Personal Profile:  Introducing Nita                

You'll notice her from a mile away. The bounciness of her tight curly red hair, her charisma, her charm and her warm smile are just few of her attributes that makes her the person that she is. She speaks with passion and wisdom. Her Aquarian flare and magnetic personality brings out her star quality. The young 30-year-old professional has had her share of challenges along with a good deal of successes. A leader and role model, Nita <last name withdrawn for confidentially> is experiencing life as it comes - with courage and independence.

Nita is a young professional working in one of Canada's largest financial institutions. With a background in a Bachelors of Commerce, Nita did exactly what she envisioned herself doing after she graduated. Mazemaster took the opportunity to get to know Nita on both a professional and personal basis:

Maze: Hi Nita. Thanks for meeting with us today.

Nita: No problem. It is a pleasure.

Maze: I understand Nita that you took Bachelors of Commerce in school?

Nita: Yes I did

Maze: From your major, what types of courses did you take in order to get into the career you are currently in?

Nita: I took courses in economics, accounting, finance, Spanish and art

Maze: What types of work/volunteer experiences prepared you for the career you are currently in?

Nita: I had a summer job in a financial institution as well as furthered my studies by pursuing a Professional Designation - Certified Management Accountant

Maze: Have you been with the Financial Institution for a long time?

Nita: I have been there for about five years. Compared to many people who have been there for fifteen - twenty years, I don't know if five years would constitute as being a 'long time.'

(We both laugh)

Maze: What do you like most about the organization you work for?

Nita: It is a large organization, which can ultimately lead to more opportunities. There are also a variety of learning experiences along the way.

(We smiled)

Maze: How many times have you changed jobs within the FI (Financial Institution)?

Nita: I began in the Finance Professional Career Program (FPCP) ... rotating every 3-4 months within Finance (did 4 rotations: Venture Capital, Investor Relations, Strategy, and Costing & Profitability). One year later I worked in Banking - Finance. Three and half years later, I started my new job in Commercial Mortgages.

Maze: What is your current job title?

Nita: Analyst - Commercial Mortgages

Maze: What do you like about your current position?

Nita: Commercial Mortgages is challenging and I am always learning which I think is great. I also enjoy meeting and working with a diverse and interesting group of individuals.

Maze: What would you recommend to someone who would like to get into this profession?

Nita: You should have a university degree (primarily a Bachelor of Commerce) in order to be competitive in the job market. You should also have the necessary analytical skills to work in the financial sector. Taking additional courses or pursing a professional designation is of benefit. For example, one could continue their education by going for their Masters or completing a Professional Accounting Designation.

Another thing that is beneficial is to network; it is imperative to make yourself known in a large company and make those essential contacts. Also, don't limit yourself!! Always keep your options/opportunities open because the learning experience is vast and unlimited.

Maze: What types of barriers did you need to overcome in either employment or education?

Nita: One of the challenges I had was in organizing my work schedule around Wheeltrans. Another one would be accessibility be it in washrooms, elevator access etc.

Maze: How did you overcome these challenges?

Nita: It is about creating awareness; speaking with individuals and implementing changes. It is also about time management (i.e. scheduling wheeltrans), determination and motivation.

Maze: What would you recommend to someone who is facing multiple barriers (e.g. , at-risk youth, person w/ disability) about getting into this profession/organization?

Nita: Be yourself; be confident; and be persistent. Don't give up! When one door closes, two more will open. Stay determined. Smile. Have positive attitude and don't forget to network: attend career fairs etc.

Maze: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?

Nita: Obtaining a professional designation: Certified Management Accountant

Maze: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Nita: Hmmmm… Well at work, I would like to hold a management position. In my Personal-life, I see myself forming a family

Maze: What is the best experience you have had so far outside of work

Nita: I took a year off and lived in Spain.

Maze: Wow, how was that experience?

Nita: It was a great experience! I would recommend it to anyone who loves to travel.

Maze: What are some of your hobbies?

Nita: I enjoy to travel, watch films, shop and paint.

Maze: How would your best friend describe you in three words?

Nita: friendly, honest, charismatic

Maze: Thanks Nita for taking the time to speak with us today. Would you like to say anything else to the Youth@bilities readers?

Nita: No problem at all. My final words of advice: Follow your dreams. Nothing is impossible. Don't give up. Learn from your experiences. Smile, be confident and believe in yourself.

By: Ashima Suri  

Picture this: You’re a confident leader and project manager working in a fast-paced challenging environment. Strong in multi-tasking, you evaluate financial reporting systems, accounting procedures and investment activities. You make recommendations for changes to procedures, operating systems, budgets and other financial control functions to senior managers and other department or regional managers. You plan, develop, prepare, recruit, supervise and lead successfully. You are a Financial Manager. 

The world of finance: crunching numbers, long hours, conservative not-so-happy finance employees, and what some may consider a very ‘boring’ career to get into. Finance has had quite the reputation of being a not-so number one choice in what could be considered a fun career path. In many instances, going into the field of finance has been what some may consider the ‘safe’ choice; the right choice for a stable full-time career. 

To some degree, that last statement is true. Over the years, finance has vastly expanded with an influx of people – women and men both – opting to have a career in the finance industry. With this expansion, finance is not what it was before. This industry alone has great growth potential, a challenging environment, a chance to work autonomously as well as work with a team, and a chance to do a variety of different tasks to keep your job challenging and exciting. 

There are number of finance related career paths that you can choose to get into and some of them could be the following: credit unions examiner, estate and trust administrator, financial investigator, financial planner inspector, teacher, researcher, mortgage broker, trust officer and underwriter. These positions as well as a number of other positions, clearly demonstrates that there are a wide range of career opportunities in the field of finance. 

The growth potential doesn’t stop here. If you have a finance background, there are a number of opportunities in a variety of large companies – such as Banks – where you can move around and try different financial related positions. At the same time, you can move up the corporate ladder taking the many transferable skills with you. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to get into a financial related career opportunity, here are number of sites that can assist you with your research: 

https://www.csi.ca/pub/en/prog/div.cgi/cfs 

http://web.sass.uottawa.ca/career/prospects/management/finance.php 

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/careers/eng/profiles/pro_fa-e.htm 

http://www.jobfutures.ca/fos/browse-programs-interest-BCMA.shtml 

http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/careers/search/finance-e.html  

For further research, check out the Mazemaster site, under Labour Market Information. 

http://www.mazemaster.on.ca/labour/labour.htm 

To ask us any questions related to this article or how to get into other career paths, email us at maze1@mazemaster.on.ca 

By: Maze Team

It began in 1999. A committee member at a meeting came up with an allusive idea. An idea to bridge the gap between employers and persons with disabilities. An idea that soon became a reality. The year 2000 wasn't just the beginning of a century. It was the beginning of an opportunity. An opportunity that would ultimately assist in bridging the gap between employers and persons with disabilities in the Greater Toronto Area and York Region. Launched by Future Abilities and Creative Employment (F.A.C.E) in March 2000, the Abilities 2000 job fair took on its tough mission to provide opportunities and bridge the gap.

F.A.C.E.'s Executive Director, Sandra Bullock, knows the importance in having the Abilities Job Fair. "We know that job fairs result in jobs," Bullock explains. "People actually get hired after attending the job fair. Anything we can do to facilitate jobs for persons with disabilities and influence the hiring practices of business is important and worthwhile."

Having been around for five consecutive years, this well-put together job fair is continuing to successfully grow in numbers. Abilities 2004 had 44 Exhibitors and 450-500 job seekers. Putting together this large-scale job fair isn't easy. With two F.A.C.E. employees, fourteen volunteers including the planning committee and members of the FACE board of directors, these dedicated individuals worked diligently to get the job done successfully.

When asked what Bullock would say to those hopeful job seekers eager to find employment, she replied, "To take advantage of any services that will help them put together a great resume and focus on their skills, attitude and other attributes that they bring to an employer. Attitude is perhaps the most important attribute a person can bring to the table during an interview. Also, a job search is hard work, try not to lose hope if you get turned down, it may take a while to get the job you really want."

Occurring earlier in the month of April, F.A.C.E. has continued to have ongoing success stories by having two more job fairs specific to persons who are hearing impaired. The results of the job fair are phenomenal and as Bullock confidently explained, "it fills a gap, providing a direct link between job seekers with disabilities and employers and services." It is a win-win for everyone involved.

F.A.C.E is a not for profit charitable organization based out of Newmarket and has been around since 1998. F.A.C.E works with employers and employment services in York Region and Bradford West Gwillimbury to break down barriers to employment experienced by persons with disabilities.

To learn more about F.A.C.E. and the services they offer, please refer to the information below.

Contact info:

Future Abilities and Creative Employment (FACE)
Sandra Bullock
Executive Director
465 Davis Drive, Unit 312 Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P1
Tel:(905) 830-9299
Web Site:www.future-abilities.org
Email: sandra@future-abilities.org  

If you have any feedback on this article or if you would like to submit an article based on your experience at the Abilities job fair, please email to ashima.suri@tcdsb.org 

By: Ashima Suri  

Creative Strategies for Overcoming Life's Obstacles

I am A Hero
I am a hero. When you meet me I know you will say to yourself, he looks nothing like a hero. He has not saved anyone from a burning building, he has not achieved notoriety or fame, and he's not a famous athlete. For all of those that want to listen, I will tell you that I AM a hero. Today and everyday I face the challenges of wanting to better myself. My first challenge is the inner voice that we all have and carry around with us. You know the one that says you're not good enough; you're not smart enough and nothing good ever happens to me.

It is one of the hardest things you will do in your life. Taking control of your inner voice
will not happen overnight.

By highlighting your personal assets, you will come to realize that you have a lot to offer. Give yourself the permission to say 'yes - these are the things that I am good at'. This will be your start of action towards passion.

Action Towards Passion

Take Daily Actions Towards Your Passion
Having a goal that inspires you, makes life much more fun and exciting. It doesn't matter how small your action is, but if you commit to doing one thing every day that moves you closer toward your goal, you'll feel a much greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Give Up Complaining for Doing
Is there something you find yourself continually complaining about or annoyed by - a negative person, a situation? If so, ask yourself, "Is there something I can do so I won't need to tolerate this anymore?" If so, do it! Perhaps you need to have a conversation with someone to address an issue. Do it now! Otherwise, if it can't be remedied, decide to accept the situation. Complaining only perpetuates your suffering and drains those who have to listen to you complain.

Choose Uplifting Company
On that note, choose to spend as much time as possible with uplifting people who are positive about life and encourage you to live yours fully. Their energy is contagious and so are 'energy drainers'. Minimize the time you spend with people who are forever whining about things; zapping you of your energy and enthusiasm.

Plan Ahead and Prioritize
There will never be enough time to do everything but there will always be enough time to do the most important things. However, using your time effectively requires that you clearly define your values and goals, and plan ahead. Consistently ask yourself "What is the highest value use of my time, that could make the biggest difference in the longer term?" Don't fall into the trap of letting the urgent things continually distract you from what's important.
Take "Time Out" for Just You

Don't Over-Commit Yourself
By prioritizing the most important things in your life, it is easier to say 'no' to things that are not aligned with what you value most. Before you say 'yes' to something, first consider what it will require you to say 'no' to. You are doing a disservice to everyone, yourself included, when you take on too much and get stressed out by trying to please everyone.

Nurture Your Relationships
Relationships are one of the richest sources of joy in our lives yet often, the time we invest in them doesn't reflect their importance to us. Make a commitment to spend more time with those you value most in your life. This may require scheduling time in your day timer sounds rather than just waiting for a day when you (or they) have nothing else going on. Practice listening more and speaking less; allow yourself to be fully present.

Let Go of Perfection
Focusing on what isn't 100% perfect in your life diminishes your ability to feel contentment and appreciation for all that is wonderful. Also if you need to have everything perfect before you move on to anything else, you will get very little done. Give up doing what you believe others think you 'should' be doing. Instead, continually ask yourself, "What really and truly matters to me?"

Face your challenges from within

By: O'Neil Edwards  

A Novel

Enter Christopher John Francis Boone's world. He has attended special school almost all of his life, he lives with his overworked father, sees his world as being orderly and logical and he is fifteen. With a love of animals and numbers, Christopher doesn't understand human emotions, doesn't like to be touched and feels overwhelmed when asked too many questions or if someone yells at him. Although gifted with a superably logical brain, Christopher is autistic.

At a blink of an eye, Christopher's orderly routine life is turned upside down when he discovers the neighbors dog, Wellington, dead and he is blamed for his death. Deciding to become a detective, Christopher's seeks out to find the real killer of the dog in this real-life mystery.

As Christopher takes a leap into discovering who Wellington's killer is - he is only to find himself faced with the reality of his parents marriage. Through his eyes, the story unfolds as we begin to discover Christopher's emotions and thoughts about the ups and downs in his world.

About the Author:

Mark Haddon is a writer and illustrator of numerous award-winning children's books and television screenplays . As a young man, Haddon worked with autistic individuals. He teaches creative writing for Arvon Foundation and at Oxford university. He lives in Oxford, England.

Excerpt:

The policeman squatted down beside me and said "Would you like to tell me what's going on here, young man?"
I sat up and said, "The dog is dead."
"I'd got that far," he said.
I said, "I think someone killed the dog."
"How old are you?" he asked.
I replied, "I am 15 years and 3 months and 2 days."
"And what, precisely, were you doing in the garden?" he asked.
"I was holding the dog," I replied.
"And why were you holding the dog?" he asked.
This was a difficult question. It was something I wanted to do. I like dogs. It made me sad to see that the dog was dead.
I like policemen, too, and I wanted to answer the question properly, but the policeman did not give me enough time to work out the correct answers.
"Why were you holding the dog?" he asked again.
"I like dogs," I said.
"Did you kill the dog?" he asked.
I said, "I did not kill the dog."
"Is this your fork?" he asked.
I said, "No."
"You seem very upset about this," he said.
He was asking too many questions and he was asking them too quickly.

Maze's Book Review:

Mark Hadden writes his story with depth and meaning, making us view and comprehend Christopher's challenges as well as experience everyone's else's frustrations in dealing with him. With this book being published all around the world with outstanding reviews, this remarkably written novel is a must read.

Have you read the book and would like to post your review? If yes, 
email your review to ashima.suri@tcdsb.org 

By: Mark Hadden

NO PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED… Wouldn't that be nice to see in a job posting? On occasion, you will find that some positions out there do not require any previous work experience; However, in today's tough job market, many employers tend to prefer some previous experience.

So, what do you do? How do you gain that practical work experience?

First, understand that you are not alone! It is a known fact that 'the rate of unemployment for young people is almost double that of other age groups in Canada' Treasury Board of Canada. So yes, it can be difficult for young people to break out of the 'no job, no experience cycle'.

There are other ways to 'GET EXPERIENCED' that are often overlooked by many. Have you considered an Internship?

What is an internship?

Internships are temporary positions within a company or organization. Many employers in a variety of fields and industries offer internships. There are also many internship programs offered through the government.

Taking part in an internship program gives young people the opportunity to acquire valuable work experience and skills needed to enter the labour market. Internship also offers you the chance to open new doors and to make professional contacts that can potentially lead to a permanent career!

Take a look at our 'GET EXPERIENCED' section for more information on Internships. click here

Finding the right Internship for you is very important. For persons with disabilities, there are some great organizations and/or programs available, it's just a matter of getting connected. Some government internship programs may also be an option for you.

Make use of Mazemaster's Youth@abilites Internship section for direct links that will connect you to these programs.

By: Karen Fillier