Being mindful in daily life is a skill. It’s all about paying attention to what you want to pay attention to, and seeing things clearly as they are. Many of the influential ads and technologies in our society aim to pull you away from what’s happening in the moment by triggering your desires, insecurities, and fears. That’s why it’s especially important to set parental limits for your inner child the same way you might with a bag of Doritos.

Remove specific apps from your phone

When you’re out and about in the world, what’s that one app that draws you to keep pulling out your phone? Is it social media? News? Games? Or maybe your work email? Whatever it is, do an experiment: pull out your phone, and delete that app now. Notice that little voice in your head saying “I can’t delete that app.” Is that true? I never thought I’d be able to remove email from my phone, especially since I work in tech. But I did, and it’s been wonderful. Best of all, my colleagues have learned to wait for my replies and they don’t seem to mind, either. Delete your cherished apps. It’ll be hard at first, but you’ll thank me in a week.

Use break timers when you’re working

When working on the computer, breaks are critical for your hips, shoulders, neck, eyes, and your mind. It’s easy to dismiss them, but they can make a world of difference, keeping you balanced and flexible throughout the workday. Set your own alarms or search online for one of the many break timers out there. I personally enjoy a 5 minute break every 40 minutes, and I keep a sticky with a short list of break ideas to help me short circuit the momentum of knowledge work. What’s on my list of break options you ask? Make tea, go outside, stretch, meditate, or pet the cat. 🐈

Manage notifications and subscriptions

These days, emails and notifications are the major channels through which attention merchants command our minds. Set aside an hour or two to comb through your inbox and unsubscribe from emails you don’t actually open (even if you wish you had the time to do so). Go into your smartphone and app notification settings and remove all notifications except those truly need your immediate attention. I have all sounds, banners, and lock screen notifications disabled on my phone except for calls. I only have badges enabled, so when I choose to look at my phone, I can see what’s waiting for me. But I never give giant tech companies or advertisers the power to pull me away from my own life to serve their needs - that’s what attention activism is all about.

Monitor and limit your tech use

Awareness is a powerful thing. As I like to say in my guided meditations, sometimes awareness is enough. We don’t always need plans and strategies to change, sometimes simply paying attention to our own behaviour plants seeds that grow into natural change. And with awareness, we might find ourselves naturally setting limits. There are wonderful tools like Apple’s Screentime, Google’s Digital Wellbeing, RescueTime, Freedom, and StayFocusd which help you monitor and limit use.

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Rethinking your relationship with tech is like meditation itself; a practice. Stay open and curious and explore. Maybe you try something and it doesn’t work, that’s okay. As long as you’re happy with your relationship with tech, that’s all that counts. And if you’re not happy with it, I hope some of these tips and tricks will help you fall in love with your tech all over again. Sometimes we need a bit of space from something to truly appreciate it.

Don't forget to check out Part I and Part II of this three-part series, exploring rest/sleep, and relationships/family! 

Jay Vidyarthi instructs our Technology and Mindfulness course. He is an attention activist working toward a society where tools for self-care and mental health are as diverse as the people who need them. He believes mindfulness will empower individuals to reclaim choice in the attention economy. As a designer, Jay has helped launch mindful technologies like Muse: the brain sensing headband, Sonic Cradle, the Healthy Minds Program, Brightmind, and 10+ more. Jay serves on the advisory council for the Mindful Society Global Institute, he’s taught design at major educational institutions, and he has been recognized and featured internationally (Harvard, ACM, MIT, UToronto, Forbes, Vice, Fast Company, TED, etc).

Did you know that social isolation is as dangerous for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes or being an alcoholic? Did you know loneliness is twice as harmful to both your physical and mental health as obesity? It’s hard to imagine, especially since we often think of our bodies as machines when in fact, we are social animals. Social media often trick us into thinking we have lots of ‘friends’, but the reality is a few likes, hearts, or texts aren’t going to provide the sense of connection our bodies need to feel okay. It’s essential that we learn to prioritize the people physically around us over those we connect with through our screens.

Don’t bring tech to the dinner table

Meals are a wonderful time to connect with those you’re closest to. If you are locked down with family or roomates, maintaining the ritual of the ‘family dinner’ can be a powerful way to stay connected. Eating while watching TV shows or side-texting can totally sabotage things. In fact, research has shown that the very presence of a phone on the table - even if the screen’s off - can reduce the intimacy of connection. So keep the tech away when you’re eating with other people.

Tether your phone to its charger

We call our smartphones mobile devices because we can take them wherever we go. This can be a huge advantage when you’re lost in Kensington Market, but it can actually be a challenge at home. You might find yourself becoming a couch zombie, zoned into your phone no matter what room you’re in. It can help a lot to leave your phone tethered to its charger when you’re at home. If I want to check something when I’m with my wife and son, I have to excuse myself and walk over to the office. I don’t give myself the option of ignoring my wife while staring at my phone, or accidentally subjecting my son to the still-face experiment.

Make intentional audio / video calls

It’s important to remember that a healthy relationship with your devices doesn’t mean you’re anti-tech. Especially in quarantine, tech provides an incredible lifeline for work and for relationships. You may want to schedule intentional video and phone calls with people who lift you up. Texting and messaging lacks any kind of embodied connection. Video calls don’t quite feel like meeting someone in the flesh, but some warmth is possible, especially if you intentionally set time to hang out with someone (and not just use it for work). It can also help to connect with people via voice notes or videos as opposed to text messages.

Don't forget to check out Part I of this three-part series, exploring rest and sleep! 

Jay Vidyarthi instructs our Technology and Mindfulness course. He is an attention activist working toward a society where tools for self-care and mental health are as diverse as the people who need them. He believes mindfulness will empower individuals to reclaim choice in the attention economy. As a designer, Jay has helped launch mindful technologies like Muse: the brain sensing headband, Sonic Cradle, the Healthy Minds Program, Brightmind, and 10+ more. Jay serves on the advisory council for the Mindful Society Global Institute, he’s taught design at major educational institutions, and he has been recognized and featured internationally (Harvard, ACM, MIT, UToronto, Forbes, Vice, Fast Company, TED, etc).

I was on a podcast recently and someone asked me: “Jay, you’ve been exploring how to build healthier relationships with tech for years, but while many of us are locked down at home with nothing but our screens, it’s kind of a lost cause, isn’t it?”

I almost spit out my tea. Nothing could be further from the truth. Being left to our own devices has made it much more important to maintain a healthy distance from virtual reality. In a world where overflowing inboxes and incessant notifications constantly try to influence you to share, buy, and even vote in certain ways, you need to work harder than ever to reclaim your mind.

I write and speak a lot about the importance of mindfulness in this exponential age we live in. I’m passionate about technologies designed to bring more mindfulness into our lives. But the reality is that wholesome technologies are the minority. Most are junk food for your mind.

If you’ve ever tried to practice meditation and found it excruciatingly hard, you know that mindfulness is hard to maintain. But it’s even harder with ubiquitous influential tech like smartphones, social media, and digital workspaces constantly pulling at our attention without truly urgent reason.

In this day and age, I believe a healthy relationship with tech is a prerequisite for mindfulness. Here are a few tips to help you get the rest and sleep you need to thrive.

Prioritize sleep

Sleep is a basic human need, along with food, water, exercise, and social connectedness. Based on an American study, it’s estimated that 40% of people get less than the recommended 7 hours or more of sleep per night. That’s up from 11% from almost a century ago. Perhaps not unrelated, 65% of adults say they’ve slept with their phones, and 90% of young adults do it regularly. The first step to reclaiming your mind from the attention economy is to reclaim the solitude of night.

Don’t let the internet in your bedroom

When you grab your phone to disable your morning alarm clock, it’s impossible to ignore all the notifications. It’s a trap. Get yourself an old-school alarm clock and kick the internet out of your bedroom. No laptops, phones, or tablets. Books are fine. E-readers are fine as long as you only use them to read books. Not only will this give you space for sleep, it will also inspire you to be more decisive when you shut down your screens and go to bed.

Set time limits on screen time

If putting a space constraint on your tech doesn’t feel like the right fit, try a time constraint. You can set alarms on your phone or even get a handy timer which automatically shuts off your router at specific times. Having the internet evaporate at 9pm will feel frustrating at first, but soon it will become a cherished moment to warm up some chamomile tea and do a few quick stretches before you hit the hay.

Remove blue light from your screens at night

Over thousands of years, our bodies evolved to activate in response to blue light from the daytime sky. Your retinas have specific molecules which break down when subjected to light at blue wavelength, triggering cell signalling pathways which wake up you body. That’s why tools removing the blue light from your screens using tools like Apple’s NightShift and f.lux help you wind down at night.

Jay Vidyarthi instructs our Technology and Mindfulness course. He is an attention activist working toward a society where tools for self-care and mental health are as diverse as the people who need them. He believes mindfulness will empower individuals to reclaim choice in the attention economy. As a designer, Jay has helped launch mindful technologies like Muse: the brain sensing headband, Sonic Cradle, the Healthy Minds Program, Brightmind, and 10+ more. Jay serves on the advisory council for the Mindful Society Global Institute, he’s taught design at major educational institutions, and he has been recognized and featured internationally (Harvard, ACM, MIT, UToronto, Forbes, Vice, Fast Company, TED, etc).

When Mohammad Dahleh immigrated to Canada from Jordan, he was eager to use this fresh start as an opportunity to explore the world of finance. While his background was in computer and electrical engineering, he had always loved math and held a keen interest in finance and the stock market. “Coming to Canada felt like it was the right time to make a shift and really explore my passion,” says Mohammad. “I knew that continuing education would be the key to making this leap, and I trusted the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) to be my guide. I just went for it!” 

Mohammad dove head-first into the realm of finance, earning three certificates—Financial Analysis, Financial Analysis and Investment Management, and Financial Trading and Option Strategies—in only a couple years. With this solid foundation, he then decided to pursue his Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) credential, and again turned to SCS to support his efforts. “I wanted to be fully prepared for the exam, so I registered for Passing the Canadian Securities Course Exam in September 2019,” explains Mohammad. This intensive course, developed by SCS instructor Michael Hlinka, gives learners the opportunity to prepare for—and pass—both Volume I and Volume II of the CSC® exam within four months. “The course was such a worthwhile investment,” says Mohammad. “Michael is extremely experienced, the materials were very detailed, and the quizzes really helped me think critically and prepare for the two-part exam.”

His time was well spent; Mohammad passed both exams on his first try, and attributes this success to hard work and his learning experience at SCS. “Michael really pushed us. I also had a positive relationship with my classmates; we helped one another and studied together. That peer support was invaluable,” recalls Mohammad. “Earning three certificates at SCS, and completing the test preparation course, was the perfect way for me to explore a new industry and examine next steps for my career. As someone new to Canada, SCS was a welcoming and supportive space to learn and grow, and envision possibilities for my new life in Canada.”

Equipped with his new finance skills and CSC® credential, Mohammad’s next goal is to become a financial advisor. “Continuing education changed my life; I can’t imagine not taking these courses. Coming to Canada was the push I needed to pursue my dreams,” says Mohammad. “Figure out what drives you, what you are passionate about, and then explore educational opportunities. You are never too old, and it is never too late to learn new skills. I am 54, and just starting a whole new career in a new country! Putting myself out there and committing to learning was the best thing I ever did.”

Nishangan Paranthaman was eager to develop new management skills in order to navigate the challenges and nuances of leading in a unionized environment. After immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka 11 years ago, Nishangan began working for Canada’s largest telecommunications company, and worked his way up to an Operations Manager role. Managing unionized employees was a new experience for Nishangan, and he decided that to fully thrive within the company culture, he needed to expand his skills and explore new leadership strategies.

“I can be a black-and-white thinker, and unionized culture was new to me,” explains Nishangan, who enrolled in the Project Management Certificate at SCS. “In my current role, I am managing unionized employees, some of whom are highly seasoned. I wanted to improve my ability to set employee objectives, foster motivation, make strategic decisions, and lead change management. In a unionized environment, with many specific rules and a distinct culture, I wanted to explore ways to implement meaningful and positive change, and how to work collaboratively with my peers.”

Nishangan found Leading Projects in Organizations to be particularly helpful. The course helped him navigate how to have difficult conversations, and prepare for potentially high-stress meetings. “I learned how to stay calm, enter a meeting prepared, and be thoughtful about the messages I choose to communicate. I’ve also learned to grow from my experiences! Now after meetings I do a quick audit; what went well, what didn’t, and what can I learn from that interaction” reflects Nishangan. “I bring a whole new level of respect, trust, and strategy to the table. I know how to use empathy to neutralize situations, and to really hear what the other person is saying from their unique perspective.”

Instructor Jose Costa ensured the classroom was a safe space for learners to share their experiences, and bounce ideas off one another. “Jose offered very real and tangible strategies for things I was struggling with. He encouraged me be more open in my thinking, and to put myself in other’s shoes when it comes to having difficult conversations or implementing organizational change. He was a real mentor in conflict management and effective leadership,” says Nishangan. 

After earning his certificate in April 2020, Nishangan is now confident in his capacity to implement change in a strategic and sensitive manner. “My ability to work with others and communicate with tact has resulted in more mutual agreement with our union. We are seeing fewer grievances, and increased collaboration,” says Nishangan. Next, he plans to pursue a certificate in Agile Project Management at SCS, and continue advancing his soft skills. “Continuing education is so important,” he asserts. “It’s important to embrace learning opportunities with an open and humble mind. When you aren’t learning and changing, you’re limiting yourself and missing the bigger picture.”

The pandemic has shown us just how fragile many of our operational systems are. From health care to supply chains, we are seeing the importance of organizational resilience — a concept that is often overlooked in business strategy. Most organizations want to be more resilient, however many do not know how. 

A company’s ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in altered circumstances is critical to its longevity and success. “Innovation and resiliency are two sides of the same coin, a coin that unlocks our potential to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world,” says John Dumo, Director of Customer Experience and Business Transformation at Softchoice, a leading North American IT solutions provider. “When paired with the tools to quickly anticipate and address obstacles to innovation, that coin buys us the insurance we need to avoid pitfalls and enables us to pivot while staying ahead of the pack. In these times, it is those individuals and companies that put innovation and resiliency to work that future-proof their organizations, and create an environment of relevancy for years to come.”

Today’s business environment is unpredictable; factors such as rapidly evolving technology, interconnected markets, changing climates, and mounting social inequalities all contribute to a highly dynamic landscape. And of course, the pandemic has had unimaginable effects on businesses. “In January 2020, every single company, small or large, had some business plan for the year ahead. By March 2020, every single one of those plans were worthless and impractical. When the pandemic hit, nobody in the business world had a plan for it,” says Ferhan Bulca, a VP in the medical device industry, serial entrepreneur, and innovation expert. “As a result, hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide went out of business, or will in 2021. In contrast, a large number of companies thrived in the pandemic.” According to Ferhan, some well-known companies have expertly innovated in the face of chaos. For example: 

1. Amazon quickly adapted to an enormous increased demand by continuing to offer fast delivery while prioritizing high-demand items, such as coffee and dog food.
2. The Gap utilized its textile business to address the  shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) in the USA. 
3. Givenchy, Louis Vitton, and Dior all leveraged their perfume and cosmetics manufacturing capabilities to deliver hand sanitizers, instead of luxury fragrances. 

“These companies used their strengths to address a rapidly emerging market need in a way they had never planned,” he explains. “The fundamental capability they had was their ability to recognize an emerging need, know their strength, and create a solution to meet the need. Innovation is addressing a real need in a timely manner. Companies that can do that, repeatedly and consistently, will continue to be with us for a long time. Those that cannot, will have a short shelf life.”

So how can companies cultivate and exercise resiliency and innovation? According to Michelle Sengara, a learning innovation strategy consultant, innovation is not just a business outcome, but a systemic process that directly connects to organizational culture. “With many moving parts to consider, it's critical that both individuals and organizations are able to better identify and address the components required for a culture of innovation,“ she says. “By breaking down innovation into smaller themes, such as lifelong learning and data management, we are able to train specific skills, like creativity and communication, and learn how to more sustainably build and maintain either an individual's or an organization's capacity for agility.”

If you are eager to foster innovation and resilience within your organization, our Innovation program explores concepts, frameworks, and processes that will help you identify, develop, and deploy innovation opportunities. Through hands-on, practical exercises and projects you will learn skills you can apply directly in your day -to-day work, while receiving valuable feedback from innovation experts.

Check out our program if you are ready to:

• build resilience
• improve processes
• gain competitive advantage
• evaluate current processes and resources
• identify opportunities for resource reallocation
• find solutions for new and unexpected challenges
• stimulate idea generation

Upcoming courses:

• Foundations of Business Innovation, Instructor: Ferhan Bulca, starting March 3, 2021
• Systematizing Innovation, Instructor: Michelle Sengara, starting March 10, 2021
• Leading Innovation and Managing Development, Instructor: John Dumo, starting March 11, 2021

After serving for 18 years as a Canadian Armed Forces Officer specializing in intelligence and strategic risk analysis, Karine Lachapelle had gained extensive experience in risk management and global affairs; throughout her career, she served and supported deployments to the Baltics, Africa, Afghanistan, and NATO headquarters in Belgium. Upon retiring from the Armed Forces in 2016, she began working for a global gold mining company as their Senior Manager, Risk and Assurance. Her new role involved performing audits - a skill that was relatively new to Karine - and she wanted to up her game. Karine chose to pursue an Internal Auditing Certificate at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) to enhance her abilities and support her team.

“I was determined to better understand the audit process and apply it in my daily work,” recalls Karine. “I wanted to gain credibility with my peers, and was excited to learn new skills. Being in the Armed Forces means you have to be open to constant learning and new experiences. I was a bit unsure about the demands of an in-class experience, but it was great because I really got to know my classmates and grow relationships. I was working full time, commuting, and dealing with the demands of daily life, but I really enjoyed coming to SCS, participating and building my confidence. The final course was online as a result of the pandemic, which was also a great learning experience. I felt very supported by my instructor.”

Karine appreciated the clear class structure and real-life auditing examples provided by her instructors. She especially appreciated instructor Jason Yarmolinsky’s sense of humour and knowledge. “He created such a fun learning environment, which really made a difference on cold dark November evenings,” she reflects. Now that she has earned her certificate, Karine is eager to use her new skills to craft and implement an audit plan and schedule for 2021. “My new abilities are helping me plan, interview, pull and assess information, and execute an audit. I’ve learned how to systematize my approach to auditing and produce efficient reports,” she says. “I know my skills are going to really support my team and expand my impact on my company.”

Reflecting on her time at SCS, Karine refutes the notion that learning becomes more challenging as we age. “I think learning as an adult is easier than as a teen or young adult! When you start learning again, even if you know nothing about the topic or material, as an adult you’ve accumulated time management, organizational, and adaptability skills that can help you succeed,” she says. “My professional experience has made me a more efficient learner. If you’re motivated and committed, you’re golden!”

Paul Baretto knew there was a communication gap he needed to fill. As a Senior Manager of Software Portfolio Management at Scotiabank, his role involves implementing new internal systems and technologies, and communicating with staff to ensure these technologies are embraced and used effectively. “I’m involved in digital technology transformation, and could see that we needed to be better at communicating with end-users. I wanted to improve my ability to communicate to staff about how these technologies will affect them and their daily work,” explains Paul. “We do presentations and training sessions, but I knew we could do more. This is what drew me to multimedia journalism; I wanted to find more creative ways to reach my audience, and to use different channels to help them absorb knowledge.”

He chose to take the Multimedia Journalism course at SCS to expand his communication abilities. Paul valued the opportunity to connect with-and learn from- his diverse classmates, particularly those from a younger generation. “Most of my classmates worked in journalism or communications, so it was a great learning experience to hear their unique perspectives,” reflects Paul. “Our instructor Barbara Shecter really created a safe space to talk and share. We did a lot of round table discussions, where people explained how they would communicate a specific issue and why. I had a lot of ‘ah-ha’ moments, and I was comfortable speaking without the fear of judgement, which is a powerful thing.”

Paul says the course content, and his in-class interactions with his instructor and classmates, really shifted his frame of thinking. “I’ve learned how to adapt my communication to meet the needs of different audiences, and how to use different communication tools to connect with them,” says Paul. “I’ve also become more skilled at communicating priorities, and building relationships with my audience so they feel engaged in our collective goals.”

With his new arsenal of communication strategies, Paul is eager to focus on creating  audience-specific, accessible, and engaging content. “I’m experiencing the dividends of taking this course on a daily basis,” asserts Paul. “If you are feeling hesitant about continuing education as an adult, that’s a good thing! We only grow when we are pushed outside of our comfort zone. If you are afraid, you are in the right place.”

Marketing and communications instructor Samantha Mehra says modern copywriting has two goals: to convince your reader to take action, and build a relationship with them. A key element of writing effective and persuasive copy is having a deep understanding of your audience-or buyer-personas. 

Ready to build or finesse buyer personas for your business? Check out Samantha’s tips for success.

Tips for building your buyer persona

1. Start grassroots: Ask yourself what you already know about this audience. What do you not know? What knowledge gaps do you need to fill? Avoid negative assumptions and stereotypes.
2. Tap in-house resources: Focus groups, customer surveys, social media comments, questions asked on forms or during customer service chats, existing personas and customer profiles, and more! Talk to your sales and customer service colleagues - they are on the front lines and know a lot about audience pain points!
3. Do the deep research: Get more information. Look at associations, blogs, articles, and other content written specifically to your audience. Also look at industry publications, online communities and groups, and surveys and studies related to your audience.

Information to provide in your buyer persona

• Give your persona a name (fun or otherwise) that really captures them in a nutshell - and an image (i.e. "Samantha Social Media Star"; "Yoga-loving Yohan", etc.)
• Create bullet points of their characteristics
• Consider whether this should include personal or professional characteristics (B2B or B2C)
• Include information on traits, work habits, company and industry, academic education, daily challenges, geography, job title, income level, age, living situation, aspirations, goals, motivators, and preferred channels (phone, email, social media, etc.)

Further Reading

Sam referenced a book by an SCS colleague Steven Slaunwhite. Steven's book The Everything Guide to Writing Copy is available for purchase on his website or on the U of T Bookstore website.

If you are interested in taking your marketing and communication skills to the next level, check out Samantha’s course Copywriting that Sells, starting February 1, 2021.
 

When Jennifer Chao entered her first Cybersecurity Boot Camp classroom, she was excited. Completely new to cybersecurity and coding, she was entering uncharted territory. Jennifer was one of only three females in a class of 19, and did not have a background in IT. However, she was eager to step up and learn new skills to expand her mind, and possibly launch a new career path.

Jennifer currently works in the scrap metal trading industry, with a focus on sales. “I decided I was ready to explore the idea of a career change and expand my skill set,” explains Jennifer. “I have many friends in IT, and they encouraged me to check out cybersecurity. I started researching programs, and was drawn to the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) boot camp because it was in-class and very hands-on, which I wanted as someone who was completely new to the field.” 

She enrolled in the 24-week UofT SCS Cybersecurity Boot Camp, which is offered in partnership with Trilogy Education Services. Her bold move to dive head-first into learning a completely new skill inspired her classmates, most of whom worked in IT. “For a moment it was a bit intimidating to not have an IT background, but my classmates were amazing; they were beyond supportive, and we are still in contact today,” reflects Jennifer. “When I experienced challenges in my learning, I easily connected with an online tutor who helped answer the questions I had. I also enhanced my ability to problem solve. I really enjoyed learning something completely new…I felt like a kid again!”

While Jennifer immersed herself in mastering new technical abilities, she also found value in learning important soft skills. “There was a big emphasis on technical skills, however we also focused on the wide range of soft skills that are necessary to really succeed in cyber security; communication and teamwork skills are critical,” says Jennifer. “We explored issues and strategies around cybersecurity governance, attack responses, and how to build and manage policies and procedures. We also learned the importance of promoting and advocating for cybersecurity awareness.”

Having completed the boot camp in November 2019, Jennifer is excited about where her new skills will take her. “Learning something entirely new was a worthwhile experience in and of itself. I loved challenging myself to think in different ways, push past boundaries, and explore future career and certification options,” reflects Jennifer. “I now have a solid educational foundation and the confidence to pursue whatever opportunities come my way.”

At the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS), we celebrate the continuous journey towards knowledge, expansion, and new understanding in the workplace and the world around you. That’s why we’re so excited to share Brave Change, our digital collection of stories, inspiration, and program information to help you choose your bold next step. During these difficult times, we’ve found an innovative way to connect and tell our story; from the comfort of your home, we invite you to explore our vision of how we can help you achieve personal and professional greatness. 

As you navigate Brave Change, you’ll witness the multitude of ways that learning empowers us to improve life circumstances, meet changing employment demands, challenge our minds, and improve our knowledge. In fact, 80% of later-in-life learners report improvements in quality of life, including increased self-confidence, life satisfaction, and coping abilities. Meanwhile, 68% of Canadians who participate in training report improved employment prospects, and 55% report heightened job security. 

Explore stories about learners just like you who took a chance and have never looked back. Learn more about our unique programs, powerful partnerships, inspirational alumni, and award-winning instructors. Absorb impressive facts around continuing education, which will prove what you probably already know: lifelong learning means taking ownership of your future, again and again.

Born in trilingual Belgium, Alexandre Cuvelier had a passion for the unknown. After completing teachers college in Brussels, he ventured abroad, teaching French in Iceland and Brazil. In 2012, Alexandre came to Canada, and quickly realized he wanted to continue along his linguistic journey. “I was curious how I could use my language skills in this new country, and wanted to enhance my translation abilities,” he recalls. “I was excited to try something new, so in 2013 I started the French translation program at SCS. My goal was to advance my career, but also maintain a connection with the French language, which is important to me.”

Alexandre was attracted to the online, self-paced, and convenient nature of the program. “I was busy with other projects while taking the course, and appreciated the flexibility the program offered,” he says. “I liked that the courses were mostly practice-based, with many opportunities for feedback, and that they provided insight on the Canadian translation industry. My experience was so positive, I was driven to become an instructor myself.”

After completing his Translation into French Certificate in 2015, Alexandre was eager to get back to his teaching roots. “Teaching has always been a calling for me. I view it as a way of building bridges and making connections,” he reflects. “I was at a point where I felt I had gained expertise from my certificate, learned a lot in my career, and was ready to share my knowledge. Teaching just felt like the right thing to do. It’s come full circle, and SCS opened that door for me.”

Currently, Alexandre is teaching our Translation: French Levels II and III. “I think translation is a great stepping stone to new opportunities, and I’m excited to help learners grow their skills,” he says. “Teaching is more than a one direction transfer of information. I’m energized by real conversations and new perspectives. I aim to help learners finetune their skills and kickstart careers. Honestly, I learn a lot from them as well! Plus, we are so agile in this online environment; I love that there’s no compromise on quality or learner engagement.” 

Meanwhile, studying French translation has opened many doors in Alexandre’s career as well. His translation skills have landed him roles in the private, non-profit, and public sectors, allowing him to engage in meaningful and large-scale projects that make a difference in people’s lives. Since completing the program, he has worked for elected officials at all levels of government, most recently as Senior Translator to the Premier of Ontario, helping translate critical information regarding policy, healthcare, and the pandemic. He is now embarking on a new journey supporting the Prime Minister of Canada, leading a team of bilingual communication experts (many with a background in translation). He has also been a volunteer translator for the United Nations, and happens to be the French voice you hear on the TTC information line!

“I’m excited to see what new opportunities-both professional and personal- await me thanks to my translation abilities,” says Alexandre. Reflecting on his passion for lifelong learning, he points out that continuing education is the best way to keep your knowledge relevant and open new doors, but it’s also an important aspect of something we tend to forget about: having fun. “Learning is about exploration, being curious, and trying new things,” he smiles. “Especially during these tough times, learning is a form of escapism and self-care. I’m committed to self-improvement as both a learner and instructor. For me, it’s a place of joy.”