September 2020
1
Table of Contents 03 Editor’s Note 04 Vice-President’s Message
September 2020: Frosh Issue www.macmediamagazine.com 004c McLaughlin College, York University Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 416-736-2100 ext. 60555 Executives Editor In Chief Vice-President Publisher Layout Designer
05 A Frosh Fresh Start 06 How To Transition 07 Frosh Tips 08 Questions About Frosh Week 10 Upcoming Movies
Melissa Sendanyoye Tanesha Agrawal Catherine Shi Naomi Joson
Editors News Aneesa Singh Opinions Naomi Joson Arts & Entertainment Riya Nair Sports Melissa Sendanyoye Humor Melissa Sendanyoye
@MacMediaMag
MacMedia Magazine
11 Must Read Books 13 Upcoming Sports Events 14 Why Should Boys Be Decent? 15 Just To Brighten Your Day MacMedia is the official student monthly of McLaughlin College but does not speak on behalf of McLaughlin College—unless specifically specified by the Big Kahuna upstairs (in which case there’ll be a note). The opinions expressed herein are also not necessarily held by MacMedia or its staff (unless they’re really smart and dastardly written) but are a reflection of the current social outlook. Our goal is to act as an objective forum for constructive conceptual synthesis and intellectual thought—not as a community censor.
Canadian University Press, a national
Therefore, our content is only as strong as your contribution. Every month we publish a wide variety of student-written news, opinions, art, poetry, humour, fiction, photography, and everything in-between. Please feel free to contact us for any reason, including publishing dates, advertising, world domination, iguana preservation, puddle-pants, the whereabouts of Godzilla, or any other “topics of interest.”
Organization of Canadian student newspapers
Please send all submissions and inquiries to macmedia.eic@gmail.com
@Macmediamagazine
MacMedia is a proud member of The
September 2020
2
EDITOR’S NOTE For those of you returning welcome back! For all of you new up and coming first years, congratulations and welcome to the community of McLaughlin College and York University. There are so many opportunities available at McLaughlin College and York University and I hope you enjoy what we have to offer.
Actually, York’s colleges are more like homes; you won’t get lost in the hustle and bustle as easily.
That’s exactly what McLaughlin is: your home for the next four, five, or however many years you choose to stay at York University. You have the choice to get involved, too! MacMedia is McLaughlin College’s only magazine and your goMacMedia’s talented team of writers, editors, designers, and to read at York for anything that your heart desires. Do you managers have compiled this Frosh Issue just for you. Think of it want to read about the best Frosh Week on campus? We’ve got as a YorkU Survival Guide – we just want to make sure that you that. Do you want to stay up to date on current global issues? have the best possible transition into university. Do you have We’ve got that. We discuss everything from sports, politics, questions about Frosh Week? We’ve got the answers. Are you music, tv shows and relationships. We’ll be bringing you a athletic? MAC (and York, of course) have an unbelievable variety of articles about a range of topics, such as drinking amount of sports that you can play. Are you? I mean, we’re not games, music festivals, and feel good sex positions. For any York health nuts or anything, but we’ve got a couple of tips for you. If student, MAC affiliated or not, this is an essential read. you have any suggestions or topics that you’d like to see covered, send us an email at macmedia.eic@gmail.com and our MacMedia affiliates itself with McLaughlin College and you talented team of writers will grant your wish. probably do as well. Students in Criminology, Global Political Studies, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Law & Society, Political Have a safe and healthy school year! Science, Public Administration, Sociology, & Work and Labour - Melissa Sendanyoye Studies are a part of MAC. The collegiate system at YorkU is great since we’re such a big university. Students are divided into President & Editor-In-Chief different colleges depending on their program of study.
September 2020
3
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT As we mushroom towards a new chapter of our lives, MacMedia welcomes everyone to the family! My name is Tanesha Agrawal and I’m Vice- President of MacMedia magazine. My pronouns are she/her. On behalf of MacMedia, I would like to congratulate everyone who has come this far and I wish an abundance of luck to our readers for the upcoming academic year.
In our complex yet richly connected world, MacMedia believes that the world is not black and white—it’s big, nuanced, complicated, and filled with every shade in between, and media truly has the power to bring millions of people together. Hence, we have vitalized to represent sundry opinions, cultures, people and schools of thought to provide a podium for people to represent and open themselves This year, as we attend our lectures and meetings to a plethora of perspectives to view the world. over Zoom, make ‘dalgona coffee’ at home instead of With that being said, my personal message to all of getting it from Tim Hortons, bask in the greens you starting off as freshmen or continuing students: while trying the cathartic DIY tie-dying trend, ponder York offers a large variety of clubs and communities over "Who killed Carole Baskin's husband?" and which you can identify with; unveil your potential watch the leaves turn orange from behind our masks and seize every opportunity that comes your way by this fall, MacMedia promises to be your go-to for a being an active participant. It is never too late to start nonpareil quarantine life. Our pursuit is focused to something new, make new friends, procure an issue a monthly dose of piping hot tea and internship, or take a leap of faith and check entertainment, news from politics and sports, humour everything off your bucket list. After all, your section which will make you go ‘LOL’, ‘LMAO’ and university experience is what you make of it! Thank ‘ROFL’, and our opinions section ranging from you for taking out the time to read this and I hope social issues, mental health, and self-care to you have a fulfilling experience with McLaughlin on-campus stories, busting myths and promulgate college and an amazing academic year at York! upcoming McLaughlin college’s events! Tanesha Agrawal Vice- President, MacMedia
September 2020
4
A Frosh (Fresh) Start Aneesa Singh News Editor
Summer Sunshine coming to an end, The Autumn breeze rolling in, A time of eagerness and excitement Let frosh week commence. New friendly faces and move in day approaches, Anxious students await their journey A fresh beginning for now Lecture halls have seats ready with new looks Students geared with laptops and notebooks Families gather to say bye for now, As student fill their dorm with curiosity and hope, You will hear study hard and make good decisions!, As students will learn and grow everyday It's time to show your personalities, Make new friends and begin new friendships, As your college semester will unravel itself And here’s to say finally saying to a new adventure, Cheers!
September 2020
5
How To Transition Aneesa Singh News Editor
Decorate your dorm! Your dorm is your space. Welcome domestic and international students! You can put up posters, pictures of your family/friends and anything else that can make It is an exciting time of year as we welcome old and new students to our campus. Here are use of your space to let people know who you some tips for new students as you settle in to are. Get comfortable in your dorm, as it will campus life at York. be your home for the next few months. Do not be afraid to say hi to new people! University is a place to meet people and make new friends. There are all kinds of people in the same shoes as you, and so you may not be the only anxious person around! Be the first person to say hi to someone new, and who knows? It may be the beginning of a new friendship! Make friends with both local and international students.
Check out the syllabus the first week. The syllabus tells you important dates such as weekly readings, assignments, tests and exams. It’s important you look at the syllabus as soon as you get it. You can plan your studies around the dates of the syllabus and plan your semester accordingly.
Check out social media! Use Facebook to chat and make new friends, join groups for classes, online textbook exchange etc. There are also social media accounts like on Instagram, where you can get updates on events, important school dates and more. If you do not have these social media, accounts create them, as it will benefit you and your friends when getting to know events happening around campus. Save money. You spend money on tuition, meal plans, books/supplies, grocery finances that can be well over $10,000. Try to save your money and spend it only on items needed for school and work. For example, prepare food instead of eating out at restaurants.
September 2020
6
Frosh Tips Join clubs. There are so many different clubs University is expensive. Tuition is not free, so and student services for support. It also helps building your resume and looks good for job make the most out of your courses and try your best. Make sure to do the work, as professors will interviews, graduate programs. In addition, it gives you something to enjoy. not remind. In high school your finances are not Aneesa Singh
News Editor
very much affected, however university eats your money whether you pass or fail your classes. So make tuition count and do the work!
No time to procrastinate. Do those readings on time, it really does help when it comes to exam time. The workload does increase over Attend frosh week. Meet people, have fun, make the semester, and keeping up with the friends, play games and enjoy time to learn more workload at the start does help in the end. about yourself.
Organize notes. Take notes during your lecture and tutorials categorize them and make use of your notes! You will never know when these notes come in handy, specifically exam season. Structure time. Having good time management skills is the key to succeeding. It is important to structure your time so you know how much time to spend on assignments, readings and studying for finals. Time management will surely benefit you in a work in progress. Use professor office hours. Seek help and visit professors during office hours. Professors are there for a reason. Sometimes professors may say something in their office hours that may not appear in lectures/classes.
YU start. An online tutorial program to help new students settle in. It helps student learn how to enroll in courses, learn more about campus life and available student services. Take care of yourself. Wake up early, eat breakfast, and take breaks during your studies. Get a good night’s sleep. This is especially important during exam season; your health is just as important as your studies. Do not be afraid of failing. Failing your first university exam is very ok! Nobody is perfect. You learn much more from failing the first time and fixing your mistakes only to improve in the next exam. September 2020
7
Questions About Frosh Week are a lot more available online Tanesha and I sat down to have and communication is a lot easier to come across. We got a meeting with one of the OChairs of McLaughlin College’s the position in May— so from Frosh week, Connor Dunpy to May until now— we’ve been sort discuss the first ever frosh week of getting used to that will be delivered online. Asiana Lee is the other O-Chair communicating and facilitating for McLaughlin frosh, but unfor- things online. I like the fact that tunately could not attend the I’ve also been able to learn how interview. to navigate online spaces. I like that I can organize this week in my house. Normally during What is your favourite part frosh, the O-Chiar would have to about being the O-Chair for be at school all day. A lot of the first time ever frosh O-chairs do not work during the season? And, what did you learn working extensively on week. I have been fortunate enough where I could work the schedule with your sometimes, also mostly do frosh co-workers considering online meeting and potential in the comfort of my home. That made things a bit easier on me time difference? this year. I have been able to I actually really had been build frosh from the ground up. enjoying the whole process. I do I personally do wish that we enjoy the fact that myself and could have an in person frosh, Asiana have had the ability to I’ve wanted to become an create our own frosh from the ground up because there really O-Chair since I was in my first year four years ago; this is not hasn’t been any framework whatsoever before this. I like the anything I would have expected; I can’t lie, when I first got it and I fact that we had been able to think about what we think would found out that it would be a virtual frosh we were definitely be good and what would translate well online in terms of bummed out, but we realized that we had a lot of opportunity events, planning, and how we to take out week and; and I can incentives incoming think, we are really are happy students to join out week and with where we are now with become a part of our we’ve been able to come up community. with for students; and I think it The lines of communication can turned out okay in my opinion. I sometimes be better because if ’m excited, the closer and closer people are working towards the we get, the more and more same goal, I noticed that people Naomi Joson Opinions Editor
things are starting to come together-- it's starting to look full circle You mentioned that Mac will not be doing any zoom calls for frosh. What inspired you to take this different direction? I wouldn’t say we aren’t doing any zoom calls, we’re going to be doing a couple zoom calls to facilitate certain things; we felt personally that we kind of wanted see where we could take out week without using what we already knew we could use, so we wanted to find different platforms that we felt were unique and could service our week and how we visualized it properly. I still think Zoom is a good platform, but I feel that based on a popular opinion, we didn't want to facilitate zoom calls; we wanted to make sure we were doing other things that we thought were new and exciting and different. We’re working with the team on an online platform called “Gather.” It includes York alumni and their platform I brought to Yoda’s attention and a lot of the colleges are on board. We are excited to see what it's going to look like. We sort of wanted to create visual space and stay true to McLaughlin. We feel like it is a really good way to help September 2020
8
Questions About Frosh Week personalize our week and help show our person- it’s going to be like a set versus but it will be ality so the incoming students can feel comforta- based on a genre. It’s going to be sort of like a ble. live music event where people can tune in and enjoy music and interact in the chat. I feel like if it What efforts are differently being made by the was done well it could be really good. I'm excited McLaughlin College council this academic for the whole week to be honest but I'm also year to instill the sense of university pride excited to see the virtual escape room as well. among freshmen? We can’t wait to meet everyone and make sure We wanted to make sure that this week, because you buy your frosh pass. We can’t wait to be we were taking out a lot of the social partying that friends with everyone! people have been used to-- we did want to incorporate a strong academic side. We have the MALL office beside the office. This was almost necessary that they know who they can turn to in terms of academic help and tutoring. We created a section in our Discord that helps with tutoring and asking questions. We hope that once students come in they can start using that and openly ask questions about school. We wanted to cover all of the aspects of our community and make sure that students know that they are represented fairly. What is your biggest fear of going into an online frosh? We hope the events in the week are exciting and fun enough to capture our audience. I have a fear that this might not get as much attention in the sense that I hope that while they might have a good time online, I hope that in the future that they will be able to want to still be a part of our community and be excited about meeting people when the time comes. So we feel that it’s very important that we still have a frosh just because of that. And it's just important in terms of seeing the college alive and making sure there are always people in the community. As people leave we want people coming in as well to fill up those spaces; so that’s why retention is very important for our college because frosh is the biggest event Top (From left to right): Naomi Joson, Tanesha of the year and that’s a big way for colleges to Agarawal get that retention. Bottom: Connor Dunpy What is your personal favourite activity for the upcoming frosh season? I’m excited for how the battle of the DJs will turn out because the DJs are doing like a battle; so September 2020
9
Upcoming Movies Riya Nair Arts & Entertainment Editor
This American superhero genre film is supposedly the last movie in the X-men series. Its plot is quite similar to other Marvel tv shows such as Runaways, with a bunch of kids discovering they have special abilities and fighting off people who mean to capture them and making peace with their newfound abilities. But the trailer seems pretty promising and riveting with extraordinary secrets, mysteries and superpowers which bring the film together.
Disney’s everlasting magic with their animated series now brings a live action adaptation of Mulan, a warrior who goes on an epic journey of embracing her legacy and true potential while masquerading as a man to fight with the Imperial army. It’s a story of how she breaks the tradition to fight not only for her country but also to earn respect of her nation. It is said to have a digital release on Disney+.
For all the DC fans, this superhero film brings back Gal Gadot in the role of Diana Prince/ wonder woman. The film is set in 1984 wherein the plot revolves around Wonder woman’s face off against Cheetah and Maxwell Lord. After being delayed several times during the last year and this, its latest release date is set in October of 2020.
Hercule Poirot is back in another mystery thriller screenplay from the Agatha Christie novel by the same name. The plot follows Poirot solving a murder while vacationing in Egypt. The previous movie’s mystery was totally surprising and I can’t wait for the next. The novels have been known for their great plot twists and the movies bring it to the screen.
In this action packed movie from Marvel studios, Natasha Romanoff aka Black widow returns to the screen for a jolting story before becoming an avenger and a dangerous set of enemies who’ll do anything to bring her down. With a stellar cast featuring Scarlet Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Rachel Weisz, this movie is sure to move you to the edge of the seat.
We’ve all seen the man in action, whether its deciphering a code or mystery, the infamous tales of Sherlock Holmes lives on. But, Enola Holmes, the teenage sister of Sherlock brings a competitive challenge to Sherlock. The movie chronicles the adventures of Enola Holmes and the mysteries and plot twists are what we can’t wait for.
September 2020
10
MUST READ BOOKS Riya Nair
Arts & Entertainment
Global warming and climate change are an ongoing global issue This book is a psychological thriller, and tells the story of Sadie proving to be a crisis as years go and Will Foust who have only just by. This vivid, terrifying, and galvanizing novel reveals our future moved their family from bustling world after previous generations Chicago to small-town Maine failed to halt climate change. From when their neighbor, Morgan Baines, is found dead in her home. though provoking conversations to insightful knowledge of the As Sadie gets closer to the upcoming realities, this book will mystery, she may have to be motivate you to take action to be careful, because she may have much to lose if the truth comes out. the change
This is a novel which explores issues of race, class, violence, through the eyes of a wealthy black teenager about the Rodney King riots. Everything changes for Ashley Bennett, when four LAPD officers are acquitted after beating a black man named Rodney King half to death. Suddenly, Ashley’s not just one of the girls. She’s one of the black kids. This novel may give us a new perspective, given the current times, will also educate us on topics of racism.
If you love medical drama especially Grey’s Anatomy, then this book is a definite read. Norah Kapadia spent the last twentysomething years with her nose in a textbook, just landed the medical residency of her dreams. But after a disastrous first day, she's calling it quits. Disgruntled patients, sleep deprivation, and her duty to be the "perfect Indian daughter" have her questioning her future as a doctor. It is a well-crafted storytelling, capturing chapters, likable characters and true, intense and heartfelt approach and navigating the ‘South Asian culture’.
It is about a London lawyer named John Gabriel Utterson who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde. This immensely famous novel has had a significant impact on the language that ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ is often used to portray the duality of a person’s nature. September 2020
11
MUST READ BOOKS Riya Nair
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Since its initial success, this novel has remained one of the most popular novels of all time. So, it is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen’s novel reflect the ways of British society, themes of love, marriage, family and a comedy of manners.
This is an engaging essay collection that educates everyone about intersectional feminism. Mikki Kendall weaves the concept of feminism to topics such as the housing crisis, hunger, black women’s maternal health which often are ignored in a movement that centres the privileged or cis, heterosexual white women. A mustread to understand how far we've come and how far we have to go.
In Ninth House, a first-year student at Yale who can see ghosts is tasked with overseeing the suspicious activities of the university’s secret societies. The author uses her protagonist’s adventures to smartly comment on the issues facing college students, including sexual assault. The story involves dark occult magic and is about real people and events (inspired by the author’s own experience at Yale.
The Vanishing Half follows the lives of two twin girls, both lightskinned Black girls, who run away from home at the age of sixteen. Desiree marries a dark-skinned Black man and has a child, while Stella lives her life passing as white. The book tracks their lives across generations, as their lives branch away from each other and yet remain intertwined. The Vanishing Half is a powerful, timely and very human story about identity and race. It tracks the characters’ self-discovery through difficult decision and the realities of racial identity.
One night changed history. One night changed how the world looked at Chernobyl Nuclear power plant after its disaster. This book captures what happened on that eventful night and its aftermath. The author brings this harrowing narrative alive through the experiences of people who experienced it first-hand. The book brings you closer to the truth behind this tragedy. September 2020
12
Upcoming Sports Events Melissa Sendanyoye Sports Editor
SEPTEMBER 5, 10 P.M. SEPTEMBER 10, 8:20p.m. •
•
Texans vs. Chiefs
Alistair Overeem vs. Augusto Sakai
SEPTEMBER 26, 10 P.M. SEPTEMBER 13, 1P.M.
•
Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo
•
Jets vs. Bills
Costa
•
Packers vs. Vikings
•
•
Eagles vs. Washington
Royal
•
Browns vs. Ravens
•
•
Colts vs. Jaguars
Tukhugov
•
Raiders vs. Panthers
•
•
Bears vs. Lions
Kai Kara France vs. Brandon
Hakeem Dawodu vs. Zubaira Claudia Gadelha vs. Xiaonan Yan September 2020
13
WHY SHOULD BOYS BE DECENT? Why should boys be decent and not a creep. Your partner is human too. If she wants to, she would say it. If she doesn't say it she won't be comfortable with it. If she isn't comfortable saying how can you do it. Be calm and just focus to love her all the time. A story of proposal. Every time I used to take out his phone battery in my college, he assumes it to be dead or so what I make him believe. To call or text something he asks me for my phone. I used show my middle finger as of fuck off sign for finger prints (not show but give him) and say I am sleepy then he lays beside me I ask him "I want to use your middle finger in return on self" such a college romance it was. After years one day at dinner my phone felt light and my heart was stuck. He used to get that thing every time. He gave his phone to me with utter decency and I asked for finger to unlock with print. I said "I am not comfortable abhi."(with apologetic expression) but then I held his finger it was his ring finger. He looked down and gave me my battery. I said you can have my finger but I don't want it of same weight back to me. - Anonymous
September 2020
14
JUST TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY! Melissa Sendanyoye Humor Editor
I’ll tell you a coronavirus joke now, but you’ll have to wait two weeks to see if you got it. Still no toilet paper in the stores. They’re wiped out and you’re shit out of luck.
What should you do if you don’t understand a What did the man say to coronavirus joke? Be the bartender? I’ll have a patient. corona, hold the virus.
September 2020
15
September 2020
16
