VOLUME 153, ISSUE 1, SEPTEMBER 2019
Editorial Board
About Us
Editorial Policy
Letters to the Editor
Editor-in-Chief Brad Ackerson
The Brunswickan, in its 152nd year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication.
While we endeavour to provide an open forum for a variety of viewpoints and ideas, we may refuse any submission considered by the Editorial Board to be racist, sexist, libellous or in any way discriminatory.
Letters must be submitted by e-mail to editor@thebruns.ca. Include your name, since letters with pseudonyms will not be printed or posted online. Letters must be 500 words at maximum. Deadline for letters is Friday at 5 p.m.
Business Manager Mathew Gracie News Editor Ally Buchanan Arts & Lifestyle Editor Jack Sparks Sports Editor Alisha MacDonald Art Director Maria Nazareth Araújo
Staff Marketing & Sales Coordinator Noubahar Hasnain Copy Editor Julia Pazzano Reporters Keely Martin Maria Hernandez Marlowe Evans Samantha McCready Sohan Kobiri Volunteers Jules Keenan Photographers Maria Nazareth Araújo Jules Keenan
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We are an autonomous student publication owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc., a nonprofit, independent body. We are also a founding member of the Canadian University Press. Now a magazine, we publish monthly during the academic year with a circulation of 4,000. We publish weekly online at thebruns. ca.
The opinions and views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Brunswickan, its Editorial Board or its Board of Directors. All editorial content appearing in The Brunswickan is the property of Brunswickan Publishing Inc. Stories, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the express, written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.
@thebrunswickan @Brunswickan @thebrunswickan Front Page: Students packed the cafeteria of the Student Union building on Sep. 7th for the Kick-Off Concert|Photo by Jules Keenan
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Meet the Brunswickan Team
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Embracing the Unknown: Why You Shouldn’t Fear Career Uncertainty
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News Briefs
by Jack Sparks
by Keely Martin
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UNBF Residences
Things to do in Fredericton This Month
by Marlowe Evans
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UNB’s Not-So-Secret Best Kept Secrets
by Brad Ackerson
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by Marlowe Evans
Welcome to Fredericton by Patrick Donovan
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Kick-Off 2019 Starts Year in Style
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My Time at The Bruns by Isabelle Leger
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by Jack Sparks
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UNB Sports Clubs: More than a Game by Brad Ackerson
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MEET THE
BRUNSWICKAN TEAM BRAD ACKERSON Editor-in-Chief
A fourth-year History and Media Arts and Cultures student entering his third year as a member of The Brunswickan, Brad enjoys just about any creative pursuit. Entering his new role as Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s Oldest Student Publication, he is committed to upholding the high journalistic standards established through The Bruns’ long history. He has a teacup poodle named Abigail Ackerson, and likes tattoos but hates needles.
MATHEW GRACIE
Business Manager
This is Matt and his soul hungers for the innocent. Just kidding—he’s a vegetarian. Kidding again! Matt’s running his victory lap here at the University of New Brunswick in his fifth year as a Media Arts and Cultures student, and this year he’s a key member of the Brunswickan’s Shadow Directorate—filling the nefarious role of Business Manager. His lifetime aspiration? Equipped with a scuba license, one day he hopes to discover a vast underwater civilization where he can finally put his government-issued gills to the test.
ALLY BUCHANAN News Editor
Ally is a second-year Renaissance College student minoring in English and Political Science. She is excited to be able to bring her interests in sustainability and youth political engagement to the news section this year. Ally loves watching movies, swimming, and painting, and can often be found in the Student Union Building drowning in coffee and school work.
JACK SPARKS
Arts & Lifestyle Editor Jack, known in the office as “The Man,”—Editor’s note: this is a blatant lie—is a third-year Business student who is clearly moonlighting as an Arts student if you glanced at his class schedule. Please approach him with caution if you spot him on campus as he is a known danger to the student population and society at large. Jack hates Arts students, (or so he’s told), but will try not to make fun of them too much this year. He has been on the Dean’s List two years running, but let’s be honest, so has everyone else in Business.
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ALISHA MACDONALD Sports Editor
Alisha is a third-year Kinesiology student in the Recreation and Sports department. She is from the small town of Vernon River, PEI. Alisha enjoys hanging out with friends and being active. This is her first year on The Brunswickan. When not in class you can most likely find Alisha at the Currie Centre or down in the Cellar eating some delicious veggie bites.
Mª NAZARETH ARAÚJO
Arts Editor
Maria Nazareth Araújo is going both to her final year of an honours program in the Media Arts and Cultures department and as a Bruns employee. Native of Recife (Brazil), Nazareth has been part of The Bruns staff for two consecutive years (Are you curious as what? Go check the first issue of the past two years). In addition to her work at The Bruns, she is also a faculty of arts peer mentor and president of the Media Arts and Culture student society. When Nazareth’s through with work (which is often rare), she loves to spend time with her friends and produce films. If you ever need a film crew member position filled, you know where to find her!
NOUBAHAR HASNAIN Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Noubahar is in her second year of the Bachelor of Business Administration program at the University of New Brunswick, majoring in Finance and Economics. She grew up in Newfoundland but was born in America and her family is originally from Pakistan. She just wrapped up a summer internship with the Office of the Green Caucus here in New Brunswick and would like to remind you to get out and vote! She volunteers at Hospice House and is also helping plan an internal case competition happening in November. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, photography, writing, and baking. She is always down for tea and meaningful conversations!
JULIA PAZZANO
Copy Editor
Julia is entering her fourth year at St. Thomas University where she is pursuing an honours in English and a major in Journalism. She is originally from southern Ontario and has spent her time in Fredericton exploring and appreciating the beauty of New Brunswick. Julia loves storytelling and finding new adventures. When she’s not writing her thesis or editing essays she is usually watching Netflix dramas in bed or eating Dairy Queen Blizzards with her boyfriend.
KEELY MARTIN Reporter
Keely Martin is an ambitious individual tackling a joint honours in Psychology and English. She is from the Nation’s Capital city, Ottawa. Why, you must be wondering, would she come to Freddy of all places? Yeah, so does she. Maybe it’s the small class sizes or the 10 hour commute to get here. After all, she loves the journey more than the destination. Keely is also the Co-Volunteer coordinator for the University of New Brunswick’s Jack.org chapter and she is the secretary/treasurer/goalie for the UNB ringette team. In her free time she listens to K-pop and watches Vine compilations from 2015.
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MARIA HERNANDEZ Reporter
Maria is a third-year environmental management student with a minor in business. She is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, a small beautiful tropical country in Central America. Her first language is Spanish, so if you ever want to practice your Spanish, you can talk to her! She loves reading biographies and Paulo Coelho. She spends a lot of her time learning tree species for her classes, and in her free time she likes to sew.
MARLOWE EVANS
Part-time Reporter
Marlowe Evans (she/her) is a second-year University of New Brunswick Arts student who hails from Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Marlowe works as a reporter for the Arts and Lifestyle section of the Brunswickan. Any questions? Feel free to contact her at marlowe.evans@thebruns.ca.
SAMANTHA MCCREADY Multimedia Reporter
Samantha McCready is a Multimedia Reporter with The Brunswickan. This will be her second year with the paper and she is eager to be part of The Bruns team again. Samantha is in her fourth year at the University of New Brunswick, pursuing her honours in Psychology. Once finished her studies, Samantha hopes to work in the mental health field, performing psychological research, and also spend time travelling the world. Samantha is passionate about journalism and mental health and mental health advocacy. When Samantha is not studying at the Harriet Irving Library, you can find her spending time with her family and friends or at the Currie Center.
SOHAN KOBIRI
Reporter
Sohan, a first-year Mechanical Engineering Student here at the University of New Brunswick, is from Bangladesh and speaks three languages even though his mother tongue is Bengali. This is his first year with The Brunswickan as a Staff Reporter. He loves meeting new people, making friends and learning about new cultures. When not in his classes, he can be found at almost any academic, social or cultural event taking place on campus as he likes being around people. He’s passionate about UNB and loves travelling and trying out new things. He’s also a Social Media Ambassador for UNB, so if you see him vlogging around campus, feel free to say ‘Hello!’, you might end up in his vlog, who knows!
JULES KEENAN Volunteer
Jules is a second-year student currently studying Photography at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design through the Applied Arts program offered at the University of New Brunswick. This is her first year volunteering with The Brunswickan, and due to her involvement in the writing community in her home town of Miramichi, she already feels at home here. When not in the office, she can be found running around both downtown and on campus with a camera in one hand and a to-go cup in the other. She loves conversation. If she’s in the office and you happen to stroll by, don’t be afraid to pop in and say hello.
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NEWS BRIEFS WORDS BY KEELY MARTIN
Paul Mazerolle Begins his Presidency
improved privacy.
Paul Mazerolle was announced as UNB’s next president and vice-chancellor on Jan 28. Mazerolle began work on July 1, after the departure of the previous president and vice-chancellor, Eddy Campbell.
In an effort for UNB to be more inclusive, accessibility has increased. Tibbits Hall now has three new and fully accessible rooms, which include private washrooms. Additionally, all levels are now accessible via elevator.
Mazerolle worked previously as pro vice-chancellor of arts, education and law and as the director of the violence research and prevention program at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia since 2009.
Other upgrades include the ability for students to change their individual room temperature, new energy efficient LED lighting in all areas and upgraded plumbing, heating and electrical systems. The residence also has all new flooring, ceilings, paint, interior doors and furniture.
Mazerolle is familiar with UNB. He grew up in Nashwaaksis, attended Fredericton High School and graduated with a bachelor of arts 1989 from UNB.
Lady Dunn is the next in line to be renovated and will be closing its doors this year. Joy Kidd will follow with a final completion date of 2021.
After working abroad for a number of years, Mazerolle wants to take some of his experience with reconciliation with Aboriginal communities in Australia and leading community employment expansion opportunities to UNB. He wants UNB to be a university that continues to make contributions to local, national and international communities. In an email to the UNB community on July 2, Mazerolle said he plans to work with stakeholders to create a new strategic plan and work on a renewed course for UNB toward 2030, which is to be finalized by later this year.
Tibbits Hall Reopens On Aug. 16, Tibbits Hall was reopened showcasing 30 new single bedrooms with student-chosen furniture, renovated lounge areas with full-kitchen facilities and renovated public washrooms with showers that offer more privacy to residents. This renovation is a part of the university’s Residence Renewal Plan, which includes renovations of Tibbits Hall, Lady Dunn, and Joy Kidd residences to become more accessible, modern and have 8
The refurbished lounge of Tibbits Hall | Photo by Jules Keenan
The ribbon is cut at the grand re-opening of Tibbits Hall on Aug. 16 | Photo by Jules Keenan
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Things to do
IN FREDERICTON - SEPTEMBER 2019
Words by Brad Ackerson | Photos by Jules Keenan Note: Here you will find our recommendations for things you can do over the upcoming month to experience some of the best Fredericton has to offer. While this is far from a complete list, we try to provide a well-rounded mix of everything from events to attend, places to go and things to try. Something you’d like to see included in an upcoming edition of Things to Do? Send your suggestions to editor@thebruns.ca!
Thrush Hermit Reunion Tour When: Wednesday, September 25 | 7:30 pm. Where: The Playhouse Two decades after they disbanded, Joel Plaskett, Rob Benvie, Cliff Gibb and Ian McGettigan have reunited for a limited tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their critically acclaimed final album Clayton Park—one of the best albums to come out of Canada in the 90s. Although the Halifax-based alt-rock quartet only released two albums, their brief run left an indelible mark on the Canadian music scene while building a lasting reputation for their frantic and unhinged live performances. Tickets are on sale now through The Playhouse box office and cost $34 each.
Etsy New Brunswick Pop-up Market When: Saturday, September 28 | 10 am - 4 pm. Where: Currie Center Love shopping for locally crafted, handmade artisan products? You will want to mark your calendar as Etsy New Brunswick is set to showcase the wealth of talented craftspeople and artisan retailers in the province. The market is part of the nationwide Etsy Made In Canada event where pop-up markets will appear in 30 cities from coast to coast. 10
UNB Homecoming Game 2019 When: Saturday, September 28 | 1 pm. Where: BMO Field Homecoming weekend is not only the biggest annual alumni event on the calendar, but a chance for current students to connect with the university’s long and storied history. The highlight of the weekend tends to be the Homecoming Classic football game between the UNB Fredericton Red Bombers and the UNB Saint John Seawolves where alumni and students alike adorn themselves in red and black and show off their school spirit while cheering on the home team. Entry is free for UNB students upon the presentation of your UCard and there will be beer and other concessions available for purchase.
Cst. Robb Costello Memorial Fun Walk/ Run + Oktoberfest When: Saturday, October 5 | 12 pm. Where: Picaroons Brewing Company Just over a year after the tragic mass shooting on Fredericton’s Northside, a fun walk/run will be held in memory of Constable Robb Costello, one of four victims killed that day. Proceeds from the event will go to the Cst. Robb Costello Memorial Fund which aims to provide scholarships within the community, police training and support first-responder families in crisis. There are several ways you can participate in the event, whether you want to run or walk in the race or simply sit at Picaroons and enjoy beer, food, games and seasonal music. For more details and ticket information, check out the event page on Facebook or Eventbrite.
Photo by Cameron Lane
Photo by UNB Media Services
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Words by Jack Sparks | Image by Jules Keenan There’s a fear, an uncertainty, that rages within kids coming out of high school that can hamper their undergraduate experience. It’s not social anxiety, tests or exams or moving to a new place. It’s not even the fear of getting caught sneaking into S-Club underage your first year. It’s at your next family gathering, seeing a family member beckoning you over from across the room. “So what are your plans when you graduate?” they ask, cracking that comfortable smile as you feel your heart descend into the floor. You respond that you’re still not quite sure with a fake grin plastered on your face, and you push down the urge to smack the person. The identity of the questioner is unimportant— could be a parent, grandparent, friend, professor or whoever. The important thing to note is that it’s a stupid question. Harsh perhaps, but truly consider the nature of the question. How am I, a freshly graduated 17/18 year old, expected to know what job I’m going to have when I step out of this institution? I’m not even sure I chose the right degree program, the right university, even the right path out of high school, and people expect me to be confident about my future?
The question remains though, nagging at you. Should it be something you personally worry about? Should it be something you’re constantly striving to answer during your time in university? Of course not! It’s easy to feel that way, but those aren’t the kind of thoughts that are productive. The question of what you’re going to do with your life after school is something to be aware of, not something to consume you, you of so little spare time to begin with. The fact is that a lot of kids just don’t know what they want to do going into university. Changing your degree program halfway through the one you chose is not something to be worried about. There’s so many different people at the university who you can talk to if you’re considering a move, among them: advisors, professors and counsellors. Your program advisors are there for any school related questions and advisors in other programs are always willing to talk to prospective students. Professors have likely been standing right where you are now and can have valuable information. Counsellors can help you work through more personal feelings you may be having of doubt, insecurity or anything at all that’s troubling you. Another great option are the many students who have made the switch recently, who are sure to give you an unbiased opinion.
As well intentioned as they may be, it is still foolish. That’s easy enough to brush off—give a big smile, say, I haven’t the faintest clue and wander off in search of that one cousin you actually like. 12
Take a friend of mine, Sam Arsenault. Sam started university pursuing a Bachelor of Science and led that into Medicinal Chemistry before realizing it wasn’t what he wanted to do. So he transitioned out of Medicinal Chemistry and considered a possible switch into Business. After a little while of uncertainty he decided to remain in the Science program with a major in Economics, while pursuing minors in Chemistry and Business.
Pretty unpredictable wouldn’t you say? It’s a relatively eclectic combination of subjects that he pulled together. It’s important to remember that our university wants us around, both because they want our money, and because there are truly caring people working in the advising offices across all the faculties. They will help you accommodate your interests in whatever ways they can, and a lot more can be possible than you think. And concerning Sam, wouldn’t you know it—this year he’s our Student Union’s Vice President of Finance & Operations. Let’s hope, for all of our sake, that he’s doing well in those Economics courses! The important thing to remember is that you’re not stuck. Our new global economy is shifting faster than ever, and statistics from the job finding site Workopolis say that you’ll likely end up holding 10 to 15 different jobs before you retire, and that number is still growing. The number of workers who are completely shifting career paths is also growing, with more than 50% of those surveyed saying they have completely switched career paths one or two times. All that is easy to say but tougher to put into practice. I got some of the best advice of my life when my world was in flux, after I’d been floundering my
first year out of high school. I had been taking only two classes at UNB, unsure of what I wanted to go into and working a lot. My second semester math class went horribly and I was searching for answers. My dad was seeing all this and he told me that I was too worried about the destination. Put in the work, day after day, do the best you can do at what you’re doing and things will work out. If you’re spending all your time worrying you won’t do well in what you’re doing, and you certainly won’t be able to enjoy your time doing it. We all need to ride the wave a little more. Doing something, anything, is the important part. Don’t let yourself get bogged down. Put your head down and do your best in the day to day of school and life—there’s plenty there to keep you busy. Take any opportunities that come your way and pursue avenues that you think may interest you. If there’s no excitement in whatever you are doing anymore, no gleam in your eye for any aspect of it, then it might be time to consider a change. To each their own, but I see a lot more for all of us than working jobs we don’t like and counting down the years to retirement. Have some courage and have some faith. It might just change your life.
Natural Sciences Humanities
Sciences Formal Sciences
Business Social Sciences
Applied Sciences 13
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AITKEN HOUSE Aitken, the only all-male residence on campus, has two house charities: Canadian Blood Services and AIDS NB. Every year, Aitken’s basement becomes a beach, and the house hosts the much-anticipated Club Med Social.
BRIDGES HOUSE
Bridges House, whose residents are known as Bears, is home to the renowned Polar Dip. Bears clear a spot in the quad, set up a pool and jump in, all to raise money for the IWK Health Centre. The annual Polar Dip event also involves a major social at the Student Union Building, known for being one of the most fun social events on campus.
HARRISON HOUSE
Harrison House, home of the Huskies, is one of the most mysterious residences on campus. Home to Canada’s longest running house tradition, the Great Pumpkin Sacrifice. PSAC’s traditions are known only to members of the house, but the public aspect involves carrying a pumpkin to Joy Kidd, and back to Harrison where it is thrown off the roof. The pumpkin sacrifice ensures a good academic harvest for all UNB students. Harrison’s house events benefit Right to Play.
JOY KIDD HOUSE Joy W. Kidd, also known as The Jungle, is home to the Cougars. Kidd is the biggest house on campus, and the big house has a lot of heart, with their house events benefiting both Habitat for Humanity and the Canadian Mental Health Organisation. Every year the Cougars host Kiddstock, a concert held in the Dunn-Kidd-Tibbits courtyard. Joy Kidd also plays the Carter Asbell Memorial Hockey Game against Harrison House every year.
LADY BEAVERBROOK
Lady Beaverbrook, located next to Head Hall at the bottom of the hill, is arguably UNB’s most picturesque residence, dating back to the 30’s. LBR boasts fireplaces and a squash court, neither of which can be found at any other residence. LBR house events benefit the Capital Region Mental Health and Addictions Association. 16
TIBBITS HALL
Tibbits Hall is the third house in the triumvirate that makes up the Dunn-Kidd Tibbits complex. Tibbits is newly renovated, and is back in business this year. Their house events, such as the Hallowe’en Social, benefit the Fredericton Food Bank.
MACKENZIE HOUSE MacKenzie House hosts its very own Highland Games every October, honouring their Scottish roots. The event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton-Oromocto. The Mack House motto is, Lucero Non Uro, which translates as “I Shine, Not Burn,” and is the same motto of the Clan MacKenzie in Scotland. MacKenzie also plays the Do It For Darren charity hockey game against Harrison House each year.
MCLEOD HOUSE McLeod House, located at the very top of the hill, is unique not only because of its situation on campus, but also because it has its very own meal hall. (DKT also has a meal hall, but it remains closed while renovations continue.) McLeod house events benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
NEILL HOUSE
Neill House residents are known as Knights, and as Knights they live up to their motto of vincere vel mori meaning “victory or death”. Neill is home to the biggest charity event on campus, Raise a Little Hell, which benefits the Canadian Cancer Society. Pig, a game played by large groups on a pool table with only the cue and eight ball, is the official sport of Neill.
NEVILLE-JONES
Neville-Jones is Neill’s twin residence. The Norsemen/Lizards have one of campus’ most interesting charity events: the bed push! Originally, Norsemen pushed a bed from UNB Fredericton campus to UNB St. John campus, but because of safety concerns, they now push a residence bed around BMO field for the full 120 kilometers, all for the benefit of the Women in Transition House. 17
So, you’re going to start your first year of university at UNB, and you couldn’t find your way around Fredericton with a GPS and a flashlight…what to do? Not to worry. Fortunately for you incoming first-years I’ve compiled some tips and important information that might make your transition from living with mom and dad to “Freddy Beach” a bit easier. Let’s start with Freddy Beach…no there’s not an actual beach! You might hear someone familiar with the city refer to Fredericton in this way, and it has to do with the Saint John river that splits the South side and North side. Fredericton in the fall isn’t all that terrible—a nice crisp nip in the air, gorgeous trees everywhere showing off their vibrant colours—and then comes winter. When you first experience a winter in Fredericton, there’s a couple things to remember: no, it won’t last forever; yes, it’s typical for it to be so windy you feel like your face might freeze solid (we’re on a hill!), but it’s worth it because campus looks awesome during a blizzard. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking as a student as well, unless you’re one of those lucky human beings with a car before 25. First off, get proper footwear for your sore feet, and yes you will slip on that ice just in time for that massive
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crowd of people to notice and then have panic dreams that night. While Blundstone boots seem to be the uniform around UNB and are extremely popular in the Maritimes, don’t be afraid to break outside the mold and buy any other boot that will keep your face off the steps of the library. An important thing to remember is fully checking for everything that you actually pay for when you come to UNB for your first year. Covered under your fees is free access to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery downtown, and it’s worth a look just to see Salvador Dali’s Santiago El Grande. The art gallery is also right across from the Fredericton Playhouse, and if theatre’s your thing the Playhouse typically has great student ticket prices for high-quality theatre just a walk away from campus. Other things covered by your student fees include the gym—and I know it’s definitely not for everyone and you’re not lazy if you don’t go! However, you pay for it anyway, so why not explore it once or twice, run on a treadmill, pick up a dumbbell or do anything because the Currie Center is a great facility completely open to you. Even if you don’t go to the gym, we all know that physical activity is healthy for
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Photo by Jules Keenan you and that staying on campus too long can give you red brick fever. So maybe get out for a walk, toss a frisbee or do literally anything that gets your heart pumping and you off of campus (Odell Park is always a great choice!).
probably all grow a lot as individuals and together as a community, so don’t be afraid of change—it’s the only constant—but roll with it and do your best while not judging yourself too harshly.
It’s good to know that ultimately, university is not as scary as your high school teachers make it out to be, but it will still be a huge transition! You’re definitely going to meet lifelong friends and miss your friends from home, but you’ll also find you have new freedom to do a lot of things you enjoy.
Appreciate the great people around you, don’t sweat the petty things (or pet the sweaty things), and remember to be grateful that you are one of the 6.7% of the earth’s population that gets to go to university.
Don’t be afraid to study what you love and love what you study, but don’t be afraid to change that if that’s not the case for you either. You’ll
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Be smart while you’re here, but hey, have fun and be grateful for the awesome opportunity that is your first year of university! Fredericton won’t know what hit them.
2 1. The New Brunswick Legislative Building has served as the seat of government in New Brunswick since 1882. 2. The Fredericton City Hall, constructed between 1875 and 1876, is the meeting place of the Fredericton City Council.
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3 3. Breathtaking views of the Saint John River can be seen from the observation deck of the Lighthouse on the Green. 4. The Fredericton Playhouse has been providing a professional venue for the performing arts for decades.
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MY TIME AT THE BRUNS WORDS BY ISABELLE LEGER
Words by Isabelle Leger, former Arts & Lifestyle editor
I didn’t always know I wanted to be a journalist. At the beginning of my degree, I chose subjects such as communications, public policy and economics. In the second year of my undergrad I took a journalism course for fun and assumed it would be a one-time affair. But, I was instantly captivated by the idea of storytelling and exposing wrongful truths. I continued to take journalism courses and with every interview and every finished story, I felt this immense sense of pride. I still questioned my abilities and didn’t report for any purpose outside of the classroom. In the summer before my final year I received an email from The Brunswickan Manager, saying my professor had recommended me for an editor position. I was interviewed and hired as the arts & lifestyle editor within a couple of weeks. Now, as I sit in front of my computer writing my last article for The Brunswickan right before I hand in my key and say goodbye, I realize just how special this experience has been. I’ve met some of the kindest and most talented
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individuals over the past eight months. People who I know will be successful and can now—and will always—call my friends. I was able to cover events like the Harvest Jazz and Blues and Shivering Songs festivals as well as almost any show or event of my choice. My first story written for The Brunswickan was a review of Alan Doyle’s show at Harvest Jazz and Blues. Doyle himself retweeted my article. In January, my colleague and I went to Calgary for the NASH81 conference. We met journalism students from all over the country and renowned journalists who began their career in Canada and—for some—moved on to work for some of the highest tier news publications in the world. Connie Walker, famous for her podcast series Missing and Murdered, taught us valuable lessons like the difference between storytelling and story taking. Susanne Craig shared her experience working for the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. She told us about her mission to expose Donald Trump’s lies and
the importance of having journalists who aren’t afraid to shine a light on public figures. We created the Brunswickan’s first podcast; a news podcast that reported on local issues every month. We explored cannabis legalization, homelessness, climate change and Indigenous languages. I knew I had a passion for audio production early on in my journalism studies. But, listening back to these little bundles of hard work, creativity and immense dedication has made it a tragic love affair.
see the value in an opportunity like The Brunswickan sooner. My radical fear of failure only left me with one year of an opportunity that has helped me flourish and realize my desired career. To any aspiring journalists, writers or curious people, seize this opportunity to be surrounded by beautiful humans who will help you realize your passion. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for first year me who didn’t and is now pathetically staring at her office key dreading the moment she will no longer be a part of The Bruns.
Sidebar was named a finalist for a Mark of Excellence award for Best Student-Produced Podcast in the international category. We were invited to Minnesota for the award ceremony. After some airport turmoil we landed in Minneapolis, rushed to the ceremony and won. I never allow myself to sit in regret and I try to see each mistake as a lesson learned. But it’s hard for me not to be frustrated that I failed to
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UNB’s Not-So-Secret Best Kept Secrets WORDS BY MARLOWE EVANS | PHOTOS BY JULES KEENAN
UNB campus boasts some pretty amazing places to hang out from the Beaverbrook Room at the Harriet Irving Library, to the Cellar Pub, but some places are better known than others. Here is a list of some not-so-secret secret places you may not have visited on campus.
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The Head Rest Café Located in Head Hall, the Head Rest provides the regular Sodexo café fare, but comes with a sweet sitting area and is conveniently located for a quick snack and study sesh between computer science or engineering classes!
UNB MakerSpace Located in Head Hall, UNB’s MakerSpace has something for everyone. This space has walls of 3D Printers in various sizes, design software, a laser engraver and usually has a friendly volunteer hanging around to show newcomers how to use everything. The facility is entirely free for UNB students.
Tilley Café Located on the first floor of Tilley Hall next to the main lecture theatre, the Tilly Café features the standard Sodexo food—soups, pizza, coffee, chips, etc.— but also has some lovely booths, perfect for working on group projects, or for sitting down to lunch with friends without having to go all the way down the McConnell Hall.
Forestry and Geology Building The Forestry and Geology Building is located right next to the Science Library, and hosts a myriad of interesting places to explore. Up the main staircase from the entryway, visitors will find a small museum that hosts fossils, mineral samples and even some replica dinosaur skeletons! Rumour has it that the second floor bathrooms in this building have fossils set into their countertops…
Tunnels New Brunswick winters can be brutal, and running through the snow to get to classes can be downright painful if the windchill is bad. However, there are tunnels that run from the Carleton-Tilley-Singer complex to the Harriet Irving Library and from the library to Kiersted Hall. To use these warm, luxurious tunnels to avoid the snow, simply walk down the stairways to the right and left of the main entrance to the library and pick a direction!
My Kitchen and Takeaway Meals Any student living in a traditional style residence has to pay into a meal plan, and that usually means eating meals at McConnell Hall. However, many students miss cooking for themselves. That’s alright because McConnell Hall offers MyKitchen, a service where students have access to a stocked kitchen where they can cook their own meals, request ingredients, and sometimes even take cooking lessons! Still, some students don’t have time to walk all the way to meal hall during the day. In that case, sign up with dining services to get bagged lunches!
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KICK-OFF 2019 STARTS YEAR IN STYLE Words by Jack Sparks Photos by Jules Keenan Dead or alive? Most definitely alive at the Student Union Building Saturday night as students packed the cafeteria and pushed toward the stage in the atrium. The University of New Brunswick Student Union Kick-Off Concert 2019 was absolutely electric, and not even Hurricane Dorian raging outside could dampen the mood. Opening act Joe Forestell, a UNB student, had the venue jumping early as more of the sold out crowd continued to file in. He was followed up by the Canadian DJ and musician Grandtheft, who upped the ante with an incredible show on the giant light panels behind him as the venue reached capacity. The entire setup was an impressive feat from the organizers, with a large elevated stage, sprawling DJ table and speakers that made the building thrum. And thrum it did, as the crowd waited impatiently for the headliner to appear, all while Anthony Gatto, UNBSU Director of Campus Events, pleaded with the restless crowd to back away from the stage a few steps for safety reasons. A few minutes later the main man himself, Canadian rapper Jazz Cartier, burst onto the stage and sprayed the crowd with a water bottle as he jumped into his set. The crowd went ballistic and pressed forward as a team of around eight security guards pushed back against the waist high partitions that separated students from the stage. 26
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It truly looked as though the security team were pushing for their lives against an enemy horde, and it didn’t let up for the remainder of the night. Jazz travelled the stage and student perimeter with confidence—even jumping onto the partition at one point and rapping from above and almost in the crowd as security held his feet and shirt. And before anyone knew it, a night those there wouldn’t soon forget was over. Out into the rainy streets they all filed. A successful concert was in the books on the first weekend of the school year.
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UNB student Joe Forestell served as the opening act during the Kick-off concert. Canadian DJ Grandtheft thrilled the crowd with an elaborate light show.
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The entire setup was an impressive feat from the organizers, with a large elevated stage, sprawling DJ table and speakers that made the building thrum.
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Joe Forestell took over the decks on the stage and delighted the crowd.
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Toronto star Jazz Cartier burst onto the stage and sprayed the crowd with a water bottle as he jumped into his set.
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SPORTS
Photo by Dani Ahmed, Memorial Athletics
Words by Alisha MacDonald Students are starting to feel a greater sense of school pride as club sports at UNB become increasingly integrated into the new, inclusive, Reds name. UNB offers a wide range of athletic opportunities for students of all experience levels. There are currently over 20 sports clubs with a variety of recreational and financial obligations. Club sports are student-run organizations with minimal resources from universities.
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Club sports play an important role at UNB. They offer students a way to transition to university, meet new people, stay active and de-stress from the pressures of school and life. Students actively participating on sports teams demonstrate the importance of club sports and how they affect their student experience. “I highly recommend it. It’s a good way to make friends who are in different faculties and I mean it’s
just super fun. It’s a good time,” said Natalie LaPlante, a fifth-year student. The transition from secondary to post-secondary education is no easy feat. Students are often leaving home for the first time, which can be intimidating and confusing. With club sports, students can create a sense of home by playing their favorite youth sports. Having this connection to childhood or to people interested in the same sport as you can ease feelings of loneliness. Since club sports are open to anyone they allow an opportunity for interaction between years. This creates a comfortable setting for new students to ask for tips about school, living with roommates or time management.
Club sports allow a low maintenance way for UNB to broaden their outreach to students and create a variety of opportunities that are fun, educating and beneficial. Club sports are known to improve student integration, increase attendance and retention and increase the potential for future alumni involvement. Students considering joining a club sports team can expect to find a welcoming atmosphere where they can play for the sheer enjoyment of it, free from the pressures of varsity sports while keeping active and experiencing a true team atmosphere.
Club sports are open to everyone. Fourth year student, Addy Carten, joined the Women’s Rugby team in her first year. “The fact that they’ll welcome literally anybody, like I had never even seen a rugby ball until I came here and they were like yeah sure you can play, like I actually got to play in games my first year,” said Carten. Besides meeting new people, club sports is used by students to help manage their time. LaPlante says it’s better when she’s busy, “so doing my practicum and stuff and playing sports, I know I don’t have time to slack off, I have to do things and I find it a really good stress relief, especially during exams, if I can just go out on the field”. With club teams, the level of commitment varies with each team, and clubs tend to be very understanding that your education or personal life may occasionally interfere with your ability to participate. URec is doing an increasingly better job at promoting club sports at UNB. Athletes have cited improved communication between URec and Team Executives and a balance between the promotion of Club and Varsity sports. “UNB does a really good job of endorsing all their sports clubs,” said Carten. For students thinking about the cost of club sports, URec and USport can assist with overcoming financial barriers. Costs are kept low to make sports a viable option for all students, regardless of their financial situation, and their staff are reputed for being understanding and willing to work with individuals who may not have the means to pay their fees at that time.
Photo by Evan Richtsfeld, UNB Sports Clubs
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