"An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life." – Source Unknown

Dear readers,

We’re back with so much excitement on what we’re going to share with you this March. Let’s start with our special feature for this month.  Special, because this time our professional “Profile of the Month” is a slight deviation from our regular feature of telling you inspirational success stories of immigrants. Nonetheless, we promise you that this extraordinary article will educate and inspire you through the words of our very own, Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education and MPP for Don Valley West. Much has been said and written about her. However, GTA This Month not only went ahead on the literary front but with a roomful of concentrated optimism, we also went a bit up close and personal with our “education champion”.

Now, if you or your kids are intending to go for post secondary education but are confused, read on our VS Corner on “Finding a job with a High School VS College Graduation”. Whether you choose to enter the job market with a high school or college diploma on your hand, this article will give you a picture on how your future career path will be affected depending on your educational attainment.  Of course, some guys have all the luck!  However, remember that “Knowledge is power” and  it is essential that we give this a thorough consideration. I personally believed in higher education. It maybe heavy on our pockets, but developing your skills through post secondary education is definitely an excellent tool to climb the ladder of success.  With just few months left before graduation, this is the best time to review your options and be ready in time for the next school year. Then follow your dream.

Let’s halt a while on education matters.  Well, let me just introduce to you our “Behaviour Police” who has this witty piece which you will surely be able to relate. I remember back home, when I was in grade school, part of our academic subjects is what we call “GMRC”, short for “Good Manners and Right Conduct.”  Let’s face it; here in T.O., we are compounded by the practice of minding our own business.  What we have forgotten is that the practice of good manners and right conduct is not done in and for itself but for the society we are in.  There is nothing taboo in telling others about their bad behaviour. It is just a matter of good timing and approach. Let’s simplify it; GMRC is simply to have and to exercise some degree of civility.

Nothing says more about a person than what he/she drives. So, for the whole family, enjoy T.O.’s March break madness and join our young writer as she explores the ““Toronto International Auto Show” during one of her fieldtrips. Check out the new top of the line vehicles for 2008 and see what car color suits your personality-just for fun!

As Torontonians, our typical life (although sometimes not normal) is coffee, work, coffee, home.  Seldom do we go and have a real vacation time. Accordingly, Canadians are so busy working that most allotted vacation days are not being utilized.  I am convinced that we all deserve a little vacation and to encourage you to use up your vacation time wisely, we present “Travel-Beyond GTA”, where we highlight places of interest beyond GTA even if you cannot get away.

Enough of the gloomy days in T.O. Join GTA This Month as we go “Japaneez…ahh” to celebrate the arrival of spring at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in a weekend filled with activities, entertainment and colourful displays of Japanese Arts. Pictures, indeed could paint a thousand words. So, enjoy clicking every page of our Rendezvous corner which will surely help lift your spirit by virtually smelling the flowers of spring.

We also join the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 as we continue the tradition of going green, eating Irish Food and attending the parades. This celebration is surely bursting with folklore from the shamrock to the leprechaun. So, let’s go pinch those not wearing green and aim for the pot of gold (in Irish accent).

Back to our profile of the month; watch out for our rare ‘special feature’ from public figures and high-profile personalities that we have lined up for future issues.

Thank you for reading. We’ll see you in April!

Criss Papa-Nañola
Editor