at Health and Counselling Services for advice.

Read

NEW POST

Why You Should Consider Submitting an SFU Story to the OLC

SFU Stories on the OLC are short-form, Instagram-style, narrative stories that help to build a welcoming SFU community. No matter how big or small, every story has something to offer. Share your story today!

Read

NEW POST

I’m Starting a Minor Late Into My Degree... Now What?

One of our OLC team members, Brianna Tsang, shares her experience of deciding her minor in her 3rd year at SFU. "The knowledge and genuine connections made throughout this process has been an amazing experience and opportunity to have."

Read

NEW POST

Social Media Addiction & Screen Fatigue: A Survival Guide for Jobs in Social Media

When it comes to social media and digital marketing positions, it’s easy to be blinded by the positives. After all, many Communication majors are fascinated by digital marketing and algorithms— and if you’re a digital native, creating social media content might already be second nature to you. Whether you manage social media for your organization or create external content, there are a few bonuses to consider.

Read

NEW STUDENT PODCAST

On the Spot with the OLC

The OLC team is extremely excited to introduce a brand new podcast titled On the Spot with the OLC. Your hosts, Mehtaab and Terae, discuss important topics revolving around community, engagement, education and overall life advice! Within these 12 episodes, your hosts aim to bring a well rounded perspective to a variety of topics as they believe they can provide insightful knowledge about what it's like to be an SFU student. Please make sure to have a listen!

Listen to Episode 1: Creating Community at SFU

NEW PODCAST ON THE OLC

StudioBytes

Welcome to Studio Bytes! A podcast inspired by the energy of the SIAT Studios and the memories students make in those spaces. This podcast invites Alumni back into the studio and we get to learn about their experiences at SIAT and their lives after. In Episode 2 meet SFU Alumni Marie Cheung who shares her experience at SFU, her life post SFU and her time in Europe

Listen to Episode 2: What is Service Design?

Login to Provide your Feedback!

Did you know that each landing page on the site has a feedback section for logged in users? We use this information to discover and fix issues, consider site improvements and addition of new features. Our tech team is focused on feature improvements this summer, so share your input to direct changes to the OLC.

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ABOUT

Our Learning Community

SFU's Our Learning Community has an incredible range of content created by and for the SFU community. This includes diverse and authentic stories, which show a range of inspirational knowledge sharing happening between students, as well as handy tools that help with learning anywhere and everywhere you are.
 
Discover how you can contribute to our ever-expanding learning community.

 

CONTRIBUTE
11267
Members Joined

 

2227
231
Projects Created

 

92
Series Compiled

 

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring into this brand new range of content curated by our editors; this includes Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

 

 

EXPLORE
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Blog
Get Your Side Hustle On: A Student's Guide to Part-Time Work

As she puts it, grad student Srijani Datta has been a student for most of her life. To support her love of academia she has worked as a reporter, tutor, translator, transcriber, and content writer. Develop your own side-hustle with her tips. 

A person flexing
Blog
Just Like Bunko: Learning Strengths

Everyone has weaknesses. But its focusing on your strengths that grant you success in life.

A woman standing with a cardboard box on her head
Blog
How to Navigate Student Mindset Traps

When students enter their first or second Co-op work term, there can be a risk of falling into student mindset traps. These are the habits we pick up as students that are detrimental to our professional performance and development. Read on to learn more about how Bowen learned to avoid student mindset traps after four Co-op semesters working for three different companies.

A picture of Aslam sitting in front of a window.
Podcast
Building Community

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LEARN

SHARE

CONTRIBUTE

Videos

Read

Learn

Share

Contribute

There is so much to explore on the new OLC!

So, browse around and have fun with the new learning and storytelling tools. Found something not working?

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring this wider range of content including Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, Experiential Learning Experiences, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

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THE LATEST

Catch up on the latest and freshest content from the SFU OLC. You're bound to find a fresh new perspective, the most current advice, and recently published stories that are sure to inspire you.

 

 

THE LATEST
Richard Han Lead Image
Blog
Stop Worrying and Start Living: Using Uncertainties to Discover Yourself

Take a deep breath. Look around you. Everyone has uncertainties! However, embracing your uncomfortable and uncertain situation is the first step to discovering yourself. Read Richard's blog to find out how they turn moments of uncertainties into learning opportunities! 

Article Banner
Blog
SFU Joins National Conversation on International Learning Experiences for Students

SFU has joined the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) Learning Beyond Borders (LBB) initiative to inspire more students to take advantage of learning experiences in other countries. Learn more about this initiative and what is means for you! 

picture of red curtains with the text "Behind the Curtains. The student learning commons edition". (Text is displayed in white)
Blog
Inside the Student Learning Commons with the Learning & Writing Peers

Ever needed help with writing a paper? The Student Learning Commons is the place to go. I’m a passionate Learning & Writing Peer Educator. Here’s a glimpse of what it’s like.

Anatomy Fashion Photo
Blog
Anatomy Fashion Show Highlights the Intricacies of the Human Body

After a successful event in 2016, the SFU chapter of the co-ed international medical fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, will be hosting a second annual Anatomy Fashion Show on March 4th, 2017. This event is being organized by passionate pre-medical students who wish to raise funds for B.C. Children’s Hospital by putting on a creative, entertaining, and interactive event. Monique, the chair of the organizing committee, shares more information about the event in this article. 

Testing Equipment
Blog
My Co-op Preventing Seniors from Falling

Every 10 minutes a senior is hospitalized from a fall—a preventable cause of injury and death among seniors. Megan joined the Fraser Health Patient Safety and Injury Prevention team as part of their multidisciplinary program to prevent seniors from falling. Continue reading to learn more about Megan's co-op experience! 

picture of mount fuji in the distance
Blog
Co-op in Japan: Traversing Cultures

After finishing two co-op semesters in Canada, Health Sciences student Samantha Lui wanted to take things farther and ventured off to Japan for eight months as a Research Assistant with the Kao Corporation. Find out how she successfully transitioned into a new environment whilst exploring every part of this exciting country.     

Image of the Author
Blog
5 Tips to Manage an Obsession with Emails

The distinct ping of a notification at work often leads to a reflexive action in many of us. Do it, check the email. Sasha Zalyvadna shares her experience on how to combat the need to check work emails more often than one probably should.

Someone walking along a railway track towards the horizon
Blog
Overcoming Cultural Pressures in University: A Personal Journey

Read Henna's story on how she overcame career pressure and her journey of career and interest exploration!

SFU students during events
Blog
The Student Faces Behind Peer Health Education

The Peer Health Educators, also known as the Health Peers, are an amazing group of students who hold events and workshops to promote various health topics to their peers. I was able to interview a few of the Health Peers to discuss their involvement with the program. Whether you are interested in getting involved or want more information on the types of events held by the Health Peers, keep reading to find out more.

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Blog
Decision Support at Vancouver Coastal Health

Ever thought about working in Management Information Systems? Third year business student Vivyn Zhou shares her journey working for System Improvement in the Decision Support department at Vancouver Coastal Health. 

Article Banner
Blog
Reasons to Apply to Companies You Have Never Heard Of

The job application process can be overwhelming, especially you are sifting through an extensive list of companies that you may have never heard of. Amy explains why you should take a chance with a smaller organization and the rewarding experiences that may come with it.

Image of the Author during the Internship
Blog
Back Pain Myth Busters and Spine Hygiene

Do you do sit-ups and crunches to to either get or maintain that six-pack? This article sheds light on why learned habits such as this are detrimental for your back health. In addition, I discuss “Spine Hygiene”, which refers to the daily maintenance of the spine as necessary to prevent back issues.  

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Blog
Will Your Career Exist in 20 Years?

Will technological change and automation do away with the careers you’re focused on? Or will they make them more exciting? Learn about the latest developments and what you can do now to prepare yourself for the future.

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Blog
SFU’s Big Secret: A Look into My Summer Working for the University

Find out more about my co-op job as a Research Assistant for SFU and discover how Lauren learned to navigate the data, politics and presentations to appreciate a side of the university students don’t normally get to experience. 

Tegan kayaking with a co-worker
Blog
Conservation, Kayaks and Turtles

For her second co-op, Environmental Science student Tegan Gallilee-Lang ventured out to the Greater Vancouver Zoo to assist the Fraser Valley Wetlands Wildlife Project. Read about her adventures on the job and her new animal friends!

Stressed Student
Blog
Defogging the Future: 10 Anxiety-Lowering and Empowering Resources for the “Lost” Student

Almost all of us have experienced those all-encompassing feelings of fear, dread, and confusion that so often go hand-in-hand with moving through life and figuring out what it is you want to do. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent anxiety from taking control. Check out this list of on-campus and online resources to find something that works for you!

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Blog
A Date With Myself: How I’m Surviving Burnout

Striking a balance between work and life is a difficult task for anyone regardless of their profession. Katerina explains how her desire to work overtook her personal life and she has some tips for making sure burn out doesn’t creep up on you.

 

Image of the Author during the Internship
Blog
It’s Part of My DNA: An Interview with Amber Funk Barton

An interview with the artistic director of a contemporary dance company. Brittany speaks to Amber about her upcoming solo work, past work and background in dance, thoughts on opportunities for emerging dancers, and more!  

A painted image of a person trying to rope in both the brain (on right) and the heart (on left). As a result the person is splitting from the middle.
Blog
The Path and Pursuit of Passion

We’re at a stage in our lives where internal conflict feels like it’s just another part of becoming an adult. None of these conflicts are, perhaps, greater than the life-altering crossroads of whether or not to follow your passion. This is what choosing the path of passion looked like for me.

Scott Beaupré smiling portait
Blog
The Unconventional Job Hunt: Creating Your Own Co-op Opportunities

In five years at SFU, engineering physics undergrad Scott Beaupré landed three co-op job positions and four research projects without ever dropping off a résumé. Find out how! 

Toronto Landscape
Blog
My Transition to Toronto: A Guide for Students Going Away for Co-op

Planning upfront saves you from last minute hustles. This article will prepare you for co-op in a city outside Vancouver where new opportunities and variable threats are waiting.

Dancing Practice
Blog
Reflecting on My Internship & Interviewing a Professional Dancer

Interning with a contemporary dance company was one of the best choices I made in my degree. After participating in a performance/installation, I met with one of the professional dancers in the production to talk career, personal strategies, and the ins and outs of the dance community in Vancouver.

Tired Student
Blog
The Vicious Cycle of the Contemporary College Student

You may be stuck in a cycle familiar to many university students. Learn to recognize the signs of this cycle, and make 2017 the year you finally do that thing you said you would. It’s a new year, why not try something new?

Comic Guide: 5 Tips to Survive your First Week of University Banner
Blog
Comic Guide: 5 Tips to Survive Your First Week of University

New experiences can be scary. The transition from high school to university can be tough, especially when you go from a class of 30 to a class of 200. In this comic strip blog post, Linnea offers her top five tips for kicking first day jitters to the curb. 

Man holding lantern in darkness
Blog
The Semester Survival Guide: Six Tips and Tricks to Keep You on Track!

Another new year means another new semester! From buying an old fashioned agenda to letting your employer know your schedule, keep yourself on track with our semester survival guide.

A surfer on the beach near Tofino
Blog
Fishing for Experience

Spend your summer in one of the most vibrant and popular tourist destinations in BC! Make a difference in the operation and performance of a small company, and grow your entrepreneurial skillset in a meaningful way by working for WardoWest in Tofino.