What I have been doing

Wow. It has been exactly two months since my last blog entry. And in this time frame, a LOT of things have happened. I won't be able to share all of it to you but I will try to squeeze my brain to remember the important events that are worth sharing and remembering.

Yesterday, I graduated from a six week program. The journey started last July 4, 2011. I was accepted to join the 32nd Batch of the Youth Employment Network (YEN) Program delivered by Alicia Rae Career Centre in cooperation with the Federal Government of Canada. In this program, we were taught different things about the Canadian workplace. They also helped us to improve our skills and abilities and trained us to get a stable job. Nine of us were fortunate to be included in our so called soulgroup. We were all girls and all "Pinays" which is a first for the centre. Thanks to the YEN program, I met a bunch of wacky ladies who will be my support group and second family here in Winnipeg.

My new found friends

During the first week, we were tested in various learning areas - from our basic school subjects to determine our "Grade level" equivalent here in Canada, to our personalities using the Myerrs-Briggs test. (I'll blog about this one. This is so interesting.) We also had our first paychecks!

Oops. I forgot to tell you that this program provides us an allowance and bus passes. Yes. I know you're confused. We are being taught and being paid at the same time. Weird, isn't it? But that's the way it is!

HAHAHA. Dollars and more Dollars.

In the second week, we started our motivational sessions and had our field trip in The Forks. In the 3rd week, we had our lectures on resumes and cover letters. We also had to make these for our mentor's review. In the 4th week, we had our First Aid/CPR/AED Level C Course. It was absolutely fun! I also learned the importance of calling 911 which I only saw in movies back then.

Certified First Aiders and AED users

Life savers in action

And now, in our 4th - 6th week, we needed to do actual job prospecting. And we already graduated. Hurrray. :> In a few weeks, the nine of us would have a job and a stable income and continue the journey of our lives.

My certificates and my pimply face. PSH.

That's it. This is what I have been doing in the past few weeks. This coming Fall term, September 2011, I will be going back to University. I will also have a part-time job to help me support my studies and my shopping needs.

Wish me luck, friends! :)