www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 15, 2006 - 25 A sense of humour helps student cope with the future By Farrah Richardson GRADE 12, HOLY TRINITY It is Sunday night and even after the five hours it took to complete my English homework, I am still sitting at my computer with my eyes glued to the screen. As I sit in my computer chair typing in various college and universities websites, it is surreal to think that at the age of 17 I will be graduating high school and entering post secondary education. While many Grade 12 students my age are unsure of which post secondary school they would like to attend or even which field of study they would like to pursue, my school days are filled with never-ending guidance appointments, countless hours of homework and projects, and numerous attempts at researching each college and university and the courses they offer. I am thankful however, that I know the career I would like to pursue. Our global society offers countless fields of study and the opportunities for jobs and careers are enor- mous compared to 25 years ago. It is the range of opportunities that makes it difficult to know exactly which field, career and job is best suited. At the age of 17, I cannot even count the number of times I have changed my mind when it came to the career of my choice. When I was six my uncle told me to be a lawyer, when I was nine I wanted to continue my dance career, when I was 15, a singer was all I wanted to be, at 16 becoming a hair stylist is the reason why I got a job at a hair salon and now writing is my passion. The one thing that has helped me stay on track with all of the forms, presentations, application due dates, and research on different college and universities, was my discovery of the value of my school's guidance counsellors. I have no problem stating that as a teenager in Grades 9, 10 and 11, I never gave a second thought to talking to my guidance counsellor. In my mind, I still had plenty of time before I was graduating. This attitude turned 180 degrees once I entered Grade 12. It has only been four months since school started and already the amount of stress and anxiety I have felt is beyond anything I have ever experienced throughout the first three years of high school. It is even more stressful when you walk into your guidance counsellor's office at school and say, "Sir, I have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life!" and your guidance counsellor's response, while humorous is, "none of us do." It is this sense of humor, as well as keeping a steady head on my shoulders, that has enabled me to cope. www.imagesspa.com Just click print and let the joy in her eyes speak for itself Gift Certificates now available online Men's Magic Christmas For that special MAN in your life. Let him enjoy a 30 minute relaxation back Massage, followed by an innovative Design Haircut. Tinsel Teen The perfect Christmas package for your TEEN. Includes shampoo, Custom Hairstyle, Images Signature Manicure and light Make-up application. Winter Indulgence Indulge her this Christmas! Enjoy a Pedicure and Manicure with our Sea Salt Exfoliation, followed by a warm soothing paraffin dip for both hands and feet. $69 $69 $89 Pampering Body Retreat The ultimate in relaxation! This package includes a relaxing 30 minute Massage with Aromatic oils and your choice of one of our Detoxifying Body Wraps. Enjoy Images Signature Manicure and complete your $ Retreat with a Spa Lunch. Christmas Magic Makeover Images Classic Holiday favourite! Pamper her this season with our Signature Spa Facial, followed by a 30 minute Aromatherapy Massage, Luxury Manicure with a paraffin dip, a Custom Haircut and Design Hairstyle. A light Make-up application and our $ Images Spa Lunch completes your Christmas Magic Makeover. 149 219 IMAGES INTERNATIONAL S A L O N & D AY S PA ® EST. 1980 www.imagesspa.com Just click print and let the joy in her eyes speak for itself! Gift Certificates now available online North Service OAKVILLE TOWN CENTRE Oakville Town Centre · 280 North Service Road Oakville · 905.338.3333 4th Line Dorval