Random Exciting Event
Well, you might guess from the picture I have posted what this particular blog is about! I had the fortunate opportunity to meet our Prime Minister this afternoon. Prime Minister Harper flew in to Edmonton late this morning to meet with staff, students, and to announce a new federal program for tradespeople. I’m happy to report that tradepeople completing their journeyman certification now qualify for a $2000 bursary from the government.
I’m less happy to report how the media handled this whole announcement. The focus of the questions had absolutely little to nothing to do with the announcement itself, but rather to criticize government action (or lack thereof) to the current economic downturn. Prime Minister Harper iterated that there will be a shortage of skilled labor in the near future (just as there was last year), so actions have to be taken to ensure we meet these ever increasing labor demands. I echo these sentiments.
Another bit of a blemish on the PM’s visit was the presence of Tamil Tiger protesters on the front lawn of the HP centre. I mean, come on guys! How much diplomatic clout do these people think Canada has with Sri Lanka? I’m not taking a position on their cause, but sometimes shamless self promotion actually takes you farther from your objectives. Anyhow, enough of that {dismounts from soapbox}.
The end is near, the end is near! I still don’t know what I’m doing with myself! I have had a few interviews with a few companies, but still no sure job yet. I’m trying to stay positive, but with graduation looming, it’s hard not to be a bit worried about my future. I’ve looked at doing the BTech here at NAIT, but still haven’t made a decision. Lucky for me exams are starting in about 2 weeks…that’ll turn my attention away to my lack of gainful employment, if not for just a little while. 
I don’t feel the same stress this time around as in previous exam weeks; that may be partially due to the fact I have but 4 exams, but might also be because…gasp…I’m getting USED TO IT!
Hopefully everyone has made it to the library to reserve a gown for Convocation! If I’m not mistaken, the deadline would have passed last Friday, though it might not hurt for any latecomers to go over to Reads and Needs ASAP if you want to attend! On that note, you will also have to get tickets for the event…they are free, but need to be booked via the Ticketmaster.ca website (search NAIT convocation); you’ll first have to find out if your program convocates in either the morning or the afternoon. Tickets are “free”….I put that in quotation marks because you can expect TicketMaster to take a $5 “Convenience” fee for them to send you the tickets. Each student is allowed 3 tickets, you’d be best to reserve ASAP to get the best seats. NAIT’s convocation will be on May 9th at the Jubilee Auditorium.
I almost forgot, playoffs start a week from today! Have those Oilers been mathematically eliminated yet? It doesn’t much matter to me. GO WINGS GO!