Sunday 2 September 2007

September 2nd, 2007 BTS Syndrome

I refuse to let go of summer; after all it isn’t officially over yet! In our home the BTS syndrome begins during the second or third week of August, BTS standing for Back to School. Having worked as a Registered Nurse for a number of years, I feel compelled to analyze things! I believe this is a universal experience for human kind, so I never feel alone in my somewhat melancholy sentiment. Although I must admit that routine is healthy for people, another few weeks at our newly purchased summer cottage on One Island Lake would ease the pain just a little bit. Like a chore that eventually needs tending, so we face the reality that the dog days of summer must come to a close!

Insulating my husband, who teaches High School at St. Patrick’s, from the inevitable return to his loved yet taxing career, I’ve learned to make Back to School shopping for our child, solely a mother-son bonding affair. Being a consummate optimist, I work diligently at reframing what feels negative and reframing the situation in to something constructive. Of course this doesn’t always happen in haste; I malinger in the brooding momentarily and then get on with the task at hand!


Persons of all ages deal with this predictable task. Being a parent sending your youngster off to school for the first time, can prove to be an exciting yet emotional time for both parent and child. Moving away to attend post-secondary school can result in a similar response. Experiencing a return to school as a mature student can present its own set of trials and tribulations. Having first hand experience in all of the aforementioned situations, I can relate to the experience on many different levels. As the tasks are many in order to feel organized and confident, we may find ourselves reaching for assistance to feel informed about back to school resources.


I don’t think I’m alone in the question that comes to mind, where exactly do I start?

Starting at your local branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library is a fabulous place to begin. The library will be providing a Do It Yourself Homework Help program in the Waverley Auditorium Tuesday October 9, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. This will be presented by the children’s librarian, and is geared to parents and their elementary school aged children. The focus of the session will be to learn about the tools that the Thunder Bay Public Library purchases for students in this age group to help with school work. Check out your Fall Library Newsletter for more information and Registration dates!


Your library provides you not only with the most updated computer databases available for research, but the reference staff to help you find what you’re looking for. Whether it’s maps, illustrations, facts, biographies, books, magazine articles or encyclopedias our knowledgeable and professional staff is always there to assist you in discovering what you are looking for. Knowing what it’s like to be on a student budget, you don’t have to worry about fees for student cards. All student memberships are now available at no cost, so we encourage those moving to Thunder Bay from different communities to make full use of this service.


For the mature student, services abound for you within our branches. For those that need assistance updating computer internet skills, ask about our free classes provided in an awesome training lab with excellent instructors. To complement your newly learned skills, we also provide free internet access for up to one hour per day for all patrons. Making choices as a mature student can seem overwhelming at times, and holding a good book in your hands can help you make some great choices. Check out some of our print material such as the ADULT BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNER to help you look at getting the support you need with money matters, taking care of the kids, and effective study habits.


As the school summer vacation comes to a close, take comfort in knowing you are only a question away from finding what you need. Let us help you get prepared, be organized and look forward to expanding your horizons, knowledge and insight. Education is a gift, and the Thunder Bay Public Library is proud to support our local educators and students in providing and seeking such a great service to our community.


Raegan Rocco

Library Assistant

www.tbpl.ca


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