#MyGBC

The George Brown College Mental Health Conference is taking place on Feb 29 and the theme of this year's conference is International Student Mental Health. So, we spoke to Alex Irwin from the Conference organizing team and also Lindsey Nguyen, who is an international student here at GBC and a PeerMentor, with PeerMentor+. Listen now to dig into this topic from both of their perspectives. 

Key Moments:  

2:05 – Background on why international student mental health needs attention right now 

3:20 – Lindsey's experience: being in a new country, money stress, homesickness and more 

9:38 – What supports are available to international students at GBC (and what else would be helpful) 

15:42 – More about the Mental Health Conference 

18:40 & 22:30 – Lindsey's tips and strategies for international student mental health 

21:26 – Alex's tips from a faculty point of view 

Mental Health Conference link: https://www.georgebrown.ca/24th-annual-mental-health-conference 

GBC International Student Centre: https://www.georgebrown.ca/international/contact-international-centre 

GBC Counselling and Student Well-Being Services: https://www.georgebrown.ca/current-students/services/counselling 

Peer Mentor + webpage: https://www.georgebrown.ca/current-students/services/counselling/peer-mentor 

@gbcpeermentorplus 

[email protected] 

We're back again this week because we have an extra special episode to let you know about Black Futures Month! If you haven't heard about BF month before, it happens every February and it aims to acknowledge the history of the Black community while celebrating the resilience and excellence that the community has shown over time. We were lucky enough to speak to Abisola Asha, who is the Black Student Success Network Coordinator at George Brown College and she gives us a little run-down of what's happening for BF month at George Brown this February.

Key Moments: 

0:59 – The meaning of Black Futures Month 

2:30 – First ever space for Black student at St James campus 

3:33 – Black Futures Month programming 

7:24 – Where to find event details and how to take part 

https://www.georgebrown.ca/anti-racism/black-futures 

www.georgebrown.ca/bssn 

@bssn_gbc 

Earlier in January, we reached out in our Instagram Stories to ask you if you had any questions about GBC that you wanted us to answer on the MyGBCPodcast. Now, we've got your answers! We received a lot of questions, so we are answering half of them now and half in an episode later this semester. In this episode, we cover where to find program information, how to join online classes, questions about student and campus life, athletics and transit passes for students. Tune in for the answers!

Key Moments: 

2:00 – Course and program info 

6:30 – Campus life, events and life as a student 

14:20 & 17:40 – GBC Athletics and campus gyms 

21:15 – Student transit passes, TTC and GO 

www.studentassociation.ca  

TTC Student Pass info:https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes/Fare-information/Post-Secondary-Students-Seniors-Youths-and-Children  

Go Transit Student Pass info: https://www.gotransit.com/en/student-savings/post-secondary-discount  

@gbc.studentlife 

@sagbc 

What skills do a Designer and a Doctor have in common? In today's episode, we speak to 3rd year Brand Design student, Nina Hidaka and explore her experiences, from the core courses that shape her education to the exciting projects that have sparked her creativity. We learn about the challenges and joys of being a part of the design community, and hear about the impressive projects she get to work on. So, grab your favourite beverage and tune-in to this episode on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts!  

Key Moments: 

1:33 & 2:38 – Bridging options into the program 

5:03 – How the program is more than just graphic design 

6:39 – Most exciting courses and notable designs 

10:20 – The most challenging aspect of the program (and why it's valuable) 

14:06 – Meeting new people and the bonus of small classes 

16:40 – How the Co-op program works and preparation support 

19:25 – Being proactive in an introvert's field of work 

21:40 – What kind of jobs you'll be prepared for 

24:35 – Experience and industry insights from the Professors  

28:30 – Studying and mental health tips for Brand Design students

Are you a Winter person? In case you're not (or if you are and want to enjoy the Winter season even more) today's episode is a winter survival guide for you. We're dishing out five practical tips on how to make the most of Toronto's winter, from subway savvy reading to budget-friendly indoor adventures. So, grab a hot beverage, snuggle up, and let's conquer the winter blues together. 

Key Moments:

1:00 – The cozy and limitless world of diving into a good book 

4:30 – How to engage with -and maybe change your mind about- the snow and cold 

5:43 – Different kinds of indoor activities and entertainment around the city 

7:20 – Keeping it close to home, lower-cost and still fun! 

8:36 - Expand your world and stimulate your creative mind with culture 

What is a Co-op, versus a Field Placement? And how can you get a good Co-op or Placement? In this episode, we answer these questions, plus cover some strategies and best practices to make your time worthwhile and to be successful. You can now tune-in to this in-depth interview with two George Brown Co-op/Placement Coordinators, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Youtube. 

Key Moments: 

 3:40 - What is the difference between a Co-op and a Placement? 

11:18 – Are all Co-ops/Placements mandatory? 

13:52 – Examples of different kinds of Co-ops/Placements  

19:20 – How to find and apply for a Co-op/Placement that's right one for you 

29:08 – How to have a successful Co-op/Placement 

35:30  - Factors for getting a job, or not, after finishing your Co-op/Placement 

37:25 – How to show your Co-op/Placement supervisor that you belong 

You did it! You made it to the end of the semester! It's time to celebrate. Join the MyGBCPodcast host, Pantea, and producer, Claire, as we discuss our favourite episodes from this past season and give you a little sneak-peak of what's to come in the Winter 2024 season. 

Highlights: 

3:08 – Claire and Pantea's favourite episodes from this semester 

11:10 – Preview of next semester's episodes 

13:44 – Where you come in to next season's episodes 

14:42 – Some ideas on what to do over the holidays! 

Cavalcade of lights: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/cavalcade-of-lights/ 

Wonderland Winter Fest: https://www.canadaswonderland.com/events/winterfest  

Distillery District Winter Village: https://www.thedistillerywintervillage.com/  

Looking for some good book or TV show recommendations for the holidays? In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kizzy Rodney, the Associate Vice-President of External and Community Relations at George Brown College. Kizzy creates valuable partnerships for the social and economic development of George Brown College. But, from that work, and her journeys in life, she takes some great lessons in where inspiration can come from, ways to grasp opportunities in life, and what to read and watch along the way! Tune in to hear the full conversation and get some inspiration for the end of the semester. 

Highlights: 

1:15 – What Kizzy does and what it means for George Brown College and students 

3:24 – How different family members can inspire you in your career and life 

7:35 – Failure or growth opportunity? 

9:04 – The power of language and intention vs. impact 

12:28 – A look into a long and steady career path  

15:53 – What advice would you give your younger self? 

18:15 – Three inspiring and fun books, shows and movies to enjoy over the holidays  

This week, on the MyGBCPodcast we wanted to provide some tips that focus on your well-being, as we know that increased stress throughout the semester can make it hard to focus and get work done. So let's talk about sleep. It's funny how the one thing we do, that is, essentially, doing nothing, can have some of the biggest benefits to our health and productivity. Tune in for 5 quick tips that can help you make a real impact on your day-to-day (and night-to-night) life. 

1:40 – Tip #1: Why it matters to be consistent 

2:50 – Tip #2: Creating a sleep sanctuary 

4:05 – Tip #3: Breaking up with your phone (for the night) 

5:12 – Tip #4: Stress management and processing 

7:02 – Tip #5: How giving yourself a break can help 

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/getting-enough-sleep.html 

https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/static/7fcb6f550dd8edd6292a243f20cc3ca8/guide-to-better-sleep.pdf 

https://www.thensf.org/sleep-tips/  

As the days get shorter and darker, it can be hard to keep the spirits up. Especially, when you're dealing with big assignments and the overall stress of the semester. But, you don't have to do it alone. If you've listened to our past episodes, you might've come across one from last semester with the Community Care Centre. This week, we're re-hashing that conversation as a reminder that there is a place on each campus that's like a beacon of connection and support for all students. The CCC also focuses a lot of their programs on the needs of international and marginalized students. So, if you're feeling alone, know that you don't have to.

Highlights: 

2:30– Programming and activities offered at CCC 

4:18  - Connecting to social justice issues 

6:40 – How the CCC helps students who are traditionally marginalized 

11:00 – One-on-one appointments 

12:35 – What is a trauma-informed approach to care? 

15:26 – Benefits of peer support at the CCC 

19:50 – Workshops and class-talks 

22:37 – Health resources (harm reduction, sexual health etc) 

Email: [email protected]