The Artichoke Vol. 9 No. 4 by Artichoke Magazine

JANUARY 2020 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 4

ARTICHOKE

CONTRIBUTERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

KATHERINE COLLIER

ASSISTANT EDITOR

LAURA BOURBONNAIS

WRITERS

AMY FOURNIER

CASSIE WEIR

KALIA GALLACHER

MADDISYN FISHER

MARVIN DARKWA

MASHIAT ALTAF

MELANIE ROSE GAZVODA

TEODORA VILOTIJEVIC

VANESSA SANDOVAL

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS FROM VANDOO

JONAH A. BLANDER

KRISTEN ALLICOCK

MICHAEL KARPATI

RAE KEARNEY

BRIANNA COGGANS

DESIGN EDITOR

DESIGNERS

EMILY ONG

HOLLY YOON

PHOEBE WONG

SAMNEET MANN

SARAH CARRIERE

SHARYL MAN

ZAINAB ALAVI

PAST ISSUES ISSUU.COM/ARTICHOKEMAG

SUBMISSIONS WINTERSFREEPRESS@WINTERSCOUNCIL.COM

WITHIN THIS ISSUE

4 6 JANUARY CALENDAR

SPOOORTS CALENDAR

CREATIVE

8 10 12 14 16 20 22

THE REOCCURANCE OF GRIEF

FROZEN LAKE

TRANSITIONS

PURPLE PLACE

ANANSI WEPT

THE STONE, GREY

I AM NOT MEANT TO THINK TOO HARD WHEN I WRITE

BUT I ALREADY THINK IN POEMS

24 26 30 32 RED

1000 ETERNITIES

JANUARY DWELLS

FEBRUARY

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FEATURE

COUNTDOWN TO DAY 1

36 40 44 48

TOP MOMENTS OF THE DECADE

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

NEW YEAR, NEW THINGS TO DO

MMC IX

LIFESTYLE

REFLECTIONS OF AN ALMOST POST-FINE ARTS

UNDERGRAD IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

52 54

FACING THE ELEMENTS

ONWARD AND UPWARDS

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January CALENDAR

EVERY YOGA 3-4PM MONDAY

6-12

FROST WEEK

NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE 12:30-1:30PM @ MARTING FAMILY LOUNGE IN ACE

MMC: IX THE MEDIA MUSIC CONCERT @ TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES RECITAL HALL IN ACE (MSA)

6-16

HUMAN; NATURE, THE WILLOWDALE AWARD FOR PAINTING EXHIBITION BY SERENA KOBAYASHI-LEBEL @

GALES GALLERY IN ACW

20-30

6-16

ESTHER KIM PRESENTS SOLVE ET COAGULA @ SPECIAL PROJECTS GALLERY IN CFA

KARAOKE NIGHT (WCC)

YORK UNIVERSITY JAZZ CHOIR 12:30-1:30PM @ MARTIN FAMILY LOUNGE IN THE ACE

DRAG NIGHT (WCC)

NAT TAYLOR TUESDAYS PRESENTS SHORT FILM AND VIDEO FEAT. B.C. FILMAKERS 12:45-2:45PM @ NAT TAYLOR CINEMA

14-31

DAILY STRESSBUSTERS IN THE JCR (WINTERS COLLEGE)

PAINTING AREA GROUP EXHIBITION @ GALES GALLERY IN ACW

NAT TAYLOR TUESDAYS PRESENTS KAZIK RADWANSK: ANNE AT 13,000FT 12:45-2:30PM @ NAT TAYLOR CINEMA

SCREW YOUR RESOLUTIONS PUB NIGHT (WCC)

NAT TAYLOR TUESDAYS PRESENTS FINDING BOBBI 12:45-1:30PM @ MARTIN FAMILY LOUNGE IN ACE

FAMILY FEUD (WCC)

AMIR HOUSHKANI & FRIENDS 12:30-1:30PM @ MARTIN FAMILY LOUNGE IN ACE

WORD NIGHT (WCC)

NAT TAYLOR TUESDAYS & CALL AGAIN COLLECTIVE PRESENTS OF SHADOWS 12:45-2:45 PM @ NAT TAYLOR CINEMA

TO FILL THE DIM PAUSE: OFFERINGS FOR ST. CECILIA - COMPOSITIONS BY MICHAEL COGHLAN 12:30-1:30PM @ TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES RECITAL HALL

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SPOOORTS CALENDAR

MON

MEN’S BASKETBALL 7-12AM, CO-ED WATERPOLO 7-12AM

TUES

CO-ED FUTSAL 6-12:30AM

WED

MEN & WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL 7-12AM, CO-ED ICE HOCKEY 7-12AM

THURS

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 7-11PM

SUN

CO-ED CRICKET 4-10PM

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THE RECUR OF GRIEF: AT ONCE HE feels his breathing drift and fade Many a night’s failed try it did take He sighs and feels the fog of sleep invade Spinning thoughts send his mind in retrograde, Slithering trauma keeping him awake At once he feels his breathing drift and fade In every thought her memory pervades: He daren’t dream, afraid it would break him He sighs and feels the fog of sleep invade His efforts earn no grit nor accolade, He cannot help but wade and see the hate At once he feels his breathing drift and fade Three years past, his family was unmade, His little girl was found dead in the lake He sighs and feels the fog of sleep invade He lies wrapped round his wife in moonlit shade, She dreams of their girl, and he’s calm ‘neath her weight At once he feels his breathing drift and fade He sighs and feels the peace of sleep invade

BY TEODORA VILOTIJEVIC

RRENCE

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Frozen Lake

BY AMY FOURNIER

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you squeeze my fingers under fuzzy mittens while I count the snowflakes that rest on your eyelashes. I watch them dissolve while you stare at the ice. isolate and quiet everything is still in the cool blue light. the trees across the lake glitter, smothered in blankets of snow. “it’s nice here” you say. we can talk as loud as we want but we choose to whisper. “I know” we slide in sneakers on top of the water like we’re made of magic. crisp air cracks every crevice on my skin lips peel, a drop of blood trickles down my chin, and stains the fresh powder.

flakes collect on your beard like velcro your eyes as clear as the ground below us. I want to capture this moment forever put it in a snowglobe and place it on my nightstand.

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TRANSITIONS BY KATHERINE COLLIER

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FAT LITTLE ROBINS On cold barren tree branches Wait for warmth to return Fat little people Bundled up against the cold Wait for their lovesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; return Young chicks chirp in nests A mother brings them fresh worms Warmth returned once more People shed their fat The cold fades to warmer days Love springs to life anewâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

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The Purple Place BY JONAH A. BLANDER FROM VANDOO

PUZZLED PENNY THEY used to call her, for wearing Pluto patterned socks to school and purple jeans with ripped up pockets. They would pace the halls after school waiting to catch Penny before she could take her bus home. They would steal her shoes and throw them on the roof, punch her in the gut until she barfed bile, and draw penises on her face with purple marker. Penny was such a peppy person her mother used to say. She played french horn in the school band and spent her weekends touring the neighborhood with her prayers for peace community group. They didn’t like that. They didn’t like how she brushed off her beatings like they never happened. They didn’t like how

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she made peace popular. They didn’t like her being different. One Saturday night, Penny and her peace posse decided to go to the Purple Place just off the main road to pick plums from the pretty plum tree. Everyone knew how plump and moist those plums were. Old Man Patrick used to say the purple plums contained magical properties, before he disappeared. Penny and her posse crossed the playground behind the school and walked the path that went straight to the pretty plum tree. Penny marveled at the pretty plum tree with its lush leaves and plump plums. They were lurking. Penny and her posse started to pick the plums and wasted no time in chomping on

their dark juicy flesh. Suddenly, they surfaced from behind some bushes, beat Penny’s posse to a gushing pulp with tree limbs, and captured Penny. They pushed her to the ground, clasped her hands and seethed as they shoved the plump purple plums into Penny’s mouth. She gagged as they pumped plums further down her throat, crushing her innocent windpipe. As they cackled at the sight of Penny’s now purple putrid face, Old Man Patrick burst out of the ground, rooted in plum vines, his eyes pulsing purple, illuminating the whole place in blinding violet. He opened wide his purple portal of a mouth and—they vanished.

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Anasi Wept BY MARVIN DARKWA

THE HEAVENS CRASH asunder. Azure greys blur infinity. Identity forever sought. Ayesha fervently gulped in the stale scent of weed as it wafted into the oversized apartment. Ayesha took it all in. The light of dreamscapes passed through the apartment and seemed to create a somber silhouette. Ayesha once more took it all in; as the dying electricembers arose from her “Dyson” fan, which suggested a heaven long sought-after. Ayesha shed a solitary droplet of water and once more took in all in. She did this as her pensive truth obscured the eternity of the day. Ayesha arose and stated in an anguish (hopefully to be forgotten) “I deserve this.” She tossed aside, her blunt and slid into her peacoat. Ayesha loved contradictions. She sought them, she savored them, she swam in them. Ayesha loved every second of it. She breathed it in. The weird juxtaposition of an ink-drenched investment banker, a peacoat-sporter who waxed about ebony politics as well as a lover of Jay Z just as much as Lana Del Rey. She inhaled every assault to the senses it caused “them.”

It was all she had left. Ayesha tinged just then. Tossing and turning about, she gazed aimlessly at the golden cross atop a hamper piling a heap of vintage cardigans, sunflower dresses, and “highsnobette”-approved necklaces. She dismissed it and glided with a cautious-apathy towards the restroom. She stood still just then and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. There before her stood a woman proud, defeated, and most-of-all “woke”. Ayesha’s hand moved involuntarily just then (ready to go through the motions yet-again, no doubt). She downed the pale-pills in the marked blister pack in front of her with reckless abandon taking the pack with her as she exited. Once more Ayesha repeated to herself; “I deserve this.” Just then she put on her: purple Chelsea boots, Zooey Deschanel styled glasses, and sauntered into the hallway with an all too familiar disposition. She walked about the oversized (yet hallow) apartment and put on her “Fjall Raven” backpack. Ayesha headed to the edge of rouge tinted hallway

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which led outside to a world forever-forgotten, a world forever-false, a world forever-forged. Ayesha stopped, and downed some more of her pills from the blister pack yet again. Ayesha stated once more; “I am better than this,”. A cry of the introvert piercing her very—soul. She walked outside and watched as the gods weaved their dream eternal. Ayesha strolled across the marble-laden path outside her apartment, with nonchalant indifference. Just then a male in milky bleachwhite garb approached Ayesha. She inhaled, in his gentle aura. He spoke, just then “you seem lost.” Ayesha snapped back; “I am not.” The whiteaccented male spoke up again; “You live around here?”; Ayesha snapped back (yet again) “That is not your concern.” The trees seem to dance around in the night sky. Swaying, swinging, and storying around the burgeoning perils of the darkened sky. He stood in front of her, their eyes making contact (face-to-face) his youthful features beguiling his

sage-like demeanor, he spoke up again, “Can I help you?” she paused vehemently at the last question. The male seemed to possess a timelessness about him. He took a step forward as if to reassure her that everything would be alright. He stood as a luminesce glow from the moon-lit sky seem to stand in place (just for him). Ayesha could not shake that last query out of her mind. The male repeated it again; “can I help you?” Ayesha approached the man then retreated in place just then. She continued down the marble laden path. As she walked, the stars seemed to flow beneath her feet. A featherlight wisp calling in the distance, this time with a gentle bellow “can I help you?” Just then the eyes of the white-adorned boy blanketed the peripheral of her vision has as he trailed behind her for whatever reason. As he did it though the feeling was not at all intrusive. It felt all to forthcoming, felt all to free, felt all too familiar. She screamed to Olympus just then; as Ayesha’s dreaded hair swayed in the distance. Just then

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the bleach- wearing male vanished, his heart an echoing reflection in the night. She continued along the street, the glowing hue of sweet nothings painting the skies with a pink melancholy. A pond appeared in a clearing in the street just then. Ayesha inhaled the calming aroma emanating from this: resistance of man, this rejection of material, this rebuke of metal. Ayesha drank it all in (literally) from the pond. Just then she reflected for the first time in a long time. She stated in a loud-coo just then: “I have come a long way.” She reflected furthermore. Just then, a cerulean madness entered Ayesha’s mind. Flashes of the dancing sambos, who screeched silent sighs at the sound of enforcement; demons in suits, and a complex of “sameness” towering to the heavens themselves. The visions deafened just then. Yes, she was a world away. Ayesha “individually” populated this home now, this street, this oasis. She chirped aloud

this then, “I fucking earned this.” The world just then warped into an ocean stretching as far as the eye could see. As Ayesha continued forward; the swaying trees towered in the distance. The ocean itself maintained its otherworldly- “otherness” which seemed to encapsulate truth itself. A sudden urge came over Ayesha just then. Booming amidst the calm, insanity of the ocean were sounds of tempers flaring tensions, as a bellowing clocktower out of nowhere seem to climb infinity in the distance. As the tower rung it sullen-song the ocean drenched the section of the street with a welcoming-ambivalence. Ayesha stopped to contemplate just then. She ran into the stretch of the ocean nearest to her as she twirled around the portions of water painting the marble path. The ocean itself seemed to suggest that the empire, the tower, the colosseum Ayesha had made for herself inside her apartment was “complete.” With a happiness she had not experienced in a long time, Ayesha walked inside

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the deeper end of the clearing of water. She sauntered, she swayed, she strolled amidst the now deafening sounds of the clocktower in the distance. As she did this a pink-hue arose in the horizon. It seemed to suggest nay distil her memories of old. Ayesha got up just then. As she got up, she adjusted her frames and washed the water from her jetblack dreads and pressed onward. It would be morning soon. Ayesha pressed onward. “That was fun,” she said with enthusiasm. She walked forward as the lake seem to only get larger as she walked backward. She stole another glance at the ocean, as she gazed at the “fantastic” in the distance. Ayesha continued forward, the peaking lit of day stretching beyond the quaint (yet affluent) neighborhood. She stood silent as she continued along the street. A destination, only secondary to having a feeling of home. She watched, she waited,

she winched. The marble-street seeming to rejoice or fight her at every turn. The night receded into the day and the torturedtranquility of those shadows had now given way to the “sameness” of the lightened sky. Ayesha stood erect and dusted her oversized apartment. She walked into the restroom and downed even more pale-pills with a reckless abandon. She stated yet again “I deserve this.” And this time she actually believed it.

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THE STONE, GREY

CREATIVE

MICHAEL KARPATI FROM VANDOO

The stone, grey and cracked, crackles under the sun, cackling blunder of the builders.â&#x20AC;&#x192; |

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BY RAE KEARNEY FROM VANDOO

ISN’T IT STRANGE how the pigeons on the streetcar cable are just moss hanging in high altitude forest. My west coast home can be found on every gridded corner. And isn’t it strange, how I can be in my kitchen, stretched across crumb and counter and still have no ending shooting east for an art I’ll never own. Is it strange that ideas interrupt my happiness— a subtle ache in every poet? The lakeshore sounds like a lost childhood. I’m afraid to let go of its sticky hand.

I AM NOT MEANT TO THINK TOO HAR WHEN I WRITE, B I ALREADY THI POEMS

RD BUT INK IN

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RED RED RED RED BY MASHIAT ALTAF

CREATIVE

DAZZLING WITH BEADS, a scarf around my head, Mint green, fire red, the bloom of a flower. In long silence, we sat on mother’s bed,

My rose in thorn bushes, a woman now!

The taste of her mishti; sweet yet sour.

They adore and love all the girls who wed -

Sari – colours so bold my eyes, they sway.

Fancy clothing and shoes, gifts piled high.

Her face is pink, she smiles, still sad somehow.

A future for which your mother has bled;

She takes my painted hands to slowly say,

Unravel a knot you cannot retie. Pierced with gold, showered in red – a bride Taken away. Only mother, she cried.

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1000 ETERNITIES BY MARVIN DARKWA

CREATIVE

TODAY WOULD BE different, he swore it. Miles walked by the wayward street. Right by the: dilapidated houses, the inebriated fiends, and the ghostly negros. All to a place where he called home. “3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5.” The numbers tattooed in Miles’ mind. He retreated. Knowing that a missed step would spell his doom. He hastily returned to his process. “3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5”. Miles repeated the process to himself. A mantra from the divine. Miles stood amidst the vacant stares. The pillars of his community. A once proud bloodline, in disrepair. They gazed at him with utter confoundment. Miles didn’t care... “6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8”. He had passed the first trial. Gotten that fix... That sense of accomplishment, that hollowed serenity. Soon it would be over. The voice promised him so. Miles adolescent voice screeched, “6, 7, 8.” He waited and stared at the illuminated sky; which was ablaze with the reflection of what seemed like a million street lights. He continued forward. Hobbling... The weight of Miles’ bookbag crushing his shoulders as the seconds inched forward. “6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8”. Miles’ saw a crack in the floor; and swayed away from it with catlike reflexes. If he touched it, he knew full well it would be over. The voice would see to that. “6, 7, 8, 6,

7, 8.” Miles repeated this mantra in his mind for what seemed for the umpteenth time. He lurched forward; that dread came over him. It was a force he couldn’t quite comprehend, but damn near respected. Even feared. Nevertheless, Miles knew it was going to be different today; he swore it. He started again. Miles knew he was trapped in his mind, but didn’t care. Miles walked among the graffiti-drenched concrete; the basketball courts alive with the sound of giggling sambos. A drunk in a black wife beater approached Miles. Miles could tell he was curious about his process. (Why wouldn’t he be?) Miles ignored him. The voice was more important. Miles had been coping with this staggered brilliance for some time now. The voice was constant, but not eternally present. “6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8.” He howled in his mind. He would inch forward, and the voice would in return keep his: thoughts at bay, help the people in his life, it would promise him the world. The stares, the stumbling, the self-hatred were all just necessary sacrifices; it was part of the journey. The wailing storm before the calm. The voice was a small price to pay for that. Miles continued along the street. “6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8.” Miles lurched forward at

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the sight of eyeing a crack in the street (but Miles was too clever for that). He stepped amidst the panicked apathy of his neighborhood. They had known him, loved him, even raised him. This wasn’t new to them. Still, he felt embarrassed all the same. He moved forward; “6, 7, 8 6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8,” he repeated in his mind. A fiend approached. (An outsider?) Miles was sure an interrogation of his behavior is what he wanted... “6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8.” Miles stated in his mind once again. He knew had pleased the voice. More important though, he had moved passed an obstacle. One that appeared insurmountable before: his foe, his dragon, his masked bandit. Miles inched forward. The voice wasn’t going to win. Renewed with a sense of vigor; he started talking to the fiend in front of him. In the assuring voice of an adult but the hushed tone of a kid he said, “today will be different.” The fiend (now perplexed) reached for his fix, a white elixir in a black baggie. His ebony tone became diluted in the reflective twilight of the night sky. Miles continued onward. He was almost at his goal. His sanctuary. His nirvana. “8, 9...” A fiend stalked about the now darkened street. His nappy-headed

afro; a crown of disillusionment. Miles did not get deterred, for today would be different, and he wouldn’t let anyone get in his way. “And, 10...” A blissful solitude crept upon Miles’ face. He knew it wouldn’t be truly over until the voice told him so. Miles sat on the stoop in front of him; his tattered bookbag a reflection of his environment. Broken, seldom used, but honest in its sense of self. Miles sat, his 8-year self-drinking in his accomplishment, drinking in his thoughts, drinking in awareness of the mystical negros he called his brothers and sisters. He needed a litmus test. Something that would spark the voice. Something. (Anything...) He stood still screaming in silent-agony. Miles continued walking home; his heart skipping a beat seeing the reflection of his mother, pulling up into an upcoming embankment. Her jalopy of a car not taking any shine of her spirit. Miles stopped. Looking around he paused and knew that everything stemmed from himself. “Today was different, my mother actually listened and picked me up,” Miles stated giddily. Miles not losing any pip in his step ran forward; his beating heart a compass for what would follow the next day.

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BY LAURA BOURBONNAIS

winter settles all at once into collective bones. at first the new enthralls us all, but soon the old creeps like a friend. shadows our features with a mold, and crafts our memories into dough. the cold it weighs, our souls ablaze, amongst discarded winks of past. as New Year strikes, confettiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrath crinkles, aimless upon our path. future fears, the past is mirrored, into our rearview glass.

MOTHER SPEAKS listen to your mother, they say, as she pours down upon us years of cumulative indifference.

we may shield our eyes but she nudges our chin so we can look back indefinitely

to look around, as she turns our world grey, and shifts her axis.

like angsty teens who shift the blame.

huddled around the globe, we gather to reverberate her starkness. but the words echo back to us in ringing laughter.

but see, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one there to lift the weight. so we take it, pick up the collective pieces of trash, before becoming it ourselves.

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February

STEEL GREY SKIES entomb

a mind of glass held in trembling winter hands. shattering snowflakes encapsulate aspirations glittering brilliant bright. beauty contained melts in empty hands ache, we ache to hold the truth of lost light turned to pervading steel grey skies but we still hope hope in empty space to create a home.

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This is a piece called February because it is always the coldest, harshest and most trying month of the winter season. You feel abandoned by the sun, the streets are ice and slush. Bare trees look bleak covered in snow and ice--the outside world becomes frozen and frigid. Meanwhile, the dismal grey skies weigh on you. You're just fed up with the grey cold. It is the hardest month of winter, but it is also a sign that spring will come soon.

BY KAILA GALLACHER

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COUNTDOWN TO

DAY 1 BY MADDISYN FISHER

NEW YEARS HAS become about loss for me. When asked to write a piece about the new year, 2020, all I could think about was how I lost the most important person in my life on New Year’s Day, 2018. I am still grieving and learning how to navigate life without that person. I know I’m not alone in this; I know many other people who find New Years to be crippling and terrifying. I write this in honour of those grievances and in hopes that we will all find our way to believing in a New Year’s countdown again. Day 1. The first day. I hear the 10, 9, 8... I feel it 7, 6, 5... I sense it 4, 3, 2... I fear it 1... Tears.

Tears roll down the cheek of remembrance. What is meant to bring joy truly brings hopelessness. An empty pit in my stomach as I am reminded. One more year has gone by... I am entering one more year... Without you.

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Flashbacks of your passing crosses my mind. It attacks, it destroys, and it does not give up. I disappear. Finding comfort in the loneliness; My friends are calling, wondering, yearning to celebrate. I am in a random backyard, crying and afraid. My goal is to survive.

And when I hear that 10, 9, 8... I will remember. 7, 6, 5... I will smile. 4, 3, 2... I will celebrate! 1... Because I had you in my life.

2020 will bring me what I need: hope. A life without you has been without hope. Without you by my side I no longer have hope. But I will find it. The sweet nectar of life will coarse my veins again.

Maybe the had is what makes me sad... For now. But soon, I will be thankful that our lives even crossed paths. You steered me, Guided me, Taught me. 2020 will let me embrace that. 2020 will let me become what you always wanted me to be. 2020 will let me find me, authentically. Love, MadFish xoxoâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

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TOP MOMENTS OF THE DECADE BY KRISTEN ALLICOCK FROM VANDOO

AS WE SETTLE in to the Holiday season upon us and leading into the much anticipated Winter Break, we are also winding down 2019. This year has been an interesting one; full of ups and downs, progress and regress, celebrations and sorrows, but that is not the focus of this article. How is it already the end of 2019?! Time flies when the world is going to hell in a handbasket! But I digress. To say the last 10 years have been a tumultuous one would be a bit of an understatement. As we bring this decade to a close, it is normal to feel nostalgic and ask yourself “Man, where did the time go?” I find myself asking this all the time. But I am also approaching real adulthood, so *Kanye shrug*. The last 10 years have been a wild ride. Bumpier for some, smoother for the others. Massive shifts in political and economic issues, natural disasters, warfare, the resurgence of race politics, mass shootings, the change of the digital and technological

landscape and the hot topic for most of the second half of the decade: climate change and how we have doomed ourselves to irreparable state of demise. To put it simply, a lot went down. However, I think we allowed our heads to be ducked enough into the murky waters of life that I wanted to remind us of some of the biggest moments of the last decade in the most escapist way possible. We have enough shitty news on our timelines as it is that I went ahead and compiled a list of some of the 10 biggest moments in Pop Culture of the decade. Does not get fluffier than that, does it? Alright, still with me? Then here we go:

2010: The Lost Let Down May 23rd, 2010 marked the ending of a six-season run of “Lost”. It was the biggest event of the TV season as millions, including myself, tuned in to finally learn just what the heck had been happening on

this island. The often-brilliant but often-frustrating series about these island castaways were finally going to reveal the mysteries. The ambiguity and arguably lazy final scene set in a church with all the principal characters on hand — felt rushed and left viewers feeling underwhelmed. Myself included.

2011: The Royal Wedding Whether you follow the Royal family or do not, you were well aware of the century’s biggest royal affair. Roughly two billion people tuned in to watch the televised wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, with the excessive media coverage of the biggest royal affair since Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana’s wedding. Were you up at 4am to wait for the reveal of the Royal dress? Reluctantly, I admit, so was I.

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2012: 50 Shades of Grey When you were not listening to “Call Me Maybe” on repeat (the biggest pop song of the year by Carly Rae Jepsen), I am pretty sure you could not go anywhere without hearing about author E.L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey and the infamous character Christian Grey. Both raunchy and controversial because of all the detailed, S&M heavy sex scenes, this book was making waves worldwide. Whether you read it or not, it was being talked about by everyone, everywhere. It was so huge that studios spent millions making several movies based on the series. Those, however, were not being talked about so much.

2013: The Red Wedding Games of Thrones. The Red Wedding. The biggest television event since Lost, I suppose. The HBO hit, which was known for killing off every single character you loved, topped itself with this

infamous scene. The catastrophic wedding sparked numerous Twitter rants, memes, blog posts, Facebook statuses and essentially broke the internet.

talented sister Solange who slugged Jay-Z in an elevator at the Standard Hotel.

2015: Hotline Bling 2014: “Let It Go” The most annoying, yet ubiquitous hit of the year was “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen,” which was sung and played over and over and over again by every little girl who watched it. I, unfortunately, had the pleasure of hearing this movie play all day long in the children’s department of the shoe store I worked at. By the summer, it had sold more than three million digital copies. Also, by the end of that summer, I found a new job. Ah, the beauty of marketing.

Solange VS Jay-Z Honourable mention goes out the infamous security footage of Beyonce’s younger and equally

The song that prompted many memes and parodies for weeks to come belongs to none other than Canada’s own Drake aka the 6ix God aka Drizzy aka October’s Very Own. The colourful video which featured the rapper dad-dancing in the iconic oversized grey sweater was released. I can still hear the echoes of the catchy, elevatorsounding intro in my head.

2016: Donald Trump Becomes the next P.O.T.U.S. Whether you are a political savant or not, you were completely aware of this electoral race south of the border. The billionaire businessman shocked many and pleased others when he defeated his Democratic rival Hilary Clinton at the polls

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on November 8. Even though Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million, her opponent received more Electoral College votes. It prompted public outcry and many protests the world over and also brought to the surface a lot of controversy and the reintroducing of race politics and divisive discourse globally.

2017: The #MeToo Movement This was the year big movie executive Harvey Weinstein was accused by a number of women of sexual assault, misconduct, and rape. Famous actresses Rose McGowan and Lupita Nyong’o, among many others, came forward to tell their stories of sexual harassment, which sparked the online movement via hashtag known as #MeToo. It created a domino effect empowering many other women to come forward and share their stories. It was a way for women to stand together in solidarity against sexual harassment and abuse — not to mention the

culture and industries that allows it to continue and flourish. It has since come to light that the founder of the movement is activist Tarana Burke, who started the movement in 2006.

2018: The Year of Kanye 2018 was a busy year for Kanye West. From his interesting appearance on SNL to his visit to the White House to see Donald Trump to his thoughts on slavery being choice, there was never a dull moment with Mr. West. From donning his MAGA hat proudly to his underwhelming release of Ye. A lot of Kanye’s antics led to him being “canceled” but Kanye continues to thrive and shine in his special Kanye way.

2019: Raptors become the NBA Champions You did not have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this sweet moment for the city. For the first

time in franchise history, despite all the naysaying and with a shift in the usual roster that included the removal of Demar DeRozan and the addition of Kawhi Leonard, the Toronto Raptors snagged themselves the NBA Championship for the 2018-2019 season. The city was in a frenzy and the super disorganized parade we had in celebration can attest to that. With fans eager to keep Kawhi as the king of the North, there were various offers, such as restaurants offering Leonard free meals for life. But alas Leonard parted ways and headed back home to the West Coast to the L.A. Clippers. Think the Raptors are able to do it back to back? Only time will tell.

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THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES PRODUCED BY VDAY WILL BE TAKING PLACE JANUARY 23, 24 & 25, 2019 AT THE FRED THURY THEATRE IN VANIER COLLEGE!

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES HOSTED BY VDAY AT YORK INTERVIEW BY LAURA BOURBONNAIS

FEATURE So The Vagina Monologues is a part of a larger organization named VDay. How would you define VDay? Julia Nelles (Co-President): V-Day was started shortly after The Vagina Monologues was first produced by the playwright Eve Ensler. Each year student clubs and other community organizations across the world are permitted to perform the play to raise money for a local organization that is working to end violence against women, or to help victims and survivors of domestic or sexual violence. V- Day@York chooses to donate the funds we raise to the North York Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shelter. The main event we host as a club is The Vagina Monologues, however this year we are launching a new event, as well as hosting a word night in collaboration with the Winters Word Night! Stay tuned for more information on these events happening in the winter term! Shannon Murtagh (Co-President): VDay is an organization that exists to give a platform to women who do not normally have a voice. There are so many issues and feminists movements that do not get nearly enough attention and I think that VDay really allows these things to be heard. How can one still support VDay throughout the year, before and after having attended The Vagina Monologues? Julia Nelles (Co-President): We are always looking for volunteers to help us organize other fundraisers that we are planning to host throughout the year! We also have a media team and fundraising team that work throughout the year. People are also welcome to follow our instagram page @vdayatyork to keep up to date with the events we will be hosting! Shannon Murtagh (Co-President): We have so many great events coming up throughout the year! Although Vagina Monologues is our biggest event, we are trying our hardest to have many different events this year so please stay tuned as we release more information. Similarly, how does one join the VDay team next year, for example? Julia Nelles (Co-President): At the beginning of each school year, you can find us at the club fairs to sign up in person, or follow our Instagram page to find out when we will be opening club member registration!

ARTICHOKE Shannon Murtagh (Co-President): We set up a table during various frosh events and club fairs where people are able to come and chat with us about the club and sign up for our club newsletter. From there we will be in contact with you to join our club and invite you to our club meetings, reach out to help with events, etc. Information about auditions for The Vagina Monologues usually is released in mid-late September, so turn on your post notifications so you do not miss a thing! Julia Nelles (Co-President): It is really that simple! We pride ourselves on being a very open and inclusive club and we welcome anyone and everyone to join! How did you first get involved with VDay? What attracted you to it? Julia Nelles (Co-President): I first got involved with V-Day@York in my second year. I was part of the cast, my monologue was The Flood! I think what drew me to the club was the idea of sharing stories from women, and working to help women, girls, and people who do not conform to the gender binary. Shannon Murtagh (Co-President): When I was in first year, I was looking for a way to get involved in a show because in first-year theatre there are not many opportunities to perform. I decided to audition for the Vagina Monologues because it seemed like it would help fill the want to perform while also being a part of a show that is incredible and powerful. It was really a wonderful experience and I am so thankful that I was able to be apart of the show. Breagh MacDonald (Director): I first got involved with VDay in my first year here at York after making a lastminute decision to audition for the show with some friends. I knew nothing about the show or the club, but I was curious as to what a show with such a title would entail. I ended up performing the monologue â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Angry Vaginaâ&#x20AC;? in the show that year. I had the opportunity to work with brilliant theatre creators and activists that inspired me, people I looked up to as mentors. Since then, I have been dedicated to crafting a supportive environment where other young artists and activists have the opportunity to connect and share their stories while making an immediate difference in their community. I worked to achieve this previously as a Stage Manager for TVM, and now as a Director of the production.

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What kind of crowd do The Vagina Monologues usually attract and why should one go see it? What should audience members expect? Julia Murphy (Director): The Vagina Monologues usually attracts a multitude of people, from those who know the show already to those whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve barely heard about it to those who are friends and family of those involved to anyone and everyone in between! Shannon Murtagh (Co-President): The audience is always very different. We have some people that really know the show and what it is about and then there are people that have never said the word vagina out loud before. It is always interesting to watch how people react because there is never one set way that they come out of the show. It is definitely a very personal and unique experience for everyone. I would say the biggest thing to expect is that none of the topics discussed are filtered. They are very much raw stories by real women and people. Breagh MacDonald (Director): Typically, our audiences are comprised of York University students and faculty, friends and family, as well as general supporters of the VDay movement. I think audience members get the most out of the experience when they come into it without any expectations. Our intention with putting on the show is to start conversations, even if that conversation is with an unsuspecting grandmother who came out to the show to support a grandchild. All we ask is that you enter our space with an open heart and an open mind. That being said, some audience members may find the content of the show triggering. We encourage everyone interested in getting involved with VDay or watching The Vagina Monologues to do so in whatever capacity they feel most comfortable. Julia Nelles (Co-President): Our audience tends to be York students, as well as friends and family of our cast and club members. We encourage everyone to come out and see the show! However, we would like to mention that the subject matter contains themes of sex, sexual violence, and abuse. As a club, we want conversations around these subjects to happen in a safe environment and, if at any point during the performance someone feels uncomfortable, for whatever reason, they should feel like they can step out of the space without fear of causing an interruption. Julia Murphy (Director): I believe that people should come to see The Vagina Monologues because it is a very honest show that captures a vulnerability and simultaneous power which is incredibly striking. It tells stories that so often are unheard, and that alone creates a powerful, unique, and intimate theatre experience. Liked this interview? Make sure to check out The Vagina Monologues January 23, 24 and 25, 2019 at the Fred Thury Theatre and make sure to follow @V-Day At York on Facebook @vdayatyork on Instagram!â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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NEW YEAR, NEW BY JESSIE WHYTE, IN COLLABORATION WITH MONICA MARTINEZ

TO SOME, THE New Year signifies a world-changing shift; it is a chance to get your butt in gear, make the changes you have always wanted to make, and turn your life in a positive direction. To others, time is an illusion, and the New Year is no different. Whether you are looking to live out loud or cozy up at home, this little list is for you. No matter the time of year, there is no harm in changing up your routine and adding adventure wherever you may be!

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W THINGS TO DO

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Things to do in Toronto: 1. Drag Brunch at Glad Day Bookshop One of North America’s oldest surviving LGBTQ+ bookstores, Glad Day hosts an all-you-can-eat Drag Brunch every Sunday in the early afternoon. This brunch is currently hosted by Glendon alum, Erin Brockobić! 2. St. Lawrence Market According to TripAdvisor, “All roads to good food lead to St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark more than two centuries old. Two hundred vendors sell everything from local mustard to fresh pasta, lobster to artisanal bread.” 3. Catch a Show on a Budget There are a number of wonderful programs out there to help students afford live performances. One of these platforms is hipTIX! hipTIX offers $5 tickets to some of the best theatre, dance, comedy, and opera productions in Toronto. 4. Bamboo Garden at U of T Within the University of Toronto’s Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research lies a four-metre-tall bamboo forest that is sustained by a microclimate inside the building. 5. The Vog Vault In the back of the Fluevog shoe store on Queen West lies an illusion room. What used to be a bank vault is now a gravity-defying Victorian-themed room that will suitably amp up your Insta game.

6. Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Interested in live music? Are you between 15 and 35? Then sign up for the TSOUNDCHECK program with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra! This gives you access to a variety of symphonies at a highly reduced price. 7. Java House on Queen West Looking for an eclectic collection of cheap (but so so tasty) food? Check out Java House on Queen West. No dish is more than $10, the portions are big, and the restaurant itself is a cozy place to hang with friends or lovebirds. 8. Kensington Market Located in an eclectic neighborhood, the market is packed full of cafés, boutiques, and delicious food hubs. It is a place where the arts and counterculture thrive, and new ideas flourish. 9. The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy Located on the third floor of the Lillian H. Smith branch of the Toronto Public Library, The Collection is a non-circulating research collection of over 72,000 items of science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, and so much more. 10. Allan Gardens Conservatory If you are looking for a warm and lively nest in the midst of a cold winter, the conservatory is the place for you. Open 365 days a year, the Allen Gardens are home to six greenhouses full of biodiverse plants and flowers.

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Things to do at Home: 1. Learn a new recipe Forget all those microwave dinners you have in your freezer and do a quick Google search to get a step-by-step guide to easy and delicious cooking. 2. Find joy in tidying up your room Turn on Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and revolutionize how you view your home’s organization. 3. Colour by numbers Tired of creating art for marks? Take a quick trip to the dollar store for some cheap inspiration. Spend a cute little evening with yourself and create something for fun! 4. Stretch and yoga There are many step-by-step YouTube videos for beginners and experts alike. Try something new and stretch that bod! 5. Play a boardgame Looking to spice up your friendships? Look no further than a good, oldfashioned board game. Create some tension, have some laughs, and spend some time just having fun!

6. Have a costume night Halloween should not be the only day we get to dress up. Gather some friends, look through your closet, and bring out your inner fashionista! 7. Indoor Picnic Set out a picnic blanket and a basket of food and eat your dinner as though you were in the Great Outdoors. Forget the bugs and stay inside for a sweet evening treat. 8. Create a mini garden Tap into your inner hipster and grab some low-maintenance plants. Succulents and cacti are especially good for beginners and actually help purify the air. Go plants! 9. Spa day Why drop hundreds on a professional spa when you can treat yourself like royalty any day? Take a bath, do some face masks, and pamper yourself because you deserve it! 10. Make a scrapbook Print off some pics of your pets or your friends, and stick ‘em on a book with some (biodegradable) glitter. TA-DA! Scrapbook! You made a scrapbook.

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MMC IX BY KATHERINE COLLIER

THE MEDIA MUSIC Concert (now in its ninth year) is an entirely studentorganized, run, performed and conducted the concert. But what is a “Media Music Concert?” Assistant Conductor Daniel Pasoff describes media music as music originating from different forms of media (video games, tv shows, movies, musicals, etc.). Daniel and Austin Santos, the main conductor of the ensemble, took on the task of organizing MMC this year, which involved collecting student arrangments, editing them, finding musicians, running rehearsals, and collaborating with the Music Department to ensure everything will go off without a hitch. This year, Daniel is excited for the guest vocalists, who will be performing with the ensemble. “As with every year, we try to do things that are new and different. There are many surprises in store,” said Austin.

In this ensemble and concert, students are given several great opportunities like having their arrangments showcased, which is difficult to come by for students, as well as having the chance to perform and hear music that they love and enjoy. Audience members are given the chance to see live instrumental music in a way that they recognize and enjoy. “I like Peer Gynt’s Suites as much as the next guy but it’s nice to listen to music from Star Wars.” - Austin Santos, MMC Conductor.

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We asked these two conductors what their favourite arrangement from this year is. Here are their responses: If you had to pick one arrangement as your favourite, what would it be? Austin and Daniel (Together): Mine! *They laugh.* Austin: Honestly, the Star Wars piece. It is the last piece from John Williams, who is the person you think of when you hear the word “film composer,” for a 40-year franchise. It is a big work and his last, so it is a big deal. Daniel: Mine is “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera. It is the longestrunning Broadway musical and Andrew Lloyd Webber is the big Broadway composer. Of oIt is also one of the pieces that feature our guest vocalists.

The concert will take place on January 16th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 with your student card but do not wait till the day of to buy your tickets as they are sure to go fast. You do not want to miss this concert. If you liked what you read here and you want to be involved in the future, keep your eyes posted on MSA’s social media for calls for student arrangements and student performers for the ensemble. Any artistic contributions are also welcome. You can also feel free to send an email to mediamusicconcert@gmail.com. Of course, the best way to be involved is to attend the concert on January 16th at 7:30 pm.

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REFLECTIONS OF AN ALMOST POST-FINE ARTS UNDERGRAD IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER BY VANESSA SANDOVAL

1. DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T CATASTROPHIZE the Mildly Bad Things This is probably the first that comes to mind because it is really easy to do. In a way, it is unavoidable. Catastrophizing is baked into an existent young-adult culture that we pull out for those brief hallway conversations with friends. We use catastrophe like a punchline in conversationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in fact, acknowledging our inability to stop our rapidly deteriorating self-care routines (sleep, eating well, doing the laundry, etc.) is all the merrier. But those kinds of jokes have an effect on the way you handle creating a solution. Inflating the terrible thing can make it a bigger monster than it really is. You are enough. You can handle it. You have done it before, and you will do it again and learn from this. 2. Unless It is Bad (holy shit) Please Speak Up and Seek Help This is for that someone who has run a high fever and still shown up to things that they probably should have rescheduled and stayed home for. This is

for that someone who is having trouble focusing in class and might need professional advice, diagnoses, and medication (which are all good things if they will help). This is for that someone who cannot stop having what they know might be irrational thoughts, and/or receive their first panic attacks. This is for that someone who has an unhealthy relationship with a significant other and feels horrible and guilty and ashamed all the time. You are enough and loved, but accept the support from every which way. 3. Coffee Meetings with Professionals are Great, but Internships Are Work Opportunities Seek people in the profession you want to work in. Usually, they remember when someone helped them when they too were fresh-faced newbies and they would love to pay it forward. Unpaid internships in Canada are illegal, so it is either a paid internship or have professors in mind who might accept a supervisory role in an independent study/internship opportunity for school credit. If you cannot do any of those nor a field place-

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ment, get your emails ready and start searching for entry-level/freelance employees in the industry who might have some time to talk. Do your research on their experience, ask them for advice, but more importantly ask them for follow-up contacts. 4. Reading and Researching for Pleasure That Is Not Just One Google Search Difficult to do when you have 4 other classes with 3 readings each 30 pages long, but your own reading is what will keep the growth going even after school. This can be also attending events and film screenings, walking into new art galleries, libraries, or watching an opera or ballet, going to a local band’s concert, participating in slam poetry, or online skill classes. School has less and less authority over what you should or should not consume on a self-growth level as you get closer to graduation. Now is the time to delve into what you have learned that you are passionate about—or what you could be passionate about. 5. Stress and Breathing and Exercise Now that sports clubs might not be available to provide possible routines to keep you going to the gym, or you may need a new gym off-campus entirely, making sure that this routine is giving you time to breathe. Stress management is a whole new animal when you do not have glaring assignment deadlines— instead, it is replaced with one endless infinity question of the “WHAT NOW?” category. Find something that already has a structure to it, like boxing classes, or even a morning run. Keep the muscles

moving, and make sure to do a warm-up and cool-down. Nothing helps the brain like some endorphins. 6. Reprioritizing – Allowing Yourself to Fail Time-management in school, of course, is a huge pulsing nerve that causes the worst stress of all. But sometimes, for the sake of not spreading yourself too thin, reprioritizing and restructuring your schedule is a must—that is to say, allowing yourself to fail at some things is okay. If a commitment is holding you down from what you should be prioritizing, or the fear of a near-failing grade on an assignment stops you from spending time on career growth and maintaining selfcare routines, it is worth re-evaluating your priorities even if you decide to change very little. Just examining what could be making you unhappy will let you acknowledge what you are allowing to hold your attention. Your attention is very important because it is power. 7. The End as the Beginning Time can be very cyclical. The end is nearing, but so is the beginning. But you can do this, as you have done similar endings before, and so you will survive this new beginning. It is scary out there in the real world, but it is also ripe with new opportunities to reinvent yourself and your habits. People can be scary, but they will remember what it is to be you and they want to help. You are enough. You can handle it. You have done it before, and you will do it again and learn from this.

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facing the elements

BY MELANIE ROSE GAZVODA

TRANSITIONING INTO WINTER is a hard task as a Canadian, especially when winter is around three months long but it looks and feels closer to six months. Six months of sucky weather and shorter days. Side effects of the long winter include; ‘winter blues’ (also known as seasonal affective disorder), body and mind going into hibernation (not wanting to leave your cozy bed… ever), struggling with being sick, the stress of Christmas (spending all the money you do not have), work (need I say more?), and the stress of school exams arriving. These all have lasting effects on people that can make winter seem longer than it actually is and keep you down. But there is good news! There is something you can do to cure the side effects of the cold winter to come or make it better. I have created a list of inside and outside winter activities that will help you face the cold and actually enjoy the season. Keep in mind I refer to Christmas in this article but if you do not celebrate it or you celebrate another holiday, these tips are still relevant!

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A friend once told me that there is something so empowering and Canadian about facing the elements of nature with nothing but a coat in between you and the frost. Winter is a very beautiful time of year. Something about the ivory snow sparkling in the daylight and the Christmas decorations, lighting up the night with bright reds and emerald greens. Winter can be magical if you let it in. To be friends with nature you must get outside and have fun. The activities below are good for spending time with family, friends, and just having fun. They will also keep you active and wake your body up from hibernation. 1. Observe nature 2. Ice skating downtown in Toronto in Nathan Phillips rink outside the City Hall 3. Building a Snowman or Snowfort 4. Hockey 5. Snowmobiling 6. Toronto Christmas Market 7. Winter hike or snowshoeing 8. Sledding and sleigh rides 9. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing 10. Ice fishing Facing the cold can be fun, but for those days when you just need to be inside, there are so many activities you can do inside as well. Here are some inside activities when you cannot bear the cold. 1. Decorating and putting up the Christmas tree 2. Reading inside 3. Sleeping 4. Listen to some festive music and bake 5. Spending time with family and friends 6. Working out 7. Shopping 8. Painting 9. Movie Marathon 10. Self-care: taking care of your mind and body These activities can help alleviate the symptoms of the cold winter and get you in the festive mood. Most of the activities on the list release happy endorphins and allow you to spend more time with friends and family which is what the holidays are meant for.

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Onwards & Upwards BY CASSIE WEIR

I HAVE LEARNED a lot this past year. So, I thought I would share some thoughts: •

•

Go to concerts. Literally. If you do not have anything to do, hop onto Stubhub and grab yourself a pair of cheap tickets. Attending concerts really has become apart of my personality and it is definitely one thing I love about myself. Going to concerts has played an extremely therapeutic role in my life. I realize this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is worth the try. Sing your heart out, champ! Valentine's Day should not consist of one heart-shaped pizza but rather two. That is it. That is the thought. Embrace the little surprises in life. Or even create your own surprises. The best moments in life happen

unexpectedly and you should embrace the ride. The amount of times I just stumbled upon little hidden treasures this year has been insane. •

I am a 20-year-old lady and I believe that spending time with the people you love the most is worth more than any gift you could receive. It is not about gifts or money but rather the people you surround yourself with. It is important to remind yourself of the ‘quality over quantity’ rule. You do not need all the friends in the world to achieve happiness but rather a handful of people who make your heart sing.

•

Go to High Park. Just go. Get off your lazy butt and hope on the subway down to line two. High Park is such a crazy place due to the fact it does not feel like Toronto at all. It is an escape

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comfortable in my body. Exploration is so important.

from all the busiest of the city and there are a ton of dogs … trust me on this one. •

I truly have met the love of my life. I must admit, falling in love was one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. How are you just supposed to open up to a stranger? Being vulnerable, what is that? But honestly, letting him in was the best decision I have ever made. It is important to remind yourself that you are capable of love. It is a scary thought, I know. But believe me, every moment will be magic.

•

Allowing change in your life. It may be hard to accept at first, but it will come in time. It is your time to grow. To learn. To forgive. You are only human, and you must keep moving forward.

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Dance. Turn on your favourite tunes and just let the music flow through you. Explore what it means to be connected with your mind and body. Do not be afraid to look ridiculous. It is all apart of the process. Over the past year, I have felt so much more

•

Get involved as much as you can. I am so fortunate to be working with Res-Life. It really feels special to be apart of a community. The people you surround yourself with, collaborate with or even just chit chat with at the Ab really make a difference. Surround yourself with like-minded people and positivity and the world will be all yours.

•

Speak up for what you believe in. I attended the climate strike this year. It was my first march I have ever attended, and it was a very unique experience being surrounded by people who share the same passions as you. It is so important to use your voice. Your opinion matters.

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Create. There is so much beauty in creating something from scratch. Something that is entirely yours. Only yours. Tell your story. Choreograph a piece. Paint. Sing. Art it out my friend.

2020 will be my year. It will be our year.

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