Whilst take out options might look appetising, they could quickly blow your budget, and relying solely on pre-prepared foods from the supermarket could leave you lacking nutritionally. RG Scholarships is here to help! Here are some easy-to-make recipes to get you started: 

JACKET POTATOES 

The ultimate in flexible, filling eating, there is so much you can do with a jacket potato: 

1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F. 
2. Rinse potatoes, cut out any bad bits, and, using the tip of a sharp knife, prick the skin a few times. 
3. Place them on a baking tray and sprinkle with salt. 
4. Bake for 1 – 1.5 hours, depending on size. You know they are done when you can squish them slightly. 
5. Fill them! Suggestions include melted butter, grated cheese, hummus, tuna mayonnaise or baked beans. 

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH HUMMUS AND PITA 

Roasted cauliflower packs a lot of flavour, and is good bang for your buck, because you can use the whole vegetable. 

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F 
2. Cut the cauliflower florets, stem and leaves into pieces. I like them small so they go really crispy. 
3. Lay them out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with olive oil and salt, then, using your hands, mix together so the cauliflower is well covered. 
4. Optional extras: Throw some cherry tomatoes or chickpeas into the mix. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse well before adding to the baking sheet. You could also sprinkle your choice of herbs, or a small amount of curry powder over the top with, or instead of, the salt. 
5. Roast for around 25 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the oven and how crispy you like your cauliflower. 
6. Warm the pita, slice in half, spread with hummus and fill with the cauliflower. 

PASTA PUTTANESCA 

While pasta with a jar of sauce has become a student staple, with a few added extras, you can make it into a dinner-party worthy dish to treat your housemates, without risking too much of your food budget. This writer can recommend the Spaghetti Puttanesca recipe from the BBC Good Food Guide, which serves 4: 

1. Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan, over a medium-low heat. Add one finely chopped onion, a generous pinch of salt, and fry for 10 minutes, or until soft. Add two crushed garlic cloves and, if you like it, ½ tsp of chilli. Cook for a further minute. 
2. Stir a 400g can of chopped tomatoes, 5 finely chopped anchovy fillets, 120g of pitted black olives and 2 tbsp of drained capers into the onion. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Season to taste. 
3. Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cook 300g of dried spaghetti following packet instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce and ½ a bunch of chopped parsley. 

For this and other recipes, visit bbcgoodfood.com. 

SOUPS 

Nothing warms the insides like good soup, and if you are moving to a cold climate, they may be particularly welcome. A guaranteed winter warmer is Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Potato and Chorizo Soup, which serves 6 – 8 people: 

1. Peel and slice 2 carrots, 2 medium onions, 2 garlic cloves and 800g sweet potatoes. Slice 2 sticks of celery, 200g chorizo sausage and a small bunch of fresh parsley. 
2. Put a large saucepan on a high heat, add 2 tbsps olive oil, then all the chopped ingredients, along with a heaped tsp of curry powder and mix together. 
3. Cook for around 10 minutes, with the lid askew. 
4. Cover 2 chicken or vegetable stock cubes with around 1.8 litres of boiling water, stir until dissolved, then add to the pan. Stir the soup, then bring to the boil. 
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the sweet potato is cooked through. 
6. Blend until smooth, using a hand blender. 

This recipe is from ‘Ministry of Food’ by Jamie Oliver and is very popular in this writers house. 

The post Student-friendly cooking appeared first on RG Magazines.

This is why many scholarship committees value community service so highly. A scholarship winner who serves their community is more likely to shine a positive light on the selectors who rewarded him or her, than a winner who has never served. 

Students who plan on pursuing scholarships in Bermuda can greatly enhance their chances of landing one if they get into the community and serve as best they can. Two great organisations to volunteer for are Bermuda Is Love and Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB). 

Aaron Crichlow is a founder of Bermuda Is Love, and is enthusiastic about student volunteers. 

“Bermuda Is Love is a community organisation focused on building a community of love where everyones basic needs are secured. Our vision is a Bermuda where everyone recognises and acts on their duty to love and care for others. Our mission is to create a society where the basic material needs of all are met and guaranteed by law. 

“Effectively, we advocate for basic needs as human rights – the right to food, housing, clothing, healthcare, education, access to justice, and a healthy environment – through all of the events that we organise, with love as the grounding principle.” 

The ethos of duty and communal love are elite human values, and learning these well at a young age will invariably benefit the learner and the learner’s environment alike. Bermuda Is Love provides invaluable services to countless community entities, Mr Critchlow expounded: 

“Our community events include volunteering at housing shelters, feeding programmes and food pantries, community gardens, clothing drives, upcycling events, free clothing giveaways, blood drives, free health screenings and community clinics, trash cleanups, free legal advice clinics, a scholarship and mentorship programme, as well as a host of other events, workshops, panel discussions, and educational events.” 

Bermuda is Love is happy to provide character references for student volunteers, and can be found on their social media outlets – Instagram @bdaislove; X @bermudaislove; facebook: Bermuda Is Love; TikTok @ bermudaislove. They can also be contacted via email at [email protected], and by telephone on 732-1899. 

Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) is an indispensable Bermudian institution. Their drive to present the very best of Bermuda is timeless, and their capacity to inspire Bermudians into action borders on legendary. Angel Smith is their executive director, and she encouraged all students to get involved. 

“We will always welcome students to engage in our clean-ups. Any student who wants to participate can find opportunities via our KBB website. 

“Another avenue is to apply to join KBB as an intern. Currently, we have three interns working for us as educators, clean-up leaders and social media coordinators. Any interested student should send us an email at [email protected]. We would love to hear from them.” 

As far as scholarship applications go, KBB will fully validate community engagement for students. 

“We can offer a certificate of appreciation and a community service hours sheet as a reference. It has been our privilege to work with students who consistently dedicate themselves to beautifying this island. Many students have even initiated their own clean-up programmes at their schools. At KBB, we recognise and celebrate this exceptional level of commitment.” 

Along with their education programme, the KBB intern scheme provides opportunities for students to serve Bermuda. Ashlee-Rose Wilson is a current education intern with KBB, and she swears by their commitment to improving Bermuda for generations to come. 

“I knew that KBB was a force for good in our community. I wanted to be a part of that. Bermuda is my home. It is a radiant jewel in a sparkling sea. I want it to stay that way. By first learning myself, and then educating others, I can help to keep our island beautiful. I have learned so much about protecting our land and ocean from litter. Now, I see things in the store differently. I shop differently. Education, learning, knowing, opens the doors to new opportunities. I am privileged to be a part of that for KBB.” 

The post Help yourself and serve your community appeared first on RG Magazines.

Ywione Darrell and Daniel Osset have been university students for over three years. Mr Darrell is embarking on a Masters of Science in Economics for Development at Oxford University, having completed his Bachelor’s of Science and Political Economy at Kings College, London. Mr Osset is in his final year at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, studying Finance. They shared their time-management tips for meeting all your deadlines, while still having fun. 

WORK 9–5 

This might be something you were hoping to put off until post-university, but they both recommended treating university like a work day. This can prevent last minute, late night cramming: “I like to work a 9 – 5, or 6,” said Mr Osset. “Have all my classes and studying within that period and take breaks, then, after that have your social time. That helps you stay focused for a set period of time. Shorter on less busy days.” 

“That strategy helped me this year with my dissertation,” added Mr Darrell. “The way my course was structured, I had all my lectures the first days and for the rest of the week, I had nothing. If I treated it like an extra two days to the weekend, I would get no work done. So, I adopted that strategy.” 

SCHEDULE WORK IN YOUR CALENDAR 

Mr Osset recommended students use their phone calendars to help manage their time: “Break up blocks of time to do your tasks. If it’s a project, for example, set aside one hour a day to work on that project. And, when you see that block of time on your calendar, actually do it. Don’t put it off and delay another hour.” 

POMODORO AND PUT THE PHONE DOWN 

In order to study effectively, Mr Osset uses the Pomodoro Technique of 25-minute stretches of focused work, followed by a five minute break. During that break, however, you mustn’t look at your phone: “You work for that concentrated period and then you can take a five minute break to take some water, eat some food, walk around, but not touch your phone,” he said. 

“When I don’t touch my phone for a four hour study session, I get everything done in four hours. If I touch my phone, it will take an entire day because I will message friends, get distracted.” 

USE TECHNOLOGY,  BUT MIX IT UP 

With all the different devices available and the answer to any question being just a click away, the advantages to using technology to get your work done, are obvious, but, advised Mr Osset, do a mix: “Use technology and your laptop but also try and do some of it by hand as that will help you memorise better.” 

Mr Darrell said this method stopped him getting distracted by YouTube videos: “One of the ways I try to stop myself is I study a lot by writing things down in books. Making big posters. Even for text books, go into the library in person and read, and sit, and write. I think that helps me be less stressed and helps with my time management because the Google chrome tab is not a click away.” 

BALANCE 

Yes, you need to work hard towards your degree, but, in order to do that most effectively, you also need down time: “Something that’s definitely underrated is how you balance working time, with time with friends to get outside and enjoy yourself,” said Mr Darrell. 

“There are times at university when things are really hard, where you’re struggling. One of the things I learned to cope and help me with my time management, and help me with the deadlines that kept coming, was learning to force some moment of breaks. Force some moments to myself. Time to speak to family. That helped alleviate a lot of that stress and made me more productive when I went to put my head down.” 

The post About Time! How to manage your time and meet your deadlines appeared first on RG Magazines.

When it comes to passports, the country that issued it isn’t so important unless you are hoping to save on school fees. A Bermudian with a British passport, for example, will pay the same tuition fee as a British national: 

“The Bermuda passport works in the US and Canada, but in the UK, if they use a Bermuda passport they will pay international fees, which is double the price,” explained Sandra Dill, the PeerForward programme manager at Mirrors, an initiative that “empowers students to achieve their full potential in school and life. 

“It’s the same as if they were in the US or Canada. If you don’t, you’re going to be seen as an international student without a passport to that country.” 

Student visas are also on the checklist. For students headed to the US, it’s a task taken on by the school. If going to a university in the UK on a British passport, a visa is not necessary; if headed to Canada, students need to secure an entry visa as well as a study visa. 

“For people going to Canada, I would say once a student gets accepted, to start the enrollment process right away, because it doesn’t happen until they pay their enrollment fee. Once they pay the enrollment fees, then they can get their visa,” she said. 

An added step is that students must submit their biometrics – a photo of themselves and their fingerprints as proof of identity – before they can enter Canada. 

“Every now and then, the Canadian government does a biometric assessment here. But if they don’t do it here, then students have to go to someplace else, normally to the US, to have it done because they cannot enter Canada as a student without it.” 

Cell phones make communication with friends and family possible. Many students will get a SIM card from whatever country they are in; others will stick with their Bermuda plan and send messages via WhatsApp when they are not at home. 

“With WhatsApp, you have to be near WiFi. If there’s no WiFi, you can’t use it. So most students get a SIM card. But it’s best not to get it at the airport. They’re more expensive.” 

Students have told Ms Dill they’ve had an easier time using debit and credit cards issued by Bermuda bank accounts in the US and Canada than in the UK: “In the UK, if they want to set up a bank account, it can take a while. It’s similar to setting up a bank account in Bermuda – they need proof of who you are, where you live, that you have the right to be in the country and so forth. It takes a bit of a time in England. However, I’ve been told that if they go to Lloyds Bank it’s less cumbersome. So, my suggestion is to look for a Lloyds Bank near them and try that.” 

Schools in the US and Canada send acceptance letters as early as April and at the latest, June, if students meet the application cutoff in December. In the UK, the application deadline isn’t until January. Conditional acceptances will come in March; a formal place offering won’t come until July or August which doesn’t allow much time to get everything in place before the school year starts. 

“Accommodation is the biggest challenge in the UK. They have limited dorms. [Organise] your dorms as early as you can,” Ms Dill said. “When you receive the acceptances from the schools, they will give you instructions as to what to do, and everything is by email. No longer do people talk to you anymore so students really have to be attentive to their emails.” 

As well, many students prefer to live off-campus which means they must be able to provide months of rent in advance and a guarantee of funding moving forward.

The post Studying abroad? Allow for the admin appeared first on RG Magazines.

Fortunately, in Bermuda, we have the Bermuda College, which is recognised for its academic excellence in many disciplines as well as its ability to encourage the academic or career advancement of its students. Try taking a look at their range of academic programmes and professional certificates. Even some of us older folks might be pleasantly surprised. 

Many young people may not have the financial capability, nor the social maturity to go overseas straight out of high school, yet they are keen to attain a higher level of education and qualifications to get that dream job. That concern has been addressed and remedied by Bermuda College. 

I chatted to Dr Constance Ridley-Smith, who wears two hats at Bermuda College – coordinator, training, professional development, and coordinator, external programmes & articulation agreements. She spoke about the college’s Transfer Pathways Programme. 

This programme gives students the opportunity to obtain their associate degree at the college, transferring their academic credits to the third year of a four-year college or university, or to the second year in the UK. Bermuda College has these transfer agreements or pathways with nearly 40 accredited institutions in the US, Canada, the West Indies/Caribbean, and the UK. 

Dr Ridley-Smith explained: “In the last five years, we have broadened our subject areas. Whereas most partnerships were previously in business and accounting, we now have law at the University of Buckingham, Marine Science at Arizona State via Bermuda’s own BIOS, Sports Medicine at Voorhees University in South Carolina, the opportunity to play college sports at Thomas College, and exciting opportunities at Troy University in Alabama. 

“Recognising the changing world of academics, we have boosted our online partnerships. This is a plus for young persons and mature learners like me who want to participate in lifelong learning without leaving home and disrupting their lives. We offer undergraduate degrees online in Risk Management, Nursing, Cyber Security, Fashion Design, Music, and many other options. 

“After spending two years at Bermuda College and attaining at least a 2.0 GPA, the student can apply for admission into one of the institutions on Bermuda College’s transfer pathways list. Thereafter, the student can complete a further two years of study at partner institutions to attain the internationally-recognised bachelor’s degree in many different disciplines, commonly known as subject areas. Moreover, Bermuda College’s partners offer a range of scholarships possible for their international students. 

“These programmes have been rigorously negotiated to guarantee a two-plus-two option. In order to make good on that promise, it is strongly advised that coursework (your major) at Bermuda College correlates to the bachelor’s degree that you intend to take at the overseas institution. You can change your major once you get abroad, but it will take you longer than the two-plus-two option implies.” 

Having said that, Bermuda College recognises that objectives, especially in education, can change through the learning years, and discussion with a college counsellor and academic advisor is recommended. Earliest discussions are advised. 

Students who are UK-bound will benefit from the college’s one-year Foundation Diploma, designed for smooth transfer. The advisement process assists not only with the identification of courses and requirements, but also with a full itinerary of subject matter, classes and time frames. 

Visit “Transfer Pathways” on the Bermuda College website. From the “Menu”, “Academics”, then “Transfer Pathways”. Next, call Bermuda College to schedule an appointment. They will provide you with the best possible options for your academic and, ultimately, career success. This part of the pathways programme underscores the Bermuda College mission statement: “Many paths. Discover yours.” 

The post Home grown options appeared first on RG Magazines.

Felicia Wilsen is a KPMG partner, and Lift Off Program chair. She broke down the variety of opportunities available for students: “The Lift Off Program is designed to provide skills development, an opportunity to interact with our client engagement teams, as well as providing exposure to professional networking to accelerate a graduates’ career.” 

The list of opportunities students can look forward to taking part in include the work shadow program, scholarships, summer internships, co-op placements, and the Lift Off Program proper. 

Ms Wilsen disclosed that the work shadow program offers access to KPMG’s “Audit, Tax, Advisory, Finance, HR, Markets and IT departments to high school students interested in observing, gaining insight and exposure to our professionals’ day-to-day roles in an office environment.” This program, which takes place over two days in April, is where students not only shadow an employee, but they take part in presentations, hearing from various KPMG staff members. 

Perhaps the most generous component of the KPMG scheme is the KPMG Scholarship, an annual financial award of $30,000 for up to four years. This scholarship is provided by the partners of KPMG, and is awarded to high-performing Bermudian, BOTC and PRC holder students who are either entering, or are currently in, university. Successful candidates must be interested in pursuing a career in accounting. 

“Since 2021, KPMG has also collaborated with Frontier, an Artex Company, to award an accounting Scholarship which is valued at $15,000 per annum for up to three years. The KPMG and Frontier scholarship recipients will take part in KPMG’s Global Advantage Program. The recipients will travel to one of our global KPMG offices to attend a four-day global leadership program designed to attract top KPMG talent. At this program, students will experience development training, networking with over 100 students from over 10 countries, historical and cultural activities, and client interaction.” 

These scholarships also offer successful applicants full-time employment within KPMG’s Lift Off Program upon successful completion of their degree, paid summer internships, access to an in-house professional coach, along with invaluable mentorship opportunities. 

The KPMG summer internship is a 10 to 12 week paid internship offered to, “a select group, 10 – 15, of Bermudian, BOTC and PRC holder students. During this time, interns take part in charitable projects, network with industry professionals and plan our annual summer ‘K-Nect’ student networking event. At this event, parents, teachers and students can find out how KPMG can help shape students’ interest in business and financial services into a rewarding career.” 

KPMG also helps successful applicants with professional exposure, offering work-experience placements with their co-op placement program. This is designed for students who may require work experience as part of their university degree. 

This comprehensive scheme sounds awesome, but what kind of candidates are KPMG looking for – and what should applicants be mindful of when they are compiling their application packages? 

“We are looking for inspired students and graduates, who want to become the best at what they do, innovate, effect change, drive for results, stay passionately committed to excellence and take a global view of both the accounting profession and their role in creating their career. 

“When students are submitting their application, they should ensure they have all the requested information that is asked for in the application, have someone proof-read their application, and supporting documentation to check for typos, and ensure their social media pages have a positive outlook, as we research candidates online.” 

Once a candidate has secured their place within the KPMG scheme, they have access to local and international coaching and training: 

“KPMG in Bermuda has a dedicated Learning & Development team that not only provides training, but provides in-house coaching to students. In addition to the local training received, the global firm also provides training sessions that the Bermuda firm employees can attend. KPMG also has a secondment program which allows them to be placed at other member firms within the KPMG network. In the past, employees have been seconded to offices in the UK and Australia.” 

The post Global opportunities for future accountants appeared first on RG Magazines.

I sat down with executive coach and founder of Olive Branch Consulting, Dr Crystal Clay, to get some simple tips to help students demystify and prepare for the internship interview process. 

If you have never interviewed for a position before, where do you start?

“The first thing you have to do is ‘reframe’ your own thinking regarding what your qualifications are,” began Dr Clay. “Think about your own life experiences and how you have been spending your time – have you been involved in team sports, or worked on a group project, or done any volunteer work?

“In each instance, think about what your role was in the activity and what technical skills or life skills you acquired as a result of your involvement. Then think about how you would tailor your answers to interview questions to highlight how your background fits the requirements of the internship you are applying for.”

How do you research a company offering an internship?

These days you can glean a lot of useful information by visiting the “About Us” section of a company’s corporate website and social media pages, “but don’t stop there,” said Dr. Clay. “Keep in mind that this internship might ultimately lead to a job offer, so try to talk to someone who works at the company and find out what the company’s track record is for training talent and what their corporate culture is like.

“It’s important to understand the company’s mission, vision and values, and ask yourself how these align with your own personal values and whether this is a company you would want to work for long-term.”

How do you demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for a position during an interview?

“The best thing you can do is display a high level of engagement from the moment you walk through the front door,” said Dr Clay. “Smile and make eye contact with everyone you meet, particularly when you are sitting in the reception area waiting for your appointment to start.

“Always shake hands firmly and be ready to ask questions that demonstrate you understand what the company does, the role being offered, and opportunities for learning while you are taking part in the internship programme.”

What should you wear to the interview?

“To some extent this depends on the industry, company culture, and the type of job that you are applying for,” she said. “If you are applying to a law firm, for example, they will most likely expect you to dress in conservative business attire, while a creative firm, such as an advertising agency, might be ok with a business casual outfit.

“If in doubt, it is always better to overdress rather than underdress,” she cautioned.

What should you bring to the interview?

You should always bring copies of your resume, copies of your references, a copy of the job description including the exact date, time, and street address of the interview, a notepad and pen for taking notes (another great way to subtly convey your sincere interest in the position) and a portfolio with samples of work, if this is a requirement of the position that you are applying for.

What should you never bring to an interview?

“Never bring extra people – especially your parents,” said Dr Clay. “It is perfectly fine for someone to give you a lift to the meeting, but that person should never come inside the building.”

“Also – and I cannot stress this enough – you need to take a good hard look at all of your social media profiles and ask yourself whether your profiles are consistent and professional. If in doubt, clean up your profiles before you start going for interviews. Employers absolutely do look at the social media presence of everyone they are considering hiring these days.”

Learning to prepare properly for interviews is essential for your future career – take these early opportunities seriously. 

The post Interviewing for Internships appeared first on RG Magazines.

Ms DaSilva was already working as an occupational health, safety and environment (OHSE) coordinator at the power utility company when she applied for the $10,000 three-year scholarship last year. 

As a 31-year-old with a family, she knew finding the time for the education would be challenging, but, she said: “I have always had a drive for continual growth and progression. As I look to continue to progress both personally and professionally, I am working towards attaining more professional designations and taking on a leadership role within the company.” 

The award, one of Belco’s most prestigious scholarships, enabled Ms DaSilva to attend Oakland University, Michigan, to study for a dual Master of Science in Safety Management and Business Administration. 

She said: “I am a wife, mother and professional. With that, the most challenging aspect is balancing my studies with my personal and professional responsibilities. However, I am enjoying the opportunity to delve deeply into safety, business and management topics and apply new knowledge to real-world situations. Completing these degrees will be a testament to my perseverance and dedication, and it will continue to be a source of pride and motivation for me. It has also enhanced my credibility and I believe it will continue to open opportunities for professional growth and leadership within Belco and the wider industry.” 

Belco started its awards programme more than 40 years ago to help scholars improve their knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects that can help them prosper within the company and in the wider community. Awards range from $2,500 to $25,000. 

Ms DaSilva was one of 19 Bermudians who received a total of $215,000 in Belco scholarship awards last year. She believes her experience at the company stood in her good stead throughout the application process: 

“I believe my application was successful due to my strong academic background, clear career goals and demonstrated passion for the progression and success of the company, as my career goals align with the company’s vison,” she said. “Additionally, my experience as an OHSE coordinator at Belco likely showcased my commitment to the field. 

“Finding out that I was successful was exhilarating and deeply gratifying, affirming that my hard work and dedication were recognised.” 

Being a scholar has involved maintaining high academic standards, actively participating in relevant research, and contributing to the field through internships or projects. After completing her education, Ms DaSilva looks forward to continuing in the OHSE area, but with added responsibilities: 

“I enjoy developing health, safety and environmental initiatives the most, as it allows me to innovate and improve our current programmes,” she said. “In the coming months and years, I aim to further enhance our safety, health and environment culture and take on more leadership roles within the organisation.” 

She advised scholarship applicants to clearly articulate their passion for their chosen field and demonstrate how the scholarship will help them achieve their career goals: “Making their application stand out involves showcasing a unique perspective or innovative ideas they plan to bring to their field,” she said. 

She also stressed the importance of perseverance and continuous learning: “The global market and fields are constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest practices and regulations is crucial. A scholarship like Belco’s can provide a significant boost, but dedication and passion are key to long-term success.” 

For more information, visit belco.bm/ scholarships.

The post Path to power company leadership appeared first on RG Magazines.

Whether you will be studying on-island or abroad, it’s crucial for students to actively prioritise their mental and physical well-being. I caught up with Lyndon Jackson, acting director of counselling & student activities at the Bermuda College to get his advice regarding setting yourself up to thrive during your college years. 

“College life presents a unique set of challenges that can significantly affect your health and wellness if you are not properly prepared,” he said. “When a student is transitioning to higher education, every aspect of their life is impacted by changes in academic expectations, scheduling, diet, sleep, physical surroundings and social dynamics. 

“Unless you take the time to check in with yourself and develop healthy coping mechanisms, it’s easy for normal life stressors to spiral into anxiety and depression.” 

Are college students taking mental health seriously enough? 

Mr Jackson believes that students are generally experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression than once was the case, but they may not necessarily be aware that they are struggling: 

“It’s really important to have a conversation regarding how you deal with stress personally and how the decisions you are making are impacting your behaviour,” he said. “In this respect, each person is unique, so the best advice would be to work to understand what stress and anxiety look like for you, and then work to build a support system to help you cope.” 

Are colleges actively working to change the conversation around mental health and to build a culture of support and understanding? 

Mr Jackson said yes: “These days you will typically find a range of resources to support students’ mental health, including counselling services, wellness programmes and peer support groups designed to provide students with the tools they need to thrive during their academic years.” 

What advice would you give to students regarding the use of alcohol or drugs during their college years? 

It goes without saying that each college and each jurisdiction is going to have different regulations regarding the use of these types of substances, and you must not make assumptions regarding what is legal or “acceptable” practice at the institution of higher learning that you are going to be attending. 

“As a student, you need to keep in mind that you have academic, financial and relationship responsibilities to maintain. You need to understand how these types of substances impact you personally and know your limits,” Mr Jackson cautioned. “Never lose sight of the fact that there can be serious consequences for your actions, and you need to carefully consider whether your behaviour is safe and sensible.” 

WELLNESS TIPS FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS 

“Perhaps the best thing you can do to support your wellness is to consider what sort of campus environment would suit you best, before you even apply to college,” he advised. “It’s a good idea to think about what sort of person you are and whether you would do better on a small campus or whether you would prefer to be at a large university in a big city.” 

It is also essential to understand that the transition to college life is just that, a transition. Familiarise yourself in advance with the various types of resources that are available to support your mental, physical, emotional, nutritional, spiritual, social and financial health. 

By taking the time to do a little research and making the most of the opportunity to get to know yourself and your personal value system, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the health and wellness challenges they may encounter in college, along with effective strategies for addressing them. 

Embracing mental wellness is not just about surviving college and avoiding burnout; it’s about thriving and making the most of this transformative period. 

The post From Stress to Success appeared first on RG Magazines.

The ability for the family to cover all tuition costs plus expenses including travel and accommodation has become increasingly difficult. Even with a regular savings regimen starting years before the son or daughter is expected to go to college, the current cost will inevitably be much higher than originally projected, and saved for. 

Hopefully, there may be some opportunity for a scholarship or grant from the targeted college, but that is never guaranteed and can’t be predicted years ahead of time. Consequently, there is a growing need for financial assistance from outside the family, usually in the form of a personal loan from a bank. 

I spoke with Teresa Gibson, vice president of Bank of Butterfield’s Consumer Credit department regarding a few questions and comments. 

The bank recognises that a college loan needs to be affordable over a longer period to allow repayment terms suitable for both the student and the bank. The typical lending period is between one to seven years ahead, and discussion with the lending person at the bank will assist in that determination. 

In most cases, information from the student’s parent or parents will be required, such as name, address employment, existing lending with the bank, comfortable repayment terms, current financial obligations, expenses and income. 

The bank loan can cover the cost of the college tuition fees plus travel, accommodation and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, considering that the intended college will most likely be outside of Bermuda in the US, Canada or the UK. 

The bank also provides advice on how to manage your finances, including budgeting, saving, credit card control and general personal expense management. It is critical for the student, and for that matter, the parents, to have a full grasp of personal money management before taking out the loan, and especially during the term of the loan. Attention to cost control is essential and the bank will require regular financial updates over the course of the loan. 

It is also advisable to not only have a good idea of which college you are going to well ahead of time, but also which courses you intend to take. And, of course, whether you will be accepted by the college entry process. 

Getting a pre-assessment from the bank is a useful approach. Contact them in advance when you have a good idea of where you want to go, and the approximate costs of the college fees. Simply contact the bank and submit the necessary information to have the lending experts review the details and pre-approve you for financing, giving you some indication of your borrowing ability when you are ultimately ready to apply for college. 

Leaving discussions with the bank until you are ready to go off to college is not a wise approach. The sooner you know what your options are, the better for you, your parents and the bank. Moreover, introducing yourself to the bank in ample time is a good idea. 

Finally, note that Butterfield education loans can also be utilized for professional advancement, such as a masters degree, doctorate, or even a certification. The bank recognises that education for all sections of the community is a high priority, so regardless of your age, should you have an interest in further education, and need some assistance, talk to the bank. 

For more information, visit www.butterfieldgroup.com, e-mail them at personallending.bermuda@butterfieldgroup. com, or call 298-4799 to speak to a lending specialist.

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