Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
Dear readers, The summer is going fast as everyone is having fun especially that we just wrapped up the festivities of the 10 days Calgary Stampede. The weather cooperated in a way where it showered during the parade but it all went well. I’m sure that the organizers of Calgary Stampede were all happy with an [...]
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Overcoming Obstacles

By Consuelo (Chit) Munar

“We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and obstacles.” – Stephen Covey

We all experience challenges and obstacles, one way or the other, in our lives. No one can escape the vicissitudes of life. To survive the vicissitudes of life is to survive the ups and downs of life, especially on the downs. These changes or challenges happens in different periods and it is important to understand the reasons and causes of them.

Difficult times that we go through are in the form of sickness, job loss, and other unwelcome episodes. These life events test and challenge us. How we react and make decisions to overcome these setbacks is crucial. Among students in the elementary, middle and high school, they are taught the skills necessary for success.

Some educational institutions implement life skills curriculum that includes how to communicate effectively, learning how to make informed decisions, learning to set and achieve goals, resolving conflicts, solving problems, respecting one another and more. Without knowing and leaning these life skills, students or young people are more susceptible to bullying, substance abuse, dropping out of school, financial problems, violence and unemployment.

An education that includes life skills makes a big difference. When students graduate from high school, they are better prepared for college and rewarding careers. They become positive contributing members of the community who value themselves and others. Learning life skills helps our children create a much better future.

How will new high school graduates prepare for the challenges of college life? Several smart graduates have a game plan for higher education: They identify the relationship between their interests and how they spend their time; they identify the skills that relate to their interests; they use their skills and interests to determine their career options; they identify and categorize personal, career and professional skills.

Usually, students recognize the connection between their interests and how they spend their time. Often, people most enjoy doing the things in which they excel. Then they try to identify the skills that relate to their interests. A skill is a developed aptitude or ability. Skills people bring to a job are talents, gifts and abilities they possess. When students definitely know their gifts, talents or abilities – and how these things translate into jobs – it will help them aim potential careers and professions.

In a capsule, young people have to acknowledge and recognize the importance of communication, decision-making and goal-setting skills they need to be successful in life. These three core skills are paramount to many important concepts such as responsibility, teamwork, maintaining a positive attitude, time management, problem solving, and conflict resolutions. Their “attitude is their altitude,”

Overcoming Obstacles

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