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CBC
08-06-2025
- Science
- CBC
Stepping into the unknown is good for us — and being an explorer doesn't require skydiving
For many, the word "explore" brings to mind daring feats: climbing towering peaks, plunging into ocean depths or soaring through the air on a skydive. But Alex Hutchinson challenges people to redefine exploration — suggesting it's not just for adrenaline junkies. "There's a middle definition where it's not just about physical exploration — it's not just about extremes or anything like that," Hutchinson told The Current 's Matt Galloway. Instead, he says exploration is any moment where we step into the unknown, take a risk, or seek growth. "There has to be some stakes — you're venturing into the unknown, you're taking a path where you don't know how it's going to turn out — there's probably going to be struggle along the way." Hutchinson is the author of The Explorer's Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map, which explores our innate drive to seek out the unknown. We're all meant to explore Exploration may take different forms for each of us, but it's something we're all built for — hardwired into our biology, says Hutchinson. Our brain's pleasure system, the former physicist said, is wired not just to reward success, but to light up when something surprises us in a positive way. That surge of dopamine pushes us to keep seeking new and unexpected experiences. Hutchinson points to a simple example: how children are naturally driven to change things up while playing at the playground. At first, they're excited to go down the slide, but after a few turns, curiosity kicks in — they start climbing up instead, inventing new and creative ways to play. "They know that the uncertainty is gone, so that's why they're like, 'OK, now we're going to go up the slide.'" Brent Hogarth, a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in sport and high-performance psychology in B.C., agrees. He says the urge to explore is as fundamental as any basic human need. "A need just like vitamin C, is the need for exploration and adventure," he said. It's powered by what neuroscientists call the seeking system — a primal drive in the brain that keeps us curious, ambitious and open to possibility. "When the seeking system gets activated — whether you're on an adventure, you're learning, you're experimenting at work — we get a massive hit of dopamine that is not about reward, but more so, about motivation of wanting to explore more, adventure more, experiment more," said Hogarth. Finding balance Still, knowing when to stretch yourself — and when to step back — is just as important as the act of exploring itself, says Hutchinson. There's also value in staying within our comfort zone — in knowing when to explore, and when to "exploit" the knowledge and experience we already have, he says. Recognizing when to switch between the two is key to avoiding burnout and maximizing growth. "As you get better at what you're doing, you have to increase the challenge … [which] leads to growth because you have to keep getting on the edge, keep going for it," said Hogarth. That edge doesn't have to be dramatic. In fact, Hogarth recommends what he calls "front loading" — small, low-stakes acts of courage that prepare us for bigger moments. Start with something as simple as complimenting a stranger or chatting with the person who makes your coffee, says Hogarth. These minor moments build the confidence and mental habits needed to tackle more intimidating goals, like speaking up in a meeting or taking on a new role. "When the moment of uncertainty or adventure presents itself, we've done the work so that we can go for it," he said. Veronica Park, a registered clinical counsellor of B.C., believes in embracing the limits of our abilities without shame. "We [all] can't be Einstein," she said, but added that doesn't make anyone less valuable, as everyone has their own unique talents and strengths. "It's better to stay within that boundary, rather than keep pushing it and feel like I'm exhausting myself." That's the moment, Park says, when you can acknowledge, "Maybe this is the boundary of my potential and gifts, and I learn to take it with humility saying, 'I am satisfied with what I am.'" Ultimately, Hutchinson says, exploration isn't about perfection — because by nature, it's uncertain. He says what matters most is not guaranteed success, but choosing the path with the greatest potential. "What you want to do is make choices such that when you're looking back, even if it went wrong, you will not regret it," he said. "So, you take a chance, you look at what has the biggest possible upside, what has the best realistic outcome, and you say, 'Let's try that, and even if it doesn't work, at least I won't regret trying.'"
Straits Times
31-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
‘Adulting 101': Canadian uni offers classes for Gen Zs to learn basic life skills
Swathes of Gen Z-ers are enrolling in 'Adulting 101' - a course designed to teach students day-to-day life skills. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY Which is harder - coding an app from scratch or grocery shopping? Surprisingly, some Gen Zs might argue it's the latter. Gen Z, or Generation Z, refers to those born between 1997 and 2012 . While some are already full-fledged adults, many say t hey still lack essential life skills. To make up for this, the University of Waterloo, a top-ranked institution in Ontario, Canada, has launched 'Adulting 101' - a course designed to teach students day-to-day life skills. On the university's website, the course description reads: 'From managing your finances, grocery shopping, keeping your laundry whites... white, staying organised - there are a lot of important life skills you might have wished you learned sooner.' It is structured around three key areas: prioritising mental and physical well-being, adapting to new responsibilities, and fostering personal growth. There are no reports on the number of students who have enrolled in the course. 'I don't know how to change a tyre. I don't have a car at all. I don't know how to sew. I don't know how to do a lot of things, other than cooking,' Mr Aldhen Garcia confessed on The Current, a radio programme produced by Canadian news outlet CBC News. The freshman at Canada's Toronto Metropolitan University is among many in his generation who share the struggle of navigating adulthood. But why do young people these days need a crash course on what previous generations might deem common sense? According to experts , overprotective parents who are excessively involved in their children's lives may be partly to blame, reported American news outlet CBS News. Gen Zs are also living with their parents for longer periods, taking on lesser responsibilities as their parents manage the household. This prolong s their adolescence while delaying their development, researcher and psychology professor at San Diego State University Jean Twenge said on The Current. 'Kids are growing up less independent. They're less likely to learn how to do adult things as high school students. Then they get to university, and they still don't know,' she said. Her sentiments were echoed by netizens worldwide. Commenting on CBS' TikTok account, one said: 'If someone is 20 and can't do laundry, personally, I blame it on the parents.' Beyond household chores, financial literacy is also a major concern for many in that generation, and one of the key skills they hope to gain by enrolling in the course. 'Within the school curriculum, I think it is so important that children are taught financial literacy. A lot of stuff involves money,' Mr Garcia said. While some praised the students for recognising their shortcomings and taking steps to improve, others were quick to point out that these skills should be taught earlier on in home economics classes. 'We learned how to sew, cook, use tools and other stuff in school. It is sad they took those classes away,' one user commented. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gen Z is signing up for ‘Adulting 101' classes — because they can't handle basic life skills: ‘A lot of stuff involves money'
They can code TikToks in their sleep — but can't cook rice without a YouTube tutorial. Gen Z is flocking to 'Adulting 101' crash courses, desperate to learn what previous generations might call common sense: how to do laundry, budgeting for rent or navigating a grocery store without Googling 'what is a turnip?' 'I don't know how to change a tire. I don't have a car at all. I don't know how to sew. I don't know how to do a lot of things, other than cooking,' admitted Aldhen Garcia, a freshman at Canada's Toronto Metropolitan University, on CBC's 'The Current.' 'I think it's so important that children are taught financial literacy. A lot of stuff involves money,' he added. He's not alone. Canadian colleges like the University of Waterloo are stepping in to teach the basics with online toolkits like 'Adulting 101,' which covers everything from healthy relationships to how not to set your kitchen on fire. 'There's a lot of things that are missed in education about when you actually become an adult,' echoed Bella Hudson, a third-year TMU student. She told the radio program, 'I do wish that they had classes that taught how to manage yourself and manage your life.' What's cooking — besides ramen — is a cultural reckoning. According to Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University and author of 'Generations,' today's 20-somethings are hitting adulthood with empty toolboxes. 'Kids are growing up less independent. They're less likely to learn how to do adult things as high school students. Then they get to university and they still don't know,' Twenge said on 'The Current.' 'We send them off to adulthood without other skills. If they're not learning how to make decisions on their own and solve problems, that can be challenging.' Twenge blames helicopter parenting and extended adolescence — made worse by rising numbers of young adults living with mom and dad. 'You are just more likely to be financially dependent on your parents for longer,' she noted. Stateside, students are seeing the same gaps. 'NYC high schools are failing their students — not academically, but practically,' Zack Leitner, a New York City 10th grader, wrote in The Post last month. 'Until the 1960s, NYC high schoolers learned to cook, clean and sew as part of their standard curriculum. In 2025, they'd be lucky if they knew how to do their laundry.' Leitner said the long-lost home economics class — ditched during the Women's Liberation movement — left behind crucial life lessons for all genders. Today's students, he argues, are launched into adulthood with no idea how to fold a fitted sheet or roast a chicken. 'What today's youth need are 'Adulting 101' classes,' he insisted. 'A lack of these skills makes youth feel adrift once they enter the 'real world.' ' Pam Charbonneau, Waterloo's director of student success, agrees. 'What you're experiencing is normal. A lot of your peers are going through the same thing at the same time,' she told students like Garcia, as reported by the CBC. And while she supports universities offering help, Twenge says the real fix starts earlier. 'Limiting kids' freedom and not teaching them practical skills is doing them a disservice,' she said. Because whether it's interest rates or ironing a shirt — ignorance isn't bliss, it's expensive.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
What's 'Adulting 101' Crash Course That Assists Gen Z In Basic Life Skills
Generation Z is scurrying to sign up for 'Adulting 101' crash courses to learn basic life skills such as changing a tyre, making rice, and doing laundry - things their parents or even the preceding generation considered a walk in the park. Several Gen Z students admit they wish they had learnt these skills sooner because they feel anxious and overwhelmed while navigating daily life. Aldhen Garcia, a first-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), claimed that he does not own a car and lacks several essential life skills, such as sewing and tyre changing. "I have no idea how to change a tyre. I don't even own a car. I don't know how to sew. Other than cooking, I'm not really good at many things," Mr Garcia said on CBC's 'The Current '. Mr Garcia also has money-related concerns, such as mortgages, interest rates, and rent payments. "I believe that teaching financial literacy to children is important. A lot of stuff involves money," he said. She is not alone. Bella Hudson, a third-year student at the TMU, echoed Mr Garcia, saying education on becoming an adult is lacking in several fields. "I wish that they had classes that educated how to manage yourself and manage your life," Ms Hudson said on 'The Current,' Now, multiple post-secondary educational institutions have introduced additional resources, such as classes and information sessions, to help students acquire basic life skills, The NY Post reported. In 2023, the University of Waterloo created an online course called 'Adulting 101' to teach students everything, from how to avoid setting your kitchen on fire to how to have meaningful relationships. The course also aims to assist students in managing their responsibilities while providing them with knowledge about key life skills such as basic nutrition, household upkeep, and grocery shop navigation. According to experts, Gen Z in particular is losing out on important skills since they were not given enough independence. San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge, author of 'Generations,' claimed that today's young adults were entering adulthood with empty arsenals. According to Ms Twenge, members of the Gen Z demographic - those born between 1997 and 2012 - had fewer opportunities to acquire practical skills growing up. She blamed prolonged adolescence and "helicopter parenting," further exacerbated by the growing number of young adults living with their parents. Although she is in favour of 'Adulting 101' crash courses, Ms Twenge feels the real fix begins sooner because ignorance of basic life skills is expensive.
New York Post
26-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
Gen Z is signing up for ‘Adulting 101' classes — because they can't handle even basic life skills: ‘A lot of stuff involves money'
They can code TikToks in their sleep — but can't cook rice without a YouTube tutorial. Gen Z is flocking to 'Adulting 101' crash courses, desperate to learn what previous generations might call common sense: how to do laundry, budgeting for rent or navigating a grocery store without Googling 'what is a turnip?' 'I don't know how to change a tire. I don't have a car at all. I don't know how to sew. I don't know how to do a lot of things, other than cooking,' admitted Aldhen Garcia, a freshman at Canada's Toronto Metropolitan University, on CBC's 'The Current.' 'I think it's so important that children are taught financial literacy. A lot of stuff involves money,' he added. He's not alone. Canadian colleges like the University of Waterloo are stepping in to teach the basics with online toolkits like 'Adulting 101,' which covers everything from healthy relationships to how not to set your kitchen on fire. 3 Aldhen Garcia, a freshman at Toronto Metropolitan University, confessed on CBC's 'The Current' that he lacks many basic life skills — from changing a tire to sewing — and doesn't even own a car. AntonioDiaz – 'There's a lot of things that are missed in education about when you actually become an adult,' echoed Bella Hudson, a third-year TMU student. She told the radio program, 'I do wish that they had classes that taught how to manage yourself and manage your life.' What's cooking — besides ramen — is a cultural reckoning. According to Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University and author of 'Generations,' today's twentysomethings are hitting adulthood with empty toolboxes. 'Kids are growing up less independent. They're less likely to learn how to do adult things as high school students. Then they get to university and they still don't know,' Twenge said on 'The Current.' 3 Many of today's twentysomethings are entering adulthood with barely a clue — but 'Adulting 101' at the University of Waterloo is helping them fill in the blanks. nakophotography – 'We send them off to adulthood without other skills. If they're not learning how to make decisions on their own and solve problems, that can be challenging.' Twenge blames helicopter parenting and extended adolescence — made worse by rising numbers of young adults living with mom and dad. 'You are just more likely to be financially dependent on your parents for longer,' she noted. Stateside, students are seeing the same gaps. 'NYC high schools are failing their students — not academically, but practically,' New York City 10th grader Zack Leitner wrote in The Post last month. 'Until the 1960s, NYC high schoolers learned to cook, clean and sew as part of their standard curriculum. In 2025, they'd be lucky if they knew how to do their laundry.' 3 Whether it's sewing a button or figuring out the laundry cycle, experts warn that if Gen Z isn't learning how to problem-solve and make decisions solo, they could be in for a rough ride. Nata Bene – Leitner says the long-lost home economics class — ditched during the Women's Liberation movement — left behind crucial life lessons for all genders. Today's students, he argues, are launched into adulthood with no idea how to fold a fitted sheet or roast a chicken. 'What today's youth need are 'Adulting 101' classes,' he insisted. 'A lack of these skills makes youth feel adrift once they enter the 'real world.'' Waterloo's director of student success, Pam Charbonneau, agrees. 'What you're experiencing is normal. A lot of your peers are going through the same thing at the same time,' she told students like Garcia, as reported by the CBC. And while she supports universities offering help, Twenge says the real fix starts earlier. 'Limiting kids' freedom and not teaching them practical skills is doing them a disservice,' she said. Because whether it's interest rates or ironing a shirt — ignorance isn't bliss, it's expensive.
