I know it’s a silly question, but it’s one that actually means a lot to us as we grow up.
Think of it this way… how many people are actually able to become what they wanted to be since they were kids?? Or how many people do you think change their mind, at least once, about the career that they want to pursue??

We as teenagers/young adults have a huge amount of pressure from either our parents, grandparents, and/or peers to know, and be 100% sure of what we want to do when we “grow up”. In other words we are supposed to be certain about what we all want to do for the rest of our lives by the time we are out of high school. Which for some people might be true. And they may know what that career or path is for them. …But what about the rest of us??

These days there are just sooo many options for us when trying to choose a career we want. Whether it is becoming a musician, a doctor, or a news anchor. There is just tons of them. There are also careers that a few years back didn’t even exist. Or stuff we hadn’t even heard of before. So to some extent, the idea of making and “informed” decision is MUCH harder than it seems.

We may have an idea of what we want to become, but don’t really know how to get there. Or maybe we have already thought of making a choice, but we aren’t completely convinced that it is the right one.

I am writing this not with the intent to freak you out or anything… but rather because I want to give you guys a bit of advice. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful.

Try not to be scared when choosing a career. Or sorry, let me rephrase that… It is okay to be scared to some extent when trying to choose a career that you want to pursue. The problem comes when you let “being scared” paralyze you and you create lots of pressure and stress for yourself. Don’t over think it. (I know that is much easier said that done. Believe me… I went through this myself.) But just go with an option that you think would suit you best, that makes you happy, and that you feel that you’d really like. And by that I don’t mean not to do any research on what that career may be. But rather, do the research, know what the career entails, and find out if it’ll get you where you want to be in the long run. After choosing a career, even if you aren’t a 100% sure about it, the best thing you can do is to give it you all!! Even if you feel like it’s not the right thing for you.
I know that sounds  like something your parents would say… but it’s true. I’m speaking from experience. When I first started my university life, I went into a faculty that for the longest time I thought was meant for me. Even as a kid, I saw myself in a job like that… but as it turned out, it really just didn’t make me happy. So after a year, I decided to switch my undergrad to something that was totally on the other side of the spectrum. And surprisingly, now I know that my second choice is exactly what I want to be.

So what I’m trying to say is, that whether you want to be a comedian, or a lawyer, or maybe even a superhero, don’t doubt yourself!!

Give yourself the chance to try it out and see if it is in fact what you wanted and expected. It if works out great!! But if not, that is still good. It gave you a chance to find out more about yourself. And remember… there is always time to try something new!!

All of us are involved in many different activities in our daily lives. Whether it is volunteering, working, studying, or just plain out hanging out. But I want to talk to you guys about something that I am personally really passionate about, and I believe many of you will too. And that is SPORTS.

Ever since we are kids we are exposed to them; either by choice, or by guidance from our parents. From being little munchkins to well into our teenage years, or even beyond that. Many of us believe sports to be a huge part of our lives. Whether it is because they are fun, or because they keep us active and fit (both mentally and/or physically), or because we just enjoy the idea of being with people who also enjoy doing something we like. Sports mean a lot to us. Not only because of the time commitment that they require, but in my opinion also because of the impact that they have on other aspects of our lives. Sometimes they either cheer you up, or make you sad. They also help release frustration or stress and get you pumped. Over all, they help us keep a balance.

I was exposed to many different sports while growing up. Soccer, basketball, swimming, track, speed skating, in-line and ice hockey, football, and baseball among others. All of them are great sports, and I really enjoyed most, if not all of them. But recently I was introduced to another sport that I’ve completely “fallen in love” with!! That sport is Judo!!

I find that I “connect” with this sport a lot more than I do/did with other sports for some reason.

Maybe it is because I was away from sports for a while, and this is the first one I come back to. It could also be the fact that I find that the principles and name of the sport itself to some extent link with who I am and my personality.

Or maybe it’s also because I get to practice it with my Dad! (Yes… my dad takes classes with me, and gets to throw me around while in class like a kid tosses a sock monkey around – I know… it sounds painful but its actually such a great time!!) Or also because to some extent I feel that this sport helps me find a part of myself that I’ve always wanted to connect more with and have been curious about – my Japanese decent. I know that last one doesn’t make much sense… but it’s hard to explain.

Anywhooz… what I’m trying to say is that I found something that I thoroughly enjoy and it’s helped me be and feel better overall. And believe me… most of my friends, especially my best friend, are/is tired of listening to me speak about it!! Just ask any of them. But at the same time they know just how happy it makes me, and they enjoy the goofiness that comes with me being this excited about something. I wanna encourage you, if you haven’t already, to find something… whatever it is, that makes you feel happy and helps you enjoy every day. Just as Judo is one of the things that helps me do this.
Hopefully you find it, and you enjoy it to the fullest!!

Well, come on guys and gals… Is that a silly question or what??
Sure it’s always good to load up on water and stay hydrated!! (I always try to be…but that’s beside the point.) Or maybe you guys like to drink different kinds of juices every once in a while to mix it up. And that is ok. But seriously, when it comes down to it, in my opinion there is only one ultimate drink!! I know you guys and gals may be asking yourselves what drink this may be… Well I’ll tell you!!
HOLD ON THOUGH!!! CAUSE THIS IS GONNA BE MIND-BLASTING!!

The answer my friends is…(drum roll please)… CHOCOLATE MILK!!
Yes you heard/read right!! Chocolate milk is the best. Not only is it delicious, refreshing and well over all  pure goodness in a bottle, but it is actually super healthy. In some aspects even better than just drinking water.

Now, I know that not everyone likes to hear or read about this kind of stuff, but I am quite the health conscious guy, kind of a geek really, and read tons of articles and know many random facts about that kind of stuff. If you don’t believe me, ask the other counselors.
So anyways,  I thought I may share some of the facts as to why this yummy drink is as great as I’m telling you guys it is. Here it goes…

1) Each glass of chocolate milk we drink is packed with both micro and macro-nutrients, which are essential for a healthy body.
2) Calcium. Yeah, calcium… and tons of it. I know all of you know that calcium is needed for the development and strengthening of your bones. But did you know that having more calcium in your diet (approx. 1000mg) exponentially increases your body’s ability to absorb fat?
3) It is, as most milks, fortified with vitamin D. Cause all the calcium in the world won’t do us any good if we can’t put it to good use. Vitamin D is responsible from aiding your body to absorb and process calcium. This vitamin is produced in our bodies by exposure to sunlight. And you may think that you spend enough time outside to get enough of it; but recent studies have showed that over 70%of  people in north america don’t have enough of it in their diets. So Chocolate milk gives us a good kick start to get our vitamin D.
4) It gives us an endurance boost. This happens because milk has naturally occurring electrolytes that work much better than those found in sports drinks. And to be honest, it tastes much much better. Not only that  but it keeps us hydrated, even more so than water!!
5) It helps your body prepare or recover before or after physical activity. This happens because there is a great amount of protein in chocolate milk, the good kind of protein. There is 2 kinds of protein in milk. Whey protein (the one found in almost all protein powders and protein bars), and casein (found mostly in milk and cheese).  Whey protein is not very good since it only stays in your body for a very short amount of time. It is because of that, that of the whey protein you consume, only about 40-60% is absorbed. Whereas, casein stays in your system for up to 8hrs, allowing it to be absorbed almost completely.

These are just some of the benefits of drinking chocolate milk daily. With that being said though… remember that too much of even a good thing can be bad for you.

But at least now all of you know what  the ultimate drink is!!
In my opinion at least! Hehe.

Yes boys and girls!! U2!! One of the most legendary rock bands of all times (in my opinion anyways)!!
I really do hope that all of you have heard about them! Please tell me you have.  But if you haven’t, here is a little background information to let you know who they are and were they come from. As well, in order to introduce you into their ginormous AWESOMENESS!!
U2 is an Irish rock band that was formed in the city of Dublin in 1976, when the members were just teenagers and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School. In a matter of 5 years they became a top international act, and by 1987 the Rolling Stone magazine considered them to be superstars!! Furthermore, in 2002, they performed during the halftime show of the Super Bowl XXXVI; and Sports Illustrated still considers this to be the greatest halftime show in Super Bowl history!!

Why do i tell you this you ask?? Well, the answer is twofold. First of all, i find their story quite inspiring. And i hope you guys will find it too. I mean it all started because a group of friends got together, and decided to have a good time, perform in front of an audience and do what they love. And just gave it their all!! And it was because of that, that they are as successful at the moment. Hopefully you guys and gals who are interested in the arts, or just anything really, will find this inspiring and learn that when you really want something; there is nothing to keep you from achieving it!! And secondly, well… because U2 is coming to town (Edmonton)!!! Yeeeeeaahh boy!! And thanks to my best friend, who decided to give me a super sweet present for my birthday, I get to go to a concert of what could be their last tour!! And of course, since i got 2 tickets, i get to bring my best friend with me!! I don’t mean to brag or anything… i just wanted to encourage you to come out and have a great time!! Cause believe me, it’ll be legen…wait for it…and i hope you’re not lactose intolerant…cause the next word is dairy. LEGENDARY!! You really don’t wanna miss out.

So if you get the chance, DEFINITELY try to see what might be one of the best concerts of your life!