Education

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 5 I'M MOVING BEYOND THE EXPECTED. LESSON PLANS ARE SIMPLY A STARTING POINT FOR ME. I am always adapting. As a teacher, my plans for the classroom are flexible, responding to individual student needs. I am sharing my love of learning and providing the building blocks they need to grow and thrive. With the encouragement of my professors I have learned to think critically about my teaching philosophy—helping me create the best learning environment for my students. How I make a difference next is up to me. I am a challenger. That's why I studied at the University of Manitoba, where students have options and opportunities. It's a place where students are challenged to grow, encouraged to create and dared to excel. Gaston Lopez Ficher Faculty of Education, BEd/18 Discover where your path could take you at: UMConnect.ca Application deadline for entrance scholarships: March 1, 2019 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS By Geoff Kirbyson for the Free Press The executive director of student engagement and success at the University of Manitoba and her team, including the First Year Centre, work with first-year students to help them get off on the all-important right foot. They provide guidance on program selection, course planning, success strategies and orientation to the campus community. While much of the work is done in-person at the first-year centre offices, the centre has posted a wealth of information online, including a number of videos on academic integrity and getting the most out of the student experience. "We want to help them get ready to transition from being high school students to university students and be aware that there are several programs to help them with the transition and be successful," she said. Usick believes it's never too early to start planning your future so she encourages students to think about their career pathway well before they're being fitted for a cap and gown. "Through consultants in our career services department we'll look at the skill development that employers may be looking for. Some (employers) offer co-op programs where they can work and study at the same time," she said. On the financial side, the U of M offers assistance in applying for government aid, including student loans, as well as bursaries and scholarships. Helping students manage their money is crucial to lifelong success, but particularly as they're beginning to make significant financial decisions. "As a society, we don't do a good job of talking about finances. Students coming to university need some assistance if they are qualifying for student loans. They'll get a large amount of money in a couple of disbursements and need help budgeting and saving money for expenses coming up, including leaving home and moving into (student residence) or in with friends," Usick said. Carla Loewen, student advisor with the U of M's Indigenous student centre, runs a number of initiatives, including pre-orientation events and a peer mentor program to minimize the culture shock some students may feel as they relocate from rural or remote communities. She's worked with many rural students to connect them with services in an urban environment, such as utilizing transit. The peer mentor program is one of Loewen's favourites because it enables new students to see themselves in the future. "The (mentors) are there for sharing successes and challenges with the students. My message is university isn't just about studying, it's about becoming part of the community and finding a sense of belonging on campus," she said. For more information, visit umanitoba.ca. ❚ As students are pushed out of their high school nests and into the uncertain world of post- secondary education, Brandy Usick and her colleagues are ready to lend a hand. "My message is university isn't just about studying, it's about becoming part of the community and finding a sense of belonging on campus." — Carla Loewen Carla Loewen (middle), student advisor with the U of M's Indigenous student centre, consults with students Tommy North and Morgan Hanson-Oliveira. University of Manitoba photo

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