Volume 48, Issue 1 by The Medium

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

Issue 1 Volume 48

September 6 2021

themedium.ca

SNAP ELECTION

RYERSON NAME CHANGE

MAX'S BIG RIDE

The Trudeau government shocked Canadians in August with a call for elections, two years earlier than the next anticipated federal election. The election is set for September 20, 2021, historically one of the shortest federal election periods and the minimum length as sanctioned by law.

On June 1, 2021, the statue of Egerton Ryerson, the founder of Ryerson University and an eminent contributor to the design of the Canadian Indian residential school system, was vandalized with red paint after the discovery of over 215 unmarked graves in British Columbia.

When Max was diagnosed with Duchenne at the age of two, Sedmihradsky’s family was devastated. DMD is a rare genetic disease that weakens and damages the muscles in the body. This disease halts the production of dystrophin, a protein that strengthens and protects muscle fiber.

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NEWS

Funding opportunities for racialized researchers and projects Razia Saleh Contributor

This year the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) collaborated with leaders from the different associations including the Black Faculty Research Network, the Vice-Principal Academic and Dean, the Vice-Principal, Research, UTM’s Indigenous Centre, as well as UTM’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office. They have launched a new project to fund individuals of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized groups contributing to the research of destigmatizing racism and racial disparities.

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ARTS

OPINION

The Art Gallery of Ontario reopens with the Andy Warhol exhibit

Taking action against climate

Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

he Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has finally reopened with exciting exhibits for visiting art fanatics. Classic Canadian art, statues, and historic artifacts are back on display for thespians to enjoy on an afternoon stroll through Ontario’s most renowned collection of art. One of the AGO’s most exciting exhibitions currently features art by Andy Warhol, a leading artist in the pop art movement of the ’50s. The exhibit leads visitors through an interactive biography of Warhol, from original sketches created in childhood to stories of his attempted assassination by Valerie Solanas. Displays, such as his hour-long recordings of his mother resting and his floating “Silver Clouds,” showcase Warhol’s exploration of performance-based arts. Artifacts from Warhol’s personal life are also on display, with various wigs worn later in Warhol’s life placed in glass boxes alongside some of his signed books. Warhol was obsessed with the American way of life. Having grown up in a poor immigrant household, Warhol craved the consumeristic lifestyle of the United

States, which inspired many of his works, like the 1962 “Campbell’s Soup Cans.” Warhol consistently challenged societal boundaries with his studies of gender fluidity and sexuality. As a proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, Warhol explored these topics through many of his series. Previously controversial paintings of African-American transgender women and drag queens of the 1970s are prominently framed throughout the exhibition next to Warhol’s outstanding pop art rendition of Marilyn Monroe. Photographs of American criminals taken by Warhol and chilling paintings of Jackie Kennedy in her infamous blood-spotted Chanel suit are shown, representing Warhol’s fascination with violence and crime in the United States. Warhol was widely known among American celebrities, with a lengthy list of famous friends including David Bowie and the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger. His A-lister friends would often visit The Factory, Warhol’s well-known workshop, and inspired many of his works. aintings of Warhol’s friends are scattered through the AGO’s exhibition, guaranteeing that visitors will see familiar faces through the gallery. >> continue on page 13

Larry Lau Contributor

s the Earth rapidly industrialized over the past three centuries, the pace of climate change with it. Today, we can already feel the effects of climate change through extreme weather, wildfires, rising sea levels, and scorching summers, to say the least. However, global warming will not just stop there. We need to act immediately to slow global warming such that its detrimental effects may be slowed down, since we have crossed the point where we can prevent it altogether. In early August, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations published a report after eight years stating that we are in the midst of a worsening environmental crisis and have entered ‘code red’. In a matter of decades, numerous issues may arise, particularly the extreme heat, heavy precipitation, and a higher chance of frequent droughts across the world. Rising sea levels put coastal and low-lying regions at risk of being inundated. Additionally, the IPCC report identified numerous methods of reducing emissions to slow global warming. These include reducing emissions of methane and black carbon, and energy consumption. >> continue on page 07

NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

UTMSU organizes mentorship program for new students attending campus Peer mentorship program collaborates with youth mental health organization this year to provide maximal support for students.

rganized by the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Student Union (UTMSU), the Peer Support Program is collaborating with a youth mental health organization, known as Stella’s Place, to prepare students for the new school year. Starting this September, students will be able to meet their UTM peer-mentors in open and judgement free in-person and virtual support sessions. These sessions are meant to guide students through their first year in university and provide support in any way necessary. In its second year, the program is set to run throughout the 2021-2022 semesters and will also be available in the next summer term. It offers peer support sessions in three formats: the default online session over Zoom, group

sessions, and, as long as pandemic restrictions permit, in-person sessions held in the Student Centre following pandemic guidelines and protocols. The Medium spoke with the Nadeem Qureishi, one of the Peer Support Program’s program coordinators, who explained that the program is beneficial for student participants as well as the volunteer peer mentors leading the program. “With peer support volunteers that are efficiently trained by professional and experienced peer support workers from Stella’s Place, volunteers foster a safe, and open environment for participants to lead the conversation however they desire,” says Qureishi. After undergoing an extensive training program, peer-mentors are hand-picked by UTM coordinators and will be able to hold scheduled sessions for students. According to Qureishi, students that meet with a peer mentor will take the “driver’s seat” in every session, meaning they are able to carry the

conversation in a manner they desire during their allotted time. Qureishi emphasizes that anything shared in the sessions is completely confidential, and volunteers are trained to be able to handle situations that require immediate attention. To become a volunteer mentor, individuals will be required to a fill out an online form and submit a brief personal biography. This biography is then analyzed by program coordinators and matched with students who are seeking mentorship. Following each session, students are able to fill out a feedback form for the program, and for their mentor, and are given a chance to book follow-up appointments with the same mentor. Participants also have the option of selecting a different mentor. Interested participants are eligible to sign up using the link in the program’s Instagram page (@UTMSUPeerSupport), or on the group’s website. Registration for sessions will become available in early September. Once the form is complete, a session is typically booked

for the following week. Sessions are offered weekly and become more frequent around exam season, allowing more opportunities for students to meet with their mentors. Sessions can be provided immediately, or within 24-hours. Qureishi states, “we’re very accommodating with support session times.” “The program is also beneficial to volunteers, as it provides a great opportunity for individuals to explore the field of mental health,” Qureishi states. Peer mentors learn skills through training sessions that allows them to comfort individuals, even when discussing sensitive personal subjects. Students who are interested in learning more about the program and its initiatives are encouraged to visit the group’s website, or social media page (@UTMSUPeerSupport). Students are also able to get in touch with program coordinators via email (provided on both the website and social media page) to reach out for more information.

2021 EagleOrientation week launches virtual events for students

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

Kareena Kailass Contributor

Motivational speeches, online workshops, and social events featured at this year’s school-led student orientation. Colin Chau Contributor

reviously known as O-Week, the University of Toronto Mississauga introduces a

virtual method of delivery for first-year students to attend orientation week, or EagleOrientation. Organized by the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU), the university will hold online events for new students this year from September 8-10. >> continue on page 03

03 According to the Centre for Student Engagement’s webpage, this year’s virtual orientation week will include “opportunities to become more familiar with your new campus; to connect with faculty, staff and other students, and discover all the resources, supports, and activities available to you.” The school-led student orientation, whose primary goal is to assist incoming students and their transition to undergraduate studies, is intended to help “make meaningful connections with your peers and professors, learn how to be academically successful, discover valuable resources and supports, and participate in fun activities.” Should students wish to obtain the September EagleOrientation co-curricular notation, the Centre for Student Engagement’s website states that one must only attend two out of six events.

“Opportunity to make some new friends before classes officially begin.” Hosting strictly virtual events during July and August, activities were facilitated by student volunteers, EagleSquad leaders, who not only organized daily Eagle Squad Huddles but hosted an eight-hour long dropin Eagle Squad question and answer session on August 18, 2021. This was completed through digital video conferencing platforms Microsoft Live and Acadiate. Similarly, they guided in-person campus tours for incoming students which required pre-registration, had limited spots, and adhered to public health guidelines concerning Covid-19. Alternatively, the 2021 UTM

EagleOrientation webpage offers a self-directed tour pamphlet featuring ten major campus landmarks such as the William G. Davis Building, Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, and Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre for those who were unable to attend such tours or individuals who wish to do so at their own leisure. On August 16, 2021, incoming students listened to a welcome speech and keynote address by UTM Vice-President and Principal Professor Alexandra Gillespie and former U.S. sprinter and motivational speaker Charles Clark. This speech outlined the importance of self-confidence, strong habits, effective time management, and individual resilience for success in undergraduate studies. In addition to a virtual ‘Involvement and Research Fair’ which featured numerous student resources, clubs, and academic societies, first-year students were able to attend orientations organized by their respective academic departments and an interactive workshop titled Who am I? Exploring Identities and Meaningful Inclusion at UTM geared towards providing a “deeper understanding of your identity, and how this identity will relate to your UTM experience.” This month, 2021’s EagleOrientation will wrap up their week with “fun social events including virtual ‘Hangout’ socials that will allow students to interact with other new-toUTM students through ‘Speed-Friending’ sessions and ‘This or That’ activities.” This year’s events will last about one hour and occur online through Zoom meetings where students will be able to participate. This will provide incoming first-year students with “opportunity to make some new friends before classes officially begin.”

DAN DIMMOCK/UNSPLASH

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Funding opportunities for racialized researchers and projects UTM implements a Grant Research Program funding 12 researchers to address the continuous challenges with racism, social injustice, and discrimination. Razia Saleh Contributor

his year the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) collaborated with leaders from the different associations including the Black Faculty Research Network, the Vice-Principal Academic and Dean, the Vice-Principal, Research, UTM’s Indigenous Centre, as well as UTM’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office. They have launched a new project to fund individuals of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized groups contributing to the research of destigmatizing racism and racial disparities. The program will enable researchers to investigate “the ongoing effects of racism and racial disparities in all aspects of society, including within academia,” says UTM’s Associate Vice-Principal, Research Elspeth Brown, professor in the Department of Historical Studies. Dr. Lauren Schroder and Dr. Negin Dahya, both recipients of the 2021 Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Scholar/Research Grant Program, provide insight on the application process and speak about what these initiatives might mean for BIPOC researchers and students. UTM faculty members who work full-time are eligible for the grant. Successful applicants are able to reapply for the funding 24 months after the competition deadline. Depending on

what they choose to study, applicants can opt for a research seed funding or workshop/outreach application. Candidates applying for research seed funding can receive up to $10,000 to implement pilot programs on campus, fund research work, and stimulate research creation, while candidates applying for workshop/outreach grants can receive up to $2,000 to facilitate and organize conversation-based community workshops, to attract visiting scholars or artists, and develop creative works.

“This program is a way to make the playing field more equitable.” Being the first grant program at UTM, Schroder discusses how this is a big step forward for the university. “This grant program helped fund a series of workshops/panel discussions related to what a decolonized biological anthropology looks like. Given the long history of scientific racism and colonial practice in my field, these workshops aim to provide space for discussion about the past and current complicity of the discipline to make the future of the discipline better,” adds Schroder. Schroder continues by stating, “I believe that this grant program [would] provide the resources to help us have these conversations that are needed to move academia forward. In addition, there are numerous studies showing how Black, Indigenous and racialized scholars are often unsuccessful and overlooked in grant applications, not for a lack of merit, but due

to the many conscious and unconscious biases inherent in various stages of evaluation, and therefore this program is a way to make the playing field more equitable.” Moreover, this has allowed Dr. Negin Dahya to launch new projects. “[It is] important to know that esteemed colleagues who reviewed the proposal feel that it is worthwhile,” says Dahya, “All of these are motivating factors and incentives to keep moving forward with important work that does not always receive recognition. It also allows for the development of pilot level research which then enhances the quality and strength of larger grants, to increase their likelihood of success.” Dr. Negin Dahya also comments on UTM’s step forward in this initiative. “This is hard to say. It’s [definitely] a step in the right direction and I hope signals for students that this faculty and this work is happening at UTM. It may also be one additional element to draw more BIPOC Faculty and students to UTM which is great.” In addition, Dr. Schroder also took the time to advise future UTM students to attend workshops like the American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AABA, the largest international professional association for biological anthropologists) that would “contribute to the transformation of this field” and investigate and explore the issues of racism, social injustice, and discrimination. “[By] having UTM provide monetary support for this initiative emphasizes the commitment from our university to be a part of this change.”

Federal government calls for election earlier than expected Canada headed for a snap federal election this September. Dalainey Gervais Contributor

he Trudeau government shocked Canadians in August with a call for elections, two years earlier than the next anticipated federal election. The election is set for September 20, 2021, historically one of the shortest federal election periods and the minimum length as sanctioned by law. The campaign will last approximately five weeks. Since university campuses will no longer host voting booths on site, UTM students will need to use off-campus voting options.

"UTM students will need to use off-campus voting options."

Here is a report on the Canada’s 2021 federal election candidates and their campaigns, as well as important information regarding the upcoming election period. Before visiting a local polling station, one must ensure to register as a voter in Canada. Registration can take place online on the Elections Canada registration website or in person at any Elections Canada office by 6:00 pm on September 14. If you are already a registered voter, a voter’s information card will be sent to your place of residence with your assigned voting location along with further information. Canada’s most recent national election occurred less than two years ago when the Liberal party won a minority govern-

ment. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be returning as the leader for the Liberal Party of Canada, focusing the 2021 campaign on improving housing and mental health services for Indigenous communities, protecting Canadian freshwaters, and promoting the intersectionality between Canada’s economy and the climate crisis. Popular among social justice activists, Canada’s New Democrats’ Party (NDP) Jagmeet Singh pushed for newly appointed Governor General Mary Simon to deny Trudeau’s request to begin Canada’s 44th federal election period. Nevertheless, the request was granted sparking outrage among other party leaders. Trudeau stands by his decision stating in a press conference on August 15 that Canadians have the right to vote for a leader throughout the ending months of the pandemic. NDP’s 2021 campaign platform reveals major projects for the coming term. Tackling the current climate crisis by immediately banning single-use plastics and creating new jobs for climate action initiatives are high on the list of priorities for Singh’s campaign. Alongside a strong push for environmental protection, Singh’s campaign focuses on ensuring affordability for young Canadians by forgiving student debt and building affordable housing. The new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Erin O’Toole focuses his campaign on securing Canada’s economic future through plans of balancing budgets over the next decade and recovering jobs lost over the course of the pandemic. Tory Leader O’Toole is also critical of Trudeau’s call for election stating that pressuring Canadians into an election during a state of national emergency is a politically self-serving tactic.

VOTE! Advance voting locations are scattered in every region, and applications to vote by mail can be mailed to Elections Ontario or sent by email to sb@elections.on.ca.

Green Party Annamie Paul, the only woman candidate for the election period, vows to protect Canada’s ancient and oldgrowth forests and pushes to end the housing affordability and homelessness emergency. Paul also made a call for federal leaders to pause all campaign efforts for 24 hours to focus on a rescue plan for refugees in Afghanistan. Returning leader of the Bloc Québécois Yves-François Blanchet’s platform pledges similar plans as announced in the past. This party is primarily focused on providing French working opportunities, protecting the French language, and protecting Canadian agriculture. The Provincial government of Ontario has also announced that students will not be able to vote within their campus due to the pandemic. There are, however, multiple ways to vote. Advance voting locations are scattered in every region, and applications to vote by mail can be mailed to Elections Ontario or sent by email to sb@elections.on.ca. Students will also be able to visit an assigned voting location on September 20 between the hours of 9:00 am and 9:00 pm.

Alumnus and Ontario premier Bill Davis passes away Faculty shares words in memory of the legacy of Bill Davis and the education system he advocated for. Anjalli Becharbhai Contributor

GLADYS LOU/THE MEDIUM

n August 8, 2021, UTM alumnus Bill Davis passed away at the age of ninety-two. From 1971 to 1985 he served as the 18th Premier of Ontario and heavily advocated for advancements to be made for the post-secondary education system. His passion for providing students with skills and higher education in academia contributed to UTM’s research establishment. The Davis building, named after Bill Davis, offers numerous essential services to students including the bookstore, Campus Police, and the Career Centre. The William G. Davis building will continue to represent his title, legacy, and influential role in founding UTM. Studying at the University of Toronto, Davis completed a Bachelor of Arts degree then attended Osgoode Hall Law School at York University to then complete his law degree. From 1962 to 1971, he was the Minister of Education in Ontario and played an instrumental role in opening up public schools, community colleges, and universities, such as Trent and Brock in Ontario, under the community college system Davis oversaw. He also contributed to the establishment of TVO, a television channel that focuses on showing educational programming such as National Geographic, Canadian documentaries, and current affairs for kids and adults. His commitment to provide teachers with employment and students with higher education quickly gained praise and was viewed as progress toward Ontario’s education system and the economy. Recently, one of Davis’s projects that he had planned for the future called for an additional UofT campus in Brampton, which would benefit those who commute to UTM from the Brampton community, making education accessible. Expanding UofT by

adding a fourth campus would encourage greater student enrolment, which would welcome more diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The Medium spoke with Dr. David Wolfe, a political science professor at UTM and Co-Director of the Innovation Policy Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at UofT. He shared his thoughts on Bill Davis as Minister of Education and Premier. “To be successful you have to be in the right place and at the right time. Davis had the good fortune to be in that portfolio when there was public support for the post-secondary system to expand, Davis oversaw some important policies,” he states. Dr. Wolfe also shares his views on the role of the community college system and Davis’s contribution to it. “The community college system was probably the most important piece that Mr. Davis oversaw. It created access to postsecondary education for a cohort of students who wouldn’t have attended university but wanted to acquire more skills beyond secondary skills. This kind of education is hugely valuable, it has a huge applied and technical focus, and is more directly related to the job market. It meant that students would be able to find jobs related to their training.” Dr. Barbara Murck, a geologist and environmental science professor at UTM shares some words regarding Davis’s contribution to the education system. “Bill Davis was a Conservative; I am not. But I think people from across the political spectrum can get behind his deep commitment to public education in general and higher education in particular. For those we are indebted to Bill Davis.” Davis has set the foundation for future generations to thrive in an academic setting. He has presented many opportunities for growth, innovation, and change. He further has encouraged students to excel academically and engage in various programs, facilities, and resources as both a privilege and a right. The UTM community and The Medium sends its condolences to Davis’s family and loved ones.

MASTHEAD

EDITORIAL BOARD

OPINION

Editor | Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Provost editor@themedium.ca Managing Editor Elisa Nguyen managing@themedium.ca News May Alsaigh news@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

EHIMETALOR AKHERE UNUABONA/UNSPLASH

Taliban’s reign of terror begins

Photo Hayden Mak photos@themedium.ca

The world has failed Afghanistan again, and it’s time we step up and help.

Design Manjot Pabla design@themedium.ca

Khadija Hosseini Contributor

Copy Juliana Stacey juliana@themedium.ca

Miguel DaSilva miguel@themedium.ca Social Belicia Chevolleau social@themedium.ca Videographer Nikolas Towsey video@themedium.ca

ASSOCIATES & APPOINTED ROLES Kareena Kailass, Opinion 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

fghanistan has once again plunged into the darkness. Over the month of August, the world witnessed the Taliban’s powerful and successful conquest in Afghanistan. The insurgency group gained territory and made advances in Afghanistan as the United States started the withdrawal process. This evacuation is part of an agreement made between former President Donald Trump and the Taliban last year. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban took over the Afghan capital city of Kabul as President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Without help from the U.S. military or a commander-in-chief, the Afghan army crumbled and the Taliban claimed control of the country. What came next was nothing short of absolute chaos, as evacuation of foreign nationals and their Afghan partners wreaked havoc at Kabul International Airport. Horrific scenes emerged and circulated in the news and social media, including videos of people falling off flying aircrafts in their last desperate attempt to escape Taliban rule. News and social media feeds flooded with videos of children, including one of a baby being handed over by desperate mothers to U.S. military forces in hopes of a better life. Explosions and stampedes around the airport claimed many lives and injured hundreds of Afghan civilians, as well as more than a dozen U.S. soldiers. Afghans all around the world, including Afghan Canadians, watched in despair as the Afghan flag was lowered across the country and replaced by the white Taliban flag that has been a symbol of horror; a bitter reminder of the dark times endured over the past twenty years. Their homeland transformed from a poor but joyous land, into a place where people fear leaving their houses. Afghans living abroad received phone calls from panicking relatives asking for a way out and watched videos of men and women, university professors and students, burning their degrees, documents, and books–careful not to show their faces–so they might go unnoticed during house searches conducted by Taliban. The Afghan diaspora marched the streets in peaceful protests. They continued to post on social media day after day to raise awareness of the severity of this crisis, and to oppose Pakistani interference and the return of the brutal Taliban regime. Now that the initial shock and heartache is subsiding, some real concerns and past traumas are resurfacing. The most pressing issue is the lack of funds and aid going into the country, as the U.S. has frozen all of Afghanistan’s assets and development funds. Banks in Afghanistan have also limited their operations and the amount that people can withdraw from their accounts. This is meant to prevent mass withdrawal of funds and collapse of the already-weak economy. A drop in the value

of Afghan currency and border and road closures have halted trade. As a result, the people of Afghanistan are preparing for food shortages, while many domestically displaced people are already desperately in need of humanitarian relief. Another major concern is whether the Taliban will uphold women’s rights to education, work, and public participation. Historically, the Taliban has confined women to their houses as housewives or obedient daughters, only being allowed to leave with a male escort. Since the Taliban regime was overthrown in 2001, women have fought for their place in the classroom, workplaces, parliament, and society as equal and valuable members. Today, this is in jeopardy. The Taliban claim to now respect women’s rights and freedoms, if these freedoms fit into their version of Islam. What exactly their version of Islam permits, and whether they will stay true to these promises is in the air.

We, as citizens of Canada, need to talk about Afghanistan and the millions of innocent people who have lives, loved ones, hopes, dreams, and aspirations just like us. The potential for increased terrorist presence in Afghanistan, and the subsequent implications for regional and global security, alarms many western countries now more than ever. This may trigger another wave of Islamophobia and Afghanophobia in the West. It will likely provoke various sanctions on Afghanistan that may keep the country in a never-ending cycle of poverty and short-termism—the ultimate price paid by innocent civilians. What these citizens need right now is a secure society, stable economy, resumed schooling for their sons and daughters, and a small sparkle of hope that tomorrow can be better than today. Canada and the international community need to work together to provide humanitarian aid—food and medicine—to the country right away. The international community has a lot of leverage over the Taliban. Now is the time for them to act to secure human rights, including women’s rights, and basic freedoms of speech, press, movement, and association. They need to work with the remaining Afghan officials from the previous government and the Taliban to revive peace negotiations and set the stage for democracy. They need to decide and work towards stopping other insurgency groups, such as ISIS-K, once and for all. The international community has this power, they just need to be decisive in their action. We, as citizens of Canada, need to talk about Afghanistan and the millions of innocent people who have lives, loved ones, hopes, dreams, and aspirations just like us. We need to ensure the world does not forget about them.

From Liz, With Love If you’re wondering if you should text them, Liz gives you the answer.

Walmart and Target U.S. to cover employee tuition What corporate coverage of tuition for all workers means for education accessibility, the youth, and the future of business strategy. Hamna Riaz Contributor

Elizabeth Provost Editor-in-Chief

Dear Liz, The girl I am crushing on is so amazing, hardworking, and smart, but she is so busy that I don’t hear from her often. We’ve had quite a few meaningful heartfelt conversations before, but I am not sure if I should continue trying to talk to her or not. What do you suggest? Contemplating Texting Her Dear Contemplating Texting Her,

live by one rule: YOLO. Hear me out. How many hours have you spent waiting for her to text you? How many times have you wondered if she feels the same way about you that you do about her? How long have you been contemplating sending that “heyyy” text to her? Why waste your time wondering, thinking, or contemplating when you could be given an answer? Yes, it will take some courage to ask her if she’s interested in talking more regularly, and yes, the answer may bruise your ego, but regardless, you will no longer have to wonder what may or may not happen. In life, you should always go after what you want. Don’t waste your time on the sidelines when you could be playing the game.

s a result of the Covid-19 job market crash, companies are looking to not only retain, but attract employees and are capitalizing on one common American struggle to do so, as they often do. On July 27, 2021, Walmart U.S. announced that it will be covering 100 per cent of tuition at partnering universities, as well as the cost of required books for its employees. Any of the 1.5 million Walmart employees, full or part-time, are eligible. Not only does this motivate potential employees during a time when Americans do not want to work, but it also builds brand loyalty, which translates to long-term company growth. As employees in most companies attain degrees in various beneficial fields, such as supply chain management and cybersecurity, they can apply their new skills and knowledge to their respective workplaces. This also motivates employees to climb up the ladder within their current workplaces. Following suit, on August 4, 2021, Target U.S. announced that they would also be paying for their employee’s tuition at any of the 40 participating schools—which is 30 more options available than with Walmart—while also paying up to US$10,000 a year for Master’s programs.

Tuition reimbursement plans are a prime example of the popular capitalist mantra, “competition breeds innovation.” As companies compete with one another to attract employees and build their executive boards from the ground up, millions of Americans can access levels of education that they may have never considered due to their financial situation.

“U of T has the highest tuition in the country, which is definitely something I keep in mind any time I feel unmotivated.” As a result of the new benefits introduced by Walmart and Target, American retailers looking to enter the market or compete must now take accessible education into account when developing their business strategy. More Americans will be able to gain higher education without financial burdens, which will benefit both youth and the corporations. However, it is important to ask, will this always be the case? How does an organization ensure that their money is being put to good use and not being taken for granted? If you worked hard to buy your dream car, you would treat it with care and value it, but if I told you that everyone gets the same car for free, would you be as careful? When asked whether the financial

barrier of higher education serves as motivation, Paola Rubi, a third-year biology and earth science student at University of Toronto Mississauga, mentioned that “U of T has the highest tuition in the country, which is definitely something I keep in mind any time I feel unmotivated. If I’m paying this much, I better be making the most of it.” A method of regulation is pivotal in making sure that both the organization and the employee benefit. This could be as simple as appointing a system similar to scholarships, in which every employee, unless granted exclusion, must maintain a certain GPA each semester or enroll in select programs in order to get the benefits for the following term. This way, education is accessible to the employees who truly value it. While no prominent Canadian companies have adopted Target and Walmart’s method of full tuition coverage, many are implementing their own variation of tuition reimbursement plans. In 2011, the Toronto Star reported that “The Bank of Canada gives full tuition subsidies up to C$7,000 to each employee for courses related to their position and reimburses 75 per cent tuition for unrelated courses up to the same amount.” As youth become buildable assets for businesses and they recognize the value of satisfied and educated employees, they must change their strategies to build brand value and develop inexperienced youth into competent executives within their own walls.

With love,

Ryerson University announces name change After years of campaigning by students and indigenous groups, Ryerson University has agreed to no longer hail the name of an architect of the residential school system. Hadeel Rashed Contributor

n June 1, 2021, the statue of Egerton Ryerson, the founder of Ryerson University and an eminent contributor to the design of the Canadian Indian residential school system, was vandalized with red paint after the discovery of over 215 unmarked graves in British Columbia. Ryerson University has decided to change its name after long and careful deliberation to no longer be affiliated with the brutal architect of the Canadian residential school system. This change has been demanded by many Indigenous students and staff members at the university for years but despite their outcry for justice, no action had been taken until now. Yellowhead Institute, Ryerson University’s First Nation-led research centre, stated in an open letter that their student and

faculty would be changing its name to an unknown ‘X University’ in their communication signatures and social media. The task committee advises the institution to consult community members and stakeholders in deciding the university’s new name. Taking the right steps towards reconciliation by educational institutions is important. This allows such prestigious schools to re-assess their core values and make necessary changes that create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, hence ensuring quality and equality amongst students. Recently at the University of Toronto Mississauga, the new North Building was renamed to Maanjiwe Nendamowinan. UTM stated, “formally endorsed by the Anishinaabemowin, the name roughly translates to “gathering of minds.” UTM President Meric Gertler said that this name change “reflects our commitment to engagement with Indigenous communities as we work together to lead the process of reconciliation.” Veronica King-Jamieson, councillor of the Mississaugas of

the Credit First Nation, said that “our vision is to have an Indigenous hub at UTM that attracts Indigenous students as they seek higher education while enabling them to stay connected and grounded to their history and identity.” Ryerson University and other universities in Canada, can take example from UTM’s naming process with the Maanjiwe Nendamowinan building. At the time Ryerson University was named, conversation around the residential schools weren’t as widespread as today. Whereas MN was named during a time and in a place of increased Indigenous literacy and awareness. The intention to give a name that acknowledges and respects the history our land embodies is critical in moving forward in reconciliation. Some buildings are named after people to honour their lives or generosity, while others are named after public figures who have donated large sums of money to the institution. A name is more than just a word; it is a statement that holds meaning.

Taking action against climate We must stand united against climate change. Larry Lau Contributor >> continue on page 01 Most of the listed methods showed that the actions of individuals alone will not suffice in the race against climate change. However, individual action is still important. But to truly keep global warming in check, we need to look towards the actions of companies and large corporations, whose exploits occur at a larger scale and thus have a definitive impact on the environment.

“But to truly keep global warming in check, we need to look towards the actions of companies and large corporations, whose exploits occur at a larger scale and thus have a definitive impact on the environment.” The first step would be to convince climate change skeptics that climate change is a pressing matter deserving attention. A united front is vital to the success of tackling global warming. Statistics show that almost 66 per cent of the world believes that climate change is a global emergency. This number must increase. Rather than using the conventional method of pointing out the disastrous consequences of climate change, stating the benefits of facing global warming head on to skeptics may be the more convincing option. Sometimes, hearing a different perspective is all that is needed to convince someone. It is important to note that many companies’ claims of going green are nothing more than ‘greenwashed’ schemes used to entertain the public. The government needs to play a monitory role in this, holding companies to their word. Most notably, the government needs to implement anti-greenwashing legislation and enforce punishments for infringing such laws. This would prevent companies from dodging environmental responsibili-

ties by playing around with empty words and claims. Likewise, we must dissuade companies from greenwashing, which does little to nothing in aiding environmental protection. Consumers must learn to identify greenwashing attempts made by companies. With this, consumers can pressure companies into upholding their green policies. In terms of identification, grand claims that lack concrete supporting evidence and are phrased vaguely are one dead giveaway that a company is greenwashing. For example, companies will celebrate their ‘carbon offset certificates’ without meaningful contributions to actually offset their emissions. Similarly, companies may bombard their customers with large amounts of irrelevant information to distract them from environmental problems caused by the company’s actions and products. For example, British Petroleum, one of the largest oil companies in the world, coined the term ‘carbon footprint’ and launched the ‘carbon footprint calculator’ to incentivize individuals to monitor their independent actions over the offences big oil commits.

“The time for deliberation is over.” In the case of inaction, climate change would affect Canada just as it would any other country. Should the temperature of the globe increase, as predicted by the IPCC report, heatwaves as severe as this summer’s would occur more frequently, creating numerous opportunities for starting blazing wildfires. This year, wildfires have taken the spotlight in the province of British Columbia, having already consumed more than 8,580 square kilometers of land in 2021, a number that will only increase with the new wildfire raging near the city of Penticton, and the devasting wildfires in Ontario too. As of the end of August, the wildfires season of 2021 in British Columbia already ranks as the third worst in history. This daunting trend of worsening wildfires carries grim implications for the future. The time for deliberation is over. Statistical evidence proves that our current attempts to preserve Earth’s environment are not even remotely close to being enough. Rather than making empty promises and grand statements, let us, and the companies contributing to the warming of the earth, take concrete action against climate change to save our precious home.

Ear to the ground:

OVO x U of T collab spotlights our expensive school spirit

The new merchandise collaboration emphasizes the university’s brand ahead of the new term. Aya Yafaoui Contributor

s summer draws to a close, students, like me, begin the exciting yet dreadful process of gearing up for another year of pandemic schooling. From buying your textbooks to making sure your sleep schedule is functional, everyone has a list of what needs to happen before they step into class on September 8. For some students, this means back-to-school clothes shopping, a tradition the University of Toronto is seeking to capitalize on through the introduction of their new collaboration with Drake’s OVO company. The collaboration features merchandise such as tee-shirts, fleece pants, hats, tote bags, hoodies, and a varsity jacket. The trademark licensing manager for U of T, Kristina Kazandjian, said that she hopes the collaboration will reflect an “affiliation with our wider community,” and hopes that “it will be seen as an extension of the U of T lifestyle.” The U of T lifestyle indeed, since the varsity jacket has a crisp price tag of C$668 CAD. Which is about $50 more than what I pay for a course at UTM. Nothing embodies the U of T spirit more than offering an overpriced jacket to their student body at the start of the year rather than providing essential services, such as greater mental health resources or better accessibility for both in-person and online classes. However, if you have pockets deep enough, and a burning desire to show your school spirit, go ahead and enjoy your merch!

Until next time! Aya Yafaoui

MAREK PIWNICKI/UNSPLASH

Editorial: To pay or not to pay How paywalls are contributing to fake news and creating barriers to access to important information. The Medium

“J

HAYDEN MAK/THE MEDIUM

ust read a fascinating New York Times piece that claimed I’ve reached my free article limit for the month,” tweeted American television host Conan O’Brien on August 14, 2021. This comment, intended as comedy, is actually riddled with ethical concerns regarding the use of paywalls. A paywall is placed on a publication’s articles, obstructing the rest of the article and forcing the reader to pay for full access. Or alternatively, leave the site and seek the same information elsewhere, a process which often involves less-reputable sources like Facebook, Twitter, blogs, or other media platforms that lack factchecking and journalistic ethics. Paywalls create systemic barriers which discriminate against people who lack stable finances and aren’t given access to trustworthy news. News net-

works acknowledge the importance of certain information, such as Covid-19 related news, and exempt it from the paywall. But this also raises a question regarding which information should be deemed essential. Isn’t a trustworthy opinion regarding politics, finances, culture, health, or society just as important and life-changing?

“A paywall is placed on a publication’s articles, obstructing the rest of the article and forcing the reader to pay for full access.” The Medium is funded through student levies. This means that a small portion of student fees—$5.63, to be exact—goes to our student paper. We use the money for staff salaries, printing newspapers, office maintenance and supplies, and resources for employee

When I grow up, I want to be… Recognizing how representation of women of colour through toys, namely Barbie dolls, encourages youth. Kareena Kailass Associate Opinion Editor

hika Stacey Oriuwa, an alumna of the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, has been honoured by Mattel, an American toy manufacturer, and had a Barbie modelled after her. Her doll is one of six unique dolls that were rolled out during the week of August 4, 2021 for Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes campaign. Oriuwa’s doll showcases an accomplished woman of colour in a distinguished position. This important symbol created by Mattel allows youth to envision such professions as not only desirable, but attainable too. It lets them reconfigure how they view women—especially women of colour—and professions through a gendered lens. Oriuwa explains that “children begin playing with Barbies and other dolls at a young age. Through play, we start to understand the world around us and our place in it. It shapes our selfesteem.” These internalized perceptions of the world help to define our place in society through our dreams, hopes, choices, and goals. As this doll spotlights a woman of colour, it gives underrepresented children the confidence to aim for these goals as well. “I believe that if you can see it, you can be it. […] A Barbie who looks like me sends the message to children that they have what it takes to become a doctor,” states Oriuwa. Representing women of colour and distinguished professions break down barriers of intellectual and beauty standards for

children. Children emulate their toys, and when underrepresented groups are given the spotlight like this doll, it empowers young girls of colour to strive for their aspirations. The doll can also reduce stereotypes and generalizations of groups, which would create equal and unbiased views of beauty and success. Social ideals are also adjusted along the way. Toys that showcase different cultural, gender identities, and body shapes tear down social expectations and constructs, and have the potential to alter views held all over the world. This is a huge step in the direction of allowing individuals of colour, especially women of colour in this case, to see themselves represented from a young age.

development. Thanks to the levies, we don’t need to rely on advertising for funds (like you’ll find in our former years). More importantly, it means there is equal accessibility to all information, no matter the topic or an individual’s financial circumstance. Sure, only UTM students pay for our publication, but anyone can read our work. Maybe that is unfair, because not all students read our work yet have to pay, but at least those who pay are contributing to amplifying student voices and making information accessible to all. Either a majority of the population should donate spare change, or institutions should fund print media outlets and create equal accessibility to reputable news. All news publications should commit to reporting the truth for everyone, without relying on advertising or paywalls. And most importantly, this information should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial status or accessibility needs.

features

Editor | Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

Meet Adwet Sharma, UTM’s 2021 Valedictorian Sharma shares the most important lessons he learned at UTM. Prisha (Maneka) Nuckchady Associate Features Editor

ooks and movies always romanticize the idea of valedictorian speeches. Yet, only a few lucky students have the honour of delivering one. On June 24, 2021, Adwet Sharma saw his hard work pay off when he was proclaimed the University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) valedictorian for the Class of 2021. Certainly, many students have dreamed of receiving such an honour. For Sharma, this accomplishment was a pleasant surprise. “To be recognized as [valedictorian] was incredibly surreal,” says Sharma. “I don’t think that the gravity of the situation sunk in until weeks later.” Sharma was born in India but grew up in Germany and England. He became deeply interested in diplomacy after observing diverse interactions between different cultures in different countries. His unique background is one he is grateful for. “You see the importance of human-to-human interactions and how different societies interact and work for the greater good, and I feel like that’s at the heart of diplomacy,” continues Sharma. “This is when I knew that I wanted to be at the center of those international conversations.” Sharma specialized in international affairs and majored in economics at UTM. He

applied to several universities overseas, including some in England, but UTM was his top choice. Sharma was drawn to UTM’s renowned academics and unique international affairs program. The idea of being in North America, a continent he had never visited, also appealed to him. He is now fulfilling his goals and currently works as a research analyst at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of Canada and as a policy advisor at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“You see the importance of human-tohuman interactions and how different societies interact and work for the greater good, and I feel like that’s at the heart of diplomacy.” Throughout his journey at UTM, Sharma built wonderful memories by making the most out of the opportunities that were available to him. Amongst them, he was co-president of the Hindu Society. Sharma reminisces when the club organized Diwali, a festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, at the Blind Duck pub before the Covid-19 pandemic. “We saw performances, ate food, went on stage to thank everyone, and we were [amazed] that we were able to put this event together,” recalls Sharma. “This was definitely

one of my most memorable times at UTM.” Sharma says that students learn a lot from making use of all university resources, building connections, and meeting other students— whether that be through student clubs, classes, or student societies. Moreover, students build memories and bonds that they will cherish. Coming into university, Sharma’s first year was filled with financial difficulties, but he learned to “smile in the face of adversity.” Socioeconomic backgrounds, such as an individual’s income, occupation, and social background, play a role in shaping and maintaining academic success. Some students carry the weight of their socioeconomic background to their advantage, while others, unfortunately, to their misfortune. Wealth empowers some to gain an education, but not everyone has access to wealth. Factors such as gender, financial constraints, country of origin, and ethnicity lead some to be stuck in a cycle of struggles. Sharma’s story isn’t about privilege, but rather about hard work, optimism, and perseverance. To him, having financial struggles simply meant he had to learn, adapt, and move forward. “When there’s a challenge we must smile, see what we can do, and be ruthlessly optimistic about it,” states Sharma. “At the end of the day, you have to play the cards that you’ve been dealt with.” According to Sharma, time and experience bring clarity to students. They learn what

makes their struggles easier to deal with. And indeed, Sharma learned a lot through his journey at UTM. His biggest lesson and piece of advice is that, with hard work and sheer ruthless optimism, everything is possible. Sharma notes that it is vital not to blame ourselves for our struggles—be it financial, medical, or any other.

“When there’s a challenge we must smile, see what we can do, and be ruthlessly optimistic about it.” “You have to keep reminding yourself that you’re here to academically excel; you’re just a student,” says Sharma. “If you can’t wrap yourself around financial insecurity, or any other problem, you can’t blame yourself. You’re learning.” Sharma’s journey is one we can all certainly learn from. Humbleness, perseverance, and optimism are crucial values that reap many benefits. Our years at university are important and meaningful. However, Sharma points out that it’s easy to lose sight of that. “It’s sometimes hard to see the result of your efforts. With a job, you see a paycheck. With university, you must put in four years of hard work, and you see the results afterwards,” concludes Sharma. His recipe to success amidst uncertain times is crucial: be resilient, view the big picture, and don’t blame yourself for life’s setbacks.

NICK IWANYSHYN

Jennifer Liu wins first prize at Smarti Gras 2021 event Smarti Gras celebrates the creativity, dedication, and intelligence of the UTM undergraduate community. Lydia Clarke Rehman Contributor

“T

his was my second time attending Smarti Gras, and I was the only student from the department of visual studies,” says Jennifer Liu, a recent graduate from the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), and the first-place winner of the 2021 annual Smarti Gras event that celebrates undergraduate research. In 2016, the Office of the Vice-Principal established Smarti Gras under the leadership of biology professor and acting vicedean Bryan Stewart, who was UTM’s VicePrincipal, Research at the time. Smarti Gras 2021 was held through Gather Town, a platform where multiple undergraduate students were able to share their posters at once. Presenters made virtual avatars and visited various virtual research poster rooms. This year, a total of 63 posters were created and 170 participants attended the event. “It was a very valuable experience for me as a presenter and as an attendee,” adds Liu. “This year they revamped it to be more interactive.” Liu’s research project, titled “A Growing Cast of Foundry Works: Uncovering More of Bernini’s Bronzes and His Workforce,” reimagined Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s bronze statue work and the people that worked with him to create the pieces. Liu’s project was supervised by renaissance and baroque art and architecture professor Evonne Levy.

“Art deserves a place in research.” Liu connected with the Art Gallery of Ontario and various museums in the U.S. and Italy: “Working within this diverse reach team opened my eyes to the different fields of art history, and the way different institutions approach research,” she explains. “Art deserves a place in research.” After reaching out to her peers and asking Professor Levy about research opportunities, Liu became familiar with Smarti Gras. One of her main struggles was gaining confidence in public speaking when presenting her poster at Smarti Gras. “Being confident in your research, having a good grasp on content, and [showing] why your research is important” will help you to present your research at events like Smarti Gras, emphasizes Liu. Additional resources are available to undergraduate students preparing to present their research. This year, the Office of the Vice-Principal and Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre coordinated two work-

shop sessions—How to Make a Better Poster and How to Talk About Your Poster—for Smarti Gras 2021 participants. “The poster presentation gives you a chance to be creative, whereas you might not always be able to do that in your studies,” states Liu. According to the Office of the Vice-Principal, Smarti Gras allows undergraduate students to present their work to an engaged audience. The experience also includes explaining their research projects, data collection, methodology, why the work is important, and “all the intricacies associated with their particular program of research.”

“One thing that students don’t realize is, even though you have just graduated, there is still an opportunity to be engaged with the UTM community.” Carla Demarco, the research communications and grants manager at the Office of the Vice-Principal, states that Smarti Gras is an “opportunity to find out what kinds of interesting undertakings UTM undergraduate students are up to.” “Most people, myself included, who attend Smarti Gras each year are consistently impressed by these young scholars and their creativity, knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm,” shares Demarco. “The benefit of Smarti Gras is also for the audience: it is an opportunity to celebrate undergraduate students.” Rong Wu, the internal competition and events coordinator for the Office of the Vice-Principal, coordinates all the logistics for Smarti Gras. She does an amazing job each year putting the program and event together. With so many posters and oral presentations, judges, and prizes, organizing an event of this size is a great achievement. Liu will pursue a Master of Arts in Art History at McGill, where she hopes to be inspired and continue her academic journey with the possibility of completing a PhD. “One thing that students don’t realize is, even though you have just graduated, there is still an opportunity to be engaged with the UTM community,” expresses Liu. “I am a big advocate for students contacting their professors, and just being able to have someone on your side.” Students are encouraged to check out the Office of the Vice-Principal website for updates and detailed information on next year’s Smarti Gras.

BARBARA LIU

Zoom, Yikes: No Pants Edition

Helen Yu Comic Artist

Becoming a published author through WRI420: Making a Book Student authors share their journey of book publishing. Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

ost writers growing up have at least had a passing thought of one day writing and publishing a book. Students in the professional writing and communication (PWC) program at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) have the opportunity to fulfill their goals of future authorship. An interactive course on campus, WRI420: Making a Book helps these aspiring students achieve those professional dreams. Taught by PWC program coordinator and associate professor Guy Allen, WRI420: Making a Book instructs students on the principles and industry standards of book publishing. Students work alongside other aspiring authors to strengthen each other’s writing and learn how to use advantageous programs like Adobe InDesign to stylize and format their publications. Adobe InDesign is a digital design software that aids writers in the book publishing process. Professor Allen’s course helps students navigate the software and learn proper formatting, text sizing, fonts, and margin sizes. Additionally, students work together through the design process, helping create their original books’ cover pages.

Students enrolled in WRI420: Making a Book, which is limited to students in the PWC program, also work with professionals in the field of publishing. Students are tasked with hiring a copy editor to help with the publication process at their own expense. Professor Allen provides students a list of recommended copy editors, including freelance editors who have recently graduated from the course. Complete artistic creativity is given to students. Some choose to write fiction, while others choose the path of publishing creative non-fiction books. “My book is a love letter to my family,” shares Adelaide Chan, a recent alumna of the PWC program, about her fiction book, The Good Fight. “It’s always what I wanted to share.” Originally beginning her UTM journey in the digital enterprise management (DEM) program, under the communication, culture, information, and technology department (CCIT), Chan knew writing was in her future. In the summer of 2019, she decided to change her academic path and enroll in the PWC program. “Writing has always been on the back burner for me, and I didn’t know what to do with that passion. I just had to take the opportunity and get into the class,” says Chan. The Good Fight reflects on her relationship with Christianity. “It’s my personal journey with God and

a whole host of my childhood experiences,” continues Chan. Nabila Dinarsakti, another recent alumna from the PWC program, also published her book, You’ll Be Okay: Short Stories and Reflections on Identity and Belonging, during Professor Allen’s course. “It’s stories in my life where I tried to figure out my identity and the intersection between being Indonesian-American and Muslim in a Canadian environment,” shares Dinarsakti. However, Dinarsakti’s writing journey for WRI420 did not start with a book on identity. At first, she intended to write a research-based book on productivity while incorporating personal references on the topic. While in editing circles with other students in the course, Dinarsakti was vulnerable with her classmates, and changed the direction of her publication. “It was really scary,” adds Dinarsakti. “I never really planned on publishing these stories.” Dinarsakti and Chan agree that Professor Allen’s course is challenging and fast-paced. According to Chan, students are expected to have their manuscript ready by the time the course begins. That’s because, during lecture times, students learn “about Adobe InDesign and the industry standards for typesetting creative non-fiction,” adds Dinarsakti, explaining that the course format was more interactive than other courses she has taken at UTM. The publication process is not as difficult as

one may think. “Publishing a book isn’t that expensive, it’s the copy editor that uses most of your budget,” explains Chan. Students ready to publish their books simply upload their Adobe InDesign layouts to Amazon for their supporters to purchase. Although sharing persona l stories with the world can be daunting, “[Professor Allen’s course] was an opportunity to tell my story even though being so vulnerable is challenging,” expresses Dinarsakti. While reflecting on their experiences in the course, Chan and Dinarsakti want to give advice to students currently enrolled in WRI420: Making a Book. “Make sure to finish things early and write whatever comes to you,” says Chan. “Find a copy editor that sees themselves in your work and respects your work,” reflects Dinarsakti, explaining that it always helps to have someone as passionate as yourself on your team. The WRI420: Making a Book course acts as a steppingstone for PWC students, giving them the tools and drive needed to write and publish a book. “I do have ideas for my next book, but I don’t want to give too much away,” chuckles Chan. Support your published UTM alumnae by buying a copy of The Good Fight and You’ll Be Okay: Short Stories and Reflections on Identity and Belonging from Amazon.

Max’s Big Ride returns for its seventh annual ride Andrew Sedmihradsky cycles 600 kilometres to raise awareness and funds toward Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes Features Editor

ndrew Sedmihradsky, the global mobility coordinator at the University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) International Education Centre, walks to the front yard of his Hamilton home. He carries a large sign that reads “Max’s Big Ride” in yellow font with a black-and-white picture of his son, Max, sitting next to the title. Sedmihradsky hammers the sign next to his blossoming garden, officially announcing the seventh annual ride to raise awareness and funds towards a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). For the second year in a row, Max’s Big Ride happened at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Using Zwift, a virtual cycling app, Sedmihradsky hooked up his famous cargo bike to a trainer and began his 600-kilometre ride—covering 100 kilometres for six consecutive days. When Max was diagnosed with Duchenne at the age of two, Sedmihradsky’s family was devastated. DMD is a rare genetic disease that weakens and damages the muscles in the body. This disease halts the production of dystrophin, a protein that strengthens and protects muscle fiber. Duchenne develops in 1 in 3,500 boys around the world. Those who suffer from it experience frequent falls, fatigue, and problems with behaviour and learning. As time passes, DMD halts the lung and heart muscles; a fatal disease with no cure— yet. “The way my wife and I dealt with this was different,” says Sedmihradsky. The day after Max’s diagnosis, he told himself, “I’m fighting this. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but it’s important that we don’t give up without a fight.” Max’s Big Ride was Sedmihradsky’s response to Max’s diagnosis and has since built a community of supporters that have raised more than $230,000 in funds. Family, friends, and neighbours gather around Sedmihradsky’s front yard. Some contribute money into a donation bucket, others bring food, beer, and signs to show their support—all while socially distancing. “I felt like I was almost never alone,” adds Sedmihradsky. “There was always someone visiting the house.” But Max’s Big Ride wasn’t always done from home. Originally, Sedmihradsky pedaled 600 kilometres from Hamilton to Ottawa with Max up front, riding in a wooden box equipped with padded seats and a seatbelt. The final destination, symbolic to the Sedmihradsky family, was Parliament Hill, where important decisions on funding, drug approvals, and diseases are made. The usual ride came with lots of planning: finding a safe biking route, booking hotels, booking a van for the return trip, and buying food and supplies. These elements added to the overall cost, which contributed less money towards research funds.

ANDREW SEDMIHRADSKY

This year, Sedmihradsky couldn’t risk the health and safety of his family, so he made the important decision to do Max’s Big Ride from home—a decision he doesn’t regret. Though he misses interacting with the numerous communities that he normally passed by on the way to Ottawa, Sedmihradsky states that riding at home comes with many advantages that weren’t present in the usual ride. “It’s certainly nice to be able to sleep in your own bed at night,” chuckles Sedmihradsky. But really, “the biggest [advantage] is the outpouring of love from the community. It’s really hard to walk away from that.” On some days, riding from home gave Max the opportunity to pedal his own stationary bike along with his sister, Isla. Max rode for as long as he could, often lasting up to 20 minutes. Even though he is losing mobility due to DMD, Max did his best to come out and cycle along with his father—and community members cheered him on. At one point, a group of supporters asked Max what his favourite food was. They learned it was pickles. “So, they went to a farmer’s market and bought him some pickles,” recalls Sedmihradsky with a smile on his face. “It was really cool.” This year, Max’s Big Ride raised more than $30,000 in donations. Every penny goes straight to the Gunning Group Lab at the University of Toronto Mississauga. The lab, run by UTM chemistry professor Patrick Gunning, continues to deliver promising results against the fight for DMD. “We had a PhD candidate from the Gunning Lab, who lives in the area, [visit] our house a couple of times,” adds Sedmihradsky. “It was neat to have her drop by and give us a little bit of an update [on the research] and also just to chat with her.” Gunning’s Lab is currently working on refining their molecules so that they can move onto the next step: animal testing on mice. Like humans, mice can also develop DMD, though they have a much-accelerated lifespan—making them ideal candidates for testing. “The feedback that comes back from the lab is encouraging and exciting,” states Sedmihradsky. “It’s exactly what we want to see.” Max’s Big Ride has taken advantage of today’s digital connectivity in many ways, the most prominent being My Big Challenge, an initiative where individuals or groups set themselves a challenge to raise awareness and funds for DMD re-

search. My Big Challenge isn’t necessarily tied to extreme physical challenges, such as riding 600 kilometres in six days. In the past, participants have hosted bake sales, raced up hills, walked two kilometres a day, paddle boarded, or even read books for the duration of Max’s Big Ride. Yet, some participants have taken the challenge to the next level, for example with doing the Everesting challenge: a challenge where participants pick a hill and repeatedly climb it until they’ve hit a distance of 8,848 meters, the equivalent height of Mount Everest. This year, an increasing amount of My Big Challenge participants displayed what the future holds for Max’s Big Ride. The higher the participation and engagement rates for My Big Challenge, the more funds Max’s Big Ride raises toward DMD research. For the past two years, all of this has happened without the need for a physical 600-kilometre ride to Parliament Hill. “Riding from home is something that we’re seriously considering making a permanent thing, rather than going back on the road,” explains Sedmihradsky. “[Max’s Big Ride] has the potential to grow as a [worldwide] community event.” This September, Sedmihradsky will attend the University of Toronto for a Master of Health Science in Translational Research. The program explores how concepts, such as scientific findings, can be translated into tangible innovations that benefit overall human health. “In the beginning, I thought: who am I? There are all these scientists working on DMD. How am I possibly going to make an impact?” says Sedmihradsky. “[Max’s Big Ride] has shown me that a regular person without any scientific knowledge, with sheer determination, can make a difference.” The future of Max’s Big Ride looks bright. Though it started as means to raise awareness and funds toward DMD research, the initiative is taking a new direction: “We’re starting to work on advocacy and ways to influence the direction of research,” expresses Sedmihradsky. At the end of this year’s ride, Sedmihradsky put away the front yard sign and sat down with his family to watch the Olympics: “I had the right to sit on a chair and watch other people do stuff for a while,” he snickers. Readers can visit www.maxsbigride.com to donate money for DMD research or sign up for their Big Challenge.

Arts

Editor | Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

SEAN DRISCOLL/UNSPLASH

Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

>> continued from page 01 Another display includes vintage Vogue and Time magazines that showcased the popular influencers during the time of publication in Warhol’s signature pop art style. A live, virtual, and free-of-charge talk on September 8 featuring the Warhol exhibition and Karen Kain is the AGO’s latest event. Kain, a former Canadian Principal Dancer for the Corps de Ballet, was immortalized in an original Warhol print in 1980. She has been invited to the AGO to discuss her experience of being the spotlight for such an iconic work of art. Those interested in registering can do so on the AGO’s website. The Warhol exhibit will run until October 24, 2021. Alongside Warhol’s work, Canadian artist Matthew Wong’s “Blue View” and other oil paintings are available to see until April 18, 2022, showcasing a variety of classical pointillism and fauvism styles. Wong beautifully incorporates Chinese calligraphy as an ode to his Chinese-Canadian background and illustrates incredible nocturnal landscapes,

which heavily influences spectators’ moods through hundreds of blue tones. A particularly grasping exhibition on display until January is Shuvinai Ashoona’s “Beyond the Visible,” illustrating Inuk traditional teachings and legends in coloured pencil and graphite. Regular collections include a vast curated collection by Canada’s Group of Seven, African art collections, and a variety of photography, paintings, and performance art by emerging Indigenous Canadians. All visitors must purchase tickets and reserve a time slot online before visiting the AGO as they do not take walk-ins due to provincial Covid-19 capacity restrictions. The AGO also requires all visitors to wear masks covering the nose and mouth. Packing lightly is also a must as the coat check is closed until further notice. The exciting lineup of upcoming feature exhibitions include “Picasso: Painting the Blue Period” beginning on October 6 and “Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful” beginning in early December. Visit the AGO website to reserve your ticket.

The Art Gallery of Ontario reopens with the Andy Warhol exhibit Exploring the life of Andy Warhol through displays that pop with his ideals and inspirations.

How the impact of movie theatres sustains their future Predicting the tides of content consumption as the way we watch constantly changes. Sidra Durrani Contributor

t may be hard to choose a side in the Scarlett Johansson versus Disney lawsuit as, on a surface level, it looks like an actress worth millions suing a giant corporation worth billions for not paying her more during a pandemic. However, this issue is more complex than it lets on, as it gives insight into the future of movie theatres, streaming, and how this affects viewers. The basis of the lawsuit is that Johansson is suing Disney for a breach of contract, claiming that they deprived her of potential earnings of up to $50 million due to the simultaneous release of the movie Black Widow in theatres and on Disney+. But Disney claims to have fully complied with Johansson’s contract, revealing that she earned $20 million from the film’s success. If Johansson does win this case, it could set a beneficial precedent for future actors who cannot afford the costs of standing up to a company as big as Disney. Many filmmakers fear that the theatrical model is dying, as more movies are released on streaming services simultaneously or even

exclusively. This provides more money for the giant corporations behind streaming companies as opposed to compensating the people who are involved in making the film. Technology has changed how we consume content, and streaming platforms are no exception as they provide viewers with way more movie options than the select handful that are available in theatres at a time. While streaming services put the power in the viewers’ hands to choose what they want to watch, they also take away the power of big moments in movie history. There are few of these events in life where we share a special memory with strangers—memories where we can recall our anticipation and excitement for a film years after its release. However, these iconic cultural moments are not made from the movie alone, but rather from how it brings the community together. In 2019, just a year before people would need to distance themselves from each other, Avengers: Endgame brought everyone together for the end of an era; it was the highly awaited continuation of Marvel’s Avengers:

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Infinity War, which left people devasted by its final scene back in 2018. After the long wait, everyone could not wait to see Avengers: Endgame, and it was all people could talk about. This was a defining moment in our cultural zeitgeist as opposed to the more curated culture of streaming where specific titles will make noise in specific circles. However, it is not just large movie franchises that are affected. Indie movies, like Moonlight or Parasite, normally rely on independent theatre markets, gaining traction through word of mouth before exploding in popularity and reaping the benefits of critical and commercial acclaim. In these cases, both the producers and the viewers themselves want these films to succeed financially, as a failure for independent productions can deal a fatal blow. This model of success can’t be replicated under streaming services that prioritize their original content over licensed films to maximize their gains. Since filmmakers will always

need a platform for their art, especially in a time where theatrical releases are not viable, these streaming companies have a monopoly over what content reaches viewers. Box office numbers throughout 2021 show that there is still a need for movie theatres, as their slow re-openings have seen films rake in hundreds of millions of dollars. This does not come as a surprise to anyone who has ever seen a film in theatres. Streaming movies at home surrounds you with potential distractions—you could use your phone for as long as you want, but in a movie theatre, proper viewing etiquette is to put your phone away. The experience of being immersed in a movie on the big screen with the rest of the audience is incomparable. The energy is undeniable as everyone laughs, gasps, shouts, and cries out together in harmony. How can Disney+ think that charging $34.99 to watch its new movies at home alone can serve as a replacement for such a powerful and unifying experience?

The M’s Playlist – Singing in September with Liz Elizabeth Provost Editor-in-Chief

he most embarrassing period of my life might be when I listened to only country music and wore a zebra cowboy hat every chance I got. I’m way past this phase (except for my lingering obsession with Chris Stapleton, he gets a pass), and now I think my music taste has become more diverse. As a singer myself and having grown up in an artistic and musical family, I love to listen to various genres and artists. Whether I’m studying, writing, cooking breakfast, at the gym, or on my commute, you’ll always find me with my AirPods in, getting lost in lyrics, melodies and beats—often singing and dancing along. When I study and try to be productive, I enjoy listening to more lyrical music but gravitate to rap and R&B when I need a pick-me-up. The 12 songs in my playlist are my all-time favourites; these are the songs I never skip when they come on shuffle. Additionally, and although not reflected in my 12 songs, I love to discover up-and-coming artists and their work. Music keeps us connected and makes for a great conversation, whether when meeting new people or with long-time friends. Sharing playlists and songs puts a smile on my face. Feel free to connect with me on Spotify (@ lizprovost)—my gym playlist is pretty killer.

Donda: Kanye West’s problematic tribute to his mother How poor execution and the absence of direction plagued Kanye West’s Donda. David Krzecko Contributor

fter delays longer than the project itself, Donda, Kanye West’s tenth studio album—and much-awaited addition to his discography—is finally here. Since West’s introduction to the music industry in 2004 with his debut album, The College Dropout, he has proven himself as a character to be marveled at. Through his unique production style, as well as his ability to manipulate and flip classic soul and jazz records, West pioneered a new era of hip-hop production. However, following the downturn of this last decade, West suffered a spiral of poor decisions, which have arguably tainted the critically acclaimed position he once held. From publicly endorsing Donald Trump, to the infamous Wyoming sessions—which felt unfinished, uninspired, and rushed—West tore apart his public image and ruined his credibility. Being an artist myself, I have observed that during most creative endeavours, the idea of perfection can become counterproductive by prolonging the end goal. With many delayed and cancelled projects, West seems to be

plagued by this same principle. For those who follow West’s antics, it would be common knowledge that Donda was initially teased with an expected release date of summer last year. One year later, this album honouring his mother has either fallen short or far exceeded the expectations of listeners. West is known for his meticulous workflow and for relentlessly testing sonic barriers of music that are rarely challenged, as he did for Yeezus, his sixth studio album released in 2013. In the case of Donda, the typical Kanye flair is missing, and the project exhibits a general sense of short-sightedness. It seems like an oxymoron to refer to a 27-track-long album as short-sighted, but perhaps the failure of cohesiveness speaks to the lack of direction from start to finish. Artists with extensive discographies comparable to the likes of West, such as Kendrick Lamar and Drake, are often expected to release projects with a conceptual framework reflecting their life or experiences in the time since their last release. Leading up to the release of Donda, West surely seemed on track to do so. On July 22, 2021, at the Mercedes-Benz Sta-

dium in Atlanta, West hosted what would be the first of three listening parties dedicated to his upcoming work. West stood alone at the center of the stadium as he unveiled his project for the first time. The music was raw, unfinished, and scattered, likely reflective of Kanye’s state of mind as he embarked upon a journey to confront the wounds left unattended following the death of his mother. The second listening party, which was held roughly one week later, on August 5, would portray West in a different light, as he literally ascended to the night sky in what seemed to depict a more collected and enlightened Kanye. The third listening party, hosted in his hometown of Chicago nearly a month later, on August 26, would produce the most focused and conceptual Kanye, and Donda project, the world had yet to see. By recreating his childhood home and surrounding himself with controversial characters, such as DaBaby and Marilyn Manson, listeners were captivated. The show concluded with West lighting himself on fire to figuratively represent his detachment from the grief and mourning of his mother’s death. This act was also meant to depict West rejoicing in his faith and belief in God with his redemption from the sinful coping strategies he previously resorted to, such as substance abuse and frivolous relationships. Despite the theatrical nature of the listening parties, the concepts of self-discovery and redemption that reigned so heavily during the shows failed to deliver upon the album’s release. The sporadic workflow, stunted release, and lengthy tracklist exemplify Donda’s lack of direction. Listening to the album is akin to listening to a collaborative project in which West handled the production and curated artists to his ideas. Donda is extremely feature-heavy and at times feels reliant upon the performance of other artists to convey what conceptually should be a tribute to West’s late mother. Compared to the

depth of the listening parties and their concepts, the album feels shallow. Sonically, the project lacks the ingenuity that West’s production is renowned for, the instrumentals sound barren and cold—not at all reminiscent of the soulful aspects his earlier career was founded upon. Nonetheless, there are tracks that explore themes of redemption and his newfound faith, but the issue is that these songs, such as “Jesus Lord” or “Come to Life,” are reminiscent of his previous 2019 studio album, Jesus Is King, and feel out of place on Donda. This album could have been a triumphant return for West, but it fell short as a tribute to his mother, Donda. The grandiose themes and subject matter of the listening parties were lost once they were mastered and released for our listening purposes. Donda is undoubtedly a good body of work with quality elements that most artists will never attain. But to consider the journey of Kanye West, who as an early producer was written off as a rapper and fought to break through the barriers of being an overlooked artist, Donda does not translate to the levels of creativity that West would frequently transcend with each release. Instead, this subdued album is ultimately a weak link to his otherwise strong discography.

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sports & health

Editor | Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca

How natural supplements helped a UTM Student get healthy UTM alumna Anjalli Becharbhai discusses her experience with natural supplements. Duaa Nasir Sports & Health Editor

atural medicine, according to WebMD, is “a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself.” In an interview with The Medium, UTM political science graduate Anjalli Becharbhai discusses her journey with natural medicine and supplements. Becharbhai has always preferred natural remedies to prescription pills, “I was fully supportive of natural medicine because I’m not someone who really likes taking pills as a bandaid solution for health problems or situations,” she explains. She preferred to avoid the side effects often associated with prescription medications. During her upper years at UTM, Becharbhai spent a lot of time attending seminars, reading research papers, and preparing graduate school applications. She began to notice the effects of this heavily academic lifestyle on her mind and body.

“I was just so used to living a sedentary lifestyle for the later years of my studies,” says Becharbhai. “But it kind of caught up to me.” She found that she lacked energy and suffered low moods as a result. Noting these effects on her body, she decided to get some bloodwork done. “I noticed that my vitamin D levels were low,” she says. She began supplementing her diet with Natural Factors Vitamin D3 Drops. Following this, Becharbhai found that natural Vitamin D supplements positively impacted her. “I noticed my mood was happier. I had way more energy.” She felt better, was able to take on greater tasks within the day and could workout more often. Now, Becharbhai takes a 1000 IU supplement every other day to maintain her Vitamin D levels. Becharbhai encourages students to pay attention to their health and check-in with a professional if something seems off. “If you’re ever feeling down or low energy, I really recommend getting bloodwork done and not neglecting your health when you’re in school.”

Becharbhai isn’t the only one who prefers alternative medicine to mainstream medicine. Despite limited research on the practice, in 2016, over three-quarters of Canadians said they used some form of alternative medicine for treatment. This cost $8.8 billion in 2016—out of pocket. These individuals vary in gender, age, ethnicity, and education levels, and they try alternative medicine for a variety of reasons. Some believe it is helpful when combined with conventional medicine. Others find conventional medicine too expensive. Some people even had medical professionals recommend using alternative practices alongside their treatments. Natural and alternative medicinal practices go back centuries, from Indigenous communities to China to Africa. But when using an alternative practice alongside a mainstream one, always make sure to tell your doctor about it. This can help you stay clear of harmful treatments, misleading claims, shady business practices—natural does not always mean safe—and recognize potential side effects of treatments. Still, alternative practices are a viable option for students that feel a little lacklustre and unhealthy during the year.

The RAWC’s gameplan for fall sports and activities on campus An interview with Renu Kanga Fonseca, RAWC director of strategy, on activities available for students in the fall. Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

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he pandemic forced athletic departments and clubs across all University of Toronto campuses to review how to provide sports and wellness services to students. This academic year will look different for everyone, with instructors and UTM community leaders developing innovative, safe, and enriching programs for the student body. Here is how the UTM Recreation, Athletic & Wellness Centre (RAWC) will schedule their activities beginning this fall. Located in the William G. Davis building, the RAWC offers virtual programs, drop-in fitness activities, and organized sports. Equipped with a pool, multiple gymnasiums, a suspended track, and fully stocked gym, the RAWC provides students with a wide range of fitness and wellness opportunities. “Programs will be offered in-person indoors, outdoors, and virtually,” says Renu Kanga Fonseca, the director of strategy and sport wellness at the RAWC. Students can participate in fitness courses like Cycle Fusion and Pilates, as well as drop-in sports like volleyball and soccer. Tri-campus sports tournaments are paused for the fall semester but will resume in the winter semester with tryouts beginning in the late fall. In addition to fitness activities, the RAWC also offers virtual trivia and game nights for students through their social media platforms. There are also student employment opportunities available through the RAWC, and accessible through the Department of Recreation, Athletics & Wellness. “It’s a great place to work and be a part of a great staff team,” explains Fonseca. Students

can apply to work-study opportunities like UTM intramurals game manager and RAWC facility attendants, with application deadlines approaching in the first few weeks of September. “Engaging in physical and other activities through the RAWC is a great way to support your well-being as a student, to build peer connections, and enrich your student experience,” explains Fonseca. Access to the RAWC is given to all students having registered for the fall semester, with students having the opportunity to participate in as many programs as they are interested in and have time for. It is an easy, commitmentfree way to destress through the year. Non-student community members are also welcomed at the RAWC, with all membership information accessible on the website. The RAWC has introduced new regulations to keep students and members safe over the course of the pandemic with the addition of an enhanced cleaning and sanitizing process for the fitness centre. Additionally, the RAWC staff have done their best to create three metres of space between all the fitness equipment in the facilities. Some services, like the RAWC towel service, are paused until further notice in accordance with provincial health regulations. All in-person activities for the fall semester are subject to change with the province’s updates on Covid-19 related health regulations. For in-person activities, students will be required to register through the University of Toronto Recreation website to collect contact tracing information. The RAWC is excited to welcome students back for the fall semester. “We love seeing students try new activities,” says Fonseca, “whether it’s a new sport or fitness activity.” To stay informed on the latest hours of operations and programs, be sure to follow the RAWC on Instagram @utm_athletics.

WEEKLY EXERCISE SERIES: Yoga

The life-changing benefits of yoga, and where to try it out on campus. Anjalli Becharbhai Contributor

uring the pandemic, one exercise that became increasingly popular was yoga. This fall, UTM will offer yoga classes both in person and virtually so that making time for exercise is convenient. The Medium spoke with Nikki Robichaud, a Fitness Program Assistant for Yoga RTY500 at the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre (RAWC), about the resources available to students, how they can sign up for workshops and classes, and the many benefits of yoga. “This fall, the RAWC is focusing our efforts on welcoming our students back to our facilities, as well as offering virtual options. We are currently offering virtual and in-person classes of Yogilates and Relax and Renew Yoga,” says Robichaud. “Students can check out our website (www.utmeagles.ca) for more information on our programs and services for the 2021-2022 academic year.” With almost no equipment required to get started and flexible class hours available at the RAWC, many students will find it easy to enjoy the many mental and physical benefits of yoga. Especially during a pandemic that has raised stress levels and caused uncertainty for many at UTM. Stress affects the body’s hormones, sleep patterns, energy levels, and mood. Yoga is an effective exercise because it regulates imbalances that stem from stress. Yoga is proven to raise Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) levels. GABA plays a role in regulating depression, appetite, and anxiety. A sedentary lifestyle, the kind where people need to stay home all the time, causes GABA levels to decline and stress levels to rise, which can lead to depression, binge eating, and weight gain. “GABA is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and has been associated with decreased depressive symptoms,” reads a blog post from the Boston University School of Medicine. The Boston University School of Medicine conducted a

study that revealed how different groups of depressed individuals responded to increased yoga activity after three months. MRI scans of individuals from both groups validated that GABA levels increased after consistent yoga sessions. “A group of 30 clinically depressed patients were placed in two random groups. Both engaged in Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing,” reads the post. “In this study, we found that an important neurochemical, GABA, which is related to mood, anxiety and sleep, is significantly increased in association with a yoga intervention.” The study concluded that it might only take one yoga session a week to maintain high GABA levels. The benefits of taking time every week to engage in yoga can lead to better sleep, a happier mood, increased energy levels, and a stronger immune system. Yoga is also connected with mindfulness, which is the conscious awareness of your body and how it feels and thinks. But it has a surprising benefit. Achieving mindfulness can create new healthy eating habits by becoming aware of how you eat food. “Researchers from Harvard found that people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters,” reads a blog post from Harvard Health Publishing. “Practicing yoga helps you to be more aware of how your body feels. This heightened awareness can carry over to mealtime as you savor each bite or sip, and note how food smells, tastes and feels in your mouth.” Robichaud shared her insights on how yoga is a beneficial way to achieve mindfulness because it is an exercise that invites yogis to focus on their breathing, movement, and endurance. “The benefits of yoga are numerous including the creation of a mind-body connection with breath work, increased flexibility, body weight strength, and relaxation.” Yoga is an exercise that is both mental and physical. You can choose to engage in either a low-intensity or high-intensity yoga session, both of which offer a full body workout. This creates a routine and cycle of awareness that we can apply to other parts of our lives, and it allows us to realize we can take control, and care, of our health.

The Medium Board of Directors Election Five positions are open to any UTM students paying their incidental feels. We encourage anyone who is interested in gaining valuable experience in contributing to financial and corporate decisions to run for these five elected positions. The nomination form and more information can be found at themedium.ca/elections We are accepting applications until September 15.