Volume 48, Issue 12

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

Issue 12 Volume 48 December 6 2021

themedium.ca

2021 RECAP

VANESSA TIIU

MANAGING STRESS

Attempting to recap everything that happened this year would be nearly impossible, but we at The Medium decided to give it the ol’ college try and pick out some of the most memorable and significant moments this year had to offer.

She began her social media journey at 15, inspired by sharing her personality and interests with family and friends online. In 2019, her first year at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), Tiiu decided to take social media platforms more seriously.

The end of term always has us stressed out and working at full capacity. During these times, we must recognize how we are feeling and come up with a plan to ensure that we are still taking care of ourselves while we prepare for our exams

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NEWS

UTMSU continues to demand immediate reduction on tuition fees Shreya Joshi Staff Writer

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n November 22, the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU) held a virtual meeting to discuss the impacts of tuition costs primarily on international students. During the meeting, members reviewed the provincial government’s funding plan and the disproportionate education budget allotted to international learners.

The meeting revealed that of $31 billion of Ontario’s post-secondary education fund, a mere $6.9 billion is given to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

>> UTMSU continues on page 03

OPINION

ARTS

How international students really feel about returning to campus

The Korean Wave crashes into the Western world

Mariela Sol Torroba Hennigen Contributor

Names have been omitted to protect anonymity.

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arlier this month, University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) confirmed most winter courses will be offered in-person. After almost two years of Zoom university a lot of us are eager to return to in-person classes, despite feeling some semblance of discomfort because it means we will get the proper university experience, since universities are meant to be in-person to begin with. A lot of us have valid concerns and don’t feel safe about the return. But what if you are not even in the country and whether you are excited or not doesn’t even matter because you may not even be able to come to Canada?

When I got accepted to UTM last year, the visa center in my city was closed. I applied for my study permit online in June 2020 and my application was only approved in July 2021. The pandemic caused visa appointment cancellations and repeated medical examinations frequent. Not knowing when my study permit would be approved triggered additional anxiety and frustration during my first year of university. >> INTERNATIONAL continues on page 07

Paige France Staff Writer

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fter the exhaustion of hardened tropes and archetypes that remained at the forefront of Western entertainment for years, something stark and fresh has risen out of this vast age of entertainment monotony— something unequivocally different with creative executions that are enthralling North American audiences.

As noted in a thesis by Courtney McLaren, “Hanliu” (which became Hallyu) is a Chinese term that translates to “Korean Wave.” Hallyu represents the cultural spike of Korean content that has fascinated the Western world since the 1990s when the government lifted its travel ban—allowing international influences in—revoked its censorship laws, and reconstructed its economy.

Now a “depoliticized” bridge between two disparate cultures, Hallyu was first driven by the spread of K-dramas and K-pop across East, South, and Southeast Asia during its initial launch. The Korean Wave then transgressed from a regional development into a global phenomenon. Proving to be a promising major exporter of

popular culture, Korea’s entertainment pushed through with the South Korean government’s support of its creative industries through subsidies and funding for startups. This would be spearheaded as a form of “soft power,” with the goal to become a leading global exporter of culture in line with Japanese and British culture—a niche that the U.S. has dominated for nearly a century.

Soft power, a term coined by Harvard political scientist Joseph Nye, is described as “the intangible power a country wields through its image, rather than through hard force.” Using their popular culture as currency over the past 20 years, Korea began with a gross domestic product per capita less than Ghana and is now rising to be the twelfth largest economy in the world.

DramaFever, a former video streaming site and leader in international media, has published statistics that showcase a quadruple boom in viewers from 2012 to 2013, growing from 2.5 million to 10 million. Currently, viewership has peaked at 20 million. With 85 per cent of DramaFever’s audience shown to be non-Asian, these staggering numbers reveal the power of K-dramas in recent years, bringing flavour to the deprived palette of Westerners. >> KOREAN WAVE continues on page 11

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NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

UTSC to open a new building for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous learners by 2022 Indigenous House will feature inclusive learning spaces that foster a safe and thriving academic environment while upholding Indigenous traditions and practices. to host gatherings by firepits. This will offer a new mode of learning that embodies togetherness and unity.

The Indigenous House will operate on a unique, environmentally-friendly heating and cooling system while meeting the requirements of Toronto Green Standard 3.

Anjalli Becharbhai Staff Writer

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he University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) announced in 2020 that the campus will open a new building called the Indigenous House. This two-storey, 10,700 square foot building aims to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in a shared safe space. Recently, the university shared a first look of the building on their Twitter page.

In 2014, the university discussed a possible opening of this new hub as they wanted to provide Indigenous students with more easy-accessible amenities. UTSC’s primary goal was to also provide opportunities for Indigenous students to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Construction has been in progress since the summer of 2021 and is expected to finish in 2022.

The Indigenous House will provide a multitude of academic learning spaces for students to thrive in, including student lounges, a library, and a few office spaces.

The building will include a spacious gathering room for students to meet in. This room will overlook a garden that holds some of the most sacred trees to Indigenous culture, such as birch, tamarack, and eastern white pine trees.

The layout will also include a sunken learning garden, as well as edible and pollinator gardens that will enable students

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

In order to accommodate traditional practices, smoke detectors will be replaced with heat sensors so that students can engage in smudging, a practice that requires the burning of sacred plants.

Additionally, Indigenous House takes inspiration from these structures by using fresh air from outside and passing it through an underground intake to help heat and cool the building during the different seasons.

The architectural design of the building was inspired by Indigenous wigwams and longhouses. These homes were built from the beauty of nature, utilizing trees and branches to insulate and keep the foundation strong and warm. The design will also include a curved glulam diagrid, a type of laminated timber that adds support for the roof to stay intact.

In an interview with U of T, UTSC’s chief administrative officer, Andrew Arifuzzaman, shares his excitement about the new building and how it will benefit the campus. Arifuzzaman states, “This new addition to our campus will serve as a welcoming space to bring together and celebrate Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of life.”

“It’s also a reflection of our campus master plan that envisions spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all,” he continues The opening of the new Indigenous House will offer many new opportunities and unique methods of learning. These practices can encourage students to think in a peaceful yet engaging environment.

By uniting an open community, U of T’s Indigenous House encourages other institutions to normalize and advocate for safer spaces while combatting systemic racism against marginalized groups.

U of T has continuously made efforts to accept groups at a disadvantage and offer them a safe place to learn while providing an evolving curriculum. The Indigenous House will add value for Indigenous communities and will work towards building togetherness alongside unique thinkers.

Ontario government increases funding for women programs Women’s Employment Resource Centre, the Women’s Centre of Hamilton, and the Women’s Own Resource Centre are among 23 centres that will receive funding to enhance their programs and services.

Hema Ramnarine Staff Writer

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s part of their fiscal review released in Early November, Ontario has announced they will be committing half a million dollars between 2021 and 2022 to women’s programs.

This $500,000 raises the total funding to $2.7 million for the Investing in Women’s Futures program. This funding will be dispersed among 23 centres in Ontario, including Women’s Employment Resource Centre, the Women’s Centre of Hamilton, and the Women’s Own Resource Centre.

The fiscal review also reveals the province will further support women’s employment and equality by including a modernized school curriculum, topping up the Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses tax credit, and contributing $5 million to the Racialized and

Indigenous Support for Entrepreneurs grant.

With these plans, Ontario hopes to increase opportunities for female entrepreneurs in marginalized communities.

The program enables thousands of women to pursue further education, access resources, or start their own businesses. According to their news release, 19,000 women have accessed the program in the past three years.

The Women’s Employment Resource Centre is a charitable, not-for-profit organization, and is also one of the centres in Ontario offering this program. Providing services both online and in-

person in the city of Woodstock, the centre also presents a free six-week skills development program that helps women finding work.

The program offers certification workshops, job search strategies, and other support resources for women. They can also provide employment counselling and work materials.

Located in South River, the Women’s Own Resource Centre is another facility that will receive funding for women. They host free workshops and networking events, as well as fundraising auctions and events. Their aim is to “provide information, referral, and support to assist women in working toward their economic goals.”

The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) also provides numerous services for women. For instance, the UTM Women and Gender Equity Centre, located in Maanjiwe Nendamowinan, aims to increase awareness about the type of issues faced by wom-

en and make campus a safer place. They offer events and educational workshops and feature virtual office hours for students.

In terms of funding, there are also several financial opportunities and awards available on campus for women. Through the Women and Gender Studies program, eligible students can apply for the Women and Gender Studies Student of the Year Award, awarded to one student annually, or the UTM Women’s Centre Scholarships, awarded to two students.

The university also marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women 2021 in Canada. This year, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre at U of T will be holding a virtual remembrance event, where students can register online to attend.

As women typically face greater challenges in the workforce and in academia, U of T and Ontario have demonstrated clear commitment to supporting women and their needs.

By providing an array of services, women can seek help at UTM and other institutions.

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UTMSU continues to demand immediate reduction on tuition fees International students share their thoughts during the Education for All meeting held in late November.

Shreya Joshi Staff Writer

Former U of T faculty member and physician passes away Colleagues, students, and friends share condolences for the tragic passing of beloved Dr. Robert Sargeant.

Anjalli Becharbhai Staff Writer

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n November 28, member of U of T’s Medicine Department and staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dr. Robert Sargeant, passed away—one year after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

For many, he was a beloved colleague, mentor, and impactful leader. During the pandemic, he played an integral role in devising one of the province’s most robust and safest Covid-19 units. His efforts will continue to serve the healthcare unit at St. Michael’s Hospital.

Head of the General Internal Medicine Unit (GIM), Dr. Sargeant spent two decades at St. Michael’s Hospital, where he was a medical student, resident, fellow, clinician, and teacher.

He was recognaized and praised amongst his students and residents for being a valuable mentor and a friend. At the hospital, he also fostered an enriched environment within his team and a tight knit community.

After establishing GIM’s Rapid Referral Clinic, Dr. Sargeant was quickly recognized for his accomplishment which al-

>> UTMSU continued from page 01 Additionally, these numbers have only decreased since 2019, after a $333 million drop in funding.

On average, first-year international students pay over nine times more than their domestic peers. On the University of Toronto Mississauga’s website, tuition for domestic students interested in Management programs stands at $6,100, as opposed to $58,160 for international students.

This is also true for incidental fees, including campus-based services, recreation services, and student health and dental plans.

International students must include these fees in their tuition even though they are unable to utilize them.

President of UTMSU, Mitra Yakubi, states, “As students, we often feel isolated. We are not alone in our call for a better future.”

Yakubi even goes on highlight the setbacks of student loans.

“Decades ago, students could work part-time to pay their loans in summer but nowadays that is not the case. Students need lower fees to better focus on their education. Paying debt also sets back your career goals and prevents you from starting a family.”

As UTM features a student population from more than 130 different countries, the university should accommodate for international needs. This is especially important as these students promote the high global ranking that U of T currently holds. International students also produce heavy financial contributions, which is why their demands are just as important as students in Canada.

Romina Avila, a fourth-year student at UTM, is an international student from Mexico. Enrolled in the Humanities program, Avila states, “We’re being treated in an unfair and predatory manner. Back in Mexico, Canada [expressed] they’re very accommodating towards international students and that they’d love to have more. When you actually arrive, however, it’s a different story.”

In an effort to combat the lack of government funding for colleges and universities, Ontario’s Ministry of Education is attempting to implement performance-based funding. Performancebased funding is essentially financial support based on a degree’s merit in the job market.

During the meeting, the UTMSU highlighted some statistics with regard to this funding.

Currently, programs that meet this standard already gain 1.4 per cent more funding than programs that do not. If performance-based funding were more common, 60 per cent of funding would be provided based on performance. This puts smaller and rural post-secondary institutions at risk for a loss of funding.

The UTMSU wrapped up the Education for All meeting with a fortunate feeling of hope. Initiatives such as Mexico’s Student Movement and the South African Student Movement are continuing to fight against tuition costs elsewhere in the world.

According to the meeting, some students managed to secure a national bursary while fighting against these educational barriers.

By visiting the Canadian Federation of Students website, UTM students can learn more about student movements that fight against these costs. They are also able to contact @CFSFCEE and @CFSON on Twitter, or email federation@cfsontario.ca to share their thoughts.

LEGACY.COM

lowed urgent cases from Emergency or Family Health to be seen within 72 hours.

Additionally, both he and his wife created a fund called the “Dr. Rob Sargeant Fund” that provides enhanced support and resources to GIM department’s highest-priority needs. These resources include vital equipment, educational programs, and team wellness initiatives.

Donations to the Dr. Rob Sargeant Fund for General Internal Medicine will not only commemorate his legacy but will further invest in healthcare that serves the patients wellbeing, especially those facing life threatening health conditions.

Numerous individuals that worked with Dr. Sargeant took to Twitter to share their condolences and appreciation for his dedication to the healthcare system.

Just a day before his passing on November 27, Jennifer Tsang, associate professor of Medicine at McMaster University, writes that Sargeant was “one of the smartest, most caring and humorous physicians I have ever had the privilege to work with many years ago as a trainee.”

On November 28, Jillian Horton, a Doctor of Medicine shares, “Just a little while ago, our beloved friend and colleague Rob Sargeant left this world. To Karen and the boys - infinite love. To Rob - thank you for everything you continue to teach us. Your legacy is larger than life.”

On the same day, Bourne Auguste, assistant professor of U of T Medicine writes,”Truly moving. Dr. Rob Sargeant has been an amazing clinician & mentor to many. One of the nicest people you will ever meet. In 2012, he went above & beyond in helping me settle here @UofT_DoM in a new city & program. The Earth globe Americas would be a better place if we aspired to be like him.”

Dr. Sargeant’s success not only reflects his friendly and hardworking persona but demonstrates a passion for achieving robust infrastructure and medical advancements at St. Michael’s Hospital.

His dedication to achieve patient satisfaction inspires others pursuing medical designations to focus on efforts aimed at strengthening these relationships.

The Medium sends its deepest condolences to Dr. Sargeant’s family and loved ones.

Ontario invests half a billion dollars in new student spaces The increase in new schools and learning spaces introduces unexpected problems such as the demand for experienced and certified educators.

Razia Saleh Associate News Editor

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arlier in November, the municipal government released a document outlining plans for Ontario’s economy. Since then, Ontario announced it will be investing $600 million to build 78 more schools and childcare spaces.

The plan also stated that Ontario will be improving healthcare services, the building of highways, housing, and highspeed internet. Essentially, the province will be prioritizing critical infrastructure through increased investment in these industries.

One of the many projects that fall under this funding is the Capitol Priorities Program. The program will encourage school boards to initiate projects, or priorities, that support students who require urgent accommodations.

This investment will create “19,700 new student spaces, and 1,525 new licensed childcare spaces in schools.” School boards will be able to submit 10 of their most key Capital Priorities for ministry funding.

Focusing on student spaces, the Ontario government high-

lights the importance of improving the education system. This investment is part of the many projects the Ontario government commits to in support of the school system.

In the coming 10 years, the government plans to “build more schools, improve existing facilities and support education-related projects.” This means that schools can expect changes in their ventilation systems and other repairs.

With their $14 billion budget to support school construction, the Ontario government has already added 300 childcare and education building projects and will continue to develop more infrastructure.

BBC CREATIVE/UNSPLASH

>> SPACES continues on page 04

The City of Toronto Partners with the Higher Education Institutions for Pandemic Recovery Planning U of T participates in the CivcvLabTO Academic Summit hosted by York University, discussing methods to remediate Covid-19 pandemic-related effects and highlighting overarching themes in pandemic recovery ideologies.

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he CivicLabTO Academic Summit & Discussion Series: Collaborating on Renewal and Resilience was held virtually from November 23 to 24, where experts reviewed a recovery plan for the City of Toronto after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hosted by York University, the purpose of the academic summit was to facilitate the partnering of the City of Toronto and higher education institutions, namely Centennial College, George Brown College, Humber College, OCAD University, Ryerson University, Seneca College, and the University of Toronto.

Through the connection established between these parties, each with their unique capabilities and contributions, creative solutions were devised to address the adverse effects of the pandemic on Toronto As a result of the collaboration, there have been eight research projects facilitated, all aimed to support Toronto’s recovery from the pandemic.

One of the research projects, an analysis on supply chain risk of personal protective equipment (PPE), was launched at the onset

of the pandemic and is already complete. The City of Toronto’s response to the sudden rise in demand for PPE from the beginning of the pandemic was adequate. Similarly, the supply shock for PPE, due to supply chain disruptions, did not undermine the city’s ability to protect its employees and the public.

While the city’s management of PPE was

CIVICLABTO

Larry Lau Associate News Editor

commendable, several recommendations to enhance existing policies were made to further guarantee public health safety.

Other projects include a socio-demographic evaluation of Covid-19 infections, an analysis on economic and labour trends for the next three to five years, N95 mask decontamination studies, a study on groups that are underserved by digital infrastructure, identification of Covid-19’s impact on air quality, and more.

At the summit, ‘public health’, ‘economic resiliency’, ‘transit and transportation’, ‘climate change and green recovery’, ‘stronger, safer and more just communities’, ‘planning and adapting public space’, ‘art, culture and recovery’, along with ‘technology, innovation and equity’ were the major thematic topics discussed by experts.

Students and faculty were able to interact with experts of various fields, thus being able to gain insight on the bigger picture of the city’s pandemic recovery.

Students can look forward to future opportunities by CivicLabTO, as they will be organizing four more courses on knowledge motivation. Registration can be completed on the CivicLabTO website.

Some include an introductory session to knowledge motivation held on January 25 and another on February 25, where practices and partnerships in knowledge motivation will be discussed.

Recordings of some discussions in the summit are also available on demand on the CivicLabTO website, accessible to all interested individuals.

It goes without saying that with the combined efforts of researchers across numerous higher education institutions, there is much to expect from Toronto’s pandemic recovery in the near future.

>> SPACES continued from page 03 In the next first years, the government hopes to build 30,000 licensed child-care spaces for families and communities across the province.

With the increase of these new facilities, many question whether Ontario will be able to assign teachers in time.

Currently, Ontario is facing a shortage of teachers, as several school boards have hired uncertified candidates. Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce tells CTV News that “hiring unqualified teachers has always been permitted in Ontario for exceptional circumstances.”

Due to the need for teaching positions, the Durham District School Board has taken the unusual approach of advertising positions to uncertified teachers.

This sudden increase in unqualified teachers takes a major hit on the Ontario education system, as it does not give students access to optimal learning.

Currently, the superintendent of Education Durham District School Board, Heather Mundy, has said that unfilled positions are being covered by central board staff, principals, and vice-principals.

Moving forward, the Ontario government must understand that introducing new learning spaces also requires experienced educators for students. Investment in the education field comes with ensuring certified caretakers and the best opportunities.

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Hyperinflation, power cuts, and shortages of food and medicine drive Venezuelans out of their country Troubling economic crisis puts Venezuela as one of the top conflicts to be monitored in 2021.

May Alsaigh News Editor

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or several years, Venezuela has been suffering from a severe socio-political and economic crisis, becoming one of the worst current humanitarian catastrophes on the planet.

Due to high unemployment rates and difficulties in accessing food, water, and medicine, millions of Venezuelans have fled the country.

As of June 2021, more than one-sixth of the population has left the country, or 5.6 million of 30 million residents.

The crisis has also worsened due to an uprising of political opposition to President Nicolás Maduro, who was elected in April 2013 after the death of former President Hugo Chávez. In May 2018, Maduro was re-elected, resulting in several protests.

The opposition-controlled National Assembly did not recognize this re-election and the presidential position remained vacant—leaving Juan Guaidó to step in and declare himself as acting president in January 2019. So far, more than 50 countries, including the U.S., have recognized Guaidó as the legitimate president.

Since then, the ongoing dispute between these leaders has led to major economic challenges including wages falling far behind the inflation rate. For instance, the Venezuela Café Con Leche Index reveals that from August 2020 to August 2021, the price of a cup of coffee has increased by 2,597 per cent.

Up to date, hyperinflation has been one of the country’s main problems.

The Preventive Priorities Survey ranked Venezuela as one of the top conflicts to watch in 2021, due to its accelerating economic collapse and political instability.

Canada acknowledges that this is an unprecedented crisis and offers numerous ways to provide immediate aid to the country.

Since making international phone calls is challenging for some, the Government of Canada website encourages citizens to either send an email to sos@international.gc.ca to request a phone call, or to contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa to take action.

On the same website, Canada expresses their dedication by stating, “We are committed to protecting human rights and to helping Venezuelans find a solution to the crisis through the promotion of a peaceful return to democracy.”

Additionally, United Nations and other partners are recognizing these worldwide crises, as they have recently launched

an annual assessment plan on December 2 to “alleviate suffering in 2022.” Venezuela is one of many countries that will receive help from emergency response teams.

For any University of Toronto Mississauga students seeking support, the Latin American Student’s Association hosts both virtual and in-person events. The association also facilitates conversations where students can lead and participate in discussions.

By hosting dinners, meetings, conversation circles, and other gatherings, Latin UTM students can participate in these events for support and entertainment.

As it is important to recognize ongoing global issues such as Venezuela’s, U of T’s President Meric Gertler is constantly raising awareness about important matters. For instance, Gertler makes mention of Universities Canada, a non-governmental organization committed to tackling pressing global challenges.

“It plays a vital role in setting the agenda and trajectory for Canada’s future economic and social wellbeing,” Gertler states in his recent inaugural address as chair of the board of Universities Canada.

With global crises like the one happening in Venezuela right now, it is important for governments to recognize these issues and for individuals worldwide to be aware and informed.

MASTHEAD EDITORIAL BOARD 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 Photo Hayden Mak photos@themedium.ca Design Manjot Pabla design@themedium.ca Copy Juliana Stacey juliana@themedium.ca Miguel DaSilva miguel@themedium.ca Social Belicia Chevolleau social@themedium.ca Videographer Nikolas Towsey video@themedium.ca

ASSOCIATES & APPOINTED ROLES Larry Lau, News Razia Saleh, News Kareena Kailass, Opinion Haya Abu Ghosh, Opinion Dalainey Gervais, Features Prisha Nuckchady, Features Dellannia Segreti, Sports Gladys Lou, Photo Simrah Siddiqui, Photo Isik Vera Senel, UTMSU Correspondent Julia Skoczypiec, Theatre Erindale Correspondent Robert Bui, Campus Athletics Correspondent

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OPINION

Editor | Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

New year, same old mistakes Students share their resolutions and big plans for the upcoming year.

Erin Delaney Satirist

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ike a new-born baby, the will of a person in the new year is fragile, weak, and unable to survive on its own. If a person is not motivated or inspired, they may wither away and die during the deep winter cold. Enter the time-honoured tradition of a New Year’s Resolution. Students are known to centre their resolutions around their academics, their love lives, or around more meagre personal goals. We here at The Medium spoke to several students to see exactly what their definition of self-improvement is.

Some students had timely resolutions, inspired by the year that just passed. One friend group in particular was in sync with their goals.

“My goal is to be Shawn Mendes’ new girlfriend,” said Hailey, a second-year Psychology major.

“My goal is to be Shawn Mendes’ new boyfriend,” said Anthony, a fellow second-year Psychology major “Honestly, I’ll be whoever Shawn Mendes wants me to be,” chimed yet another Psychology major Others had trouble with the immense pressure of New Year’s Day, like Jack McGuire, a third-year Philosophy major.

“My birthday is January first, so each year I only get one chance to start off on the right foot,” said McGuire.

“Honestly, I hardly do because I’m always hungover on my birthday, can you blame me? The feeling of the whole world counting down to your birthday, it’s intoxicating.

The countdown is usually the last thing I remember. I always try to do as many shots as the age I’m turning. Yeah, so what if I’ve gone to the hospital on my birthday a couple of times? You try not getting shit faced. I’m usually not in the best shape to start going to the gym or whatever on January first. In fact, I’m usually

sad on my birthday. No one wants to celebrate two nights in a row.”

Some students struggle with more traditional habits, like Dalainey Gervais, an Associate Features Editor for The Medium.

“I have kept the same resolution for ten years now,” said Gervais.

“It’s been to keep my room clean. Honestly, I still haven’t succeeded past January. But not this year. My goal is to make it to February.”

Others are having success starting with smaller goals before eventually taking on the big challenges. “My goal is to write more.

It’s been really challenging, I’ve had writer’s block basically all year,” said Karen Mulaney, an unemployed University of Toronto Mississauga alumna. “But I’m starting small. Sentences are too intimidating right now, so are most words. So far, I’ve just been writing random letters. It’s very freeing, not being bound by meaning.

Who says a Q and a V can’t sit side by side? Maybe a B and a T have always wanted to be together? Here, let me read you my first entry.

QHVJSASIAMANAEDAEWQDOOPADADFK E A U D C Z. Amazing, isn’t it? Although I think I’m relying too much on vowels.”

“My new year’s resolution is to read more,” said fourth-year Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology student Gordon Kraus. “The problem is I don’t like novels very much because I find them boring. Science fiction is too wacky, and fantasy is too silly. Romance novels make me think of my own inability to be loved, and I scream too much reading horror. I can’t say that non-fiction thrills me that much either. I find modern memoirs to be padded with filler and narcissism.

Philosophy makes my brain hurt. I already put off my normal class readings so I can’t read anything academic. So, I decided that I’m just going to read cookbooks. I’m halfway through Microwave Cooking for One, and let me tell you, this is some gripping stuff. I’m using it every day. After this I’m gonna read The Astronauts Cookbook in case I ever get sent to space.”

We here at The Medium wish everyone a healthy, happy, and hopeful New Year. Lord knows we need it.

Is the holiday season always merry?

Shopping for presents and the never-ending loop of Mariah Carey can be very draining.

Julia Skoczypiec Theatre Erindale Correspondent

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hen it comes to the holiday season things aren’t always “jolly good.” While I love to spend time with family, watch The Polar Express, free my mind from thoughts of school assignments, and cuddle up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and my favourite book, there are a few aspects of the holiday season that I find a little less compelling.

To start, I don’t like holiday shopping. Although I love to see the reactions of my friends and family when they unwrap a gift, the cons of scavenging through stores to find the perfect gifts outweigh the pros. As someone who has worked in retail, I can say that my perspective on holiday shopping has forever changed based on customer demands. Let’s just say people can get seriously impolite after waiting in long line-ups and squeezing through crowds just to find out that what they came for is sold out. I get it. Anyone would be frustrated. But the employee is never to blame. Where is the holiday spirit in yelling at a seasonal employee?

While I don’t work in retail any longer, holiday shopping doesn’t become easier on the other side of the register. Every year, I try to get all my shopping complete before Christmas Eve, but I feel like everyone has the same plans. At every store, you dive into a jungle

of carts, carolers, and Karens. For this reason, I am sticking to online shopping this year, even though I will miss out on the taste of mall pretzels. But, while I would like to support small businesses as opposed to multinational companies like Amazon, this comes with downfalls like longer wait times and expedited shipping fees. Holiday shopping is a never-ending stress cycle.

There is another aspect of the holiday season that leaves me conflicted—Christmas music. Although Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” never fails to pump me up and I always lip sync into a hairbrush microphone, it is just one of the many songs within the repetitive repertoire of the holiday season.

Certain songs, like Michael Bublé’s “Santa Baby” and Jimmy Boyd’s “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” are some of the songs that I immediately skip whenever they come on the radio, mostly for their questionable lyrics that are far from cheerful. But even when celebrities try to spruce up the season by releasing albums with “new” Christmas tunes, like Sia’s “Everything Is Christmas” and Ariana Grande’s “Christmas Kisses,” these songs cannot compare to their year-round hits.

Even though holiday shopping and music aren’t always “merry,” there is a lot to look forward to as the holidays comes to town.

Gift giving, the pink nose and cheeks you get after hiking in the snow, building gingerbread houses, and time indoors with family, friends, and pets are some of the holiday moments that I am most thankful for. While I do have my Grinch inspired holiday hatreds, the value of creating positive holiday memories through my connection to loved ones is what is most important.

Editorial 06

Editorial: The Medium recaps a heartbreaking yet cheery, exhausting yet exciting, miserable yet glorious year of 2021.

So long, 2021.

The Medium

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o one would want to follow the dumpster fire which was the year 2020, yet, 2021 took up the challenge and it did not hold back. Attempting to recap everything that happened this year would be nearly impossible, but we at The Medium decided to give it the ol’ college try and pick out some of the most memorable and significant moments this year had to offer.

January and February

March and April

Elizabeth Provost Editor-in-Chief

Elisa Nguyen Managing Editor

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fter the mess of 2020, some of us entered the New Year with our mittens on, legs cross, eyes half-opened, just simmering in the moment, like disgruntled Bernie Sanders did at the 2021 U.S. Inauguration on January 20. While others stormed Capitol Hill, starting the year with an insurrection and fervour.

The proceedings of the first few months of 2021 felt like The Weeknd dizzily running through mirrored halls at his Super Bowl performance. Our New Year resolutions included forgetting the hell of 2020 while chasing some unknown “new normal”—all while still in the confines of our homes.

In January, Toys R’ Us ceased making children happy, while Keeping Up With The Kardashians finished filming their final episodes—leaving their audience of adult (children) globally devastated, empty, and stripped of purpose.

In February, Jeff Bezos announced he would step down as CEO of Amazon to focus on “Amazon initiatives” and other passions. As the year persisted, we realized these passions include flying to space, The Washington Post, and introducing his girlfriend to Leonardo DiCaprio.

Entering the year in search of respite, January and February felt like a sick continuation of the previous year. Charlie’s Angels—Pfizer, Moderna, and Astra Zeneca—soon came to our rescue, rendering the first months of the year a faint memory.

May and June May Alsaigh News Editor

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ay was the month of mourning for many Canadians.

The remains of 215 Indigenous children were discovered on the grounds of a former residential school in British Columbia, where some were as young as three years old. Before we reached the twentieth century, almost 150,000 Indigenous children were removed from their families and many of them remain undiscovered. May kickstarted months of investigations for more of these bodies where in June, hundreds more were identified.

In late June, Cowessess First Nation discovered 751 unmarked graves at a former residential school in Saskatchewan where students faced physical and sexual abuse at the hands of teachers. Not only that, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated he was “terribly saddened” by the discovery of these sites but this announcement only angered many. Up to date, countless Indigenous reserves do not have clean drinking water despite Trudeau’s recognition of these gravesites.

Let us not forget about those tragedies that occurred in other parts of the world, including the U.S. On June 24, a Florida condo building collapsed killing 97 people with one person still missing. It took investigators and firefighters weeks to locate victims and it was only in September when these numbers were finalized.

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n the months of March and April, the masses anxiously and angrily waited for the verdict against Derek Chauvin, the police officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck with extreme force, leading to his death on May 25, 2020.

During the trial, Darnella Frazier, the 17-year-old who recorded and posted the video of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck, testified about the terror she felt and Floyd’s evident suffering when he was on the ground. Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, testified about his brother’s leadership and love in their home. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds—revealed by a prosecutor during the trial—which was much longer than originally assumed.

The trial lasted three weeks. Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. After years of silenced outrage against police brutality, protests across the globe shouted in relief that, if not justice, accountability was finally served, a small victory, but not enough to restore what could not be taken back. These events became a catalyst for social justice movements across the globe.

July and August Aroni Sarkar Opinion Editor

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uly gave us the hottest month on record featuring raging wildfires and hurricanes across North America. At the same time, World Wide Web’s inventor sold the original code for a mere US$5.4 million, and Elmo decided to adopt a puppy on Sesame Street. Canada also announced the appointment of Mary Simon as Governor General. She is the first Indigenous leader to be taking the seat of the Queen’s representative.

Haiti’s president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his own home, and the Taliban quickly conquered and took control of Afghanistan. Everyone across the globe watched heart-breaking videos of people holding onto ascending airplanes in hopes of escaping the country. While the world watched in horror, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis attempted to cheer everyone up by assuring the masses that they do, in fact, shower their children. We finally said goodbye to August by waving our flags as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics came to an end.

07 September and October

November

Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes Features Editor

Danica Teng Arts & Entertainment Editor

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ustin Trudeau shook things up in September after he held an impromptu and expensive election that many Canadians found unnecessary. So much so, they expressed their anger by throwing rocks at him as he boarded a campaign bus. He still won a minority government for the second time in a row.

Speaking of expensive events, El Salvador became the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender— which came with some unexpected hiccups. Shortly after launch, Bitcoin experienced glitches, followed by a whooping 19 per cent drop in value and lots of angry Salvadorans.

Likewise, Canadians were outraged after 30 women were allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted at Western University during orientation week. The university responded with an investigation and a Tweet that addressed their culture problem.

September and October saw interesting events go down in the entertainment industry. Shang-Chi and Squid Game were released, making way for the next generation of easy Halloween costumes. Shang-Chi featured the first Asian lead in Marvel’s cinematic universe, while Squid Game generated some serious dollars and praise for Netflix.

But even the streaming service was under heat after Dave Chappelle’s comedy special The Closer ridiculed transgender people. Netflix employees took to the streets to protest transphobic content. This wasn’t the only protest in the industry.

Hours before actor Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins with a prop gun by accident, the camera crew for the movie Rust walked off set to protest their working conditions.

The Ontario government finally made some good decisions after they announced the strengthening of the elementary school curriculum. They plan on implementing mandatory Indigenous learning by 2023. Doug Ford’s government also announced a partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart to provide free essential hygiene products to all students across the province.

hen we hit November, people reached a point of realization— the realization that the French flag changed colour without anyone noticing, that were about to enter the months of Mariah Carey on repeat, but most importantly, that another year was coming to an end.

Looking back on the past, as people did on November 11 to remember our soldiers, reminded us of the good and the bad of 2021 so far.

While we hoped that Covid-19 would disappear, the Omicron variant came to visit for the holidays, and despite this deadly disease, nothing could stop the massive crowd at the Travis Scott Astroworld concert that ended in tragedy. More disheartening news soon piled on as Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty for the 2020 Kenosha unrest shooting.

Sometimes, the world seems to drown in its horrors, but there is still the balance of good that keeps us afloat. As of November 2021, 86 per cent of Canada’s population aged 12 and above are fully vaccinated, and Pfizer was recently approved for kids aged five to 11. Slowly, we feel less trapped in this endless quarantine loop, but enjoying her freedom the most is Britney Spears who was finally released from a nearly 14-year conservatorship. While people are at peace knowing she is free, others are at peace knowing that the three white men who took Ahmaud Arbery’s life in 2020 have finally been found guilty, facing life in prison.

Earth is one chaotic mess of green and blue, but there are still victories to cherish in our world—whether it is the Indian farmers’ protests that led to the withdrawal of controversial laws or looking toward the future with the promises made at the twenty-sixth United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties.

December Duaa Nasir Sports Editor

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s we publish our final issue of 2021, it is December 6, and we near the end of the year.

It’s difficult to believe that the pandemic, which at first existed on the other side of the world, has now taken the lives over half-a-million people. Those of us that are blessed enough to survive will likely, and sadly, continue to struggle with the physical and emotional ramifications of Covid-19, perhaps for the rest of their lives.

None of us know what to expect for next year. Some of us continue to struggle with unease and anxiety about what the next day will bring; others are numb to the news and constantly-fluctuating numbers.

Although this isn’t the most uplifting message to end the year, what I can say though, is that as you push yourself through the next few weeks, be gentle with yourself.

Be proud of what you accomplished and be sympathetic towards yourself for what you couldn’t. Continue to push yourself when you struggle, even if that struggle is with taking a break and letting go. Take care of yourself and your community and hope or pray that all of our situations continue to improve.

And with this, we get ready to leave 2021 behind and begin our transition into 2022.

How international students really feel about returning to campus Students share what it was like studying virtually from abroad and what they hope for the next semester.

Mariela Sol Torroba Hennigen Contributor

>> INTERNATIONAL continued from page 01 The hurdles international students face are known. They not only pay higher tuition fees, but may also experience homesickness, culture shock, and even discrimination. When students had to scramble back to their home countries, they also had to reprogram themselves to function according to the Eastern Time Zone, without knowing how long they had to stay that way.

“I feel the return to in-person classes for the winter was extremely rushed,” says a thirdyear transfer student from Brazil. They share that the anxiety and stress that came with the sudden announcement negatively impacted their academics. The process of finding housing and trying to figure out whether the place

is good or not, whether it is actually near campus, and what the systems were of renting houses was really stressful. House hunting is stressful enough for those of us here, but imagine what it’s like for those that have never set foot in the country.

A first-year student from Mexico shared

SAMIRA KARIMOVA/THE MEDIUM

that the rise of the new Omicron variant makes them especially nervous to travel. “At first, I was excited to come and finally get the full university experience. Attending classes from another country negatively impacted my anxiety. I felt somewhat lost when professors talked about campus and Canada, and because I haven’t experienced it yet, I felt like an imposter. Although I was in the comfort of my home, I felt divided. But when I started considering all the factors like finding housing and flying to Toronto, I became more worried.”

At the moment, it feels like a punishment to be an international student.

A second-year student from Pakistan said in regard to vaccinations that “the Canadian government recognizes specific vaccines to be exempt from quarantine, and getting the Canada-approved vaccine again after already being vaccinated messed up my semester.

I was so sick and still, I had to complete my schoolwork.”

When asked about what they wished the university did differently, most students expressed a desire for dual-delivery learning.

“While it might not be the best option for all, I wish there was dual delivery for us who can’t come to campus, since it’s not up to us.

It’s up to what governments say and what immigration says in each country” shares the student from Mexico.

Considering how large the international student population is at UTM, the extenuating circumstances of their home countries should be taken into consideration instead of giving a blanket order to return. An online petition launched recently calls for this decision to be reconsidered. Sure, there is a leave of absence policy for us, but not everyone can provide the documents they need because those documents may not exist, or, there are other factors that play into their inability to travel. If not a reconsideration, then at the very least the university should create accommodations like dual delivery.

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features

Editor | Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

Professor Alessandro Delfanti’s recent book raises awareness about Amazon’s use of technology and human labour Consumers need to shop ethically and consider the calls of Amazon workers as they fight for their rights.

Hema Ramnarine Staff Writer

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mazon and the phrase “questionable labour practices” have become almost synonymous. In an increasingly automated world, the relationship between robots and human labour is being scrutinized. Alessandro Delfanti, an associate professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), recently published his latest book titled The Warehouse: Workers and Robots at Amazon. The book paints a picture of how Amazon utilizes technology to surveil its employees and extract as much labour from them as possible. “[It’s] is based on my research of Amazon workers internationally, through interviews, and a study of the technological infrastructures that Amazon deploys in its warehouses to organize inventory and labour,” says Professor Delfanti, who joined UTM’s Institute of Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology (ICCIT) seven years ago.

Professor Delfanti has always been interested in the politics of technology and its relationship with work. The inspiration for his book came readily, as Amazon has been a presence in his life for quite some time. His hometown in Italy hosts the oldest and largest Amazon warehouse in the country. Some of his friends and childhood classmates have been employed there. “For years I’ve been exposed to some of the issues going on in those places, especially in political terms,” he notes. This presence did not go away when he arrived in the Peel Region, which is home to three fulfillment warehouse centres.

While many believe that companies like Amazon have nefarious plans to completely replace human labour with machines, Professor Delfanti argues that this is not likely. “They are renewing logics and practices that were typical of industrial capitalism,” he explains. “[This creates] a new, digitized, automated version.” Instead of replacing human labour, these technologies squeeze as much labour out of workers as they can—often in a way that impacts their safety and well-being. “If you look into Amazon’s plans for future innovation, they always tend to include humans,” he adds.

As one of the most surveilled workplaces in the world, Amazon uses technology to monitor its employees’ whereabouts and productivity. Their warehouses feature cameras and body scanners to ensure that employees are not stealing. In fact, Professor Delfanti states that Amazon is almost used as a testing ground

for surveillance practices in the workplace, which could potentially be sold and used by other companies.

In the future, Amazon may reduce the number of employees working in the warehouse, instead of completely replacing them with an automated labour force. “Algorithms are already used by [the company] to determine the division of labour between robots and humans. In the future, humans may be called upon when robots cannot perform a certain task, or to assist or train the robots,” explains Professor Delfanti. However, this news is not entirely optimistic. According to him, this technology may be used to further control Amazon workers.

During his research, Professor Delfanti interviewed warehouse workers in Canada, the U.S., Italy, and other European countries with the help of unions and workers keen to get the word out. However, finding employees who were willing to talk was not always an easy task. “It was challenging to gain their trust. They’re overworked,” he recalls. “After coming from a long workday, not many people are willing to talk about [it] for hours.”

On top of this, many employees were worried about repercussions such as termination of employment from Amazon. Only one employee out of five or ten was willing to be interviewed according to Professor Delfanti. He was careful to meet in neutral places (such as cafés) that were far from any warehouses.

Amazon itself was, somewhat cautiously, more open than usual. “They’ve had experiences with journalists going undercover and exposing their practices,” adds Professor Delfanti.

“They kept an eye on us, but they were aware of what we were doing.” In one instance, he was even given a warehouse tour.

Amazon’s treatment of its employees has been in the public eye for a while. Many campaigns, petitions, and online forums call for a boycott of their services. However, when asked about his thoughts on calls for boycotts, Professor Delfanti says he’s unsure if that’s a truly effective solution. “Unless it’s widespread and very well-organized, a boycott doesn’t really hurt the company. Especially not one as large as Amazon.”

He adds that even workers have not gone down this route. “[Boycotts] are sort of an ambivalent weapon. It is more effective to have solidarity with workers, and help them, especially with things like unionization efforts,” he states. Recently, many warehouses worldwide have been pushing for unionization, with varying degrees of success.

Professor Delfanti explains that, instead of focusing on boycott efforts, it’s far more important for consumers to be informed about what’s going on. For example, paying attention to the unionization efforts in the Peel Region and the demands of

Here’s why you should plan your next N trip alone

PROFESSOR ALESSANDRO DELFANTI

Amazon workers. Rather than placing online orders, consumers should shop locally.

“In the modern world we’re used to ordering something online and having it within 24 hours. I don’t know how sustainable that is in terms of the labour it generates, as well as environmentally. This will have to change if we want to get serious about climate change,” says Professor Delfanti. “I don’t have many hopes that Amazon will change for the better unless there are some major political transformations. [Groups] have taken the fight transnational, and they’re getting a big response.”

Amazon Workers for Climate Justice is one such group that is made up of Amazon employees who wish to put pressure on the company to improve their practices. Professor Delfanti explains that if we as consumers want to make a difference, it is important to support groups like these.

Professor Delfanti does his best to support local businesses whenever he can. When asked how he will be doing his holiday shopping this year, he says “I still prefer to shop in-person, despite the convenience of shopping online.”

Louis Lam Contributor

After being trapped in our own homes for the last couple of years, I realized how much I miss my friends and travelling.

ow that the majority of Covid-19 restrictions around the world are lifted, my friends and I are planning our holidays again to make sure we don’t spend another one sulking around the internet. The last thing we want is to waste more precious time at home. But, travelling can mean a lot of things. It can be all the way across the globe in Asia, across your home country in a different province, or even a weekend getaway a few hours out of town. In fact, travelling

isn’t about where you go, but rather, what you make of your journey and destination.

The moment I sat down and planned my holidays, I tried to come up with a list of who to bring. But then I thought, why go through all the trouble when I could pack my bags and go alone? When we plan for our holidays or decide to go on an adventure somewhere, the first thing that comes to mind is “who do I ask to come with me?” Before you answer that question, I want you to consider keeping that invite to yourself.

You might be wondering: why would I do that? Isn’t it more fun to bring friends? Yes. >> ALONE continues on page 09

09 >> CITY DESIGNS continued from page 08 But there’s nothing wrong with travelling alone either. With technology being so advanced right now, we can contact anyone with the press of a button. We are so used to this on-demand interconnectedness that we forget how to be truly alone.

“There’s a difference in being alone and feeling lonely. In an existential sense, studies show that having friends and family help us feel connected and part of something greater,” says Mariam Ayoub, a Psychology professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She teaches PSY343: Theories of Psychotherapy, a course that explores the theories and approaches to psychological treatment for personality and behavioural disorders. “Self-exploration is a key factor in psychotherapy. Travelling alone allows you to listen to your inner mind about what you want to do or how your experiences make you feel. There are multiple parallels between the two that speaks to the benefits of travelling alone,” explains Professor Ayoub.

We are social creatures, and our obsession with being around others stems far back into our evolution. Being connected to others keeps us healthy and safe. Today, the idea of comradery is constantly being reinforced in

everything we see, especially media. The Avengers must assemble to defeat Thanos, the lone soldier realises that his success comes from his brothers in arms, our favourite rom-com lead realizes their partner will solve all their problems.

We instill the importance of being in a group so much that we forget how to enjoy the company of ourselves.

My experience with travelling alone came as an accident. When I was 18, I went on a self-funded graduation trip to Korea with a couple of friends. At the time, all of them were into K-pop, and one day they decided to wait for seven hours to take a blurry picture of an idol—causing us to miss the last train back to our Airbnb. The next day, I learned we were doing the same thing again. At this point, I was presented with two choices: either waste another day or break away from the group and do what I enjoy doing.

When we travel on our own, certain thoughts pop into our heads and cause us to ruminate. Rumination is our enemy and happens when little concerns spiral out of proportion. You might start to worry more

about losing your wallet now that you’re alone. Or what to do if your phone dies and your friend isn’t there to lend you theirs.

These thoughts amplify without the safety of being surrounded by others. No one wants that, especially in a foreign country.

“Making your own decisions while travelling alone lets you better understand what makes you happy, angry, or sad,” states Professor Ayoub. “By the end of it, you feel proud and accomplished that all your positive experiences are guided by you. And that pride and accomplishment helps bolster your self-confidence, regain your sense of self-agency, and just be proud of being able to make your own decisions.”

It felt therapeutic to travel alone. Not only did I accept my friends’ two-day idol hunting, but I also gained insights into my personal problems. When I came back after exploring the city by myself for the day, I was hooked on the feeling of going on a solo adventure. I made sure every time I went anywhere, I would spend at least a few hours to myself exploring the area, away from the group if the opportunity allowed.

During these times, I felt attuned to my surroundings. The scenery from the bus rides stayed with me and, to this day, I can still remember the feeling of being free from any restraints and seeing Korea in a different

light. I chose where to go, what to eat, and when to do all those things without anyone holding me back. As Professor Ayoub puts it, I reclaimed that sense of self-agency.

Going on a trip alone isn’t just an adventure of itself, it’s also a part of rediscovering who you are. When done properly, it can even act as a form of therapy. “You [can] take some key lessons in therapy and apply it to travelling alone. For example, living in the moment, paying attention to how we react to experiences emotionally, physically, and cognitively,” concludes Professor Ayoub. “This works for any part of your life, but will definitely enhance your adventure alone.”

It doesn’t matter where you’re headed.

Whether it’s a little cabin a couple hours out of town, or a three-week trek through Europe, it’s all about how you deal with the experience of being alone. Try revisiting places you’ve been—but by yourself. The scenery and buildings may look the same, but your mindset and experience might be different. Taking that trip alone and having yourself as company may scare you for the first few minutes, but when you complete that trip, know that you own the space in your mind you’ve carved out for yourself; that little piece of memory that belongs to you and just you.

Vanessa Tiiu reflects on life as a full-time student, entrepreneur, and a content creator Tiiu uses time blocking as means to balance being a student and a health and fashion vlogger.

Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

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y idea for Instagram was to focus on fashion-related content, but to create content that was me in a nutshell,” says Vanessa Tiiu, a content creator and vlogger.

With more than 250,000 followers on YouTube and another 38,000 on Instagram, Tiiu is balancing full-time school and content creation in her schedule, in addition to her businesses. She began her social media journey at 15, inspired by sharing her personality and interests with family and friends online. In 2019, her first year at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), Tiiu decided to take social media platforms more seriously.

Vlogging, an emerging form of content creation, is a form of video blogging where creators highlight certain aspects of their lives. Focusing her content on health and fashion, Tiiu also incorporates her general entrepreneur and student lifestyle into her platforms by sharing some of her to-do lists and favourite coffee shops. From a viewer’s perspective, content creation and vlogging doesn’t seem like too much of a challenge. However, there is a lengthy behind-the-scenes process that involves time and skill, like the editing and photography process.

ness club called The Health Cafe. The club offers customized personal fitness training and nutritional guidance, form correction, and lifestyle coaching.

Growing up, Tiiu played competitive soccer which helped her develop time management skills from an early age. “I had to incorporate things like commute and practice into my schedule when I was a kid, so I always had a busy schedule,” she recalls. To stay organized, she used a digital and physical planner to keep track of tasks and daily goals.

She also relies on time blocking, a time management method where you organize your day into blocks of time allocated to the tasks you must complete. This type of or-

“I questioned if I should drop content creation to solely focus on my education or vice versa.”

“There is a lengthy behind-thescenes process that involves time and skill, like the editing and photography process.”

Tiiu is currently completing her undergraduate degree with a major in Biology for Health Science and a double minor in Psychology and Business at UTM. “The original thought was to pursue something in Biology to go to medical school for Sports Medicine, but over the years I have been drawn to some master’s programs in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy,” she explains.

In addition to being a full-time student and running her own social media platforms, Tiiu is the founder of a luxe streetwear clothing brand named Syrse Dawn, where she produces ethically sourced fabric to help put an end to fast fashion. She’s also the founder of a health, fitness, and well-

ganization is one of the most effective strategies in creating a healthy work-life balance. “Sometimes I’ll schedule a block to shoot an outfit for some new content between classes, or block an hour to work on my business,” explains Tiiu. “[Time blocking] is helpful for people with university schedules because classes are always all over the place.”

Although Tiiu uses tricks to help focus her time and energy, she has occasionally questioned her busy schedule. The fall semester of 2021 was the first time where content creation was something she took on full-time alongside school.

“There were lots of times [in] this semester where I wasn’t meeting my own expectations and I questioned if I should drop content creation to solely focus on my education or vice versa,” she recalls. “As much as I love creating content, I love being a student and pursuing my education, so I’ve developed thick skin and pushed through doing both simultaneously.”

ADINA SHA

When the pandemic struck, she took advantage of online schooling. “The pandemic has actually given me enough time to work on both my education and content creation, especially with the flexibility of school being online,” states Tiiu. “The ability to essentially bring school with me anywhere has blessed me with time I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

This discourse has been particularly relevant with news of Covid-19 restrictions lifting and U of T announcing the return of in-person classes in the winter semester, leading some students like Tiiu to rethink their commitments in the next semester.

Looking back at her experience as an Instagram influencer and YouTuber, Tiiu reminds those who are interested in beginning their social media journey that they must push past their fears and go for it. While you can most likely list reasons for not starting to post content, she believes that you never know where it could lead you. “Nobody’s first video is perfect,” she explains. “In the grand scheme of things, your first video won’t be your best, but you will slowly learn and get better at it over time and grow from there.”

To learn more about Vanessa Tiiu, follow her on Instagram @vanessatiiu.

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Arts

Editor | Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

The M ’s Playlist – Aroni’s December of Discovery Dance and daydream the end of the year away with this diverse playlist.

Aroni Sarkar Opinion Editor

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hen I first heard the term ‘third culture kid,’ I could not think of anything else that described me better. I am Indian with Indian parents, but I was raised in Singapore, and now I am here in Canada finishing my undergraduate degree. Singapore has its own unique culture that is a mix and match of Eastern Asian and Western social and cultural practices. As a child, my parents always made it a point to immerse me and my sister in the local Singaporean culture. At home, they ensured we stayed connected to our Indian roots, by speaking to us in our mother tongue— Bengali— and watching Bollywood movies that were in Hindi. I took Hindi as a second language in primary school, as well as French in middle and high school. So, when someone asks me, “where are you from?” I stop and think for a moment. My identity, at the moment, is a blend of Indian, Singaporean, and Western norms, cultures, practices, values, and more—including the good and the bad parts.

The music I listen to reflects this jumbled sense of self. Every day, I bounce between music in English, Korean, French, Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi. It really depends on my mood. I am an avid daydreamer. Sometimes, I love to put on music and walk aimlessly, daydreaming scenarios to the stories told in the songs. English songs set the stage for my own concerts, whereas Bollywood songs get me dancing along to choreographies in my living room. This month’s playlist is a little taste of all the flavours that make up who I am. I hope you enjoy!

Cowboy Bepop: a victim of the Hollywood remake epidemic See you, Netflix... this anime adaptation is not the success we imagined.

Kiara Senanayake Contributor

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ollywood remakes of cult classics are always a contentious subject. Often, these remakes fall short in quality compared to the original, invoking the wrath of its fanbase.

When Netflix announced that it would be working on a live-action remake of Cowboy Bepop in 2018, the news was received with mixed—but mostly cynical—reactions, which is understandable, considering the epidemic of forgettable movies and lacklustre remakes that has been plaguing Hollywood recently.

Now, I am no anime fan, but even a layman can recognise skill. Cowboy Bepop (1998) is truly miraculous for its time, with spectacularly detailed world-building that rationally imagined a future civilisation in space, complex characters with wildly different backgrounds that somehow were compatible, and creative, single-episode plotlines that mesh well with overarching themes and stories.

The original Cowboy Bepop, directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, is undeniably an iconic anime. The show, which premiered in 1998 and ran for 26 episodes, has an eclectic but grounded mix of “cowboys” (bounty hunters) travelling through lawless human habitations across the solar system in the year 2071. The

main characters, designed by Toshihiro Kawamoto, include Spike Spiegel, the lethargic and moody protagonist who has lost hope for the future; Jet, Spike’s foil and a former cop disillusioned with society; Faye, recently awoken from 50 odd years of cryogenically-induced sleep; Ed, an androgynous hacking prodigy; and Ein, a hyper-intelligent Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Despite the outlandish characters, the show delves into deep philosophical questions of existentialism, loneliness, abandonment, and past traumas.

The Netflix live-action remake, released on November 19, aims to recreate the impressive anime—simultaneously paying homage to the impressive genre-bending animation of the original while introducing a modern re-evaluation of plot and character to fit the current audience. However, Hollywood remakes of beloved anime do not have a successful history. Take M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender for instance, a movie so terrible that one of the lead actors apologized to fans; or the 2017 Netflix adaptation of Death Note directed by Adam Wingard, a laughable interpretation of an anime about a teenage serial killer that had serious themes of morality; or Ghost in the Shell, which, apart from the whitewashing, was not the worst movie of 2017 (see Netflix’s Death Note). But Cowboy Bepop is a little different. It is not bad—it certainly is not the sort of show that you would rewatch—but

it is also not unwatchable. It is just okay, which is quite miraculous for a Netflix remake.

This reimagining of Cowboy Bepop finds the comfortable middle ground between The Magnificent Seven and Star Trek, mostly because of the excellent source material. Incidentally, the show also allows John Cho (starring as Spike) to play a main character that is not endearing but rational to a fault (Sulu in Star Trek) or plain uptight (Harold & Kumar). Instead, he plays the “hero” that is blasé and deeply melancholic. He embodies the character of Spike quite well (in my humble philistine opinion). Unfortunately, in an ill-guided attempt to cater to modern audiences, the showrunners decided to change Faye’s character (played by Daniella Pineda) from a smart and sensual femme-fatale type to a smart motormouth who hurls obscenities with pride. It is a relatively small change in the grand scheme of things, but it is disappointing to fans of the original. The sophistication and

NETFLIX

mature themes of the original revolved around the complex existential themes of the show, the trauma of the characters, and morality in a lawless world. The Netflix adaptation arguably reduces this complexity, by adding obscenities and cheap one-liners.

Likewise, the show’s pace significantly contributed to the quality of the original. Unlike many modern shows, the characters of the original Cowboy Bepop either went through times of brutal existential boredom, as they drifted endlessly through space as their ship—the Bepop—ran out of fuel, or they fought criminals to well-crafted jazz music in the background.

Historically, Netflix has had issues with depicting anything other than fast-paced plotlines when it comes to action or sci-fi genres, and that was arguably one of the faults of this remake as well. However, by paying special attention to the scoring of the original and hiring the original composer, Yoko Kanno, the 2021 version still gets points for its efforts to recreate the unpredictable pace of the original.

Once again, we face this question: is the success of a Netflix remake based on the ability to parrot the original stylistically, or to take the source material and create something better but different, more suited to a live-action film?

Regardless, it is highly unlikely that Hollywood will cease reproductions of cult classics, including anime. I suppose we should just be happy that there was no whitewashing this time.

The Korean Wave crashes into The Mariah Carey the Western world The prevalence of Korean entertainment charms a global phenomenon audience and challenges the spotlight of American TV. Paige France Staff Writer

>> KOREAN WAVE continued from page 01 According to a Korean Creative Content Agency study, about 18 million Americans watch K-dramas. Viki, another top Asian TV show provider, has documented over 40 million users from 195 countries, with the U.S. as its top audience. With its influential recognition and international reputation, Korean society began to be recognized as developed on par with the Western world, primarily due to the stories they tell, the music they praise, and ultimately, the messages that can be learned.

A study conducted by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health views K-dramas as promising modes of bullying awareness, especially among AsianAmerican college-aged students who identify more readily with the characters. Limitations in research on bullying, mental health, and help-seeking for this frequently stigmatized group have been deemed concerning in past years due to the nature of its public health importance. Korean drama TV has been an innovative, recent approach to improve knowledge, attitude, and behaviour on bullying.

From an experimental group of 118 college students, which is disproportionately female and Asian American, many of the students reported dealing with anxiety (67.8 per cent), depression (38.1 per cent), and school bullying victim experience (40.8 per cent). After watching a K-drama that portrayed school bullying and mental health issues, participants who had reported that they “love” the drama felt an emotional connection and thought that K-dramas could be an education tool for discriminated Asian-Americans. Due to the massive reach of K-dramas, research is ongoing to prove the longevity of K-dramas as an effective population-level tool for improving health outcomes among Asian Americans.

Edgar Allan Poe once described that the benefit of the short story over the novel is that condensed media has “the totality of effect.” This can be said because you can read the whole story in one sitting, fully immersing yourself into the plot and the imagery, whereas the primary failure of a novel is its inability to grasp the attention of the audience without once putting it down.

The fascination and admiration for this rejuvenated media stems from the fabric of the story which enables characters to be more complex. Usually condensed into one season, these limited K-drama series allow audiences to remain interested in one good story arc, in comparison to series that span multiple seasons and touch on different storylines.

Celebrity endorsements—the most popular menu item Food and drink collaborations with iconic idols break both the internet and our wallets.

Lexey Burns Contributor

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ost Canadian children born around 2000 remember National Hockey League (NHL) star Sidney Crosby as the face of Tim Hortons. I recently threw out a Crosby “Full Size Growth Chart” that I got from their drive-thru around 10 years ago—a memory that shows how Crosby has marketed with the coffee and donut chain on and off ever since Generation Z can remember. Their most recent collaboration was a commercial released at the end of August, featuring Crosby and NHL’s Nathan MacKinnon going through the Tim Hortons drive-thru on a Zamboni.

While the Tim Hortons and Crosby pairing can be nostalgic, the internet’s spotlight shifted to Starbucks.

On November 12, Taylor Swift promoted her re-recorded album Red (Taylor’s Version) by partnering with Starbucks to release Swift’s go-to coffee order, a Grande Caramel Non-fat Latte named “Taylor’s Latte.” In a Swift-like style, Starbucks took to Twitter, posting different “easter eggs” to tease coffee-loving Swifties.

Before the drink’s release, Starbucks tweeted, “It’s Red Season,” followed by multiple Red-themed emojis—including a coffee cup, sparkles, a red scarf, and a red heart. The Starbucks Twitter account also changed their bio to “On a Friday, in a café…» as a reference to track 16 on the re-recorded Red, “Begin Again (Taylor’s Version).”

Swifties can also get Red-themed gift cards that are decorated with the lyrics “autumn leaves, falling down” from “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version).”

However, Swift is not the only one who recently partnered with a coffee chain. Justin Bieber also announced his collaboration with Tim Hortons beginning on November 29, promoting holiday Timbits and merchandise.

The three Timbits, renamed Timbiebs, feature three new flavours—chocolate white fudge, sour cream chocolate chip,

and birthday cake waffle—while the merchandise includes a beanie, tote bag, and fanny pack.

Bieber, born in Stratford, Ontario, grew up frequently eating at the franchise and said in an interview that “doing a Tim Hortons collab has always been a dream of [his].”

In retaliation to the new name, TikTok users began to tease the rebrand, calling them “Bieb’s Balls,” “Bieber Bits,” and “BieBits.”

However, these collaborations with celebrities that break the internet are nothing new, as we saw TikTok star Charli D’Amelio’s endorsement of Dunkin’ Donuts back in February. “The Charli” was D’Amelio’s go-to coffee order—a Dunkin’ Cold Brew with whole milk and three pumps of caramel swirl.

Dunkin’ Donuts also went over the top for perks related to the drink, offering 100 bonus points by ordering ahead through the app and holding social media contests using the hashtag #CharliXDunkinContest. “Everyone knows that Charli runs on Dunkin’, and now Dunkin’ runs on Charli,” said Drayton Martin—Vice President, Brand Stewardship at Dunkin’—in an interview.

It is not just coffee that celebrities find themselves endorsing. 50 Cent took on a contract with Vitamin Water, Beyoncé signed a $50 million deal with Pepsi, and Justin Timberlake helped advertise the iconic “I’m Lovin’ It” marketing campaign for McDonald’s when it was released in 2003.

With all the hype around celebrities and our favourite coffee, we start to wonder, do fans feel closer to their idols by drinking the same order?

It was proven that celebrity endorsements build brand equity, help customers remember advertisements, bring in fans who purchase the product, and help the brand stand out over competing companies and products that do not use celebrity branding.

So, will we see another Swift re-recorded album-themed drink pop up on the Starbucks menu? Will the sour cream chocolate chip Timbieb be good enough to generate future collaborations? Will Timberlake come out with another McDonald’s endorsement 18 years later? Only time will tell.

Uncovering how Carey’s hit song became a recurring Christmas favourite.

MARIAH CAREY/YOUTUBE

Lexey Burns Contributor

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t really cannot be Christmas without hearing Mariah Carey’s classic “All I Want for Christmas is You,” but what makes it so addictive during the holiday season? It took Carey and songwriter Walter Afanasieff 15 minutes to create the song, but despite the short process, the 15-minute miracle has broken three Guinness World Records. This hit has earned the titles of “highest-charting holiday (Christmas/New Year) song on the Billboard US Hot 100 by a solo artist,” “most streamed track on Spotify in 24 hours (female),” and “most weeks in the UK singles Top 10 chart for a Christmas song” since its release in 1994. However, the song did not become number one on the Billboard Hot 100 until 2019.

Since 2017, “All I Want for Christmas is You” made over $60 million in royalties, earning $600,000 to $1 million for Carey every December. As of 2021, the song has over 979,000,000 streams on Spotify.

Due to its popularity, the song was adapted into a children’s book in 2015 as well as an animated short film in 2017, not to mention there are dozens of videos of goats screaming along to her whistle tones and modified TikTok audios for Generation Z humour.

So, what is the hype year after year?

One factor that contributes to the song’s popularity is its focus on the more mature aspects of Christmas, like romance (which fuels Hallmark movie lovers everywhere), instead of Santa Claus or Frosty the Snowman. However, as love is a universal feeling at any age, especially during the holidays, the song relates to everyone.

Another factor is that because the song came out in 1994, it is nostalgic for the generations that never had to live in a world without Carey’s hit song. Especially as the song is featured in popular Christmas movies, like Love, Actually and Merry Nickmas, the first notes of the catchy tune revive the pleasant feeling of being curled up in front of the TV in comfy pyjamas, sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

Finally, the underlying success of “All I Want for Christmas is You” is in Carey’s nickname—”the undisputed queen of Christmas.” Carey goes all out for the holidays, performing her hit song at Christmas festivities across the U.S. and publicly tweeting her disgust with her ex-husband, Nick Cannon’s, lack of Christmas spirit.

Carey’s energy toward Christmas is fuelled by her hit song’s 31.5 million streams so far this year, which leads us to wonder, how many times does she listen to her own song?

Did Cannon file for divorce because she had it on repeat from November to January? Unfortunately, we will never know, but we can confirm that each of us will contribute to at least one stream of the song throughout the holiday season, whether we like it or not. It is inevitable, all thanks to the undisputed queen of Christmas.

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sports & health

Editor | Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca

How to manage your stress during exam time As the Fall term comes to an end, many of us are stressing about our exams, how we’ll study for them, and what marks we will get. This article will provide you with several tips on how to manage this stress.

Dellannia Segreti Associate Sports & Health Editor

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he end of term always has us stressed out and working at full capacity. During these times, we must recognize how we are feeling and come up with a plan to ensure that we are still taking care of ourselves while we prepare for our exams.

“Look at your exam schedule in advance.”

The first tip is to look at your exam schedule in advance, so you have time to create a study plan. Use the energy involved in stressing for the exam and direct it toward making a detailed study timeline.

This will allow you to feel in control of your studying and keep

you on track. You should aim to provide yourself with a couple of extra buffer days in case you are not as productive as you expect.

“Take time to optimize your study habits.”

The second tip is to take time to optimize your study habits. Find the method that suits you and use it to your advantage, whether that is rewriting your notes or creating flash cards. Channel your strengths to help you do the best you can!

“Focus on the now.”

The third tip relates to the power of our thoughts. We can become so distracted as we obsess over the marks we need to get that we lose sight of the process, which is our study plan. My advice would be to bring yourself back to the present moment and focus on the now. Use the time that

you have to study, review, and revise for your finals so that you are prepared.

Exam time can be a stressful period and it is important to remember that you are not alone. The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has plenty of resources for students. For example, you can book an appointment and visit the Health & Counselling Centre for a counselling session, or you can choose to download the MySSP app, which provides 24/7 free confidential call and text services to all UTM students located anywhere in the world.

UTM’s organized Exam Jam sessions are also a great opportunity to prepare for your exams. They can often provide various tips for studying, as well as healthy activities you can do to take a break, such as yoga or crafts. They are a great way to make the exam season experience a bit more enjoyable! For more information, check out the UTM Centre for Student Engagement Remember: You got this!

COTTONBRO/PEXELS

WEEKLY EXERCISE SERIES: Pole dancing This eroticized sport has several possible origins and surprisingly offers an array of physical and mental benefits.

Whitney Buluma Contributor

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he history of pole dancing is quite murky, with various suggested origins. One of the suspected precursors to modern pole dancing is the Chinese pole. This practice reportedly dates back to the 12th century and involves aluminium poles (sometimes coated with rubber) with a height of three to nine metres and a diameter of three to four inches.

Arguably, the most well-known feat in Chinese pole dancing is “the flag,” whereby the artist grips the pole with their hands at a 90-degree angle. Chinese pole performances primarily took place in circuses.

Another possible predecessor is an 800-year-old Indian practice referred to as Mallakhamb, which translates to “wrestling pole.” Initially, the practice emerged as a way for wrestlers to improve their full-body endurance, stamina, and coordination. Later, it grew into its own sport. The wooden pole used in competitions is around 2.6 to 2.8 metres in height and has a circumference of 53 to 55 centimetres.

These ancient practices evolved into the more eroticized pole dancing most people are familiar with in the 1920s.

In the U.S. “Hoochie Coochie” dancers in circuses would

dance suggestively around the pole holding the circus tent upright. This highlights a possible origin for the term “exotic dancer,” since the dancers were initially of Middle Eastern descent. Due to concerns about propriety during the Prohibition era, this suggestive mode of pole dancing gradually relocated from circuses to speakeasies. Pole dancers began to draw heavily from more titillating forms of entertainment such as burlesque and striptease.

In 1994, Canadian-born Fawnia Mondey began teaching pole dancing to non-performers as a way to improve fitness. The pole fitness industry continues to expand as the inherently sexual view of pole dancing becomes less widespread. However, pole dancing has yet to receive full recognition as a sport. The Global Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) has granted observer status to the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF), an important step in the IPSF’s journey towards recognition for pole sports, and eventual inclusion in the Olympics.

Some people with chronic pain have found pole dancing helpful, since it requires the use of all muscles. The Arthritis Foundation recommends various forms of dance fitness— including pole dancing, Zumba, belly dancing and Bollywood dances—to improve mobility and relieve pain for patients struggling with rheumatoid arthritis. One of the reasons pole dancing relieves chronic pain is that it, albeit temporarily, distracts dancers from their pain while dancers are mindful of their movements.

Pole fitness has a range of health benefits, both physical and mental. It helps improve core strength and flexibility. Pole dancing is also good for the spine, since it involves a range of movement. It also improves a dancer’s balance and kinesthetic awareness. For some, pole fitness is an easier kind of exercise to commit to because they find it fun and challenging. Some people have found that pole dancing revolutionized their relationship with their bodies, as they expressed themselves through dance and stopped worrying about their body image.

Because modern poles are slippery, pole fitness is usually carried out in little or revealing clothing so that dancers can grip the pole with their skin. As a result, people who practice pole fitness sometimes get bruises and skin burns. But pole dancing can be worth the pain and effort, and this fun activity might have a lasting impact on the way we exercise.