Redefining the Possible, Redefining York

Being a marketing student, I am very interested in the major changes of York University.  Over the summer, me and my colleagues had a chance to give our input in how the York U would brand themselves, and is amazing to see it finally unfold.

For those who don't know the difference between a product and a brand, an easy way to define those two terms is a product is made in a factory, while a brand is formed in the mind.  It is a bold move for a company to rebrand themselves, something that requires lots of time, investment, and commitment.  A classic case of rebranding in today's society is the company Old Spice. 

Within this week the rebranding has begun, we already see effects of the rebranding.  They have a strong campaign that is integrated throughout the university, ranging from the website, to the new logo, to the "this is my time" Campaign.

The Campaign "this is my time" shows students who changes their passions into actions.  It highlights York students' goals and how they want to positively impact the world in the future.  Within this campaign is a contest for a student to win a free year tuition, which asks applicants to create their own "this is my time" moment.

More details for the campaign can be seen here: http://yorku-mytime.ca/









As the rebranding continues to unfold I am eager to see what will be next.

But for now...
Stay Classy

How to get an Awesome academic schedule!

Over my past 3 years at York, I feel I have almost perfected the art of choosing courses.  I have a few tricks and tips that can change your schedule to something all your friends will envy over! 





Step 1: Pick the Right Courses
I know this may seem silly, but picking the correct courses in order to graduate can be complex, and guidance appointments maybe all booked up.  A useful resource in knowing what courses to take is called the Degree PROGRESS REPORT.  I wish I knew about this earlier!  It is such a useful tool that will allow you to see what courses you have to take in order to graduate from your program.  If can also check out the Academic Calenders as well.

Step 2: Ask Peers for advice
One great resources is your peers!  Yes your friends, or previous classmates.  Students will always have tips or tricks about courses they have taken, and can tell you which ones are good or even which ones to avoid.   If you're lucky they might even have textbooks, past exams or even study notes.



Step 3: Use ratemyprofessor.com
I always check is Ratemyprofessor.com.  This is a crucial step in my course selection process.  A professor can really affect your learning experience, so don't take it lightly.  There is a huge difference between a regular professor and an AMAZING professor! (shout out to all the marketing professors I had, they awesome!)




Step 4: Give me a Break
What makes an awesome schedule for me is having time off!  I try to not have class on Friday, and if possible Monday!  That means I will have a 3 day or 4 day weekend every week!  That break gives you time to regroup and prepare for the next week of classes.  I also try not to have morning classes so I can get a full nights rest and be wide awake for all my classes.



Step 5: Stay Balanced
If possible I try not to have too many difficult classes in one semester and spread out the course load.  Try to balance your electives with your core courses to easy the work load.  Another thing I recently found out are the wonders of PKIN courses.  They are practicum on a pass/fail basis.  Some courses include Tai Chi, Yoga, Kung Fu, Swimming, Basketball, etc...  The best part of them is they are FREE!  However the only downfall is, if you are not a kinesology student, the course will be restricted until the open date for the courses, so make sure you know the date to enroll.

Here is a better list and description of them: http://www.yorku.ca/health/kine/documents/PKINCourseDescriptions.pdf




Step 6: Get Involved!
It is so important within your schedule that you will have something other than school work!  Going to school can be demotivating.  By getting involved with things around campus and being a part of a community can help you better focus on school.  Always make time to do things that you enjoy!

Hope you have the perfect schedule this fall, but mainly...
Stay Classy,
Jacky Li

What is york is U?

This year I have been honour to be a part of the york is U!  It has been exciting helping decide which direction to go in this year and planning events to provide York students with awesome experiences.  But before I go on, many of you might be wondering what exactly is york is U?  Is it part of the RED Zone? or York University? or York Federation of Students??

Well yes and no!  york is U is a student organization under the student leadership development community department (SCLD for short) at York, which is separate from RED Zone and YFS.  We are similar because we do provide awesome services for York, and we do table in the same area (Vari Hall), BUT we are very distinct!

Every year the york is U team puts on awesome events/programs for students to create an amazing experience for students  (like Stress Buster Carnival, York's Birthday, etc..,).  We provide students the opportunity to get involved with York and build their leadership skills through a number of ways.  You can apply for coordinator positions, or simply just volunteer!  There are countless volunteer opportunities at all the events we do and EVERYONE (that means you!) is welcome.  All you have to do is show up at the event and have a positive attitude!  You can volunteer for 1 minute or 1 hour, it doesn't matter!

My favourite part of york is U besides the awesome events, leadership roles, and volunteer opportunities, is that the great people I got to meet with this group.  It really does feel like a family, and is something I am truly grateful for!

Dying my Hair!

You can get involved with york is U right away!  Our up-coming events include: Parent Orientation (August 31st), The Great Canadian Hair Do (Sept. 12-13) and Terry Fox Run (Sept. 16th).

Terry Fox Run 2011/12

Information in being a coordinator for The Great Canadian Hair Do and Terry Fox Run can be located here:

http://yorkisu.ca/york-is-nuz/great-canadian-hair-do-apply-now/
http://yorkisu.ca/york-is-nuz/terry-fox-run-5-coordinator-positions-available/

Learn more about the Parent Orientation here:
http://www.eventbrite.ca/s/a9vS


For now enjoy the summer! But mainly...

Stay Classy,
Jacky Li

Staying Healthy by Getting Involved

Sometimes it is too difficult to get motivated to go to the gym, or go for a run early in the morning!  One way I stay active on campus is by being involved in activities on campus.  This way I can do things I like while staying healthy.  Staying active and health is a lot easier if you are doing something you enjoy!

Few ways to Get Involved & Stay Healthy!

Intramural
There are many sports you can play through your colleges.  Play on a team and help your college get one step closer to becoming the Torch Champs!  It is divided by two levels of competition (tier 1 and tier 2) , so don't worry, you can be a "noob" and still rock at intramural sports.  All the info you need on intramural sports , you can get from here: http://recreation.yorku.ca/intramural

Sport Clubs
There are many sports clubs at York where you can learn a new sport, or build on what you already know!  I, for one, would love to learn how to fence!

York Sports Clubs includes: Archery, Badminton, Ball Hockey, Baseball, Cricket, Dance, Dragon Boat, Equestrian, Fastball (women’s), Hip Hop, Kendo, Lacrosse (women’s), Legion Fencing, Popping, Powder Puff, Football (women’s), Rock Climbing, Rugby (Men’s), Swimming, Tae Kwon-Do, Tennis, Water Polo, Wrestling, Ultimate Frisbee, and Volleyball.

Campus Activities
Another way to get involved while staying active is by taking advantage of events at York!  There are always activities going on at York that you can participate in.  Every year I look forward to the Terry Fox Run, and even helped planned it last year through York is U.  There are also many programs put on by Healthed throughout the year so look out for them as well!

Get involved with college sports, sports clubs, york is U and Health Ed by joining their group on YU Connect!

Stay Active Yorkies but mainly....

Stay Classy,
Jacky Li

Got Goals? Getting organized can help you reach them!

It is already half way through summer, and just two more months before school starts in the fall! What have you accomplished?  Is there stuff you still want to do but just haven't gotten to it yet?

For me, I still have a long list of things to do for the summer, and really need to focus if I want to get these things done!

So if you are like me then here are some TIPS that might get you back on track!

1.  Make a list

Making lists are always a good idea and can have many benefits.  Having a long list can make you feel like you have got to get these things done ASAP!  This way you will start  getting things done. Also having a list allows you to check off what you accomplished and feel awesome in the process (YES I JUST DID THAT!).  Lists can also keep track of your progress, and keep you organized!

If you do not have a To-Do List, that is the first thing you need to do!

2.  Set Goals

Setting goals will help you progress and eventually reach your destination.  This include timelines, specific tasks, and constant motivation.  If you do not know how to set goals that's okay!  I will post my Steps To Goal Setting soon, that will help you attain your goals!

3.  Make yourself accountable!

Tell people what you want to do!  The key to this is to pick a person important in your life that you do not want to disappoint.  This way you will have a horrible feeling of guilt hanging over your head if you do not do what you said you would!  I hate disappointing people, so I make sure I get the job done fast, and well to make myself look awesome!


4.  Start plotting things on a calender

Having a calender of things to show what you have to do can keep you on track.  When you look at an empty calender you may realize you actually have so much time to fill and can be doing something productive.  Filling up your calender can keep you on schedule in finishing your tasks, but more importantly make you seem like you are a super busy, super focused, super important person!

5.  Start now! 

If you want to get in shape, or learn how to play the ukulele do it now!  Like I said, half the summer is over so get on it!  If you want to hang out with friends you haven't seen in a long time, call them up!  Make plans with them to go to Wonderland or go to the beach and go on a crazy adventure.

Leave a comment on what you have to do in the summer still!

I want to learn how to do YOGA!

Chapter One The Beginning.

Jacky Li, son of Janet and Kent was born on August 26, 1991.  He grew up in a small city of Port Colborne (near Niagara Falls), with the population of 19,000 people.  He was an average kid that enjoyed the simple things in life.  He enjoys the normal things such as playing pickup basketball at the gym, going to Canada's Wonderland, or even enjoying the sun at the beach with his friends.

Little did he know, he would soon become a part of something, much, much bigger.  In the fall of 2009 (three years ago) Jacky found himself at York University. After three long years at York he has many experiences to share, wisdom to give, and advice that will help students make the most of their university experience!

Stay Classy,
Jacky Li

Future of York!

I am in my second week of Red Zone training, and am SUPER STOKED about the up-and-coming year.  We have a sweet team with lots of positive energy, the kind that feels like nothing can stop us.    I am excited to show the new first years all York has to offer!