Session 4

I’ve been working as a LEGO spot checker on an assembly line.  There is sculpting involved, but not quite what I imagined.  A machine sculpts the LEGO, and then I watch all the pieces go down a conveyor belt, and doing continuous spot checks to make sure the pieces are up to standard. 

I’ve been working here for two years now, living in my parent’s house saving my modest salary to start up my own business.  I am starting up a neighbourhood sculpting workshop.  I will be doing small jobs upon request, but my main focus will be teaching other people how to sculpt.  If I had not done the volunteering in university, I would never have thought of doing this.

I was able to secure a loan to start my business.  This, plus the money I had saved up for the past two years made me able to turn a profit within 10 months.  The average time it takes for a small business to turn a profit is 1 year, so I seem to be on the right track.  Who knows what lays in store for me in the future?

Session 3

Through my travels, I discovered there are no jobs in sculpting.  I’ve searched on the occupation index, and there are almost I regret my impulsive decision to change from marketing.  All my friends I had in first year have jobs in marketing lined up.  Changing degrees again is out of the question, I’ve put too much time in effort into sculpting now.  I can’t justify wasting so much of my parent’s money going through most of University, just to see it waste away. 

If I tough it out, I’m sure I can eventually find a job.  I was also lucky enough to win a $1000 competition in third year toward my tuition.  My sculpture won second place in the Winterlude ice sculpting competition in Ottawa. 

Additionally, I was able to volunteer at a sculptor’s small workshop in the summer, where they made custom sculptures for neighbourhood customers.  Although I couldn’t find a job, I found the volunteering surprisingly satisfying.  I like following the specs that customers give to me, instead of making my own design.  I may consider something similar to this as a future career path.

Session 2

I decided to go with what I love, and now I’m taking a marketing degree at UofT.  It is nothing like I thought it would be!  I pictured public speaking and designing product displays.  I didn’t foresee designing posters and writing essays!  I’m not happy at all in my program, and I really don’t want to do an academic program.  The reason I wanted to be an engineer was because I liked designing things.  I was always good at drawing my designs.  I even took a few art courses in high school.  I took them to boost my average, but I found my passion in sculpting.

The best thing is that most of the courses I’m currently enrolled in can be used towards a degree in sculpting, so I wouldn’t loose an entire year in tuition.  My parents never really approved of marketing, so they were delighted when I told them I was considering changing. 

My friends old friends are scattered all over the country, living their own lives, so I’ve lost touch with them.  My new friends in University are too consumed in their own schooling to think about me.  After great thought and deliberation, I will be going into sculpting.  Due to my lack of advice from loved ones, this may be an irrational and premature decision.

Session 1

Ever since I was I little boy, I always knew I wanted to be an engineer.  I was always fascinated by the concept of building things, creating things with my hands.  Walking in one day and making something that didn’t exist before, that was my life-or so I thought.  This got to the point that I was totally distracted Now I’m in grade 12, and I’m having my doubts.  Since engineering requires Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Functions, and Calculus, I’m struggling with the course load. 

My grades have started to slip, because I just can’t keep up.  My guidance counsellor suggested dropping some of my courses, and going into a less labour intensive University course.  That is starting to sound like a good idea.  Most programs don’t have such stringent entry requirements. 

For example, an arts major only requires English.  This opens up other courses that I can take to boost my average, like drama.  This could help me get into a higher university.  Now that I think about it, I’ve always enjoyed marketing and public speaking.  A degree in marketing wouldn’t be a bad idea, because it is something that I really enjoy, I just had never considered it before.

My careers teacher always told me to do something that I loved.  Spending my career on something I love means I wouldn’t have to work a day in my life.

Business Emails

Dear Mr. Huffington,

I am writing to you today to arrange a meeting regarding our new product.  I am available weekday mornings  from nine to twelve thirty.  I look forward to meeting with you in person.

Regards,

Lesco Veski
Technical Representative
DEKA Research and Development





Dear Mr. Huffington,

I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today.  As discussed, I will review your proposal for purchase, and reply within two weeks.  Thank you for showing interest in our product, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Regards,

Lesco Veski

Technical Representative 

DEKA Research and Development

Hi John,

This is unacceptable.  Due to your delay, we will miss the deadline for our brand new product.  This mistake could cost us up to $3 million.  I will be visiting your office tomorrow at 9am to discuss the consequences of this delay in finer detail.  I expect a proposal for a solution by then.

LV.

The Great Networking Game V1

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8o1kn9Wb2QOWExOeGFjWnF6cFk

Network Map

1. My network map is bigger than I first believed.  I had never thought about how big my reach was.  I already knew that my largest amount of contacts would be through school, but I wasn't aware how many robotics contacts I had until I really thought about it.  When doing this exercise  it made me realize how many people I can call upon for assistance, which is more than I believed before doing this.
   
2. Even though I was surprised at the amount of robotics contacts I had, I am sure that I can gain many more.  Every day I am contacting new people from across North America, and they are always happy to help me.  It is a reciprocal relationship, because I help these people in return when they ask for it.
   
   I also believe I can gain more contacts in the business world.  As I have only had one job, my business network is fairly small.  As I put myself out there more, more contacts will come.

Body Language

Chapter 10, How the Legs Reveal What the Mind Wants to Do

• farther away a body part is from the brain, the less aware you are of it
• legs and feet are important to study to find out someones attitude
• young healthy vibrant people walk faster than old people
• faster walkers swing arms higher than slower walkers
• a study was taken that showed you have a dramatic increase of foot gestures when you are lying
• almost everyone was unaware of their movements
• legs evolved to serve 2 purposes, to get food and to run away from danger
• our legs always display what our desire is (facing towards=getting food=something good, facing away=danger=bad)

4 main standing positions

• at attention-formal, neutral attitude
• legs apart-predominantly male, standing crotch display, use to assert dominance, adjusting crotch is a sign of masculinity
• the foot forward-body weight shifted to one foot, used by high status men in middle ages to show fine hosiery, shoes, and breeches, good indication of the direction someone wants to go based on the direction of their foot
• leg cross-used with people you don't know well, shows closed, submissive attitude

• some people will say that their arms are crossed because they are cold, not because they are being defensive and closed off
• people become more open as they become more comfortable
• European leg cross-one leg crossed neatly over the other, 70% of people cross left over right
• when someone crosses both legs, they are emotionally withdrawn

Sitting modifications

• American four figure
• figure 4 leg clamp
• ankle lock
• leg twine
• parallel legs
• 
  

effectivenetworking.com

1. Present yourself well.  "straighten name tag, pops a mint and strides the crowd."
2. Do as much research as you can on the people attending.
3. Try and stand out with your outfit
4. Be prepared to give and receive business cards.  One pocket for outgoing, one for incoming, no fumbling.
5. Walk with purpose.  Look like you are having a good time.
6. Start at the food table.  People tend to be much more accessible around food.
7. Carry food in your left hand so you can shake with your right.
8. Circle the room once to read name tags and see if there is anyone you remember from your research.  
9. Approach VIPs and speakers before they present.  They will be swamped afterwards.
10. Try and talk to people who are alone.
11. Ask about other people, and when presenting yourself, say your name at the end so they are more likely to remember you.
12. Always shake hands at the start and the end of a conversation, it shows you are open and willing to talk.
13. Ask open ended questions to find out if the person will be of any use to you.
14. Be ready and willing to exchange business cards. 
15. Try and get someone to introduce you to someone new.  It is taken as an endorsement of you. 
16. Make sure there is some give and take.  Try and find out if you can help the other person with something, and if so, do it.  This makes they feel obliged to help you in return.
17. Remember that your goal is to not close any deals.  You are there to find a contacts that you can follow-up with, over a phone call or a coffee.

KIVA and Kickstarter

KIVA

Nizami from Azerbaijan deserves money from our class.  He is a market vendor that sells many common food items, like flour, butter, and candy.  Many people depend on his business   If it were to close down, people would be left without a place to buy their food.  It says that it is his second loan, and that he has good history.  This means that we don't have to be worried about making the money back.

Kickstarter

I believe that we should donate our money to FRC team 3992.  Robotics is near and dear to my heart, and this team is clearly struggling for money.  If we were to donate to this team, it would provide inspiration to about 30 students, as stated in their kickstarter.  Our money will provide them with everything from miter saws to registration fees.  I would love to see our money going to something like this, as I know the personal impact that they will have upon receiving the money.

Creative Writing

My Story

Throughout high school I was always that person who took the most difficult classes, spent hours upon hours volunteering, and joined every sports team I could.  After-school camps, volleyball, robotics, anything I could possibly think of.  My friends all said I was crazy.  They said that with all these things that I did, I wouldn't have time to do well in school.  They said my marks would drop.  Unfortunately, they were correct.  I had to take 2 extra years of high school to get enough credits to graduate.  I had failed english twice, and computer science once.

My family encouraged me to go to university, but I knew I wouldn't do well.  Thanks to all my networking and volunteering that I did, I was able to land an entry level job at an engineering firm.  My family was amazed that I was able to land the job, seeing how I was lacking education.  Unfortunately, my lack of education started to show through.  I was fired from my job and had to move back into my parents house.

I was determined at this point to make a name for myself.  My parents said they were willing to pay for me to go to collage, but I knew that if I did that, I wouldn't be able to make a name for myself.  I would just be another guy in another job.   I wanted to be famous, Neil Armstrong famous.  I was going to beat the world record for largest free fall, set by Felix Baumgartner.  After years of work, and many failed attempts, I was able to successfully claim the record, my name was spoken with respect around the world.

Finding Purpose

1.       Make a list of reasons why you are in school which come from your parents, culture and other external influences.

• To learn how to be successful in the future
• To gain the qualifications I need to enter university
• To meet my parents expectations
• To socialize
• To prepare for work life
  
  

2.       Explain why you come to school, why your grades are what they are and relate it to your effort. Are you getting the grades you want according to your goals?

The primary reason that I am in school is the gain the qualifications I need to enter university.  This is directly related to the grades I receive.  In general, I am happy with my grades.  My science and French marks especially.  To meet the requirements for university, I need advanced functions and calculus.  To be able to succeed in those math classes, I need to put more effort into math now.  My math grade is not where I want it to be.  I will start to put more effort into math, and then my grade should start to meet my goals.

3.       What goals you have made this year and achieved? Think of small goals too (making a sports team, winning something, doing well in an assignment). If none – explain why.

·       Captain of the volleyball team

·       Mentored a middle school robotics team

·       Achieved an 85% grade 9 average

·       Made it through culminatings with limited coffee consumption

·       Got a summer job doing something I enjoy

·       Completed my volunteer hours, and then some

·       Competed in an international robotics competition

4.       Name some goals do you have in the next 4 years? If none, explain why

·       Get 10 hours of sleep a night

·       Maintain an 85% average throughout high school

·       Continue to participate in the school volleyball team

·       Attend the University of Waterloo for mechanical engineering

·       Continue to have an active role mentoring middle school robotics teams.

·       Continue to participate on my high school robotics team

j

Cover Letter Rankings

1.

14, 18, 2, 12, 5, 7, 19, 17, 16, 11, 18, 3, 8, 4, 9, 15, 1, 10, 13, 6

2.

I ranked these 3 cover letters as the best because their formatting was appropriate   They were able to effectively convey their message through their cover letters.  Everything included was pertinent to the job.  Their background's, in relation to math, were also effectively conveyed.  Their grammer and spelling is impeccable.

3.

I don't think that much effort was put into these cover letters, particularly applicant 6.  6 lines really doesn't meet my standards.  It did not have enough substance to make me want to hire this person.  "As my qualifications meet your requirements, I welcome any further contacts with you."  This seems very cocky to me.  These cover letters did not give me a very good vibe about the people who wrote them.

Resume Rankings

1.

20, 13, 4, 7, 14, 2, 10, 15, 19, 5, 16, 12, 8, 17, 18, 21, 1, 6, 3, 11, 9

2.

20-This person blew everyone else out of the water with the prior experience in regards to tutoring.  This person also showed that they are proficient in math, due to the awards listed.  They also listed that they helped raise students math average, which is one of the goals of math clinic.

13-This person had the best layout, however they were lacking the abundance of experience that 20 had.  This person showed how hard they worked due to the numerous accolades mentioned.

4-Although this person's experience in math is somewhat lacking, they have previous experience tutoring.  Prior experience is a big look for in my opinion.

3.

3-This person got the name of the school wrong.  He called it "Danforth Tech Collegiate." This shows minimal effort on their part.  Typing "Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institue" doesn't take too long.

11-I believe that slag is unacceptable in a resume.  The fact that this person want to "grab the position of a math tutor" shows to me how unprofessional this person is.

9-This person is clearly overqualified for the job.  He stated he started working on gas systems in 1992.  If we assume this was straight out of university, then he graduated high school in 1988.  This would mean he is about 42 now.  This age gap would ostracize him from the other tutors.

Living Expenses

Food:

I predict I will eat out once a week, which will cost about $30 a week, or $120 a month.

Rent:

Rent is the listed price of the apartment I have chosen.  This apartment includes electricity, water, and gad.

Savings:

Savings are broken down into 4 things; Car, Wedding, House, and RRSP

Car will cost me $5000 over 5 years, or $84 a month

Wedding will cost me $14000 over 8 years, or $146 a month.

A bungalow will cost me $580333 over 30 years, or $1614 a month

I read that an RRSP is typically 6% of your income.  As an aerospace engineer, I would make $97480 a year.  $97480 a year = $8123 a month.  6% of $8123 = $487 a month.

$84+$146+$1614+$487=$2231

My after tax income would be $71 174.  This is significantly greater than my yearly expenses of $54 672, therefore I will survive!

Places To Live

1. http://viewit.ca/vwExpandView.aspx?ViT=53089

Location: Dundas and Sherbourne

Rent: $685

Highlights:  Heat, hydro, and water are included in rent.  Has parking.  Is furnished.  Has laundry facilities.  5 minute walk from the Eaton Center and a subway station.  Furnished

Why I picked it:  Low rent for all the amenities included.  The fact that it is furnished would save me a lot of hassle moving in and out.  Very good features for $685.

2. http://viewit.ca/vwExpandView.aspx?ViT=9918

Location: Queen and Jarvis

Rent: $1099

Highlights:  Minutes walk to Queen subway station.  Fully furnished. Cable and internet connection.  Near a hospital.

Why I picked it:  Nice neighbourhood. Looks nice.  Furnished is a big bonus.  Little things like clocks and lamps are included.

3. http://viewit.ca/vwExpandView.aspx?ViT=128806

Location: King and Younge

Rent: $1800

Highlights: Modern, full kitchen and bathroom, at the core of downtown, valet parking, spa, sauna, exercise room, A/C

Why I picked it: Core of downtown.  Steps from Union Station.  Spa, sauna, and exercise room are included, so I wouldn't have to pay to use them somewhere else.  Air conditioning.  Located in a hotel, so always chances to meet new people.

Scholarships

1. Laurentian University National Dean's Scholarship Award


2. $500.
3. Requirers 90% average, contribution to school or community, and leadership.  
4. I believe I could get this scholarship because I know I am capable of getting a 90%+ average.  If I try my hardest, I know this can be achievable.  Additionally, I try to contribute as much as I can to my school and community.  Whether it is volunteering at a sporting event, a summer camp, or teaching robotics to elementary school children, I am always helping.

1. Canada Trust Scholarship
2. Up to $10 000, and guaranteed summer employment
3. Outstanding community leadership, academic skills to enter university or college.
4.  Similar to the Laurentian University Scholarship, I believe I exhibit comminuty leadership.  Since I was lucky enough to be introduced to robotics in grade 8, I still actively return to that school and mentor the team that I was on.  I also believe that I have the academic skills sufficient to enter university or college.  

1. Canadian Italian Business and Prof. Association of Toronto District School Board CIBPA Education Fund
2. Unlisted
3. Must be of Italian heritage or pursuing Italian studies in university.  Must be attending university or collage.
4. Since my father is fully Italian, I qualify as someone with Italian heritage.  Also I plan on attending university, I meet both requirements for this scholarship.  

To be an aerospace engineer, I need to go to University for a bachelor's degree, which would cost about $40 000 over 4 years, or $10 000 per year.

To be a pilot, I need to go to University for a bachelor's degree, which would cost about $40 000 over 4 years, or $10 000 per year.

To be a biomedical engineer, I need to go to University for a bachelor's degree, which would cost about $40 000 over 4 years, or $10 000 per year.

Job 1: Aerospace Engineer

I see myself designing specific parts of airplanes.  An aircraft is made of of many different parts from many different companies, so I see myself as being a designer of one of the parts.

$46.96/hour
$97 480/year median

Bombardier is a fairly local company that is a major player in aerospace design.  This means that I would be able to stay in the area while I work.  Additionally, the pay is exceptional, which is a major pull factor to this job.  Some aerospace engineers work for the government, so my ability at French should help me get a job, should I desire it.

Job2: Pilot

I see myself being a kind but firm captain.  This would include having strict rules with my cabin crew, but also being a fun and approachable person.

$92 060/year

My uncle is a pilot, so in the event that I need mentorship, either in getting the qualifications to become a pilot, or during the job, I have someone to turn too.  Additionally, I would get to travel the world.  My uncle has many stories from all over the world, from China to Australia, from Italy to South Africa.  Finally, I believe that the responsibly of being on control of hundreds of lives would satisfy my need for control.

Job 3: Biomedical Engineer

I see myself working closely with doctors and patients to better the hospital environment and technology, by creating new technology that can be used in hospitals.  

$81 540/year
$39.20/hour

Biomedical engineers are at the forefront of new technology.  They take nanotechnology, and use it in a healthcare system.  I would enjoy this because thing would always be changing, I wouldn't always be doing the same thing.  Additionally, the projected growth of biomedical engineers is 62% over 10 years, as compared to a general job average of 11%.  This means that by the time I am out of university, many jobs will have been created.  Finally, the entire premise of being a biomedical engineer is helping other people.  Through the work, you could potentially be reaching to millions of people that are depending on you.  I think it would be very nice to help people like that.

Plan 1

English, Advanced Functions, Chemistry, Physics, Architecture, Calculus & Vectors, French, Drama, and Engineering are all grade 12 courses I will have when I graduate.

To get into a university engineering course, English, Advanced Functions, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus & Vectors, and one more grade 12 subject is required.  This is why these courses were selected.  Engineering and Architecture were selected to greater my knowledge.  I can learn engineering and CAD principals in these classes.  French was selected as it opens doors in the government, because french speaking people are sought after for some jobs.  Drama was selected as mark booster, because your highest grade 12 mark is selected as your other subject, and this will help boost my mark up.

Plan 2

My plan 2 is similar to plan one, other than the fact that I dropped engineering and took production drama in addition to improvisation drama.  In doing this, I raise my average up, while opening doors into art fields at university, as these are looked for when applying.  So with this I meet the requirements for engineering and drama at university.