Capilano Courier | Vol 55, Issue 1

CAPILANO COURIER

ALISHA SAMNANI

(SHE/HER)

Editor-in-Chief

editor@capilanocourier.com

When she’s not running back and forth between classes, editing articles or stuck on transit, Alisha is often writing frantically in her bullet journal, petting all the animals she can find, or hiding with her nose buried in a book. Ironically, her most recent read is titled How to Do Nothing

Q: Describe your role in the Courier in 3 words or less.

A: Chaos coordinator

Q: All-time favorite food?

A: Spicy buffalo chicken wings

Q: Dream travel destination?

A: Majorelle Botanical Garden in Morocco

Q: What song would you add to the staff playlist?

A: Legends — Joyia

Q: What cartoon character do you resonate with?

A: Nani from Lilo and Stitch

Q: What’s the meaning of your name?

A: Noble; protected by god

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Is this the storage room? No, we’re your student paper We may be located next to the dumpsters, but we’re anything but trashy

As the Courier’s most senior editor, I would like to share with you the most asked question in my inbox.

Is this the storage room?”

With all due respect dear reader, no, it’s not. We are CapU’s number one independent student-run paper. In fact, we’re the only one — but winning that title by default doesn’t mean it’s untrue. We cover all sorts of topics from hard-hitting news pieces to satire, mostly thought up by our hard working group of lean, mean writing machines — aka our caffeine-riddled editors — and you!

And no, you may not have our furniture. You’re more than welcome to work on pieces in the office when it’s open, though!

I remember the first time I tried to get to the Courier office. Walking past the shiny new Bosa building, I found myself standing in the CSU Maple Lounge – one of the few things I knew was in the Maple building. Our room numbers are similar, so I found myself walking laps around the enthusiastic pool players in the lounge before finding the entrance to the Courier office — a hidden gem of a space that I clearly never left.

If there’s one thing you should do at CapU besides play a riveting game of pool in the Maple Lounge, it’s write for the Capilano Courier.

Join us. Contribute. Become a staff writer. Become an editor. Let us pay for your overpriced (and delicious) coffees at Good Earth during your time at CapU. Pitch something for the paper!

Or at the very least, get on the pitch list, and let us help you get filthy rich (well, maybe not filthy rich… but can-affordcampus-coffee-rich!).

XOXO, Alisha

Your 2021/22 & 2022/23 Editor-in-Chief

JAYDE ATCHISON

(SHE/HER)

Senior Editor

jayde@capilanocourier.com

My mother is an adventure cat, and my father is a book — I’m the perfect blend of both.

Q: Describe your role in the Courier in 3 words or less.

A: Creative Chaos

Q: All-time favorite food?

A: Dried mangoes

Q: Dream travel destination?

A: New England in autumn

Q: What song would you add to the staff playlist?

A: All Too Well (Taylors version)

Q: What cartoon character do you resonate with?

A: Belle, but without the beastiality

Q: What’s the meaning of your name?

A: Green gemstone but the Y makes it spicy

MATT SHIPLEY (HE/HIM)

Senior Editor

matt@capilanocourier.com

I’m an adventure lover with a penchant for very long stories. I’m currently writing my fourth book, and when I’m not writing in a mad panic in the office, you’ll find me singing, on my bike, exploring the mountains, or sometimes all three!

Q: Describe your role in the Courier in 3 words or less.

A: Pen, Notepad, Aneurysm

Q: All-time favorite food?

A: Four cheese fondue

Q: Dream travel destination?

A: Anywhere in a restored VW Kombi

Q: What song would you add to the staff playlist?

A: Juliana Madrid - Pretend

Q: What cartoon character do you resonate with?

A: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Q: What’s the meaning of your name?

A: They shortened doormat… and then they misspelled it. it’s really not that hard

Production

production@capilanocourier.com

I’m an artistic individual who finds inspiration through nature and hiking. You can find me out taking photos in the forest or at home binging the twilight series for the 100th time.

Q: Describe your role in the Courier in 3 words or less.

A: Crafter of art

Q: All-time favorite food?

A: Pickles

Q: Dream travel destination?

A: Fjords of Norway

Q: What song would you add to the staff playlist?

A: This Is Why by Paramore

Q: What cartoon character do you resonate with?

A: Jane Lane from Daria

Q: What’s the meaning of your name?

A: Norse Goddess of love and fertility

Drifting through jobs and school at a rapid pace, never knowing when I can stop. In-between places I try to go out and take photos and take in the scenery but those instances are rare now.

Q: Describe your role in the Courier in 3 words or less.

A: Professional caption writer

Q: All-time favorite food?

A: Chocolate covered blueberries/cranberries/almonds

Q: Dream travel destination?

A: Road trip. Never with a destination.

Q: What song would you add to the staff playlist?

A: N/A

Q: What cartoon character do you resonate with?

A: Sarabi from The Lion King

Q: What’s the meaning of your name?

communications@capilanocourier.com

A: From the Shakespeare play Cymbeline. Originally spelled Innogen but over time became a typo.

CONTRIBUTORS

Contributing Writers

Ry Forsythe, Ana Somani, Yasmine Elsayed, Avery Nowicki, Mayumi Izumi, Sophia Kara, Emma Mendez.

Contributing Illustrators

Sarah Harley, Lucy Benson, Chelle

Lussi, Tara Asadi, Andy Poystila, Geraldine Yaris, Tal Rouck, Kelsea

Vance

Business Manager

Gaby Salas (She/Her) business@capilanocourier.com

Featured Artists

Freya Emery, Yohahnah L., Shruti Karthikeyan, Kelsea

Vance

Cover Art

Sarah Harley

Staff Portraits

Anais Bayle

TIKTOK’S TOP FIVE FALL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2022

With autumn fast approaching, it’s time for our books to fall in line

Alisha Samnani - Editor-in-Chief Lucy Benson - Illustrator

The hold that TikTok users have over the literary market is remarkable. From influencing brick-and-mortar bookstore marketing to re-popularising publications of years past, there are numerous books that are the talk of the town on TikTok. Whether you’re on the hunt for a book to move you, console you, or help you escape the cold weather, Tiktok’s book influencers have you covered. We scoured through #BookTok for their top five seasonally-approved favourites to add to your TBR list in 2022.

Crave by Tracy Wolff

The first book in a trilogy, this supernatural Twilight-esque novel is a dark-academic twist on a millennial favourite. With over 613,000 views on TikTok, users are debating whether they are team Hudson or team Vega, while showing off the stunning aesthetics of the novel. If that’s not enough to convince you, Universal Studios has already bought the rights to adapt the novel into a movie.

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

This dark-academia-meets-hunger-games tale centred around magicians competing to join a prestigious secret society has TikTok users in a frenzy — the hashtag #TheAtlasSix amassed over 11 million views on the platform. Blake describes the fantasy novel as “a book about knowledge, power, and the lengths people will go to have both.”

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This trilogy, who’s hashtag has over 103 million views on TikTok, is a rollercoaster of a read. The eccentric and high-stakes book follows a normal highschooler who suddenly receives an unexpected fortune – but not until she beats the hunger-games style setup to secure it. While the journey is captivating enough, Tiktok users agree that the characters are what really cemented this book in their top recommendations.

Babel by R.F. Kuang

Another book with a dark academic vibe, this new release introduces a post-colonial critique into the mix that TikTok users can’t get enough of. The TikTok account @loverofpages calls the book, subtitled Or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution, “the dark academia book of the year,” while a TikTok of Kuang at a book signing for the novel has been watched over 624,000 times.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The definition of a dark-academic novel, this cult favourite has racked up over 183 million views on TikTok, with multiple videos dedicated to various characters in the Secret History universe. Not bad for a novel published 30 years ago.

THE COURIER’S GUIDE TO LIFE ON CAMPUS

New on campus, or need a refresher? We’ve got you covered

The Capilano Courier Masthead

Sarah Harley - Illustrator

BOSA:

An elusive building not many people have been to, this is where all the film kids make movie magic. Did we mention that they have their own theatre in there?

COURIER OFFICE:

This is where the hard-working students who put together the number-one campus newspaper pour their blood, sweat, and tears into giving you the most beautiful product possible. Someone is normally working away between classes – stop by and chat with us!

MUSIC:

CapU is known for its musical talent, and is home to numerous famous and award- winning alumni. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll run into some of them!

MAIN BUS LOOP:

Welcome to Capilano University!

PRIDE CROSSWALK:

Only the fifth pride-flag crosswalk in North Van, this was painted over the summer, and will be officially unveiled to the CapU community this October.

LIBRARY:

Do you have a paper due soon, or do you just want a quiet place to take a nap? Either way, head down to the library. While you’re in the building, you can also say hello to our in-residence Elders at the Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, get your phone fixed at the CSU lounge, or pick up a coffee at the Good Earth cafe.

DAYCARE:

The place where future CapU kids hang out — at least until the new childcare centre is built. It’s nice to see that people really can have fun on campus.

IDEA/ARTS:

This is where you’ll find some of the most talented artists on our campus hard at work. We have them to thank for our award-winning designs and illustrations!

Freya Emery @freya.emery

ARTS

HOW TO MAKE SUMMER LAST FOREVER

Keep the sun in the sky with some iconic summer activities around the city

Matt Shipley (he/him) - Communities & Culture Editor

Chelle Lussi - Illustrator

Well, here we are again: staring up at the sky as we shuffle between classes, already feeling the rain-soaked cloud of autumn hanging over our heads like a lightless chandelier. The first day of classes always feels like the last real day of summer, as the constant rhythm of coursework lulls us into a premature hibernation until the sun comes back in… April? May? Good luck predicting that one.

But — news flash — summer isn’t over. The sun still shines through a nearly-cloudless sky, and most of us are still sweating on our sun-baked walks between classes. So, especially since our summer started so late, why wouldn’t we do everything in our power to drag it out for a few more days? Why wouldn’t we take every launchpad we can find to bask in the quickly-fading sunlight? Why wouldn’t we, I don’t know, find a comprehensive list of summer activities to check off before Raincouver lives up to its name?

That segue was terrible. It really was. But, alas, a list this is, and it’s about time we get on with it. Here you’ll find everything under the sun, from easy activities you can do with your friends, to massive hikes and boat tours and everything in between. Some will be free, and some will be for those who aren’t quite ready to slither quietly into the broke-student vortex. All, however, will certainly leave a smile on your face.

Forest Deep

Required: a plan, water, a phone, and good hiking shoes

There are more high-quality hikes in Vancouver than I could possibly list here, but I’ve compiled my favorites from those I’ve personally done in the past. They are ordered from easiest to hardest - from easy half-hour jaunts to mammoth undertakings that can take a full day or even longer. All are local and more or less transit accessible, so you won’t need to spend a single cent on these adventures.

1. The Parks. Stanley Park, Lynn Canyon, Capilano River and Lighthouse Park all have beautiful, accessible hikes that can take as little as ten minutes or as long as a few hours. You’ll never be far from civilization, and cell service is a given.

2. Up The Creek. The Seymour River and Lynn Creek both offer longer hikes up into the mountains. You can walk up the Seymour River pretty much as far as your legs will carry you, and Lynn Creek is shorter but much more technical, especially starting from Capilano University itself.

3. The Close Peaks. St. Mark’s Summit, Tunnel Bluffs and Diez Vistas are all medium-difficulty hikes, the standout being Diez Vistas for its 15-kilometre round trip. These are all worth a full day’s trip, and the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. Doubtful on difficulty? Start with Tunnel Bluffs.

4. The Far Peaks. Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk, Mount Elsay. These hikes will go from dawn to dusk on capable legs, and most are not transit-accessible. If you’ve got a car, a trusted friend, and a hunger for unrivaled natural beauty, these will all be days (or weekends) to remember. Alpine lakes, sheer rocky summits, and breathtaking views await!

The Sunset Chase

Required: a car, a camera, and a friend

Sunsets in Vancouver are simply gorgeous. Coming from the Interior, a “sunset” defined any time where we could see a weak orange lining on any lonely cumulus cloud in the sky. Here, though, you’re unlucky if you don’t see half the sky light up in a brilliant explosion of colour. You can watch it from anywhere, but some of the best spots aren’t exactly common knowledge.

1. Second Beach. Bonus: freighter lights turn the ocean into just as much of a spectacle ast the sky!

2. Porteau Cove. Bonus: quiet on weeknights, stunning mountain silhouettes, best when the sky isn’t totally free of clouds!

3. Cypress Bowl. Bonus: if you’re quick, you can watch the sunset from the first switchback, then drive up the mountain a ways and watch it again!

4. Literally Any Forest Service Road. Bonus: totally empty, and nothing beats the feeling of going where few would follow for a truly epic sunset.

It hasn’t been a long summer, at least for us year-round Vancouverites. If you’re from abroad, coming in after a long summer, there’s still so much to discover!

Good luck, and I’ll see you out there.

On The Water

Required: between $60-however much you’re willing to spend

Strangely, many of the lesser-known attractions in Vancouver are on the ocean itself. From whale-watching to live-music dinner cruises, there’s something for everyone. From Horseshoe Bay, it’s even possible to rent your own motorboat for the day! Most boat tours (excluding whale-watching) are easy to find spur-of-themoment tickets for, and it’s always well worth the trip.

READ, REVISE, RECYCLE

Ry Forsythe - Writer

Tara Asadi - Illustrator

This question got me thinking about how impactful that reimagining of vampires was. Vampire stories weren’t new, Anne Rice for instance has plenty of books about dating blood suckers. That being said, those were catered to adults. The Twilight series, on the other hand, gave Stephenie Meyer the chance to imprint mormon values that publishers knew could be marketed towards teen girls and their moms, making them a lot of money. All kissing scenes were PG, Edward was able to stop himself from killing Bella for her blood more than once and there was a clear distinction between good and bad vampires. As a bonus, they sparkle in the sunlight. It brought something new to the table, even if it was silly.

Later that same day, my coworker and I were. talking about my tattoos. I explained how I drew inspiration from one of my all time favourite animated movies, Treasure Planet, for the piece on my left arm. Not surprisingly, they didn’t know the movie. Many don’t, because it didn’t shine in the same way Twilight had. Though it was just a reimagining of Treasure Island, I assumed the movie flopped at the box office because the story had been done a number of times before. Probably, I thought, the public wanted something new that didn’t ride the waves of stories that had already been told.

So, colour me surprised when a little birdie tells me about These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong. Based on the synopsis, I learned it’s a reimagining of Shakespear’s Romeo & Juliet. That age-old story has been reimagined MANY times before, however, Chloe still brought a fresh idea to literature that many teens are still forced to read for their English class. Similar to West Side Story, there are gang politics and conflict the two lovers have to navigate if they want to be together. What makes Chloe’s story even more unique and intriguing is her moving the setting from some place in sixteenth century Italy to 1926 Shanghai, as well as hint to some romantic history with the two main characters that apparently ended in betrayal. It hooks a reader in and has

them wonder how these new details will play out, even though they might know how the story could end.

I feel as though this shows how something will always be refreshing for older and newer generations. Having new takes on old stories, tropes or even creatures can catch the interests of younger generations in ways originals can’t. It goes to show how breathing new life into stories with new ideas a person might not have considered grabs people’s attention, makes them excited and at times can have a lasting impact. Especially if it makes enough money.

Overall, these reflections made me realize how recycling creatures, settings or plot points of classic stories will always engage people when done right. Despite not every reimagining being sensational, people will remember the trends whether it’s to be nostalgic or used as a launching point if readers move on to reading more adult themes. Whatever the case, I’m left wondering (and hoping) that a few years from now someone will ask their coworker, “Was Romeo and Julliet always set in China?”

“Did vampires originally burn in the sun or did they always sparkle?” my younger coworker asked me.

I was so caught off guard that my brain stalled, but once I heard the question a second time I flat out told them

“Twilight brought the sparkle, originally they burn.”

Shruti Karthikeyan @shrutikarthikeyan

Kelsea Vance @kelsea.psd

ZELLERS? WHAT’S NEXT – FURBIES?

I know the 90s are coming back, but was this necessary? Target took a gross hit when it tried to make it in Canada – will Zellers work? Why this unlikely comeback might be exactly what we need.

Ana Somani - Writer

Andy Poystila - Illustrator

My grandmother hoarded Zellers coupons like her life depended on it. When my brother and I arrived for visits clad in our acid washed jeans and hand-me-down Gap hoodies, there was no ambiguity about where we would go. The bargains beckoned. The fish and chips called our names. In the red and white 1950s themed ‘Zellers Family Restaurant’ she annihilated us at Uno before grabbing a red shopping cart and loading it up with Legos and Lilo and Stitch pajamas. For me, Zellers will always carry the memory of my grandparents in those last perfect days of childhood, before the world’s ugliness started shoving its way into view. You can imagine my glee when I heard the news.

Yes, that’s right. Almost a decade after its tragic liquidation, Zellers is coming back from the dead with our youthful exuberance in tow. My enthusiasm is hardly unique. For many Canadians in early adulthood, the nostalgia of Zellers is right up there with slap bracelets and the Scholastic Book Fair.

90s trends have been resurfacing for a few years now, but the resurrection of Canada’s most iconic discount shopping outfit is bigger than Y2K denim. What does this mean for us? Will Blockbuster reopen its doors? Will cell phones reattach their extendable antennae? The internet is alight with callbacks and memes, and from a marketing perspective I can only imagine that was the goal.

In 2022, the power of nostalgia marketing has never been so potent. Young Canadians have lived through more mass trauma events than we can keep track of, and are now struggling to build for a future we can’t control or predict. The ongoing disruption of COVID 19, skyrocketing Vancouver rent prices, and looming knowledge that the planet will soon quite literally be on fire has left many people disillusioned, and particularly vulnerable to marketing campaigns

that hearken back to those sun-soaked days in the Zellers Restaurant. Really, it’s no better than the other tactics companies employ, from performative sustainability initiatives to ads that feature the LGBTQIA2S+ community for only the month of June. Indeed, not all the Zellers buzz has been positive, with many people voicing concerns about its viability, questioning the motivations of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and pointing out that you can’t build a successful business on nostalgia alone.

Even though the return of Zellers is a dream 10 years in the making, it’s hard to ignore how drastically the Canadian retail landscape and the word at large have changed in its absence. For one thing, other retailers like Walmart and Amazon have long since filled the void, and the discourse surrounding those business models has transformed beyond recognition. Today, the same multibillion dollar corporations that were ignored or even idolized in the 2000s are sullied with accusations of wastefulness, exploitation, and greed. Underneath all the nostalgia, a new Zellers would be no different than similar companies selling cheap goods that end up in landfills sooner rather than later — if it manages to carve out a new space in the saturated discount shopping market that initially drove it out of business.

The difficulty of this endeavor may have accounted in part for the spectacular failure of Target’s Canadian expansion plan, which capitalized on newly hollowed out Zellers stores around the country, though it may have also been a result of budgetary overconfidence, supply chain issues, or — as in my case — the enduring devotion of Zellers loyalists. In any event, Target lost more than $2 billion trying to make it in Canada, and the whole debacle serves as a bleak reminder of what the future could hold.

It’s hard to say if Zellers will work in the modern world, or if those of us aiming to be more mindful consumers should even want it to, but at the end of the day I have to root for it. I have to believe that it will work. The core of this admittedly silly conversation contains a very real seed of hope; that fate can turn, that dreams don’t have an expiration date, that things can work out when the odds are stacked. There’s no denying it’s been a rough couple of years, but if Zellers, that eternal underdog, can come back to life after a 10-year shut down, then maybe we can start living again, too.

“Yes, that’s right. Almost a decade after its tragic liquidation, Zellers is coming back from the dead with our youthful exuberance in tow.”

DON’T COMMENT ON PEOPLE’S BODY CHANGES

At the start of the school year, people may have been apart from their cohort for two-four months and sometimes people’s bodies change drastically in those months – we don’t know if they are losing/gaining weight as a result of trauma or an ED or any number of contributing factors.

Yasmine Elsayed - Writer

Geraldine Yaris - Illustrator

People’s bodies change all the time whether they have trauma or just want to gain or lose weight. It’s no big deal. Or more accurately, it’s not supposed to be. There is this common consensus in the world that we must share our opinions on other people’s bodies even though they were unasked for. We grew up in a world where we normalized commenting on someone’s body; whether it’s a compliment or not. The first thing you see when meeting a person is their looks, afterall. However, this does not mean we should comment on them.

Whether you think you are “helping” or not, someone else’s body is none of your business. They can do whatever they want with it, so keep your comments, questions, and concerns to yourself. I know it can be challenging as it is such an automatic thing to say; it’s our go-to. For example we say, “Hi! How have you been? You look good!” It’s become too normal for anyone to even notice it.

The thing is, not everyone has evil intentions when they comment on someone’s body. Some people can tell the difference between someone who wants to hurt you and those who just say it—commenting or complimenting someone on their appearance is somehow tied to the feeling that we care or pay attention. For example, from personal experience, people usually tell me that they are saying these comments because they care about me; or want me to be “healthy.” We need to realize that the toxicity lies in the physical nature of the comment, rather than its good intention. A few people will say,

“Well, I say this because I do want the best for [this person]” But, there are better ways to do it.

When I have this discussion with other people, I always get this counter-argument in return, “What if someone asks me how their makeup looks or how they look in an article of clothing? They’re basically asking me to comment on their bodies!” Nope. There are ways to approach this without hurting the person’s feelings. Please don’t focus on their bodies, but instead focus on the garment. If it’s a poor cut or the colour doesn’t match the rest of the outfit, and you have a good alternative, then suggest it. When someone asks you about your opinion, go ahead with that route! Honesty or providing your opinion does not mean that you have to be judgmental in your answer.

Some people choose to change how they look, while others can’t. Before commenting, stop and think about what could be going on in their life outside of their body. Do you know what this person has or is gone through?

If your answer is no, then you probably shouldn’t point anything out. This is essential because, to some people, it could be triggering. Empathy is key. Your comments can easily turn into body-shaming. So, be wary of your words. However, some people, such as myself, like it when you compliment them on their physical appearance. Make sure you create some sort of balance between non-physical and physical compliments

Try looking for something that compliments their physical appearance as well as their effort they put in to make that outfit or look.

You could say, “I like your choice of accessories, it goes well with your outfit.” It’s a lovely compliment, it addresses the person’s physical appearance and their dedication to put that outfit together.

There’s more to the person than their looks. So, here are alternatives. I asked a few of my friends what compliments they’d like to hear, and here’s what they said,

“You’re such a funny person!”

“You’re so smart.”

“You’re a great listener.”

“You’re so nice/kind.”

“I admire how passionate you are about [blank].”

“I love your energy!”

“You look very happy/blissful today.”

“I feel so comfortable around you.”

“You’re so sweet.”

Physical appearance, at the end of the day, is but a small part of the whole that is our humanity. It’s exhaustingly exaggerated. Maybe, if each of us move towards a healthier view of our fellow humans, the more magic we will find within each other.

YOU DON’T NEED TO STAY FRIENDS WITH PEOPLE FROM HIGH SCHOOL

You do not need to keep hanging out with people at university just because you did in high school. You are allowed to branch out and make new friends –especially if you feel yourself not aligning with those around you anymore.

Avery Nowicki (They/She) - Contributor Tal Rouck - Illustrator

For many, stepping foot on your new campus, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, with those all-too-familiar butterflies in your stomach is an undoubtedly nerve-wracking endeavor. We are entirely out of our comfort zones, often in new cities, with all new people, and as the first day approaches, all we can think about is how to act, how to dress, and how to walk in a way that somehow covers our egregious uncomfortability.

You dont have to stay friends after highschool

Suddenly, every move we make is meant to represent this newly improved or “adult” version of ourselves, as if we’ve magically transformed into entirely new people, when in reality, not much has changed since we left high school only a few months ago. This shift leaves freshmen struggling with their identity, and in turn, their relationships. While there is undoubtable excitement in the awkward budding friendships that may arise in smarmy college dorm rooms, or the common rooms that somehow always wreak of rotting food and sweat, it is very natural to yearn for those friendships we left behind, those we’ve had years to foster.

Try to remember that every party, school gathering, and social event is a new avenue for your personal development, and I promise you, the parties full of your high school friends will be waiting for you when summer returns, and you’re back to what you know. The beautiful thing about high school (if you choose to be so optimistic) is that it is entirely stagnant, nobody and nothing will change in that setting, so take advantage of what you have gained, and allow yourself to be mouldable. The old will always be awaiting your eventual return if you so choose to invite it back in after seeing what the world has to offer.

This being said, I don’t blame you for wanting to stick with what you know. For most of us, those highschool friendships represent a time of confidence and comfort, making us feel like the seniors we were only a few months ago, back when the world was at our fingertips and the confines of post secondary had just released us from their grasp. At times, it can be easy to equate the distance from those friendships with the distance from ourselves, but those people we were then, are no less who we are now. New friends will only help us to learn

more about ourselves, growing as a new branch on our beautiful tree of life. So get off of facetime with that high school soulmate, leave your dorm room, and go see what’s all out there, I assure you, we’re all just as nervous as you are in these first few months.

The relationships we’ve maintained since high school’s end are undoubtedly meaningful, they have formed our identities, this is precisely why we need to fall away from them and expand our circles. University is a unique environment for impactful relationships, bringing the benefit of a brand new pool of people, all of whom are out of their environments with new perspectives, mindsets, and ideas to offer you. I promise you, this need you have to reinvent yourself to fit in with this new epicenter of interesting people and move away from your comfort zones (and all those inside of it) is entirely normal. I can almost guarantee you that everyone else you meet is doing a variation of the same thing. College is meant to be a safe space for exploring our identities, our interests, our futures, and there is no better way to do that than by indulging in the connections you make while you’re here.

We cannot grow without forming new friendships, and breaking out of our safety nets, so grab some scissors and cut yourself free. You can always go back to those age-old relationships. Take advantage of the excitement of meeting other freshmen in these first few months, because in all honesty, the thrill of starting university will wear off with autumn’s midterms, but those friendships you form now, regardless of how fleeting they may be, will impact you for the rest of your life.

‘The passage of time between those last few days of high school and the beginning of University mark some of the most jitter-inducing moments of any young person’s life.

WE WANT

Board of Directors

The CCPS is looking for more members!

What does the board do? Well, They meet once a month to overlook the Capilano Courier’s finances and operations! Fun stuff!!

Contributors

Are you interested in volunteering for your campus paper? Well, this isn’t the place.

Most student newspapers across Canada still follow an archaic volunteer system –yes, getting students to write and work for them for free. The Capilano Courier has long championed a format that allows us to pay our contributors for every article written

The easiest way to get involved with the Courier is by signing up to receive our online pitch doc!

YOUR HELP

Featured Artists

Are you a creative who would like to showcase your art? This is the place for you!

At Courier, we love to support local artists with all their creative endeavors. Whether that is photography, illustration, or anything design, we’d love to showcase your art in our issues!

If you are interested emai: production@capilanocourier.com

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ADVICE FROM THE 12TH FLOOR

Jayde Atchison - Columnist

On a warm August night last year, I took the elevator down to the garden to get some reprieve from the stifling air that refused to circulate in my unit. I wasn’t expecting a crowd, yet I was greeted by several neighbours trying to do the same thing. One man stood out among the crowd of young beer drinkers – a man in his 70’s, donned in his best plaid pjs, striking a match to light his hand-rolled joint. All around him were other neighbours captivated by the story he was telling.

I soon learned his name was Richard, and he was the life of every party – a retired flight attendant with a technicolour history attached. Throughout the end of summer and into autumn, we would talk about places he had travelled, courses he took and the beautiful people he met along the way. What I didn’t realize was happening, was that I had met a life coach when I was least expecting it.

Richard loves to hold the stage, he often ends an inspiring soliloquy with “boy, I sure can talk – your turn!” with a loving chuckle at his unintentional performance. The first lesson I was given came during a time where I was unsure of my life, and felt stuck in a rut. Without even realizing how I was feeling or what he was doing, Richard told a story about visiting his friend in another province. On a particularly dreary day, he did not feel like exploring but his friend offered, “let’s go look for something beautiful” and that mindset brought them a wonderful day.

That lighthearted tale, probably told in passing to connect to another person’s point, sparked something inside me. I began to start each morning by saying aloud, “I am going to look for something beautiful today”. I would go through my day and then at the end of each day I would write down something beautiful I had seen — someone holding the door open, a flower I hadn’t seen before, a friend dropping off food from their family dinner because they knew I didn’t have a holiday dinner with my family. I was starting to see life with a brighter, more loving outlook.

This isn’t to say Richard sees life through rose-coloured lenses. He has felt incredible grief, and has days where his bedroom is the only place he sees in a day. Just like everyone else, he goes through the normal ebb and flow of emotions. However, he allows himself to go through the tough moments, but keeps in mind that there are beautiful things to look forward to.

On the day my grandmother passed away, I sat in the communal area beside my apartment to get some air while I cried and processed the loss. Richard came down to enjoy a couple puffs of his joint, and when he saw the grief on my face he asked to hug me and decided I needed a distraction. He allowed me the privilege of hearing about his partner of ten years, John, who passed away over 30 years ago. Richard let me know that he still speaks to John’s spirit, lights a candle for him and believes that John brings miracles into his life even after all these years.

His kindness and his patience while he allowed me to openly grieve solidified a connection I felt with this neighbour. The next time I saw him in the courtyard, I asked if he would be interested in going to dinner or sharing a glass of wine (his other indulgence). To my timid surprise, he was delighted with this suggestion.

Along the beginning of our friendship journey, I was itching to take a leap into a new career path. Richard knew I had an interview coming up and encouraged me to ask for miracles, because the universe was listening. He said he would light a candle for me — a ritual that he has been practising for decades, one that he has seen create miracles through his positive energy.

In the end, I got the job and Richard’s excitement for what this new company would mean for my life was infectious. A few months into my position I was able to take a trip to Quebec City in the dead of winter. I was to expect negative 30 and snow during my stay — not exactly the ideal vacation weather. The lovely man on the 12th floor reminded me to keep telling myself it would be a fantastic trip, and later left a note on my door wishing me bon voyage — that has stayed taped to the wall next to my door so each day I leave my house, whether for one day or a two weeks, I am reminded to make it a good journey. Richard lives with love and every moment is led with kindness, a straight tie and a state of grace. His story has inspired me to live with more intention, to say yes to more opportunities, and to act with love — even when someone may not have earned it. In his own words,

“you grow old and either become cranky or wise, and years ago I chose to grow wise”.

CAPU, WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?

Mayumi Izumi - Columnist

Before majoring in communications at Capilano University, I studied fashion design at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Toronto and fashion merchandising at VCC (Vancouver Community College). Fashion was my first love. Now, I am on a mission to find out what the CapU community is wearing, what influences the fashion trends on campus and discover who the people are behind the great outfits.

I met second year Creative Writing major, Ry Forsythe in the Fall of 2021 when we were both part of The Liar editing team. This year we are in ENGL 295 – Literary Publishing together. In a recent class, Ry was wearing an outfit reminiscent of the fashion worn by Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) in John Hughes’ classic 80s rom-com Pretty In Pink.

Starting from the top, their ensemble is a bowler hat that Ry’s mother, Molly, found at the Granville Island Hat Shop. The blue vagina earrings are a unique gift created by @light3r.fluid, a youth whom they work with. Ry is wearing a matching light blue tank top, bought from the Superstore just down the road from CapU. The flowing red pants are a hand-me-down from their mother. Molly is a self-proclaimed original hippie and discovered these pants at Coombaya The Hippie Store, a small shop that has since shut down in Coombs, BC. Wrapping up Ry’s outfit of the day are multicoloured Teva sandals, bought from SoftMoc at the Park Royal location.

According to Ry’s mother, she is one of her child’s biggest fashion influences who often gives them a lot of her wellloved clothes, such as pants she no longer wears, and buys clothing that she knows they will like. However, Ry thinks they got their fashion sense from their maternal grandmother, a former model in the 1940s and 1950s. Especially in the colder months when the crisp air hits Vancouver, Ry can be spotted in warm sweatpants and sweatshirts, as their grandmother once did.

Being non-binary, Ry sometimes feels that they haven’t succeeded in expressing whothey truly are through fashion, as they struggle with finding outfits they won’t be misgendered in. “The reality is many people will still look at a piece of clothing to determine how masculine or feminine you are and assume your identity.” Said Ry, “It really sucks that society sees androgyny as more “masculine”, when it doesn’t have to be, and I’ve been trying to recognize that I’m still non-binary in “feminine” clothes and I don’t have to wear my pronoun pin to be validated by other people.”

When I asked them what they don’t like in fashion, they said they dislike garments that are offensive and harmful to others. When asked to explain what they meant by offensive, Ry said, “I don’t mean anything that’s “too revealing”. People should be allowed to wear whatever makes them feel good, no matter the person’s size or identity. I mean clothes that are any of the isms (ie: racism) or phobias (ie: transphobia) that are used to put people down. I guess in general, jerks…[who] think sharing harmful messages is doing any good.”

For those that have never felt gender dysphoria when choosing an outfit, it can be hard to grasp the feelings Ry has while trying to stay true to themself.

Non-binary fashion rejects society’s rules and identifiers. Society put a label on colours, fabrics, style and for years people followed along. Gone are the days when someone wearing pink means they must identify as a woman. The goal of inclusive, non-binary clothing is to create a safe space for everyone, especially those in the LGBTQIA2+ community. This fashion is meant to showcase that the gender-neutral can feel accepted in whatever they chose to wear.

In mainstream media we are seeing an influx of celebrities and influencers breaking the gender norms and wearing clothes that go against the outdated fashion “code”. We are seeing people like Lil Nas X, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato wearing what they want, helping to boost awareness to androgynous fashion movements. However, it is important to note that these artists are not the first to do this, as it has been an ongoing movement since the 17th century, seen through many BIPOC queer people. Perhaps those that fit into the Millenial and Gen Z generation are just able to push more boundaries, and express themselves more openly through the use of social media.

Ry graduated from Simon Fraser University (SFU) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, but decided to continue studying. They chose Capilano University because they liked that the campus is surrounded by nature, it’s close to their home and it has colourful murals spread throughout the campus, unlike their former university which just has a koi pond. When I asked them what they enjoy most about the CapU community, Ry answered, “I enjoy seeing the ways in which students and teachers support one another and everyone’s excitement in sharing what they’re passionate about.”

After graduation, they plan to become a published author, an editor and creator of writing workshops for youth.

If you would like to learn more about Ry Forsythe, you can follow them on their Instagram @ry_writes_art and also their Twitter account @ry_writes_art.

Photo credit: Ry Forsythe

SOPHIA’S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE

The practical side of CapU

Sophia Kara (she/her

) - Columnist

As new students navigate the twists and turns of campus, read alerts of bears on campus, and wait in line at the Birch Tim Hortons, they often overlook the smaller but still fundamental elements of joining the CapU community. In the interest of making your transition to university life as painless as possible, this survival guide aims to help you navigate the beginning of your journey through your new favorite educational institution.

Up first are theadministrative matters that could help you save money on tuition, textbooks, or your daily snack runs in the Birch cafeteria. MyCap Accounts, eLearn, financial aid, CapCards – the fun stuff.

CapU Emails + eLearn

All mail from your professors, faculty, students’ union, and other services will go directly to your CapU Outlook account. Check this email regularly to make sure that you’re up to date, and also to keep an eye on exciting events and opportunities on campus. ELearn is your virtual classroom. Your hub for online materials, and often where you submit your assignments. ELearn is also where instructors may make class announcements. Your login should be the same password as your email and I recommend setting this up within the first week to ensure that you begin your classes promptly –especially if they’re online. Contact AskIT@capilanou.ca with any questions or concerns if you are having trouble accessing anything on your CapU Outlook or eLearn.

CapCard

CapCards are your access cards to university events, exams, registrars/cashiers offices, and to the copiers/ printers on campus. You may also have the unfortunate necessity to produce it as proof of payment (with your U-Pass*) to Translink. The lines to get your CapCard Photo taken are notoriously long, and I recommend going in October to avoid them.

If you’re a student who drives, don’t dismiss the perks of the Upass – for those nights you’re unable to drive home, take advantage of the 3 Zone monthly pass that’s included in your tuition. This is a $185 value, and comes in handy more times than expected. Make sure to link your monthly pass to your card each month!

Financial Aid & Awards

Tuition is expensive. Textbooks are expensive. Everything in Vancouver is expensive. CapU financial aid includes scholarships, bursaries, and awards that are available to all CapU students. Check the CapU website for a list of all financial awards, then apply through your CapU MyAccount. You can also filter the list of awards by program or award type to see exactly which ones you are eligible for. There are specialty awards for leadership, minorities, academic achievements, and community involvement.

If you’re up to date on your fees, you’ll receive your award as a cheque, mailed to the address on your school profile. This is an easy way to make some extra disposable income throughout the semester for reimbursement on tuition, books, and other expenses. Surprisingly, a lot of times the bursaries and awards sit untouched because no one applies – so don’t feel unqualified and just apply for everything!

Safety at CapU

Do you have a class that ends after it gets dark? Do you have a fear of getting eaten by a bear? The Security on campus is a safe and reliable way to curb your fears and have someone escort you to your car or around campus when you are uncomfortable. You can reach them by calling (604) 984-1763 ext. 1763, or by using the CapU Safe App available on Apple and Android.

Textbooks and the Bookstore

For almost every class at CapU, there will be a textbook that will help you understand the material being presented. In some instances, these textbooks are the home of mandatory readings that you will be quizzed on, that ultimately dictate your mark in the course. The CapU Bookstore is the hub where you can get all of your textbooks. Located on the first floor of the Birch building, the Bookstore is full of mandated books, as well as back to school essentials such as stationary, folders, and water bottles. You can also order your books online with the convenience of either picking them up or having them delivered to you. Additionally, they have a curated selection of CapU merchandise. Hoodies, t-shirts, sweatpants – many options to show your CapU spirit on and off campus.

9 OF CUPS (REVERSED)

The nine of cups is urging you to reflect on what it is that has left you feeling undesired in life. What or who has left you feeling as if everything you wish for is unattainable or perhaps even unworthy of your time and energy? Whenever it was that this happened or will, understand that those who make you feel this way don’t need to understand your vision or heart’s path.

Alternatively for some, the nine of cups could indicate a wish unfulfilled or just out of reach. You may be feeling frustrated. Has all your hard work towards this dream gone down the drain? Not exactly. While it may not have come in the way you wanted it to, when you wanted it to, or at all yet, you are being asked to re-evaluate if this is something you still want at all. At times, one can become more caught up and invested in the yearning for someone or something. Leaving one feeling unsatisfied or feeling empty when the universe finally delivers. All this to say, for some of you, is this what/who you truly want in your life? Or is it serving as a reflection of something else you deeply crave but are too afraid to admit to yourself? Use this time to reflect and reassess where you are at in life. You may be holding onto something that may no longer be what you need or want. Have the courage to let go of what/who no longer serves you. Holding onto former values and mindsets from our past selves only distorts our present reality and holds us back from growth, as well as asking for what we truly want.

Look out for appearances of ladybugs and owls around you. These are signs from the universe to pay attention. Ladybugs being a sign for you to re-focus more on inviting joy into your life and adopting more of a care-free attitude (easier said than done, I know). While owls acting as a sign to slow down, detox, cut out the clutter of others’ voices and opinions, and honestly discuss with yourself why you are where you are. The stone carnelian would also be of significant help to you at this time.

Emma Mendez (she/they) - Tarot Reader Kelsea Vance - Illustrator

THE CAPILANO COURIER is an autonomous, democratically-run student newspaper. Literary and visual submissions are welcomed. All submissions are subject to editing for brevity, taste and legality. The Capilano Courier will not publish material deemed by the collective to exhibit sexism, racism or homophobia. The views expressed by the contributing writers are not necessarily those of the Capilano Courier publishing society.

We acknowledge that the work we do and the institution we serve happens on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō and Tesleil-Waututh nations.

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