Dec. 2015 Issue #3
STRENGTHIN
DIVERSITY
IN WAKE OF
PARIS CLASSROOM IMPLICATIONS AND THE CHALLENGES THAT FOLLOW.
NATIONALSTUDENT
NETWORK
CONNECTING HIGH SCHOOLERS
TO UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCES.
FRESH OFF
THE BOAT FROM FOREIGNER TO FIRST LADY
(3) THE TRAGIC THING ABOUT MINORITIES (5) TEACHERS COLLEGE DILEMMA (8) UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY
FRESH OFF THE BOAT
(9) (11) GIVING BACK: MT GIFT GUIDE (13) AN ODE TO YORK (15) IN WAKE OF PARIS (17) EDIBLE GETS ARTSY (18) THOSE KIDS (19) BECOMING A NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER (20) FESTIVE FESA (21) DIFFERENCES AND DIVERSITY Staff Writers
Ana-Maria Jerca Randy Ochoa Nadine Wyczolkowski Mizgin Yumusak
Nick Catania Publisher
Contributors
Alyssa Strassler Molly McFarlane Bianca Singh Brittany Mendelson
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EDITORIAL
“THE TRAGIC THING ABOUT
MINORITIES”
During this time, Canadians were writing to the Prime Minister complaining not only about the scarcity of work, but wanting to rid the country of those immigrants claiming relief and obtaining work they felt was rightfully theirs. Not only was this a sign of the desperate times, nativist sentiments were wildly spreading from coast to coast across North America.
Nick Catania Publisher
In her autobiography, La détresse et L'enchantement, Gabrielle Roy writes of her identity as a FrancoManitoban. Existing between the two separate worlds of French and English, she ultimately comes to embrace her bilingual and bicultural identities. When meeting with the director of her teaching institution, he briskly informs her:
“The tragic thing about minorities is that they have to be better, or disappear.” While this may have been the case at the turn of the twentieth century in Canada, things have ultimately changed. Our country has made great strides in the areas of racial relations, gender equality and cultural acceptance, but Canada was never the proud and pure - in fact, far from it. If colonial times fail to bring about an understanding of prejudice in British North America, widespread deportations and immigration cut-offs from both World Wars and the Great Depression might spark insight.
new Canadians seek home in one of the priciest cities around the world. Toronto offers acceptance with the ability to succeed and provide for families in a safe place called home. With this comes a diverse range of students who bring great attributes and lived experiences to our classrooms. These learning opportunities provide great insight into the world unexplored and unmediated by With both wars over, Canada online pressures and common once again opened their misunderstandings. borders during the Fourth Wave of immigration occurring after While many people often WWII. Different populations from associate the term diversity with other European nations were culture and religion, we also making their way to Canada, have diversity in opinion. but prejudice still remained Whereas people around the based on the point system. The globe are fighting for their right to f e d e r a l go v e rnm e nt s et be heard, we often take for r e g u l a t i o n s t o p r o v i d e granted that of which we live and admission for those deemed breathe every single day. ‘desired.’ We are now in the Freedom is not a given Fifth Wave, starting in the 1970s with a continued policy of right, but rather our strictness and favourability. Our responsibility to uphold. social policy, on the other hand, is positively different. With this responsibility comes the Regardless of the acceptance power of education fostered by that our country has come to the strength of discussion. To embrace, Roy’s quote still rings displace an incorrect perception is to destroy the capacity and loudly in my mind. willingness of understanding; a People across the country crime we cannot commit.
are still being pushed down for their differences.
These oppressive situations take many forms from bullying in our schools to setting mosques on fire throughout the narrow-minded cities of our nation. Groups need to c ont inua lly ris e aga inst , celebrate and honour their differences no matter what they may be. Being a metropolitan city, we see things quite differently. It is for no doubt that
Coming from a Mediterranean background, our family fought to uphold cultural values and tradition through the institutional forces of community. In doing so, w e built a c ultura l association. However, as the generations advance, interest has been lost to the point that our strength in numbers has been diminished. Is there still hope for our heritage, or is it just easier for us to disappear?
elliscatania www.ncatania.com
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Join our discussion with LGBTQ teachers and administrators as they talk about the challenges and pleasures of being queer at work.
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THE TEACHERS COLEGE DILEMMA THE EDUCATION PROGRAM: THIRTY CREDITS OF TRAUMA Ana-Maria Jerca Staff Writer
Everybody who has been accepted to the Bachelor of Educat ion program has undergone the same scrutiny: "Why do you want to be a teacher?" We all know what not to answer and many of us frown upon the myth that teachers only work 6 hours a day for 10 months of the year. We know teachers don't have it as easy as others may think. From experience, we know that teachers are among the professionals who constantly take their work home with them; who mark and plan until the wee hours of the morning; who call and meet with parents out of genuine concern; who get an hour for lunch but five minutes to eat because there are not enough hours in the day to do everything associated with their job.
Our work is not just a profession; it is a vocation.
It is a dedication to expanding of favouritism and must be young minds and creating not avoided. only better students, but better We aren't trying to favour human beings as a whole. That is what teachers subscribe to. But anyone; we only ask to what do teacher candidates incorporate their interests really subscribe to? Unfortunately, we sign up for thirty credits that break down our ingenuity and optimism. We go in hopeful and eager to change lives, yet over the course of the program, we become jaded, hateful, and resentful of the profession we once adored. This is because we are disproportionately discouraged.
into our lessons and make their learning fun.
We are advised about what to do when a student comes crying to us about the death of a parent: we do not hug them. We do not bend the rules against physical contact. We do not show them the universal sign of human sympathy. We do not do what Rarely are we given anecdotes our favourite, most influential about how teachers have teacher would have done for us inspired students and changed in our time of need. lives for the better. Hardly do we It all comes down to this: if thirty speak about the profound effect credits doesn’t break you down, we will have on our students both be a teacher candidate. If you while they are in our class and for can still go to your placement years after they leave. with a smile on your face, Instead, in class, we are devoted as always to changing constantly being reminded of the young lives, then be a teacher fact that there aren't going to be candidate. Just know that you any jobs for us. We have are a superhero because you speakers come talk about being survived: part-time servers to supplement All because you were born their supply teacher income. We to be a teacher. But we’re are told by union representatives that asking our students about not all born to be teacher their hobbies spawns the basis
candidates.
This article came to me like a breathe of fresh air. Ana-Maria is quite right: Teachers College is not for everyone. If this article seems discouraging, just know that it was published for a reason. When it comes to education, anyone can be an educator so long as they have the right drive and motivation for undertaking the program in the first place. If not, survival of the fittest truly fits the motto for anyone wishing to get involved in the education of young people. It should come as no shock that there are plenty of teachers currently in the field who are occupied for the wrong reasons entirely. I leave my practicum everyday with not only a smile on my face, but the fact that I am respected for the acknowledgment of my genuine goal; as should you.
If you could spend 15 minutes with any person, who would it be and why? If I could spend 15 minutes with any person, it would be my dad who passed away a few of years ago.
How many rings before you answer the phone? I don’t really answer my phone; that’s not what I use it for! I really live by the, “before you call, think about if this is textable,” motto.
Biggest Pet Peeve? People clipping their nails. I hate the sound. OR not using their signal when changing lanes.
Coffee or Tea? Tea, I’ve never tried coffee—except iced caps and I don’t even know if there’s much coffee in those!
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UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY FROM OTTOMANS TO KENSIGNTON MARKET Randy Ochoa Staff Writer
There is strength in diversity. There is no denying that a diverse population can be an enriching one. People have the opportunity to learn about other people’s cultures, languages, cuisine, and upbringing. What a wonderful opportunity. There are many examples of communities that have thrived under multicultural populations. When the Ottoman Empire took Salonica from the Byzantine Empire, they eventually grouped followers of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism together. The coexistence of these varying faiths saw great cultural transformation and fluidity in the 18th and early 19th century. They conducted business with each other and held festivals where people of all three religions celeb rated together. This community was diverse and lived in harmony with one another. It
was not until the late 19th century that Greek nationalism began to destroy that cohesion by putting up b o rders a nd vo ic ing nationalistic rhetoric.
abhor from it. Despite common perception, Canada is not a fully multicultural country. One example of this is Kensington Market. Originally boasted by a Jewish community, Kensington Market attracted people of all cultures and religions. Now it is a market mainly operated by small businesses motivated to make a profit. Kensington Market only advertis es that they a re multicultural, but the reality is there is nothing that makes them diverse to say the least.
Nationalism rallies people together for a greater cause. The many cultures and religions of India united together to form a sovereign nation to gain colonial independence. Many new countries began forming during this time because of nationalistic opposition to colonialism; a domino effect of sorts. However, putting up borders and declaring independence does not inspire Like Kensington Market, different diversity. cultures are being segregated throughout the rest of Toronto. This is the difference People of the same culture tend between diversity and unity. to live and congregate around each other. As a nation, Throughout history, the unity of Canadians want to be called people for a common objective cultured because they want to has facilitated for mutually show that they are accepting. beneficial change. A culturally Ho w ever, t he effect s o f diverse community may not be socioeconomic differences and able to do that based on all of cultural segregation within cities the varying beliefs and opinions. have thwarted any efforts to For example, some people are spawn a truly diverse community. part of religions that allow them to closely follow politics, while others are part of religions that encourage their followers to
FRESH OFF
THE BOAT FROM FOREIGNER TO FIRST LADY OF THE MALTESE CANADIAN’S. Nick Catania Publisher
Sitting in her sun room, feet up and drinking an orange pekoe tea. Ellen DeGeneres is heard in the background while she awaits the arrival of her husband, Anthony and two grandsons coming home from catholic school. She’s been cooking all day, something she’s quite proud of. The Monte Carlo pulls into the driveway as two bristling young boys jump out of the car to run and greet her.
This is Vincensa Vella, and this is how I will always remember the woman I love as my Nanna. Call her Vinny for short, or simply, Censa - she’s always hated her full name. She was born in the harbour town of Msida on the small island of Malta during the Second World War. Censa's mother ran a restaurant where she spent most of her childhood along with three older siblings. In 1967 she immigrated to Canada. Malta is part of the Commonwealth and Britain was sponsoring people to go and live in Canada. When I pick on her for coming off the boat, she is always quick to fight back:
"No! Your Nannu is the one who came on the boat. I came on the plane."
There was a small community of Maltese people when she arrived, most of them immigrating for trades work and what was known to be “a better life” in Canada. Her brother already immigrated and began working as an auto body mechanic. It wasn’t until later that he decided to return to Malta, leaving his wife, Margaret behind with three kids. Of the few immigrants who stayed, some left Canada to return back to Malta. Censa moved into the family house on Lorne Avenue, immediately taking residency in the upper level of her relative’s home. At age 21, she had her first son, James. She then decided to briefly visit Malta where she gave birth to my father, Jesmond in 1966. “I missed home a lot while living in Canada,” she tells me. “I had friends over here but most of my family and the people I have always known growing up were over there. It was hard, but I stuck it out. I’m tough.”
In 1977, Anthony and Vincensa tied the knot at the London courthouse. An ice cream honeymoon was to follow and they moved on with their lives, bringing Joseph into the picture in 1968. If there was one thing Censa knew well, it was keeping everything spotless. Her sister in-law had been working at the London District Catholic School Board as a custodian, so this seemed like quite the natural fit. Censa was interviewed for the positon and remained a custodian well into and through the 1980s. If it wasn’t enough for the interviewer to walk into her house and notice the cleanliness in a house surrounded by males, “[she] would have ate her hat.” Cleaning was in her blood and her outstanding reputation is what kept our family gainfully employed by the school board for years to come, leading into the present day with my father and uncle. In 1973, they proudly purchased their first and
only house in a sprawling South London suburb - the home I grew up in. The majority of Maltese peoples remained in East London but they a lways remained connected to their friends and ethnic identity. Whether t hrough Ma lt ese members or their Italian, Portuguese and Hindi counterparts establishing in the area, they found solace in their community.
With a team of founding members, they built a banquet hall in 1988, ran weddings and hosted local events throughout the years as a means of celebration and communal awareness. From Christmas parties to St. Patrick's Day dinner and dances, the club became a hubbub of activity and enjoyment. Anthony, the founding President, and Vincensa, the founding First Lady. Their position was established and although years of office came and went, they still hold the same position to this day. One of the customs that they were keen on keeping was the t ra d it i o n a l M a lt es e dancing. Everyone from the community would be involved and they even entered into competitions where they won numerous times for reproducing our
heritage overseas. Both of my uncles and father were actively involved throughout the years and it was only a matter of time before I would be involved in the daily operations of helping to run the institution. However, they weren't always happy years. When being at the top you can certainly expect opposition from those who envy the status and power that follow. Our family would receive threats from anonymous senders in the mail throughout their leading years at the cultural association. The messages would be composed of cut-out letters from magazine and newspaper clippings as a means of austerity and invisibility. This worked well because the opposition always remained unknown. My grandfather would condemn t hes e c o w a r d ly a c t s o f aggression, assuring his family of the meaninglessness that carried this hate. To have fought back only meant lowering ourselves to their audacity. This is but one of the reasons I have come to hate anonymity. The best revenge for Censa has always been laughter. When she originally applied for her Canadian
Citizenship with my father, she was asked who passes the bills in government. Her response: “Well, my Tony. He pays the bills.” She was then asked about our famous potato crop province (P.E.I.): “Oh, I buy mine from the A&P.” She was told to go back and study. The best one by far is when girls starting coming around the house. She bought S.O.S. Scrubbing Pads for my mother and Zia, “because, you know, you’re growing women’s.”
"Living well is our best revenge." Whether it’s lasagna for dinner or chicken cacciatore, she makes sure no one leaves hungry or unfed. She also makes sure no one leaves without a laugh. “Life’s too short too be miserable, mela,” always finding the opportunity to throw in some Maltese quip for exaggeration. “You never know what’s going to happen, he.” You’re right, Nanna. We never have and we truly never will. But if there is one thing I know for sure, it is that my love for you will always continue as one of the women who not only raised me, but cultured me and gave me a heritage I will always be proud of.
GREAT GIFTS FOR
MENTORS
YOUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE FOR THE TEACHER YOU LIKE
No one will say no to a nice, cheap bottle of red or white. If you are the TC who cares, then splurge on an extra special bottle for your mentor teacher. If they aren’t wine people, stray away from getting a mickey of hard liquor because that just won’t settle in a school environment. Wine is universal, the ancients have been drinking it since they discovered how to make it! Naked Grape is your best choice because it is not only delicious, but gets the job done. When choosing what blends to pick, go with a white Pinot Grigio or a red Malbec/ Merlot. If you’re still feeling iffy, just sass out and go for the LCBO gift card.
All teachers love adding to their educational resource library. If you want to be that boring TC who thinks about their practicum day-in and day-out (not a bad thing), then purchase a scholastic gift card for your mentor teacher. It either shows that you care about the students’ learning or that they need better materials to get with the times. It could go either way, but it is still a great idea to express your gratitude. If you are someone who thinks gift cards are quite gauche, pick up one of your favourite reads that you would love to share. Not only is this a personal gift-giving idea, it will give the two of you something to talk about in the new year when you just can’t take any more marking. Everyone enjoys a good read - give them theirs!
Nothing beats the stress of work than a bubble bath with candles (and a significant other)! Not only are they an often cheap alternative, the aromas produced will help the mentor teacher forget about the added stress you bring them (potentially). If you really feel like splurging, head to Bath and Bodyworks for a great selection of candles that not only last but also smell fantastic. While you’re there, be sure to throw in a selection of hand sanitizers and bath soaps to help aid your favouritism. Men love candles too! Don’t let the butch façade fool you, candles are as universal as the joy you’ll be spreading this season.
Who doesn’t love sugar? Throw in the ultimate effort and bake up a batch of your personal homemade holiday cookies, muffins or cakes! This could easily make you a favourite in the staff room and very memorable once they are brought home. Not only are you adding in your personal touch, you went the extra mile just beyond the LCBO to pickup the necessary ingredients for these delicious treats. The holidays are meant for eating, so they might as well start now!
This one is full of beans - coffee beans, that is. All teachers love that early morning cup of joe, and a fresh pack of coffee ought to seal the deal for a good two weeks depending on their addiction. Can you recall coming to class without some form of caffeine in your system? I didn’t think so - we’re in university, people! Ask your mentor teacher their favourite flavour, there’s no need to be discrete - coffee is a preference just like men. Head on over to Starbucks, or if they are selective, jog across the street to Tim Hortons. Be sure to add a little ribbon, bow or something bedazzling to give it that festive flare.
AN ODE TO YORK CANADA’S THIRD LARGEST UNIVERSITY WITH AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NONE OTHER.
my own hometown. I had essentially ventured from my petite ensemble to an even smaller escapade. I attended a smaller University for the sake of risking becoming
President
Although I remained there for the duration of my first year and had an awesome residence experience, I realized I wanted something bigger. I applied to the ‘big league schools’ in grade 12, but I didn’t see really myself attending any of them. It wasn’t until I began researching the university transfer process where
Molly McFarlane
I am from a small town, located north of the GTA. Not knowing much, I decided to move out east for my first year of University. Little did I know this small, albeit adorable town had a smaller shopping mall (if you can even call it that) than the one in
“just another number.”
I became something of a selftaught guidance counselor. At this point, I realized my options were endless, but I also knew t hre e t hings : en t ry in t o concurrent education, high school teachables, and one of them had to be social science. After a lot of research and pricey long-distance cell phone calls, I decided York University was where I wanted to be. Fast forward three years since coming to York, I am in my 5th year of University and couldn’t have been happier with my choice.
SIZE MATTERS Although York has over 50,000 students, you would never know it. Of course some areas are busier than others, but I can’t ever think of a time where I was frustrated enough and felt like I didn’t like sharing the campus, space, and services with the surplus of people. Because I don’t have to commute using the TTC, this becomes more of a Toronto issue than a York dilemma. Moreover, we are spoiled at York for the fact that you can basically walk from one end of campus to the other in less than 15 minutes. This is not the case for those significantly smaller than York.
It’s like we exist in our own little city. I also think that we get a lot of benefits associated with belonging to one of the largest institutions in the country. Of them, a huge library with good operating hours; shopping mall status; unlimited food and personal services, not to mention a huge array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Although programs and courses differ, my personal experience with class sizes have been amazing. I was afraid moving to a huge school would mean having to become a number in a sea of thousands, but that hasn’t been my experience and I am so thankful for that.
DIVERSITY COUNTS York is an epicenter of cultural diversity and may very well be the one of the most diverse campuses in terms of student population on the planet. I say this in contribution to the common global recognition that Toronto continuously warrants as being one of the most diverse cities in the world. For those who choose to embrace this broad spectrum of diversity that York offers (i.e. ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, sexuality, etc.) comes great opportunity. This exposure and engagement with so many diverse individuals gives us a whole new outlook on life and fosters a greater understanding and acceptance of practices that differ from our own. Learning alongside people from all walks of life enables us to become more global-minded; more patient and understanding; better team players; critical thinkers and learners; more open to a growth-mindset; and finally, just generally better people in the grand scheme of things.
These are just a couple of ideas that start to scratch the surface of York’s strength and diversity as an institution. Of course, York remains unique as well in the large number of students who commute to York throughout the given week, which, for many I have spoken to, works against building a sense of community. I think this is a totally valid point, and would challenge students at York to immerse themselves in the abundance of extra-curricular activities that York offers. This is another plus side of York being the size it is—there are clubs, intramurals, and events galore to get involved with. If this is not for you, try reaching out to some classmates you recognize from previous classes—if you share similar interests you can take more classes together. This is also a great way to get to know people and make lasting friendships and memories! The media and the public at large tend to pick on York and I wanted to challenge these notions a bit by offering some insights into why I think York has so much to offer us as students. Of course, it has its woes, but overall I personally feel very fortunate to have attended York and I know that the experiences and learning that I have done here extend well beyond the classroom.
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IN WAKE OF PARIS CLASSROOM IMPLICATIONS AND THE CHALLENGES THAT FOLLOW. Randy Ochoa Staff Writer
The tragic attacks that o c c urred in Pa ris o n November 13, 2015 will be talked about for a long time. People are comparing the incidents to those of 9/11. The lives of 130 innocent people were taken on that night and their families will n ever b e the sam e. Unfortunately, the families of those who were killed are not the only victims of this tragedy. The thousands of Syrian refugees have been overwhelmed with negative publicity in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Since people fear that terrorists may hide amongst the refugees, many countries are significantly increasing their border security, and as a result, limiting earlier plans of hospitality. Unfortunately, terrorists do not measure their success based on how many people they kill, but rather by how many people they scare. They want to change the behaviour of the people in a country, and invoke a negative reaction towards Muslim people. Since the Paris attacks, there have b e e n many
appalling incidents, such as a Muslim mosque being burned down, a Hindu temple getting vandalized, a Muslim woman getting robbed and beaten, and many cases of people receiving different forms of hate. Innocent Muslim people that had nothing to do with any terrorist activity are being socially ostracized by the ignorant people of the population. Some might argue that ISIS thrives under these hate crimes because it can help them to recruit displaced Muslims. The Syrian refugees could also be susceptible to this because many of them cannot support their families. This could lead them into temptation, if promised a large sum of money. We hope that this never happens to anybody, and we have to work together to change some of these scenarios. People must stop equating the Muslim population with terrorism.
Islam is a religion that speaks extensively about promoting peace and giving to those who less fortunate. ISIS is a small minority of extremists that resort to violence to achieve their agenda. The majority of Muslims in this world had nothing to do with the violent attacks in Paris and are just as terrified of ISIS as everyone else. We need to stand tall with our Muslim brothers and sisters. In extending support, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
has promised to take in 25,000 Syrian refugees and integrate them into Canadian life. Unfortunately, 60% of Canadians are against that promise because of fear and security. Many people do not see that these refugees have nothing but the clothes on their backs. They are trying to escape the terrifying machinations of ISIS. If those refugees happened to be loved ones of the 60% opposing Trudeau’s promise, their stance would be different.
We have to remember that these refugees are the loved ones of someone, somewhere, and we need to be compassionate. People are also wondering how Canada will support the refugees because of the lack of jobs and potential burden on the healthcare system. But, Canada cannot do this alone. Other developed countries need to follow our lead, and open their borders and hearts to these refugees. Developed nations pride themselves on being lands of opportunities. This is their chance to show hospitality when it matters the most. The only alternative is that many Syrian refugees needlessly lose their lives and ISIS will not be the only ones to have blood on their hands. Are we going to concede to baseless stereotypes? Or are we going to set the example and help those that need it? It is time we treat others with respect and kindness, and not fear what we do not understand.
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Earliest childhood memory? In JK, we were getting changed from gym. I grabbed a pair of black pants from a classmate and was totally convinced it was mine, making a big scene. The EA had to explain to me that these pants were too big to be mine.
If you were to be on a reality TV show? The Amazing Race! I love to travel and try exhausting challenges even if I would fail miserably.
If you could change one current event? The conflicts of Syria. Too many innocent lives lost and families broken.
Favorite Quote? "A person's a person, no matter how small." - Dr. Suess
Featuring workshops on living and working abroad, guest speakers, visiting recruitment agencies, lunch and a certificate!
EDIBLE GETS
ARTSY THE WINTER’S COMMUNITY ART CLUB.
Brittany Mendelson Special Contributor
O n D ec em b er 4t h, Yo rk University’s Winter’s Community Art Club (WCAC) hosted a gallery of their student’s work for members of the York community and parents. What makes this gallery so special is that the artwork on display was created by elementary school children within the York and Jane and Finch communities. With their affiliations with York University and Winter’s College, WCAC is able to provide students with 8 week art sessions and the necessary supplies to indulge in their creative side while also promoting healthy living in every sense of the word. WCAC is a collaboration of York University students working together to promote the Arts in children’s lives and therefore depends on volunteers from high schools and York University students. Each semester, this program changes their theme to keep children interested and excited about art. This semester’s theme
was Superheroes and each student painted a canvas of the one super power they wished they could have; the result was heart-warming and mesmerizing. The superpowers these students thought of was beyond just “invisibility” or “strength”. The superpowers these students imagined included ways in which they could help make the world a better place by providing care and shelter for everyone. As parents gathered in the gallery the glow of pride emanated from each parent’s face as they witnessed their children’s art for the first time and saw just how remarkable the next generation truly is. Next semester, WCAC is starting a new program, designed for students who identify as female entitled “Creativa”. WCAC will incorporate drama and film production to create a movie with these young girls in the
hopes that they can inspire and encourage more young girls to dream big and believe in themselves. WCAC is always looking for more student volunteers from the York Community. The program runs on Friday’s from 4:30pm-6:30pm and “Creativa” will run on every other Saturday. They encourage volunteers from every University program to participate and provide the necessary training. To get involved with the program, please visit: www.yorku.ca/WCAC to apply.
THOSE KIDS
Alyssa Strassler Alumni Contributor
Those kids are always misbehaving; running out the door I try to keep them all in line but I don't know what for Those kids are always shouting out; they never raise their hand They say that's wrong; I'm lost; I'll fail; and I don't understand. I said the answer 3 times through; explained the concepts too I used bright colours, pictures, words, hands-on scissors and glue I didn't do my homework with excuse after excuse I had a game; my grandpa came; just look at my wiggly tooth! Those kids are always fidgeting; they never quite sit still they rock, they tap, they move, and say they'll stop but never will They're kids I know I shouldn't be so harsh but after all I shouldn't let them say push around a teacher standing tall I never once complain all day that I can't get it right I get there bright and early and I stay there late at night I photocopy, cut and paste, I post, I blog, I read, I mark, I fix, I shop online for what the classroom needs Those kids are never ready, they need help with coats and shoes Those kids are not prepared, with books all scattered, papers lose Their desks are messy, and the colours spill out of the lines They ask me "Is it almost lunch?" when it's only half past nine. The whole day hearing "Miss, she said this", "he said that," "it's true" the no I didn’ts, yes she dids, and why'd your thumb turn blue?. You may be thinking this is why I'll never teach so young but think about your students… No, I'm not the only one who gets frustrated irritated at the end of day cuz all the children want to do is laugh, sing songs and play. Our job is a challenge, yes, it is - September right through June but nothing quite compares to when a child finds their tune the one she loves. the game he likes, the cards they made and sent the photo of the trip to show their mom just where they went. It's not about the hours or the many sunshine days it's not about the gifts we get or compliments or pay. It's just about the kids, those kids, the ones mentioned before; those ones that I make smile even when they've closed their door on almost everybody who has made them feel so small; the ones I see each morning, and those names I often call. Tears can wipe away, but use them well and use them wise. Embrace the good and praise the good, and try to recognize that the children that you teach will grow up to be ones so smart and just to think you taught them all right from the very start. The gifts we get at Christmas are not mugs or candles bright They're moments we remember when we think those kids were right. They teach us many things so let me say just to be fair, Our roles reverse, so please make sure, you let them know you care.
BECOMING A NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER GET INVOLVED WITH AN ONLINE PLATFORM THAT CONNECTS STUDENTS TO UNIVERSITY. Mizgin Yumusak Staff Writer
As teacher candidates, we strive to help our students become the best they can be. Why not share this vision with students across Canada? At National Student Network, upper-year university students can become mentors to empower these youth. Their mission statement is to promote personal growth by providing a database consisting of scholarships, volunteering and leadership
work, and opportunities in sciences, humanities, and business. Together, they build an interactive and supportive community to share thoughts, offer advice, and engage in discussions. In order to become a mentor, you will need to create a profile on your account which mentions what education you hold and the experiences you have taken part of. From this, mentees or youth have the chance to contact your portfolio with any enquiries about your degree or things that you have worked on. This gives you a chance to build strong relations with students across the nation, which is always rewarding for striving teachers. The NSN organization also brings out the writer in its mentors by asking that each mentor submit two articles on a topic of importance to them.
This can consist of topics such as dealing with stress or applying for jobs. Students love these types of articles because it gives them the chance to learn from the enriching experiences that you can share with them. Since all of this takes place online, you can connect with all of these students without ever leaving your home! If you’re not interested yet, consider this: Creating a public profile on NSN enables you to showcase your achievements to potential employers. The profile will appear on various search engines, such as Google and Yahoo. This is one more advantage for you in the tougher-than-ever job market, teacher candidate, so what are you waiting for?
www.nsncanada.org
FESTIVE FESA
COUNCIL SHARES FAMILY EXPERIENCES AND GATHERINGS.
BIANCA SINGH, KEELE I/S REP.
When I first found out my best friend and her family left directly after eating dessert at her aunt’s house on Christmas, I was confused and bored. “So you just went to your aunt’s house with your family, sat down, ate dinner, ate dessert, then left? Nothing else happened? No DJ? No mixed CD’s?” I was more perplexed when she answered, “Yes we left. Nothing else happened. No DJ and No mixed CD’s.” I was in high school and it was the first time I had a conversation with someone about what they did during the holidays. I knew people all over my community were celebrating holidays just like my family was and I figured they celebrated the same way I did. Trinidadian people love to dance, at least in my case. Every celebration I experienced in my childhood included dancing; after dinner, sometimes before dinner, and possibly while eating dinner. If my family had to choose between dancing and eating at a celebration, they would choose to dance. Our events never had “dinner” in their titles. Instead they were called “Christmas Parties,” “Thanksgiving Parties,” basically: “ANYTHING Party.” I felt sad for my friend. It didn’t seem right that someone would have the misfortune of attending such a terribly boring Christmas dinner. She then looked confused as I explained the music and dancing requirement of my family gatherings. I told her she was welcome to come to my family Christmas parties any time. If you feel like dancing but are not in the mood for a club, cover fees, lineups, $17 dollar mixed drinks, less than clean bathrooms… just ask me when my next family party is.
MOLLY MCFARLANE, PRESIDENT
I have to give a huge shout out to my parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and friends everywhere who are so vital during their holidays for their families. My parents host every single family holiday event at our home and have for as long as I can remember. They spend so much time cleaning and cooking and then they open their house to our extended family for days at a time during different holiday seasons. I have truly come to recognize and appreciate this generosity and how they have been incredible and loving role models for my brother and I. I hope that everyone who has people like this in their lives, whether it is their parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, or family friends, that you cherish them closely and know how much they love you! Have a safe and happy holiday season.
DIFFERENCES AND DIVERSITY ARE WE REALLY OPEN TO THE IDEA OF DIFFERENCE?
emphasize respect for specific communities on isolated days instead of continual acceptance and respect throughout the year. As people have diverse talents and are unique, they can Nadine Wyczolkowski collectively contribute to a strong Staff Writer and interesting outcome through holistic approach. Therefore, Diversity is often extolled as a a there is strength and splendour major strength in what makes in diversity. Canadian identity distinct. However, upon closer But through ample examination of what is offered as experiences, it is apparent multiculturalism, it is evident that c o n fo rm it y w it hin c ert a in that differences are often parameters is what is presented devalued, stereotyped and and enforced instead of a true stigmatized. mosaic of a variety of gifts. For example, food is a common point Differences are sometimes in which various cultures and perceived as factors that are ethnicities are celebrated. Yet divisive which lead to conflict diverse backgrounds cannot, w h e t h e r they are and should not, be merely microaggressions or more overt reduced to a pick-and-choose forms that can mount to approach to what people like devastating realities. As people about certain cultural identities. feel threatened, they sometimes D i v e r s i t y i n c l u d e s t h e find ways to further express their conspicuous factors but should identities by imposing their also examine the mundane, presence and exerting their which then illuminates the basic dominance over others. Instead commonalities that everyone of preventative measures being shares. effective, they are sometimes Specific days devoted to cultural resulting in more dangerous celebrations raise awareness possibilities. about certain cultures and In certain situations being
“politically correct” obscures what people think and believe, and lends it to people masking their thoughts. Respect is vital, but in order open dialogue in some situations, people must vent what they are thinking in order to make strides in reaching deeper understanding of both self and others.
Hate and ignorance do not disappear, but rather become more covert and brew if silenced. Sometimes the only common denominator among people is that they have differences and maintain an agree-to-disagree standpoint. Strength is measured by the weakest component. Thus, if feeble elements are entrenched throughout, the totality will be weak. All diversity factors should be viewed as equally strong as one cannot be valued more or less than others, as in a truly diverse situation all parts are equally appreciated. Before using typical phrases that promote diversity in superficial ways, try to reflect on what they mean, what purpose they are trying to serve, and for whom it benefits.
GEOMETRY WYCZOLKOWSKI FAMILY PREMIERES COLLABORATION IN NEW ART EXHIBIT.
geometry in a variety of contexts; Leszek, through geometric abstractions in the media of painting and intaglio printmaking; Lynn, through photographic documentation of what occurs in an artist’s studio in photographs and monitor-displayed images; Nadine Wyczolkowski and my works which explore Staff Writer geometric forms within macro My parents and I are exhibiting photographic works of shoes. our artwork at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, in the There is an educational gallery located on the second component with the show. We floor, in our group show entitled have a display case located in “geometry³.” The exhibition is the hall which explains the kindly sponsored by the v a r i o u s t e c h n i q u e s a n d Consulate General of the c o r r e s p o n d i n g m a t e r i a l s Republic of Poland in Toronto alongside to make it more and is co-curated by Megan tangible, from inception of the works to the final product. The Press and Joe Vinski. show will be up until January The show is comprised of three 17th, admission is free, and all Mississauga-based a rtists, are welcome. working in a variety of media, whose artistic practice is inspired The Living Arts Centre is by one another yet are distinct. conveniently located steps away The concept of the show is from Celebration Square (which based upon our interpretation of has an outdoor skating rink and
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Christmas decorations) and Square One Shopping Mall. The gallery will be closed between December 24th and January 4th. The hours are as follows:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10am4pm. Sunday: 1pm-4pm. Monday: Closed.
For further information please visit: www.livingartscentre.ca/ gallery/geometry. The Centre also conducts School Trips, so if anyone is interested in field trips and educational opportunities, please forward inquiries to: school.bookings@livingarts.on.ca.
Living Arts Centre 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga ON L5B 4B8
Edible News is the official student publication of the Faculty of Education Students’ Association at York University, Toronto, Canada. We are dedicated to providing the education students of York University with a premium news outlet that will help engage discussion and enhance educational approach. We aim to empower our members within both the learning environment, the York community, and the world as a whole.