"I like the idea of letting language take me for a walk, to let words help me discover and process how I’m really feeling. When I read my writing, it helps me discover myself and dissect what I’m going through,” reflects Ashley-Elizabeth, who recently won our 2021 Janice Colbert Poetry Award. However, the process of learning and writing has not always been an easy path for Ashley-Elizabeth. “I’m disabled, and I struggled during my undergrad and had to leave school. I was too sick to stay. I was in the process of learning how to live in a disabled body, and manage my life,” she says. “I turned to writing. It helped me process what I was going through".

In 2020, Ashley-Elizabeth found herself gravitating towards SCS and the study of creative writing. “I was drawn to SCS because it was so accessible. Courses were offered online, and I really got to work at my own pace. My instructors were experts in what they do, and they were so accommodating. They really got that we are all adults with busy lives and unique needs,” she says. “I felt fully able to participate. Nothing was going to get in the way of my learning.”

While she just recently started working towards her Certificate in Creative Writing, Ashley came to SCS already a published author. In fact, her debut collection of poetry, Slow States of Collapse, was published with ECW Press in 2016, and her most recent chapbook, Alignment, was published by Rahila's Ghost Press in July. “I’m currently taking Writing the Novel: Introduction at SCS, and am really excited about writing my first novel. My instructor, Kevin Hardcastle, really breaks down the process of writing a novel into manageable chunks. It’s helped me plan and navigate an otherwise overwhelming process,” says Ashley-Elizabeth, who also earned her Honours B.A. in English and History this past spring.  “When I saw the opportunity to apply for the Janice Colbert Poetry Award, I figured I have poems I’ve written, and they deserve to go out into the world! I was also really inspired by one of the award jurors, Therese Estacion, who previously won the award, is a published author, and is also disabled. I’d had such a positive experience at SCS, and applying for the award felt like a good fit.”

Ashley-Elizabeth submitted a poem she had written titled Ghazals for an Absent Mother. “This poem is about my unique relationship with my mother, my family, distance, and boundaries. Ghazals are constrained and wandering at the same time. It was a way for me to process my feelings. I find that as the writer, I’m along for the ride with the reader; writing is a way I can step back and better understand myself,” reflects Ashley-Elizabeth. “Winning the award was a shock! Having your work recognized is very validating. I spent a lot of time and effort to produce it, and it meant a lot.”

Today, Ashley-Elizabeth has her degree, two published works of writing, and a poetry award. She’s also working on a second collection of poetry, starting her first novel, and working full-time in real estate. “I’ve learned that life is all about persistence and patience. I go for what I want, and if I need to rest or scale back, that’s ok. I ask for support when I need it. SCS made me feel I was worthy of being there, and reinforced that being disabled should never stop me from pursuing my goals,” she says. “I’ve struggled at times, but I now know that I don’t need to break my body to achieve; I can grow, learn, and manage my disability at my own pace. Really, writing is all about patience and persistence as well; you put yourself out there, you get rejected, but you keep going. You keep learning.

We are witnessing dramatic and rapid change in the workforce. These changes can be summarized as Industry 4.0: The Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through modern smart technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), we are experiencing the automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices.

In order to survive and thrive through these massive shifts, we need to change the way we operate; to upgrade the ways we manage our organizations. This is where Lean Six Sigma (LSS) can help!

Lean Six Sigma is a proven strategic tool that helps achieve business excellence, engage teams, and support alignment between three core values: purpose, process, and people. In a nutshell, LSS is a team-focused managerial approach that improves performance and brings meaningful change to an organization.

As a Lean Six Sigma Sensei Master Black Belt, who has dedicated much of my career to implementing and teaching LSS strategies, what I find really inspiring about LSS is that while it’s a highly cultivated skill that one develops through education and practice, its core principles and ideas are relevant and achievable for any leader looking to improve processes in their organization.

LSS has five phases that you need to examine and implement to achieve success: define, measure, improve, analyse, and control. In my opinion, as we adapt to the workplace changes brought on by the pandemic and Industry 4.0, we need to upgrade and digitize our problem-solving and management tool kits. We also need to assess problems with digital empathy, meaning we use and structure digital media in a way that is compassionate.

By exploring simple but important questions at each phase of LSS, we can generate meaningful insights, and implement changes that will help our teams function at a higher, happier level. Here’s a simplified example of how LSS could help you break down and address the common workplace problem of worker burnout or apathy while working remotely.

Problem: “My employees seem tired and disengaged after working remotely throughout COVID-19 for over a year. I suspect productivity is suffering.”

1. Define

Start by clearly defining the problem.

Key questions to consider:

• What is your intention in solving this issue?
• What are your team needs in this online environment?
• What is your team feeling? Are they experiencing stress, fear, or anxiety?
• How do these feelings affect your team’s productivity?
• Have you tried getting back to basics, and engaging in activities that help you uncover what really motivates your team?
• Have you clearly defined the roles and expectations for your team?
• “So what”; why is this business challenge an opportunity for value creation ?
  
   

2. Measure

Quantify the problem (using quantitative or qualitative data/information).

 Key questions to consider:

• Have you engaged your staff, and asked for their input/opinions/concerns (using surveys, discussions, or Zoom/Microsoft Teams tools)?
• Are you using digital collaboration tools to facilitate workflow? If so, what data do they provide that helps illuminate the problem (for example, are projects or ideas stalling at a certain stage? Are specific employees getting stuck on certain items?)
• How exactly is productivity being affected?
• How are you measuring workplace attitudes, culture, and creativity?
• How will you measure the efficiency, and more importantly, the effectiveness of your organization?

3. Analyze

What’s causing the problem? Brainstorm and use data analytics to identify and prioritize possible root causes.

Key questions to consider:

• Are all your team members fully trained to be able to participate and collaborate in an online environment? Was enough time and energy given to the training process?
• Have you done a mind mapping exercise (explore Google, Get Mind, Canva, or InfoRapid Knowledgebase Builder as possible tool options) to visually represent the problems and possible causes?
• What does your data analysis tell you about key drivers?
• What are the process parameters that you need to control in order to achieve your desired results?
• Are mental health and professional development resources easily available for your team?

4. Improve

Generate, select, and test solutions.

Key questions to consider:

• Who is involved in the selection of a solution? Are you considering the ideas and opinions of a broad range of stakeholders?
• What are your selection criteria?
• What is the significance of each selection criteria?
• Are solutions equitable and inclusive? Do they honour diversity?
• Have you piloted the solutions? Try them on yourself first. Would that solution work on you?

5. Control

Implement, monitor, and maintain your solution.

Key questions to consider:

• Have you established process control tools that will ensure sustainability of achieved results?
• Have you incorporated Industry 4.0 tools to ensure the success of your solution (i.e. digital workflows, document management, or project management tools)?
• Is this an opportunity to introduce new business intelligence and/or analytic tools?
• How can you use this solution to eliminate manual and repetitive tasks in other processes?
• How and when will you assess the success of your solution?
• How can you leverage lessons learned to other areas of the organization?

This example may seem simple, but it illustrates how utilizing the LSS phases, and asking the right questions, can support business excellence. LSS is a journey not a destination. It requires continuous learning and the courage to ask big questions.

Dr. Michael Mladjenovic is the Lead Lean Six Sigma Program Instructor and he has been teaching the LSS program for the last 10 years at U of T SCS. His professional experience includes senior leadership positions in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, and quality assurance. Dr. Mladjenovic received Six Sigma training and certification while participating in General Electric Six Sigma deployment in 1995. During his work in automotive, food, electronic, and health sectors, Dr. Mladjenovic has led a number of initiatives related to development and implementation of the Enterprise Quality and Business systems. He has conducted trainings and workshops on Lean Six Sigma, Design for Six Sigma, Business Process management, Project Management, Value Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constrains, and TRIZ.  Dr. Mladjenovic is an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor, Reliability and Quality Engineer, Registered Professional Engineer, and holds a B.S., Master's, and Doctor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business.  He teaches Lean Six Sigma certificates at SCS, including Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt.

Adapting to changes in the workforce takes motivation and courage. But stepping up to get ahead of these shifts can pose financial challenges for some of our dedicated learners.

We don’t want financial barriers to stand in the way of your learning journey.

So, we are excited to share that many of our micro courses (which are short, compact learning solutions so you can develop in-demand competencies, fast) are now eligible for OSAP funding! This means that if you are interested in earning a micro-credential (a digital representation of the set of competencies or skills that you achieve in a micro course), there’s now another funding option. Be sure to check out all financial support opportunities on our Financial Assistance page.

You can explore the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities website to view a list of OSAP eligible micro courses, and to learn more about the application process.  Whether you are eager to gain new skills, upskill, or explore a new path as a result of the pandemic or labour market shifts, micro-credentials are a powerful way for you to showcase your abilities to your personal and professional networks. 

Together, let’s push past barriers and accelerate your learning journey. 

The Janice Colbert Poetry Award was created by award-winning poet Janice Colbert. Janice, who is an SCS Creative Writing Certificate earner, instituted this award in 2012 to honour learners who have created a piece of poetry that moves us. Valued at $1,000, plus two finalist awards of $500 each, this award celebrates the journey towards creative discovery.

1st Place/$1,000 Award Winner: Ashley-Elizabeth Best– Ghazals for an Absent Mother

Ashley is a disabled poet and essayist from Kingston, Ontario. Her debut collection of poetry, Slow States of Collapse, was published with ECW Press, and her most recent chapbook, Alignment is available from Rahila's Ghost Press. 

Finalists/$500 Award Winners: Jane Macdonald & Nayana Suchak

Jane Macdonald was born in Alberta. She now lives in a small town on the northeast shore of Lake Ontario. Her writing is saturated by the inhabitants and habits of a place marked by disappearance and loss.  Jane will soon earn her SCS Creative Writing Certificate.

Nayana Suchak writes poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, and has benefited from the guidance and mentorship of the excellent writers at SCS. She was born in Kenya, grew up in Winnipeg, and now makes Toronto her home. She works as a physician in Markham, Ontario.

The Janice Colbert Poetry Award jury was comprised of three poets:

Heather Birrell – SCS Creative Writing instructor

Therese Estacion – SCS Creative Writing Certificate earner, former winner of the Janice Colbert Poetry Award, and published author

Liz Howard – Griffin Prize winner and former SCS poetry learner

When Anja Endruweit and her family had the opportunity to move from Germany to Toronto while her husband was on a work contract, they jumped at the chance to experience a new city and culture. In 2019, they settled in Canada for a three-year stay, and Anja was eager to grow her English skills and immerse herself in a new culture. “We had never been to Canada before; it was a big change but also exciting. We were immediately welcomed into the German expat community, and appreciated what a special and multicultural city Toronto is,” reflects Anja.  “I would say I had an intermediate understanding of English at the time. I really enjoyed practicing my English skills throughout the day with people I met. But then, the pandemic hit, and my ability to connect with others, and practice my English, basically disappeared. My English skills started to decline.”

Between lock downs, social distancing, and mask protocols, Anja suddenly found herself with limited opportunities to use and practice her English. So, she decided to take her learning into her own hands. “A fellow expat suggested I look into the English for Effective Communication course in the English Language Program (ELP) at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS). I liked that the program was four weeks in length, with about 10 hours of learning and practice a week. I explored other programs, but many demanded a commitment of up to 25 hours a week, which just didn’t fit my life. Plus, at SCS, online classes were in the morning, so I figured it would be a great way to start my day. I went for it!” says Anja. 

At first, Anja was hesitant to learn online, and was still dealing with the disappointment of moving to a new country and not being able to fully connect with the people. “I wanted to continue meeting new people, and go to cafés and talk. I feel that’s such a great way to really learn a language. But I was so happy to find that there was a strong sense of community in my online class,” recalls Anja, who completed the course in May 2021. “Our instructor really built an online space where we felt included and engaged. He had a very individualized approach to learning, and honed-in on everyone’s specific needs. He really met each learner where they were. This course was such a positive and motivating experience. I felt part of a community, and my confidence really skyrocketed.” 

In fact, the course helped Anja connect with other learners both on -and off- line. “On top of class discussions and topical group work, we all exchanged contact information and have a WhatsApp group. My classmates and I even met up (socially distanced) in High Park; it was so great to meet everyone in person. We formed lasting connections and are still in touch,” smiles Anja. “When I started the program, one of my goals was to be able to read the newspaper and understand headlines without needing to use a translator app. I wanted to be able to sit with a coffee and a Canadian newspaper, and just read. Now, I have a much better sense of what’s being communicated, I no longer need my translator, and I am better at recognizing expressions such as ‘play it by ear’. The other day a woman used this term and I thought ‘yes! I know what that means’,” she laughs.

Today, Anja feels confident in her English skills, and plans to use her new abilities to learn more, and give back to the Toronto community. “In Berlin, I work as a biology teacher, so I’m very focused on education. The multiculturalism in Toronto really inspires me, and I’m eager to learn more about education systems and diversity frameworks in Canada,” says Anja. “I will also be volunteering at the High Park nature centre to support nature education for young kids. With my new language skills, I’m able to give back to the city that really welcomed me.” 
 

Welcome to Curious U, the new University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies blog – your source of ideas and information to keep you curious and connected to the SCS community. 

Here, you’ll find stories about learners who are taking chances and making brave changes. You’ll read new ideas and bold opinions shared by our instructors, knowledge experts, and industry leaders. As we share news, announcements, and insights on current events, we’ll discover tomorrow’s unknowns, together.

Take a look around and check out this new information hub! You can customize your experience, and choose from three unique categories of content: 

Career

Whether you are early in your career, in the middle of your career, or highly established– or an internationally trained professional– this is the space for you! In our Career section, you’ll find inspirational stories about learners who are upskilling, gaining new abilities, making brave career changes, and taking their careers to the next level. You’ll also explore insights, tips, and strategies shared by our industry-leading instructors.

Curiosity

Welcome lifelong learners of any age who are looking to stay mentally agile, explore new concepts, develop hobbies, and fulfill personal passions! In our Curiosity section, you’ll find stories about learners who are expanding their minds and exploring new territory. Our expert instructors will also share inspiration, fresh ideas, and new perspectives. 

What’s New

Stay informed! Our What’s New section is the place to be to stay up-to-date on SCS news, announcement, and events. We’ll keep you abreast of new partnerships, initiatives, courses, certificates, and programs. In addition, you’ll find SCS insights on trends and current events. 

We’re excited to launch Curious U, and embark on this journey with you.  Let’s take a chance, connect, and take ownership of our future, again and again.  
 

The Penguin Random House Canada Student Award for Fiction supports emerging writers on their learning journey! The competition for this endowed award is open to all learners who have taken a creative writing course at SCS in the previous year. These writers have taken a spark of an idea and transformed it into a piece of writing they (and we) are proud of. 

Congratulations to these finalists, who have unleashed their creative potential! Winners and Honourable Mentions will be announced soon! 

Finalists

Kimberley Alcock, Twilight
Diana Blackmore, Amid the Spaces
Mark Burgess, A Letter from Bielefeld
Jim Colbert, Alphabet: Twenty-six Letters
Melany Franklin, Sanctuary
Caitlin Garvey, The Chrysalis Protocol
Kathe Gray, Panorama
Susanne Kwon, Jack that 8
Nadja Lubiw-Hazard, Saving Seraphina
Megan Tady, Dark Horse

Picture this: you take a skill-development course, gain exciting new abilities, and list the course on your resume and social media profiles. Sounds familiar, right?

But wouldn’t it be great if there was a quick and easy way for your professional network —including potential employers—to view and understand the awesome new competencies you’ve gained?

We get it.

That’s why we will now be issuing micro-credentials for our micro courses! We appreciate that the concept of both micro courses and micro-credentials may be new to you. So, here’s the top five things to know about micro-credentials at SCS.

1) What are micro courses?

All of our micro courses (which are short, targeted learning opportunities that focus on skills and competency development), will now issue a micro-credential upon successful completion.

2) What are micro-credentials?

Micro-credentials are a digital representation of the set of competencies or skills that you have achieved in a U of T SCS course! Micro-credentials are a powerful way for you to showcase your abilities to your personal and professional networks. 

3) How do micro-credentials work?

You can easily share your micro-credential over social media. When someone clicks on the micro-credential, or link to the micro-credential, they will be directed to a web page that displays the full micro-credential, which highlights important information such as your learning outcomes, key competencies/ skills that you gained, and the date that your micro-credential was issued. 

4) How do you share your micro-credentials with your network? 

It’s super easy! With a few simple clicks, you can:

• Share on your LinkedIn profile. 
• Share with friends and family through Twitter and Facebook.
• Copy your micro-credential link and share with your network through email.
• Include your micro-credential with your resume, by downloading a secure PDF version.
• Add your micro-credential to your “digital wallet” or online portfolio.

5) Is there funding for micro courses?

Micro courses are accessible, and you can check out funding opportunities available on our Financial Aid page, including the Canada Training Credit, OSAP and Scale AI funding.

Take a micro course, earn a micro-credential, and showcase your skills in a whole new way!

Visit our Micro Courses and Micro-Credentials page to learn more.

When Nitin Sanan began pursuing his Strategic Leadership: Advanced Certificate at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), his perspective, career options, employer support, and personal brand expanded exponentially. With a background in engineering and an MBA in marketing, Sanan lives in China working as a Senior Manager in plastic manufacturing. After relocating to China from Canada in 2013, Sanan studied French for Absolute Beginners online at SCS in an effort to communicate better with his wife’s French-speaking family. He loved the experience so much, he began exploring other learning opportunities at SCS. 

“I started working towards my Strategic Leadership: Advanced Certificate. I’ve been with my company for 13 years now; I know the company inside out, and manage 37 people. However, I wanted to go further, and enhance my leadership skills. One particular course in the certificate, Digital Media Strategy for Leaders, was a real game-changer,” recalls Nitin. “I didn’t know much about social media at the time, but this course helped me develop skills in personal branding. I started using social media, especially LinkedIn, on a whole new level, and developed a personal brand statement. I started sharing content, thinking strategically about what I was posting and when. For example, I presented at an event, and asked my instructor Lina Duque how I could share a photo of my talk on social media. She helped me develop a strategy to share it over LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. It received over 1,800 views, and I even wrote an article about.”

Nitin’s new social media presence did not go unnoticed; he was approached by recruiters and offered two jobs. The marketing and sales teams at his company noticed his social media skills as well, and Nitin began sharing best practices and ideas across the organization. Even his manager saw what a difference Nitin was making throughout the company, and asked to learn more about his studies. “My boss asked me about my learning at SCS and was impressed. She spoke to our board, and they offered to fund the remainder of my certificate, which I’ll be completing this fall. My new social media presence and personal branding quickly paid off,” says Nitin. “My company has been incredibly supportive of my learning, and they allow me to have flexibility in my schedule to accommodate the time difference.”

According to Nitin, continuing education is a must-have to avoid falling behind on important trends and industry insights. “Once you disengage from school, you can get so caught up in work, family, and daily routine, it’s easy to fall out from what is new. We get comfortable. But meeting new people, hearing fresh ideas, you realize how much insightful information there is to take in. I learned from both my instructors and my classmates. They inspired me to keep learning! It’s a way of updating myself,” reflects Nitin. “I want to be a great leader and really understand people. I’m learning that true leadership involves looking at the big picture and learning to let go. I’m committed to my studies; once you get a taste of continuing education, you want to keep going.” 

Fifty years from now, when historians look back at the COVID-19 pandemic, they will realize the unimaginable economic fall-out from it. COVID-19 has significantly transformed the North American economy. Here’s what strikes me as the three most important ways our economy has been transformed. Not surprisingly, they are interrelated.

1) When it comes to working, there’s no place like home

Recently, Jaime Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan, said that every employee was obligated to reveal their COVID-19 vaccination status by the end of June, and he expected everyone back in the office a week later. To me, this is one of those cases where the exception proves the general rule! Scores of other companies including Microsoft, Apple, and Google, have announced that there will be a mixed employment model going forward, with the majority of time spent working from of home.

There are two good economic reasons for this, one that benefits the employer and one that benefits the employee. From the employer’s perspective, it means paying for less office space. From the employee’s perspective, it means saving both time and money. The commute from one’s bedroom to one’s den is a lot shorter than from one’s house to a downtown office! And now that employee no longer has to spend money on either public transit or gas.

My prediction is that this will have the impact of reducing wage increases for what we would term “white collar workers”, as businesses recognize how much further ahead their home-based employees are in cost savings.

2) The new real estate landscape

Even before the onset of COVID-19, there was a significant shift from bricks-and-mortar retail to online channels. COVID-19 accelerated this trend. It is now estimated that roughly one quarter of North American malls are scheduled to close in the next few years. As I walk the downtown streets of Toronto – where I’ve lived for the past forty-five years of my life – I’ve never seen anything similar to this vacancy rate. My guess is that it will be getting worse before it improves, as businesses that have been hanging on for dear life realize that the rebound is going to be far less robust than many imagine.

I’ve already talked about the working from home phenomenon, and this has a tremendous impact on commercial rents. I spoke with a couple of good friends involved in that business, and what they’re seeing is a great deal of negotiation between landlords and existing tenants. However, they don’t see any uptick in demand as more and more work is done from home

This helps explain why house prices are appreciating as rapidly as they are; more people are spending more time at home than they ever have before. It makes sense that you’d want more space, because if there is a couple who both work from home, you simply need it. Unless mortgage rates tick up significantly, it looks like there will be a long-term bull market in residential housing.

3) The emergence of cryptocurrencies

To combat the government-imposed shutdown, there has been an almost inconceivable amount of fiscal stimulus, combined with the monetization of debt. By the way, what “monetization” means is that when debt is issued by the government, rather than finding a legitimate, arm’s length buyer, the Central Bank simply runs the printing presses to come up with the money. There is the belief among many that fiat currencies issued by governments aren’t reliable. In previous generations, gold would be the safe haven. But that was then, and this is now. Today, many are piling into cryptocurrencies.

Let me get something on the table: I think that crypto is a Ponzi-scheme and there will be a monumental collapse sooner or later. I don’t know what will precipitate it. But I think it’s inevitable, and my hope is that the collapse happens before there is too much “value” tied up in cryptos. I hope their demise doesn’t pull the real economy down with it.

The best-case scenario is that the developed world will find a way to flatten out its accumulation of debt. If economic growth could be 3%, while the debt would grow at a slower rate, it would restore faith in fiat currencies, and that would gradually and gently take the air out of the Bitcoins of the world. Fingers crossed that it plays out this way.

But here’s the really important economic lesson from COVID-19: If you allow an economy to efficiently allocate resources, in the short run there will be winners and losers. But in the long run, everyone wins because the machine will find a way to generate goods and services of real value.

Michael Hlinka received his MBA from the University of Toronto in 1986, became a CFA Charterholder in 2004, and is a tenured professor at George Brown. Michael specializes in industry licensing courses such as Canadian Securities, Derivatives Fundamentals and Portfolio Management. In addition to his teaching duties, Michael is a regular commentator on CBC Radio's Metro Morning is a nationally syndicated radio columnist, and writes a regular weekly column for Outreach Magazine, marketed by Toronto's homeless and unemployed. 

Michael instructs our Passing the CFA® Exam preparatory courses as well as Passing the Canadian Securities Course®.

There are many risks in life that are worthwhile! However, gambling with your finances isn’t worth it for most of us. Here are some simple tips to avoid financial mistakes that could reap unfortunate consequences. 

1. Don’t buy a house you can barely afford when Canada’s real estate market is on fire. Beware of FOMO (fear of missing out). Don’t get into bidding wars or make an unconditional offer to purchase a property.
2. Don’t gamble on growth stocks (Tesla, Canopy Growth, Gamestop), or cryptocurrency investments (Bitcoin, Ethereum ), based on tips from friends. 
3. Don’t shop at payday loan shops or alternative lenders without understanding the costs. They can be very high. The same goes for “buy now, pay later” plans. 
4. Don’t order from online goods and service providers without checking their reputation first. Use the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) to search for consumer complaints and reviews.
5. Be smart about insurance! This is a big one. If you travel outside Canada, you need travel medical insurance. You also need trip cancellation insurance in case you get sick before you leave, and trip interruption insurance in case you get sick while away and have to return home.

If you have a mortgage, you need enough insurance to maintain the payments in case of illness or death. Shop around. The best deals usually don’t come from a mortgage lender.

Once you retire the mortgage, ask your home insurance carrier for a mortgage-free discount. A paid-off home is seen as lower risk by insurers.

Also, consider critical illness insurance, even if you’re young and healthy. You never know what life will bring. Check out Darin Diehl’s medical story and Kerry Taylor’s medical story. 

Here are some great quotes to inspire smart financial choices:

“Almost everyone wants you to spend as much as possible – your kids, friends, real estate agents, bankers, retailers, restauranteurs. When it comes to saving, you don’t have much of a support group.”

“Spending less than you make won’t be easy. People are going to fight you every step of the way. And the person who will fight you the hardest will be yourself.” 

– David Chilton, The Wealthy Barber Returns

“Run, don’t walk, to get a disability quote from an insurance agent. You insure your house and car. But what about your single biggest asset: the ability to earn an income for the rest of your life?” 

“Think of borrowing money today as negotiating a pay cut with your future self.”

– Preet Banerjee, Stop Overthinking Your Money

“I hate debt. It’s going to sound extreme, but for me, owing money is like making a deal with the devil. I would worry what would happen if I lost my job and couldn’t meet my debt-obligation payments.”

“Thinking of debt as a life-threatening, contagious disease served me pretty well. Once you’re debt-free, there’s no feeling like it.”

-Andrew Hallam, Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School

Ellen Roseman is a personal finance columnist and former business editor at the Toronto Star. She is the author of Money 101: Every Canadian's Guide to Personal Finance, and she is Chair of FAIR Canada, a non-profit charity that advocates for investor rights. She has had a long career as a journalist specializing in consumer advocacy and personal finance. Ellen teaches our Investing for Beginners course, and our Introduction to Investing Workshop. She will be teaching The Smart Consumer course in spring 2022.

When Edinair Damasio Barbosa came to Canada from Brazil five years ago, she was eager to continue her career as a lawyer. However, on top of the challenges associated with moving to a new country, Edi faced professional barriers. “I had been a lawyer for ten years when I immigrated to Canada, and wanted to practice law in Toronto. As a step towards earning my Ontario license, I decided to pursue the Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) at U of T, which required obtaining a top mark in a program that satisfies the university’s language proficiency requirement (Academic English-Advanced Level 60),” recalls Edi. “I tried a couple English classes, and felt really frustrated. I was learning the basics of language, but nothing about culture or true communication. It was a means to pass a test, not a real immersion into the English language.”

When Edi found the Academic English Program in our School of Continuing Studies’ English Language Program (ELP), she immediately felt at ease. “From the very first day, it was clear we were learning how to communicate effectively, not just speak English. The online learning experience was great; our instructor used various teaching tools such as videos, slides, and podcasts to help us learn. She encouraged classroom discussions, group work, and online socializing, which allowed us to practice our social and speaking skills,” reflects Edi. “My classmates were from all over the globe, which enhanced the learning experience as we bonded and grew from one another’s experiences. We learned about effective English communication, such as how to write persuasively and clearly, summarize information, and even write effective and concise emails. My husband—who is Canadian and a native English speaker—was amazed at the skills I was gaining. He even said ‘oh my gosh, I can’t even write this way!’”

Edi felt supported both by her instructor, and the administrative team at ELP. “My instructor was so supportive, like a mother almost. She was professional, knowledgeable, and all learners got 1-1 time with her each week to work on specific skills,” says Edi. “The ELP team also contributed to the learning process by providing support and encouragement throughout the program. I am grateful; they played an integral role in my successful completion of the class. This experience wasn’t about passing a test; it was about learning how to thrive in an English-speaking setting. These are skills I will use daily in my educational and work experiences.”

Having completed the Academic English Program in April 2021, Edi has been accepted into the GPLLM program, and is excited to move her career forward. “This program has ignited my confidence. Now, I am so excited to write in English, I can’t stop! The skills I’ve learned will help me write persuasively, speak in court, and negotiate effectively,” smiles Edi. “Today, I feel ready to step into the next chapter of my life.”