Cassidy Mann simply oozes talent.

All you have to do is listen to her voice, and you’ll know what we mean. 

She displays a humble confidence rarely in seen in the biggest pop acts of our day, and this is despite her success with the release of her self-titled, Extend Play (EP) pop country album last June.  

"I get nervous every single time I perform. I always do," says Cassidy.

"Right before I get onstage, my hands are shaking. I get really nervous, I try to talk myself down. Once I get onstage, it all kind of goes down and the crowd becomes my friend." 

By Rachel Hawryluk 

When creating something successful, every part plays an important role. Take away one piece, and the object doesn't work. Not only does Karen Ste. Marie understand this, but she is one of those important pieces.

Wayoata School, under Karen's leadership, was the recipient of the School of the Year award for the Phase 1 Program at last year's convocation. "Receiving the award was the collected effort from a dedicated, intelligent group of people. From Kindergarten to Grade and beyond, our staff have worked to help our students explore many areas of learning."

Career Trek and Social Media

Career Trek is finally on Facebook and Twitter. We'll be using these social networking sites to keep you up-to-date on everything Career Trek related, along with articles and information on the landscape of education today.

 

We're pleased to welcome Nola Warnica to Career Trek's Management team. As the new Westman Project Manager, Nola will be responsible for overseeing and running the Westman Project in Brandon, MB and the surrounding communities.  

"Having worked with high school students in the career guidance department in the past, I understand the pressures on our youth to make decisions about their future when they really have no applicable information to make those decisions," says Nola.  

How one participant used words of inspiration to fuel her desire to work for Career Trek

“You’re going to work for me one day,” said Career Trek’s Executive Director, Darrell Cole. 

Jessica Foss still remembers when Darrell whispered these magical words to her ear at her Phase 1 Program graduation.

“I lit up with a smile and the first thing I did was I ran up to my mom,” says Jessica.

Ten years later, Jessica is entering her fourth year as a Career Trek employee in the Phase 1 Program. This year, she has her eyes set on the Phase 1 Program Assistant or Campus Assistant position at The University of Winnipeg. 

Rachel Hawryluk reflects

Throughout our lives, we often get asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most of us have no idea. Others who do often change their minds. And for the lucky few who are born knowing, I’m now thankful I wasn’t among your ranks.

 

And for the lucky few who are born knowing, I’m now thankful I wasn’t among your ranks.

 

Fresh out of college, now with extra letters after my name, I still had no idea how to answer that question. Instead, I was given the opportunity to try and figure that out—and get paid for it—while working with some of the most amazing and inspiring young women I’ve ever met. I became a Group Leader for The ‘M’ Project.

Studies continue to stress the important role played by parents and guardians in the career development of their children. In this ever-changing world of work with new and exciting educational opportunities, young people require support and guidance. There are countless ways in which you can assist your children in exploring career options. Sometimes, it may be to simply listen or offer encouragement. At other times, it may require more involvement.

Here are a few tips adapted from Career Coaching your Teens - A Guide for Parents (Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration, 2008):

Stay current
Sometimes, it’s hard to see the changes especially if you have been a part of the workforce or in your chosen occupation for a long time. You may need to do some research to identify new workplace trends or to find out about emerging occupations. You’ll require this information to help your children make informed career decisions.

The Province of Manitoba sponsors Career Cruising, an online resource that encourages career exploration for people of all ages.

This interactive site has been designed to assist students and parents in becoming more aware of the steps involved in career planning. 

Mawj Al-Hammadi didn’t think she’d be walking away from the recent Children Rising Program convocation ceremony with $1,000 for her education.

But that’s exactly what she did.

As the latest recipient of a $1,000 RESP scholarship generously donated by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation, Mawj joins a long list of Trekkers who have received this award. Mawj met the criteria of demonstrating a great deal of potential to experience success in her education and career path. In addition, she has a supportive family to help her achieve this outcome.

“It means a lot,” says Mawj. “I really like school and it just means that I’ll have something [when I start my studies.] It meant a really big thing to me.”

It was equally big for her parents. “I’m a mom what do you think,” says Mawj’s mom, Ban. “I was flying. I’m really happy and it was like a surprise...

Self-proclaimed “army brat” and Career Trek Junior Staff, Steffanie Avery, plans to join the air force, but she “isn’t into the fighting or driving.” 

“I like business,” says Avery. She plans to be a logistics officer working in human resources dealing with supply chain, finance, and food services. Avery has researched her future plans extensively. She already knows salary rates, housing costs on base, and what benefits are offered through the air force.  

Avery’s father was also in the military; however, her dad didn’t pressure her to want to join. “My mom would have killed him,” jokes Avery if her father would have encouraged her to join the army. But “he was happy,” says Avery about her decision. Not only does Avery plan to be a leader in the military one day, but at Career Trek next school year.

For the past school year, Avery volunteered every...