Experts

IgniteAC, Algonquin’s entrepreneurial fire starter

ignite_acThe IgniteAC Centre is the one-stop shop for anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset, who is looking for the resources to help get them started. With people like Algonquin College’s own Godfrey Joekumar walking away with not only a successful Algonquin club (Startup Launchpad), but also his own company (BookPort), the IgniteAC Centre has proven that they’re the place to be if you are an entrepreneur, or someone with hopes of becoming one. Below are the top five ways the IgniteAC Centre helps get entrepreneurs off the ground.

1. Mentorships

One of the most important components of becoming an entrepreneur, is surrounding yourself with skilled individuals to help guide you along your way. The IgniteAC Centre helps connect you mentors, from a variety of different industries, that can support you through your entrepreneurial journey, with mentors specializing in a variety of different departments. Need to perfect your sales pitch? They have, or can provide, an expert for that. Legal questions? Expert. General inquiries? The IgniteAC Centre has, or can direct you to, the professionals available to ensure that your business questions can be effectively answered, with experts ranging from Algonquin staff, to industry professionals throughout Ottawa. Speaking of which… Continue reading

Ask Jasmine: Beating the Blues

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“After the holidays are over I often fall into a funk. Why is that? Any advice for preventing it this year?”

The post-holiday blues! We’ve all been there. It’s that melancholy feeling that often follows a vacation. For some students, returning to a regular routine after a holiday away from school can lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. Many struggle with lethargy or a lack of motivation as they readjust to school. There’s an expectation that we will feel renewed and refreshed after a holiday, but unfortunately this is not always the case. Sometimes we fall into a funk. The Christmas holiday is a much-needed vacation away from the demands of college life. After exams are over you definitely deserve a break. For many students, the holidays are a time to decompress – a time to nap and sleep in, indulge in sweets and treats, and catch up with family and friends. For others, the holidays are stressful and lead to disappointment after our expectations are not met. Either way, returning to school is often a challenge. Here are some tips for beating the post-holiday blues:

1. Take your Time

Give yourself some time to recover. Feeling a bit blue during the transition back to school is normal. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling without trying to resist it.

2. Stay Active

Plan activities! January and February are formidable months. With the lack of light and the cold weather keeping us indoors, it’s easy to fall into a funk. Check out campus events and activities, go to concerts, plan weekly dinner parties with friends, and organize movie nights. Post a calendar on your fridge and mark it up with stuff to look forward to.

3. Keep Care

Make self-care a priority in your life. Figure out what this means for you and implement it as a regular routine the day you return to school. Need some ideas? Buy yourself some flowers, take a yoga or meditation class, start a journal, make some hot chocolate, take a nap, treat yourself to a nightly bubble bath.

4. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Get outdoors! I know it’s freezing and your toes feel like icicles but hear me out: We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Get out there and take advantage of it! Strap on some ice skates and head to your local rink, check out winter festivals, or go hiking or snowshoeing.

5. Ask for Help

If you feel like the post-holiday blues is turning into depression or becoming unmanageable, reach out for support. Talk to a friend or family member, or contact Counselling Services on campus. Counsellors offer a non-judgmental and confidential place to talk and services are free.

Ottawa Campus Counselling Services: (613) 727-4723 ext. 7200
Pembroke Campus Counselling Services: (613) 735-4700 ext. 2804
Perth Campus Counselling Services: (613) 267-2859 ext. 5610

Jasmine

Jasmine Cady
M.A. Canadian Certified Counsellor, Pembroke Campus
Jasmine.Cady@algonquincollege.com
(613) 735-4700 ext. 2804

This was adapted from the AC Hub Newsletter, a monthly publication produced by Student Services.