Living Expenses

- Food: My monthly food costs total up to $450. This is because I like to cook and eat with ingredients from grocery shopping over the weekdays, But, over the weekends, I like to visit expensive restaurants and eat out there with friends. Overall, this is quite expensive for 1 person and it adds up to $5,400 per year.

- Rent: Altogether, my monthly cost for rent and utilities is $1,768. This is because my rent itself would cost me $1,500. This is because I prefer to live in a decent home that is situated at a safe and beautiful part of the city. I would also like to have a decent amount of other utilities like electricity, Internet, TV, phone and resources such as water as gas. This would add up to a cost of $268, which is around enough for one person. Thus, yearly this would cost me $21,200.

Savings:

- House: I would need to save up about $12,143 per year to pay for 20% down payment for my house. This is because I want a house that has a lot of space (for my future family), has decent build quality and is around a safe and exotic area. So, my house would at least cost $850,000. The down payment would be $170,000 which I would pay for 14 years.

- Vehicle: I would need to save up $3,750 per year for a car. I want a decent vehicle that costs about $30,000. The vehicle will be a 4-seat vehicle and probably be a Toyota. So, I would save up for it over 8 years, which is $3,750 per year. That way, there is less financial pressure on me and I can take my time to save up to buy a good car.

- Wedding: I want my wedding to be amazing. So, I would save up to about $6,500 per year for my wedding. I am planning for my wedding to cost around $65,000. I will save up for this over 10 years.

- Vacations, family entertainment and reunions: I would save up to about $4000 yearly for family entertainment and spending time with friends. I plan to have a big vacation every 4 years, which would costs about $12,000 for a 4 person family. For this, I need to save up to $3,000 per year. I would save another $1,000 yearly for annual reunions and parties with my friends from school altogether. So, I would need to save up to $4,000 per year.

In co-relation to my careers choices:

- Surgeon: Surgeons make about $80,000 per year after taxes are cut off. If I look at my annual costs, yearly I am spending $67,325. Thus, even after all my spending, I will have another $13,000 left to spend. This number will grow eventually and allow me to save more money over the years because my salaries will increase over time.

- Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers start off with about $50,000 per year. This means that I will only have enough money for yearly costs and no money on savings. This would mean that if I wanted to maintain my savings, I would have to give up my yearly costs. I would need to live at a smaller, not-as-good home with limited supplies so that I can maintain my annual savings. However, this situation will begin to improve because I will move up in the workforce and earn more.

- Lawyer: The starting salary for a lawyer is around $70,000. Thus, this means that I will have just enough money to pay for my yearly living expenses and collect my annual savings. This means that I will not be able to spend money on anything else such as video games, buying new equipment, buying gifts and etc. This would mean that I have to choose to live at a place with a lower monthly rent so that I can increase the amount of money I have left to spend. However, likewise the other occupations, this would improve as my yearly salary rises, farther increasing the amount of money I can spend or save. 

3 Places to Live

Location: Eglinton – Victoria Park, North York, ON

Monthly rent cost: $780

Highlights:

Furnished

Washer/Dryer

Air Conditioning

4 piece bath

1 bedroom

TV Cable included

Close to Eglinton Square Mall

Why I chose this place:

The home is close to the mall and other convenience stores, meaning if I need something, I can easily get it

The home is furnished. So, I do not need to buy anything, which would costs thousands of more dollars

There is a washer and dryer included. Thus, laundry is free and convenient.

Air conditioning is also included. Thus, I do not need to spend more money to cool down the place during the summer.

TV Cable included. I do not have to pay extra to watch television as it is included with the home and I can pay these bills directly through the mortgage.

Location: Lawrence – Bellamy, Scarborough, ON

Monthly rent cost: $1100

Highlights:

Fully furnished

Newly renovated

1 bedroom

Private entrance

Kitchen and Living Area

Parking Spot

Internet and Cable included

10 minute walking distance to Scarborough General Hospital

15 minute walking distance to UofT Scarborough Campus

Close to TTC

Why I chose this place:

Fully furnished means costs are massively reduced

The home is in perfect condition as it has been renovated recently. This is needed to keep my belongings all tidy and organized

The home is close to TTC, meaning if I need to go to the library to study, I can easily use the subway

The home is also close to the hospital. This is also very good in case of emergency or if I need to see the doctor

The home is also close to UofT, where I will be studying. This is convenient and it also cuts out major transportation costs

Kingston – Victoria Park, Scarborough, ON

Monthly rent cost: $2200

Highlights:

In the beach area

Close to Queen Street and Lake Ontario

Close to TTC bus stops

2 bedrooms

2 washrooms

Large Patio

Large front and back yards

Laundry included

Large living area

Kitchen and washrooms are fully renovated

Gas stove

Dishwasher

Air conditioning

Wood burning fireplace

Why I chose this place:

The area is beautiful and refreshing as it is near the beach

Air conditioning keeps the place cool during the summer

Wood burning fireplace keeps the living area warm during the winter

2 bedrooms, 2 washrooms and large living area means that the home can be shared with another classmate from university, which evens out the high costs

The home is close to TTC bus stops, meaning using the subway to go to university or other places, like the library, will not be a problem

Education Costs (based on Careers Choices)

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
University/College: University of Toronto

Years in Undergraduate Program  4 years
Years in M. Eng. (Graduate Program): 2 years
Total number of years: 6 years

Cost of Undergraduate Program: $11,000x4 = $44,000
Cost of M. Eng. (Graduate Program): $10,000x2 = $20,000
Total cost: $64,000
___________________________________________________________________________________

Job Title: Cardiovascular Surgeon
University/College: University of Toronto

Years in Undergraduate Program: 4 years
Years in Master of Health Science (Graduate Program): 4 years
Total number of years: 8 years

Cost of Undergraduate Program: $10,000x4 = $40,000
Cost of Master of Health Science (Graduate Program): $8,500x4 = $34,000
Total cost: $74,000
___________________________________________________________________________________

Job Title: Lawyer/Attorney
University/College: University of Toronto

Years in JD Program (Undergraduate Program): 4 years
Years in Master of Laws (Graduate Program): 1 year

Cost of JD (Undergraduate Program): $25,000x4 = $100,000
Cost of Master of Laws (Graduate Program): $7,000
Total cost: $107,000

Scholarship Research Entry

The following is from this website:

http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/danforthcti/mastcareers/danforthscholarshippackage20092010.pdf

Scholarship #1: Laurentian University National Deans’ Scholarship Award

Money: 4 payments of $20,000 over 4 years

Requirements:

-          Student has an average of 90% or higher

-          Lots of contribution to school and community

-          Outstanding leadership skills

Why I think I can get it:

-          I have an average of 93%

-          I have participated in extracurricular activities such as Instrumental Band, and I have 500 community volunteer hours

-          I am well-known for helping others do better and I am in the Student Council

Scholarship #2: Toronto East Rotary Club Service Scholarship Award

Money:

-          A payment of $4000 for 1^st year

-          A payment of $1000 for 2^nd year

Requirements:

-          Student is going to participate in post-secondary education

-          Student has earned 100 community hours per year at high school during Grade 10, 11 & 12

-          500 word essay on how the student has contributed to community

-          3 references

Why I think I can get it:

-          I plan on going to McMaster University and studying in Life Sciences

-          I am currently earning 250 hours per year in community service

-          My essays are terrific, represent thought and determination

-          All my teachers see me as a great student

Scholarship #3: Queens Major Entrance Scholarships

Money: $26,000 - $40,000

Requirements:

-          Student has won variety of awards

-          90% or higher average

-          Good leadership skills

-          Student s with financial difficulties

-          Student participate in school or is involved in the community

Why I think I can get it:

-          I excel in many subjects, giving me a great chance of winning awards in school programs

-          I currently have a 93% average

-          I help others in learning and I am in the Student Council

-          I am very active in the community and I also participate in extracurricular school programs

My Top 3 Intelligences

The intelligence test is on this website: http://www.literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/cgi-bin/results.cgi

My greatest strength is spatial sense, in which I received a score of 4.71/5.00.

-          I can use this strength in mathematics, particularly in geometry and functions. I can easily remember, create and analyze shapes and figures in geometry. Also, I will be able to make really good posters and other visual presentations to display geometric works.  

-          I can also use this strength in visual arts. Using my ability to remember shapes, sizes and ratios of objects exactly, I can easily draw or paint something that I have looked at with the proper sizes, shapes, positions and contrast.

-          I can also use this strength in geography. Using my ability to observe shapes, I can create very detailed maps of locations, which will have exact measurements of surroundings along with properly illustrated directions between places in the location.

My second greatest strength is logic/mathematics, in which I received a score of 4.57/5.00.

I can use this strength in Engineering. Using my ability to relate things together, I can create a really good product that meets and excels the criteria required. Also, I can use this for innovation. I can use my ability to bring new and brilliant ideas to discussions, which can help others learn.

I can also use this strength in mathematics, particularly in puzzles and riddles. Because I can think mathematically, I will be able to connect clues and hints together to solve puzzles. Also, in mathematics, I can use this strength to solve word problems, because I can easily see how the information relates to one another and come up with the correct solution.

I can also use this strength in English Literature. Since I am a critical thinker, when I read a book, I will explore the characters, the events, the problems and see how they all tie into one another in order to make predictions. Doing this will also allow me to easily perform well on tests because I have been able to gather knowledge about the characters that does not exist in plain sight.

My third greatest strength is self, in which I received a score of 4.57/5.00:

-          I can use this strength in English, when it comes to writing reports and articles. I can use my time to think about and reflect on what I should write and come up with deep and unique ideas that stand out from the rest of the crowd.

-          I can also use this strength in Biology. Since I am well acquainted with myself, I can look over, revise and practice what has been taught in class and use it to my advantage in order to achieve well in that subject. I can also make observations and take notes in class that I can use later on to help myself understand concepts.

-          I can also use this strength in French. I am able to teach myself and efficiently make use of my time. Thus, I can visit various French websites, read and study French grammar books, practice my communication skills by hearing or recording myself in order to learn and become more fluent in French without anyone else’s help. 

Occupation Index (Careers Choices)

1.     1.      Surgeons and physicians (cardiovascular surgeon)

My first careers choice is to become a surgeon. This particular job belongs in the healthcare field. Surgeons are highly professional and each surgeon is specialized to a specific form of operation. Surgeons specialize in the treatment of injury, disease, and deformity through operations. Using a variety of instruments, and with patients under anaesthesia, a surgeon corrects physical deformities, repairs bone and tissue after injuries, or performs preventive surgeries on patients with debilitating diseases or disorders. Although a large number perform general surgery, many surgeons choose to specialize in a specific area. One of the most prevalent specialties is orthopaedic surgery: the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Others include neurological surgery (treatment of the brain and nervous system), cardiovascular surgery, otolaryngology (treatment of the ear, nose, and throat), and plastic or reconstructive surgery. Like other physicians, surgeons also examine patients, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and counsel patients on preventive healthcare.

If I choose and become successful in becoming a surgeon, I would pursue to be specialized in cardiovascular surgery. This is because I am very interested to see how the human arteries and veins work, and I am willing to aid people who have damages in their circulatory system. When I imagine myself in this job, I see that I am working under a lot of pressure and tension, with a huge team of professionals, trying to save lives of people. Of course, it is a very tough job to begin with. But, then again, I working in a field that I am interested in. Also, all of the high pressure and tension are only good when it comes to working in an extra-ordinary field with a very high pay – especially when the job is responsible for making enormous change in people’s lives.

Surgeons and physicians are among the highest paid professions. As of 2008, physicians practicing primary care had a median yearly salary of $186,044. On the other hand, physicians practicing in medical specialties had a median yearly salary of $339,738.

3 reasons I want to be in this job:

- Extremely high salary; cardiovascular surgery falls under the category of medical specialties, meaning surgeons can make more than $300,000/year.

- My uncle was a cardiovascular surgeon and he was among the top 20 specialists in Bangladesh. I am inspired by his achievements and I would really like to do as well as him.

- I am very interested to work with the human circulatory system, with a group of professionals, and be able to make a positive change to lives of those under risk.

2.      Engineers (mechanical engineer)

My second careers choice to become a mechanical engineer.  Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material-handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Some mechanical engineers design tools that other engineers need for their work. In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales; many become administrators or managers.

When it comes to being a mechanical engineer, I see myself in a comfort zone. We build specific tools, work in a big team, tasks and responsibilities are individualized and a large part of the job is entirely about innovation. This job is calmer, with less pressure, and a decent pay. However, since many people work in this profession, there will be a lot of competition for higher positions, and therefore, I will have to work harder and cooperate really well to be able to achieve top positions.

The salaries for mechanical engineers vary depending on the positions. The positions are divided into top and bottom level percentages. The lowest 10% make an average annual salary of $47,900. The lowest 25% make $59,230. The highest 25% make an average annual salary of $94,400. The top 10% make an average of $114,740. All rounded up together, a median annual salary of a mechanical engineer is $74,920.

3 reasons I want to be in this job:

- A lot of people are mechanical engineers, so there is a good chance that I will become one. Also, this job is all about teamwork, cooperation and innovation, in which I can play my role effectively.

- The median annual salary is $92,400, which is a decent salary. It is enough to make me happy and also provide for my family. I also expect to earn more than that because I am a hard worker and I would stand out as an appropriate candidate for upper positions.

- My father was a mechanical engineer in this company named Orion. He made $150,000 because he was the Vice-President of the company. He worked alongside companies like Toyota, Nissan and Volkswagen. He also went to many countries in Asia and Europe to perform research. Thus, this job seems very exciting to me, and I am definitely interested.

3.      Lawyers (or attorneys)

Last but not least, I am interested in being a lawyer. Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters. Whether acting as an advocate or an advisor, all attorneys research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply the law to the specific circumstances faced by their clients.

When it comes to being a lawyer, it is all about mental practice. I see myself in a job with high mental pressure, which calls for no physical involvement. This is because in this job, lawyers perform research on laws, appear in court and work with clients to solve their matters. So, overall, this job seems relaxing to me – the only pressure is mental pressure. This makes the job very relaxing; and it also has to do with reputation and prestige, where I am quite consistent. On the other hand, this job is of high annual salaries. Also, depending on the number of client I have, my salary will increase. Thus, I definitely look forward to this job.

Lawyers’ salaries vary based on what specific field of services they work in. Lawyers can work in management of companies/enterprises (with a median annual salary of $145,770), federal executive branches (with a salary of $126,080), legal services (with a salary of $116,550), local governments (with a salary of $82,590) and state/provincial governments (with a salary of$78,540).

3 reasons I want to be in this job:

- I can serve justice, aid people falsely convicted

- I can make decent or very high salaries; depending on what type of lawyer I would be

- I can work in law firm, with partners and coworkers, which I look forward to

My Blueprint (High School Course Planners)

1. 1. The above path was designed so that I can go to university and study history, philosophy and politics. Throughout Grade 11, I will take courses that include Physical Geography, Western and African Histories and Anthropology. In Grade 12, I will take courses that include International Law, Philosophy, Canadian and World Issues/Politics. These courses will give access to courses in university that allow students to study world issues, history and politics. These courses can then help me find jobs as a lawyer, a historian, a politician or a philosopher. While taking these courses as my main focus, I will also take Mathematics and Business courses in Grade 11 and 12 so that as an alternative, I can study entrepreneurship/business in university and move on to opening a business or making investments to make a living. Thus, this is my path if I choose to study in humanities or law school in the future.

2. The above path shows the path I will take in Grade 11 and 12 in order to go to university focusing on Mathematics and Sciences. In Grade 11 and 12, the courses that I will take include Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. These courses will help me qualify in university to study in engineering programs. Such courses will give me options to qualify for jobs like mechanical engineering or being a pharmacist. Also, I have taken Grade 11 (in Grade 10) and Grade 12 Biology (in Grade 12). Combined with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, these biology courses will allow me to study Life Sciences and later study in Medical School, allowing me to gain the ability to become a doctor. Despite choosing these courses, my path includes taking all academic French courses up to Grade 12. This gives me an advantage because using this - I can open more doors to the jobs already available to me. For example, using my linguistic skills in French, I can qualify to work at places like Quebec. Thus, this is my path for studying in courses based on mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics later in university.

1. The above path shows the path I will take in Grade 11 and 12 in order to go to university focusing on Mathematics and Sciences. In Grade 11 and 12, the courses that I will take include Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. These courses will help me qualify in university to study in engineering programs. Such courses will give me options to qualify for jobs like mechanical engineering or being a pharmacist. Also, I have taken Grade 11 (in Grade 10) and Grade 12 Biology (in Grade 12). Combined with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, these biology courses will allow me to study Life Sciences and later study in Medical School, allowing me to gain the ability to become a doctor. Despite choosing these courses, my path includes taking all academic French courses up to Grade 12. This gives me an advantage because using this - I can open more doors to the jobs already available to me. For example, using my linguistic skills in French, I can qualify to work at places like Quebec. Thus, this is my path for studying in courses based on mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics later in university.

2. The above path was designed so that I can go to university and study history, philosophy and politics. Throughout Grade 11, I will take courses that include Physical Geography, Western and African Histories and Anthropology. In Grade 12, I will take courses that include International Law, Philosophy, Canadian and World Issues/Politics. These courses will give access to courses in university that allow students to study world issues, history and politics. These courses can then help me find jobs as a lawyer, a historian, a politician or a philosopher. While taking these courses as my main focus, I will also take Mathematics and Business courses in Grade 11 and 12 so that as an alternative, I can study entrepreneurship/business in university and move on to opening a business or making investments to make a living. Thus, this is my path if I choose to study in humanities or law school in the future.

Jones in The Fast Lane Assignment

1. In Jones in the Fast Lane, players can choose to play alone, with friends or with Jones (AI). At the beginning, the player must choose a character and set goals/objectives up to specific levels. These objectives include wealth, happiness, education and prestige. The bar for each goal ranges from 0 to 100, meaning that the highest level can be set to 400. The player who wins the game is the one who is the first to reach all of their objectives. Of course, if goals are set to maximum, more needs to be done to gain victory. However, if your total score is 360 and so was your objective, this does not mean that you have won. Every single objective has to be individually reached or surpassed to be victorious.

2. When playing the same, the 4 objectives look very weird. However, the key is to be able to see how these objectives can relate to one another, and to devise a plot, plan or method to complete each of these objectives in a way that it will amplify a chain reaction that improves the standards of every other objective. The way I put it together: money = education = better jobs = more money = more prestige and stronger reputation = happiness. Thus, in my strategy, one must first find any job. Part of the money gained will be spent on weekly food and clothes. However, the remaining majority will be spent on education. Using education and the degrees it provides, players can apply for better jobs. This money can be used as a catalyst – speeding up the process of educational success. Eventually, when the peak of educational success (objective completed) is reached, players must get into the highest paid job (wealth expectations reached/surpassed). With all the more money, the player can buy a better place, buy TVs and other appliances and become happy (another objective completed). Also, full time can be put into work, increasing prestige (another objective completed). Thus, altogether, the player has reached the goals set for all 4 objectives, making him/her the winner.

3. Tips: buying a refrigerator and weekly food from Black’s market, applying for loan, gold investment. Firstly, the fast food place costs too much. Thus, as soon as possible, players should invest money to purchase a refrigerator. This can be used to store the cheaper weekly food from Black’s (otherwise, it will rot), helping save a lot of money. Also, as the player is climbing up the economic ladder, he/she should apply for more loans; the higher the salary, the greater the loans. The loan money can then be used to invest in gold. When prices rise, gold can be sold for a much higher price, giving the player a lot of profits – which can be used to pay off any outstanding debts. Therefore, altogether, the player makes a hands full of more money, pulling themselves closer to victory.