Teacherly, a London-headquartered edtech startup with presence in the United Arab Emirates, has raised $1.5 million in seed funding from Abu Dhabi-based Shorooq Partners (previously Shorooq Investments), the startup told MENAbytes today.

Founded in 2016 by Atif Mahmood, an educator himself, Teacherly is a collaborative lesson planning and peer-to-peer coaching platform designed for teachers. The platform enables teachers to plan lessons, communicate and collaborate digitally and claims that it helps them save 67 percent of their time while planning lessons and managing communications. The lessons planned and created on Teacherly could be assigned to students by inviting them to the platform.

The platform that can be used by any educator or learning provider (even if theyre not associated with an institution) comes with instant access to thousands of exemplar lesson templates, making it easy for a teacher to plan a lesson in different leaning episodes and phases. The content, it currently offers,includes the English, American and UAE Curriculum coveringInternational Baccalaureate (IB).

The teachers also have the options to select other subjects, create their own content, and evenincorporate other personal development or workplace skills into the curriculum.

After establishing itself in the United Kingdom, Teacherly expanded to MENA with its launch in UAE last year.

Atif Mahmood, the co-founder and CEO of Teacherly, in a conversation with MENAbytes said that theyre currently focusing on UAE in the Middle East but have plans to expand Teacherly to Saudi, and then North Africa within the next two years.

We are aggressively going after the 10 biggest countries in Middle East and have a team and execution plan ready. We have built a team that already has experience of building an edtech brand in MENA, he said.

The startup according to a statement already serves over 70,000 Monthly Active Users (the teachers this number does not include the students) and is set to grow+4x this year.

Despite our low marketing effort, these impressive growth metrics are a testimony to the positive reception and validation of the service by the teaching community, said the startup in a statement.

Atif Mahmood, commenting on the investment, said, Despite the recent growth in edtech, the teaching population in the Middle East is still heavily overlooked and underserved by the latest technology. We are confident that with Shorooqs expertise and support we can create value and solve important problems for the education space here.

Shane Shin, Founding Partner at Shorooq Partners, said, Education is still one of the more conventional spaces that is underserved by the latest technology, and we are delighted to enter the space through a truly disruptive venture. We are excited to join the journey of Teacherly at such an early stage and are committed to building it together supporting it to grow its strong presence in the Middle East and further penetrate the European market. We believe that Teacherly solves a unique problem that few businesses have identified, let alone solve effectively, and is poised for exponential growth.

Kunal Savjani, Partner at Shorooq, said, I have known Atif for a long time and he is one of the most sincere, dedicated and knowledgeable Founders. With him spearheading the business and our strategic support, Teacherly is positioned in a fantastic spot to become a leading player in the edtech space.

Teacherly plans to use the investment to further grow the team and execute its expansion plans.

Founder at MENAbytes

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Teacherly raises $1.5 million seed to reinvent teacher collaboration and communication - MENAbytes

A HIGH school has been ordered to improve after its latest inspection.

Lowton CE High School on Newton Road was given an overall score of "requires improvement" after a visit by education regulator Ofsted.

Inspectors found the school needs to improve its leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment along with its outcomes for pupils.

The report said: "Despite improvements across the school, leaders have been unable to secure a consistently good quality of education for pupils.

"Weaknesses in some aspects of leadership have hampered the pace of improvement.

"Leaders have made several changes to improve teaching since the previous inspection.

"These actions have raised the quality of teaching in many subjects.

"However, the quality of teaching is not consistently good across subjects and year groups."

There were some positive aspects noted in the inspection, which was carried out on June 25 and 26 and published on September 10.

The school's personal development, behaviour and welfare was ranked as "good".

READ > Slimmers complete 50-mile challenge across the world

The report stated: "Leaders assessment information and work in pupils books show that the progress made by current pupils is improving. This is especially the case in mathematics.

"The schools work to promote pupils personal development and welfare is good.

"All pupils, but particularly disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), receive help and support to prepare them for further education, employment or training.

Head teacher Julian Pollard expressed his "frustration" with the findings in the report.

He said: "We are frustrated with the report.

"We have made quite a significant improvement in our GCSE results this summer - which we were delighted with.

"We got the best possible results of what we told Ofsted we were going to get.

"We have done a lot of really strong work and we are dealing with the issues raised."

Read more from the original source:
Lowton CE High School ordered to improve after inspection - Leigh Journal

Those within the arts discipline dont always have a straightforward path to employment. The competitive worlds of music and dance require students to continuously improve their talents and develop themselves professionally.

Music students who aspire to work abroad and are not fluent in English will need to work on their language skills alongside their music learning.

For a bright future in music, these types of students must seek a study path that allows them to focus on their music studies while giving them the right opportunities to improve their English communication skills.

Before undertaking your degree, theres the option to pursue a certificate or course that offers a solid foundation in music.

A unique course offering from the esteemed Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK, is the International Foundation Certificate: Music and English.

This programme prepares students for further study and significantly enhances their English language skills so they can embark on a future in music without language barriers, also giving them valuable professional development in the field.

Musical skill development and English language acquisition is equally balanced throughout the programme, and students are given opportunities wherever possible to intermix learning across these two areas of study.

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

This programme has been designed for students to reach their career potential and ensure they become employable musicians.

It does so by enabling them to build on their musical interests, skills and experience, discover more in the world of music and explore possibilities for their personal, artistic and professional development.

The programme is rooted in practice-based activity so students get to continuously work on their music skills.

Students will have weekly one-to-one lessons with Trinity Labans experienced instrumental teachers, who help them develop their skills in their principal study, be it an instrument, voice or composition.

On top of their principal study lessons and departmental classes, students will improve their performance skills through engagement with Alexander Technique, Dalcroze and weekly performance workshops.

There is a focus on developing audition techniques to help students be successful when applying for further studies

Learning occurs through a mix of formal tuition, experiential learning and personal study. All students are also required to complete aPersonal Development Plan (PDP)which consists of a learning journal, regular recordings and performance reflections.

They also develop their learning by participating in a broad range of solo, small group, chamber and large ensemble activities, including chances to perform their work in public.

Enhancing their study is the chance to learn from visiting artists, ensemble directors and lecturers who expose students to a variety of views and industry-relevant approaches current within the music profession.

They also get to develop soft skills such as collaboration and innovation through CoLab an integral element of performance studies where students from across the institution work together to create and develop creative projects, and where artistic risks and innovation are encouraged.

Alongside world-class music tuition international students will also have the chance to improve their English skills, preparing them for undergraduate study or further learning.

Students will take the Integrated Skills in English module as part of their programme and be entered for the Trinity ISE II (undergraduate) or Trinity ISE III (postgraduate) examination.

The ISE qualification can be used to demonstrate the level of English required for entry to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Trinity Laban.

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Upon completion of the certificate programme, students will be able to communicate in English effectively so they can go on to study a Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree at a UK Conservatoire or University.

Students learn English in small tutorial groups, where they also get to practice the language by communicating with others.

All aspects of English are covered through the programme, which aims to further the development of vocabulary and grammar knowledge in students, as well as developing fluency and the ability to consistently apply learning in practice.

The classes are both practical and fun, helping students learn by using English in a range of situations.

For example, in one project, students were asked to learn about a famous London landmark and take their classmates on a guided tour where they presented what they had learnt.

Students are also taught music-specific vocabulary and terms to help them in their chosen career.

Those who have successfully completed the programme in the past have been successful in gaining places at Trinity Laban and other top conservatoires in the UK

Every element of the International Foundation Certificate: Music and English is designed to help students not only become more prepared for a future in music, but also to thrive and become confident, capable musicians with adept fluency in English.

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Trinity Laban: A world-class performing arts education in London

Trinity Laban: Audition for Londons Musical and Creative Conservatoire

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Preparing students for a bright future in music - Study International News

A FORMER Bromsgrove firefighter proved she was the perfect role model after helping young people who were victims of crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Sophie Newnes was recognised at a special ceremony at Worcesters Guildhall last week, receiving a Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) award.

As part of the services Positive Role Model (PRIME) scheme in North Worcestershire, Sophie was successful in helping vulnerable young people with a diverse range of issues with their personal development.

The youths had been referred to the service for one-to-one support.

As part of the project the young people confided in Sophie about the ongoing criminality they were falling victim to and she was able to bring the matter to the attention of the police, providing details on those committing the crime.

She also liaised between the police and the young people to make the process of giving evidence statements easier for them and she helped the victims communicate what had happened to their parents and guardians.

HWFRS Group Commander Rob Allen who introduced the award said it was thanks to Sophie the criminals faced justice for what they had done.

The perpetrators were brought to trial at Crown Court and received significant custodial sentences.

Sophies contribution was integral to this process and also brought great comfort to the victims and their families, he added.

Sophie now works for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighter Sophie finally gets to rescue cat in her last run of Bromsgrove shifts

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Award for former Bromsgrove firefighter Sophie for being 'perfect role model' for young people - Bromsgrove Standard

The Reserve Bank of Indias decision to reduce risk weight on consumer loans is credit negative as it will encourage banks to increase their exposure to this loan segment at a time when credit risks are already increasing amid a slowdown in the economy, Moodys Investors Service said on Wednesday.

To reduce the cost of loans and boost demand, the banking regulator last week reduced risk weight on consumer loans such as personal loans to 100% from 125%. However, credit card receivables were excluded from the relaxation.

Personal loans have been reporting strong growth in India over the last few years. The segment's compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 22% over fiscal 2013-2019 far exceeded that of 11% in overall banking system loans over this period. Personal loan growth has been particularly strong among large private sector banks, Moodys said.

The ratings agency said the strong growth of personal loans in recent years was supported by the yields offered by these unsecured loans, which were among the highest within retail lending. A benign credit environment, characterized by relatively low credit costs across all key retail loan segments, was a key driver of this growth as it prompted banks to focus on personal loans for their higher yields," it said.

The banking regulators latest decision will lower banks capital requirements and thus the loss absorbing buffer on these loans. It will also encourage banks to further increase their exposure to this cyclical segment at a time when the macroeconomy is slowing, Moodys said.

Indian economy grew at its slowest pace in six years at 5% during the quarter ended June, amid sluggish demand, slowdown in private investment, stress in the non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), downturn in the automobile, and job losses.

This raises the risk that asset risk on unseasoned personal loans will rise as a result of potential deterioration in household financial conditions," Moodys said.

Within rated banks, HDFC Bank Limited (Baa2 stable, baa2) has a higher exposure to the personal loans segment and are thus more vulnerable to the potential rise in asset risk as a result of this development," it said.

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Moodys says RBIs decision to cut risk weight on consumer loans credit negative - Livemint

Culture Night

Theres a fantastic line-up of events at a number of its locations throughout Ireland for Culture Night, September 20.

In Dublin, the GPO Witness History Museum located in the heart of OConnell Street will be opening its doors free of charge.

Evening tour guides at Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate will take you through three centuries of Irish history as you enjoy some of the finest examples of Georgian period Irish architecture.

At Malahide Castle & Gardens a unique taster tour experience has been created especially for Culture Night. This is not just a tour of the castle: this is a trip through time that will give visitors an extraordinary glimpse into life and times during the 800 years that the Talbot family resided there - right up until 1975.

For more information on these and other events, visit http://www.culturenight.ie

Hardy Annuals Charity Walk

The Hardy Annuals Charity Challenge Walk takes place in Glendalough on Thursday, September 26. The walk is being held to raise money for a fantastic charity, Partnership America Latina, (PAL) and at the same time to provide a challenge for those who have reached retirement age or thereabouts. There are four great hikes to choose from ranging in length from 10km to 22km. Registration for the hikes starts in the Brocagh Centre in Laragh at 9.30am with the actual walks starting at 10am. To register, email Tom Milligan at hardyannuals@gmail.com or phone Fergus Roche on 085-1402480.

World Wellness Weekend

On Saturday, September 21 and Sunday 22, spas and fitness centres around the world are celebrating World Wellness Weekend by offering fitness, health and wellness services to the wider community. Gym Plus Ballsbridge will hold a special Yoga class on Saturday at 10am as well as a Pilates class on Sunday at 10am for 30 minutes.

Gym Plus Rathfarnham will be running additional classes including a Pilates class on the Saturday from 1pm.

It will be a mixed level class and will be available free to members. In addition, they are delighted to be including a free Tai-Chi class on Sunday at 1.30pm.

For more information visit http://www.gymplus.ie

Educating Rita

This well-loved comedy by Willy Russell was made famous by the popular 1983 film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. It explores universal themes of social class, education, personal development and authenticity.

It runs until Saturday, September 21 at 8pm in dlr Mill Theatre Dundrum, Dundrum Town Centre. Tickets: 18 / 16. Box Office: http://www.milltheatre.ie / Tel: 01 2969340

The First Pegeen

She was a stage-struck 19-year-old, he was a director of the Abbey Theatre approaching middle age. She was a caution, he was just cautious. She was a city girl, he liked country roads best. Theirs was an unlikely love from the start.

And yet this cockeyed Romeo and Juliet were so enraptured by each other that the affair between JM Synge and Molly Allgood remains one of the Irish theatres most endearing and enduring stories.

It opens at Bewleys Caf Theatre on September 24 and runs until October 12. Booking: 086-8784001, http://www.bewleyscafetheatre.com

Joxer Daly Esq

Joxer Daly Esq will be staged at the Sean OCasey Theatre, East Wall on Saturday, September 21 at 8pm.

Sean O'Casey's playful scrounger from the classic, Juno and the Paycock, takes centre stage in this intriguing play from the pen of Eddie Naughton.

Brilliantly portrayed by veteran comic actor, Phelim Drew, Joxer's love of language, humour, literature and song, together with a drinker's purple recollection, make this a performance like no other.

Tickets, which cost 10, are available at http://www.eventbrite.ie

European Games Festival

The European Games Festival will bring together over 15,000 guests to Croke Park on September 21 & 22. The festival celebrates everything gaming from across the world, whether youre new to gaming or a veteran. One of the main highlights will be Irelands Largest esports event consisting of four of the top games in the world being played over the two days.

Happy Days Beer & Food Festival

Theres a cracking festival taking place at Rascals HQ taproom & pizza restaurant Inchicore, on Saturday, September 21 from midday until 10pm. Irish and international breweries will be pouring their finest beers for visitors to enjoy and therell be food trucks serving up a variety of dishes on the day. Theres also free brewery tours, food and beer pairing sessions and a blindfold beer tasting challenge.

Excerpt from:
HAPPENINGS: - Dublin People

Advice to Her Younger Self features female leaders who are harnessing the power of technology to drive changeand want to help the next generation do the same. These experts are using tech to build better communities and a better world as active members of the new field called Public Interest Technology, and theyre opening up to us about what theyve learned along the way. This series is produced in partnership with the Ford Foundation.

What unites the educational and career stops on Mitchell Bakers oddball path, as she puts it, to becoming the head of Mozilla may not be completely obvious to outsiders.

To the California native, though, the theme is crystalline: A very deep interest in organizational dynamics and social dynamics, she declares. How do communities form? How do people work together, why do they work together, what motivates people?

Such questions have propelled Baker since her undergraduate days at the University of California in Berkeley, where she focused on Asian Studies. One of a tiny group of students then interested in China, she wanted to understand exactly how a culture so unlike her own operated. What rules and conventions did people abide by to make sure that their society was functional, intact and enduring?

It is an inquiry that can be applied to a seemingly endless number of contextsand, in fact, fueled Baker through the rigors of law school and beyond.

At Berkeleys Boalt Hall she examined those questions by way of contracts, which she says fascinated her because they create a unique partnership in which private citizens make private agreements that are enforceable by the state rule of law.

That is the thing that caused me to become a lawyer, she says. I wasnt actually sure I would ever work as a lawyer, but I certainly wanted to understand that. This kind of private-public collaboration allows a huge variety of activities, she explains. It allows a kind of confidence and trust, and allows both risk taking and new ideas, and it allows us to describe beforehand how were going to share risk and share benefit.

After graduation, Baker sought work that would take her back to China, and found it with a law firm that represented Palo Alto tech companies. Her brief was software licensing, but it was the early days, still, of the tech era, and she wanted and needed a granular understanding of her subject matter in order to perform her job well.

She started, then, by asking more questions: What is this piece of technology, where does it fit with others, how exactly does it connect, how are you going to sell it? From there, she hopscotched her way up the tech laddermoving first to the now defunct and for-profit Sun Microsystems to Netscape and then, finally, to Mozilla. In that path, she moved from the private world to the public, and to the revolutionary act of creating and supporting now ubiquitous and global free internet softwarethe very foundation of public interest technology.

Baker realized early on that open source software offered yet another apparatus through which to answer the question that had long guided her: Why do people voluntarily contribute to a shared workflow and a shared asset at the end of it, which is what open source is?

Creating open source software required meeting the same challenges put before any nascent society or communal system.How do we organize ourselves and open source communities? she asks. There are a few core open source licenses, and when they were written and debated, people really thought of them as what is the constitution of the community that I am joining, and how does this software development work, and what are my rights, and what are my obligations?

Forged in part by her desire to examine these questions, Bakers path was, as she says, sui generis because of its unpredictability. But it was also unique because of her comfort with making her own way, and because she was a woman working in an industry dominated by men.

Baker didnt really understand the importance of mentors when she was coming up, and simply barreled ahead professionallybut she urges younger people, particularly women, to cultivate beneficial relationships with more experienced colleagues. If youre lucky, some set of people actually go out of their way to really help you, she says. I think thats harder for women. Research shows that people go out of their way to draw in people who are like them.

Gender disparities also played themselves out in more insidious ways in Bakers experience. One colleague from AOL, for example, disliked her self-confidence. The words he usedI was too aggressive, blah blah blah, she recounts. Ten years later we start to see research about how sometimes its a no win setting for women; if youre not aggressive youre passed over, but if you actually are as assertive as the mostly men around you, youre too aggressive and youre unpleasant and all that stuff. All of that language, almost verbatim, is what he said about me.

Baker didnt lose her nerve, her job or the support of her other colleagues. And that proved powerful.The fact that Mozilla exists as an independent organization, a non-profit organization, is because there were other people, she says, and they had to be men, around who were willing to bridge that gap between me as the leader of Mozilla and this man who refused to talk to a woman who knew what her organization needed and was determined to get.

The persistence of sexism aside, Baker is now preoccupied by two pressing concerns. One is the shifting balance between the state and the individual in traditional democracies, such that rights of content makers are being privileged over the rights of the individual. The other is a subsequent question: How can people retain free will in an age when every platform seems to mine and exploit personal data?

What really causes you to buy something? What really causes you to be angry? Or what causes you enough to be angry to get up and do something? These are things that data will tell you, she says. The predictive power of machine learning is very strong. And will increasingly be so.how do individual human beings, you and I, continue to have, Ill call it agency, but understanding and influence/control over how were acting?

Baker does not know the answer, but wants very much for people studying tech and STEM to do so with an eye toward ethics and the humanities, disciplines that will undoubtedly help us engage this question. She wants university curricula to weave these issues into their pedagogy so that the learning process includes its impact on humanity.

Theres a range of things about how technology impacts people, she says, like neuroscience, right? And research into manipulation.What the curriculum looks likewe need to develop it. And it needs to start very young, because technology starts very young.

See the article here:
Mozilla Co-Founder Mitchell Baker's Advice to Her Younger Self - Ms. Magazine

Following the success of the business programme last year, Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council have linked with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerces (GBCC) young professional division, Future Faces, and sponsored 12 places across the two authorities.

These free places are aimed at young professionals within local businesses, offering the opportunity to network, develop and be recognised for their talent across Greater Birmingham.

Future Faces is a multi-sector programme and aims to develop future leaders. The one-year membership includes the opportunity to attend a minimum of two events per month.

The first is a relaxed social networking meeting at a Birmingham venue, providing members a chance to talk to other like-minded professionals from a mix of sectors and expand ideas, business contacts and support, as well as making new friends.

The second event is a professional development workshop, designed to help members develop their leadership and professional skills.

We are really pleased to have been able to collaborate with the councils in this project, and hope to continue to work with them and more young professionals in Lichfield and Tamworth.

Sessions are led by influential business leaders from across a mix of sectors, all offering an insight to improving individual business potential, access to a personal development mentor and the opportunity to be on the Future Faces executive committee.

Members of the programme will also have access to feature their business news on the Future Faces page in Chamberlink Magazine or the weekly e-newsletter.

In addition, the programme also invites all members to their flagship event the Future Faces Annual Dinner and Awards which recognises the talent of all young professionals in the area.

Successful applicants are from a variety of business sectors including catering, finance, marketing, photography, music education and accountancy.

Laura Sutton, a business owner for The Cake Spa in Lichfield, describes how she feels being successfully accepted for Future Faces: As a business owner in my first year of trade, I am really excited to part of the Future Faces membership. The programme offers free events and great networking opportunities, plus support for training and knowledge sharing. I cant wait to get involved; it can only benefit my new business.

Alex Perry, a Business Development and Marketing Manager for The Training Initiative in Tamworth, said: I feel extremely lucky to be part of the Future Faces programme. Im looking forward to attending the different events, learning things that will benefit my career in the short and long-term; and also increasing my confidence.

Being from a small town like Tamworth, I have found it hard to connect with likeminded, career focussed individuals, so this programme is amazing for that. Another benefit is getting discounts and free tickets to events, the first being tickets to the ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome.

More information regarding Future Faces is available at: http://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/our-group/future-faces/

James Blackman, president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, said: We are really pleased to have been able to collaborate with the councils in this project, and hope to continue to work with them and more young professionals in Lichfield and Tamworth.

TheLichfield and Tamworth Chamber are committed to endorsing and supporting young professionals, helping them to connect, collaborate and grow.

Cllr Jeremy Oates, Tamworth Borough Council Cabinet member for Heritage and Growth, said: Future Faces is an excellent opportunity for diverse, talented, young professionals to expand their skills and knowledge within a programme that offers professional support and a strong network of business contacts.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce have created this annual membership to help network, develop and recognise young professionals across all sectors. Congratulations to all 12 successful applicants, I hope they will take full advantage of this rewarding membership and investment opportunity.

Cllr Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Councils Cabinet member for Investment, Growth and Tourism said: I am really pleased for all the winners of the Future Faces competition. This will give them a competitive advantage and could really help shape their careers. Its wonderful to see so much talent coming forward and to hear about their business ventures. I wish them all the best and hope they get a lot out of the Future Faces initiative.

READ MORE: Staffordshire PCC engages Chamber to step up the battle against Modern Day Slavery

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Young professionals receive a free 12-month business programme - Tamworth Informed

Simon and Hilary Vallely are passionate about dairying.

They encourage those with a similar enthusiasm to enter the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards' Southland/Otago regional competition. Entries open on October 1.

The couple, who won the 2018 Southland/Otago regional Share Farmers of the Year competition, are 50/50 sharemilkers near Gore with 490 cows and have a 210,000kgMS target. They also have bought land to raise beef animals as an investment.

The Vallelys recently became the new regional managers for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, taking over the role from Darren Stenning.

They oversee the organising committee, which includes last year's regional winners: share farmers of the year Cameron and Nicola Van Dorsten; dairy manager of the year James Matheson, and dairy trainee of the year Caycee Cormack.

All four are section team leaders and are working hard to generate interest in the competition.

"We are in the early stages but Caycee Cormack and James Matheson have been out talking to Young Farmers' clubs," Mr Vallely said.

"They talk about how it [the competition] can help careers.

"It pushes you outside your comfort zone."

There are also entrants' and sponsor evenings planned.

He and Mrs Vallely went to the national competition and for him, one of the highlights was making friends with people from other regions.

"We still keep in contact with them."

It was good for professional development and it enhanced their business operations, as well as adding to their profile for further opportunities in the dairy industry.

There were 11 share farmers entered last year in the region and they hoped to do as well this year for numbers.

He would also like to see more dairy trainees and farm managers enter as the experience was invaluable and the prizes "exceptional".

"People should give it a go," he said.

He said judges would look at the business's financials, pasture, land, staff and animal management. The entrants' community involvement and personal development were also assessed, with work and life balances considered important areas by the judges

"Dairy farming is not a sprint. It's a marathon," he said.

Judging for the first round will take place in February, with the finals round in early March.

The regional awards dinner is on March 21 at the Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill.

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Award winners encourage entrants - Otago Daily Times

Photo by Victoria Valle

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CAROLINA FLORES

College is a socially tumultuous time as some students struggle to live on their own for the first time, enter their first romantic relationships or simply grapple with the question of what they are to do with their lives. Thankfully, at St. Marys students have access to low-cost counseling services that may aid them through any personal struggles.

There is a common misconception thattherapy is for people who have reached a lowpoint in their life. A student may seek therapyto work out interpersonal issues or becausethey wish to gain self-knowledge. Thereshould be no stigma attached to counselingas it shows high emotional intelligencein knowing where there are aspects in apersons life that could be improved. Theresalso a stigma that perhaps going to therapymeans one is crazy but many people whohave undiagnosed disorders attend therapy.

Seeking counseling also does not meanthat a person has few coping resourcesor that they do not have people in theirlife to help them through rough times.However, it is important to rememberthat friends are not therapists, nor shouldthey be. Sometimes therapy can help bringobjectivity to a situation. For instance, thereare things called cognitive distortionsirrational thought patterns common inthose with depression and anxietythatonly a trained professional may detect.Therapists may point out cues such as usingabsolutes in a persons speech, that a friendis not trained to do. Seeking wise counselamongst trusted adults including professors,religious affiliated brothers, or other facultymembers on campus can help provide betterresources and advice for students.

Therapy is also more effective thanpsychoactive medication such as

antidepressants or anxiety medication.While medication can help the mind toimmediately adapt, the goal of therapy isto seek long-term solutions to negativethought patterns. However, psychiatricservices are also availablenote that theydiffer from counseling serviceswhere astudent may request to be evaluated by amedical professional at little cost and alsopossibly receive prescribed medication.If any student seeks a diagnosis forsomething such as ADHD, they can book anappointment with the student psychologicalcenter to be evaluated. Dr. Thomas Matthewsis the trusted psychiatrist at St. Marys,

he is an associate of University of TexasHealth Science Center at San Antonio. Heoffers psychiatric evaluation and diagnosisthat can help students be more aware oftheir mental health and possible ways toovercome any mental disabilities or traumasuch as stress. Relationship counseling isalso available on campus; only one partnermust be a St. Marys student. Poor mentalhealth can be as academically detrimentalas a chronic physical illness. Students shouldknow that going to therapy shows an activedesire to get better; if they suffer froma psychological condition, scheduling atherapy appointment is the first step towardrecovery. If any student requires emergencyhelp, a counselor on duty may be accessedby calling the 24-hour crisis response at 210-825-3622.

While academics should be a priorityfor students, mental health should alwayscome first. College is a time for personalgrowth and self-awareness. The best way todo so is through reflection and counseling.Therapy can offer students counselingfrom a professional to help organize onesthoughts and bring inner peace that canbe lasting throughout a students life evenafter graduation.

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MENTAL MOMENTS: ThTherapy is beneficial for students - The Rattler