Volume 48, Issue 0

The Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Toronto Mississauga since 1974

Issue 0 Volume 48

August 23 2021

themedium.ca

REOPENING OF CAMPUS

HISTORY OF UTM

FAMILIAR FILMING SIGHTS

“We want to reassure students that if the pandemic prevents their in-person attendance at UTM in fall [of] 2021, we [will] continue to teach them where they are. We have many courses and support services online for this purpose.”

An unidentified man’s decomposed remains were found less than a kilometre away from campus. Lots of curious onlookers jammed the streets to find out more about this strange and disturbing discovery.

Ready for its close-up, UTM has had recurring roles in several productions, introducing the buildings to incoming students and reacquainting returning students with its friendly halls.

>> read more on page 04

>> read more on page 08

>> read more on page 17

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NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

U of T’s 12 step plan mandates full vaccinations for returning students and staff The university’s recent 12-step plan outlines rules and changes for students and staff returning on campus.

May Alsaigh News Editor

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eginning this fall, the University of Toronto will require all individuals attending any of the three campuses to be fully vaccinated. The university has implemented an extensive 12-step plan for not only students, but staff and faculty as well. Any individual that will be attending campus must self-declare their vaccination status before taking part in any in-person proceedings.

Some features of the plan include the required wearing of non-medical face masks in all indoor areas, physical distancing, mandatory self-screening, upgrading classroom ventilation systems, and other safety measures.

Responses regarding one’s vaccination status will be submitted to the university anonymously. These responses will aid U of T in providing ongoing information about vaccinations and will help to improve safety measures on campus.

Earlier this June, U of T announced that all students planning to live in residence during the 2021-2022 academic year are required to be vaccinated and must have their first dose prior to moving in. The university has already demonstrated their advocacy for the vaccine by opening up pop-up clinics on their campuses and hosting a vaccine pow wow clinic in U of T’s Varsity Stadium in June.

Following the advice of local public health authorities, these policies were developed and endorsed by the Region of Peel and Toronto Public Health.

In a public letter addressed towards all faculty, librarians, and staff, Meric Gertler, President of U of T, states, “The University of Toronto will require that all those intending to be present on our campuses be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”

Those who refuse to declare their vaccination status will be required to participate in rapid-screening tests twice a week. Their results must be negative within 72 hours of arriving on campus.

However, the university does recognize there will be personal circumstances where individuals are unable to receive the vaccine.

Exemptions will be permitted on religious or medical grounds where individuals must provide a documented medical reason.

To reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission, individuals entering certain buildings on campus will be encouraged to scan a QR

code to promote contact tracing. Should a potential exposure take place, the university will notify those who have scanned the code as soon as possible.

Other Ontario universities including the University of Guelph, Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, York University in Toronto, Western University in London, and Queen’s University in Kingston will also require proof of vaccination.

Gertler further states in his letter, “Our plans are consistent with those of our peer institutions in Ontario. In fact, we are pleased to see others now adopting the standards we have established in planning for a safe return to in-person activities.”

Any persons experiencing symptoms are encouraged to stay home and self-isolate.

Several assessment centres are available to facilitate testing. More information can be found by contacting your local health unit.

U of T has also implemented a comprehensive guide online where anyone will be able to access a frequently asked questions page regarding vaccines and other information.

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

A recap of UTM’s Covid-19 mass vaccination clinic Peel Region, Trillium Health Partners, and University of Toronto Mississauga’s joint vaccination clinic ends after five months.

Colin Chau Contributor

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fter administering over 335,000 first and second Covid-19 vaccine doses to local community members, Trillium Health Partners ended its five-month long mass vaccination clinic at the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Centre. The clinic was aimed to assist Peel Region’s efforts to pivot towards a new long-term vaccination strategy focused on pharmacies and primary care.

Open since March 2021, the 149-day long joint venture between Peel Region, Trillium Health Partners, and the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) discontinued on July 27, 2021, allowing regular athletic pro-

gramming to resume in Gymnasium C for the upcoming Fall semester.

In a July 19, 2021 press release, Trillium Health Partners announced that “THP will be transitioning all vaccine efforts to the Mississauga Hospital J-Wing vaccination clinic.” Citing the growth of communitybased vaccine clinics and increased vaccination rates in Peel Region, the GTA-based hospital system wrote that “Appointments that are currently scheduled at the UTM clinic after July 27 will be honoured at the J-Wing clinic, and all impacted individuals will be contacted directly”.

First administering 2,000 then 5,000 doses a day, the Mississauga Covid-19 mass vaccination clinic administered first and second vaccine doses far ahead of schedule and is estimated to have prevented a mini-

mum of 103 Covid-19 deaths and 6,840 new cases, according to data projections analyzed by Global News.

In a celebratory closing speech, Professor Alexandra Gillespie, Vice-President and Principal of UTM, conveyed her ‘tremendous gratitude’ to all clinic personnel, volunteers, and staff for their sustained efforts.

Gillespie also communicated her profound appreciation for the mass vaccination clinic’s positive impact on vaccination rates in Peel Region.

“Estimated to have prevented a minimum of 103 Covid-19 deaths and 6840 new cases.” >> CLINIC continued on page 03

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

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Rising tuition rates provoke the need for greater financial support for students Government aid, scholarships, bursaries, free modes of transportation, and on campus job opportunities provides students with financial support during the ongoing pandemic.

Anjalli Becharbhai Contributor

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n this past year, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) increased the tuition rates of students regardless of the ongoing pandemic. Nonetheless, the university has provided several resources for students to utilize in response to pandemic. Students can find a range of financial aid options on the school’s website to help them with 20212022 tuition fees.

UTM recognizes the financial challenges students face during this ongoing pandemic as they provide a mix of resources and initiatives for students to effectively manage fees this upcoming school year. “The Ontario government is extending the current one-year tuition freeze for colleges and universities in 2021-2022, providing more financial relief and predictability for families and students seeking access to affordable postsecondary education,” reads the Ontario news release website.

The tuition freeze initiative will enable Ontario students to save money without having to worry about keeping up with rising tuition fees. According to the Ontario news release website, the government’s tuition freeze has saved students approximately $450 million annually.

“The 10% tuition reduction and tuition freeze will apply to all funding eligible programs and all years of study,” reads the Ministry of College and Universities website. “The 2019-20 tuition in any given year of study is 10% less than the tuition for the same year of study from 2018-19.”

It is important to consider not only tuition fees but the additional costs such as residence, textbooks, school supplies, and parking passes to create a proper budget. With savings of up to ten per cent on tuition this change will allow students to save money that can be used to pay for these extra costs.

There are other ways to save money through campus resources. If students wish to save money on residence fees there is an option to commute to school. The combination of both a MiWay card and free UTM shuttle rides can save money on residential fees, a parking pass, or transportation costs.

>> CLINIC continued from page 02 Karli Farrow, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trillium Health Partners, similarly expressed that “we were able to expedite administration of the Covid-19 vaccine, resulting in quicker community access to first and second doses, and, ultimately, protection against the virus.”

In an internal email sent to all University of Toronto Mississauga community members on July 26, 2021, one day before the mass vaccination clinic’s scheduled closure, Megan Evans, Manager of UTM Covid-19 Clinic Operations, indicated that paid parking would resume on two campus parking lots previously designated as free clinic parking (parking lots P4 and P8), and wrote that “The targeted date for reopening the RAWC doors (as access to other campus buildings)

is Monday, August 9; a full reopening of the RAWC is slated for September.”

Likewise, the UTM’s Covid-19 mass vaccination clinic frequently asked questions page states that “In late July, we will begin to transition the RAWC back to its pre-clinic layout as a community-oriented fitness facility […] [and] the transition will occur gradually, with some clean up and organizational efforts likely stretching into the first two weeks of August.”

UTM was selected to host the Covid-19 mass vaccination clinics because of the availability of campus staff who provided operational expertise, accessibility considerations linked to parking and public transportation, in addition to scientific sub-zero freezers that could both accommodate and ensure the viability of mRNA vaccine doses. The clinic was a success to helping with Ontario’s vaccination efforts.

Domestic students also have the option to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)—a government financial aid program consisting of a mix of grants and loans.

U of T provides reassurance to students that when the government is unable to cover all costs the university will provide further financial aid. U of T provides additional support through UTAPS. “UTAPS is for full-time students who receive the maximum government financial aid available but whose funding still doesn’t cover all their university costs,” read the Office of the Registrar’s website.

U of T also welcomes students with disabilities by implementing roles such as volunteer note taker positions to provide these students with the appropriate lecture notes to reduce the barriers to quality education they might face.

There are also a variety of jobs available on campus that can provide students with an additional source of income. These jobs are located at the Blind Duck Pub, Starbucks, and the library which can give international students the opportunity to meet new people and network on campus.

There are also several work-study positions available from multiple departments and organizations at the University of Toronto, including the Blackwood Gallery, the Centre for Student Engagement, and more.

The Medium sat down with Maria Rossa, an international student from Indonesia, to discuss these changes. Rossa is a third-year student majoring in biology and psychology.

“I got an entrance scholarship when I entered my first year of university, so that helped slightly with my first-year tuition,” said Maria. “[Despite] the time spent adapting to a new campus, I would [suggest] if you were interested in finding a job on campus, to engage in work on campus such as with Student Housing and Residence,” continued Maria.

Though tuition fees have increased and taken a toll on numerous students, UTM and the Office of the Registrar has a range of options available on their website to alleviate these financial burdens.

Tuition is expensive, but with a little exploration students can find many ways to help them pay for school without sacrificing their ability to succeed academically.

HAKAN NURAL/UNSPLASH.COM

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What students and staff can expect for the fall reopening of campus

Razia Saleh Contributor

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he Medium spoke with Nicolle Wahl, Content Director at the Office of Communications to discuss the logistics and precautions the UTM campus will implement this Fall term.

“The pandemic has created major disruptions and doubt, with messages constantly changing as the science and local public health guidelines develop,” said Wahl.

“We want to reassure students that if the pandemic prevents their in-person attendance at UTM in fall [of] 2021, we [will] continue to teach them where they are. We have many courses and support services online for this purpose.”

The UTogether website posted answers to frequently asked questions to guide students on vaccinations, mask protocols, changes to tuition fees, classroom settings and more. Mask protocols will be implemented by the Policy on Non-Medical Masks and Face Coverings which also follows the provincial regulations. The policy states that “anyone entering any indoor building on campus must

require a non-medical mask or face covering.” “[They will] offer the full range of student services, including health and wellness opportunities, career planning assistance, international student support, and ways to engage with fellow students along with faculty, librarians, staff and the community,” continues Wahl.

She also mentions, “more services will be in person than last year, but we’ll maintain many virtual services too for students who aren’t in the immediate area. We’ve learned that some specific virtual options work out better for some students than in-person, so we don’t want to lose those.”

Wahl explains that the UTM Library looks forward to welcoming the campus community with the reponing of physical spaces, resources, and services. She also mentions that the university will continue to provide services remotely to improve access for all students. Though the campus is planning for in-person activities, resources will continue to be available for those who are unable to attend the school.

The Medium also spoke with, Loridee de Villa, a second-year student pursuing the Biology for Health Science program to discuss these changes.

“I’m most excited to see the student life! Every time I go to campus, there’s hardly anyone there.

I want to see how different clubs function, school events, and all that typical university stuff.” de Villa points out the challenges of the online university space. “As excited as I am to see actual people again, I am absolutely terrified for the class experience. Being in a big class is something that has always scared me, and I feel like it’s more difficult to have your voice heard in a big lecture hall versus on a zoom call. […] I’m [beginning] to question whether my brain can even retain any knowledge at this point. But overall, I think the future challenges will be so worth it because we’ll have a stronger sense of community to help us pull through.”

Even with these concerns for the coming year, Wahl wants students to be hopeful. “Though much remains uncertain, and though we have designed schedules with maximum flexibility in mind, we encourage students to come to campus in Fall 2021, not only to attend in-person courses and labs, but also to enjoy all the other enriching personal, academic, and co-curricular experiences that comprise a vibrant UTM education: to meet faculty; conduct research; study on-campus; participate in fitness and recreation; make new friends in student residences and clubs.”

GLADYS LOU/THE MEDIUM

With the reopening of campus grounds and services, UTM implements new changes for the safety of staff and students.

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Discovery of 215 children on the Kamloops residential school grounds urges U of T to address the TRC’s Calls to Action Recent news regarding Indigenous mass burials encourage U of T to take action and show their support.

GOTOVAN/FLICKR

Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

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arlier this summer reports of mass burials of Indigenous children on residential school grounds surfaced grabbing the attention of Canadians nationwide. On May 27, 2021 the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nations announced that they discovered the remains of 215 children, with the youngest child being aged 3, on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia.

Upon hearing of the discovery of mass graves, all three U of T campuses lowered their flags at half-mast to mourn with Indigenous communities across Canada. Moments of silence were also observed at multiple university town hall meetings held at the university in memory of the lost children.

The residential school grounds were searched with ground-penetrating radars, a project funded and ran by the Tk’emlúps te

Secwépemc First Nations. Later in the summer, other residential school grounds in British Columbia and Saskatchewan were searched. More than 2000 bodies were found across Canada.

“The heartbreaking discoveries that have come to light in recent months have underscored the need for truth and action,” says Tee Duke, the Assistant Director of Indigenous Initiative at UTM in an interview with The Medium.

The University of Toronto offers programs and support for Indigenous students through the U of T’s First Nations House. Indigenous students may also make an appointment with the Indigenous Wellness Counsellor. For immediate non-emergency counselling, the U of T My Student Support Program (SSP) offers 24-hour call or text support in 146 languages.

The last having shut down in 1996, residential schools were government funded institutions of genocide run by the Roman Catholic Church, imprisoning over 150 000 Indigenous children in boarding schools across Canada.

Developed by Canada’s first Prime Minister,

John A. McDonald, residential schools were imposed to “kill the Indian, save the man”.

There were over 150 actively running residential schools in Canada between 1883 and 1996 where thousands of children mysteriously disappeared or died. Reports show that children were starved and beaten on a regular basis. “The effects of this system persist today in pervasive structures of inequality and intergenerational trauma,” says Duke.

In 2015, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Chair, Murray Sinclair, estimated 6000 residential school deaths, with many believing thousands more deaths went undocumented.

Mass burial findings from this summer confirm the reports provided by the TRC. Indigenous groups and activists have requested technology to search residential school grounds for years, knowing that the grounds would reveal the missing children they have been searching for.

The Vatican has yet to make a public apology or take accountability for the institutions involvement in the Canadian residential

school system. Recent protests and petitions are pushing the Vatican to publish all documents previously kept confidential that may help in identifying the bodies for the purposes of truth, repatriation, and restitution.

In early June, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a press conference to put pressure on Church officials to release the documents. All efforts have been met with resistance from the Catholic Church.

Such events promote Call to Action initiatives such as the Wecheehetowin: Answering the Call, a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada by the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto.

“UTM and U of T as a whole continue to implement the Calls to Action [in the report],” says Duke.

The findings of Indigenous children within residential school grounds in Canada serves as a stark reminder for U of T to not only honour Indigenous murdered children but also to work diligently in their commitment to TRC’s Calls to Action.

MASTHEAD

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EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Provost editor@themedium.ca

Opinion Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca Features Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca A&E Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca Sports Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca Photo Hayden Mak photos@themedium.ca Design Manjot Pabla design@themedium.ca Copy Juliana Stacey juliana@themedium.ca Miguel DaSilva miguel@themedium.ca Social Belicia Chevolleau social@themedium.ca Videographer Nikolas Towsey video@themedium.ca

Editor | Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

Editorial:

Managing Editor Elisa Nguyen managing@themedium.ca News May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

OPINION

The Medium Renaissance This summer has been a journey of discovery. We hope that no matter what we encounter, we will stay true to our mission.

Elizabeth Provost and Elisa Nguyen Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

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n 1897, a ship named Belgica sailed southern waters toward Antartica on the Belgian Antarctic Expedition. Frost crusted on the wooden deck, and flags representing countries from around the world flew in the chilling air. In a time when exploration often led to exploitation, Commandant Adrien de Gerlache withstood pressure from King Leopold II, and declared the trip purely scientific. The well-intended effort soon turned into a harrowing struggle for survival. The crew of 18 men fought off scurvy and insanity but never wavered in their mission. Belgica became a model of international scientific collaboration, proving that exploration does not always have to mean conquest.

Over the past few months at the University of Toronto Mississauga, surrounded by students and staff from different parts of the world and walks of life, we’ve felt an immense sense of responsibility preparing for the upcoming year. Our predecessors, The Erindalian and Medium II, were formed during times when community bonds and sharing stories through weekly print issues were integral to the campus experience.

Student journalism was not just a means of amplifying student voices; it was meant for documenting history. We believe that The Medium still holds that role.

This summer has been a journey of discovery. We discovered our website was terribly slow, to the point where one waited longer than two minutes for a page to load. We also discovered that society changed, and students were seeking new forms of media to consume. As we kept our ear to the ground, we found that there was far more happening on campus than we could even begin to keep track of. Unfortunately, we also learned that many students didn’t know they could write for The Medium because they didn’t consider themselves “writers,” or weren’t aware that we welcome everyone to contribute. The thought of inviting

ASSOCIATES & APPOINTED ROLES Dalainey Gervais, Features Prisha Nuckchady, Features Julia Skoczypiec, Theatre Erindale Correspondent Isik Vera Senel, UTMSU Correspondent Erin Dalaney, Satirist Helen Yu, Comic Artist

To CONTRIBUTE, go to: themedium.ca/contact @TheMediumUTM

NIK TOWSEY/THE MEDIUM

students to our cluttered office, a place where anyone is welcome to chat about life or journalism, made us realize that our home needed a little sprucing-up. And especially during a time of isolation due to lockdown, as we bantered and clashed, we discovered that we’re all looking for a little more connection.

“Don’t be afraid to call us out, to encourage us to do better, and to give us an opportunity to grow.”

Hence triggering a sequence of mini missions: we rebuilt our website with a fresh but familiar look and improved user experience; we began Season 2 of our podcast, The Medium/The Message; and created new video content about the UTM campus. We also started outreach initiatives through Discord and our social media, recruited new appointed roles such as correspondents and a comic artist, and revived weekly editorials. In addition, we’ve started columns like From Liz, With Love, a column on intimacy and relationships, and Ear to the Ground, a column about campus quirks. Our bookshelves were reorganized, publishing process streamlined, and team trained by former editors in hopes of becoming a worthy space for aspiring journalists.

Our team, similar to the Belgian Antarctic Expedition crew, is filled with people of different backgrounds. We hope that whatever we encounter, lest that be scurvy or (more likely) insanity and stress, we will stay true to our mission. We’re relying on you, reader, to keep us accountable. Don’t let us get caught up in the week-to-week tasks that make us lose track of our bigger intentions. Don’t be afraid to call us out, to encourage us to do better, and to give us an opportunity to grow.

Rather than seeking to fulfill personal agendas, we’re committing, akin to de Gerlache’s exploration of the unknown deep South, to our own exploration and documentation of student life.

We want to be brave and call this publishing year Volume 48: The Medium Renaissance. We hope you’ll stick around.

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Ear to the ground:

a brief and unhelpful guide to navigating UTM

After a year away, it’s hard to remember the everyday twists of campus life.

A roller-coaster ride through the expectations and realities of pandemic university Reflecting on the expectations versus the reality of time at university.

Kareena Kailass Contributor

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espite being anxiety-inducing, lectures, lecture halls, huge hallways full of students, clubs, and meeting new people are pillars of the university experience. I always dreamt of having the stereotypical university experience that everyone is acquainted with; being involved in clubs and varsity teams, meeting new people, and touring the campus and its beautiful landscape every day. Getting accepted into UTM was a huge step in that direction for me. I was excited to finally get a taste of what I thought I wanted so badly, but then, the pandemic hit.

Times of uncertainty were upon us, and the world was changing faster than we knew it. One of the biggest changes was online school. Initially, it was bittersweet knowing that my first year of university would be held online. I was disappointed that I would not be able to have the experience I had always dreamt of. However, I was also relieved that I wouldn’t have to make a full transition into a new world I knew nothing about.

“I always dreamt of having the stereotypical university experience that everyone is acquainted with; being involved in clubs and varsity teams, meeting new people, and touring the campus and its beautiful landscape every day.

For me, online school was an amazing experience. Sure, there were no varsity sports or strolls down beautiful nature paths on campus, but I loved it anyway. I never once thought that university would consist of online meetings and video streams for lectures and tutorials, and that students would interact with each other and professors through a chat function.

I absolutely never thought that my university experience would coincide with a global pandemic, leaving me entirely isolated. It was strange to attend class alone in my bedroom, learning from professors through a screen. I had always found professors to be intimidating, especially after listening to countless stories from other university students. However, the online setting really allowed for students and professors to connect on a different level, showing that professors are not that different from us after all, making it much easier to approach and talk to them.

We all struggled with technological issues during lectures and found humour in the frustrating situations that came along with learning online, but it was amazing to bond with people I thought I would be completely alienated from in this virtual learning setting.

At the end of the day, my university story has been a roller coaster, much like it has been most of us. The ups and downs of university life, whether anticipated or not, are really what makes this experience unique. What I really learned is that change is frightening, and that we do not always enter new situations with an optimistic mindset. But once we immerse ourselves in the situation and realize that many of us are feeling similar emotions, we could create a memorable and amazing time. Although this is not what I ever expected my time in university to look like, I do not regret it one bit.

Aya Yafaoui Contributor

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fter a year and a half away from campus, due to an enduring global pandemic, it’s safe to say that not many will remember or have experienced the UTM in-person before the pandemic. As we anticipate the possibility of a return to campus this fall, here are some of the often forgotten and unknown kernels of advice to navigate our campus.

Starting with the William G. Davis building—a construction that is a hallmark of the campus’ history and a stark reminder that North American architecture in the ‘60s really channeled the Cold War ‘vibe.’ It’s built like a maze, with hallways and corridors that seem to shift and change like the staircases of Hogwarts. So, pay attention to the maps and give yourself time to find your class because only those versed in the twists and turns of the old brick and concrete walls will find their way successfully. Finding your way is especially important in Davis, as you want to avoid the upper floors where the occasional ghost of a student roams the flickering halls and whispers about their failing GPA. Thankfully, getting around the other buildings on campus is much less perilous, except for one key utility: the elevators.

The elevators in Davis, the Library, and the CCT building will occasionally break down and trap unsuspecting passengers. If you ever want to try your luck with elevator roulette, just remember that it takes several hours for them to free you from that metal prison.

Of course, my last piece of advice is one that should be obvious to most but is vital to your well-being and survival.

Never pick a fight with a Canadian goose; they will win every time.

Until next time!

Aya Yafaoui

Do you have any advice or tips for surviving campus? Let us know by writing a Letter to the Editor on our website under “Connect” in the header or by emailing opinion@themedium.ca.

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From Liz, With Love

A history of UTM featuring explosions and murder

Rescued moose, chemical explosion, and murders are just teasers An introduction to The Medium’s to the strange history of UTM. relationship column Aside from the almost Chernobyl-level incident near camwelcoming your Aroni Sarkar pus, there have been a few deeply disturbing murders here too.

Opinion Editor Yes, murders. questions.

In 1973, Robert Williams murdered Constance Dickey and Elizabeth Provost Editor-in-Chief

“F

rom Liz, With Love” is a biweekly recurring excuse for me to give out unsolicited and brutally honest advice.

I’d give you my credentials, but I don’t have many—just yet another young adult navigating university and relationships through self-growth and discovery while making and growing from mistakes.

Interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships are integral to finding an environment where you feel supported, welcome, and loved—whether that be surrounded by other like-minded people, a romantic partner, or finding comfort in your own company. Relationships can also be extremely hard to grasp and deal with.

I invite you to ask me any questions regarding relationships, friendships, or simply life, and I will try my best to share my advice—which you should take with a grain of salt, but nonetheless, take.

Send me an email at editor@themedium.ca or fill out an anonymous Letter to the Editor on our website under “Connect” in the header with your submission. I’ll be waiting.

“V

amoosed! Campus police rescue stolen moose” read one of the headlines in Volume 27, as The Medium entered into the new millennium.

This story isn’t the first —or last—of strange occurrences in and around campus throughout past decades.

On November 10, 1979, Mississauga faced the “biggest evacuation in North American history” due to a freight train derailment. Less than four kilometres away from Erindale, a freight train carrying chemicals, including propane and chlorine, derailed at the intersection of Mavis Road and the Canadian Pacific Railroad tracks. This resulted in a massive explosion and gas leak, forcing every resident in Mississauga to evacuate the city.

Students at Erindale College, rebranded to the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) in 1998, had a week away from school. Students described the explosion on the Saturday night as one that had walls quiver and the ground shudder. When they looked out the window, they saw a “hellish orange glow as huge pillars of flame lept into the night air.”

“hellish orange glow as huge pillars of flame lept into the night air.”

Many of the students on residence barely had time to pack before they were evacuated from campus. Students were left without access to their money, clothes, or any belongings for a whole week, staying in a simultaneous state of curiosity and concern. Although students in UTM residence last year can relate to the sudden evacuation and uncertainty of the time away, I’m not sure which is preferable: a year and half long pandemic, or a chemical explosion.

Neda Novak, and attempted to murder Julia Sheldon.

Dickey was a co-ed at Erindale College. She was allegedly walking on campus through the woods where she was sexually assaulted and murdered with a metal wire. Police questioned students and staff working at Erindale College to get more information about the case.

Novak was believed to be hitchhiking when she was beaten and murdered. Her body was found north of the campus. Police questioned an astonishing 3,500 people during the investigation. Young women were advised by the police to not hitchhike and take severe precautionary measures.

Sheldon was violently sexually assaulted and stabbed repeatedly while allegedly hitchhiking to her friend’s house through Erindale Park. Luckily, Williams was scared away after hearing police sirens nearby. Sheldon was able to escape by dragging herself to the road, soon being spotted by a constable. It was her account that led to Williams’s arrest in 1974.

And last, but definitely not least, is another murder where remains were found near campus in 1991. An unidentified man’s decomposed remains were found less than a kilometre away from campus. Lots of curious onlookers jammed the streets to find out more about this strange and disturbing discovery. The remains were believed to be of a male between the ages of 20 to 25 and may have been an Erindale student.

When I was told at orientation that our campus was rich in history, this was not what I expected. Although I am deeply disturbed by these unfortunate and tragic events, is it awful to be finding them somewhat intriguing? UTM can feel a little drab and dry from time to time, as most students are focused on their own classes, living in their own worlds, and commuting. So, to anyone that says nothing interesting ever happens in Mississauga or UTM, you’ve been proven wrong.

THE MEDIUM ARCHIVES

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Selfresuscitation following a year and a half of virtual university Aroni Sarkar Opinion Editor

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think it’s more than fair to say that the past year and a half has been one of the toughest challenges we have all faced as students. Academically, financially, and socially, most of us have reached our limit of being in captivity.

After receiving the email stating that campus would close inperson classes in March 2020, my parents gave me the order to reschedule my return flight to that same night, pack up whatever was necessary, and leave everything else behind. I felt like a criminal fleeing the country in less than 12 hours. In a daze,

Being a student amidst the pandemic was both a dream and nightmare.

I let my close friends and relatives know that I was leaving that night, begged them to temporarily store my belongings in their homes, grabbed my last meal from Quesada, and boarded a 19-hour flight home to Singapore.

What came next was both a dream and a nightmare.

First, let’s cook up the nightmare. The last time I studied at home was in high school; every other time I returned since beginning university, has only been for holiday. My brain could not accept the fact that I was here to study instead of to relax.

Next in the recipe was the added spice of Mississauga and Singapore’s 13-hour time difference. I am neither a night person nor a morning person but staying awake all night just to attend synchronous lectures and get participation marks was not enjoyable. Staring at a black and white PowerPoint screen from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day was not as engaging as binging the hottest new Netflix series all night. The final garnish came in the form of renovations that my downstairs neighbour conveniently decided to start right in the middle of midterms.

“It felt like my capabilities as a person dwindled along with my learning.”

I don’t know if I could call what I learned in my online courses learning per se. I attended the classes and satisfied what my professors expected of a ‘good student making the most of an unprecedented situation,’ but did I actually learn anything? Couldn’t tell you—it’s all a blur. I barely remember what I wrote in my assignments because apparently more time at home meant twice as many papers. I can recall basic concepts from each class, but my learning capacity and retention

have diminished since switching to virtual learning. It felt like my capabilities as a person dwindled along with my learning.

I think we all share the similar sentiment to a certain extent.

I won’t lie; I was in bad shape, physically and mentally, after a rough year and a half of studying online. I imagine a lot us must have been on the same boat. But curiously enough, acting as my knight in shining armour at the perfect time, a dream started to unfold simultaneously. My family finally decided to adopt a puppy and a kitten after years of pleading. The two of them brought so much joy to the house and never failed to bring a smile to my face. I found myself staring at them play and destroy our furniture for long durations, thinking about nothing and simply being present in the moment.

I realized I was home, in a truly holistic sense. Being home with my family and pets by the tropical sea was a dream, just as studying online and battling time-differences was a nightmare.

As I return to Canada for the upcoming year, I look back at my experience of international student life amidst the pandemic and feel a tingling sense of pride. Without a doubt, we have witnessed devastation and suffering over the past two years.

While my experience does not encapsulate everyone else’s, I think we can all reflect on the challenges we faced, both individually and collectively, and be proud of the fact that we are still standing.

Looking to the future, I can envision myself and all of us slowly putting ourselves back together, reviving our curiosity, our passion for the things we love, and our desire to learn new things. It’s going to be another challenge, but it’s one I think we’re a little more ready for.

Second wave of satire looms over the school year Erin Dalaney Satirist

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ith widespread in-person activity slowly starting to return to campus, students and faculty alike are eager to get back to the familiar lacklustre routine that is life at UTM. For so many months, students have yearned for the small pleasures of the UTM campus.

Who could forget the delight of being late to class because a flock of geese decided to sit in the middle of an intersection, or the heartwarming comfort and community that is the Davis Tim Hortons line?

Unfortunately, the upcoming colder weather and the Covid-19 Delta variant aren’t the only things to fear this school year. Experts and editors at The Medium have started to brace themselves for a resurgence of the satire articles that spread through the university campus during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Many fell victim to the initial wave of Satire which was published during Volume 46 of The Medium. Small and simple fictional stories had an adverse effect on some sections of the student body. An article about extensions to the Subway line misled students to believe the campus had gotten access to convenient public transportation resulting in a 50-minute backup right during the sandwich rush hour: lunchtime. In addition, U of T president Meric Gertler is reported to have never fully recovered from his weekly roastings. Like most enjoyable aspects of life, the Satire section faded away in the spring of 2020. With little campus activity to poke fun at, there was no opportunity for more people to be exposed to articles,

and thus, the spread was stopped in its tracks.

After a peacefully unfunny year of issues at The Medium in Volume 47, staff at the student paper expected a continued streak of quiet factual pieces to be published every week. Now that in-person activities have begun to return to campus, the resurgence of satire is imminent. We spoke to Dr. Grimace, an expert in funny bones, about the expected wave and to see what readers can anticipate this school year.

“We can expect up to two articles a month in the Opinion section. The effect of these articles truly depends on the public’s awareness. When it comes to exposure to satire, there are some who will be unaffected and perhaps even enjoy the comedic commentary. On the other hand, people with no taste will have an adverse reaction and may even believe that the satire is real.

It is critical that people maintain healthy reading habits. If the readers aren’t smart enough, they’ll start to be fooled.”

To understand the campus’s preparedness for this new satire, we spoke to several students about how they feel about satire.

We first spoke to Andrew Jones, a third-year student who we found approaching one of The Medium’s newspaper stands.

“Satire articles in The Medium? Uh, I guess I used to read them when I was in my first year,” Jones said while shoving a few issues into his backpack. “I didn’t really go out of my way.

The thing is, I steal stacks of The Medium every week so I can have free newspapers for my emotional support cat to go to the bathroom on. I’ve been living in the townhouses on campus and I don’t want to be seen hauling kitty litter in. But issues of The Medium stuffed in the trash? No one would blink an eye at that.

HELLO I’M NIK/UNSPLASH

UTM braces for the return of satire to the campus.

Now that I think about it, I did tend to place the satire pages face up so that Skimbleshanks could have some bathroom reading material.

He’ll be thrilled to read it again; he has a bit of a refined palate.” Jones’ backpack let out a meow and a subtle whine. “Please ignore that.”

Of course, the looming threat of satire has left some with a funny feeling in their stomachs.

“I hated those articles,” barked Maria Graves, a fourth-year Geography major. “I can’t believe The Medium would stand for such gross misinformation.” Solely for the hate comments she left on Facebook posts featuring satire articles, Graves became one of the top ‘fans’ on

The Medium’s Facebook page during the 20192020 academic year. “The fact that my school fees went towards publishing a Satire section makes me feel sick. My school fees should be used for essential utilities and services, like a gym that’s been closed for a year and a half, or more free Zoom origami classes. I’d rather pay for 30 more million-dollar rock statues before another half-baked joke on Meric Gertler.”

Whether it’s a contagious respiratory virus or some middling semi-funny content about university life, we encourage everyone at UTM to stay healthy and happy this school year. You may be wearing a mask, but you still deserve to smile!

10

School survival guide:

a froshie’s path to success

Tips for incoming university students who may be scared and intimidated by this new experience.

RULES

Kareena Kailass Contributor

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ntering a new world of academics, transitioning from high school to university, and starting a new chapter in life is a frightening and intimidating process for many incoming froshies.

Many feel confused and lost, especially with the uncertain future of the pandemic. From adjusting to a new school to moving to a whole new continent, incoming students are already facing life-changing situations, including the new online university life. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you survive your first year at UTM.

Do: Get involved!

Joining clubs, teams, and interest groups was one of the most beneficial things I did in my first year. It may seem intimidating to be a froshie in clubs with upper-year students, but the lines between years are completely blurred and do not matter, creating safe and open spaces for all. Joining these clubs is a great opportunity to get into the groove of mingling with like-minded students and form new friendships.

Don’t: Shy away from these opportunities!

This is an amazing way to explore new things, challenge yourself, and hopefully find something you really enjoy.

Do: Make use of the resources avaliable to you!

UTM has a plethora of resources available to students at no cost. All you have to do is use them! The Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (RGASC) is one of my absolute favourites and was exceptionally helpful to me in my first year. The RGASC allows students to meet with skilled tutors to work through assignments and areas of difficulties such as writing or math, giving you the chance to receive feedback and guidance from expert tutors.

Other beneficial resources to help you adjust to university life include the library, and mental health resources like the Health and Counselling Centre (HCC). UTM’s library offers a vast collection of literature, the opportunity to meet with librarians, and a chance to seek aid with referencing and research whenever you need it! Be sure to utilize these resources, they are here for you after all.

Don’t: Be afraid to speak or communicate with instructors and professors.

Coming out of high school, it can be difficult to adjust to how university classes are run.

Being in a lecture with so many other students breeds fear, sometimes stopping students from asking questions or seeking clarification. Professors and course instructors are here to help. Although there may be varying expectations on when and how one may ask questions or seek clarifications during or after classes, the opportunity still stands. Emailing or meeting professors in office hours are great ways to ask your questions, dig a little deeper into the content, and build connections with professors, without having to speak in front of hundreds of students.

Do: Ensure you know the rules of academic integrity.

UTM offers a wide range of resources and interactive learning modules that allow students to learn about the dos and don’ts about academic integrity. This is essential to student life.

Ensuring that you know what is academically honest and what is not can help you immensely in your studies.

Do: Plan, plan, and plan some more!

A huge chunk of university life is about how you manage your time. By planning your time, you allow yourself to get things done within deadlines and with your best effort. But planning does not only deal with academic work. Ensuring that you budget and plan time for yourself and things you love to do is key to academic success. Balancing school, other responsibilities, and your own mental happiness is the key to the path of success.

With these tips in mind, you are bound to have a successful and enjoyable university experience. Remember, your university experience is what you make of it, so make it enjoyable!

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features

Editor | Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

The key to succeeding in another semester of online classes Staying away from the bedroom, doing power-poses, and forming study groups are keys to succeed in an online learning environment.

Larry Lau Contributor

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niversity students faced unprecedented challenges in the first year of online classes. In the Fall of 2020, freshmen marked the beginning of their university career by spending the entire year in front of a computer, limiting the chances to meet new people. This contrasted the expectations of a normal freshman year, such as socializing between classes, going to office hours, and using university facilities. Similarly, upper-year students halted their progression in networking, as Covid-19 restrictions became an insurmountable obstacle towards getting to know other people.

While UTM offers a few hybrid courses—a mix of inperson and online delivery methods—most classes will be online. Naturally, remote learning is no longer an unfamiliar concept to students. Yet, familiarity with this form of learning is in no way equivalent to succeeding in this learning environment.

Regular class participation, such as establishing a relationship with professors, improves students’ retention of learned concepts. But student participation and engagement in online and in-person settings remain one of the biggest challenges toward student success.

Online lectures magnify the issue of engagement in class discourses and other activities. Facing a computer screen makes it easier for students to zone out or doze off during class—especially if their camera is turned off.

Students’ reluctance to participate in online classes stems from varying reasons. Texting and other academically irrelevant activities distract students during class. As instructors can’t monitor students in online classes, technology has become a major distraction. Students may also be timid or shy about sharing their opinions, regardless of the class setting.

“This fall, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) enters its second fully remote year.”

AVEL CHUKLANOV/UNSPLASH.COM

Failing to focus during class affects the learning experience, and everyone has slightly differing reasons that impede their focus. A simple, yet vital action students can take to maintain focus is to stay away from their bedroom while attending online lectures, thus lowering the chances of drowsiness. This especially holds true if students deem the subject of the lecture unappealing or complicated.

Maintaining adequate body posture is just as useful. In 2012, Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, best-selling author, and award-winning Harvard lecturer, gave a TED Talk presentation introducing the concept of power-posing. She defines “power-posing” as lifting one’s chin up while standing or sitting up straight—poses that improve confidence.

Additionally, Cuddy observed that students who actively participate in class regularly display powerful body poses.

“You have people who are like caricatures of alphas,” explained Cuddy. “Coming into the room, they get right into the middle of [it] before class even starts, like they want to occupy space. When they sit down, they are spread out. They raise their hands [straight up].”

Cuddy concluded that people should try power-posing for two minutes before events of great importance. Every

little bit adds up. Eventually, people will feel empowered, thus more likely to engage in activities when they were previously reluctant.

Later studies build upon Cuddy’s assertion, as they demonstrate that students who power-pose have increased participation rates. Of course, there are many contributing factors to participation. Solely attributing the increased participation rate to power-posing would be ill-advised.

However, power-posing may improve students’ drive to participate in class, while having no real drawbacks.

Students who join a well-managed study group may also maximize their chances of success. Study groups with driven individuals can improve the academic performance of its members. To some students, study groups can provide much needed motivation to study, while allowing increased interactions with peers.

“It is important to remember that even virtually, every moment at UTM is irreplaceable.”

Study groups are teams where individual students join forces for the common goal of academic success. For this reason, complex topics are easier to understand when multiple students try comprehending them, helping each other throughout the process. Through this process, students may also grasp the importance of teamwork.

However, study groups with numerous distracted members can derail the desired outcome of success. As such, students should search for study groups that are conducive to their success.

According to Florida National University, effective study groups should have a leader responsible for determining meeting locations, study times, and making sure the group stays on track. Group members must also be willing to collaborate with others, otherwise they lose the benefits of groupwork.

UTM offers facilitated study groups (FSGs) for some courses which can be an alternative to self-organized study groups. FSGs have a clearer focus on studies and maintain a regular schedule. They help students understand course concepts, preparing them for assessments and exams. FSGs give students the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge, while simultaneously making connections with peers in the same field of study, thus building up their own community of like-minded individuals.

There are numerous ways to assist students in succeeding in an online learning environment. But at the end of the day, students must be determined to do well and put in the effort as determination and dedication lead to success.

It is important to remember that even virtually, every moment at UTM is irreplaceable. There is so much to do, yet so little time. In the years leading up to graduation, students must work diligently, grasping opportunities to widen their horizons, and network with remarkable people.

Learning in an online setting is just one of many obstacles on the winding path of university life. So, let us brave this challenge like any other, trying our very best in our studies, and making the upcoming semester an impeccable and memorable one.

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Hot-vaxx summer Students share their highs and lows of summer 2021

The Long Way Home Shazreh Salam Contributor

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fter spending five weeks in Pakistan, my siblings and I decided to come home three weeks earlier than our original two-month planned trip. The plan was simple: catch a flight from Lahore to Toronto. However, the pandemic made that a challenge.

Our flights kept getting cancelled, and due to ticket pricing, travel bans, and hotel quarantine rules, we had to improvise.

So, we booked a flight to Boston, Massachusetts.

After arriving in Boston, we checked into our hotel and had to find a place to get our Covid-19 tests done. With no access to a car or the local bus, we wandered everywhere—and mind you, I hadn’t taken a hike since the pandemic started. After having sore feet and fulfilling the technical requirements to reenter Canada, we set out on our 16-hour bus journey to the Canadian border.

We travelled to New York City first, where we almost missed our connecting bus to Buffalo. Fifteen hours later, I finally saw the mist rising from the Falls in the sky. I had never been so excited to see the Falls. As we crossed the Rainbow Bridge on foot, I realized that our four-day travelling nightmare was finally over.

Cinemas are essential???

22 minutes Sherene Almjawer Contributor

“H

ello! Welcome to the cinema!”

“I want a hot dog.” The man grimaced.

It was 11 a.m. on opening day—my first shift back since quarantine—and the first customer was a grown man with the attitude of a frat boy.

“We don’t have hot dogs right now. Sorry,” I said.

“So why is it up there?”

“I’m sorry. We-” “Why are you advertising it? You only have popcorn? You’re lying to your customers.” His mask shuffled with every word until it barely covered his nose.

“I apologize but-” “You shouldn’t advertise it if you don’t have it. You need to change it.”

Minimum wage work at an understaffed cinema wasn’t worth it. Possibly being exposed to Covid-19 and dealing with people who use a year of quarantine to excuse all manners only made it worse.

“We can’t control what’s on the-” “You’re advertising that you have hot dogs when you don’t.

You’re liars.”

It was my turn to cut him off.

“We can’t control it.”

“Yeah but-” “We don’t have hot dogs and we can’t remove the image.”

“Liars,” he muttered and trudged away.

I stood there, baffled, surrounded by empty candy shelves, with a splatter of butter permeating my uniform and a long line behind the man who didn’t have a grip on reality.

Welcome back, I guess.

Lou-Anne Carsault Contributor

“M

om isn’t coming,” I say as I zigzag down Pearson International Airport’s curvy exit ramp.

“What do you mean?” My brother gasps through the phone.

“Didn’t she drive all the way from Boston to New York to get onto this freaking plane?”

“Looks like it’s gonna take more determination than that,” I snicker.

“It’s not funny! Her U.S. visa expires soon. Are we not gonna see her for another six months?”

“Looks that way.”

“Did she at least give you a reason?”

“She didn’t. She just said she’s not coming.” I hang up.

I merge onto highway 427 South as fog fills the sky. I smirk and wonder if the mid-May fog is a new governmental strategy to promote physical distancing.

I park in my driveway, turn off the engine, and stare at the steering wheel. What went wrong? Didn’t they say that a 48hour negative Covid test was enough to board the plane?

I grasp my phone and scroll through the conversation with my mom. She got tested on Sunday. It’s Tuesday. What went wrong?

I slide my feet to the front door as my pocket vibrates. It’s a text from Mom. “My phone died. I couldn’t board the plane because my test expired 22 minutes before the flight.”

13 The Garden Fairy

Pushing the pedals to a vaxxed summer

Lydia Clarke Rehman Contributor Kareena Kailass Contributor

“H

ot-Vax Summer” brought many challenges, but with adversity bloomed growth. The adventure began with an organic garden built on the foundations of love, patience, and commitment. The garden consisted of hot peppers, tomatillos, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and a selection of green herbs. I learned many lessons as the plants grew, the most important being patience.

Learning how to be patient looked like this: plant seeds, cover them with dirt, wait seven to ten days for the first sprout, water them daily, and allow lots of time for growth until the fruits are ready.

Despite the goal of producing harvest, my first outcome was disappointment; a feeling of failure from unsprouted seeds and absent fruit. Rather than succumbing to defeat, through patience, I gave it a second try—this time with the help of a YouTube tutorial. The first milestone was achieved: a gentle green sprout poked above the squishy soil. The yellow and white flowers followed with the vibrant production of ripening green and red fruits. The excitement was inexpressible.

Symbolically speaking, we are all seeds capable of wonders, so be gentle with your growth.

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month ago, the thought of getting on a bike and getting vaccinated ignited a fear in me greater than no other.

When I was six, I thought I could ride my bike down a hill with no hands. The wind against my hair felt amazing, until I tasted the asphalt. I came out of the hospital with minor injuries and a few stitches—enough for me to fear bikes and needles for the next thirteen years.

At 19, after being in lockdown for a year and a half, I finally decided to relearn how to ride a bike. I practiced every day for weeks and re-acquainted myself with the art. Eventually, my fear of bikes dissipated.

My Covid-19 vaccination forced me to get over my fear of needles. I booked an appointment close to home and seized the opportunity to ride my bike to the clinic—my first real ride out. A rush of adrenaline and pride carried me through my dose, and before I knew it, it was over.

Baking my way through summer 2021 Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

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grew up in a tightly knit French Canadian family. As a child, we often gathered around my great-grandparents’ long dinner table surrounded by plates of tourtière and sweet turnip—these are the childhood memories I cherish the most.

I missed my extended family in Ottawa this summer. I couldn’t recreate the atmosphere of fullness created by my big family in a small room, but I could fill my home with the smell of baked goods that so often accompanied our many gettogethers. Sweet sugar pies and molasses-covered buckwheat crèpes are staples in my great-grandparents’ home.

This summer, I learned to bake cookies, cakes, and danishes—but was ready for a new challenge: bread. Bread symbolizes people coming together and sharing. Some say that bread-making is a science, but I learned that it’s more than that. Bread-making takes patience, time, and care—qualities that make me feel immense love from family.

The steam escaping the oven and touching my face, followed by the sweet smell of freshly-baked bread, reminded me of my family’s smiles and laughter—something I craved more than the sweetness of any baked good.

14

Can changing our attitude help us prevent burnout?

Planning ahead for an online semester may be the key to avoid burnout.

he unexpected changes brought on by the pandemic have revealed a lot about the strengths and limits of students. The consequences of work-life imbalances, which existed long before the pandemic, intensified during the lockdown.

Studies show that the general population’s mental health fell into a steep decline, as reports of burnout among students and employees saw a steady increase. In April 2021, a survey conducted by the Ohio State University’s Office of the Chief Wellness Officer found that “anxiety, depression, and burnout are all on the rise” amongst university students. Likewise, a report released in October 2020 by Statistics Canada found that Canadian youth were “experiencing the greatest declines” in mental health during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Like me, many other students felt severely overworked and thinly stretched.

“It’s when you have no energy left for mental, emotional, or physical tasks” In the first few months of the pandemic, I welcomed the shift to online learning. At the beginning of 2020, I felt I had a lot more control over my environment. I had misplaced hope that the shift to online classes would allow me to do better—so, I enrolled in more

breathing technique” I once saw in a Seth Rogan film, will fix the kind of stress that has become the norm in today’s high-strung world. And no, mentally checking out for the day and watching M*A*S*H reruns on television is not always a feasible option. So, what can you do to avoid accumulating stress towards the end of the semester?

Individual attitudes certainly play a role in burnout. Overestimating our ability to adapt to sudden changes can cause a lot of stress.

“In general, students didn’t like the idea of online learning before the pandemic,” explains Dr. Huggon. Since the shift to online learning, students’ attitudes are “affected by the perception of how fair the course is, and the integrity of the course compared to online learning.”

“Burnout has been a cause of concern for many years, with some labelling it an epidemic.”

Perceptions and attitudes are created through “long-term learning” and are difficult to adjust to unfavourable situations. Dr. Huggon teaches PSY320: Social Psychology: Attitudes, a course that explores the impact of attitudes on behaviour and how they can be changed. One way to circumvent these types of barriers is to plan ahead.

Online classes often convince students that work will be done more efficiently, but the consistent result is that, according to Dr. Huggon, students are “not able to deal with many papers and tests around the same date.”

ADAM WILSON/UNSPLASH.COM

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classes and took on more work. But by the end of 2020, I started losing interest in my classes. By February of 2021, I was drowning in coursework as deadline after deadline crept up on me. I felt like everything and everyone around me was moving much faster than I was. The changes were gradual, but by the end, I had gone through a complete attitude shift.

Dr. Will Huggon, who teaches psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), defines burnout as the build-up of too much stress: “It’s when you have no energy left for mental, emotional, or physical tasks,” he explains.

Burnout has been a cause of concern for many years, with some labelling it an epidemic. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined burnout as an occupational phenomenon “resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” The WHO associates burnout with feelings of exhaustion, increased distraction from one’s work, and reduced productivity.

Stress is a widely accepted norm of life, but the stress of Covid-19 magnified the effects of burnout, allowing it to permeate the lives of many students.

“The unknown is stressful,” explains Professor Huggon. “Health concerns are stressful, new rules and readjustment to those rules is stressful.” Theoretically, getting rid of stress will get rid of burnout. Sounds simple enough. But sometimes, the solution to burnout seems beyond our reach.

No amount of yoga, meditation apps, gym, or (my personal go-to) the “Navy SEAL

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

Kiara Senanayake Contributor

He elaborates that “additional courses and juggling that with work is stressful.”

This upcoming academic year may be a good time to re-evaluate our perceptions of what we can handle in unpredictable times, while prioritizing time for “de-stressing activities.” Balancing schoolwork and downtime may prevent burnout in the long-term.

While changing attitudes and engaging in de-stressing activities can work to mitigate the effects of burnout from an individual perspective, it may also help to consider the sources of stress—the organizational structures that support overworking. By considering the individual factors and the institutional factors that lead to burnout, perhaps we can arrive at a more comprehensive idea of mental well-being and develop better methods to improve mental health and prevent burnout in the future.

Social isolation is another factor that affects burnout. An increase of social engagement provides a release from the stresses of work-life and academics. “Social isolation is extremely stressful. We usually seek out others when we’re stressed, but this is difficult when we’re supposed to be physically distanced from one another,” adds Dr. Huggon.

Adapting individual attitudes to unexpected conditions will significantly reduce the potential of burning out. As provinces gradually reopen and some in-person classes resume, opportunities to socialize will increase and the frequency of burnout may decrease—thus returning to the “normal” student life as we know it.

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

15

Why getting involved in extracurriculars matters The Centre for Student Engagement reminds students of the importance of finding a community on campus Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

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ith September approaching, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) community is preparing to welcome a new group of first-year students. Trent Barwick, the student engagement coordinator in the transition program at the Centre for Student Engagement (CSE), and his colleagues are organizing events and programs to help get students involved on campus. According to the CSE, getting involved in campus extracurricular activities develops problem-solving and time management skills, which help students succeed in their academics.

The CSE offers programs to all students. “I focus on those students transitioning into the UTM community,” says Barwick. He highlights the importance of programs for students at such a formative stage of their lives.

LAUNCH, a CSE student-lead initiative, is a “student forward” program. Academically successful upper year students host weekly sessions about campus life and explore how to become well-rounded community members. LAUNCH includes one-to-one mentoring with student leaders and offers an opportunity to create lifelong friendships with other students in similar programs.

«You’re both in the same situation, just one of the pair has done it for a bit longer,” explains Barwick while discussing the importance of student-driven activities with mentorship opportunities.

This year, LAUNCH will be held exclusively online, allowing all first-year students to participate. Those interested in joining LAUNCH can enrol through ACORN as they did for course enrolment. The program is free of charge.

EagleConnect is one of the Centre for Student Engagement’s most recent projects geared toward first-year students.

“It’s new as of last year, and this year, there was room for expansion on the project,” explains Barwick.

Every June, EagleConnect becomes available on Quercus with modules outlining how to prepare for September, as well as tips on time management for university courses. EagleConnect, led by “squad leaders,” is another upper-year studentdriven program where new students can connect with older ones and ask questions.

“I remember going into my first year and wanting an opportunity to ask questions,” recalls Barwick. “EagleConnect gives that opportunity to students.”

An additional enrichment program organized by the CSE is the Co-Curricular Record (CCR). Offered to strengthen student resumes, CCR is a way for students to demonstrate a concrete record of their non-academic successes at UTM. This record can be given to future employers to demonstrate strengths and values learned by students while getting involved on campus. Look out for CCR stickers while attending orientation to participate in CCR approved activities to start building your extracurricular resume.

Barwick reminds all UTM students to “be mindful of your limits and find a space to decompress.” Getting involved gives students the opportunity to mindfully balance their academics and extracurriculars, while enriching their UTM experience.

Students can find new pastimes and passions while getting involved on campus. Along with organized programs like LAUNCH and EagleConnect, the CSE supports student groups and academic societies, allowing students to try new and diverse activities.

Extracurricular activities may allow students to find new passions that they “didn’t know [existed] through opportunities provided by the CSE,” says Barwick, in reference to the hundreds of groups and societies available to students. Examples include the UTM Archery Club and independent student societies like The Medium.

Finding your community at UTM can be intimidating, but after more than a year of isolation, it is essential for students to find spaces where they feel they belong and can make new friendships.

If you don’t know where to start looking for ways to get involved or need help determining which opportunity is best for you, the CSE offers two paths of support. Students have the option to visit the CSE Drop-in Centre to discuss options one-on-one, or simply send them an email at engage.utm@ utoronto.ca. Barwick and his colleagues are eager to help students find and get involved in a community at UTM. Visit the Centre for Student Engagement website for more information on programs offered this academic year. Barwick wants to give incoming students one final tip: “Especially for this September, and I know this is going to sound cliché coming from someone who works at the CSE, but get involved!”

16

Arts

Editor | Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

From past to present: Blackwood Gallery and the continuous evolution of art Celebrating Blackwood Gallery’s history and future in conversation with Helen Yu. Danica Teng Arts & Entertainment Editor

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t is hard to miss the name Blackwood Gallery around campus. You will often hear about the gallery’s programs, see its art displays, or pass by its exhibition spaces. However, the history behind its name often goes untold.

Blackwood Gallery is an art gallery on campus that features contemporary art and new media by professional artists, including graduating students of the art and art history program. You can find the gallery in room 140 of the Kaneff Centre, in an extra e|gallery on the ground floor of the Communication, Culture, & Technology (CCT) Building or check out the lightbox displays outside the William G. Davis Building. But these places were not always home to parts of Blackwood Gallery. When the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) was established in 1967 as Erindale College, the campus’ first gallery was just a small corridor in the Temporary Building, the place which we know today as Maanjiwe Nendamowinan.

“Blackwood believes in celebrating art for how it makes people think and feel, rather than only for aesthetic beauty.”

David Blackwood, the gallery’s namesake, is an acclaimed Canadian artist known primarily for his works in printmaking and depictions of Newfoundland landscapes. Because of national and international exhibitions of his work, as well as his efforts toward Canada’s cultural community, Blackwood was awarded the Order of Canada and named Honorary Chairman of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), among other achievements.

Blackwood’s connection to UTM began in 1969 when Erindale’s second principal, J. Tuzo Wilson, received “The Burning of SS Diana”—a triptych etching by Blackwood—as a gift from his wife, Isabel Wilson. Two phone calls later, Wilson offered Blackwood a house on campus and a studio in exchange for sharing his artwork with the Erindale community.

This deal began the Artist-in-Residence program, which let Blackwood stay at the Artist’s Cottage—now converted into the Crime Scene House for UTM’s forensics program—while he contributed his art to the school. From 1969 to 1975, Erindale was Blackwood’s home. But his connection to campus continued when Blackwood Gallery, named in his honour for his contributions, officially opened in 1992.

Although Blackwood was at Erindale College for so many years, the scarce amount of information about his time there surprised Helen Yu—a fifth-year student majoring in professional writing and communication (PWC) and English. In search of a topic for her history and writing course, Yu recalled that the gaps of information about Blackwood Gallery were what held her interest. Why didn’t the gallery have any of Blackwood’s art? Why was the gallery named after him?

Yu’s search for answers only raised more questions.

“What I found really weird was that when I was reading these books [about Blackwood], they completely glossed over his time at Erindale,” Yu said. “But there was a whole [unrevealed] history of the gallery itself, [of] David Blackwood’s relationship to Erindale, [and of] his bond with Tuzo Wilson.

The mystery behind these missing years sparked Yu’s pursuit of research into the name behind the gallery. After independent research, as well as interviews with Blackwood’s colleagues, his wife Anita, and Blackwood himself, Yu shares her findings in her publication “In Search of David Blackwood: Erindale Artist-in-Residence (1969-1975)” for Compass Volume 8—one of PWC’s annual journals. Yu’s piece explores the gallery’s beginnings and evolution, Blackwood’s

family, and other notable stories involving destroyed exhibitions and controversial portraits.

“He sees art as an ongoing conversation, always evolving with no true finale.”

Since those days, Blackwood Gallery’s rich history has continued to grow. Today, you can visit the gallery and look forward to their on-going and upcoming exhibitions. The “2021-22 Lightbox Program” will run six image sets that “confront critical issues in contemporary visual culture,” as described on their website, from September 2021 to July 2022. Artists-in-Presidents: Transmissions to Power features 21 artists who will share performances of power through audio; initiated by Constance Hockaday and curated by Christine Shaw, this project is released every Friday from August 6 to December 17, 2021. SDUK09: Diffusing is the ninth issue of Blackwood Gallery’s broadsheet, published in June 2021.

In conversation with the original Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, the gallery’s website says, “[The issue considers] DIFFUSING: how circulation, dissemination, opacity, transparency, and anonymity shape the way knowledges, materials, and media are transferred.” Lastly, launching in spring 2022, is Blackwood Gallery’s “Lyfeboat Prototype”. Built by artist Sean Procyk, this sculpture is a fully functioning boat intended for practical and educational community use.

“Blackwood believes in celebrating art for how it makes people think and feel, rather than only for aesthetic beauty,” Yu writes in her Compass publication. “He sees art as an ongoing conversation, always evolving with no true finale.”

As Blackwood Gallery changes to create new discussions with every art project or display, the history behind that little corridor continues.

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Familiar filming sights as UTM locations rise to stardom A look at popular films and TV shows that were filmed at the UTM campus.

Paige France Contributor

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he University of Toronto’s Mississauga (UTM) campus is providing the backdrop for numerous shows and films during the lull of the pandemic.

Ready for its close-up, UTM has had recurring roles in several productions, introducing the buildings to incoming students and reacquainting returning students with its friendly halls.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-present) The Emmy Award-winning dystopian drama, The Handmaid’s Tale, is based on the novel by Canadian author and University of Toronto alumna Margaret Atwood. The story documents a bygone US society with political unrest caused by fertility complications. Along with outstanding cinematography, due to director Reed Morano, the show boasts local filming locations.

The Communication, Culture, and Technology (CCT) Building and the Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex were featured in the second season of The Handmaid’s Tale. Requiring order for the shoot, the Waterfords’ trial at the International Criminal Court was also filmed in the Kaneff Centre Rotunda. Also known as the Innovation Complex, Kaneff is the centre of action and home to the business, commerce, and management programs. Art lovers also frequent this building as it is home to the Blackwood Gallery, which features pieces from both local and professional artists.

Zombies 3 (2022) Filming of the Disney Channel favourite is officially underway and was confirmed to be released mid-February 2022, with crews setting up shop in areas of UTM. UTM received the pink and green treatment as it transformed into the fictional Seabrook High School. As a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, the popular franchise uses the backdrop of a nuclear explosion, forcing humans and zombies to live in a rocky coexistence after half of their peers turn into zombies. Human cheerleader, Addison, and zombie football star, Zed, fall in love causing turmoil between both groups.

Zombies 2 showcased Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN)—formerly North Building—in the viral YouTube song with almost 44 million views, “I’m Winning.” The infamy of the class president debate dance means fans can most likely expect the same location to be shot for the third installment. MN is a six-storey facility and houses the departments of English & Drama, Philosophy, Historical Studies, Language Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, as well as the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre, which assists students by providing workshops, consultations, and programs to develop academic skills.

Good Sam (2022) Did you see filming crews earlier this year?

UTM doubles as both a university and hospital with the newest medical drama coming to eager audiences. Back in February, Good Sam, a CBS Original, was spotted shooting its pilot, which is still in development. Slated for release on January 1, the show centres around a talented heart surgeon named Sam—played

by One Tree Hill’s Sophia Bush—who usurps a leadership role when her pompous boss falls

into a coma. After Sam’s old boss awakens and demands to resume his former position, Sam must resolve this conflict with her superior— who also happens to be her father—as he belittles her talent and diminishes her leadership values in an environment of non-stop medical action and sacrifice.

The Boys (2019-present) The second season of Amazon Prime’s biggest action TV series, The Boys, also showed some love to the Kaneff Centre, which is an attractive location to film crews because of its unique wooden panelling that complements the spherical auditorium.

Inspired by the comic book series of the same name, The Boys is currently partway through its second season, and while set in the United States, the popular show is filmed throughout the GTA, including Mississauga, Toronto, and Hamilton. The Prime phenomenon follows a team of vigilantes and documents the fall of corrupt superheroes. This good-versus-evil drama exposes the truth of the superheroes, unveils their dirty secrets, and sets up the stage for epic takedowns—all while on the grounds of UTM. The next time you see camera crews on campus, you can search for UTM’s latest appearance and watch how a familiar place transforms into a new world.

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The show goes on with Theatre Erindale An introduction to Theatre Erindale that reflects on the past season and looks forward to the next.

Julia Skoczypiec Theatre Erindale Correspondent

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heatre Erindale, the production company of the theatre and drama studies (TDS) specialist program, is the main provider of student performances on campus. The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) boasts two theatre buildings: Theatre Studio Erindale, located beside Deerfield Hall, and the MiST (Multimedia Studio Theatre), located on the main f loor of the Communication, Culture, and Technology Building (CCT). Both theatres participate in Theatre Erindale’s yearly season.

The main theatre building, Studio Erindale, is known as a black box theatre and seats up to 90 audience members in an intimate, simplistic setting. The building itself was once a bus garage and science lab. In 1993, it was converted to what we now know as Theatre Studio Erindale. Today, this charming building houses some of the most recent technology in lighting and audio while allowing performers and audience members to configure the space for any performance style. From contemporary dramas to fashion

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shows and musicals, Theatre Studio Erindale has seen it all.

During the 2020 to 2021 academic year, amid the shift to online teaching during the pandemic, Theatre Erindale remained busy, putting on a spectacular lineup of online productions. To kick off this new jump into virtual theatre, the third-year TDS students created an entirely cast-devised theatre project titled From The Ground Up, a piece that touched on isolation and the strength of community. The third-year students also performed two highly acclaimed classical plays: William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, the season presented wonderful works performed by TDS fourth-year students, including professionally directed productions of Helen Edmundson’s Anna Karenina, Thomas Middleton and Thomas Dekker’s The Roaring Girl, Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information, as well as Theatre Erindale’s firstever audio drama, The Cecil Hotel, written by David Yee. On top of their mainstage season, Theatre Erindale also presented The Beck Theatre Creation Festival—an annual festival that allowed students in TDS to write, direct, and star in their own plays. >> THEATRE ERINDALE continued on page 18

18 >> THEATRE ERINDALE continued from page 17

Summer hits of 2021 Amplify your summer soundtrack with the discovery of new tunes.

Sour – Oliva Rodrigo

Reverie – Ben Platt

Paige France Contributor

Delaney Rombough Contributor

“God, it’s brutal out here.” Sour, the debut studio album of 18-year-old American actress Olivia Rodrigo, documents her feelings when her relationship went, well, sour.

Stifling teenage angst in every narrow cadence, Sour is a battle cry of hate, acceptance, and teenage uncertainty. As Rodrigo braves the world of heartbreak, we peek into her synthpop, grunge-emo life that drips with arrogant, yet naïve retorts.

Pulling inspiration from Taylor Swift and Lorde, Rodrigo puts a youthful spin on heartbreak, which audiences have not heard since the former’s Fearless.

The majorly chaotic and messy collection of verbal mischief wavers between both sweet pop and tart punk, surprisingly without losing touch of the other; her clandestine emotions howl to the masses. Unequivocally plotting her path toward musical stardom, Rodrigo chiseled her ex’s heart in song and simultaneously found the agony of collapse, a phenomenon that is as awful as it is familiar to many.

Mirroring most heartbreak albums, Sour is about endings.

Like déjà vu itself, Rodrigo reacquaints you with your former distressed post-breakup self. Her freshman album is the resounding silence of slamming doors. However, moving on like a damn sociopath, Sour assures it is just the beginning of her song-writing venture.

Hello Future – NCT Dream

In Ben Platt’s second studio album, Reverie, he has gone from Broadway baby to certified pop star. On The Today Show, Platt revealed that he wrote many of the album’s songs in his childhood bedroom when he returned home during the pandemic.

He even wrote a song, called “childhood bedroom,” about the nostalgia and familiarity of being back in a place after so much has changed. The album also features a couple of romantic songs, including lead singles “imagine” and “happy to be sad,” which were inspired by Platt’s partner, Noah Galvin.

Reverie is a great mix of upbeat pop songs that you can dance to and reflective ballads. Like his first album, Sing to Me Instead, Platt tells powerful narratives through music. As an actor, Platt frequently pretends to be other people and tells their stories.

But in his music, Platt takes the opportunity to share his own perspectives on love, life, growing up, finding yourself, and everything in between.

Inside (The Song) – Bo Burnham Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

Sidra Durrani Contributor

It is hard to stand out in 23-member K-Pop group NCT, but the subunit composed of their seven youngest members, NCT Dream, does it with ease. Five years after the group’s debut in 2016—a long time to wait even by K-Pop standards—the group’s first full-length album, Hello Future, is an ambitious and triumphant piece of work.

The album’s title track is a big, bombastic pop song with infectious English lyrics throughout; the soaring vocals and catchy rap verses help turn this song into a feel-good anthem.

The album includes a variety of hits, like “Diggity,” “Rocket,” and “Irreplaceable,” which are catchier and more energetic with their powerful beats or unique retro feel; other standouts, like “Life is Still Going On” or “My Youth,” are soft or ethereal songs that let the members’ vocals shine. The album ends with “Rainbow,” a song bursting with hope and happiness that serves as the perfect goodbye, ending this chapter for the band while keeping the door wide open for the next.

Bo Burnham’s stand-up and artistic career has a reputation of disrupting the scene, which is exactly what he did with the release of his Netflix comedy special and album, Inside. Released on Netflix in late May, and as an album on streaming services in June, Inside creates a space for societal dialogue through catchy beats and relatable humour.

Written and recorded entirely in his home, Burnham’s songs depict his struggles with mental illness, his relationship with his mother, and provide commentary on the capitalistic world we find ourselves in. The album leaves listeners contemplating their relationships with themselves, their families, and the world around them, while also guaranteeing to leave a song stuck in their heads.

As a fan of musicals and comedy, I love albums that tell a story from start to finish, and Inside does just that. The final song on the special, “Goodbye,” is by far my favourite and includes samples of other songs on the album to create the ultimate framing effect. “Goodbye” reminds listeners of the balance created by the joys and stresses of life and allows for reflection of our time in isolation.

Recently, Theatre Erindale announced their 2021 to 2022 mainstage season and revealed some exciting news. The plays for next season include: If We Were Birds by Erin Shields, An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, Fefu and Her Friends

by María Irene Fornés, and The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni. These productions will touch on the powerful themes of gender roles, individualism, revenge, and hindered love. When the mainstage season begins, you can find tickets online, order by phone, or purchase tickets in-person at the Box Office. More information can be found on the UTM website through the Department of English & Drama or through updates on their Instagram page @theatreerindale.

If you are someone interested in theatre but are not in the TDS program, do not fret. The UTM English and Drama Student Society (EDSS) provides opportunities for students across campus to get involved in writing, directing, producing, and acting in live theatre. Although these shows are not a part of Theatre Erindale’s season, they are all student-run and another great way to get involved with theatre on campus. As for Theatre Erindale, stay tuned!

When the TDS students put on a show, it is not something you want to miss.

The Shave Experiment (Director’s Cut) – O Nadya Suadi Contributor

The South Florida native, Q, is back with the redefined director’s cut of The Shave Experiment, originally released in 2020. With an addition of six songs, the 36-minute wonder is groovy, funky, yet tender at its core. The lush blend of falsettos, funky guitar riffs, and distorted kick drums make the album a melting pot of R&B, funk, and pop.

The 21-year-old artist brings us on an intimate soulsearching journey, exploring topics of vulnerability, passion, and desire. It is one of those albums that you would never skip, but “Garage Rooftop” and “Take Me Where Your Heart Is” have earned a special place in my heart. Mellow and affectionate, the two songs beautifully encapsulate the feeling of the fragility of being in love—as if having a crush was made into a song.

Following his recent release, Q uploaded a dreamy ‘70sesque short film on YouTube that shows how the album came together and visualizes the album concept.

If you’re feeling sentimental, this riveting masterpiece is the perfect album to wind down to as we enjoy the fleeting summer days.

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sports & health

Editor | Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca

Staying fit during the pandemic with the help of technology Exploring ways to stay active during the Covid-19 lockdown in Ontario.

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ith the pandemic making it difficult to access gyms, many of us have been estranged from our “regular” workout routines and have faced challenges on how to adjust to our new, isolated, circumstances. Here are a few methods for staying active and healthy during the pandemic.

Kareena Kailass For me, the pandemic meant altering my regular workout routine and deviating from what I had known for years. It meant not going to the gym anymore. Although I am fortunate enough to own some gym equipment, I still found myself at a loss for how I should approach this new routine alone and from home.

I was used to having an active life at the gym, on a basketball court in a park, or just running on the sidewalks outside—all of these with friends or family. I tried exercising at home with basic training and cardio exercises, such as a high-intensity run on the treadmill. These kept me fit and active, and I found that

“ I tried exercising at home with basic training and cardio exercises, such as a high-intensity run on the treadmill. These kept me fit and active, and I found that they helped me to stay both mentally and physically strong in the pandemic.”

I found new ways of working out with other people in a way that was both safe and still got the job done. I was able to connect with my friends and family through workout apps, such as Nike Training Club (NTC) and Nike Run Club (NRC).

These apps provided guided workout sessions, even for those who may not have access to equipment. For those who do, the possibilities are endless. I usually worked out in my basement because of how spacious it was, and because it is where I have my treadmill and weights. Packing my gym bag and carrying my water downstairs reminded me a bit of going to the gym during pre-pandemic times.

Duaa Nasir When the pandemic hit us and lockdown came into place, I had two main struggles: first, having the space to work out, and second, adjusting to a new routine. Pre-pandemic, I would head to the gym after I was done my work. But, with gyms closed and my class and work schedule changing, this was difficult to manage. The idea of working out with my family in the same room made me uncomfortable, so I tried to schedule my workouts while my siblings were out for a walk or were otherwise occupied to prevent disturbance.

I completed online workouts from one of my favourite YouTube channels, Fitness Blender, that promoted a healthy lifestyle—rather than just a certain type of body—and were easy to do in an apartment building. These workouts weren’t overly intense and helped clear my mind, while also letting me push my body out of its comfort zone. I also made sure to take breaks from sitting all day by going for fifteen-minute walks or doing a series of stretches. These two combined activities helped me prioritize mental health while also taking care of my physical wellness.

Though no date is confirmed, The Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre plans to reopen for indoor activities this fall.

Even so, the Covid-19 lockdown proved that maintaining an active lifestyle is possible with some ingenuity, adaptation, and the willingness to get up and get moving.

The case of lost motivation

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Fatigue is found to be the main contributor to lost motivation and what we know as ‘academic burnout.’

Kareena Kailass Contributor

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ith a new semester starting in just a few weeks, many students are motivated and excited to continue their university careers. But for some students this burst of motivation is a temporary phase.

Soon enough, undergraduates and graduates across the campus will find themselves suffering from what is known as academic burnout.

According to University of the People, academic burnout is “a negative emotional, physical, and mental reaction to prolonged

study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation, and reduced ability in school.” Despite being perceived as just bouts of tiredness, burnout is in fact a determining factor in psychosomatic problems, which might present themselves as headaches, insomnia, and depression.

But what causes this academic burnout?

A report by The University of Birmingham found that fatigue is the culprit. They concluded that two types of fatigue in distinct parts of the brain contributed to burnout.

A short-term feeling of fatigue, that can be overcome by a short rest, and long-term feelings of fatigue in which individuals typically feel compelled to give up their work and quit.

In the experiment conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford, results showed that despite being offered a greater reward for doing more work (after being fatigued), some still opted to choose to rest and do less work for a smaller reward.

Through analysis of MRI scans, the researchers concluded that areas in the brain’s frontal cortex—an area known as the ventral striatum—displayed f luctuations in activity that signalled how fatigue

was playing a role in people’s motivation to continue their work. In essence, the amount of fatigue we endure can determine whether we are motivated and willing to do more work.

In situations where individuals are exceptionally fatigued they are willing to settle for little to no rewards just to get a break from work. Have you ever been willing to hand in an assignment late or produce less than optimal work because you just cannot do it anymore? This feeling is the impact of fatigue on the brain and, without action, it will continue to negatively affect performance and motivation.

So how do we break this cycle of fatigue and stay motivated for longer? There are a few solutions to this problem including identifying a clear purpose that you are ambitious about, setting measurable and attainable goals, and thinking about the impact your work will have on yourself and others.

Other ways of relieving burnout can come from taking time off, changing your routine regularly to avoid boredom, and getting enough sleep. Also try to schedule time for exercise, activities that you enjoy, and participation in social events both in-

person and online.

It is important to acknowledge and reach out for help if you feel fatigued or burnt out. Seeking aid from therapists, friends, family, or teachers is a huge step to getting out of the situation. Also reach out to instructors or supervisors, inform them of the situation, and request an extension to turn in your work.

By paying attention to how you feel mentally and physically, you can identify when you are fatigued and reach a solution that can break yourself out of academic burnout. UTM offers a wide range of resources such as free anonymous counselling sessions from the Health and Counselling Centre, a 24-hour talk line with My Student Support Program, drop-in sessions at the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre, and advising appointments to support your academic or financial issues.

These support systems can help you cope with stress and mental health if you feel fatigued and overwhelmed by work.

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they helped me to stay both mentally and physically strong in the pandemic.

Kareena Kailass and Duaa Nasir Contributor and Sports & Health Editor

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An interview with Alicia Brown, U of T’s Olympian Track Star

Olympian Alicia Brown discusses her athletic roots, the role UTM played in her career, and the support Canada showed her team.

Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

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fter she placed fourth in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 summer Olympics, UTM alumna Alicia Brown reflects on her time on campus and her athletic journey.

Brown began her undergraduate degree at UTM in 2008 in the Communications, Culture & Information Technology program and, thirteen years later, is still active in the U of T community with her position on the Hart House Wellness, Fitness and Recreation team. “I met some of my closest friends at UTM,” says Brown.

While studying at UTM, Brown also ran track for the St. George Varsity Blues where she met the Track & Field Assistant Coach and her current coach, Bob Westman. Westman was able to join Brown in Gifu, Japan for the pre-Olympics staging camp for the 2020 Olympics.

Always an athletic person, Brown grew up playing soc-

cer. “My mom found this project that I wrote when I was nine. […] [It asked] “what do you want to be when you grow up?” and I wrote about wanting to become an Olympian,” says Brown. While in high school, Brown was recruited by the head coach of Athletics Canada, Glenroy Gilbert, to join the track and field team. Having shown success and promise on the track, Brown decided to trade her soccer cleats in for some running shoes and spikes to focus on her athletic career as a track star.

“The stands were quiet, but we knew that everyone was standing on the line with us.”

Joining the Canadian Olympic team in 2016, Brown placed second in the 400m at the Canadian Olympic qualifiers. At the finish line she was unaware that she had made the Olympic team, then she looked up at the clock and realized that she would soon be an Olympian. “That was one of my favourite track and field memories,” Brown says about the surreal moment of fulfilling her childhood dream.

Brown and her fellow Olympians experienced a different Olympic atmosphere with restrictions put in place due to Covid-19. During Tokyo 2020, Olympians stayed in social bubbles and ate between plastic dividers. Although they did not have the same opportunity to experience Tokyo’s culture and mingle with teams from other countries, “the Olympic spirit was still very much there,” says Brown.

The training experience was altered as well, with athletes gaining an extra year to prepare as the 2020 Olympics were postponed due to the pandemic. “We spent the last year and a half training outside in the winter or running in the stairwells of our apartment buildings,” says Brown.

Brown and her teammates placed fourth in the Women’s 4x400m relay in Tokyo 2020, bringing national pride home to Canada. Her team finished less than half a second behind team Jamaica who won the bronze medal.

Brown was overwhelmed with love from all the support she and the rest of team Canada felt while in Tokyo. “The stands were quiet, but we knew that everyone was standing on the line with us,” says Brown.

The unexpected impact of uncertainty During the pandemic, many of us find ourselves making impulsive decisions that we seemingly cannot control or understand. The answer? Unexpected uncertainty.

Kareena Kailass Contributor

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ccording to a study conducted by University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, impulsive behaviours in situations with unexpected uncertainty is quite common, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. People tend to look for solutions that dampen down the uncertainty in an unexpected situation. We feel that we regain a sense of control when we exchange our regular behaviours and responses for impulsive decisions.

Dr. Adrian Walker and Dr. Tom Beesley told 35 participants to try and sell chemicals to aliens through a virtual simulation and get as many points in return as possible.

The participants had to determine which alien to sell which chemical to, to maximize their points. While the participants determined a strategy to do this, midway through the experiment, the pattern changed.

“As soon as we added an element of uncertainty, the participants started looking for new ways to complete the task,” Dr. Walker tells ScienceDaily. “The kicker is that in all cases, the best thing they could do was use their old strategy.”

Although these impulsive decisions seem to be simply

a product of unexpected uncertainty, it is also shown to be ripple effects of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Furthermore, researchers at UNSW Sydney found that boredom and frustration created by lost routines in the pandemic is the reason why we react to things emotionally rather than rationally.

These uncertain times come with the perception of an uncertain future, allowing us to justify impulsive decisions we would not typically make. However, as Dr. Walker and Dr. Beesley found, under these circumstances we typically fail to consider the consequences and make riskier decisions as a result.

“The kicker is that in all cases, the best thing they could do was use their old strategy.”

There seems to be an evolutionary benefit to this quality as our quick decision-making skills in severe and pressing situations could be a matter of life or death. This is further corroborated by the researchers finding that in expected uncertain situations, we tend not to change as drastically as we do in unexpected uncertain situations.

The anticipation of the uncertain situation gives us more ground to deal with it rationally, and therefore not change our behaviours as drastically. This is known as boiling frog

syndrome. Furthermore, in unexpected uncertain situations, we tend to have a sudden onset of exploratory behaviour. The study found that we tend to revert back to our old coping mechanisms in light of the pandemic’s circumstances, allowing for us to poorly planned snap-decisions.

This triggers our flight or fight response. We perceive that danger may be near since we cannot foresee the future and what life may be like so we resort to the idea that we must act boldly and quickly.

Our impulsiveness is also triggered by change—things like a global pandemic, working from home, online school, or isolating ourselves. We seem to have a response that tells us we need take more chances and try new things because the situation is already uncomfortable for us.

We are prone to the idea that we must do things today rather than tomorrow. Due to fear of the uncertain situation and its outcome, we often may shut out the world or become numb. We then desire the feeling of doing something new or exciting to break through this feeling.

So now we can reasonably justify our impulsive spending and haircuts and pets—it’s simply all a figment of innate human composition. Although we cannot quite combat these bouts of impulsive desires, we can keep ourselves cognizant of the reasons behind these things and use it to make better decisions.