Capilano Courier | Vol 55, Issue 6

CAPILANO COURIER

FEBRUARY 2023

VOLUME 55 | ISSUE NO. 6

FREYA EMERY (SHE/HER)

Co-Editor in Chief

production@capilanocourier.com

My latest opssensions have included tattoos, re-watching Twin peaks, and diving back into my true creative passions! So if your ever looking for a photographer/ illustrator/designer… I’m yo gal

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

A: Always working hard

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

A: C’est Comme Ça - Paramore

Q: Favourite type of chocolate?

A: White chocolate with some sort of berry

Q: What are you currently reading?

A: Set boundaries and find peace by Nedra Tawwab

Q: Preferred type of weather?

A: Right after a rain storm when the sun peeks out

Q: Dream date?

A: Hiking, camping, stargazing.

Putting Yourself First

I am someone who is an advocate of ‘putting yourself first.’ But, as I am sure many of you relate to, I struggle with allowing myself to put away work and take care of my self needs. When burnout starts, I have learned that the first part of breaking this cycle is by acknowledging that it is happening. This is important because in order for us to keep producing work that we are really proud of, we have to take care of who we are and be gentle.

I want to give the community of Capilano some tips on how to leave space for yourself and set boundaries! I offer these three pieces of advice humbly, as an example of the simple things I do in my day to day.

Take Breaks

No joke, taking breaks has saved my energy immensely. Next time you find yourself ‘in the zone,’ struggling to stop working - set an alarm to go off in roughly 45 minutes, to stand up, stretch and drink water to prevent possible overwork. These breaks only feel good if you feel like you are being productive during ‘work time’. If you are not producing, don’t be shy; take another break! But remember, there is a balance to this one!

Turn off notifications!

There are ways to put yourself first even when you are working! Notifications can not only distract you but overwhelm you even more. I recommend turning your phone to ‘Do not disturb’ as often as possible to get away from all ‘the noise’ and feel more present. Your friend sending you memes can wait :)

Weekends off

Lately, I’ve been trying my hardest to take my weekends off. As a full-time student with a full-time job, it sounds impossible. I try my hardest to keep my computer and work email closed through Saturday and Sunday to have those days to reset my week by doing laundry, reading, resting, and hiding from all things life. There’s a lot of privilege to say, ‘I don’t work on weekends,’ but at the same time, you need those days, or even evenings, to relax and focus on yourself.

In my tips, there are common themes around rest and self prevalence. But your set of tips may be centered around something entirely different! I encourage you all to take a few minutes and make your own list of tips for putting yourself first.

Big hugs, Freya

Your slightly tired art director

jayde@capilanocourier.com

What do you get when you cross a book, a song and a bicycle and throw them off a cliff? I’m not sure, but I hope it doesn’t hurt when I hit the ground

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

A: Putting out fires

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

A: Mikoh - Home

Q: Favourite type of chocolate?

A: Hot chocolate

Q: What are you currently reading?

A: Tess Of The Road by Rachel Hartman

Q: Preferred type of weather?

A: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs

Q: Dream date?

A: Anything we can look back on and say “I can’t believe we did that!”

I am a woman of simple pleasures – I just want to travel to all my bucket list cities, feel confident in my own skin and enjoy a good glass of wine with the people I love. Doing what makes me happy has become my mantra lately, and it has yet to steer me wrong.

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

A: A great experience

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

A: Flowers by Miley Cyrus

Q: Favourite type of chocolate?

A: Hedgehogs from Purdy’s

Q: What are you currently reading?

A: The Lesser Blessed by Richard Van Camp

Q: Preferred type of weather?

A: A crisp autumn day – sunny but a little chilly.

Q: Dream date?

A: Going to an amusement park and sharing mini donuts on the way home

gwen@capilanocourier.com

I’m the new culture editor at the Courier! I drink way too much coffee, but I keep myself busy enough to justify it. I spend more time talking about movies than actually watching them, and I’ve always got at least two books on the go. My life’s goal is to visit as many new places as possible, so I’m always open to recommendations, or a trip that’ll earn me another stamp on my passport!

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

A: Think. Email. Think.

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

A: Yesterday Once More by The Carpenters

Q: Favourite type of chocolate?

A: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Q: What are you currently reading?

A: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

Q: Preferred type of weather?

A: Cool and sunny, like an early morning in the fall.

Q: Dream date?

A: Used bookstore shopping and playing football on the beach

I’m shy at first but once I get to know you, I won’t shut up. I’m pretty sure by now my humour is permanently broken since I am always laughing at the worst jokes. Always laughing, always working.

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

A: Post! Promote! Post!

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

A: Lift Off by Labrinth

Q: Favourite type of chocolate?

A: Mint dark chocolate

Q: What are you currently reading?

A: The Art of Creative Thinking by Rod Judkins

Q: Preferred type of weather?

A: Wind or fog

Q: Dream date?

A: Road trip to somewhere unexpected

Contributing Writers

Kirsten Wiltshire, Carmel Dear, Avery Nowicki, Jasmin Linton, Jenny Rog, Charles Lartey, Lea Krusemeyer, Emma Mendez.

Contributing Illustrators

Anais Bayle, Tara Asadi, Natasha Lee, Tiffany Zhong, Sharleen Romanos, Lucy Benson, Jasmin Linton, Yohahnah Loker, Tanner Macormin, Sol Yoon, Kelsea Vance, Arsheya Seraji

Business Manager

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

Featured Artists

Laura Morales, Andy Poystila, Ethan Woronko, Arsheya Seraji

Cover Art

Lucy Benson

Staff Portraits

Anais Bayle

RESPECTS TO DOUG ABERCROMBIE

The legacy of a legendary Blues soccer coach

Kirsten Wiltshire (she/her) - Writer

Anais Bayle - Illustrator

Former Capilano Blues coach Doug Abercrombie passed away on January 2 at the age of 78. A legendary coach for the women’s soccer program in the 1990s and 2000s, Abercrombie left an indelible mark on the program, the sport and the players. Born in 1944, he called Burnaby home and it was there that he began his career. His impact on the sport of soccer in BC has been substantial. His legacy can be found in the team photos and national championship titles that line the walls of the Capilano Sportsplex, the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Abercrombie entered the world of coaching in Burnaby at the time his daughters signed up for soccer. The girls soccer program, without a coach and on the brink of folding completely, was in desperate need of a saviour - and Abercrombie stepped in to keep the program alive. The role of coach stuck, and he spent the next several years honing his leadership and coaching skills. After landing with Team BC, he acquired his first national win at the Canada Games. It was the first Canada Games women’s soccer was included in - a milestone for Abercrombie and women’s sport. In 1992, he received an Award of Merit from BC Soccer; the province’s governing body of the sport.

Abercrombie went on to spend five years as assistant coach with SFU. In 1995, he joined the Capilano College Blues women’s soccer team as head coach. At the time, the team was in transition, with only three players staying on from previous seasons, the remainder of the team being new players. Abercrombie, however, quickly established his role as a coach that could get his players to dig deep. In an interview with the North Shore News in 2010, Elyse Bouchard, a five-season veteran of the Blues during Abercrombie’s time, reflected on her career with him as a coach: “The reason that I played at Cap for so long… was because of him. He was just so inspirational and he made you really want to play and want to win.”

That first year that Abercrombie took over, they won gold at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Championships. The team went on to win four more national championship titles in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001. In 1997, they came second.

In 2003, Abercrombie was inducted into the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame for his decades of dedication to the sport for his city and province. In 1999, the Blues program was awarded the Women’s Soccer Supremacy Award for the most successful women’s soccer program for the first quarter century of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Assoc ation. Abercrombie reminisced on his first big title with the Blues in 1995 in an interview with the North Shore News in 2010: “The first one is always the nicest. The thing that I remember most is that it was so cold. It was unbelievable, minus twenty-five with the wind-chill factor.”

In the 02/03 and 03/04 seasons, he was nominated Pacwest/ BCCAA Coach of the Year. Kelly Donaldson, a former Capilano Blues player, told the Merritt Herald upon her induction into the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame in 2016: “Our coach at Cap College, Doug Abercrombie, was amazing, one of my favorite human beings on earth.” Abercrombie’s impact on his players was substantial and it is what he was known for — seeing the potential in his players, on and off the field.

Bouchard, the five season veteran, went on to manage the team after her time playing. Abercrombie’s impact on her as a player was influential during her time at Capilano. She expressed her experience, and that of her fellow teammates, of his dedication to the Blues program. “He’s always very involved with his players. It wasn’t just you got to practice and that’s it. He was always there anytime you needed anything… He definitely has impacted everyone’s lives who played for him.” said Bouchard.

Abercrombie’s commitment to the sport and his team brought the women’s soccer program at Capilano into a new era of not only wins and successes on the scorecard, but of a program that prioritized hard work, teamwork and dedication. His legacy will live on in Blues history.

CAPU ADOPTS THE SCARBOROUGH CHARTER

The landmark decision marks a turning point in CapU’s relationship with its Black community

Matt Shipley (he/him) - Co-Editor-In-Chief

Tara Asadi - Illustrator

On January 15, 2023, Capilano University released a joint statement regarding the adoption of the Scarborough Charter’s four principles: Black Flourishing, Inclusive Excellence, Mutuality and Accountability. The Scarborough Charter was founded in November of 2021, but the University was initially apprehensive of the charter until their EDI audit, conducted by Veza Global, was concluded.

“There are important elements in the Scarborough Charter and we will move towards incorporating those into our overall EDI efforts, activities and actions,” said Kartik Bharadwa, VP People, Culture and Diversity at CapU. “Specific, attainable and measurable goals for organizations are key to any EDI initiative and the resources to attain them is the key to success.”

Importantly, while CapU has adopted many principles outlined in the Scarborough Charter, the University has yet to officially sign the charter. “No signature on a piece of paper is truly going to move the needle on making CapU an employer of choice for prospective employees or a university of choice for prospective students,” said Bharadwa, explaining the University’s reasons to avoid any official commitment. “We need to focus on what we are trying to achieve, and more importantly, how we are going to get there.”

‘THERE IS NO OFFICIAL PLAN OR DATE SET BY THE UNIVERSITY FOR THE SIGNING OF THE SCARBOROUGH CHARTER.’

FEATURED ARTISTS

Laura Morales @manifesto.dg

“AYOREA”

A oil painting of an Ayorean woman (an indigenous community from Bolivia)

Andy Poystila @percifax

20TH, WE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE.”

A lino cut piece that commemorates transgender lives around the world that are still fighting to be accepted and to exist without violence or discrimination, and also to those whose lives have been lost or taken. We were always here and we will always continue to be here.

“NOVEMBER

COUNSELLING: A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

What The Coordinator of Counselling Services Wants You To Know

Carmel Dear (she/her) - Writer

Natasha Lee - Illustrator

CapU has a free counselling service available to anyone who’s registered at the school. The department has five counsellors who serve all students and one Indigenous counsellor specifically for Indigenous students, and their shared goal is to help students be their best.

“I’d encourage people who have never been to therapy to give it a try,” said Saman Khan, CapU’s Coordinator of Counselling Services. She’s been working in mental health services for the past decade. “It’s a misguided assumption that people only go to counselling when they have a problem or are in crisis.”

Who can go to counselling? “We treat every issue under the sun, from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and academic struggles to serious mental health issues,” said Khan. “If someone requires more specialised support, we refer students to community resources.”

Khan’s average appointment starts by welcoming the student and orienting them to the process of counselling. “Together we map out different areas of their life and come to a shared understanding of what they would like to work on.”

Khan believes that clients deserve to get something out of every session, whether it’s a new perspective or coping skills. “I encourage clients to be full collaborators and to give me feedback through the process and set the pace of the session,” says Khan. “If my client needs referrals, like a medical assessment or accessibility services, I connect them with those services.”

The university’s insurance policy allows students to access $1000 of coverage for sessions with private practice psychologists. Students can access the CSU website for further information.

“There are other practices in the community that are free of charge, like the Foundry and the HOPE Centre at Lions Gate Hospital,” says Khan. “That’s where students are referred with more serious issues, like OCD or schizophrenia. We need to refer students outside CapU for anything requiring medical intervention — we can’t do that.”

The counselling department is well-utilized and has hardly any downtime, but the busiest times of year are consistently November and March, reflecting the times when the workload is the heaviest for most students.

Although Khan says that many students come to her and her colleagues with a specific issue that needs to be fixed within a certain number of sessions, such as a conflict or a mental struggle, therapy can make anyone more successful by finding what works for them and implementing better habits. “Because therapy requires hard work, it’s best to start when you’re in a good place in your life.”

Counselling services are confidential, but there are some cases that require exceptions. “When a student is at risk — being suicidal or making a threat against another life, for example,” Khan explains. “We have to report when a minor is at risk of physical, emotional or mental harm and abuse. Confidentiality also doesn’t apply to legal cases.”

Regarding her affiliation with the university, she adds, “I do a lot of community work and am involved with school committees, so I’ve recommended the other counsellors to colleagues interested in becoming clients. I’m either your colleague or counsellor!”

Khan advises students, “Therapy is a self-growth, self-empowerment, and self-care tool that can help you achieve your goals and realize your dreams. It’s rare to receive counselling at no cost, so it’s a unique opportunity.”

NOW YOU SEE ME

CapU’s plans for Black History Month and beyond

Matt Shipley (he/him) - Co-Editor-In-Chief

Tiffany Zhong - Illustrator

Capilano University’s history with Black History Month has not always been positive. Last year, after a lackluster campaign in February 2022, the University launched an all-encompassing EDI audit with Veza Global that is now in its final stages of completion. Its aim is to define clear directions and steps the University can take to improve its EDI practices. Kartik Bharadwa (he/him), CapU’s Vice-President People, Culture and Diversity, has been involved with this audit since its inception, as well as the landmark signing of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education in January 2023.

“In a word, opportunity,” said Bharadwa, when asked about the importance of visibility for marginalized communities. “On a university campus like CapU, it’s important that our campuses and learning locations are visible reflections of the communities we serve. Doing so opens the opportunity for students to learn from peers who are achieving their academic goals; opens the opportunity for them to be taught and mentored by instructors who look like them; opens theopportunity for employees to aspire into leadership roles because they can see it’s possible to be in that role too; and opens the opportunity to share lived experiences and perspectives that can drive decisions that better reflect our communities’ needs.”

Too often, though, it seems that visibility for CapU’s Black community only lasts through the month of February. Bharadwa chalked it up partly to demographics: “Over half of Metro Vancouver’s population was part of a visible minority. When we examine that statistic further by city, North Vancouver’s demographics are substantially lower with less than 30 per cent belonging to a visible minority group. Metro Vancouver’s Black community, as reported by Statistics Canada, is less than 2 per cent.”

The demographic, though, doesn’t tell the whole story, and can be damaging to those in very small minorities who rarely find adequate visibility. “At CapU, we’re focussing our efforts on creating an inclusive environment that attracts students to study at CapU and employees who want to work here,” said Bharadwa. “Our continued efforts to attract the diversity of thought from equity-deserving groups is what makes CapU a world-class institution.”

An important step towards Black visibility and inclusion at CapU was made in January 2023 — the University finally signed the aforementioned Scarborough Charter — but

Bharadwa sees it as a mere stepping stone. “From my perspective, no signature on a piece of paper is truly going to move the needle on making CapU an employer of choice for prospective employees or a university of choice for prospective students. It’s important that we engage in fulsome conversations about the actions we can take, the resources we need to support this work, and the individuals needed to execute meaningful changes.”

“There are important elements in the Scarborough Charter and we will move towards incorporating those into our overall EDI efforts, activities and actions,” said Bharadwa in a closing statement.

FEATURED ARTIST

Ethan Woronko @epworonko_art “MONKEY”

ARTS

THE DRUG(S) STORE

Vigilante Justice Amidst Vancouver’s Opioid Epidemic

Avery Nowicki (They/Them) - Writer

Sharleen Romanos - Illustrator

On January 31st, Canada enacted their decriminalization plan with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSC). This change has allowed individual possession of small personal doses (2.5 grams) of decriminalized opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This act will be effective until January 31st of 2026 and has prompted a Vancouver-based activist affected by the Canadian opioid epidemic to take action in an act of vigilante justice.

Jerry Martin, a local activist from Delta, BC, has decided to take matters into his own hands by creating ‘The Drugs Store,’ which will provide clean and tested drugs for the downtown eastside population, through The Safe Supply Project. Jerry’s mission is to help aid the recovery process for his local community. The Drugs Store will allow those in need to gain access to safer resources, which are essential for both individual addiction recovery and the effort to slow the number of daily overdoses and opioid based deaths in British Columbia. The British Columbia Coroners Service detailed 2,272 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2022. Vancouver provided for the largest number of Illicit drug toxicity based deaths, with 562 people becoming victims to fatal overdoses exclusively in the Vancouver township. The Drugs Store’s mission statement regards the CDSC’s choice to decriminalize as a necessary step forward, however provides criticism against their decision for mass decriminalization when unregulated drugs are often found laced with Fentanyl and similar substances, causing many organizations like PHS.ca to provide resources for safe drug testing of unregulated substances in the Vancouver area. The Drugs Store’s mission statement reads: “Allowing an entire province to consume unregulated drugs known to be tainted & highly deadly will only increase the number of overdoses & deaths.” Jerry ends his statement by highlighting

the importance of safe supply in curbing British Columbia’s rising opioid epidemic, making The Drugs Store vital for aiding the deadly opioid crisis affecting hundreds in Vancouver and the greater Vancouver area.

The planning for this project has been in place for months, meaning The Drugs Store is set to be up-and-running in the following days. The process of creating the store has endured set-backs and tribulations which have hindered the initial launch date. Jerry has continued to work tirelessly to follow this vital mission, for the benefit of his community. The Drugs Store’s launch may put the safety and well-being of Jerry and those at his aid at risk. Due to the known violence and blatant mistreatment caused by the Vancouver Police Department against unhoused community members in the downtown eastside, and opioid addicted individuals in Vancouver as a whole, it is not unreasonable to assume that the VPD’s inevitable interaction with The Drugs Store might negatively affect the recent work done by The Safe Supply Project to bring these resources to the public in a time of immediate need.

To support ‘The Drugs Store’, visit and donate to: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/safe-supplyprojects-legal-fees-building-supply

This funding will go to necessary legal fees, building fees, and to affording safe supplies for this project. Your donation will help bring vital resources to our downtown eastside, in an effort to end Canada’s rising opioid epidemic.

FELISHA AND THE JAZZ REJECTS

The Resurgence of The “Vancouver” Music Scene

Avery Nowicki (They/Them) - Writer

Lucy Benson - Illustrator

There are 3 hours and 21 minutes until midnight on December 31st, 2022.

New Year’s Eve lurks on the corner of E Hastings and Columbia, amongst the blinding glare of convenience store windows pumping LED electric green onto rat-riddled sidewalks covered inch to inch with thirtyfoot-tall punk kids. Their hair is glued into eclectic configurations of black dye and mullet cuts. Their chatter squeaks through the street as smoke trails into an inconspicuous black door behind them — the one that reads only “109” in thin black lettering. As the door opens, the entrance to one of “Vancouver”’s underground venues is revealed, sprawling with pink light and roiling with heat. The scream of Felisha Rolin, lead singer of Felisha and the Jazz Rejects, illuminates the entire venue. The floor crackles at every drum hit, and each pang from the guitar moves the audience into the throes of a light mosh. This is Felisha and the Jazz Rejects, and as the audience, we are putty in their hands.

Felisha and the Jazz Rejects first began when their lead singer wanted to take her solo work to the next level. Inspired by early 2000s Avril Lavigne, she began infusing punk influence into her solo music. Her release of “Pure Toxin” in April 2022 ignited a new beginning for her music. It was shortly after this that they performed at Buddha’s (@Buddhas109ehastings) for the first time, with “Vancouver” punk bands The Virgin Losers (@thevirginlosers), and Bluestem (@bluestemband). After this, their band began to explode, quickly cementing themselves as pivotal members of the music scene in so-called Vancouver. They spent their first summer as a band playing backyard shows, local pubs, Lanalou’s (@lanalous), The Citr Victory Square Block Party, and Redgate (@redgatesartsociety) with long-beloved indie boy bands and punk solo acts who were finding their way through the scene at the same time. They even participated in a local battle of the bands in early September. Every show they play brings an inexplicable electric energy, making it clear that Felisha and Jazz Rejects are already an irreplaceable part of the newest configuration of the local music scene.

Felisha and The Jazz Rejects entered the scene at a time of rebirth, where so many young kids were pushing themselves into the narrative of the local punk and indie music. With local record labels like KingFisherBluez (@kingfisherbluez) supporting these young artists’ careers, it is clear that our city is creating a new scene as we speak, one that will soon be remembered as one of the great times for “Vancouver”’s alternative history. Felisha and The Jazz Rejects are already an integral part of this rebirth, and their impact on the audience reflects that. You can find more of their music on their instagram (@felishathejazzreject), and by checking the site calendars of the local venues listed above.

VALENTINES YEAR ROUND

Something for Everyone in Every Season

Jasmin Linton (she/her) - Writen & Illustrated

February always seems to bring the same atmosphere — cheesy dates, mountains of chocolates and people wondering why it can’t be spring already. Vancouver is no exception. Filled with so many cafés, activities and other hidden gems, it’s the perfect city for not only dating this special season, but for the whole year. Despite the endless options Vancouver offers, it’s all too common to stay with what’s familiar, which usually means cycling between the same three or four staple restaurants. So, in the mood of February, inspired by this lovey-dovey season, here are some fun, low-budget date ideas not just for this month, but for every season.

Throughout the winter months, we all know it can be a pain to go out — the weather is cold and wet, cafés and other indoor spots are usually packed and let’s not even begin with the transit. On the flipside, it is a lovely opportunity to try activities outside — while remaining as warm as possible, of course. Ice skating this time of year can be the perfect activity to have fun and enjoy the company of that special someone, or even the whole friend group. Take your pick between

the Shipyards Plaza in North Van or Robson Square downtown — both rinks are surrounded by various restaurants and cafes, perfect to grab a meal or warm up afterwards. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro hockey player, dates like these always come with laughter and fun during the winter.

Naturally, when the weather warms up, there’s even more fun to be had! Throughout the spring, cherry blossoms are always exciting to look forward to, especially after months of cold and grey days. What better way to relax than a stroll under the trees - the perfect place to enjoy your surroundings and snap a couple of photos with the perfect backdrop.Though you usually don’t have to go very far to see the blossoms—they are literally everywhere—some of the more scenic spots are the best for a romantic date: Stanley Park is one of the perfect options. Whether it’s a carriage ride, a walk along the sea wall or a picnic, there are many options to keep you occupied. But it might be better to wait for late spring before going on that picnic…

Though some people can stick out the cold of springtime to enjoy an early picnic, the majority of us will wait for summertime. It is a great opportunity to not only relax, but also see more of Vancouver’s stunning natural places. Maybe that means revisiting Stanley Park to see the Rose Garden and snack on food brought from home; or, for a change of scenery, checking out some of the beaches. Kits Beach is always a great option, with the choice between picnic-ing in the grass or right on the water. Though, beware — it gets extremely busy at times! If the bustle isn’t your style, try Jericho Beach, it’s usually a lot quieter and has just as amazing a view of the ocean—and is also frequented by ice cream trucks!

Much like during the winter months, autumn makes it tempting to stay inside and avoid the cold—especially once school starts up again. But, with the return of the cold weather comes the Halloween season, and with that comes Fright Nights at the PNE. Now, this date idea might be a little predictable, but it is beyond fun. If you are someone who doesn’t mind jump scares (or just likes being scared for some reason), Fright Nights forms the perfect balance between scary haunted houses and a wide selection of rollercoasters. Though it is probably the most expensive on this list, it’s worth it for the thrills and provides the perfect break (and stress relief?) from school or work with your partner or bestie to hold your hand along the way.

Now, If you’re exhausted from all of those exciting action-packed dates and just want to stay home, that can also be a date! Spending the night in and dedicating time to movie-watching, cooking or just some downtime can often turn into a memorable experience in and of itself. Especially, trying to cook a meal from scratch is a great way to add some chaos to your kitchen. With your partner, it could be chaotic and fun even if the meal burns to a crisp and you have to start all over again—it’s the journey that counts.

Finding new things to do can be hard and oftentimes annoying to plan out, but even if nothing here piques your fancy, I invite you to draw inspiration to create your own ideas. Whether you’re just starting a new relationship or have been going strong for many years, they can fit with any situation (or situationship). So do something you haven’t done before and have fun trying something new.

FEATURED ARTIST

Arsheya Seraji

Mon and Ava have been having a grand ol’ time together, near-death experiences aside. But, when the time comes to address past events, the past comes in thundering.

The story of two friends. A young, Iranian woman trying to figure her life out, and an extra-dimensional fugitive who wants to enjoy the simple things. Unfortunately for both of them, things won’t stay simple for long. Here comes an Urban Sci-fi Adventure written and drawn from the mind of one monkey-obsessed cartoonist. Things are only getting crazier from here!

Coming soon! Stay updated and pick up the first issue from @serajiart on Instragram.

BFFN (BEST FRIENDS FOR NOW)

The hardships of losing those you care for

Jenny Rog (She/Her) - Writer

Yohahnah Loker - Illustrator

As you are travelling by car or bus, attempting to get to your next destination, a song on your usual playlist begins. The song talks about a recent heartbreak and emotions the singer has experienced. This isn’t uncommon considering many artists talk about their love life and their unfortunate recent breakup. Despite this, how many times have we listened to a song about someone losing a friend? From what I heard, songs about friendships ending aren’t listened to as much as songs about breakups. Then again, a lot of my friends tell me I live under a rock when it comes to music, but that’s beside the point.

I find this to be an interesting topic to think about, as there aren’t as many songs that talk about friendships ending. I’ve heard from many of my friends that they don’t need a partner to be happy and prefer having their friends by their side. In my experience, however, my partner is my best friend, as I believe that is the key to having a happy relationship. Despite that, I think we can all agree losing a friend is never easy and can hurt a lot more than breaking up with a partner.

I have platonic friends who I consider to be my best friends. Most people today can have more than one best friend, and I am no exception to this statement. Throughout my life, I have, unfortunately, lost a variety of best friends for different reasons. There are many reasons to lose a friendship, and it never gets easy to deal with the emotions. Because of the number of reasons a company can be lost, it is more difficult than losing a partner.

For instance, losing a best friend could be more hurtful because it could just happen out of the blue. One day, it feels like everything is perfectly fine in a friendship, and the next day, that friend pretends you don’t even exist anymore. I’m not a very confron-

tational person, so my usual response is to let the friendship go, but I am often left wondering why it happened in the first place.

This creates an insecurity inside of me wondering if I did something wrong or if I offended them. They say the friendship is okay, but their actions speak differently considering we haven’t talked in a few months. In my experience in relationships, breakups are a possibility but are discussed why it won’t work out. This is why I value honesty more than anything.

Many of us can relate to this, but losing a friend who is a part of a large or small friend group can cause so much drama in one’s life. For me, at least in a relationship with a partner, the drama and stress are only split between us. I choose to keep drama between the two of us as I do not want any biased opinions. When friends fight, in my experience, we often have to choose a side, get our other friends involved, gossip is bound to happen, and so much more. I despise fighting and would like to stay away from it as much as possible, but I know it can be inevitable.

Despite all that, I know how hurtful it can be to lose a friend. This is why I always know how important self-care is when trying to heal from the grief of losing a best friend. My spe-

cial remedy is to cuddle with my dog Jasper. He doesn’t speak to me, but he knows when I feel down and can bring a smile to my face. I mean, who doesn’t love big fluffy dogs who shed all over your favourite black pants? Talking to someone is another solution I can rely on, so that’s where my boyfriend or family member comes in. I’m lucky to be surrounded by additional people who love me and can be a shoulder to lean on or just listen to me vent.

Losing anyone, whether it’s good or bad for you, will always be difficult to deal with since no one ever wants to deal with drama. My biggest fear is losing people I currently love platonically because my friend or I had to move on with important roles in our lives. It creates a sense of loneliness and can be difficult to talk with other friends if they do not know the person.

We all have to go through this hardship at some point, but that’s what it means to be alive.

Friendships come and go, but the most important thing is for you to be the best person you can be and be the best friend someone else needs.

MORE THAN JUST A POST

Are your intentions good?

Charles Lartey (he/him) - Writer

Lucy Benson - Illustrator

I am a youth worker on the North Shore and I also created my own non profit called HopeU. This organization is here to teach the next generation how to decolonize our hearts and minds. The world that we exist in is a world that unfortunately has some deep-rooted hatred towards people of colour. Now, many people think and say that racism isn’t a huge problem anymore, but as we saw in 2020 when things came to light from the George Floyd riots, that it’s still such a debated topic in our lifetime.

As a black man I grew up yearly, monthly and weekly seeing racism unfold. I saw it unfold in the media but I also saw it unfold in my own life. The question to talk about today is, “is intention enough?” Black History Month is coming up and, for me currently, February is a busy month – but growing up I used to despise this month. Black History Month, to me, was another way of people pretending that they cared. It was another thing that people could post on social media and show that they cared.

However, I always saw a trend that as soon as March 1st hit, it demonstrated that their good and kind words or sharing quotes from Martin Luther King didn’t really mean anything in the day-to-day. This topic comes up frequently with the youth I work with. When it comes to anti-racism and the anti-racism fight, it’s going to take a lot more than a black square on instagram. What it takes is the three L’s: listen, learn, and love.

Now, this means that when it comes to those that are truly trying to fight racism, they need to listen to the experiences of those in their community – those people of colour. They need to learn outside of themselves, they need to learn about cultures that are different from theirs, why do people do the things that they do and they need to love. You need to go out of your way to care for those that are different from you. The funny thing about this – is that it’s not easy.

One of my biggest gripes with the anti-racism movement in 2020 was the black squares, because it allowed

people to perform. They allowed people to be performative in their actions. You need to build a capacity to be able to dismantle racism. Instagram squares and quotes being shared is not enough. It will never be enough. However, I want to put this out there: intention is good. Your intent is good, but if that’s where it stops, it creates more damage than good.

I had a teacher in high school (this was years ago) talk to me about how they wanted to work at talking about anti-racism plights, not the word they used at the time, but something similar. I followed up a couple times, but this never took place – nothing of the sort took place. All that this showed me was that I wasn’t truly not cared about, I wasn’t in the forefront of their minds. Now that teacher might have had amazing intentions. However, the lack of action screwed with me at the time. It made me think that I was less than, made me think that in the eyes of certain people, the struggles that I went through didn’t matter.

So, as this February approaches, as this Black History Month comes, I encourage all of you to keep those L’s in your head. Keep listening to the experiences of those around you, learn about cultures and environments that are different from yours, and love – go out of your way to love. This anti-racism, this celebration of culture is great, but it’s going to take hard work. Another thing that I tell the youth I work with is that it’s going to take heart work. I hope you feel encouraged by this message and I hope you build a capacity to do more than your intention.

THE LIBERAL ARTS STILL MATTER

Education for its own sake is more valuable than you thought

Carmel Dear - Writer Freya Emery - Illustrator

‘What kind of bozo would study the liberal arts nowadays?’

There’s a certain taboo about interdisciplinary programs. When somebody decides not to specialize, many people interpret it as settling after not being accepted into your first program or being clueless about your educational goals. From both “pro-everyone-going-to-university” and “the-market-is-oversaturated-with-degrees” sides of the spectrum, you’ll probably be questioned on why you chose to study something that’s seemingly non-essential.

It’s understandable — the cost of living is going up every year, and it’s becoming difficult for anyone to out-earn their expenses (especially in Vancouver). Compared to a specialized degree, any sort of interdisciplinary program seems like a one-way ticket into student debt and living in your mouldy third-hand Honda while working at Tim Hortons. Sometimes it is, especially with a lack of opportunities to break into the job market.

I spent my first year of post-secondary studying the liberal arts. Although I ultimately decided to transfer into a more “practical” program at Capilano to develop specific skills for my goal of preparing for future employment, taking an interdisciplinary program for a year was one of the best decisions I could have made for my education. My academic improvement was noticeable.

I was pushed to improve my writing through humanities papers, develop logical thinking in philosophy courses, think in a different way by taking a new language, and develop cultural awareness through works of literature and art history.

I learned how to approach university education from a classical perspective, giving me a structure to think and analyze concepts with the context of the history of education behind me. (After all, education was built over thousands of years by thinkers greater than you or I.)

If it weren’t for the liberal arts, we wouldn’t have universities. The earliest formal educational institutions didn’t have engineering programs, but they did teach what they called “grammar, logic, and rhetoric.” Students were trained in the foundational principles of multiple subjects, how to think coherently and consistently, and how to convey truth discovered by diligent study to others in an ethical and persuasive manner.

The liberal arts are important to building strong members of society who each think and create in a unique way. Not only do the liberal arts create culture by encouraging people to investigate problems, write, and contribute to the treasury of knowledge we have as human beings, but they encourage people to come to conclusions on their own. The method of education borrows from the ancient “Socratic method” of learning, which emphasizes questioning to come to a truth and developing critical thinking skills over pure memorization.

Not that memorization is always a bad thing, and it’s necessary to a certain point, but why should education end at that? Many of the most brilliant philosophers and scientists had students who were dissatisfied with the findings of their teachers, and therefore used their skills to conduct new research to improve upon their conclusion. How often does that happen now? Students are expected to memorize definitions and meet the arbitrary expectations of each professor, encouraging educational conformity over unique insights and conclusions.

It’s a shame that we tend not to speak about liberal arts by that name anymore, and tend towards calling it “general studies” or “interdisciplinary studies.” The title “liberal” doesn’t point towards a political or economic bias, but towards the Latin word for “freedom” or “free.” In the ancient Greek and Roman Empires, a culturally relevant education was considered to free citizens from ignorance and understand their world. The knowledge and wisdom gained from a well-rounded education helps someone understand the different aspects of reality and make informed decisions and claims instead of relying on popular culture to define one’s thought.

Not everybody can afford to take a program (or even a year) of education for the sake of itself and to form a stronger society when it doesn’t guarantee a job, but I was fortunate enough to have the option. I’d recommend it to anyone who is able to spend the time and money to improve their academic abilities. It’s unfortunate that such a valuable, holistic approach to education doesn’t pay off without further programs, because it’s an essential investment into building culture. If we stop educating ourselves about the fundamentals of human knowledge, how will we continue to build our culture in anything but ignorance?

BATTLE OF THE APPS

When in doubt, swipe it out

Jayde Atchison (she/her) - Opinions Editor

Tanner Macormin - Illustrator

When it comes to dating apps, it can feel like it’s the same sh*t, different interface. I have been single for the last four and a half years, and I have downloaded a variety of apps in a variety of cities in hopes that one person out there wouldn’t let me down. Here I am, still let down, but with a finer grasp on the ins and outs of the online dating universe. Dating apps might not be for everyone – not everyone wants to swim through the sea of dead fish. For those thinking of jumping into the digital romance sphere, ther e is a clear pecking order of the popular apps.

Coming in dead last is OkCupid. Back in the 2010’s, I used an actual computer to fill out my profile. I never actually met anyone off this site in person because I got the least immaculate vibe from all those that interacted with my profile. To paint the picture of little, youthful Jayde – she was into Marvel comics, Stephen King books, indie music you probably had never heard of *cue eye roll here* and all things Joss Whedon. This sent my profile into a flurry of accusations about whether I had actually read, heard of, breathed near these interests of mine. It seems like the majority of men were taught flirting consisted of ensuring women felt they didn’t actually know anything.

At a respectful third place is Tinder. I have a soft spot in my heart for this toxic app, not unlike some of the situationships I have found myself in. It was the first app on the market that was catered to people my age, it felt new and shiny. The dopamine spike I got from the countless likes because I was 20 years old in a new cyber world full of possibilities. Back then, this app was meant for dates, and it was the top tier of apps on the market. I mean, I met my ex who I dated for two years on Tinder. I cannot say the same for the Tinder of today. In the year 2023, Tinder has become the app you go to when you’re not looking for anything serious. This is wholeheartedly a hook-up app, and there is rarely anyone trying to lock down their forever person here.

In a sturdy second place, we have Bumble – the app that projects a women-first movement. In my many years of dating, I have had a mixed bag of experiences with this particular beehive. I have met some great people from the matches I have made, but I am nowhere near being featured on Bumble’s Instagram page as a success story. If anything, I’m more likely to be interviewed about how I feel after I’ve won the “most matches that let the time expire” award. It has a variety of people that are looking for something casual and something leading to a bit more. Thankfully, there is a feature that allows you to add what you’re looking for right onto your profile – leaving out any possibility for confusion (she says as she’s been ghosted by men looking for the one).

Unanimously in first (ranked only by me), is Hinge. This is by far the most interesting app on the market for those that like a bit more substance to their potential match than “I’m 6 ‘1” if that matters”. I love that you can comment on something specific on a profile and start an engaging conversation without the awkward intro chat. It is also has the incredibly entertaining voice note feature – there is almost never a time where it isn’t cringe-worthy and I can’t get enough of it. Hinge is great because you can tell pretty quickly if you want to engage with someone based on how dry their question prompts are. If you

don’t have time to answer a question properly, chances are you aren’t going to have good chatting skills either, and I’ll end up bashing my head against the wall, just to feel something. This feels like the most relationship ready app on the market for millennials.

Honourable mentions need to be made for the apps that didn’t make it to the top ring of the dating Olympics. Raya is on the radar, for the chosen few that have made it past the application request purgatory. Not the celebrity haven it has been promised to be, but it is fun for when you’re travelling. However on the other end of the spectrum, perhaps I have been on the market too long, and speak about my singledom in front of my phone too often, but if I get another ad for Facebook Dating, I will personally dismantle the internet –because no matter how long I’m single I will never be that single.

GET YOUR AI OFF MY WRITING

The human cost of the digital revolution

Matt Shipley (he/him) - Co-Editor-In-Chief Sol Yoon - Illustrator

You’ve been stressing over a final term paper for two months. Sitting in front of a blank Word doc at 1am for the umpteenth time, you scroll languidly through Instagram and suddenly spot an alternative: for a small fee, or even for free if you’re fussy, you could have an AI write that dreaded paper for you in less than ten minutes.

Tempting, isn’t it?

AI has, in recent years, become a persistent problem in nearly every field. It has become difficult for an untrained eye to differentiate between a piece of AI art and a human creation. With some editing, AI writing is nearly indistinguishable from passable high-school-level writing.

And that’s really scary.

Not only for me as a writer — hell, I’ll get over that — but as an editor, it’s ethically and morally repulsive. With the advent of mainstream AI writing apps, my job has ballooned to include everything from rigorous data-checks to using and analyzing every AI writing app in hopes of learning how to spot them in articles. Suddenly, every time I sit down at my desk, I feel a moral ball and chain holding me down — what if I’m about to pay someone good money for a piece they didn’t write?

Any “revolutionary” new tool, anything that promises to make the life of a creator or business ten times easier, is destined to be misused. Any computer program built to write marketing copy can be used to write articles, papers, essays, and

more. And, worst of all, no AI will ever report or complain about plagiarism. They won’t bash a company for using their work without attribution, or call out a student for ripping off their work, word for word, and presenting it as their own.

They’re so easy.

Considering my current ability level, I could write maybe four or five opinions articles every day before running out of stamina. In Courier terms, that’s $80-100 a day — not bad if I’m willing to sell my soul to the gods of the keyboard. If I used AI assistance, and broadened my scope to any Canadian newspaper, I could write a hundred articles a day without breaking a sweat.

With that, I would be raking in three thousand dollars (in Courier terms) a day, and none of the work I would have submitted would even be my own. I could market myself as a freelance writer and “write” marketing copy for any number of companies, bringing my arbitrary $3000/day revenue way up. And, still, I will have done absolutely zero work. I will have researched papers and publications that would take my work (as any writer would,) and

market myself as a freelancer (as any writer would.)

But I would not be a writer.

Pardon my sincerity, but I would be a despicable fraud.

AI writing apps present no digital signature. There is no tried-and-true way to detect their work, especially in a university environment where (let’s be real) most of us write at a middle- to high-school level. And, in turn, we risk the possibility of passing off genuine human work as that of an AI — creating the same conundrum that has plagued the creative community since AI rose to prominence:

How can we, morally, pass judgment on whether or not something is written by a human?

And yet, how can we, morally, stand by and let it happen?

MESSAGES FROM THE ISS –INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT

Lea Krusemeyer (she/her) - Contributor

Who does not know this feeling, the semester has begun and you are in your fourth week of classes and still do not know anyone. It seems like all the students around you magically managed to find friends and decode the key to making connections. You, on the other hand, still sit alone in class or in the cafeteria. Let’s change that.

The cliches are true, Canadian people are friendly and approachable. If you see someone in the library wearing a cool shirt, just go up to them and give them a compliment. If someone is walking around with a coffee and you really want one but do not know where to go, ask the person. In almost every case, the people will be friendly and helpful and maybe a friendship could develop out of one simple interaction.

Coming from different cultures, that is not always the easiest thing to do and just randomly approaching someone might sound odd to you, but believe me when I say it is worth trying. In the rare few cases where people are unwilling to engage in a conversation with you, do not feel discouraged. Not everyone has to be friends, and with every person you approach you practice your confidence. If that still sounds like something that is too scary to do, there are other ways to make connections as well, do not worry.

For example, connecting through events that CapU is organizing. If you follow the various Instagram pages that Cap has, you can see that there is something happening at all times. An event for international students, an event for women, something for people who are into movies –there are events for all kinds of people. Going to events like these helped me a lot because I already had something in common with the people I met, we shared an interest.

Another option, and one that seems rather obvious, is spending time on campus. If you feel like you cannot connect, the first instinct often is leaving and spending your time elsewhere, but that is only enhancing your situation further. If you spend time on campus, in the library or actually attending your classes, you will see that CapU is a rather small community. We run into each other on campus all the time here and let’s be honest, after you ran into someone five times or more you would start a conversation and possibly make a new connection that way.

If you want to engage more into the field of study you are in, there also is the option of approaching your professor. They are usually the ones who are well informed about on and off campus events that have a connection to your field. Attending one of those events helps you connect with fellow students and other professionals in your field of study and area of interest. Those connections might not immediately turn into friendships but you can use them to network and possibly invest in your future.

Another approach that is more connected to studying is building or joining a study group. It is effective and also more fun to study with other people. You can ask questions, help each other out and even go for coffee breaks in between. Forming or joining one of those groups can help you build connections to fellow students. The first step would be to find other students in your courses that are potentially interested, just ask around or maybe get a professor involved to help you reach the class. After that it is just a matter of consistency and good scheduling to find dates and time to meet.

From my own experience as a CapU student I can say that study groups helped me a lot with connecting to people and building friendships with my fellow students.

I am not saying finding friends here is the easiest thing to do but I am saying that trying is not hard. There are many many opportunities and once you overcome your initial fear of rejection, the doors to a community of friends are wide open for you here at CapU. No one needs to spend their breaks or semester alone.

Resources to connect: @capilanoucie (for international students)

@capstudentunion

@capustudentlife

There are Facebook Groups for the individual degrees as well, just look for CapI and your degree in the Facebook search bar.

The human cost of the digital revolution

BROKE BUT BOUJEE

In a New York minute

Jayde Atchison - Columnist

In April 2022, my sister got to her final September of her undergrad and we knew we wanted to get out of town and go somewhere that sparked immense joy. After discovering there were no dates at Disneyland for the foreseeable six months, we decided we were going to live out our Gossip Girl (the original series) fantasy in New York. However, we were not about to spend the kind of money that Blair or Serena did while in the city – we had a strictly Jenny Humphrey budget for this vacation.

When you travel with someone, it doesn’t matter if you’re related, friends, acquaintances, there is always going to be a mix of interests or must-sees when travelling. Luckily, for this trip my sister and I had 23 years to figure each other out. We knew our quirks, our interests and we had a good relationship established where we had no qualms being brutally honest with each other. Before we took our trip to the other side of the continent, I suggested we each make a list of our must-sees in the city that never sleeps. We compared notes, and were able to plan out our days so they included something for each of us.

We landed in the big apple, and driving into Times Square sent shivers down my spine. It was like every movie, television show, and music video I had ever seen. It was night and the scenery made me want to sing all the songs dedicated to New York. We put our stuff in our room at the Hotel Edison, an art deco hotel from 1931, and decided we needed to stuff our faces with a real slice of NY pizza. By some divine planning (because I am certainly not this organized), the night we landed was also the night of the MET Gala.

My sister and I have an equal obsession with Blake Lively, so we made the 40 minute walk to take a chance on sighting one of the outrageous outfits walking the red carpet. If you ever find yourself around the infamous gala in May, apparently you need to set up camp within the museums surrounding blocks first thing in the morning because we couldn’t get within two blocks of the action. I got a few shots of the entrance way, and heard clapping from afar but we didn’t spot any A, B or even Z list celebrities on our journey.

What’s a trip to New York without going to a drag show? We were going to look online for a show near us, but in another twist of fate we were walking along 8th Ave and strutting down the street behind us was a gorgeous drag

queen in a satin pink dress and hair bigger than Dolly Parton’s. I said hello, said she looked incredible and asked where we might find some good shows during our stay. It turns out that two blocks to the right, and an hour later there was a free show happening. The unplanned evening had us laughing and happier than ever for my ability to speak to strangers on the street.

Going with the flow and trusting that your days will turn out wonderfully usually brings the most exciting experiences. However, that being said when we did plan our events they ended up being equally as memorable. The MET was an incredible museum and I could have spent days exploring all the rooms and exhibits more thoroughly. While the museums, tourist attractions and dining prices started to add up, we still found free and affordable things to do while in the city. When you are in a city that looks like a movie set, every stroll down a beautiful neighbourhood can turn into a photo opportunity, great people watching and endless entertainment. The Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 memorial and Central Park are free to visit and were significant parts of our trip.

When you go to New York, you can accrue a lot of expenses but if you think on a budget, you can stretch out your dollars and invest in experiences that spark more joy. Don’t be fooled by the pressure to buy everything in advance for New York – especially Broadway shows. Right in the middle of Times Square there is a ticket centre that allows for discounted Broadway ticket prices for same day shows. We had a wide selection of shows happening each night, chose a day to line up first thing in the morning and got affordable tickets to Beetlejuice.

This left a bit more in the budget for the highlight of our vacation: The Museum of Sex. A friend of mine had recommended it without letting me know what to expect. I asked my sister if she was in, and we had the most expected hilarious time. After three floors of exhibits and educational sections, you enter a dark room and discover Superfunland. My sister and I are friends as well as siblings, so the themed arcade games were not awkward – we just gave a wide berth to the couple-oriented games and laughed at how ridiculous and funny the place was. While the tickets were on the pricier side, the prizes were high quality and it was an unforgettable evening.

New York truly is the city of dreams – if you walk into it with an open mind, a willingness to adapt and a sense of curiosity. Taylor Swift, Frank Sinatra, Alicia Keys and countless others wrote about this city for a reason, but it’s up to you to discover it yourself.

READ, REVIEW, REPEAT

Tess Of The Road, by Rachel Hartman

Matt Shipley - Culture & Communities Editor

In the medieval kingdom of Goredd, women are expected to be ladies, men are their protectors, and dragons get to be whomever they want. Tess, stubbornly, is a troublemaker. You can’t make a scene at your sister’s wedding and break a relative’s nose with one punch (no matter how pompous he is) and not suffer the consequences. As her family plans to send her to a nunnery, Tess yanks on her boots and sets out on a journey across the Southlands, alone and pretending to be a boy.

After a week of reading (I was busy, okay?) I finished what may be my favourite book I’ve ever read. To anyone who enjoys high fantasy, but isn’t a die-hard Tolkien purist, Tess Of The Road presents a powerful and wholly unique adventure that breaks a plethora of the age-old fantasy tropes we’ve all read a thousand times. While it may not take everyone a week to read, it’s a long book (over five hundred pages!) so I would approach it when you have a whole day to kill.

I started this book with only an assumed inkling of how it would play out, and it blew away all my expectations. Delicate and respectful, missing the worldly stakes of conventional fantasy and yet still wholly enrapturing, it was refreshingly unique beyond anything I had anticipated. The characters were strong and coherent, the various interactions were exquisitely written — I, as a nearnon-dreamer, found myself exploring the world and its vivid townships in my sleep.

The Good:

With a gorgeous map, extensive background lore and a massive cast of both characters and faceless saints, Tess Of The Road starts out as one of the more fleshed-out fantasies I’ve read. Tess (our main character) is believable and utterly relatable, and the thorough changes she experiences throughout the pages only serves to deepen the mutual understanding between her and the reader.

What might be my favourite part of this book would also be a detractor in many readers’ eyes: the book does not lean on a romantic subplot. Tess’s own war of attrition with herself is more than enough to drive the plot forward, and romance only worms its way in when Tess is ready for it. This story could so easily have been a

“good man saves traumatized girl from herself through the power of love,” and I am so, so glad that it wasn’t. It was utterly respectful to Tess’s experience, and that does not happen nearly enough in fantasy.

The Bad:

Everything in here is massively subjective — I loved this book, so I’ll reach pretty far here. Number one is imagery: I knew where Tess was, what the world around her entailed and who the characters were, but I found myself losing the micro element of the world immediately surrounding her - what did it feel like? Look like? Smell like? The lack of raw imagery fit better in this book more than most, in no small part because of Tess’s unique point of view, but I found my imagination stretching in all sorts of ways to build an image of the immediate surroundings. Number two is the length: while I love long books, and every page felt necessary, it was a Very Long Book. The longest manuscript I’ve ever written reached 118,000 words, and this felt every bit as long, if not even longer.

All in all, you’ll definitely see me recommending this book to anyone willing to ask. It’s unique, respectful, refreshing and gorgeously written. The vocabulary is dense and complex, but it feels necessary. The world is vast and believable, and the characters — I truly have no words. If you’re just reading this column to search for your next favourite book, read no further. I doubt I’ll top this by April.

7 OF PENTACLES

The 7 of pentacles is not often a card many like to see. Not because it is a card that signifies misfortune, but because it is often a card that comes up when one requires patience. In a world where most things are instantaneous, patience and nurturing is a skill and a practice. This month you are being urged to be aware of where you are being impatient with yourself and others. Rushing things may feel comfortable at first, but in the longterm you may find you overlooked many key details, and missed important steps that are necessary for stability, steady growth, and long-term success. Happiness and accomplishment are not always synonymous in the way we have been taught to understand it to be. At the same time, be aware of where you are holding yourself back from growth, or with who you may be self-sabotaging with. Do you truly want things to progress? Or are you feeling called to take another direction? Growth can and does mean many things, but it’s not always so clear cut, nor does it necessarily require surrendering your current world entirely. Sacrifice for a new beginning and or for your goals often is required but is not the rule.

Right now it may be a time for some to reassess where you are focusing too much time and energy to the point where it has become overwhelming and draining for all those involved. If something or someone is not reciprocating, ask yourself if you are there for the right reasons and vice versa. People can often tell a lot more about your intentions than you may think.

Practice the art and skill of patience with yourself through reconnecting with an old hobby, learning a new skill, or simply observing nature and the world around you. You will often find the answers, wisdom, and beauty in these moments, seemingly mundane. Perhaps even read the poetry on the bus! Who knows when and where solutions and lessons will come, but be open to new horizons and possibilities that may differ from what you thought you wanted. You are re-inventing the meaning of connection and investment for greater sustainability.

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

3. Our new culture editor

5. The guitarist in Felisha and the Jazz Rejects

6. How many Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Championship gold medals did the Blues win under Doug Abercrombie?

7. The Scarborough Charter’s fourth pillar

10. The University blames this for its lack of representation

11. Founder of The Drugs Store

12. CapU’s coordinator of counselling services

Across Down

1. Jayde’s least favourite dating app

2. The Scarborough Charter is being adopted, but it still lacks our _________

4. A 1931 art-deco hotel in New York City

6. October’s finest spooky date

8. Jayde’s favourite dating app

9. Tess Of The Road, by Rachel _______

12. How many counsellors does CapU have?

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.

Maple Building 122

NO.6