December 2015

FOR AND BY BUSINESS STUDENTS

DECEMBER 2015

HOLIDAY FUN Planning the perfect party Creative DIY gifts

CONNECTIONS & INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING & NETWORKING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Your ugly sweater guide

ALSO: LOOKING BACK ON 2015

ILHAAM JIWAJI A career’s worth of experiences with one of the School of Business’ busiest students

Lazy Faire at BAA Dinner On November 5, 2015, Lazy Faire was honoured to join the Business Alumni Association (BAA) in an evening discussing the transformation of our province at the 27th Annual BAA Dinner.

Prior to dinner, the cocktail room was filled with a buzz as we mingled with hundreds of alumni who were excited to reconnect with their alma mater. Many unique stories were shared among friends: U of A’s Chancellor, Ralph Young, showed us photos from his recent trip to Asia; Dean Doucet laughed about jumping in a pool for ‘Chillin’ for Charity’; and DJ Harman B taught us a little bit about the DJ life.

As dinner began, BAA Vice President Jessa Aco led us into a night that stimulated both our palates and our inquisitive minds. Following dinner, the real meaty portion of the program started with Glenn Kubish, Director of Media and Story at ATB, who engaged in a candid discussion about Alberta’s changing economy, oil markets, royalty rates, and climate change with ATB President and CEO Dave Mowat. Through the rapid firing of questions and answers, we picked up a plethora of wisdom, that each one of us can learn from.

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written by CANDACE CHU designed by KEVIN ESPENIDO photographed by CASSIAN SOLTYKEVYCH

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The question is no longer ‘What will I be when I grow up?’ but rather, ‘How will the world be different because I’m in it?’

- Dave Mowat, Presdient & CEO, ATB Financial

Here are our top seven takeaways from our night with the transformational leader, Dave Mowat:

Alberta is in the process of transforming, and we are at the centre. Our preparedness to be transformational leaders and risk takers will affect the direction our province takes. ATB has just experienced its most successful year in 76 years despite Alberta’s turbulent economy – and with just cause.

Their passionate leader identified the necessary changes that needed to be made and successfully guided his team towards a triumphant end goal.

We hope that Dave’s words are able to inspire you to think about your role as a transformational leader of tomorrow.

1.

The magical mix for leadership = confidence + humility, in equal parts. In leadership, you need the confidence to lead and the belief that people are listening to you. You also need to be humble; leadership is not a matter of likeability or popularity. If you do too much of either, you’re a goof.

2.

Do what you love and what you have an aptitude for.

If those aspects are aligned, you’ll be rich.

3.

Be strategic, don’t panic! The future is bright for Alberta if we look at the big picture and think strategically about markets and their costs.

4.

Develop corporate self-esteem. Part of loving what you do is feeling good about what you do.

5.

Allow yourself to be inspired. When asked what he does to inspire his employees everyday, Dave turned it around by telling us he is, in fact, inspired by them.

6.

Create value, not products. People don’t need banks; they need banking. They don’t need cabs, they need to get from A to B. It’s always the businessperson that creates value; it’s never the bank.

7.

Be prepared for the speed of change. Transformation no longer happens in increments. Nowadays, leaders are making jump shifts. Because of how readily available information is and the incredible speeds that news travels, transformational shifts happen just as quickly.

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kevin Espenido

CREATIVE CONTENT EDITORS WRITERS

Bulcha Dolal Isabela Maciel Kara Hauca Lindsay Rainbow Marina Bryan Nicole Hammond Monika Sharma Rahique um Maktoom Handoo Tsega MacDonald

ART DIRECTOR

Anna Lee

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Mimi Ngo

DESIGNERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Deanna Bains Krismina La Maggie Lam Nichole Chen Patrick Li Sarah Vlieg Candace Chu Cassian Soltykevych Nicole Wee Samantha Semler

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR EVENTS COORDINATORS MARKETING COORDINATOR DIGITAL COORDINATOR

DECEMBER 2015

Kyra Cusveller Carey Poon

EXTERNAL DIRECTOR

Kelsea Zalaski

SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR

Matthew Ryan

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Christmas Bureau of Edmonton Sharing the joy of the holidays with those in need

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The Ugliest Time of the Year Ugly Christmas sweater pro-tips

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Interdisciplinary Action Flexing your networking muscles outside of Business

FASHION TRENDS

NETWORKING SMARTS

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Buying Yourself Christmas Gifts Is it really better to give than to receive?

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Ilhaam Jiwaji A little bit of everything

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Kieran Ryan Sitting down with an alum and Edmonton entrepreneur

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Alberta Not for Profit Association Focusing on CSR and providing student opportunities

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Ed Ilnicki Learning leadership in the classroom and on the field

THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Paulina Brittner Clarissa Samuel

Editor’s Note What’s Up

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Zhayate Meng Steven Co Kristi Wong

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CLUBS CORNER

LAZY CHAT

PRODUCTION SPONSORED BY SPECIAL THANKS TO

Xerox Canada Priority Printing

WEBSITE

Holiday Songs for Business Students Because who doesn’t want to sing about accounting?

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A Year of Difficult Conversations Feminism, refugee migration, & diplomacy in 2015

Diana Wyley Business Alumni Association

CONTACT US E-MAIL

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uofalazyfaire@gmail.com www.lazyfaire.com

cover designed by ANNA LEE cover photographed by NICOLE WEE

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Winter Break Reading Classic books to keep your mind sharp

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Creative DIY Gift Ideas For the ambitious and cashstrapped

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The Perfect Holiday Party “Adult-ing” into the New Year

EDITOR'S NOTE The content of this issue touches on a variety of topics, which, coincidentally, is reflective of this month’s Interdisciplinary theme. This December, we focus on everything from networking in non-business environments, to learning leadership skills outside of the classroom, to throwing the best possible soiree for the holidays.

Beyond this month’s theme, I also wanted to tie in a bit of retrospection on this past year.

Think back on the past 12 months. Of all the incredible moments you’ve experienced, how many of those moments were a result of you taking initiative and creating opportunities for yourself?

As business students, especially as leaders from the Alberta School of Business, we’re taught to innovate and think creatively. Our expertise and skills know no sector and we have the potential to add value to virtually every facet of an industry. However, we often end up boxing ourselves into the “business bubble” and lose sight of potential that isn’t as

FROM THE TEAM ANNA LEE, ART DIRECTOR Not everything in life goes as planned and that’s okay.

INSTAGRAM: @annna.lee

TSEGA MACDONALD, WRITER

I have learned that giving people the benefit of the doubt and investing in people are critical to our own growth. I’m a bold, direct, no-holdsbarred individual and that has allowed me to be successful in many avenues, however my relationships have suffered as a result. In order to grow, we need to have a strong and healthy community of friends and family. I only wish I learned this sooner!

INSTAGRAM: @tsegam LINKEDIN: Tsega MacDonald

Focusing on the Interdisciplinary theme of this month, I asked the team what has been the most important lesson they’ve learned outside of school and work.

CASSIAN SOLTYKEVYCH, PHOTOGRAPHER Smiles and laughter can overcome any barrier. Having travelled a great amount during my undergrad, I’ve had to communicate to a Japanese soldier about how to get to a ski hill, to a boat driver in Brunei to help me find monkeys, to booking a 5am bus through Albania. So many scenarios can help if you just laugh and smile when there is a difficulty in communication. Smiles and laughter are infectious - you start and the other party can’t help but smile back.

INSTAGRAM: @csoltykevych

easily visible.

So allow me to make this note a call to action to you. In addition to being leaders, taking advantage of the opportunities we’ve been presented, take it upon yourself to be innovative in the new year, and to create opportunities for yourself. You’ll be surprised at how receptive people are to the initiative and creativity we bring to the work that we do.

May your exams go smoothly, may your projects be stress-free, and enjoy your winter break.

KEVIN ESPENIDO Editor-in-Chief

PATRICK LI, DESIGNER Make your health a priority. I witnessed my father’s best friend get diagnosed with latestage lung cancer and pass away in a month.

He never showed off his success and treated everyone with generosity, except for himself.

He worked so hard, he’d forget to eat. He never paid attention to his health until he knew he only had a month to live. His death impacted my family so much, we’ve made sure to always prioritize health ever since.

CAREY POON, CONTENT EDITOR Life is all about knowing your limits: procrastination is a sustainable lifestyle until it precludes your sleep to an extent where no amount of caffeinated beverages can fix. After that, you’re just screwed.

INSTAGRAM: @careypoon 5

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s t n e v E y a d i l Ho ONTON T DM E N I S

WHAT’S UP

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written by NICOLE HAMMOND designed by ANNA LEE

‘Tis the season for sleigh rides, lights, evening strolls, and warming up your hands with a cup of free hot chocolate.

Edmonton has so many great holiday events, many of them free, and all of them worth your time. Here’s a brief list of ways to spend some quality time celebrating the holidays with friends and family in and around Edmonton.

Candy Cane Lane Explore this marvel of beautifully decorated holiday houses on the West End. You can walk or drive down Candy Cane lane, or take things up a notch by booking a sleigh ride and taking in this beacon of community spirit.

When: December 12 - January 4

Where: 148 St. between 100 Ave. & 92 Ave

Best tip: Enjoying Candy Cane Lane is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation for the Food Bank.

Luminaria Stroll around the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and take in the light of thousands of candles, lanterns, and illuminated snow sculptures. Warm up with some apple cider by the bonfires and take in the soft sound of a capella singers along the pathways.

When: December 5 - 6

Where: Devonian Botanic Garden

Best tip: Tickets to this event are only available in advance, by online purchase.

Light-up Ceremony at the Legislature Watch as the legislature lights light up the grounds for the season on December 3rd, and keep coming back for hot chocolate and incredible choir performances every evening at 6:30 inside the Legislature.

When: December 3- 23

Where: Alberta Legislature Grounds

Best tip: Bring your skates and enjoy the public rink from 10 am - 10 pm daily.

Oil Kings vs. Swift Current Broncos

Check out this Sing for Santa game in support of Santa’s Anonymous, and don’t forget to bring a teddy bear for the teddy bear toss.

When: December 5

Where: Rexall Place

Best tip: Tickets go for under $20 per seat, so treat yourself to an extra stadium beer while you’re there.

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COMMUNITY CENTRE

written by RAHIQUE UM MAKTOOM HANDOO designed by SARAH VLIEG

D

ecember is the month of decorative lights, a festive mood, and the warmth of family meals. But while most of us anxiously await the holiday season, capitalizing on pre Boxing Day sales and peppermint lattes to our heart’s content, it can be an unwelcome reminder for some families who cannot even afford to meet their basic needs. The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton works to change that. With the simple mission of “Promoting the spirit of Christmas caring and sharing in the City of Edmonton,” they spread Christmas cheer by providing a festive meal to Edmonton families in need.

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the hamper symbolizes not just a meal, but the idea of a community that supports them

A process that begins each fall, the Bureau takes in applications from 130+ social service organizations. Each Christmas, the Bureau works with two other organizations, Edmonton Sun Adopta-Teen and 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, to create a hamper of happiness for less fortunate Edmontonians. This hamper includes a festive meal from the Christmas Bureau, toys for children from newborn to 12 years old from CHED Santas Anonymous, and a gift card for teens aged 13-17 from the Edmonton Sun Adopt-a-Teen program. Culturally inclusive, the food hamper can also come with a food gift card instead of the traditional turkey.

For most families, the hamper symbolizes not just a meal, but the idea of a community that supports them. One of the main factors that make the Christmas Bureau special is the hundreds of volunteers that come together to make this event possible.

Volunteers come in to label and package the gift cards, as well as to pack the hampers for the delivery day; at 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, volunteers prepare the toy delivery packages.

However, perhaps the most rewarding part of the volunteers’ jobs are the actual delivery of the hampers to the joyful faces that can now join in the spirit of the holidays.

This year, the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton is celebrating 75 years of happiness, caring, and sharing. You can check them out on their website, https://www.christmasbureau.ca/, to learn more about their cause. If you’re in the city this holiday season, consider volunteering a little of your time at the Christmas Bureau, making “Tis the season to be jolly” a reality for everyone!

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FASHION TRENDS

What’s red, white, and green all over, and likely depicts snowmen, reindeer, Santa Claus, or all three at once?

THE UGLIEST TIME OF THE YEAR

If you guessed an ugly Christmas sweater, you’d be correct.

There’s something about the holidays that makes people want to dress up in the ugliest sweaters they own, gather with all of their friends, and partake in merriment. Love them or hate them, Ugly Sweater Parties are here to stay. If you find yourself with an invitation to one of these shindigs this season, here’s what you need to know.

1. The uglier, the better. It’s no fun when someone shows up to the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in a “cute” sweater. You probably know the ones, and you also know there is a difference between ugly, and “cute ugly.” If you’re going to get ugly, you need to commit to it.

2. There will probably be a prize for ugliest sweater. Depending on how badly you’d like to win, dress accordingly. See point #1.

Sweaters with puns and funny sayings are also a bonus and are a guaranteed hit (“Meowy Christmas,” anyone?).

3. Any sweater can be transformed into an Ugly Christmas Sweater, given the right amount of hot glue, glitter, and personal determination. A quick search on Pinterest will deliver numerous tutorials on how to create your own ugly masterpiece with items like tinsel, gift bows, Christmas lights, ornaments, and bells. This is a fun activity to get together and do with friends while singing along to your holiday playlist. Go nuts with your glue gun!

4. If you find yourself without an ugly sweater, and too busy (or lazy) to make one, don’t lose hope! Simply add it onto your Christmas shopping list. Ugly sweaters can usually be found at places like Urban Outfitters, or at thrift stores (Goodwill, Value Village) if you want something truly authentic. But if you really want to impress your friends, order your own custom-made ugly sweater from Etsy, where a shop owner can bring your ugly sweater dreams to life.

5. The styling of the ugly sweater is key. Because your top half is going to look ridiculous, it’s generally a good idea to keep your bottom half fairly tame. It is suggested you avoid pairing your new ugly Christmas sweater with the matching pants your grandma knit. Unless “escaped from the North Pole” is the look you’re going for, keep it neutral on the bottom and stick to darker coloured leggings, skirts, jeans, or trousers. Let your sweater do the talking! After all, it only sees the light of day once a year – this is its time to shine.

Ugly Christmas Sweater parties are always a fun tradition with friends and family, and great for a few laughs to relieve the stresses of the holiday season. Whatever you decide to wear, have fun with it, and don’t forget to take a bunch of pictures – you wouldn’t want to forget to document such an ugly moment.

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written by LINDSAY RAINBOW designed by MIMI NGO

Interdisciplinary

NETWORKING SMARTS

Action

written by KYRA CUSVELLER & CAREY POON designed by KRISMINA LA

Anyone who has ever gone through first year Business knows that the business world is all about networking, networking, networking. But outside of the faculty, this valued activity is not necessarily emphasized in the same way. That being said, it is actually crucial to connect with individuals outside of the Business faculty – not only does it allow you to expand yourself and appreciate other perspectives, but realistically speaking, the real world is an interdisciplinary society; it is very unlikely you are going to work in a ‘Business bubble’ forever, so it is high time you learn to get along with your non-Business counterparts.

1.

GO TO TO THEIR EVENTS - Every faculty has their equivalent of case competitions or speaker series, designed to show off students’ talents or educate and inform students on relevant topics in their field. In order to connect with someone, you first need to understand them – so go out to their events, learn what their faculty is about, and start introducing yourself!

Suggestions: the Law Show, Fine Arts performances (i.e., music recitals, theatre productions), the Engineering expo, Science speaker series, etc. Check out department websites for more information.

2.

JOIN INTERDISCIPLINARY CLUBS - Not all clubs are faculty-exclusive, and since one of the most effective ways to meet people on campus is to join clubs, try going for ones that are open to students from any discipline. Who knows, you might realize you have far more in common than you think!

Suggestions: e-club, Interdisciplinary Consulting Club, most social activist clubs (ANPA, Circle K, Rotaract) information.

3.

USE YOUR FREE ELECTIVES FREELY - Your free electives are a rare gift from the School of Business gods, so use them wisely. Instead of taking more easy-A business courses, try to expand your areas of knowledge and take some interesting courses from other faculties. After all, the whole point of going to University is to have a well-rounded education that teaches you to think critically about the world around you; use this opportunity to absorb as much information as you can from the excellent professors at your disposal.

Suggestions: Language classes. Being in business, you should already be well-versed in the group work department, so you can employ the skills here. Also, being multilingual is an undeniable plus on your resume.

INT D - Interdisciplinary classes. You can browse classes under this heading in the course catalogue; they cover a wide range of topics, and are an interesting way to meet a 400-level elective requirement. An additional benefit of INT D electives is the credentials that come with them. For instance, if you take INT D 404, and three other Business courses, you may qualify for a Certificate in Global Citizenship. These additional accreditations look great on your resume, and are worth stepping out of your comfort zone for!

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u o Y d l u o Sh r o f s t f i G Buy ? f l e s r You For

l Ah, the holiday season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At least, that’s what I’m led to believe by all of the commercials that appear the moment the clock strikes midnight on November 1st. And with the holiday season comes another season – the season of gift giving. Regardless of what you’re celebrating this time of year, you’re probably going to be giving at least a few gifts, and possibly receiving some as well. So this year, instead of waiting around for significant others, family members, or friends to get the hint, why not turn that possibility into a certainty and receive a gift from yourself?

Of course the holidays should be focused on spending time with loved ones and appreciating how fortunate we are. But as much as we all hate to admit it, we do care about the gifts, just a little bit. That’s why sometimes, we end up throwing in a few extras for ourselves while we wander up and down the aisles of endless holiday displays. And you know what? I’m here to tell you that there’s no shame in that.

I see no problem with buying yourself a few (or quite a few) new things this season. By doing so, you may be saving yourself from crushing disappointment. We’ve all been there. Picture this: you’re 8 years old, it’s Christmas morning, and you’re unwrapping your gifts. You were 10

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written by LINDSAY RAINBOW & MONIKA SHARMA designed by PATRICK LI & ANNA LEE

good all year long in hopes of getting that shiny purple Barbie convertible (the one with seatbelts and a working horn). But instead, you open your presents, and what do you see?

A book. Socks. A too-tight sweater knit by your Aunt Bernice, that you are then forced to wear for the remainder of the holiday festivities, including all of the pictures. This year, avoid that kind of traumatic holiday disappointment.

When you’re shopping and you find that perfect watch for your sibling that also happens to look great on you, grab yourself one too!

You might feel guilty about it, but you really shouldn’t. There is no difference between your typical shopping trip and getting a bit festive by buying yourself a little holiday treat. What’s even better is that you can usually snag great deals during the holidays! That pair of shoes you’ve been dreaming about? 50% off! That spa massage package your mom would totally love?

Buy one get one FREE! (Hint: that free one is for you.) And of course, there is the holy grail of all holiday deals. Two words, people: BLACK FRIDAY. Some deals are just too good to pass up, and the only thing worse than buyer’s remorse is that sad, empty feeling of regret when you’ve waited too long to use that holiday coupon code and it’s now expired.

If you’re still not convinced, there’s one more thing every student can relate to. Sometimes the lead-up to the holiday season and its festivities are missed, put on hold, or completely forgotten due to a different season – a season quite often filled with dread, tears, procrastination, and regret. It’s the worst time of year, more commonly know as “final exam season”. But students, there is still hope. Remember that new iPad that came out in September that you wanted and didn’t get because you “didn’t need it?” Put in a solid effort to make it through finals and then treat yourself; you’ve worked hard all semester and you deserve it! Plus, you can use it for Netflix AND school. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

Whether you’re preventing potential disappointment, scoring great deals, or just treating yourself after a difficult semester, you shouldn’t feel any shame when buying yourself something special this holiday season.

My colleague may try to convince you that giftbuying for yourself distracts from what’s really important, but what she doesn’t realize is that sometimes we get our warm holiday fuzzies by snuggling up with a brand new scarf we got for 30% off.

Lindsay Rainbow

AGAINST

THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT

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The holidays are notoriously a gift-giving season, and with the flurry of sales and our ever-growing Christmas wish lists, it has left many of us secretly wondering: is it acceptable to buy gifts for yourself? After all, if your loved ones still haven’t picked up on the hints you’ve been dropping all year about that new designer watch, maybe it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Please stop right there. Despite the “treat yo’ self,” impulse-buy mentality that has transformed our approach to shopping, allow me to justify why buying a present for yourself is not a good idea. Although this may not be a popular opinion, here are a couple factors you need to consider before making your decision.

Winter break is a well-deserved opportunity to unwind post-exams. Maybe splurging on your hard-working self after a semester’s worth of stress isn’t a terrible idea, but try to rise above the blatant materialism in today’s society and think. Is your happiness really contingent upon having material objects? Take the time off as a chance to recognize the other things that can bring you joy – whether it be re-watching your favorite movies, stuffing your face with Christmas cookies, or spending time with

friends and family! The free time may also be the perfect occasion to pick up a new hobby or revive a forgotten one. Rather than relying on the fleeting happiness that comes from purchasing a new watch or purse, find a hobby or interest that you enjoy and that can bring you continual satisfaction (with the added bonus of not breaking the bank)!

Another reason not to buy a gift for yourself is because this is the one time every year where you should think about someone else, for a change. Drawing upon the wisdom of Dr. Seuss, I think December is a great time to put your cold, Grinch heart to the side and be open to compassion – to realize just how good it feels to give. Understanding how fortunate you are for what you already have gives you the opportunity to foster your gratitude, and recognize the need for shelter, food, and love around you. Even if it is not through gifts, finding ways to show that you care can be incredibly rewarding. The time and money that is spent on yourself could be put to a better use by finding a way to contribute to your community and bring joy to those around you.

But really, enough with the fluff – when it comes down to it, the most logical and undeniable reason not to buy yourself a gift this holiday is to watch your bottom line. Canadian Living estimates that the average Canadian spends approximately $580 on Christmas gifts each year! After dropping ridiculous amounts of money on your friends and family, buying a gift for yourself in addition may just add to the horror that is your December credit card bill.

Holiday debt is an unpleasant burden that can damper your Christmas cheer, so save yourself the stress and pass on the treat for now. After all, there’s always the April post-exam season!

Hopefully, you’re no longer intent on treating this holiday season as a contest to see how fast you can max out all your credit cards, or at least, you’re a lot more hesitant to click that “Checkout” button on those virtual shopping carts. I know, self-control is tough, but while everyone is struggling through that post-holiday economic hangover, the happy, charitable, debt-free you is definitely going to be glad you read this article.

Monika Sharma

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“I always aim to challenge myself, and to learn something new from every activity.”

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written by BULCHA DOLAL & KYRA CUSVELLER designed by ANNA LEE photographed by NICOLE WEE

ILHAAM JIWAJI A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING It’s advisable to sit down and take a deep breath before trying to read Ilhaam Jiwaji’s resume. She’s the head marker for BUS 201; she’s on the marketing team for JDC West; she’s in the prestigious Leadership Certificate program; she teaches a BUS 201 Seminar; and she is the boss of the BSA’s Academic portfolio. She has also been a part of the JDC Debate team, the BSA’s Events portfolio, and the executive teams for RMBS 2015 and Five Days for the Homeless. On top of that, she is one of the most genuine, likeable, and gracious people you will ever meet. How does she do it? Yeah, we’re taking notes too.

You’ve been involved in a ridiculous number of extracurricular activities.

What’s your motivation?

I always aim to challenge myself, and to learn something new from every activity. Every time I do an activity, whether it’s PR for RMBS, a case for JDC, or fundraising for 5D4H, I try to gain a new skill. I hope that the more skills I have, the more value I can provide in whatever I decide to do next.

What do you think prevents people from getting involved?

I think people can get discouraged when they don’t succeed, especially when it happens a couple times in a row. You can start to think that you aren’t valuable; something I struggled with in my first year of Business, when I wasn’t selected for several positions I had applied for.

What did you do when you didn’t get the positions you had applied for?

A big thing was remembering to be gracious.

It’s easy to forget that, if you don’t get a position

you want, it means it went to someone who was more qualified. Also, talking to my friends about it helped a lot. I’m lucky to have people who support me and make sure I don’t get discouraged. And, honestly, I just kept trying and applying for everything – never think that you are too good to apply, because there is always something you can bring to a position, and there is always something you can learn.

A lot of your life has been about finding and creating valuable moments. What have been some of your most meaningful experiences?

First would be working as VP PR for RMBS. That was such a special experience, because I worked with a team that became my family. And I felt incredibly valued – most conferences have huge organizing teams, and we pulled it off with only seven people. It was so rewarding.

And JDC has taught me a lot, because I didn’t make an academic team in my first year. That was another time I had to be humble and not be discouraged. Later on, though, I was lucky enough to make the debate team, and that experience was perfect for me.

Third would be BSA. BSA became a big part of my life almost by fluke. I didn’t come into Business thinking I would ever be as involved with the BSA as I am, but it has ended up paying off tenfold.

And, of course, Five Days for the Homeless. I did the campaign a while ago now, but it’s still one of my best memories. I still go back and watch the video of the moment we found out how much we had raised. Whenever someone asks me about the proudest moment of my life, I always know that it was our team raising more money than any other school ever has. It’s a moment that will always be so important to me; that feeling of knowing how many people we had helped, how much of a difference we had made, and how much our community cared about us.

What has surprised you most about being part of the BSA? Like a lot of students, I had an image in my mind of the type of person who was involved with the BSA. But, once I started to personally get to know people who were on the BSA or went to BSA events, I realized that the BSA is for everybody. If you want to be involved, the BSA wants you to be involved, and they will support you.

What is the best quality a leader can have?

I love this question – I ask it all the time. I think that leaders need to be flexible, and appreciative. Looking back at all the diverse things I’ve done, each one required something different. I think a great leader appreciates the differences, and the positive qualities that come out of those differences.

I also think an important part of leadership is knowing your team well enough to fully utilize their skills. Other people are great at the things you are terrible at, and it is so much better to have those people around you than to try and do it alone.

What would you say to your first year self?

Don’t be discouraged. If you keep trekking on you will eventually find the places that are best for you, and the people you will meet along the way will become some of your best friends.

And remember to be thankful. Take time and appreciate all the little moments that are awesome about your life.

To read our full interview with Ilhaam, visit lazyfaire.com!

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written by RAHIQUE UM MAKTOOM HANDOO designed by ANNA LEE photo courtesy of POGO CARSHARE

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

KIERAN RYAN “

It’s not about having a brilliant idea, but having an idea at the right time and place, and working really hard for it.

”

This month, we wandered down to Startup Edmonton, a place buzzing with activity and creativity, to meet with Kieran Ryan – School of Business alum and co-founder of Pogo CarShare. Pogo is an innovative car sharing service that gives members access to a pool of vehicles in a defined Zone within Edmonton, which they can use to satisfy their vehicle needs – whether it be to commute, run errands, or even go out with friends.

Members pay only for the exact amount of time that they use the vehicles, and they can just drop off the car anywhere in the Zone when they are done.

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Starting a new club ran parallel to starting a new business and it provided me with the entrepreneurial experience. Something I learned at the School was how to go about creating and executing something if you have an opportunity to do so. BUS 201 was something that I enjoyed. It taught us that if you want to create something, there are many different aspects that need to be addressed, such as the business plan, the accounting, and the marketing.

Thank you for sitting down with us. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and your experiences in the School of Business?

I came into the School of Business in 2004 with a very academic-focused mind. It was all about the studies for me, and business was just supposed to be the degree I did before going into law school. In my second year at the business school, I was heading to class and I saw a flyer for an info session on an exchange to France. I went to the information session and decided to go to France. Once I got there, I was taken aback by the different style of education there and the amount of incoming exchange students at the university. Up until then, I had not met any exchange students, and over at France, it was a completely student run program that brought all the exchange students over. I was initially supposed to stay in France for four months, but I found a job there and extended my trip to a whole year. A year later, when I returned, I thought it would be great if we had something like the student run exchange program back home. So I started the Business Exchange Association (BEA) – which is still running today. I was also involved in JDC West.

What was it that inspired you to start Pogo Carshare?

In 2009 I was working in Calgary in the oil and gas sector. I saw the Car2Go company there and I was really impressed. I thought that eventually, the company would move to Edmonton, but they had no plans to do so.

So once I got back to Edmonton, I contacted a friend that owned a car garage, and with a group of friends, we figured out how much we already knew. Then we started making calls to find out more about the tech standpoint, insurance, and other questions we didn’t have answered. After going that far, we believed we could actually do it, so we bought a couple of cars, tested a group of customers, and then launched Pogo CarShare.

In starting a business, you must have had bumps along the road. How were you able to overcome those?

Nothing goes the way you think it’s going to go. The two important things are: to be constantly optimistic, having the attitude of, ‘This is fine. We can get over it,’ and to have a really good team.

fail. What sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the crowd?

I’m just a year in myself, but you should be willing to work very hard. It’s not about having a brilliant idea, but having an idea at the right time and place and working really hard for it. You should also be a little good at everything; you don’t need to be an expert in accounting, HR, or technology, but you should be able to dabble in everything.

What does the near future look like for you?

We’re going to continue to grow the business and expose it to more people.

Currently, over 2000 people have signed up, but there’s just about 50 cars on the road in Edmonton right now – whereas in a similar sized city like Calgary, there are over 500.

Finally, what advice do you have for current business students?

Take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. Go on exchange! As a student, it’s getting easier to live in another country and experience another culture earlier on in your life. It’s going to be awesome. Be part of a student group, or take part in case competitions – whatever you like. Work experience is also super valuable, as it gives you a much better sense of what you want to do; it’s really hard to know when you start out that this is what you want to be doing after your degree. And don’t worry too much about extending your degree – it’s worth it to take an extra year to be sure of what you want to be doing.

It’s a commonly stated fact that nine out of ten startups

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CLUBS CORNER

written by MARINA BRYAN designed by KEVIN ESPENIDO photo courtesy of ANPA

The Alberta Not for Profit Association (ANPA) aims to educate students about the opportunities available in nonprofit organizations, and provides a means for collaboration between students and local organizations. Not for profit organizations are an important part of the local and global business landscape; these organizations work towards contributing to their communities, applying the same entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that business students learn inside and outside of class. An increased focus on corporate social responsibility and the role the business world plays within its surrounding community and environment is increasingly important for business students to understand.

ANPA Co-Chairs Karley Frank and Divleen Kang

The way a nonprofit operates can often be different from the general for-profit organizations students study in class, and as a result, they may face a range of challenges specific to the nature of their organization.

ANPA has capitalized on this situation to create a learning opportunity for students through their annual case competition. The ANPA Case Competition partners with one of these local not for profits, allowing students the opportunity to apply their creativity and business acumen to a real life issue faced by this organization. The case competition shifts away from the typical finance-oriented cases to ones with more of a social focus. Prior to the competition, students are given a tour of the partner organization’s facilities to get a better sense of the organization’s background.

Not only do students gain the experience of tackling a live case, but they also have the opportunity of giving back to their community with the possibility of their solution being implemented by the organization.

For more information about ANPA and their events, as well as to sign up for their case competition, please visit their website at www.anpaualberta.ca, or the Alberta Not for Profit Association Facebook group.

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The internal round of the competition will take place from January 22nd to 23rd at the School of Business. The top finalists of the internal competition will advance to the external competition – a three day affair in March that includes a poverty simulation, speakers, and the opportunity to network with professionals within the not for profit industry, as well as other professionals, students, and professors.

While the case competition is without a doubt the most well-recognized event that ANPA holds, they also host a symposium that provides a medium for students to engage in meaningful conversations with not for profit organizations. Free from the stress of a case competition, students who have minimal knowledge of not for profits are welcome to learn from, and network with the 100+ representatives from various organizations who will be attending. This will be a perfect opportunity to explore a sector of the business scene that you may have no prior knowledge of, or even familiarize yourself with the many job opportunities the nonprofit sector has to offer.

How to Network like a Pick-Up Artist

guest article written by DEEPA MAISURIA, CA, CBV designed by KEVIN ESPENIDO

When I started networking, I realized something very quickly: networking is like dating both genders. But besides never dating women, I also basically only had one boyfriend who I eventually married, so needless to say, I had no Game. So rather than reading a book about networking, I picked up another book which seemed more interesting. It’s a book by Neil Strauss called The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pick-up Artists.

Yes, it’s a book about picking up women, but let me continue. I thought it might be a “how to” book with instructional steps, but it’s actually a true story about the life of a nerdy writer who eventually became one of the best pick-up artists in the world. Besides being an entertaining read, this book about picking up women had some great lessons that are totally applicable to networking.

Be Better Looking

It’s a sad truth that good looking people get treated better and are perceived to be friendlier and more approachable.

I’m not saying that you have to be a supermodel, but if you want to make connections, you need to be confident. And the easiest way to get some confidence is by looking good! So do your hair and dress to impress so you feel confident.

The Numbers Game

Half the battle with networking is literally just showing up! Even if you only meet one person at one event, but you go to 20 events in a year, that’s 20 people. You don’t actually need to go to that many each year to reap the rewards of networking. Develop friendships with whom you meet. They’ll connect you to people in their networks and soon your LinkedIn will be 500+ connections in no time.

Be Interested and interesting

People love to talk about themselves, so strike up conversation with people and learn about them before talking about how interesting you are. Don’t start by saying “So what do you do?” First off, asking that doesn’t set you apart from anyone, plus you’re making the person feel like they need to immediately prove their worthiness to you. Not cool. I ask questions to elicit conversation. The question doesn’t matter either as long as it’s engaging.

The exit

Leaving a conversation is just as important as entering one. Most of the time leaving a conversation isn’t an issue, but sometimes people linger. Luckily, there are a few tactics that you can use:

1. Excuse yourself by saying you’re going to grab a drink or food.

2. Pretend you’re getting a text and say you’re trying to find that person.

3. Introduce someone else into the conversation with a fun fact; allow them to get to know each other.

Follow-up and go on “dates”

The follow-up is key to developing a network of contacts. It’s your last chance to make an impression on people you want to connect with. Grabbing coffee or lunch after a networking event is kind of like going on a “date” because it’s your chance to get better acquainted. You’ll only do business with people you like, so if your business “date” feels awkward or forced, chances are you won’t do business with them.

keep the relationship alive

This is something that everyone struggles with. How often should you try to connect with someone to ensure your relationship is relevant? My rule of thumb is: what can I do to be valuable to my network? Then I do that. Being valuable to your network will frequently remind them of you, so if anything comes up that may help you, your network will connect with you.

To read the extended, full version of Deepa’s article, visit lazyfaire.com!

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HOLIDAY SONGS

For Business Students Who doesn’t love carols? Catchy tunes, nostalgic melodies, and lyrics no one can relate to. While Lazy Faire’s version of these popular holiday songs may never beat out Michael Bublé’s Christmas album, we’ll settle for a close second. written by KYRA CUSVELLER

Rockin’ Around the Accounting Tree

Final Exams are Comin’ to Town

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Rockin’ around the Accounting Tree, At the Christmas party shop.

Debits, credits, hung where you can see, Every GPA seems to drop.

You better watch out You better not cry You better not pout, I’m telling you why Final exams are comin’ to town.

I’ll be home for Christmas, You can count on me.

Please have snow, and mistletoe, And presents by the tree

Rockin’ around the Accounting Tree, Let the fear of NPV ring.

Later we’ll drink our sorrows goodbye, And we’ll do some ugly crying.

You will get a detrimental feeling, when you hear, TAs singing, “Your time is up; Stop writing, you’re out of luck.”

Rockin’ around the Accounting Tree, We’re a sad and sorry sight.

Next term will be a brand new start, But let’s forget about that tonight.

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designed by SARAH VLIEG

You’ve found your syllabus You’ve checked it twice; That 50% final doesn’t feel too nice.

Final exams are comin’ to town.

You know you shouldn’t be sleeping, Or binging Netflix the whole day This is the difference between a GPA that’s bad and good, So wake up for goodness’ sake!

You better watch out You better not cry You better not pout, I’m telling you why Final exams are comin’ to town.

Christmas eve will find me, Where the love light gleams.

I’ll be home for Christmas If only to do laundry.

Networking (to the tune of “Jingle Bells”) Dashing through the crowd, People in my way, O’er the steps I go, Sweating all the way.

Ignored greetings ring, Buffet table in sight, Oh, how I dislike networking, But I need a job tonight.

Oh, networking, networking.

Network all the way.

I’m on LinkedIn, please take my card, I don’t know what to say.

Networking, networking, Network all the way, Need a drink or twelve, I think, Just to survive today.

A YEAR OF DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: Feminism, Refugee Migration, & Diplomatic Relations The year of 2015 has brought important and difficult conversation to the forefront. Over the past 11 months we have seen the rise of pop culture icons taking on feminism, the movement to more gender equality in federal government, increasing challenges to institutional racism in the United States, and a rising ethical dilemma on the refugee crisis.

This year has been the year of Ronda Rousey. She has not only challenged the notions of a “woman fighter” but also challenged the narrative of what a feminist can look like. Her strong stance on domestic violence has been seen through her refusal to fight male MMA fighters, as well as her explicit calling out of Floyd Mayweather for his numerous domestic violence charges. Her strong beliefs and commitment to helping young women enter the MMA world has added a complex layer to the feminism movement and what it means to be a feminist in 2015.

Support for the Black Lives Matter movement has continued to rise in 2015. The movement has forced Americans, and the rest of the world, to take a closer look at the institutional racism that is present in so much of modern society. Black Lives Matter is centered around the numerous deaths of unarmed individuals in the United States, mostly young African American men, at the hands of the police. So far in 2015, U.S. police killed 776 people, 161 of whom were completely unarmed at the time of their death. Victims like Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, Paul Castaway, and countless others are remembered by the Black Lives Matter movement, and represent an ongoing challenge to the justice system.

Probably the most difficult conversation of 2015 has been about the migration of Syrian refugees. It is estimated that an additional 3 million refugees could arrive to the EU by the end of 2016, placing a nearly-unbearable strain upon nations’ physical capacities and human resources. It has become a global point of concern and moral obligation to ensure not only the safety of the refugees but also the safety of the countries accepting these individuals. With thousands dying just trying to escape their war-torn countries, 2016 will hopefully see nations from all parts of the world joining the conversation, and collaborating to ensure the safety of all.

written by TSEGA MACDONALD designed by ANNA LEE

Following the discussion of feminism in MMA, Canadians have also seen a noteworthy shift to equality in the Canadian Parliamentary Cabinet. Justin Trudeau was elected Prime Minister in October, and made headlines by promising to choose a cabinet composed of an equal number of men and women. Canada’s new cabinet represents a small but significant step toward gender equality in our nation, and follows Scotland, whose First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appointed a 5050 Cabinet in 2014, and Finland, whose federal government has 10 out 16 positions represented by women.

Looking outward at diplomatic relations, on July 20, Cuba and the United States officially re-established political and economic relations after 54 years. This has been seen as a major political expression of diplomacy in the face of negative history. The future of Cuba as well as NAFTA countries will be impacted. This also has shown us the power of diplomacy and accepting that countries and their leaders can change for the betterment of the future of their citizens.

To end on some positive news: on June 26 the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favour of same sex marriage, making it legal in all 50 states of the United States. The international community also saw Scotland become the first country to vote in favour of same sex marriage by popular vote.

Scotland and the United States join 21 other countries, the list of which includes Canada, Belgium, Sweden, and South Africa. These decisions have been meet with international fanfare, as the world celebrates a movement towards acceptance and tolerance.

In such short hindsight, it can be easy to label every year as complex and progressive. In the grand scheme, however, 2015 pales in comparison to the past 10 years for movement towards equality and the ability of individuals to openly have those difficult conversations. It will be interesting to see the results of 2016 with more female leaders on a federal level; potentially the first female President of the United States; the focus on institutional racism; and the moral quandary of the migrant crisis. The next twelve months have the potential to continue 2015’s conversations, and to comprise another year of breaking down barriers and questioning the institutional pillars of society.

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After finals, the winter break gives students the chance to relax, sit down by a fireplace, and open up a great book. While you could reread Harry Potter for the 394th time (and really, we’re not judging if you are), below are two recommendations of books you may not have read before.

Me d i ati ons

written by BULCHA DOLAL designed by DEANNA BAINS

BY: MARCUS AURELIUS This was the personal journal of Marcus Aurelius, an emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 AD. Although this was written almost 2000 years ago, it is just as relevant today as it was back then. In the journal, Marcus Aurelius, discusses the adversities he dealt with as an Emperor. Even though he was the most powerful man at the time, he had difficulty coping with some problems, and readers are able to see how a Roman emperor tackled problems that all humans encounter, from dealing with difficult people, to fighting off depression, to dealing the life’s uncertainty.

Best Quote: “Begin each day by telling yourself: Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness – all of them due to the offenders’ ignorance of what is good or evil. But for my part I have long perceived the nature of good and its nobility, the nature of evil and its meanness, and also the nature of the culprit himself, who is my brother (not in the physical sense, but as a fellow creature similarly endowed with reason and a share of the divine); therefore none of those things can injure me, for nobody can implicate me in what is degrading.

Neither can I be angry with my brother or fall foul of him; for he and I were born to work together, like a man’s two hands, feet or eyelids, or the upper and lower rows of his teeth. To obstruct each other is against Nature’s law – and what is irritation or aversion but a form of obstruction.”

T h e Al c h e m ist BY: PAULO COELHO The novel is about a Spanish shepherd named Santiago who is told by a fortune teller that he is to find treasure in Egypt. Although he didn’t believe the fortune teller, Santiago is continuously shown signs that he is to follow his destiny and find the treasure. As a result, he leaves everything behind and begins his journey to Egypt.

Even though this is a simple read, the messages behind this novel are powerful. One message from the book that has resonated with me is overcoming complacency. Santiago had a few opportunities to be complacent and abandon his goal of seeking treasure. One of these opportunities was when Santiago got a job with a crystal merchant in Tangiers. With this job, Santiago was able to make a fortune and helped make the crystal merchant a wealthy man. However, Santiago was in a dilemma. He knew that his goal was to never be in Tangiers, even though it was making himself rich. After some serious thinking, Santiago left his job to take a chance at the Egyptian treasure. Here Santiago could have been complacent and still kept his job with the Crystal merchant, yet he knew that his true goal was to go after the treasure in Egypt. Even though there was the risk of becoming poor, Santiago wouldn’t let his fears control his actions. We can all relate here when we are scared of taking a goal, yet we have to remember to not let our fears make the decisions in life and that we are capable of achieving things.

Best (and cheesiest) quote:

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

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Creative DIY Gift Ideas written by KARA HAUCA

designed by NICHOLE CHEN & ANNA LEE

Rejoice! The time for in-your-face commercials, unrestrained consumerism, and wracking your post-exam brain for creative (read: inexpensive) present ideas is upon us! The fact that students live on a shoestring budget is old news, but somehow that doesn’t excuse us from having to show up at the family Christmas dinner with gifts for all. So this month, Lazy Faire writer Kara has put together some DIY gift ideas, with varying degrees of difficulty, based on time and/or money required. that are bound to make both the giver and receiver happy!

Coupon Book

Scrapbook/Photo Book

Difficulty:

Difficulty:

The coupon book is a classic cheap present idea, but it’s a classic because it’s so thoughtful – particularly if you take the time to personalize the book for the recipient. For example, put in a coupon for you to buy them their favorite candy at a time when they are really stressed, or a coupon for your help with something they hate doing. It will show how much you know them and how much you care!

Do it the old-fashioned way and print out pictures to paste in a scrapbook – or, do it the modern way by digitally creating the scrapbook and sending it to Costco or London Drugs where they will print out a bound book. It will look super professional for a surprisingly reasonable price!

Jar of Notes

Advent Calendar of Gifts

Difficulty:

Difficulty:

Write as many encouraging, comedic, or inspiring notes as you like and put them into a jar. Write out instructions to the recipient to open them whenever they are sad, or even one every single day!

Put the notes in a mason jar and write out the instructions in a fancy font on nice paper to give your gift an elegant touch!

For this present, you can find 25 personalized gifts to give to the recipient each day, like a chocolate advent calendar, except with gifts! Don’t worry, it won’t be as expensive as you think; you can buy a succession of smaller gifts and leave the larger, more expensive ones for the grand finale – Christmas!

Monthly Tickets/Experiences Difficulty: This present is perfect for someone you want to spend more time with, whether it be a significant other, or a friend you haven’t seen in awhile.

For this gift, you need to find an experience for the two of you to do together, once a month, for an entire year. While tickets are on the pricier side, you can definitely alternate those months with months where you choose to do activities together that are completely free of charge.

For example, in January you can give them tickets to see a movie/play/concert/comedian they’ve been dying to see; in February you can give spend a day baking together; in March you can go to Paint Nite together, and so on. Granted, you probably have to know this lucky person fairly well in order to find things they would actually enjoy doing. You don’t need to have bought all the actual tickets yet – just a note telling them what is coming is probably going to be excitement enough to make them love your gift.

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The Perfect Holiday Party written by NICOLE HAMMOND

designed by NICHOLE CHEN & ANNA LEE

If you love parties (who doesn’t?), the winter holidays are definitely the season for you! But as adulthood creeps up, sometimes knowing how to throw the best rager just doesn’t cut it anymore. So for those of us who are just learning ‘how to adult’, here are some recipes and themes to ensure your holiday party is a success!

Baked Brie

Prosciutto-wrapped figs

Fall Sangria

A holiday crowd favourite; after all, who doesn’t love cheesy, melting goodness? Grab a wheel of brie cheese and cover it with a berry/nut trail mix and honey. Bake for 10 minutes at 400oF and serve with crackers and a cheese knife.

These sound difficult – and your guests will think they were – but it’s really as simple as slicing open figs, stuffing them with goat cheese, wrapping them in prosciutto, drizzling with honey, and baking in the oven for 8-10 minutes at 400oF.

Don’t let the name fool you, this sangria is less on the fruity side and more on the cinnamon-y side. It’s an easy, inexpensive drink to serve a large group of people.

Full recipe can be found on eatliverun.com (http://www.eatliverun.com/grilled-brie-withhoney-and-trail-mix/).

Full recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee via the Food Network (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/prosciutto-wrapped-figs-recipe.html).

*Note: these are party-sized proportions and not intended for individual consumption.

Party theme ideas: Christmas Around the World Ask your guests to bring unique Christmas artifacts/stories/games/etc. from around the world. Guests can spend time formally sharing their Christmas traditions, or let guests discover it for themselves while mingling.

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1. Chop apples and pears.

2. Soak in 750 mL cinnamon whisky for 2 hours.

3. Add a bottle of Pinot Grigio, and 1L of club soda and a bottle of apple cider.

4. Mix and serve in punch bowl or drink dispenser.

Recipe from Tasty

White Christmas Host a party centered around white winter colours, complete with guests wearing white, a white and silver décor, and drinks such as White Russians & eggnog.

Cookie Party Ask all your guests to bake a batch of their favourite holiday cookie. At the party, set up a cookie bar where guests can drop off their batch of cookies and try others. Provide baggies so that guests can take home some treats for later!

Renaissance Man:

ED ILNICKI

LAZY CHAT

This month we sat down with Ed Ilnicki: Co-Captain of the Golden Bears Football team; member of the Pioneer Class of the Peter Lougheed Leadership College; VP Finance for the University Athletics Board; and an all-around great guy. Luckily for us, he was able to take a moment from his busy life to talk about his experiences beyond the borders of the Alberta School of Business.

How do you think your experience on the football team has contributed to your academic success?

A big part of what we learn on the football team is how to manage time effectively, since we dedicate up to 40 hours per week to football.

The time commitment really focuses your attention, and it means you have to be way more effective with what you do. It helps you prioritize things because you know it comes down to your academics and to football.

Another big thing I have learned in football is stepping up and having vocal leadership – something I think is really important and very difficult to learn. I’m really grateful to have the chance to practice it in football because it translates to business school when I’m working on group projects. I think people have recognized that.

Can you tell me more about the Peter Lougheed Leadership College (PLLC)?

The PLLC is a two-year program, which will culminate with a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies. I really appreciate this

certificate, and I think it’s one of the draws of the program. Another draw are the learning opportunities. You get to be involved in all these topics in leadership, and you get to meet people who have been in leadership roles throughout a ton of different industries.

You also get to experience that with a group of students who are coming from all types of different backgrounds.

What do you think is a benefit in getting involved in activities outside of the School of Business?

Is there a difference between the leadership you learn about in the Leadership College and the leadership we learn about at the School of Business?

Do you have any advice for students looking to get involved in activities around campus?

I’ve seen a lot of crossover between concepts when we talk about what effective leadership looks like in different types of organizational systems. The thing that I find the most valuable out of the Leadership College is hearing opinions from all those different people and seeing it applied to various situations. You see these same leadership qualities put in place in different industries like healthcare and government. It really solidifies those ideas and principles, making them easier to understand.

We see how beneficial it is to have a group from almost every faculty working on these ideas together.

For me, personally, those kinds of experiences have allowed me to broaden my perspectives, and my career objectives. The ability to bring in that variety is something that I’ve really enjoyed.

I think we have a fantastic variety of clubs at the U of A, both in the School of Business and around campus.They’re a great way to gain experience and network, so I really encourage students to get involved. I also think that if there is something that you are passionate about, and there’s a club for it, you owe it to yourself to get involved. You won’t regret it.

Finally, what’s your favorite Christmas Carol?

It’s probably Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, because it’s a classic and the first one I could think of. written by ISABELA MACIEL designed by MAGGIE LAM & ANNA LEE photographed by CANDACE CHU

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