Lesson 15, Task 4: What do I believe in?

Schools Should not have Uniform

Many people these days believe a dress code is the answer to most school problems but, they’re wrong. I believe that dress codes limit students’ freedom, creativity, and natural instinct for what is appropriate.

First of all, dress codes make students feel restricted in their life. They feel like they don’t have an opinion, or mind of their own. Dress codes limit students from thinking for themselves. Kids grow up in school, and spend so much of their time at school among so many other cultures. There are students that may aspire to become models, or get into the fashion industry, therefore having uniforms will limit them from finding what they like and practicing their dream. Teenagers in particular are famous for needing to express their emotions and their tastes in music, fashion and art through clothing, hair and piercings. School can be tough on kids and teens as it is, without taking away one of the few areas where they can exert some control and express themselves, say opponents of school uniforms.

Secondly, uniforms inhibit their ability to test out their style and creativity, which will prevent them from finding their personality. Uniforms avert students from discovering their personality and their uniqueness. Instead of all students looking the same and trying to be like each other, having no uniforms will enable them be themselves and find their true identity. In some regards, school uniforms teach students that it is more important to think and act like a group instead of thinking and acting like an individual. Although there are many influences that can shape mob thinking patterns, this type of policy can be a foundation element of it if the uniform policies are not carefully introduced and monitored.

Finally, having no uniforms help children practice their own discipline as to what they will wear and feel comfortable in. In the real world, there are no uniforms, everyone gets to wear what they want. I believe that school should be preparing children for reality. When the students grow up and attend functions and jobs in adulthood, they should have already developed a good understanding of what is appropriate attire. They should have also learnt in school what they feel portrays their personality to the public the best. The lack of uniform approach to acceptable workplace dress does not mean each workplace does not have expectations. Rather, it means students need to adapt, not conform. Students need to learn to dress appropriately based on context. Dress codes do not facilitate this learning. Instead, dress codes teach students that conformity and obedience to authority are most important. Individuality is suppressed. Student voice is suppressed.

Overall, students should not feel limited to wearing the same uniform everyday for most of their life. Nowadays, appearance is a big thing, and knowing how to present yourself as to how you want to be perceived is very important. The practice of this knowledge should be learnt at school. Having no school uniforms will help students feel more freedom, encourage creativity and will prepare them for the real world.

Lesson 15, Task 3: Who am I?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea2NbGYMJ7Y

Lesson 15, Task 2: What has influenced me?

The fact that my parents were both born and raised in Sri Lanka, and I was born and raised in Canada, this means that Canada is creating a major cultural influence in my life. Since I am not being exposed to my parent’s Sri Lankan culture throughout my day to day life, I am sub consciously being influenced by Canadian culture and way of life.

I am however exposed to the Sri Lankan cultures cuisine. It is harder for me to be heavily influenced by the Canadian cuisine since I am still living and eating from home. My parents made the traditional foods of Sri Lanka a valuable part of my upbringing. Food was a very special and important tradition in our family.

I have had quite a cultural influence living in Canada that effects my fashion. Having grown up in Canada, I did not witness the attire that a typical Sri Lankan Student/person would wear. I do not know of the customs. Since I have attended school in Canada, I was heavily influenced y students around me, on what I should wear.

The fact that my parents do not follow the attire tradition that they had in Sri Lanka in Canada, further influences my choice in daily outfits.

Regarding entertainment and leisure activities, there are traditions that have been embedded in me by my parents. For example, birthday party traditions, celebrating certain holidays. Nevertheless, being in the social school system in Canada, has greatly instilled in their taste in entertainment and leisure activities. I am subconsciously more attracted to Canadian television, music, and movies, and have not picked up on many Sri Lankan artists.

A major cultural influence is the fact that my parents never taught me their native language, Sinhalese. As they immigrated to Canada decades ago, and were trying to settle and learn English in Canada, they found it difficult to teach me Sinhalese as the were learning a new language. Therefore, the culture in Canada of the common language of everyone speaking English, influenced my parents to continue to speak to me and my siblings in English.

Lesson 15, Task 1: Where do I live?

According to the Census and National Household profile for this neighborhood from 2011, the approximate distribution of the population in terms of age is with majority being working age, ages 25 to 64, second most common age group is children making 15% of the population, ages 0 to 14. The next most common age group is seniors, who are part of 14% of the population, being 65+. The least most common age group in my community is youth ages 15 to 24 making only 13% of the population.

The distribution of identity is majority Canadian citizens, and next being immigrants. Following is recent immigrants, non-permanent residents, second generation, and visible minority population. Least common being aboriginal identity.

According to an age and gender social profile from 2006, my community, Banbury Don mills, practically even in the male to female distribution. 

I believe that my community has not changed very much since the years of the census from 2011. As I observe my neighborhood through my daily life, I can see that there are still very few children. The neighborhood is dominated by people that are in working age (ages 24 to 64).

I think that the statistics have not changed because the surrounding services have not changed. There are still plenty of nursing homes, and senior apartments surrounding and in my community. Correspondingly, the community is still very elderly friendly as all necessities and services are within close proximity. In the center of the community is CF Shops at don mills, which carries plenty of shops, and dining places for people. There is also a fair amount of public transportation which runs through the community. This makes it an even more convenient location for seniors and working age people to settle. 

Some of the unique challenges presented by demographics in my community is the ageing population. Since my community is made up of majority working age and senior citizens, it seems that the community is becoming to grow into a senior neighborhood. Since there aren’t many families settling and the seniors seem to move to the neighborhood and die here.

This may result in some stagnated progress in the community. My neighborhood will not grow or evolve but will simply stay the same in terms of services, and housing market. Since elderly citizens are less likely to do renovations to expand there home, they neighborhood will look the same. As well as cause the housing market to plateau. 

My community has attempted to adjust these changes by closing down some senior apartments. I have noticed many new condominiums taking the place of senior apartments. There have also been many petitions objecting the removal of senior apartments and building of large condominiums.

I have also observed that there are opening more new age clothing stores and dining in the local mall, CF Shops at Don Mills. This is attracting more of a younger crowd.

It is a big risk for my community to expand their age group, having been settled so safely and stable with seniors making majority of the neighborhood. I believe that a change is near, as transformation is already taking place. I am certain that these modifications will be very beneficial for the popularity, economic standards, and housing market.

Tips on being a Freshman

                Hi Everyone! My name is Annie. I am here to talk to you about high school. High school; probably one of the biggest jumps in a teens life. So many new things to do and opportunities to catch. I have been going to high school for about 2 months now, so I think I have a good knowledge, tips and tricks to make YOU popular!

This is where I'm joking. There is no way to be popular and no tips or tricks all of that is irrelevant! High school is the time to START FRESH AND BE YOU! All those students don't know who you are, where you are coming from, and what good or bad things you did in the past. This moment couldn't be more perfect to start almost as a completely knew person. Its the time to ignore everything you did in the pass. High school is the place where it gives you a chance to be yourself, and start fresh. All those teachers and a majority of those students don't know you! Think of high school as another chance, another life, and another you. High school is high school. Its a school. Its the word that scares you. What am I talking about? There is nothing scary. If anything high school is one of the best things that can ever happen to you. There are a variety of different people, with loads of different interests. You are bound to find that perfect friend. Its the time to try new things!

I asked adults I know what they would have told there teenage selves. They said, "I would tell my teenage self to take risks." Exactly that! 

Take risks, be special, be unique, & be You!

In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take...

Love,Annie :)