JANUARY 2022 | INNOVATION & PROGRESS
Innovating our Heroes | Personal Innovation | Women in Business at BCIT! | Automation Innovations in Medical Technology | How One Instructor Made the Digital Classroom more Engaging | and much more!
IN THIS ISSUE 04 • A LOOK BACK AT 2021 06 • QUESTIONS FOR FUTURE LEADERS 07 • TRUONG THANH RESTAURANT REVIEW 08 • OPTIMIZING EFFICIENCY WITH ERGONOMICS 10 • YOUNG WOMEN IN BUSINESS: LEADERS OF TOMORROW 14 • VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR 2022 16 • THREE TYPES OF PERSONAL INNOVATION 17 • 6 INNOVATIONS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY 18 • WE NEED TO INNOVATE ECONOMIC POLICY, NOW! 20 • SANKOFA: AFRICAN ROUTES, CANADIAN ROOTS 26 • HOW ONE INSTRUCTOR DIGITALLY ENGAGED THE CLASSROOM 28 • INNOVATING OUR HEROES 30 • AUTOMATION IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
STAFF ISSN 0715-5247 (Print) ISSN 2562-3257 (Online) 3700 Willingdon Ave. SE2, 3rd Floor, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
Link is supported by the BCIT Student Association and printed by Campus Print and Copy. Printed editions are distributed to all BCIT campuses & additional content is published online at linkbcit.ca
Jonah van Driesum, Senior Editor Christy Chan, Associate Editor Stephanie Bohn, Associate Editor Cali McTavish, Associate Editor Shaleeta Harrison, Publications Manager
CONTRIBUTORS
Youssef Habib, Katarina Petrovic, Tara Chloe Dusanj, Jasper Chu, Harleen Kaur Saini, Josh Mendoza, Phillip Bossert
Have an idea? Contact us! editor@linkbcit.ca | linkbcit.ca We feature exceptional people in our community, big ideas in a changing world, and evolving social dialogue. We welcome writers, photographers and artists of all backgrounds and abilities. Our purpose is to provide a collaborative platform for student expression, and to connect you with one another’s stories and experiences.
WELCOME BACK TO A
FRESH NEW YEAR
With the holidays and the shorter days of the year behind us, we can look forward to spring and the longer days ahead. The second half of the year always feels so different than the first. The first half is filled with uncertainty about teachers, classes, and finding our way around campus. They always seem to move the buildings during the summer, don’t they?
like “I am going to eat less meat this year” helps you mentally shift towards achieving your goal while maintaining the flexibility required to succeed in the long run. You might buy a vegetarian cookbook and learn new vegetarian recipes. But you can still choose to have the meat dish that your friend made for dinner or enjoy the meat dish you love at your favourite restaurant if you want.
We walk into second semester with a clearer sense of the term ahead. We know which teachers are hard markers and which classes will be a little more fun. We also have a better sense of our schedule and time management. So, we might be able to plan our social lives a bit better, or finally find time to hit the gym (if that happens to be a goal for you this year).
This year I am setting an intention for each of these areas of my life:
The beginning of the year is a great time to think about change and transformation. January is our innovation issue.
As you set your intentions, it’s wise to be SMART about your goals. SMART is an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, and time bound. For any goal to be achievable you have to be able to answer the question: What does success look like? On that note, I wish you all success for this year ahead—Good luck!
—Cali McTavish
Link Magazine respectfully acknowledges that it is printed and distributed on the traditional & unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples.
LINK | JANUARY 2022
I have not traditionally set new year’s resolutions, but I believe that intention setting has its place in our lives. A quick caveat, I think of intention setting as different than resolutions. To me, a resolution is black and white. For example, a resolution could be choosing to stop eating meat. With a resolution, if you fall off the wagon you’ve failed and are unlikely to continue. Intention setting allows for more of the grey that I personally find characterizes our lives. Setting an intention
1. Social Life 2. School 3. Work 4. Health
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2021
LOOKING BACK AT A new year, a new mindset. New is an obvious theme of the new year, but with everything new there is the chance to also look back. With that intention we encourage you to….
GOOGLE THIS!
PENG SHUAI
Chinese Tennis Star Peng Shuai was temporarily disappeared by the Chinese government after she accused a senior Communist Party official of rape. Her social media was scrubbed of the exposing posts and her public appearances have been limited by the Chinese government. These actions have led to calls to remove the 2022 Olympics from China.
CULTURAL GENOCIDE: CANADA'S DARK HISTORY In May 2021, Canadians were shocked as the remains of 215 school children were uncovered in an unmarked grave on the property of a former First Nations residential school. Throughout the following months, more and more children were discovered. The discovery of bodies brought new attention to the shameful chapter of Canadian history and empowered Canadians to fight against cultural genocide. More than 1,300 unmarked graves have been found at previous residential school sites.
BC FLOODS BC suffered flooding across the province. Dozens were killed, thousands were left homeless, and millions of dollars in property damage has been done. The flooding also resulted in major supply shortages and fuel restrictions. Governments are promising to rebuild and better protect citizens in the future but few specifics have been announced.
WHO IS PREMIER OF MANITOBA There was a dispute between Heather Stefanson and Shelly Glover about who was the legal Premier of Manitoba. Stefanson became the province’s first female Premier after she was declared the winner of Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party leadership election. However, Glover claims that thousands of eligible voters never received their mail in ballots, and that she was initially declared the winner in a private party meeting. The Manitoba Supreme Court ruled in Stefenson's favour.
COVID-19
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The world hit two major milestones in the long battle against COVID. Five million people have died worldwide from the virus. In Canada, 5-11-year-olds can now be vaccinated against the virus, which experts hope will help slow the spread. With another variant, Omnicron, arising, Canada is preparing to continue its fight with booster vaccine shots starting in January 2022.
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FAIRY CREEK, WET'SUWET'EN, AND EXTINCTION REBELLION: The Fairy Creek protests have now become the longest running protest in Canadian history. The protests have divided many British Columbians as thousands have been arrested during their attempts to defend old growth trees and Indigenous land. Others point to the economic sharing agreement between the Teal Jones logging company and the Pacheedaht First Nation. The Pacheedaht First Nations has condemned the protests on their land, which they say are unwarranted since the Nation has veto power of which trees can be logged.
PARLIAMENT RETURNS After an early election that was called to “help parliament do more work,” the federal parliament held its first sitting six months after the last one. As part of the opening ceremonies, the government’s throne speech was read, and it failed to include more than 50% of the Liberal Party's campaign promises.
THE KYLE RITTENHOUSE AND AHMAUD ARBERY CASES Two major legal verdicts relating to the Black Lives Matter verdicts were delivered in November. Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old who shot and killed two people during BLM protests in Kenosha Wisconsin was found not guilty of murder by reason of self defense. The three men responsible for the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man they killed while he was out for a jog, were all convicted of murder and were expected to receive life in prison.
2020 TOKYO SUMMER OLYMPICS... IN 2021 After being postponed for a year due to COVID, the 2020 Summer Olympics finally took place in Tokyo. Canada went home with 24 medals, with seven of those being gold. The Canadian women's soccer team struck gold in a historic 3-2 win against Sweden, which marked the first time an openly transgender, non-binary athlete won an Olympic medal.
GRAMMY'S The Grammy nominees were announced and some took to the internet to express anger that BTS only got one nomination and Kid Laroi got no nominations. In happier news for some, Justin Bieber got his first R&B nomination and The Late Show lead musician Jon Batiste led the race with 11 nominations. Olivia Rodrigo also received seven nominations with her debut album Sour.
BO BURNHAM: INSIDE
Carefully created over the course of a year, Bo Burnham shot and performed a comedy special which captured the essence of passing a year in a pandemic. The comedian put together his Netflix special all alone over the course of a year, using sound effects and creative vocals in place of a crew and audience. If there is one show on Netflix that demonstrates what 2021 was, it's this one.
A home jersey was thrown on ice at Rogers Arena and the Vancouver Canucks were 8-15-2 in their first 25 games when owner Francesco Aquilini finally made the change—firing GM Jim Benning, AGM John Weisbrod, head coach Travis Green, and assistant coach Nolan Baumgartner. After the hire of new head coach Bruce Boudreau and several other significant management changes, Boudreau went on a seven-game winning streak with the team. He is the first coach in Canucks franchise history and the third coach in NHL history to achieve this.
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BRUCE, THERE IT IS
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O R F U T U RE F S
As many of you know, BCIT’s Student Association will soon be holding its yearly election. There are a number of positions available, but rather than telling you about the position you should run for or what you need to know about being a member of council (though MicroLink has an episode about that!) we thought we would present to you the top concerns from the student community. These are their concerns that they hope you can solve with your election to council.
TRANSIT & PARKING
The most frequently expressed issue is transit and parking on campus. Students often struggle to find a spot and often face heavy fines because they are forced to use general parking, while employees have designated areas. What are you going to do to ensure that students who need to travel to campus have reasonable transit and parking options?
HOUSING
Many students expressed disappointment that they were unable to get a spot in student housing. All across Metro Vancouver costs are going up. Despite the ongoing housing construction projects to expand on campus spaces at Burnaby, most students will be unable to access those spaces. As a student leader, how are you going to help students find affordable housing?
STUDENT ACTIVITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
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Students want to be able to do more. This includes both on campus opportunities and the opportunities they are afforded to access. As we continue to open back up, what kind of events do you want to plan for and how are you going to pay for them?
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Truong Thanh Restaurant Review by Youssef Habib Is there anything better than a piping hot bowl of noodle soup on a rainy night? It’s that time of season where the sun hardly comes out and the cold makes you want to stay at home in your pajamas. I found myself on such an evening, with nothing to eat at home and tired of ordering in, so I went exploring the Kingsway and Nanaimo area that I recently moved to. For those that don’t know, the neighbourhood is full of great places offering a huge mix of Asian cuisines. I stumbled upon Truong Thanh Restaurant, a family run restaurant serving a delicious variety of Vietnamese dishes. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by an intricate aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen. After being seated by the friendly staff, I took a look around and noticed the array of traditional ornaments and wall decorations by the counter and, in the background, the busy restaurant staff yammering away in the kitchen. I knew I was about to get a good meal. Only one thing would do it for me that night, and I was elated to find it on the menu: Bún Bò Huế. Originating from the city of Huế in central Vietnam, which is known for being the ancient capital and for having stunning imperial architecture, this deliciously complex bowl of spicy soup contains pieces of beef and pork, as well as rice vermicelli and the usual assortment of herbs commonly found in Vietnamese dishes. It's paired nicely with a plate of bean sprouts and greens to add to your liking. But for me, it’s all about the broth. It’s slow cooked for hours allowing the spices and bones to mix together and form a rich, flavour-packed bowl of deliciousness. The first spoonful sent waves of soothing warmth down my body, fighting away the bitter cold from outside, and reassuring me that everything was going to be okay. It felt like being home for the holidays. As I sat slurping down my tasty food, I watched a Vietnamese hip-hop talent show being played on the TV. The distant shouting from the lady to her family in the back didn’t bother me, it all added to the ambience of the place. I couldn’t help wondering why there were only a few guests, while the KFC next door had a line stretching around the corner. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some fried chicken, but small, unassuming places like this are actually worth leaving your house in the cold for. This place kicks ass. It’s a real gem, a little slice of Vietnam in Vancouver. Truong Thanh restaurant is located at 2096 Kingsway and they’re open till 9 pm every night. They serve authentic Vietnamese dishes including the usual suspects phỏ, bánh mì, lemongrass chicken rice, and loads more. But for me, there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of bún bò Huế on a cold Vancouver night.
OPTIMIZING EFFICIENCY WITH
ERGONOMICS A REVIEW OF THE KINESIS FREESTYLE 2 KEYBOARD
BY KATARINA PETROVIC Are you looking for a new keyboard? The Kinesis Freestyle 2 provides all the versatility you might not have known you needed. At first glance, you will notice that keyboard is split into two pieces with a wire connecting them at the top. The number pad that's often found on the right side of keyboards is also not there. There are other optional accessories that you can attach as well, such as one that allows you the ability to tilt the keyboard at 5, 10, and 15 degrees. This keyboard was specifically designed with these features to help with ergonomics. What are ergonomics? Ergonomics focuses on designing and arranging things in a so that people can use them efficiently and safely. Here's an analogy: if you buy a pair of shoes that are a bit too tight, you might be able to walk in them for a short period, but it will cause discomfort in the long term. This is similar to buying an office chair that might be too small, or a keyboard that is too narrow, causing your shoulders to roll inward. The Kinesis Freestyle 2 helps with ergonomics in three ways:
,
FIRST the split keyboard allows you to space the two pieces away from each other so your shoulders are in an open and comfortable position.
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SECOND the absence of a number pad reduces overreach. For those who use a mouse with their right hand, the number pad causes our arm to reach further away when it should be right by your side. The number pad can be a great tool if you use it often, but if you don't, then it's best to get a keyboard that doesn't have it attached.
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THIRD the ability to tilt the keyboard is a
feature that allows the wrists and hands to be at a neutral angle. When you type, your wrists should not be bent; instead, they should float in the air and be kept straight. You should also only use wrist rest supports when paused from typing, not when you are typing.
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The only negative is the cost. The keyboard can set you back $140-$189 (depending on if you want wired or wireless). Any additional accessories will cost extra, such as the tilter, which costs ~$40.
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If you type frequently or find discomfort after a long day of typing, I highly suggest you try out this keyboard and its accessories. The cost upfront might be high, but it's an investment that will benefit you in the long term.
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WRITING BY CHRISTY CHAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATARINA PETROVIC
YOUNG WOMEN
IN BUSINESS LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Young Women in Business (YWiB) at BCIT is a club that's dedicated to doing just that: connecting ambitious students and providing valuable opportunities that will help them succeed in their future careers. At its core, YWiB's focus is to create an empowering space for female leaders, but it's a community that welcomes all young professionals. I spoke with YWiB President Chandni Sharma, Vice President Annika Foo, and VP of Marketing Solongo Orkhon, who shared their motivations, experiences, and the rewarding opportunities YWiB offers.
WHY YWIB?
Annika, who's been in YWiB for three years now, joined in her first year during Clubs Day when she met the previous president and vice president. She recalls how shy and quiet she used to be, but now she finds herself in the VP role taking on responsibilities that continually build on her confidence and her leadership skills. "It's a really big thing. I think you become a lot more familiar with what you're doing, and then you're able to reach out to more people… Without YWiB, I don't think I would've been as confident as I am now." For Solongo, she joined YWiB due to her passion for women empowerment, and because it's a community that allows her to make ideas happen. As one of the VPs of Marketing, she creates content and helps manage all of YWiB's social media pages, a role she finds rewarding. "I love being a part of something big and impactful for the
world… It's an opportunity to be creative as much as you want because there's no right or wrong, [and] there's no one telling us you can't do this or that." Inspiration can also spark from anywhere. For Chandni, who transferred from SFU to BCIT, that inspiration came when she attended a YWiB event a friend invited her to. There, she met former YWiB member and BCIT graduate, Katie Klumper. From then, Chandni knew she needed to make the switch. "[Katie] talked about BCIT and Young Women in Business and how good it was for her. I heard her speak and I was like, 'this is the place I want to be."
EVENTS
Every year, YWiB plans out which events they think will be the most helpful for their members. One thing they keep in mind is variety: "We try to get speakers and events that will best suit everybody's needs," Chandni says. "Because at the end of the day, it's that connection that you have when you're going into that field." Some recent companies that YWiB has hosted include Hootsuite, Brunette the Label, Milk Makeup, DECIEM (The Ordinary), SAP, Hill + Knowlton (H&K) Strategies, Lululemon, Artizia, Talk Shop Media… the list goes on. These speakers may do an industry tour or an interactive workshop, followed by Q&A sessions, all of which help YWiB members gain better insight into those companies and its respective fields. Chandni and Annika also mention the importance of having frequent general meetings, where all the members come together. These meetings help keep the club interactive and encourage involvement from everyone. Guest speakers are invited from time to time to come in and talk as well, with some of the most recent ones being Lululemon and Aritzia.
LINK | JANUARY 2022
Our time at BCIT can be stressful, filled with busy schedules and constant deadlines that can often make us feel disconnected from the community. Because BCIT offers many opportunities that allow us to network, learn, and grow professionally, it's also what makes these years so special.
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"We really want to make [our general meetings] interactive and make it interesting for other people," Annika says. "We don't want it to just be an information session for the club… But more so what we want to do is… how can we provide value to our general members. It's also about what you get out of it." Solongo mentions that all members can request speakers from certain companies that they're interested in to come in, and the events team will then try to arrange an event. "I would be able to say, 'I'm interested in this company, would you guys be able to arrange this event for me?' And they'll work on it." Chandni and Annika stress that while they hold executive titles, YWiB is about what every member has to say. They try to focus on the club as a whole and make sure that it's heading in the right direction, but they see their roles more as a way to guide and to be there as a "support team" than anything.
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"The good thing about being in a club is… if you want to do something, you can make it happen," Chandni says. "That goes for everybody in the club."
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President Chandni Sharma
MAKING CONNECTIONS
With every event, YWiB members continually build skills and industry knowledge that they'll need post-graduation. What makes these events so helpful isn't just the information members get out of it, but also the personal connections they get to make with the industry professionals that come in to speak. Chandni gives an example of H&K coming in to speak in October, who had an internship position open at the time. The speakers, Director Alex Mitchell and Senior Consultant Mellisa Morphy, had offered their personal email addresses and encouraged the YWiB members to apply directly through them, rather than going through a generic job application. "It gives you a personal connection into whatever company you want to chat with or network with." Annika and Solongo also touch on former YWiB President Johanna Kuffner and Vice President Aubrey Bramwell, who are both now working for companies they previously connected with at YWiB events. Johanna is now working at Roots + Ardor, a Digital Media Marketing Agency, while Aubrey is working at Endūr Apparel, a company that specializes in designing performance socks. Annika also has a personal story: "We had Andrea Ton [come in]. She used to work at SAP in marketing, and she's
Vice President Annika Foo
For Solongo, one of her goals coming into YWiB was to network as much as possible. Although shifting online has been a difficult transition for many, Solongo says YWiB has made it much easier for her to connect with others, especially during COVID, when it's been harder to reach out and make personal connections without face-to-face interactions. Aside from making professional connections, Chandni and Annika note how rewarding it's been just making valuable friendships and connections within the club. It has helped to make YWiB feel more than just a club, and instead as a supportive, empowering community. A family. In Chandni's own words, the most rewarding experience for her being in YWiB has been "meeting a group of like-minded individuals who have similar career aspects, or just a similar mindset as you, but also challenge you to do better. We all have our personal life and our professional life, but with YWiB, I think it moulds into one."
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
YWiB's core mission may be to empower women in the business field, but at the end of the day, Chandni and Annika stress that it's a community designed for everyone. YWiB strives to connect all ambitious young professionals and to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they'll need for their future careers. "[YWiB is] for everyone," Annika says. "We want to help out everyone as best as we can." BCIT has many opportunities for students, from clubs, to internships, networking opportunities, career workshops, and more. The important thing is to take advantage of your time here and all these opportunities that lie in your reach. "What you put into BCIT is what you get out of it," Chandni says. "So, join a club. One thing [Annika and I] find ourselves saying is find the right fit for you. Get involved somehow, and when you find your people, everything flows, and it's a nice support system to have outside of the classroom."
How to Get Involved: To get involved with YWiB, reach out to them through their social media pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram, at @ywibbcit. You can also reach out to the VP of Membership and Club Development, Madison Low, at madison.low@ywib.ca. VP of Marketing Solongo Orkhon
LINK | JANUARY 2022
also an influencer. She came to one of our general meetings and… I connected with her, and she was helping me figure out what I wanted to do. I was specifically interested in SAP, and I ended up applying, and I got offered a position at SAP for marketing."
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LINK | JANUARY 2022
THREE TYPES OF
PERSONAL INNOVATION Tara Chloe Dusanj Innovation is change, but it is a special kind of change that brings you to a new level in life. To have truly innovated, one must upgrade their current situation into something better. Innovation is personal evolvement. One equation for innovation is: ideas + transformation = innovation. It’s an intentional form of evolution and a positive progressive personal shift. Innovation can be described in several contexts, three of which are incremental, radical, and architectural. Incremental innovation is on-going and continuous. Think of this as the life-long barometer of your existence that keeps track of each progression you make in your life. This is like your life’s timeline of innovation, and it builds off what you’ve already accomplished and who you already are. Incremental improvement is calculated over time. Think of this like learning a sport or being part of a school play. A sport may teach you to have more control over your movements so you are less clumsy, while the school play may improve your public speaking and make you more confident. Radical innovation is the opposite of incremental innovation; it requires that you directly do something different in your life to see a real change. Something new or a big leap of faith could put you in a better position. Radical innovation could be seen in one’s decision to go to BCIT. By making a big scholastic move, the individual is hoping for a promotion, or to move to an exciting new career.
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Architectural innovation is redesigning the situation while working with what you currently have. Think of this like mapping out your desires and outcomes and working to build them differently so that you reach success, or reorganiz-
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ing your thoughts so that they serve your needs. For example, many of us struggle with getting our assignments done in a way that does not result in stress. Applying architectural innovation might look like designing your study schedule at the beginning of the semester in a way that allows you to always be prepared for each class and assignment, as well as allow you to take care of yourself whether that means more sleep sleep, more time for a personal life, or better care of your health. We can grow and develop in a number of ways. Some people prefer to grow in small ways, iterating over time. Other people seek out radical and disruptive growth, and want to see immediate results. Either way, innovation is something people do in their own way on their own terms. In the words of Einstein: “we can not solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Innovation enables us to change the course of something that is not working. It is the journey of mastering your strengths, resources, and weaknesses and applying that information to devise an idea that will measurably improve our lives. Becoming a champion of this process gives anyone the power to change themselves and change the world.
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innovations in the
food industry
by Harleen Kaur Saini
The food industry is constantly evolving, because new technologies and therefore new foods are always being invented. What food we enjoy today our ancestors may or may not have liked, but food has always been important to us. Each day we spend approximately an hour eating. In this article you’ll find interesting innovations from across the world. Grab a snack; these innovations might make you hungry!
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream in Utah uses liquid nitrogen, which is capable of freezing things almost instantaneously, to make ice cream. Customers choose from an array of flavours and toppings that are combined with cream and frozen with liquid nitrogen to make a delicious customized dessert.
Ruby Chocolate
Alongside the usual dark, milk, and white chocolate is pink chocolate, also known as ruby chocolate. Created by chocolatier Callebaut, it is created without any dyes or additives. The process involves a change in the fermentation, and the addition of citric acid (though the chocolatiers carefully guard their exact process). According to an interview with Dr. Angus Kennedy, editor of Kennedy's Confection, this chocolate tastes like a mixture of raspberries and white chocolate.
A Vegetarian Burger... That Bleeds?
Some people love a juicy burger! In meat burgers this comes from the blood and fat of the animal, but that doesn't work for vegetarian burgers. The people behind Impossible Burger managed to create a plant-based burger that actually bleeds, thanks to the addition of beet juice!
Activated Charcoal Ice Cream
Some people believe activated charcoal is detoxifying. That’s why one innovator created charcoal-based ice cream, which gives the taste and texture of ice cream, while also claiming to remove toxins from the body. While a delicious treat, some studies have found activated charcoal can reduce our body’s ability to absorb medications and nutrients. Enjoy responsibly!
Apples that Don’t turn Brown
An apple, once cut open, will develop a reddish-brown color from the oxidization of the iron that naturally occurs in the apple. Arctic Apples, located in Summerland, BC, creates genetically modified apples that stay their original color after slicing! They claim to be the world’s best tasting apples.
Pizza from Leftovers
Food waste is a growing problem. Re Pizza is a Shanghai based company that partners with hundreds of restaurants around the city to collect their unused ingredients that would otherwise go to waste then uses them as creative pizza toppings. For this reason, every pizza is unique.
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Nitrogen Ice Cream
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WE NEED TO I N N O VAT E ECONOMIC POLICY For thirty years, economic policies have led to growing financial insecurity for the middle class. It's an anxiety-provoking concern to many and for good reason. People are worried they won’t be able to afford utilities or basic needs.
WHAT'S THE SOLUTION? There are two simple, yet equally transformative, solutions to fix this issue: a universal basic income and lower taxes for the middle class.
HOW DID NORTH AMERICA GET INTO THIS MESS? The philosophy that has been the go-to of policymakers for the last three decades was neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is the idea that markets should be minimally taxed and regulated. Proponents and adherents believed that minimal interference would increase commercial and public services efficiency. In the 80s and 90s, governments made substantial cuts to public spending and tax rates. The policy spurred growth but was buoyed by to low interest rates.4
A universal basic income of $1,000–$2,000 a month would significantly increase an individual's or family's spending ability. Universal basic income would allow them to afford their needs including food, rent and utilities. While an additional $12,000 to $24,000 a year is still considered low income, the money would typically not be taxed and would recirculate into the economy, boosting the overall GDP. It would also give low-income families and individuals a secure financial foundation, so they can gradually make investments for education or have the resources to join the workforce.²
Corporate and income tax spending cuts for the highest earners (the 1%) and public services respectively worsened income inequality. Public services, particularly welfare, were weakened as a result. This left individuals with no social safety net to fall on if left financially vulnerable or even in poverty or deprivation. Meanwhile, the tax burden shifted mainly to smaller businesses, middle, and lower-income earners to pay for the cuts.
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Someone who earns around $500,000 can easily afford basic living needs and utilities but you have to work eight hours a day, five days a week, four weeks of the month just to pay a month's worth of basic necessities.¹
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Reductions in personal and corporate income taxes for middle and lower-income earners and businesses (98% of Canadians) will also add to disposable income. The extra income would allow individuals, families, and small businesses to make more meaningful investments in their futures. They could invest in raising a family, buy a home to start building equity, further their education, or establish and expand their own business.5 Because small businesses and the middle class make up most of Canada's economy, their personal and business income growth would significantly boost the overall economy nationally.³ The same would apply to employees and/or part-timers who attend school. Increased amounts of disposable income would benefit them in numerous ways; for example, paying off student debt, paying rent and/or utilities, contributing more to personal savings, pensions, or investments in their home.
NOW!
...
by Jasper Chu
NOW WHAT? Within the province of British Columbia, we are in possibly the best time politically to petition and lobby for such a system. The BC NDP has expressed support for the idea of a universal basic income that would work similarly to CERB in practice (although CERB wasn't a long-term program). Even the federal Liberal Party, which has previously embraced neoliberal policies, has party members who endorse this idea. Start this conversation with your peers, colleagues, and friends and be willing to understand the premise for their ideas and concerns. Discuss the concept but also how it relates to your everyday living situation, like the cost of utilities, rent, or even overall financial security. In the end, a universal basic income of $1000 to $2000 per month would lift millions out of poverty and improve the financial security of millions more. It would be one of the largest if not the most transformative steps in ending income inequality and improving economic security.
References 1.
Hanson, Helena (May 25, 2021). Top earners in Canada: Here’s How Much The 1% Make. narcity.com
2.
Kurzegesagt - In a Nutshell (December 7, 2017) Universal Basic Income Explained.
3.
Free Income for Everyone? UBI
4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl39KHS07Xc
5.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (2020). Key Small Business Statistics – 2020. Ic.gc.ca
6.
BBC Ideas (July 13, 2019). Neoliberalism: the story of a big economic bust up | A-Z of
7.
ISMs Episode 14-BBC Ideas. https://www.youtube. Cloutier, Richard (June 30, 2021). How Tax Cuts Affect the Economy. Investopedia.com.
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com/watch?v=DLtxUiwY6j8 8.
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RED DAY (IN THE RED #17), JELILI ATIKU (NIGERIA), 2015, COLLECTION OF THE ARTIST
SANKOFA
AFRICAN ROUTES, CANADIAN ROOTS writing and photography by Stephanie Bohn
Sankofa features work by Lagos artists Jelili Atiku, Victor Ehikhamenor, Peju Layiwola, Onome Olotu, Onosanya Onolaja, and Stephen Tayo; Vancouver artists Berlynn Beam (Black Arts Vancouver), Michèle Bygodt, Chantal Gibson, Odera Igbokwe, Chase Keetley, and Nya Lewis; in addition to Yinka Adeyemi, Yekini S. Atanda, Z.K. Oloruntoba, Roodley Jeune, and more than 100 other works from MOA's collections from Africa and the African diasporas.
The featured exhibit at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), Sankofa: African routes, Canadian roots will give you a unique perspective on “carrying your past into your future.” Sankofa is a common expression that has been adopted by many African and Black people around the globe. The term is almost ritualized and used as an expression of cultural and political affirmation. Put simply, Sankofa means “return and fetch it.” An exhibit that features African and Black culture has been long overdue at the MOA. Sankofa was brought to life by curators Nya Lewis (founder + director, BlackArt Gastown), Nuno Porto (MOA Curator, Africa), and Titilope Salami (PhD candidate, Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory, UBC). The collection focuses on introducing visitors to the different ways that African and Black communities interpret the world. It shifts perspectives and draws attention to not only the existence, but also to the continued success of Black people and their cultures despite societal ignorance and abuse. Throughout the collection, wealth from cultural and art practices are shared, highlighting historical accomplishments, challenging guests’ perspectives, and inspiring future generations. Upon entering Sankofa, my eyes were instantly drawn to a wall covered in bright vinyl letters. The words presented statistics of African and Black people: • • • •
1.2 million African & Black Canadian Population Four out of 10 African & Black Canadians were born in Canada African and Black youth are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled from schools than their non-Black colleagues In 2019, The City of Vancouver officially acknowledge August 1 as Emancipation Day honouring the Slavery Abolition Act that took effect on August 1, 1834, ending slavery for many Black & African People throughout the British Empire, including Canada
LINK | JANUARY 2022
While generational pain, suffering, and trauma was noted throughout the collection, it was impossible to walk through without acknowledging the sheer beauty, courage, and power highlighted in each piece by the artists. I was exceptionally moved by a piece that juxtaposed old newspaper clippings to current publications. Some segments shocked me—one journalist had genuinely expressed concern for his own safety as more blacks moved into the community. Reading his article rose goosebumps to my skin as the anger and fear in his written voice leaped off the page. This uneasy feeling solidified as I continued to read through recent clips, realizing that despite verbiage changing over the decades, anger and fear was still very present.
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THE ORI—THE CONNECTOR, ODERA IGBOKWE (VANCOUVER), 2021 , COLLECTION OF THE ARTIST
IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO WALK THROUGH WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGING THE SHEER BEAUTY, COURAGE, AND POWER HIGHLIGHTED IN EACH PIECE
Fear rises from uncertainty. We would much rather be afraid from a distance than step closer and examine the source of our feelings. A piece in the Sankofa exhibit illustrated this perfectly. From a distance, viewers could see two walls covered with teaspoons. Every spoon had been painted black and was hanging perfectly in line. The spoons appeared to be identical. However, when guests stepped closer, they were able to exam the intricate details of each individual teaspoon and could notice that the spoons had been gathered from all around the world. Sankofa’s purpose is to bring traditionally overlooked Black culture into the spotlight. It gives African and Black people a space where they can take pride in their roots. Now that the space has been created, it’s important for us to appreciate the work. We’ve been surrounded with diverse cultures our whole lives but are still ignorant to the existence of those that live differently than we do. We cannot claim to be open-minded and accepting if we don’t push ourselves to learn and understand other cultures.
T (ABOVE) SISI EKO—ONCE A SAINT, ONOSANYA ONOLAJA (NIGERIA), 2019, COLLECTION OF THE ARTIST
Sanfoka: African roots, Canadian routes is at the Museum of Anthropology until March 27, 2022
(RIGHT & ABOVE) SOUVENIR, CHANTAL GIBSON (VANCOUVER), VIDEOGRAPHER: ADRIAN BISEK, 2017 , COLLECTION OF THE ARTIST
I AM QUEEN IDIA, THE ANGEL OF KINGS, BY VICTOR EHIKHAMENOR (NIGERIA), 2017, COLLECTION OF THE ARTIST
PEAK LEADERSHIP PROGRAM WINTER 2022 INTAKE Peak Leadership is an award-winning program that gives students the opportunity to develop professional skills and practical leadership experience. You will learn leadership skills from CEOs, VPs, and professionals, and hear about their experiences. Participants earn a leadership certificate of completion to showcase their learnings. Find your strengths in leadership to stand out in the professional world!
HOW TO APPLY? 1. Complete the Application Form The deadline to apply for Term 2 is January 21, 2022.
2. Upload an Introduction Video Instructions provided after completing the application form
For more info:
WHAT HAPPENS? 1. Attend leadership webinars and panels 2. Network with industry leaders and coaches 3. Engage in teamwork and leadership development activities.
Coco & Kula
How one instructor
Digitally engaged the CLASSROOM by Josh Mendoza
It doesn’t seem like long ago that the pandemic first commenced. In March 2020, when countries like China and Italy were already in lockdown, I was taking in-person, part-time courses and one of my instructors told us that it was highly unlikely that classes were going to be affected. Little did we know then that only a few short weeks later classes would transition fully online. It was a difficult year for students, but some of us found ways to make the most out of our virtual academics. Whether that’s cooking up a Fresh Prep meal while listening to the lecture, or embracing Zoom fashion trends of dress shirts and boxers while doing presentations, we adapted to the situation around us.
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Not only have students had to get creative during the pandemic. Instructors have also been forced to innovate due to teaching remotely. BCIT Marketing instructor, Geoffrey Bird, was kind enough to chat with me about how he successfully kept students engaged while teaching remotely during the pandemic.
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Q A
I feel that as instructors, we had to change and adapt fairly quickly. All the systems were there so we did not have to re-invent. There were definitely hiccups with my lectures though—things got locked up, my screen froze, and it took quite a bit of practice. Teaching online was something I was reluctant to do, but it woke me up into thinking that it is actually possible to do this! What are some innovative tactics you’ve used to engage with students who felt distracted, discouraged, or Zoom fatigued from remote learning? Zoom has built-in polls, and I started to incorporate those more and more. I found that there was a high level of engagement in those areas. It helped me see where students were at and what they were doing and how they digest the content. I’ve also had a lot of gameplay involved in my classes, it took some finessing to make it work online, but students seem to engage with the team and set game competitions! We also just got a new puppy; we had another miniature golden doodle, Coco. Having a pandemic puppy meant that there was always a puppy as part of the household, and I was able to bring Coco in and create some engagement. There is a sense of personal connection, as students will be able to see some parts of my home to a degree, including my puppies and other family members that would have walked in. A lot of people put a divider between home and their work but I just let it naturally evolve and didn’t separate it too much, as it is possible to still be somewhat intimate through that dialogue.
Q A
It must have been a tough year for instructors as well. Who has been your inspiration to keep teaching and to keep doing what you’re doing? Why? I learned a lot from my colleagues. Colleagues brought a lot of personal experience and knowledge to it that kept me motivated and kept me going. Early on we would have department or faculty sessions and I had questions like ‘How do I collect attendance on Zoom?’ I benefitted from listening to what other instructors were doing in their classes. I’m also a big follower of media. I think just seeing how so many media hosts and performers had to do the same transition that we were doing, and watching them still engage and retain an audience made it feel like I can also do the same with my students and keep them learning as well. Even watching Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers as they work from home during the lockdown made me feel like Yeah I can do this at home too! I think there is a sense of how they were still able to communicate and engage an audience, it seemed to me that I didn’t feel alone in that endeavor because everybody else was doing it.
Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity—not as a threat.” Even though the past two years were full of challenges, instructors like Geoffrey were able to use these changes as an opportunity to engage students in a meaningful way. I for one am grateful for their innovation.
Geoffrey Bird
LINK | JANUARY 2022
Q A
When the pandemic first hit, what was your action plan in transitioning your lectures to remote learning? How did it initially turn out?
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CW: domestic violence
innovating our (super) heroes by Jonah Van Driesum When we feel lost, we look for a hero to save us. For many people, it's a fictional hero. As a nerdy six-year-old, that hero for me was Superman. It was fun as a kid who got picked on to imagine an invincible hero who was a nerdy guy himself in his other life. The most common failing of comic book fans is resistance to change. However, if you look at the context of the greatest comic book stories of all time, they're great because they did something fundamentally new. The resurgence of comic book popularity from the early 2000s was largely driven by new ideas being explored. That dynamic has not fundamentally changed when we look at the characters most beloved by young fans. Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther, Shameik Moore’s Spider Man, Jason Mamao's Aquaman, and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. While the superhero industry and many superhero fans are now fully embracing their responsibility to create and promote content with a diversity of heroes, this battle for change has been a long time coming. Let's take the example of my favorite hero. Superman debuted in 1938 and instantly became the most successful superhero of that era. The first major black superhero, Black Panther, did not appear for 28 years and it wasn't even in his own comic book. The first major superhero movie was also Superman in 1978. The first major black actor-led superhero movie was Blade in 1999 and after the second sequel in 2003, there wasn't another major black actor-led superhero film until 2018’s Black Panther.
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It isn't just an issue of representation for superheroes of colour. Comic books have also been criticized for the many ways they have let down women. For example, the “Girlfriend in the Fridge complex” —a reference to Green Lantern’s girlfriend being raped, murdered, and stuffed into a fridge. Female characters and heroes are fre-
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quently sacrificed or tortured to further develop the story of their male counterparts. Cue the part in every Spider-Man movie where Mary Jane either plunges towards death or is captured several times. When Brie Larson was cast as Captain Marvel, there was massive sexist backlash because of her work for women’s equality (as if a female superhero would not be a feminist). Female superheroes have also been criticized for being overly sexualized. Elizabeth Olsen had to fight the studio to have her character, the Scarlet Witch, have a costume not oozing with cleavage. The most controversial change to a superhero in my opinion was when they killed Spider Man and replaced him with a new, younger, mixed-race hero to take on the role, Miles Morales. At first there was outrage fueled by racial bias, but as people saw the awesome story telling potential of the character, they came to embrace him, In many ways, Morales has become more popular than the original Spider Man amongst younger readers in the comic book community. But rather than giving this character a chance from the start, it was a constant battle to justify his race. If Spider Man got his powers from a science experiment, shouldn’t we be willing to experiment with our media as well? Having more diverse heroes, whether of colour, gender, or different sexual orientations, ensures that any child can pick up a comic book and find a hero they can relate to.
LINK | JANUARY 2022
Having more diverse heroes is conditional on people being willing to support them and creators brave enough to explore their depths. Whenever you see something different when browsing for something to watch or read, be willing to try it. Step outside your comfort zone. Use it as an opportunity to relax and explore while also thinking about who you're supporting with what you consume.
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AUTOMATION IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY Phillip Bossert The use of “cobots” (collaborative robots) and artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s medical system has revolutionized the capacity of healthcare practitioners to perform a variety of medical and diagnostic tasks. But could there be unintended consequences for surgeons and other doctors using these robots and AI? The term cobot is derived from a combination of the words "collaboration" and "robot" and refers to robots that are designed for direct collaboration with humans. If humans and robots share a workspace without being separated from each other by barriers, this is also referred to as human-robot collaboration (HRC).
THE INDUSTRY AS A ROLE MODEL
Many industries are turning to automation as they become more technologically advanced, and the medical sector is no exception. Innovation ensures a wide variety of fields are incorporating automation.
New technologies such as torque-controlled robotic arms with intelligent software enable safe HRC in medical technology. These cobots do not replace humans in producing or executing assigned tasks but rather provide support. These are different from robots used in heavy production which have become an essential part of the manufacturing industry today. Collaborative robotics is a recent development growing and evolving rapidly.
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In the laboratory, the need for automation is becoming increasingly apparent. For example, automation can make the procurement of laboratory results faster, safer, and more efficient. It also allows significantly more samples to be processed while substantially reducing the error rate. Human error can occur even among professionals, especially in life sciences, chemicals, and the pharmaceutical industry, which may mean the difference between life and death. Automation has already gained acceptance in many laboratory facilities, mainly due to its high speed and safety. Analytical tasks such as high-throughput screening are well suited to an automated workflow, as this technique involves analyzing many substances with an always consistent sequence. Samples from patients, analyzed for specific ingredients or defined signs of a disease, are ideally suited for autonomous processing.
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In 2018, Hannover, Germany hosted the “Integrated Industry – Connect and Collaborate” conference which focused on technological advancements in HRC across all industries. HRC is revolutionary for the medical field, affecting both patients and doctors alike.
When it comes to the current COVID-19 pandemic, these robots can perform non-contact testing or assist in producing mouth and nose coverings such as surgical masks. It gives medical production the ability to ensure consistent product quality. Human intervention can sometimes create contamination in sterile environments, so cobots are useful in minimizing this risk. They can also be quickly retooled for new product lines. Cobots have even been designed with sensor technology. This technology can be compared to the senses of a human being. A large number of sensors support the robot in cataloguing a significant amount of data. Acoustic sensors
enable the robots to respond to acoustic warning signals. An integrated UR+ certified visual system allows the cobots to "see." Among other operations, the optical sensor system prevents the cobot from colliding with fixed or moving obstacles. It also means cobots can be used for such delicate procedures as surgical implants. Former Fanuc and Midea manager, Olaf Gehrels, is looking to expand the field of cobotics in small businesses with his start-up Coboworx but acknowledges safety concerns. "Only a few percent of cobots in use are truly collaborative. And that won't change until you have intuitive and affordable plug-and-play solutions for the functional safety of the overall system," explains Gehrels.
WHAT ADVANTAGES DO COBOTS BRING?
Automating medical technology with the help of cobots can ensure higher productivity by optimizing equipment and personnel. Because robots can perform their work reliably around the clock without interruption and can deliver continuous quality, waste can be reduced. Another benefit of automation through robots is increased flexibility. Operations can be switched to new products quickly, and even a last-minute changeover or small production quantities are no problem. Collaborating robot arms can be reprogrammed internally and mounted on mobile platforms to improve mobility. Another advantage is quality improvement. For example, repetitive tasks can often be stressful for human workers; concentration often wanes after many hours of monotonous work. On the other hand, Robots can perform complex assembly tasks precisely, reliably, and without interruption. Robots are inexpensive at around $35,000 compared to an average person's salary, not to mention the costs of training and maintaining an employee. The purchase of a robot usually pays for itself within a year.
LINK | JANUARY 2022
In conclusion, the use of collaborative robots has already minimized countless risks and is becoming more and more prominent due to constant technological development. The versatile use of robots has already convinced many companies in a wide range of industries and is now continuously gaining popularity in the medical sector.
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