The Artichoke Vol. 7. No. 1

Tune In, Winters! Frosh 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017 | VOL. 7 NO. 1

STARTING WITH A THROWBACK

ARTICHOKE

ASSISTANT EDITOR

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I am exceptionally excited for this upcoming year’s Artichoke team! I am absolutely thrilled to help Safa and the rest of the team in working closely with Winters college community in getting involved and showcasing their work.

I look forward to reading and working with this great, accepting, and beautiful community!

Sincerely, Lamia Abozaid

DESIGN EDITOR

Previously a designer on last year’s design team, I am very excited and honoured to continue as Artichoke’s new Design Editor! This year, Artichoke has a fresh, updated look that will continue to showcase the energy and talent that embodies Winters. I am looking forward to working with such a talented team of designers and writers as we continue to grow Artichoke as a publication. We hope you enjoy what we have in store and best of luck in the new school year!

Sincerely, Sarah Wong

WINTERS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Another year of working on this amazing publication and damn am I ecstatic to be working on it as the new Editorin-Chief. Just as ecstatic as welcoming our incoming Winters College students of 2021! Putting together this year’s frosh issue was an incredible experience and I have learned so much about the process of running a publication, it has been so enriching. But less about me and more about the issue, which would not have been possible without the work of our exciting team. We have worked hard to make sure you can learn as much as possible about the scary but thrilling transition into university with some fun content headed your way.

This issue features two amazing people you will get to know over quite well throughout the week, Maddy Fisher and Zlato Tyulev! And trust me when I say they have worked tirelessly to make this year’s frosh week absolutely incredible in so many ways.

I am also very happy to welcome our new Assistant Editor Lamia Abuzaid and Design Editor - Sarah Wong! They have been beyond great to work with over the summer and I cannot wait to continue the work throughout the year so we can bring our readers all kinds of content to keep their minds entertained (and woke as fuck). So look out for anything Winters and York related because we are here to keep you up to date.

If you would like have your work featured in the Artichoke and/or write for us, do not think twice before shooting me an email at: wintersfreepress@winterscouncil.com. Have a great year and welcome back to those returning!

Yours, Safa Gangat

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CONTRIBUTORS

Editor-In-Chief

Safa Gangat

Assistant Editor

Lamia Abozaid

Writers

Carl Cachero Genevieve Canavan Alexandra Caprara Katherine Collier Kelly Estomo Maddyson Fischer Kabeer Garba Michael Petruzzelli Sierra Riley Lilian Rubilar Francesca Smita Soni Zlatko Tyulev Maya Vukov Jessie Whyte

Design Editor

Sarah Wong

Designers

Bri Coggans Kristina Pura-Cruz Holden Kao Samneet Mann Sarah Manyoki Mars Quave Elisabeth Yoon Michelle Young

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For past issues: issuu.com/artichokemag

WINTERS

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Creative

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Thrown' Back To The 90's Safa Gangat Frosh Schedule

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VASA Council

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Meet Your Council!

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A Letter to the First Years Carl Cachero

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Welcome to Art School Maya Vukov

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First Things First Genevieve Canavan

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BPM (Beats Per Minute) Kelly Estomo

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Gerard the Raffe Kabeer Garba

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The Glass is Half Full Lilian Alejandra Rubilar

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People I’ve Never Seen Katherine Collier

Lifestyle

Feature

IN THIS ISSUE

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12 Best Places to Study Lamia Abozaid

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7 Places to Go If You’re Very Cool and New to Toronto Sierra Marilyn Riley

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A Little List to Get You Through Your First Week Alexandra Caprara

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ARTICHOKE

Meet your O-Chairs!

THROWIN’ BACK TO THE 90’S

BY SAFA GANGAT FEATURING MADDY FISHER & ZLATKO TYULEV 6

First and foremost, why the 90’s theme?

M: A big trend right now are the 90’s and the fact that the 1999 class is coming in, it is really the last time to ring in the 90’s and the last time we can actually do a theme with the 90’s that is actually relevant so it is more a ‘one more time’ kind of play on the 90’s.

How did you plan to shape this year’s frosh week events in relation to the theme?

M: A lot of our events are catered to the 90’s theme, like event names: our rest period is called “commercial break”, our different team activities are called “find your network”. We are going to have cartoons playing in the quad all the time so if you are not familiar with a cartoon, you can go watch it during the rest periods or even during normal events. But most of it is geared towards leaders dressing to the theme and with a 90’s quad party, it is more for the leaders integrating the theme into the events so it stays inclusive to everybody.

Tell me a bit about the partnership between the two of you throughout the summer while planning this frosh week.

M: It has been really good because the both of us started out together in theatre so we have always known each other. And I think we have so much respect for each other, we have just been a very good dynamic duo in terms of getting work done, Zlatko’s weaknesses our my strengths and his strengths my weaknesses.

How will this year’s frosh week be different and what’s the most unique thing about events?

M: I would say this year’s frosh week is different because we are definitely opening up to choice; before we had quad parties with an “alternative event” but now we are not treating it as an alternative, we are calling it a “double night” event so people have freedom to go to one or the other and not feel like they are missing out. It is all very consent based. Everything is for the frosh! We are also really pushing for a

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York wide community this time. We found that in the past everything has been very Winters specific, forgetting that we are part of York and I think that is why we get a pretentious representation. We are creating this well-shaped balance by being part of York, partying with other colleges and faculties but also keeping it very Winters spirited. I think this year’s going to be a very pivotal year with that attitude and we’re very excited for it.

Which event are you most excited for?

M: Winters Nuite Blanche and the 90’s quad party. The quad party is completely dedicated to the 90’s, no remixes, only music played from 1990-1999.

Z: My favourite event is always Wasaga, it’s very calming. And it gives you time to relax and have everything sink in.

Some of our content surrounds shyness surrounding frosh week.

How would you respond to an incoming freshman who is scared to be a part of frosh?

M: Honestly, it is completely okay to feel shy or introverted, we accept everybody and that is why we are leaving a lot up to choice.

We have events that are meant for those who are more shy and events for people who are shy but still want to be extroverted. I would say that no matter what your comfortability is, there is always a place for you at Winters.

Z: We are also very lucky to have leaders that are introverted and extroverted, we have a lot of leaders to connect with every single froshie.

What tips would you give to an incoming frosh to help them meet new people?

Z: Anytime you go into a place where you are new, you are going to find the people in the community that resemble your character and help you grow. Do not feel like you have to change, as cliche as that sounds. Come into university with the things you like and keep it that way. And if change comes your way and it is healthy, accept it.

M: I think you should definitely be open to others as well. Like Zlakto said, be who you are because everyone at Winters is proud of who they are. There is so much intersectionality in Winters, you should also be open to different people and ideas, which is why frosh week is so important because you can open yourself up to new events and possibilities.

Our university is known to have a lot of commuters, what sort accommodations are you providing for commuting froshies during?

M: Every single night during frosh (except the night before and the last day), there is a commuter sleepover for any froshies, using two rooms in residence and the Junior Common Room (JCR) so bring pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags! We have also added an extra shower time, once in the morning and at night! And what is really cool is that most of our leaders are also commuters so any struggles the froshies are feeling, so are the leaders, which creates that bonding moment.

How do you think frosh week helps smoothen the transition into university and a new environment?

M: In my opinion, it connects you and gives a sense of purpose at York because not a lot other universities have the college system, so for us it is important to get

involved because that is how our intramurals are run and other York wide activities etc. Everything runs within the college system so if you do not get involved, you feel a little out of place but as a soon as you do, you have a sense of purpose with people and a community you are familiar with.

Z: Academically speaking too, you get to network and meet people.

And for our college especially, in my experience, if you meet another artist that values the same stuff you do, it’s so great passion wise to be able to go forward and pursue what you want to pursue. For me university is coming to school and wanting to go to school because of the connections you are going to make and how that is going better your academic or social standing The community itself is very adamant of that.

So what is MadFish and Zlatko’s fool proof frosh packing list?

M: Ooh, sunscreen, hand sanitizer (things can get messy), and make sure you remember your bras! When I was a frosh, I forgot to bring bras and I only had for the whole frosh week! Bring a reusable water bottle, bring something fun that shows who you are like fun sunglasses or funky pants because it is a conversation starter. And I would say definitely bring some 90’s gear, go thrift shopping! And bring a metal spoon.

Z: Get a fanny pack, you’ll be the coolest kid in the game. And do not forget your stuff for school, that is important.

What advice would you offer incoming students about getting involved with our wild Winters community?

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Photos by: Safa Gangat

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M: I would say be open minded to the fact that everyone around is so talented with a story but we all come together as a community, be open to embracing the community as a whole. Even if you disagree with something, we are a family and we will always be a family. And if you are interested in post-frosh opportunities, you have Winters College Council to get involved with!

I realized what I was missing when I finally decided to get involved with councils.

Z: Do not miss out on these four years. You thought high school was your best four years? Wrong.

These will be the best four years of your life, even with all the school work, with this community you will make connections, for support or anything.

What is the most exciting thing about being part of Winters? What would be your favourite Winters memory?

M: We are all a bunch of artists which means we are all misfits and the fact that there is a place at this

institution that allows for growth and development to exist while having fun is great. That is what my favourite part of Winters, it is being able to come here and feel so at home. My favourite Winters memory is definitely winning the women’s basketball championship last year while I was VP Athletics!

So many people showed up, even John Mayberry, our master showed up! I could not help but cry.

Z: I think a lot of us misfit people have that idea that it is going to be just like high school with a bunch of jocks walking around thinking they are the shit but no. I had that fear but Winters happened.

I realized it is not just another high school, it means going to university and being apart of a community that is very much like you. My favourite memory has to be when I won the “Athlete of the Year” award in my first year and I never thought I would win anything athletic...ever.

Let’s get down to real business, what’s one weird and one lovable thing about your partner?

M: One thing that is really weird that Zlatko does is that he will make noises out of nowhere! We’ll be sitting in the office and all I hear is “BARCELONA!” and I would be like “What the fuck did you just say?!”.

And he will not even acknowledge it and just go back to working. I think the most lovable thing about Zlakto is that he is always so caring, his heart is always in the right spot.

Z: Weird thing about MadFish, every place she goes to, she makes it feel like her house! And this goes for everything. We got our office back in April and as soon as we moved in, the first day I came in, MadFish already had her underwear on the chair and jacket all over the place.

One lovable thing is that she cares a lot, not to copy her. But like we said before, my weaknesses are her strengths so if I ever fall through, I know MadFish has it. Mom never left, she is right over there in a red shirt!

ARTICHOKE

VISUAL ART STUDENT ASSOCIATION (VASA)

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ABOUT VASA

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

The Visual Arts Student Association (VASA) enriches York University’s Visual Arts community through various programs and services organized and run by our student council. VASA’s goal is to connect our members and the rest of the student body with the art world outside of the educational realm, to inform them of the many dynamic aspects of the art world. VASA does this through art tours, workshops, faculty talks, life drawing sessions, and student art exhibits within York, and the rest of the downtown scene.

AMPD CARNIVAL September 7th 3pm-6pm in the CFA

GARAGE SALE September 11th-14th 12pm-3pm outside the CASA office in the Joan and Martin Goldfarb Building

OPEN GALLERY September 18th-29h

MEET THE PRESIDENTS

Come hang your work at Noon on September 18th

LINA IACOBELLI

- 5th Year Visual Art Student

Open to everyone,

CARLIE MACKRELL

- 5th Year Visual Art Student

129 Winters College

REACH US AT:

OPEN GALLERY RECEPTION September 28th

Email: Instagram: Facebook:

vasa.yorku@gmail.com @vasayorku Visual Arts Student Association

5pm-8pm Eleanor Winters Art Gallery 129 Winters College

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MEET THE COUNCIL! SÉBASTIEN LALONDE

DARSHINI JEYAKUMAR

MICHAEL PETRUZZELLI

President

Treasurer

VP of So-Cul

year: 4th, major: Hons. Political Science

year: 4th, major: Finance & Operations

year: 2nd, major: Film Production

president@winterscouncil.com

Management

vpsocul@winterscouncil.com

treasurer@winterscouncil.com

BRANDON BAJNAUTH

KLEANTHI MARKAKIS

Director of Finance

SONYA MWAMBU

VP of Internal Affairs

year: 4 , major: Financial Business and

VP of Athletic Affairs

year: 5th, major: Dance Major & Theatre

Economics

year: 3 , major: Film Production

Production Minor

financedirector@winterscouncil.com

vpathletics@winterscouncil.com

vpinternal@winterscouncil.com

SAFA GANGAT

STEVEN MITSILIOS

ARJUN BHALLA

Winters Free Press Editor (The Artichoke)

Director of Athletic Affairs

Director of Promotions

year: 2nd, major: Graphic Design

year: 3rd, major: Cinema & Media Studies

year: 4 , major: Communication

athleticsdirector@winterscouncil.com

promotionsdirector@winterscouncil.com

JESSIE WHYTE

JENNY BUKUROSHI

th

th

rd

Studies wintersfreepress@winterscouncil.com VP of Public Relations

EWAG Curator

LAMIA ABOZAID

year: 3rd, major: Devised Theatre &

year: 5th, major: Theatre and Art History

WFP Assistant Editor

Dramaturgy

ewag@yorku.ca

year: 3rd, major: Communication

vprelations@winterscouncil.com

Studies & Theatre

MADFISH FISHER

wfpassistanteditor@winterscouncil.com

MARLIE KERESTURI

Orientation Chair

Speaker

year: 4th, major: Concurrent Education

MAHLON BAST

year: 4 , major: Communication

for Theatre, Religion & Gender Studies

YFS Winters Director

Studies, minor in Political Science

ochair@winterscouncil.com

year: 2nd, major: Film

speaker@winterscouncil.com

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yfswintersdirector@winterscouncil.com

ZLATKO TYULEV MAYA VUKOV

Assistant Orientation Chair

CHRISTINA BOZIOS

Director of Social/Cultural Affairs (2)

year: 4th, major: Theatre

Director of Social/Cultural Affairs (1)

year: 2nd, major: Film Production &

assistantochair@winterscouncil.com

year: 2 , major: Fine Arts/Visual Arts

Human Rights

socialdirector1@winterscouncil.com

socialdirector2@winterscouncil.com

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LIANA SHAW Secretary

SADIE CAHILL

HEATHER SMITH

Director of Commuter Affairs

Webmaster

and Media Studies

year: 2nd, major: Dance

year: 3rd, major: Visual Arts (Studio)

secretary@winterscouncil.com

commuterdirector@winterscouncil.com

webmaster@winterscouncil.com

year: 3rd, major: Film Studies/Cinema

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A LETTER TO THE FIRST YEARS

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BY CARL CACHERO

Dear First Years, Oh sweet lord baby Jesus in heaven… here we fucking go.

My name is Carl Cachero and I am a second year student studying acting at York University. At the end of May, I was asked to write a piece for the Artichoke, which is the groovy magazine you are reading as you are anxiously unpacking your bags in your dorm room, or sitting at York Lanes feeling completely lost and confused.

Now, when I was approached about writing an article, I was absolutely ecstatic because I honestly love getting involved with Winters College as much as I can and I will do absolutely anything to show my support. Unfortunately, that was when I remembered that I am not

the best writer. In fact, I remember writing a script one time for a murder mystery event that I planned last year when I was one of the First Year Representatives at Winters College Council (which you should definitely join by the way).

The script was so poorly written that the cast I had assembled to act in the event spent the first rehearsal laughing at all the stupid typos I made.

Because of that, “Baby, what wrong?” is a line that will forever haunt me in my dreams. But fuck it! I still agreed to do it because I think it is so important to give you first year students a glimpse of what your experience will most likely be like. So let us begin…

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It is a brand new environment where you are expected to be an adult and getting used to that will be extremely difficult and intimidating.

I am going to be completely honest with you all. University will be absolutely terrifying. It is a brand new environment where you are expected to be an adult and getting used to that will be extremely difficult and intimidating. This is because you will be expected to handle a lot more responsibilities than you ever had before. Looking back, I remember stepping out of my dad’s car and walking into the Winters quad feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I am pretty sure I shit my pants about a thousand times. However, what scared me the most about university was whether or not I would make any good friends. You see, none of the friends I had in high school were going to York, so I knew from the very start that I would start off the year not being close with anyone there. In addition, I am a naturally neurotic and self-deprecating person so I did not really have any high hopes about my social life at that point. Now do not get me wrong, it is not like I have this completely terrible personality that immediately makes people hate my fucking guts, but I just did not know what was going to happen, so I expected the worst.

And I bet there are a lot of you who will be feeling the same way.

You are probably thinking that you will spend the next four years dealing with this intense university life all on your own…however, I want you to know that if you are in Winters, that will definitely not be the case. You see, frosh week made me quickly realize that I was surrounded by so many talented and passionate artists just like me.

The refreshing uniqueness and creativity that resonated off of everyone made me feel so comfortable. And when I finally began letting my guard down and getting involved in the excitement of frosh week, I quickly began realizing that I was making a lot of fantastic friends who shared similar interests with me. These new friendships allowed me to enjoy that first week of university to the absolute fullest; whether it was participating in the amazing quad parties or lip syncing to “Dancing Queen” like a true drag queen would during the Lip Sync Battles.

I even ended up being honored as one of the specially chosen first year students who were asked to lead the famous Night Walk around campus (a frosh week tradition).

Before I knew it, my new friends and I grew much closer in the months to come. We did almost everything together from playing endless amounts of video games in Winters Residence to going out for dinner at the Underground restaurant in the Student Centre.

They even threw me a surprise birthday party and supported me when I had the balls to join the legendary Winters College Council.

Even through some of the toughest moments during that school year, my friends embraced me and helped me stay strong. Without them, I would definitely not be the happy camper I am today. They are like family to me and I love them all so much.

So yes, university will be goddamn stressful and it will be a huge transition from your lives in high school… but when you have got truly compassionate friends that will stand by you through thick and thin, you can get through anything.

Believe me. So during this frosh week, get involved and be open to this brand new journey because those future lifelong friends could be just around the corner.

Yours Truly, Carl Cachero

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Welcome to Art School, Baby!

(Everything is going to be alright)

BY MAYA VUKOV

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University is here and you did it. You are not going to be a doctor like your parents wanted. You have talked your mom out of making you go to medical school. You have finally convinced your father that you are not going to be a chemical engineer or do something practical like he did. And now, you are going to study drama, music, film, dance, design, or something else super cool. You are one of the brave ones, you have chosen the path of your dreams. Unfettered by any attempts to be practical or normal or safe. Needless to say, school should be pretty epic, right? After all, you are not going to have to memorize as many boring dates, struggle with as many equations, or write as many essays as everyone else right? (Note: there are still a lot of essays and dates, and even the occasional equation…but hey, it is still art school so whatever). You get to go to school to do what you love, what is to worry about?

Well for me, when I first started a year ago in Film Production, there was actually a lot I was quite anxious

about. And I know that many new art students often feel the same way. Yes, I loved film and wanted to be a filmmaker, but was I going to be any good at it? After all, I had only ever made two films in my entire life, and one of them had been my application to York! I did not think there was anything that astounding or spectacular about these two particular films; I just knew I really wanted to make more.

But what about all these other kids, I wondered nervously. Some of them I had been talking to had made dozens of films before, while some had taken intensive film classes in high school.

My school was not very artsy and had never offered any film courses, so surely I was going to look pathetic compared to these people! I also met lots of camera geeks who seemed to know almost everything about the technical side of film. Meanwhile the only camera I owned was a measly “snapshot” camera, and half the time I forgot

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what model it was (90% sure it was a Sony – I bought it a long time ago, ok?). To make it all the more intimidating, there were even some kids who had entered their work into film festivals. Like, real film festivals. Now, not only did I feel like the biggest amateur around, there was the bigger, more existential worry of whether or not this was truly for me. Was I even cut out for film? I began to worry.

I had only ever made two. I hardly knew what the extent of my abilities were myself. You know those kids that just seem to be naturally born with talent? The kids who have been doing what they love since they were 5? Yes you do. Maybe you are lucky to be one of them.

My choice to major in film, on the other hand, had come as quite a surprise to most everyone I knew.

I was the teacher’s pet, the student council nerd, the goody-two shoes.

People knew I was bookish, but creatively talented? Not necessarily what came first came to mind. They had me pegged for a lawyer or a teacher. Not a filmmaker. But still, I managed to say “screw them”, and here I am.

And then of course, I found other kids in my program who were “amateurs” like me, and had not made many films, but they were here solely for their love of this art.

Good to know I was not completely alone. I was still worried about my personal abilities though. Even when it came time to make our final project I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I was so scatterbrained and lost I figured the best I could hope for was that my film did not end up a train wreck compared to the others. I put a lot of effort into this film, stressed the entire time I would get a horrible mark and fail out of the program. But then came the night we screened our films, and it was not terrible at all. In fact, lots of people loved it! Including my prof! Overjoyed at the realization that I actually could make something good, I realized that what had made mine work so well was the passion I put into it.

Everything had, in the end, fallen into place because it was all driven by my desire to create something worthwhile, to prove to myself that I was who I wanted to be, the person I told myself and

believed I was. And that driving force inside you, that desire to create beauty, is really the only thing you need to be “equipped with” for art school. Last year I also met some upper years in other disciplines such as drama and dance who told me they had come into their programs very nervous, selfconscious and with little experience.

These same people were now killing it at the top of their programs and running major projects within them only a few years later.

To succeed in art school, you need to be brave. Not surprisingly, it can sometimes be more intimidating than studying other rigorous subjects such as science or law due to the intense pressure artists put on themselves to be perfect and brilliant all the time. But you are brave. You listened to yourself and no one else and came here. Even when you were not completely sure you would be good at this stuff. You have wanted this so badly, for so long, and because of you, now you are going to get it. Welcome to art school, baby. Everything is going to be alright.

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FIRST THINGS 16

FIRST...

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BY GENEVIEVE CANAVAN

I HAD BEEN IN THE CAR FOR fifteen minutes coming from the hotel. The sun streamed through the trees, I felt my leg shake despite my protest to having it do so, and my parents’ parade of questions had turned into a dull roar that I had chosen to simply nod to. Too much was happening for me to comprehend. I was moving for the first time in my life, to a new country no less. I knew no one.

I was about to be away from home, my comfort zone, for months.

Shit was about to get real, to say the least.

And shit did get real. Frosh week was one of the most incredible experiences of my university career.

The love, acceptance, and guidance I received that week stays with me to this day. I felt completely immersed in a new place, the gap was bridged, I never felt like a newbie..other than when I got lost, which for the record I still do!

When I came here I had it all planned out. I was going to be in the acting conservatory, date my best friend back home and he would move up here with me, and I would completely change my life by being everything I was not in high school.

I am in Devised Theatre and Playwriting, that best friend has since come out and has been a wonderful boyfriend, and I did change my life, but not by doing what I believed needed to be done in order to make me happy (i.e. lose weight and improve my appearance). So, as you can see a lot did not turn out like I thought it would. As cheesy as it is, I would not have it any other way.

University was a plethora of firsts for me, and will be for you too! I lost my virginity, directed and stage-managed my first shows, fell in love for the first time, lived by myself, and had my first holidays away from home, the list goes on and on. Whether or not you have it planned out like I did, it (whatever it is) will not happen like it is “supposed” to. And while it may be difficult, anxiety-inducing, tragic, or even humorous, it will all be okay. This is a place to grow and change and become whoever you want to be.

Nothing has happened like I thought it would, and that is what is so beautiful.

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Beats Per Minute

BY KELLY ESTOMO

There I am, a pulsing strobe light in a burning room. a pressure-cooked smile plasters my face, stings my red cheeks, walls catch me as I learn to walk again I’m a baby floating in a pool for the first time; but the pool is someone’s living room floor lit with disco lights.

I’m teeming with giggles as they walk all over my face. you and I stumble towards each other; two selves in a bathroom mirror. she’s new and she’s watered with - not water - but for the first time I want to hold her hand and tell her, “it’s okay now” how many times will we find ourselves here? in tight bathrooms, or toilet seats, or where we’re asking the floor tiles if we can crash here for the night?

that won’t be the first time. except it’s never about the first, is it? it’s the rapture the follows; you make the lunge but the feeling of fear and levitation in marriage is what fights your heart for space in your chest. it will ache every time you remember - or smell it on their breath. maybe that leap was a puddle when you were three. or the leap was the first kiss you wish you could switch out for a REAL kiss! and maybe, however you jumped, you only recall landing and you either stuck it or you fell for as long as those seconds kept you.

I stay in those seconds where the count starts at “1…”, or at least when the beat hits, or at least where I can count my firsts in beats per minute.

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the

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BY KABEER GARBA

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You were the thing that kept me at peak confidence and the thing that scared me most. When making the decision to leave you or keep you I had to battle myself.

I felt safe with you in my arms, I felt as though nothing could really hurt me because nothing had ever hurt me with you around. It was a love that was too weird to try and explain. I was okay with that. I was okay keeping in this so called secret that I had. You scared me though, mainly because of how I thought others would perceive you. Maybe they would think you are childish or immature. They might think you do not belong. A decision had to be made and the time to make it was coming soon. I could either leave you behind and grow on in the big bad world on my own, or I could take you with me and risk the disappearance of everyone else.

Judgment is not something that innately bothered me, but my family has always gotten into my head about how I should dress, who I should speak to and what I should carry with me. They all think that it is a bad idea bringing you along.

Even if I did take you for the ride I would not have to take you in. What

would happen? Some of the uppers years might find you in the car or maybe my roommate would start rumors about me. Would every partner I try to attain leave because of you? Would every friend I make laugh because of you? Or will they all understand?

I remember the first moment of having you with me, my dad hid you under a pillow so as to keep anyone else from seeing you, but that notion itself made a change in me. I realized that I did not want to hide you from anyone, and I certainly did not want anyone else hiding things for me. I walked into frosh with a pump in my step. I walked into my room, threw you onto the bed, looked my roommate in the eye and said “this is Gerard the Raffe”. From that moment on I became something else. I became this honest artist ready to show the world that it is okay to be. You helped me let go and enjoy the week of frosh so much more than I would have expected. You helped me meet my best friend Leo (Well you and the song “Treasure”) but most of all you helped me find myself; through the heat, exhaustion, and pressure of entering a new world, you kept me home.

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ARTICHOKE

THE GLASS IS HALF FUL 22

BY LILIAN ALEJANDRA RUBILAR

My first year at York University was a year of many firsts. Not only was it the first time I attended frosh, it was my first time moving away from home by myself and flipping the page to a new chapter in my life.

It did not sink in until I said goodbye to my parents and turned towards the Winters’ quad and saw a lot of people, I noticed I was utterly alone.

Not only was I scared, but it put me into a downward spiral of panic.

Did I make the wrong choice by coming here?

Do I belong here?

Will I make any long lasting friends?

These are all questions that appeared in my mind continuously. I would not want to lie to all of you, frosh is

unquestionably a good experience, although starting fresh in a new place is not as easy as it seems.

Looking back at the time and year which put me completely out of my comfort zone, I can only be thankful for these moments because it has helped me gain valuable skills and shaped me into the person I am today.

Orientation and frosh are like a long party. During this time period, students are rapidly introducing themselves trying to make new friends. I got to know a lot of individuals within my faculty, but I did not make any long lasting friendships from the people I met at frosh like I was expecting. My first frosh experience was mediocre, as much as it was intimidating and overwhelming. Despite all this (and it may sound contradicting) I had a great time. At frosh, you are

CREATIVE

ULL exposed to many unique energetic individuals who really want to go out of their way to make you feel welcomed. You cannot help but smile as you walk through crowds of people laughing and dancing.

The variety of activities planned during frosh helped me to get to know the new city that I now call home. Or more honestly, the six. By the last day of frosh, as we listened to the frosh bosses give their final speeches, I felt as if I was a part of something big.

I advise you to go to attend and participate in as many activities as you can, even though you are feeling timorous. It will teach you how to step out of your comfort zone and how to be open minded. It is easy to feel alienated in these settings, especially if you are the only person you know. It took time to learn how to be myself around people, but

once I did I was able to make strong friendships.

If I can leave any advice to the fresh blood of 2017/18, is to embrace your low times, because it is the only journey to becoming your whole happy self. Share your experiences with others, google everything you are uncertain about, and do not forget to attend class. Friends come with time and learn from your mistakes.

If worse comes to worse, the staff at the Absinthe Pub and Coffee shop are always there to greet you with a smile!

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ARTICHOKE

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BY KATHERINE COLLIER

CREATIVE

Drums beating People screaming Faces of people passing me by People I’ve never seen Heart beating Mind screaming And then a pause As a friend appears Pulse pounding Hand shaking New friends First impressions Beat pounding Bodies shaking As we let go A night under the stars New beginning Head calming Home begins to form In this towering new place Friendships beginning Everyone calming Home is here With people I’ve never seen

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ARTICHOKE

12 BEST PLACES TO STUDY

BY LAMIA ABOZAID

Scott library is literally ALWAYS packed, we thought we should help you out by recommending the best 12 places to study or even chill in!

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1.

WINTERS JCR: Winters College building

The Junior Common Room is a great place to study, have your lunch/dinner, and chill in. There is a pool table, a Ping-Pong

2.

WINTERS COMMUTER LOUNGE: Winters College building

This is the best spot to literally do anything in; you will meet new people since there are people there all the time, you will know what is happening with WCC with there calendar there updated every month, and you can get any help or assistance from any council member.

3.

VANIER/FOUNDERS COMPUTER LAB: Vanier/Founders College Buildings

This is a silent room with computers and desks- feel free to go there to have your own time, study, or even work on an assignment!

LIFESTYLE

4.

5.

STACIE LIBRARY:

9.

DB/TEL building

Stacie library is not always packed try your luck!

Make sure to know when there are not any classes in there, you will be able to access the computers as well! (Yay for fancy Macs).

BERGERON ENGINEERING CENTRE STUDYING BOOTHS Left of Campus Walk

10.

You can literally study or just hang out with friends ANYWHERE in this building, there are spots on each floor.

SANDBOX In the Bergeron

11.

The sandbox is mine and Safa’s absolute favourite! It is a great place to study in only if you do not mind studying with some background noise.

7.

VICTOR PHILLIP DAHDALEH BUILDING DB/TEL building

There are hella comfortable studying booths at the Berg, you will find them on the second and third floor.

6.

COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES MAC LAB

Campus Walk

ABSINTHE PUB AND COFFEE SHOP Winters College building

A great place to get cheap coffee or a cold pint of beer while you study by sunkissed windows of the Ab. Not to mention, this is one of Winters’ pride and joy!

BETHUNE LOUNGE Bethune College Building

You will meet a couple of Bethune peeps and it is normally not too noisy over there.

8.

COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES DEPT. Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building (but let’s be honest, it is still the TEL building)

This is a great spot to study or even relax in!

12.

CALUMET COURTYARD Calumet Residence area

If you are into studying in the outdoors with some natural background noise then go down to Calumet courtyard and get some work on their picnic tables.

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ARTICHOKE

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Seven Places To Go If You’re Very Cool and New to Toronto

BY SIERRA MARILYN RILEY

LIFESTYLE

Looking for some cool places to hit up with your new friends or on a solo adventure? Take a look at this list, ranked in order of whatever came to my cool mind first. Perfect for the starving artists of AMPD (so most of us).

The Green Room cheap - You sound cool even saying the name of this bar. Artsy, just like you.

Well, it gets even cooler: the entrance is in a back alleyway and has no signs. You just know it’s there. You. Just. Know.

The Royal Cinema cheap - They screen old movies, new indie movies, and movies that are so uncool, they are definitely cool. Also: beer, anyone?

Harlem Restaurant not that cheap, but not expensive Looking for some cool places to hit up with your new friends or on a solo adventure? Take a look at this list, ranked in order of whatever came to my cool mind first. Perfect for the starving artists of AMPD (so most of us).

The Carlton Cinema cheap - Similar to the Royal, but they screen more current movies. What’s so cool about it, then? It’s right next to a Bulk Barn so you can sneak snacks in - in bulk! To make it even better for those who enjoy an alcoholic bevy, you can drink a variety of booze while you watch your feature presentation.

The Starving Artist cheap - Named after you, this place serves up some very aesthetic waffles for a price almost as cool as you are.

The Monkey’s Paw like, regular for a second-hand store - This second-hand book store has a vending machine for books. You won’t know what book you’ll end up with, but you know you’ll get some cool points for ending up with it.

The Secret Swing free - Literally a secret swing in Graffiti Alley. Too cool.

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ARTICHOKE

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BY ALEXANDRA CAPRARA

Frosh is a magical time.

Winters has a way of making nine amazing days feel like a dream you do not want to wake up from, a total blur of thrusting and dancing, complete with that warm feeling you get when you realize that you have ended up exactly what you needed to be. But when the afterglow of Frosh week fades and you are stuck in the reality of being a first year student about to start your journey in a literal academic jungle, that is when panic can set in.

That is exactly what happened to me four years ago when I was a first year student, and I was terrified.

Looking back at everything I have experienced and learnt since that moment, I have come to realize that the first week of your university career is not going to define the rest of your time at York. It might be intimidating to feel like there is so much to learn, but I can promise you that every other student you see has felt that same way at some point.

There are a lot of things I wish I knew coming into my first week here at York. Here are a few thoughts and tips that I wish I could go back and tell my bright eyed first year self, that will hopefully help you realize that you are never alone, and to make your first week and beyond just as magical as your first day here.

LIFESTYLE

1. It is okay to talk to strangers (sorry mom). Chances are they will be just as glad as you are to be talking with someone and making friends.

2. You cannot survive off of just red bull and pizza: the staples you will probably be living off of during Frosh week. There are so many options on for healthy, cheap foods all over campus. A personal favorite: “Treats” located in the Student Center. Dig in!

3. Everyone gets lost on their first day. This campus is huge! Lucky for us millennials, York has an app called “York U Safety” that features all of our campus maps, as well as security hotlines, York Twitter updates about the campus, the weather, and other support outlets.

Instead of carrying around a map and squinting at the tiniest writing known to man, save yourself the trouble and download it, totally free.

4. You will probably thrust more during Frosh week than you will in your entire life. Winters is all about being a sex positive place, but no one is judging you if you do not feel comfortable in any situation. Do not feel pressured to push your own limits, ask questions, or to step back from events that are out of your comfort zone.

5. Winters as a community is pretty much the equivalent to the friendly puppy of York, and making friends does not have to end on the last day of Frosh.

6. The Ab (the iconic pub of Winters) is not off limits because you are under 19. Their mozzarella sticks will change your life. They also host different events every month that make will make Thursdays your new favorite day of the week.

7. The cheapest coffee on campus can be found in the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building across the street from the Centre of Film and Theatre (CFT). You are welcome, fellow student with 8:30am classes.

8. If you commute, always give yourself at least a 15 minute buffer to get to campus. Whether you get here by transit or car, trust me on this one.

9. Winters knows how to have fun, so it is easy to forget we all have work to do. Your teachers probably will not keep reminding you about that deadline you have coming up, so get ready to work just as hard as you party. Get your money’s worth and stay on top of your work, because it will pay off.

10. You’re here because you made it happen. Breathe. You have got this.

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