What’s been happening at Just BU..?

itsok2justbu — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:16:49 +0000

Since May 2011 Just BU has scheduled the following In School Panels and Panelists-

McKinnon Secondary College

Panelists-

Elizabeth Miller MP- Member for Bentleigh

Amber Renae- Celebrity Stylist & Finalist, Project Runway Australia 2010

Nathan Stremple- Host, EyeTV

De La Salle College

Panelists-

Richard Rome- IBM

Dave Thornton- Comedian

Deon St Mor- Co Founder, MOR Cosmetics

Mac Robertson Girls’ High School

Panelists-

Helen Kapalos-News Anchor, TEN Network

Shaynna Blaze- Interior Designer, Selling Houses Australia

Nicole Crooks-IBM

Mentone Girl’s Secondary College

Panelists-

Kimberly Palmer- Marketing & Social Media Specialist

Beverley Simpson- IBM

Hanna Cranage- The Butterfly Foundation

St Kevin’s College- Career Transition Day

Panelists-

Charlie Pickering- Host, 7PM Project

Richard Maloney- Western Bulldogs Leadership Coach

Justin Moran- Co Founder- One Life Foods

Mentone Girls SC- Career Transition Day

Panelists-

Jacqui Cooper- World Champion Aerial Skier

Antionette Bekos- Head of Hair/ Make Up- TEN Network

Michelle Warmuz- Editor, Femail.com.au

Brighton Secondary College

Panelists-

Lee Chan- Finalist, My Kitchen Rules

Elizabeth Miller MP- Member for Bentleigh

Shura Taft- Host/ Actor

MLC

Panelists-

Sharon Thurin- Founder, Slim Secrets Health Bars

Chelsey Nash- Melbourne Vixens

Melissa How- Social Media/ Marketing Lecturer- Swinburne

Glen Eira Secondary College

Panelists-

David Southwick MP- Member for Caulfield

Melbourne Rebels Player

We are currently taking bookings for Term 4 and 2012. Please contact us on justbupanels@gmail.com for more information

Just BU tells boys “Its OK to cry- or at least share UR feelings!

itsok2justbu — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 04:21:01 +0000

The D Studios team filmed the ‘Just BU” Panel when they came to De La Salle. The Panelists provided some valuable lessons on what it means to be true to yourself.

Check it out…

Just BU inspires Year 11 students at McKinnon SC

itsok2justbu — Tue, 10 May 2011 09:58:45 +0000

Fabulous Just BU Panel today at Mc Kinnon Secondary College
Big thank you to the panelists- Amber Renae, Elizabeth Miller MP and Nathan Strempel- for sharing their stories, the good, the bad and the ugly, with 250 Year 11 students.
Thanks to TRY Youth, Supa Secrets and Elizabeth Miller for their support.
Elizabeth Miller MP says, “Congratulations on an outstanding event which was well received from the students. They really got into the event and thought it was valuable.”

Iain tweeted @AmberRenae “as lame as it sounds you really opened my eyes and made me realise what I want to do with my life”

6 Tips For Surviving Your First Day of High School

itsok2justbu — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:15:20 +0000

Up late tossing and turning before your first day of school? Don’t worry, it won’t be that bad. Just keep your head up and follow this guide.

1. Before the Big Day, Run Through Your Class Schedule in Your Head

Picture yourself walking from class to class, and plan out the best times to stop by your locker. Or better yet, as soon as you and your friends get your schedules, stop by the school and do a “trial run” together. It’ll help keep you from getting lost, and showing up late, when you do it for real.

2. Wear Something That Makes You Feel Confident – and Comfortable

You might want to show off those new heels or micro-mini, but come lunchtime you’ll wish you were in something more suitable for lugging around a giant backpack. Stick with something practical.

3. Remember That Teachers are Always Extra-Mean the First Day

Don’t worry – they’re just doing that to scare you. They’ll mellow out next week. Still, be sure to show up to class on time, take notes and be diligent. You don’t want their first impression of you to be a bad one.

4. If Your Friends Aren’t in All Your Classes, Don’t Sweat It

Focus on getting to know your new classmates, and catch up with last year’s pals after school. In a couple of months, you’ll have more friends, not less.

5. Keep in Mind That the First Day Always Feels Super Long

It’s just a mental trick because you’re experiencing so much new stuff. Next week, when you’re more familiar with your classes, it won’t feel like that anymore.

6. Know That It’s OK to Feel Freaked-Out

The first day of school is nerve-wracking for everyone, even if some of your classmates don’t show it. Just try to stay as calm and focused as you can. As the school year gets rolling, you’ll wonder why you were so worried the first place.

Source: About.com

Just BU’s Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Teens- B a Better, happier U!!

itsok2justbu — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:54:35 +0000

Here’s a list of the most common New Year’s resolutions – and, more importantly, some ideas for getting started on them (and actually keeping them past January 1st).

1. Get Healthy

Getting healthy doesn’t just mean losing weight. It can also mean playing more sports, making healthier eating choices or just resolving to get off the couch a little more often. Make one small change at a time – like riding your bike to school instead of taking the bus, or ordering a salad instead of a burger – and you’ll have an easier time keeping this resolution.

2. Get Happier

This is a little more of an abstract resolution that can mean different things to different people. See if you can find ways to boost your self-esteem, or just spend more time doing things that you love instead of things that make you feel bad about yourself.

3. Be a Better Person

Being a good person – by donating your time or old stuff to those in need, or just by throwing some random acts of kindness into your daily routine – feels so good that it can be addictive.

Gaia- a virtual escape for Teens

itsok2justbu — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:04:50 +0000

Gaia Online: An Escape For Teens

GigaOm has an article about Gaia Online, a virtual world and online hangout inhabited by teens. Gaia already has considerable traffic with 300,000 users logging in each day. GigaOm says most of the activity at Gaia actually takes place in the online forums.

The largest cohort of activity (wholly 30%) takes place in the Gaia forums, and here’s where the truly staggering numbers come in: Averaging a million posts a day and a billion posts so far, Gaia’s message boards (with topics running the gamut from pop culture to politics) is second only to Yahoo in popularity.

A million posts a day is very impressive. MySpace has matured so the fickle teens have to go somewhere and it sounds like Gaia is one of their destinations. GigaOm’s post also has an interview with Gaia Online CEO Craig Sherman who seems to be billing Gaia as an escape for those fleeing MySpace and other social networks.

Craig Sherman has been thinking what the value-proposition of his site in the era of MySpace or Facebook. “In a world where teens are constantly branding and packaging themselves” on sites like those, he points out, “Gaia is where you get away from it all.”

Gaia, which offers the virtual world, forums, content rating and flash games, also has a way of making money that is not from advertising. They sell virtual fashion accessories and other “rare items.”

Instead of monthly subscriptions, Gaia Online sells “rare items” – treasures, fantastically cool fashion accessories for player avatars, and so on – two offered a month for $2.50 each. Subscribers buy them via credit card, Pay Pal, cellphone – or cash on the barrel. (“We employ someone full time whose job is getting dollars and quarters” out of envelopes kids send them, Sherman notes.)

The article says Gaia Online also has advertising including a recent campaign for The Last Mimzy movie where Gaians were challenged to “accomplish a series of tasks in order to get their own special Gaian-only Mimzy (a super-intelligent bunny).”

Source: Bloggersblog.com

Just BU- Panellists

itsok2justbu — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:41:40 +0000

Just BU has been very fortunate to gain the support and endorsement of many well-established and notable role models.

Panellists that are associated, support and have participated in Just BU Panels include

Kirstie Marshall MP, World Ski Champion

2010 AFL Grandfinalist, Dale “Daisy” Thomas

Channel 10 Weather reporter Mike Larkin

TV Personality Suzi Wilks

Comedian and 7pm Project host Dave “Huesy” Hughes

International DJ and producer Grant Smilie

Former Hawthorn footballer Shane Crawford

The panellists involved invariably come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences and dealt with different issues. It is of utmost importance that each panellist brings with them a story of interest, realism and inspiration and is willing to share his/her story- dreams, passions, successes and disappointments. Each panellist however is not an “expert” in anything but their own personal life story and experience.

Some panelists will have had ultimate support from their families, some will have had none. Some will be parents themselves. Some will have dealt with personal addiction issues, some will not. The tone of the forum is personal empowerment without the over the top hype that is often heard. It’s about personal choice, personal strength and personal responsibility.

Why Just BU?

The post benefits to the students, parents, panellists and the community as a result of the Just BU forums are the key to the success of Just BU. Just BU is seen as a catalyst for further discussion both in schools and at home around the dinner table. Just BU is helping to create situations where significant and sustainable relationships with family, peers, school and communities are fostered and encouraged.

Just BU is motivating young men and women to be positive risk takers, to continue with further studies, to research further as to opportunities that are available to them and inspiring them to have the courage and desire to follow through on this- all on the motto that “It’s OK 2 Just BU”.

Just BU is also reinforcing the wonderful achievements that each panellist has made- not only to the wider community but on a more personal, individual level. Each panellist leaves a forum feeling encouraged, rejuvenated, motivated and proud.

Why UR support makes a difference

itsok2justbu — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:37:16 +0000

Just BU Panels -

Focus on being a “preventative” catalysts as opposed to other programs that deal with teens that have already been “diagnosed” eg, with depression, eating disorders, suicide etc

Provide teenagers with access to “real role models with real stories”

Act as a catalyst for constructive communication between the teens, parents and teachers

Build personal belief

Build positive self esteem

Encourage teenagers and parents to become positive risk takers

Encourage teenagers and parents to set realistic goals

Allow teenagers to see that they are not alone in the struggles and issues facing them

Remind parents what it was like when they were teenagers and the issues they faced

Demystify the “perfect” teenage/ adult relationship by listening to and learning from the panellists

Share advice and tips for time and stress management

Encourage ongoing shared communication and trust between teenagers and adults

Cultivating a Realistic Body Image- Just BU :)

itsok2justbu — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:40:10 +0000

The next time you can spare a minute, have a look in the mirror. What do you see staring back at you? How would you describe yourself? How do you perceive your body? This perception is your body image, or what you think you see in the mirror.

Unfortunately a person’s body image is often very different from their actual body. It is this distortion, this negative body image, that often pushes people to their limit trying to change what isn’t actually there. Rather than fight with this phantom image, cultivate a realistic body image based on what your body can do, and how you feel, rather than how you think your body looks.

The Basis for Your Body Image

Many young people base their body image on what they see in the media. Young women want to be thin and willowy, and young men want bulging biceps and washboard abs. Yet what is wandering onto our TV and cinema screens, and popping up in our magazines and websites, are the exceptions rather than the rule. In reality, base your body image on:

Medically accepted standards, such as a total body fat percentage of under 30% for women and 25% for men, or by calculating your body mass index, a ratio of your weight to your height, to see if it is in the normal weight range of under 25.
How you feel. When your body feels healthy and strong, then your body image should be as well.
Respect for yourself. Don’t compare yourself to supermodels or celebrities, or even to your friends who have naturally different body shapes. Respect your shape and enjoy yourself.
Your body! Don’t let your emotions get in the way of what you see in the mirror.

Changing a Negative Body Image

It’s likely that if you sneak a quick peek in the mirror, you’ll have at least one criticism of your body. We live in a society fixated on weight, beauty and fashion, and even the most confident of us will feel down at some time or another. If you find yourself fearful of your reflection, you must take measures to change this before you wind up miserable.

Participate in a favourite activity. When you use your body, you’re more likely to respect it.
Walk to the shops. Remind yourself that you rely on your body and should treat it accordingly.
Organise a balanced, healthy diet. Your body can only feel as good as what you put into it, so make sure your fuel is fresh and healthy.
Quit smoking, drinking and/or taking drugs. Unhealthy chemicals will only make you feel slow and bloated.
Plan, and execute, a new exercise regime with a professional. If you feel unhappy in your own skin, take measures to change the situation but only with the advice of a professional.
Seek therapy. If you lead a healthy life and your body fat and body mass index are both in the normal ranges, then your negative perception is likely only in your mind. Talk it out with a professional and explore why you feel the way you do.

Body image is a tricky subject. Most of us know in the back of our minds that we need our bodies to be fit and healthy, but if we’re honest we’ll also admit that we want them to look well and be the perfect peg for designer clothes while we’re at it. Rather than letting these unrealistic goals fester, focus on living healthily and enjoying the results!

Source: Teenissues UK

Best of luck to all of the VCE students starting their exams today- here are a few tips that may make things a bit easier..

itsok2justbu — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:39:51 +0000

Exams are nerve-wracking, stomach-churning, earth-shattering events. Everyone who has ever taken an exam remembers the racing pulse, damp palms and sour taste in their mouth right before they turned the paper over and began to work on it. Doesn’t that make you glad that completing secondary school depends upon you successfully completing a number of exams? Don’t worry, while pre-exam jitters are pretty common, and pretty hard to ward off, there are ways for you to become more confident when it comes to taking exams. Prepare well, arrive confidently and settle into your own exam rituals. Before you know it the exam will be over and you’ll be accepting congratulations on your fine results!

Preparing for Exams

The most important part of preparing for an exam is knowing what to study. Look back over subjects you’ve spent a long time with during classes, check back over what you were assigned to read and topics of essays and homework, and even ask your teacher in case they are willing to give a few hints. Once you know what to study, all you have left is to know how to study. Remember to study:

In comfortable clothes.
In a well lit, quiet and cool room.
On a full stomach.
Without the television, radio or Internet disrupting you.
A little bit every night, not by cramming everything in the night before the exam.
Class notes.
Notes from readings and homework assignments.
Past exam papers.
By predicting and answering questions that may come up.
By devising and answering different types of questions, including:

Multiple choice.
True or false.
Fill in the Blank.
Matching.
Translations.
Short paragraphs.
Essays.

With a study partner or group – if you can all stay on the right subject.

With a tutor if you need a little extra help.

By making flashcards.

By making a final, one page “review sheet” that you can carry with you for final moments of studying on the bus or before entering your exam.

Arriving at an Exam

How you arrive at an exam will set the mood for how you take your exam. Be sure to arrive:

Early.
With a full stomach.
Well rested.
With all materials you will need for the exam, including:

Pencils.
Pens.
Reading glasses.
Calculators.
Maths kit.
Exam card/number/registration materials, if required.
Photo identification, if required.

With a bag to store your study materials so no one will charge you with cheating.

With a plan for grabbing a few final minutes of peace and quiet for a quick review.

Settle Into Your Own Exam Rituals

Even if they are loathe to admit it, most students have little exam rituals that help them relax and get on with their work. It really doesn’t matter what the ritual is, but if it helps you settle in then by all means use it! Before you begin your exam, be sure to:

Set up your supplies close by.
Put your name and other identification information on your exam/answer sheet.
Read the directions to all sections.
Make a brief plan about how you will divide your time between sections.
Outline an answer to every paragraph or essay question.
Take a few deep breaths every time you feel nervous or panicked.
Keep rest breaks just short enough to recharge and move on.

If you prepare well for your exam, arrive confidently and settle in before you begin, chances are high that you will be successful. To make sure that your next exam is even better, take a few minutes at the end of each exam to reflect on how you studied, how you answered the questions, and what you will change the next time. When you finish reflecting, congratulate yourself for surviving and move on!

Source: Teenissues UK