A few things...

Hello HEALers,

How are you holding up? You have just a few more classes to go before completing this journey. As you reach towards this final stretch, I hope that you take the time this holiday to acknowledge all that you have accomplished over the course of this program. And if I can offer some advice, while you are in this moment of reflection consider those goals and objectives that remain to be accomplished and plan a path to them as you prepare for the New Year.

Before we take that leap into 2013, here are a few things I would like to share:

SFU Workshops
SFU's Learning Commons Workshops for next year are posted. There are a variety of topics covered from critical thinking to speaking effectively. Check them out!

Your Education Matters
Did you know that SFU has an educational program series? If you have a few moments this break, visit the channel. Here is one my favourites featuring Dr. Robin Brayne and Dr. Geoff Madoc-Jones on the topic of market-driven education.

GSS Student Funding
If there is a conference that you would like to attend this spring, consider applying for the GSS professional development fund!  Deadline is February 1, 2013.

How to Handle World News with Young Children
I know that many of you work with children and I thought that this quote by Fred Rogers provided some wonderful advice about what to focus on in times of tragedy:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world."

For more helpful hints, click here.

Bodypsalms
I find myself revisiting Dr. Snowber’s Bodypsalms site for comfort and words of encouragement. She has released Solitude and Christmas for those of you that follow her too.

Taneem's touching tribute to Dr. Snowber made me smile.

More Links!
The Happiness Project! Speaking of happy, this video on how to make Western Spaghetti had me laughing out loud (and strangely made me hungry).

On the topic of food, Sherry shares a recipe for a tasty Lentil Quinoa Loaf.

Have you checked this out?  Healthy public policy: The four types of impact assessment used in Canada. The framework, links, and references may interest some of you.

I wish we had something like this to capture the narratives of Canadians.

And if you are still searching for that perfect gift to give this year, check out the best history books of 2012!

One final thought to leave you with...

Happy Holidays,

Jacqueline