Volume 48, Issue 13 by The Medium

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

Issue 13 Volume 48 January 10 2022

themedium.ca

DESMOND TUTU

CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE

ANTICIPATED MOVIES

On December 26, 2021, just a few days before the new year, in a year in which so much had already been lost, the great and beautiful Lernaean beast of our African continent lost an irreplaceable head, and the world one of its dearest loves.

The pandemic has caused uncertainties for UTM groups, having led many to see a decline in member participation. However, Champions of Change has seen a strong interest in participation from students with both in-person and online events.

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NEWS

Scholarships available for international and domestic students experiencing challenges during the pandemic Louis Lam Contributor

or international students looking to come back to Canada and require financial assistance through the Covid-19 pandemic, many organizations and schools have scholarships ready—but with a price. The same organizations offer scholarships to domestic students who are also experiencing challenges during the pandemic. On November 22, 2021, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) sent out an email confirming the most recent model of learning moving into the winter term.

>> SCHOLARSHIPS continues on page 04

NEWS

ARTS

U of T Campus Safety provides safety tips for students living on campus

All aboard the Hogwarts Express for the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts reunion.

Razia Saleh Associate News Editor

Kiara Senanayake Staff Writer

Spoiler warning: this article discusses scenes from Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.

ith the recent spike of Covid-19 cases, students and staff are encouraged to implement precautionary measures during these uncertain times. U of T Campus Safety provides special constable services for students who are seeking support during challenging circumstances. One of the many ways U of T Campus Safety is guiding students through the winter semester includes providing 12 tips for students to stay safe within the community and with family and friends. Ryan Dow, the Acting Assistant Director of Campus Safety at U of T’s St. George Campus, explains his role in a brief interview with The Medium. According to Dow, his role is to, “Oversee Uniformed Special Constable Services, Security Guards and other operational needs as required.” Part of Dow’s role is also to ensure virtual safety in addition to overseeing certain services. Dow goes into detail about the concerning trend of fraud from cyber scams currently happening within the university. “Speaking specifically for the St. George campus, since the beginning of the pandemic, we have not seen any extremely concerning trends with regards to physical safety on campus,” says Dow. >> SAFETY TIPS continues on page 02

he highly anticipated Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special was released on January 1. Many cast members of the Harry Potter franchise joined to celebrate 20 years since the first film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s generation-defining series about The Boy Who Lived. The generation that grew up with Harry Potter books (and to an arguably lesser extent, the movies) expect an emotional rollercoaster, and the reunion special certainly delivers. The opening 10 minutes alone make you want to rewatch the entire series again (which would take around 20 hours). Throughout the reunion special’s 100-minute runtime the cast members meet in old sets that are perfectly preserved, from the dense steam and

piercing whistles of the Hogwarts Express to the heavyladen shelves in Dumbledore’s inviting office. The HBO Max special, which follows a loose chronological discussion of the film’s thematic elements, begins with the soaring John Williams score (now embellished with seasonal bells) as Emma Watson (who played Hermione Granger) walks down platform 9 ¾, having received a letter addressed to a second-hand bookshop in London with the same whimsical specificity as in the books. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) walks down a quiet Diagon Alley to meet Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets Director Chris Columbus. A particularly touching moment juxtaposes a behindthe-scenes look of the young trio with the now-adult actors seated in the Gryffindor common room. Much of the initial interviews are spent talking about how similar the three young actors were to their literary counterparts. “Rupert was Ron, and Dan kind of was Harry,” Watson says at one point. It is an analogy that fans have no doubt heard before, but it serves the purpose of establishing a link between the characters in the books and the actors. >> HARRY POTTER continues on page 12

NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

Classes are set to remain online until the end of January due to the Omicron variant Students express their opinions on the quality of academics amidst virtual learning for yet another semester. Anjalli Becharbhai Staff Writer

n January 3, Premier Doug Ford announced that the increase of cases caused by the Omicron variant has resulted in the return to another online semester for many Ontario students. Many post-secondary facilities, including U of T, have shifted their classes back to a virtual delivery mode until further notice. The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has taken the appropriate steps and measures to move a majority of its winter classes online for the Winter 2022 semester. In a public email sent to all UTM students, Vice-President and Principal of UTM Alexandra Gillespie announced the new changes after reviewing the advice of government officials and health experts. U.S. colleges will also be adopting similar practices to combat the spread of the variant. At UTM, classes that require practical components will be held in person, with details being provided over Quercus to students and staff specific to each course. Staff, faculty, and librarians have been notified to work from home, while essential staff will continue to work regularly on campus. Research laboratories will be open given proper safety measures, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and completing UCheck screening. Additionally, students that

live in residential buildings will also be allowed to stay on campus and their safety and wellbeing will be accounted for. Recently, the UTM Student Union (UTMSU) provided an opportunity for students to engage in an act of student activism by signing a petition to slow down the abrupt transition to in-person learning. As of Sunday, January 9, the petition has a total of 2294 signatures. The Medium interviewed Loridee De Villa, a second-year Biology student at UTM and she shared her thoughts on how online learning will impact her academics. “I think the return to online studies will positively impact me because I would be very worried to return with Covid-19 cases being so high. Right now, I prefer online but that’s mostly because I’ve only ever had the online university experience and I’m used to it.” She also discusses the practical aspect of attending labs and her experience. “Yes, it would’ve affected my last semester and last year, but with this coming semester, I don’t have labs. But then again, it does affect how I’d like to volunteer in labs, so that’s something that will be harder to find now.” The Medium also interviewed Jaedon Daly, a first-year Instrumental Performance Masters student at U of T. His unique perspective as a music student sheds light on the complexity of online learning being a violinist. “Given the fact that orchestras of 50 to 100 people and chamber ensembles of two to eight people will be cancelled, playing the violin over a Zoom call will be difficult. As for the quality of the sound, playing in a room sounds better.

You get to hear the emotions that come through the notes you play,” states Daly. “Not to mention, it’s inconvenient for teaching because it takes five minutes to fix an error in person compared to thirty minutes over a Zoom call with added technical difficulties.” “Given the variant, I understand the need for holding classes online. I prefer classes to be held in person because it gives us music students an opportunity to express and perform.” Similarly, like music students who require practical handson experience, students who are heavily involved with the RAWC, such as student-athletes, have had their varsity sports cancelled. The RAWC will be closed, along with food centres, to uphold safety precautions. While students will face difficulties with their academic experience due to online learning, the safety of the community is important to the campus to ensure universities don’t overwhelm the healthcare system. These measures have been put in place to protect the spread of Covid-19 and to ensure everyone is protected.

U of T Campus Safety provides safety tips for students living on campus Acting Assistant Director of St. George explains the importance of campus safety during the holidays Razia Saleh Associate News Editor

>> SAFETY TIPS continued from page 01 “Over the past 6 months, we have seen an increase of students being targeted by fraudsters. Campus Safety and the university have taken multiple steps to mitigate the fraud risks to our community. Recently, a Fraud Prevention Working Group was established to bring education and awareness initiatives across the three campuses.” As such, U of T Campus Safety posted on their Twitter a few tips to ensure students living on campus stay cautious during the holidays. Of the 12 tips, the page advises students to avoid driving impaired and provides instruc-

tions on what to do when witnessing a crime. The organization strongly advises students that it is always important to remember what happened as soon as the incident occurs. On December 9, U of T News released an article on the increment of cyber scams at the U of T campus, many of which are phishing attempts on students. Phishing is a cyber-attack that reveals private information to scammers. As stated in the article, “there’s an estimate that one in 10 people will fall victim to the ruses.” As individuals are easily capable of disguising an email in an attempt to encourage

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students to access dangerous links, the university warns the community of such malicious altercations. This brings up the sixth day of safety, and the sixth tip, where U of T Campus Safety posted Fraud Prevention Tips. Using the P.A.U.S.E method, where you should protect your personal information, ask questions about the caller, identify unusual calls, be suspicious of calls where they are pressuring you to do something, and exercise caution when sent links and attachments. The third tip of safety focused on warning students to not drink and drive. As stated in U of T Campus Safety’s Twitter page, Canadian statistics have shown an increase in cannabis use across Canada. This poses a greater risk for yourself and others driving if you are under the influence. Many people believe cannabis does not have any effect on their cognitive recognition.

However, studies shared on the MADD Canada website have shown that cannabis causes symptoms of reduced attention span and concentration. Similarly, with alcohol, it is important to be responsible and mindful before you get behind the wheel. It is also important to find an alternative way to acquire transportation if you are incapable of driving. Finally, Dow shares the importance of safety on campus and how students can prevent incidents from happening. “Students with more knowledge about campus safety can enjoy a bit more peace of mind while on campus and more confidence if they are ever presented with an unfortunate safety issue.” With this information, it is vital for students to have tools provided by their university to lead safe and healthy experiences. To view more safety tools, resources and tips, students can visit, www.campussafety.utoronto.ca, or download the U of T Safety App.

Nursing students are challenged by greater entrance requirements Covid-19 has led to overworked hospitals and a shortage of nurses. May Alsaigh News Editor

n addition to an ongoing pandemic and a major shortage of medical personnel, nursing students in Canada are experiencing difficulty with acceptance requirements for nursing programs. Post-secondary nursing programs have always been competitive, and even prior to Covid-19, Canada was experiencing a shortage of nurses. However, with the recent implementation of online learning, high school grades have increased substantially, prompting some individuals to believe that the required averages for programs have been adjusted accordingly. Contrary to what has been suggested, granting program placements to all applicants is not the appropriate solution to this issue. Nurses are overworked, especially during the pandemic. Accepting more students during a period in which there is a shortage of nurses would not enable effective learning practices, as nurses cannot be expected to lead practicum placements while also being first responders.

In August of 2021, a public hospital in Clinton, Ontario was forced to stop its services due to being incredibly understaffed— with only a handful of nurses available. As a result of the shortage, nurses were exploited and subjected to conditions so severe that if publicly addressed, they may have faced subliminal ramifications from their superiors. Bill-124, initially put into legislation in 2019, is responsible for limiting the salary of workers in the public sector, including nurses—further depicting the exploitation of their labour, and contextualizing the conditions that healthcare providers face. Nurses have left their positions after decades of experience and placement due to exhaustion and malpractice on behalf of those in authority. There have been reports of patients being left unattended or hospital wings being decommissioned because there are not enough nurses to accommodate for the large influx of cases. Covid-19 has exasperated the shortage of nurses that the medical field has already been experiencing. The shortage has already impacted the mental health and financial wellbeing of healthcare providers and without necessary accommodation from the Ministry of Health, more nurses are expected to leave.

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Since nurses are unable to perform their first-responder duties and take on the responsibilities of educating new applicants, other means of ensuring students receive the necessary training and experience required are being pursued. For some clinical training, virtual reality simulations are being implemented to assess students and create opportunities for handson experience. Students are equipped with virtual reality gear, which enables them to be in a hospital setting with a patient that they are required to treat—all while doing so from a safe environment and without further exhausting already limited resources. Additionally, Nora MacLachlan, Bow Valley College’s Dean of Health and Community

Studies, has developed a program that allows registered practical nurses to attend virtual classes without the need for individuals to reallocate. Such virtual initiatives plan to reach individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend conventional, in-person schooling due to the complexities that arise with leaving their home and jobs, and adjusting to relocation. Ultimately, some have proposed to observe the shortage of nurses as an opportunity for students to be educated in different environments more comparable to the reality of nursing, such as placements during the night and weekends, and within different healthcare facilities aside from hospitals. With Covid-19 persisting for the last couple of years, healthcare providers, especially nurses, have experienced great difficulty with performing their jobs. Despite the exhaustion and shortage that nurses are experiencing right now, nursing students have found that online schooling has led to greater competition and more demanding requirements. If nurses continue to be overworked and understaffed, while students remain unable to enroll in their programs and receive sufficient education, consequences will persist.

Quebec Universities fight for academic freedom The Independent Scientific and Technical Committee, created by the Quebec provincial government, has made several recommendations on methods to safeguard academic freedom in post-secondary institutions. Larry Lau Associate News Editor

n March 2021, the Quebec provincial government created an independent scientific and technical committee to conduct studies on academic freedom. The academic freedom committee is also known for making recommendations on current public issues. Due to fear of confrontation from students, this committee was formed largely due to reports of professors being reluctant to touch on controversial topics. A survey in 2021 revealed that self-censorship was a common issue with many Quebecois professors, which naturally limited the scope of their research. One crucial event that led to the committee’s formation occurred in 2020, where part-time professor Verushka Lieutenant-Duval, who taught at the University of Ottawa, was suspended for her use of a slur during a lecture. The event spurred a great divide in the university, as there were faculty members who supported the professor, proclaiming the need for academic freedom. Still, there were students who criticized the professor and her supporters. The reluctance to openly discuss controversial topics may reduce the occurrences of racist and discriminative behaviour exhibited by faculty, but it can also serve as a form of censorship. Currently, the committee is headed by former Parti Quebecois cabinet leader and current vice-chancellor at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, or University of Quebec in Chicoutimi, Alexandre

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Cloutier. The former leader stated that universities are places where people gain knowledge through debates. As such, avoiding controversial topics simply reduces the number of debates that can take place, thus impeding the discovery of new ideas. Since its formation in March, the committee has been investigating incidents relating to post-secondary education academic freedom affairs and has since given its recommendations to the provincial government. For many, there is a major difference between protecting academic freedom and tolerating discriminative behaviour. With this in mind, the committee recommended that the provincial government adopts a bill that would define what academic freedom should universally be recognized as, and would guarantee

the protection of academic freedom in universities. Universities all across the province would then share a single, widely-accepted definition of academic freedom. This will prevent controversies surrounding academic freedom violations due to differing interpretations and understandings on academic freedom. This topic has led the committee to publicly state that university classrooms cannot be “safe spaces.” It would be impossible to explore different viewpoints on controversial topics if these ideas were censored based on violating the principle of “safe spaces.” Many opportunities for discussion will be lost. It is concluded that the classroom should be a place open to discussion and knowledge-seeking, free from conformity to the idea of “safe spaces.” Similarly, the committee recommended universities halt the requirement of using “trigger warnings” in course syllabuses and such documents, which traditionally serve to warn students of potentially sensitive topics and information to come. Lastly, the committee also recommended all universities adopt their policy on academic freedom and create a committee that would handle academic freedom-related affairs concerning faculty and the student body. Upholding academic freedom is vital to maintaining faculty members’ ability to research and discuss controversial topics. Should the recommendations of the committee be adopted by the provincial government, universities in Quebec will be moving towards a future where academic freedom receives greater protection and guarantee, a step forward for the world of academia.

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Scholarships available for international and domestic students experiencing challenges during the pandemic U of T, York University, and the University of Waterloo are just a few of many institutions that provide financial aid to struggling international students. Louis Lam Contributor >> SCHOLARSHIPS continued from page 01 Students were promised in-person activities and classes with most, if not all, courses offering only an in-person delivery method on Acorn. Since then, this has caused issues for numerous international students who are scrambling to organize their upcoming winter break. On December 16, the university released another important message for students announcing the return of another online portion of the semester from January 10 to January 30

“Organizations and universities around Canada recognized this struggle leaving many institutions to offer help through scholarships accessible for all levels of education.” However, this was not the first time international students faced educational challenges as a result of the pandemic. Organizations

and universities around Canada recognized this struggle leaving many institutions to offer help through scholarships accessible for all levels of education. For instance, international PhD prospects looking to complete their degrees can obtain the Ontario Trillium Scholarship available for Western University, which pays PhD students $40,000 for the first four years of their studies. Eligible students should be physically present at the university and show proficiency in English, as well as demonstrate excellent academic and research records. Other universities that provide scholarships at the graduate level include the University of Alberta, with an entrance scholarship of $21,000; the University of Montreal, with multiple scholarships; as well as the University of British Columbia, with their four-year Doctoral Fellowship that covers full tuition and provides $18,200 as an allowance. The University of Waterloo offers its Excellence Scholarship Program for Master’s students in a research stream of any subject. This renewable award is worth $2500 per semester and automatically considers all students eligible for the award. Looking at U of T, the university offers the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for 37 students who show an exceptional sense of community, leadership, and academics. This full-ride scholarship waives all tuition fees, accommo-

dations, and textbooks for the full four years of undergraduate learning. Other universities, such as York University and the University of Calgary, provide entrance scholarships for international students on the premise of maintaining a competitive GPA. The next step for most international students would be obtaining their student visas after making the decision of flying to Canada for their school year. There are many new measures in place since the pandemic, and international students must bear in mind all the restrictions and protocols required for a smooth return to Canada. Some include ensuring to present documents to the Canadian government, checking vaccination statuses, and receiving a Covid-19 test prior to their flight.

“Scholarships are always nice and help us financially, but they’re not the easiest to obtain.” “Scholarships are always nice and help us financially, but they’re not the easiest to obtain,” Zaeen Iqbal, a fourth-year Life Sciences international undergraduate student at UTM shares. “And even if they were more accessible and easier to obtain, it’s still hard to justify the

confusion and the money spent trying to figure out the whole Covid-19 situation. Within a month we had to prepare for an in-person winter semester while also dealing with the cancellations last minute. It’s hard finding a place to rent and arrange everything only to know the school might go back online. Money can solve some problems, but not all.” Other international students echo the same concern. Ayesha Tahir, a third-year History undergraduate from Dubai explained, “Honestly, everyone would apply for the scholarships if they didn’t come with so many requirements. And if you do meet the requirements, it’s almost impossible for the average student to meet the level of excellence demanded by most of these scholarships.” “It’s good to know that these scholarships are here. But the ones that need it most will find it hard to obtain these financial aids,” Tahir continues. Other than the ones mentioned in this article, there are many more scholarships offered by third-party organizations as well as independent faculties at U of T. Interested students can use the university’s website to search for one that best suits their needs and qualifications. While we have little control over where the pandemic goes, much of what students and staff can do is uphold Covid-19 safety measures and be optimistic for the new year.

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 Aidan Thompson, Arts Dellannia Segreti, Sports Gladys Lou, Photo Simrah Siddiqui, Photo Isik Vera Senel, UTMSU Correspondent Julia Skoczypiec, Theatre Erindale Correspondent Robert Bui, Campus Athletics Correspondent Erin Delaney, Satirist Helen Yu, Comic Artist

OPINION

Editor | Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

Dear 2022 As the new year rolls in with a fresh slate of hope globally and locally, it is important that we reflect on past issues to inform our projected goals. Kareena Kailass Associate Opinion Editor

s we ring in the new year, we are all hopeful that 2022 will bring positive advancements and fulfill great things. Looking back at the most recent year, huge progress has been made, such as the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccine, but along with these advancements, came many shortfalls, which we can use to inform our goals for 2022. As seen in 2021, one thing we were heavily focused on globally was giving everyone a chance to get vaccinated. Although we made great progress in this mission in Canada, many countries of lower economic standing struggled with getting enough vaccines for their nation. This issue was partly the cause of the genesis of the now widespread variant, Omicron. In South Africa, the vaccination rate in some areas was below ten percent, merely because of the lack of access to resources. To combat this in 2022, Western and East Asian nations can work harder to share resources with these nations. “The problem in resolving vaccine inequity are wide and varied. They include increasing the supply in resource-poor areas, and not just vaccines that have been “generously donated” just as they are about to expire,” states University of Southampton’s Senior Research Fellow Michael Head in an opinion piece for Scientific American. If 2022 can hold more equality in its sharing of vaccines, further potential healthcare crises can be avoided and can support other nations in the global fight against Covid-19. 2022 brings a new shard of hope for global warming and climate change as well. In recent years, we have seen great improvements in worldwide policies aiming to lower carbon emissions. With Canada’s anticipated plan to reach Net-Zero, amongst many other plans, the future by 2030 is looking bright with anticipated emission reductions by 30 to 45 per cent. On a smaller scale, University of

Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is also committing itself to an action plan to make for a cleaner and greener environment by 2030. With continuous changes to its utilities, such as its upgrade to HVAC systems in numerous buildings, UTM has clear goals on how they are planning to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In 2022, the stability of this plan and its execution looks promising. Last year, Canada also came face-to-face with many important, nation-changing events that we simply cannot leave in 2021. The discovery of Indigenous mass graves in British Columbia is a monumental and heartbreaking truth that we can no longer ignore. This year holds much more room for reconciliation and justice for Indigenous families and communities. We must continue to acknowledge and advocate for these moments of healing. As the nation has made progress in this area, it was merely just a start and we must continue to educate the public, and support and stand with Indigenous communities. In the same vein, Indigenous communities that were faced with a lack of clean drinking water in 2021 should be addressed this year. Although the nation has outlined an action plan on how they plan to mend this problem, 2021 showed that these communities are still struggling with this issue. In 2022, we can strive to fix this by being more assertive and demanding that this plan be followed through in an urgent manner, or remodel the plan to address this problem expeditiously. As these are just a few goals for the year out of an endless list, there is still hope to get many of these resolved. But, as we continue to look ahead into the new year and what we hope it may bring, we must also take into consideration the past and learn from it. As we all continue to play our active role in pushing for these changes and support action plans, it must still be acknowledged that things do not always go exactly as planned. But, nonetheless, even if we cannot stick to a perfectly linear plan, steps in the right direction and progress are most important. This year, our biggest goal is to stay safe and healthy, and to address all of the issues and inequalities that we have in our world.

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Drones are the new fireworks We are moving towards a cleaner and even more spectacular future of celebrations. Haya Abu Ghosh Associate Opinion Editor

ireworks are a staple for New Year’s celebrations across the world. This is an expensive process that usually costs around $200,000 for Canada yearly. Not just expensive, the annual traditional fireworks have long been criticized for the several environmental implications they have. Every colourful rocket emits a toxic mix of chemicals into the atmosphere. The toxic pollutants include potassium, nitrate, sulphur, potassium, lead, titanium, strontium, and copper. Fireworks not only produce harsh chemicals but release large amounts of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide. The firework shows impact the health of citizens as exposure can cause respiratory diseases.

“The firework shows impact the health of citizens as exposure can cause respiratory diseases.” However, many countries around the world have found an alternative to fireworks by displaying drones instead. Drones are eco-friendly and have been gaining popularity in many countries since fireworks carry so many concerns. China, Singapore, and India have decided to display drones instead of fireworks on Lunar New Year and Diwali. Drones do not produce any harmful toxins and are a cleaner alternative for celebrations around the world.

“Drones do not produce any harmful toxins and are a cleaner alternative for celebrations around the world.” Fireworks have been around for centuries to celebrate occasions and cultural milestones, but now we have advanced in technology. Fireworks are an old invention dating back to the second century BCE. Considering the environmental and health implications, it is time for a change in the way we do things when celebrating. Drones have the power to not only paint the sky with colour, but to perform elaborate shapes, designs, and choreographies. Using drones would reduce the carbon dioxide and though

fireworks do not occur every day, when given a chance to reduce harmful toxins in the environment, eco-friendly alternatives should be chosen. It is time for countries to make a change in the way that they celebrate. Countries should invest in this form of technology. Eventually, fireworks should be banned to enforce electronic fireworks display or any other non-polluting ways of celebrating. We are celebrating and saving the environment at the same time.

Editorial

New Year’s Intentions Are you so focused on meeting goals that you’re missing the big picture? The Medium

anuary is the month when people set New Year’s resolutions or give up on them entirely. Resolutions to get in shape, read more, get a job, be happier, quit bad habits, go vegan, or simply say ‘yes’ (or ‘no’) to things often start in excitement then end in disappointment. Usually, it’s not because you are incapable of accomplishing your goals,

but rather the goals are too unrealistic, or our priorities are mixed up. If the purpose of resolutions is personal growth, you need to prioritize conditions under which you can grow, rather than the accomplishments themselves. Time constraints and emotional or physical energy are important factors to consider. If you’re stressing about not meeting a daily goal as planned, then beat yourself up for falling short, it’s natural to break under pressure and give up entirely. Instead of pushing yourself beyond your boundaries try focusing on holistic wellbeing. Who knows, maybe after treating yourself with the kindness you deserve you might find yourself growing more than you could’ve imagined.

“Instead of pushing yourself beyond your boundaries try focusing on holistic wellbeing.”

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For example, let’s say you’re a passionate student who wants to make an impact on your community, but you find yourself swamped with assignments and work. You used to skip meals and sleep, but you’ve suddenly realized that you produce better work when you are well rested and fed. You decide to nurture your mental and physical wellbeing,

and your productivity increases. Next thing you know, you discover that you’ve written six articles for The Medium and become a Staff Writer, engaging with students across the campus on important issues (since getting involved with The Medium is everyone’s new year resolution, right?).

“Resolutions should be about setting intentions with concrete action plans, rather than another source of stress.” Resolutions should be about setting intentions with concrete action plans, rather than another source of stress. You can achieve so much more when you are a happy and healthy person. At the start of this new year, we at The Medium find ourselves where we first began—in the confines of our home. We will not be printing weekly, and all our articles will be available online while the university is closed. As a team, we hope to show more kindness to ourselves, and as a result, to others as well. Our fantastic team of writers and editors deserve to know what a great job they do on a weekly basis, and we hope that as a community of young journalists, we will continue to grow together in 2022.

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Remembering Desmond Tutu, the incomparable, fearless, and empowering warrior for freedom. In a world where systems of oppression still hold real power, South Africa became the blueprint for positive change. Jonathan Divine Angubua Contributor

y earliest memory of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu is more of a sensation. The sensation of quiet power. I remember a short, purple-robed man speaking. My parents, uncles, and aunties gathered under the smell of black tea and the blue glow of a TV screen, transfixed. I watched them, their backs bending into question marks of prostration. My father looking at me, eyes shining, and saying, “That’s Desmond Tutu.” The archbishop, ‘The Arch’, a name as severe as it was comforting, like a balm of protection. On December 26, 2021, just a few days before the new year, in a year in which so much had already been lost, the great and beautiful Lernaean beast of our African continent lost an irreplaceable head, and the world one of its dearest loves. Desmond Tutu was dead.

“Tutu was born Black during South Africa’s apartheid, when one would eventually pay for that kind of crime, with their body, their time, or their life.”

Tutu was born Black during South Africa’s apartheid, when one would eventually pay for that kind of crime, with their body, their time, or their life. I loved him first for his work in advocating against apartheid through the late 90s, a crucial effort in the destruction of the apartheid state. Most notably, he headed the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC), a program designed to reconcile victims of apartheid and their aggressors. Uncovering over 22,000 stories, Tutu steered South Africa through painful, but necessary, recollection. He mediated as his nation looked its beast in the eye and threw its spear. Men and women, bodies still bearing the evidence of an insidious state, whose minds were still haunted and hunted by their pain, came face to face with the demons of apartheid. Forgiveness seemed too much to ask, and yet it ignited a catharsis that spoke dark truths to power. The world, and South Africa, saw just how vast our possibilities were. To move forward, we must reckon with the past, open our old wounds, and cleanse them so that they won’t fester. In a world where systems of oppression still hold real power, South Africa became the blueprint for positive change. In a Nobel Peace Prize interview in 1984, Desmond Tutu described a good leader as one who serves, who “leads for the sake of

the led,” a position that he espoused as a lifestyle. Service. Giving himself to the causes of the good people, the little people, the voiceless and powerless, he became a moral archetype in Africa and the world over. Long after his resignation he continued his advocacy. Tutu called for the boycott of Israel in 2014 after the shocking killings of Palestinians along the Gaza strip. He demanded U.S. President George Bush and U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair be held accountable for their contributions to the Iraq war, and rebuked the wickedness of then Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, comparing him to a textbook stereotype of a corrupt African politician.

“His humanism exceeded the hardness of dogma, a position the impact of which one can only imagine within the thick homophobic rhetoric of Africa’s majority.” Tutu was unafraid of controversy within the church too, boldly supporting his daughter’s marriage to another woman in contention with the canonical beliefs of South Africa’s Anglican establishment and expressing a refusal to “go to a homophobic heaven” and

worship “a God who is homophobic.” His humanism exceeded the hardness of dogma, a position the impact of which one can only imagine within the thick homophobic rhetoric of Africa’s majority. The archbishop is gone. What happens now? We honour him. The main anti-hero of the play Death and the King’s Horseman calls memory “the chink” in death’s “armor of conceit,” an apt metaphor. We have memory, a primal blessing. Remember him, the archbishop. Remember the message in his posture, his philosophical ‘arch’ of modesty as armor and shield, a weapon more cunning than fury, and just as destructive. Remember how despite being a short man his voice rang high, his presence brushing against the heavens, tickling the feet of God with the height of his moral gumption. I will remember his vestments, purple in color, the color of open wounds and fresh bruises, the same color of wounds and bruises as they heal, the color of pain shared, and pain being taken away. I will remember what he meant to me, a troubled teen struggling with his place in the world and his own identity. He told me to be brave for the little person inside me. Memorize him and who he was to you, to Africa, to us. Amen.

features

Editor | Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

The rise of Omicron is upon us, and booster shots are here to save the day With cases reaching record highs once again, it’s more important than ever to protect ourselves and others in this ongoing pandemic. Hema Ramnarine Staff Writer

JEREMY BEZANGER/UNSPLASH

rmed with two vaccines, eased restrictions, and a holiday break where we saw family and friends for the first time in a long time, many of us thought the pandemic was nearly over. But with reported cases breaking records with 47,700 cases on January 4, 2021, along with hospitalizations and deaths on the rise, Ontario and the rest of Canada is poised to experience the largest wave of Covid-19 thanks to the Omicron variant.

“The apparent mildness of Omicron’s symptoms originally led many to believe the variant was less threatening than its predecessors, but its high transmissibility has led to an increase in hospitalizations.” Though the last few months felt like a return to pre-pandemic life, we are not out of the woods—yet. The apparent mildness of Omicron’s symptoms originally led many to believe the variant was less threatening than its predecessors, but its high transmissibility has led to an increase in hospitalizations. A recent study from Hong Kong suggests that the newest variant multiplies up to 70 times quicker than the Delta variant, giving it what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls a “substantial growth advantage.” Omicron is just the latest variant of SARS-CoV-2, and while “variant” has become part of the everyday vocabulary, many people have been left confused about what exactly it is. If they’re all Covid-19, why are these new versions such a concern? Viruses are constantly changing and mutating—that’s why we’re advised to get the flu shot every year. Oftentimes, these

mutations are harmless and don’t benefit the virus at all, but that isn’t always the case. A variant arises when a strain develops a “distinct grouping of mutations,” which can make the variant even more dangerous than the original virus. While it may seem like these Covid-19 variants have appeared suddenly and out of nowhere, the reality is that the novel coronavirus has been mutating since the beginning. At first, this wasn’t a concern. Now, however, it’s a problem. Variants are spreading easier and quicker. But why? According to experts, there are a variety of reasons why we may be seeing concerning Covid-19 variants. As the virus spreads, it is exposed to more genetic diversity which causes it to evolve and develop higher transmissibility or an immunity to vaccines. This can be especially concerning to those who received both doses of the vaccine and thought they would be fully protected. This is where booster shots come in. As of January 4, nearly 78 per cent of the eligible population in Ontario was double vaccinated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccines trigger an immune response in our bodies. This response creates the antibodies needed to fight off specific infections in case we encounter them. Over time, these responses fade away; our bodies forget, and they become more susceptible to the virus and its variants once again. A booster shot functions as a reminder. By getting a booster shot, the “quantity and quality” of the antibodies we produce can increase, and these can become more adept at fighting off variants. Many countries have begun administering booster shots to fully vaccinated individuals, including Turkey, who began offering fifth booster doses to eligible groups. As of January 9, roughly 31 per cent of Ontarians have received their third booster dose.

The rate of infections will stabilize, and cases, hospitalizations, and deaths will taper down in much of the world. Another way to end a pandemic is through herd immunity. According to WHO, herd immunity is achieved when enough people in a community build up immunity to a disease, either through vaccinations or a previous infection. When this happens, even those within the community who cannot get vaccinated are protected, since the disease will have a difficult time spreading. Booster shots can be critical in encouraging this immunity. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to recommend a booster shot for individuals who have completed a full vaccine series. While fully vaccinated individuals may still contract and pass along the virus, symptoms will be far less severe than in those who are unvaccinated, resulting in fewer hospitalizations. In an email to The Medium, Peel Public Health encourages UTM students to continue doing their part: “[We] would encourage all UTM students to get vaccinated, including getting a booster, as soon as possible. With the current surge in cases, strictly following public health measures, wearing masks, staying home, and isolating when ill, are all important steps for students to take to protect themselves and those around them.”

“The pandemic is far from over.” The pandemic is far from over. In a statement released on December 30, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tan, reminded Canadians to continue following public health guidelines, which include wearing a properly fitting mask and reducing contact with one another as much as possible. As we enter yet another year of the Covid-19 pandemic, this can be incredibly disheartening. So, when do we know a pandemic is over? A pandemic is defined as an “outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographical area.” According to WHO, we will remain in a pandemic until the virus ceases to spread across all countries. In other words, the rates of transmission need to drop worldwide. Yet public health experts have stated that Covid-19 will likely be around for a long time—past the end of the pandemic.

“With the help of vaccines and public health protocols, it might eventually reach what is known as an endemic state, where the virus only spreads in a specific region.” With the help of vaccines and public health protocols, it might eventually reach what is known as an endemic state, where the virus only spreads in a specific region. While it won’t disappear completely, it will reach a much more manageable state, on the same level as the flu or common cold.

By: Reid Fournier

ALI JAAFAR (@ALIAJUMAILY2001)

Champions of Change advocates for women and children in communities around the world The club aims to educate and reduce international inequalities. Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

hen Marah Mufleh was in her second year at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), she reached out to friends and fellow students on Instagram about starting a new club on campus. Her plan was to begin a student-lead initiative under Plan International Canada (PIC), a non-profit organization that focuses on children’s rights. In December 2020, Mufleh launched Champions of Change, a Plan Canada chapter that raises awareness and funds for campaigns that support those who need it most. “I’ve always been the type of person to look at different ways to help the people around me,” says Mufleh, who majors in Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and double minors in Sociology and Professional Writing and Communication. “Helping people is like second nature to me.” Mufleh first heard about Plan International Canada in 2018 after seeing a call for volunteers for their Defy Normal campaign. Among its many initiatives, PIC educates communities around the world on the challenges vulnerable children face. These include food insecurity and water poverty. They also provide reproductive health access and period products to young girls worldwide. Having been active for more than 80 years, PIC holds a sponsorship program that aids African children in need. This program

helps them achieve academic success, and gives them access to school meal programs, and physical and mental health care. Organizations such as PIC ensure a brighter future for children around the world. They encourage community members to participate in life-changing programs. “I learned that they have a campaign for students to run their own subchapters with their support,” continues Mufleh. Plan International Canada offers support for independently ran chapters in elementary schools, high schools, and universities, as well as general chapters for cities. These chapters receive a lot of support and merchandise from PIC to help with fundraising and encourage member participation. “They [act as] our advisors,” explains Mufleh. “We always have an open line of communication. Whenever we have any questions, they are there to support us.” The pandemic has caused uncertainties for UTM groups, having led many to see a decline in member participation. However, Champions of Change has seen a strong interest in participation from students with both in-person and online events. “I know a lot of clubs are struggling online to get people active and involved in their initiatives,” says Mufleh. “But we are so grateful for the commitment our members have made over the last year, especially considering our club began at the height of the pandemic.” According to Mufleh, Champions of Change hold events that balance fun and educational components. They promote

the rights of children and equality for girls around the world, in honour of PIC’s mission. “Over the last year, we have had events that ranged from Kahoot nights to educate our members of certain inequities around the world, [to] some more relaxed and fun events like virtual escape rooms,” she adds. The club has held two in-person events since its inception, including a billiards night and another one named Under the Stars. “It was an amazing social night,” reflects Mufleh. “Our members met at Jack Darling Park in the fall. We got to know each other with music, food, and stargazing.” One of the club’s largest initiatives was Backpack for Kids, a backpack drive for the Peel Children’s Aid Society. “We collected donations and school essentials to give backpacks filled with school supplies to help children in low-income families get excited for school,” explains Mufleh. Initiatives like these encourage children to stay in school, and aid in stress-relief for parents who can’t afford school supplies. Another initiative lead by the group focused on bringing access to menstrual health resources and education on reproductive rights to girls in Bolivia. A similar fundraiser focusing on access to menstrual products raised funds for NISA Homes, a not-for-profit charity that supports women and children who are seeking asylum from poverty and domestic violence. The winter semester holds many exciting events for Champions of Change, with fundraisers and a panelist event in the works.

“Everything is subject to change with the Covid-19 guidelines changing,” says Mufleh. “However, we hope to bring fun and educational activities to UTM in the winter semester, specifically focusing on community education and period inequality.” Period inequality is an issue that affects women all around the world. It is upheld by the lack of access to credible reproductive health education and menstrual products, as well as taboo ideologies like menstruation cycles being unsanitary or dirty. These inequalities have prompted social movements to promote accessible healthcare for women. Originally stemming from a feminist movement to eliminate taxes on menstrual products, the menstrual equity movement has broadened a push for updated research on menstrual health, as well as advocacy for reproductive education for girls around the world. Mufleh and the rest of the UTM Champions of Change executive team recently launched a General Membership Program, encouraging students and community members to join the club. Members are encouraged to pitch their own initiatives for community events and learn about the steps needed to organize such events. “We have accomplished so much through the year, but I know with our growing members we can do so much more,” concludes Mufleh. To learn more about UTM’s Champions of Change, visit their Instagram @championsofchangeutm and stay updated on their latest campus initiatives.

Rockin’ Around the Omicron Variant Students share how the rising variant affected their holiday break. A very, merry Covid-19 Christmas

Whatever Sherene Almjawer Contributor

Liayana Jondy Contributor

n the first Thursday of the holidays, my mom and I strolled around IKEA throwing little trinkets into our cart, followed by a munching session of the plant-based meatballs in the café. The man who sat behind us took off his mask and coughed into his hand. It felt wrong. On Tuesday, my best friend came over. We ordered burgers and re-watched Thor: Ragnarok. We laughed, talked, and planned the next time we wanted to meet. It felt wrong. The following Monday, I went out to eat ramen with a family friend. A mere slim plastic divider separated us from the group sitting next to us. They shouted at the waitress when she asked to see their vaccination proof. It felt wrong. Every few months since the pandemic began, I realize that nothing has changed. Everyone stops caring, cases rise again, we go into lockdown, and people rush to grocery stores to pack their carts with toilet paper and Lysol. I’m stuck between wanting to return to normal and being terrified of contributing to the problem. It feels wrong to be happy. I don’t mind another lockdown if it means I can step outside my house without a cloud of guilt trailing behind me. Or maybe I do mind. I don’t know anymore. Whatever.

The search for a new holiday tradition Kareena Kailass Associate Opinion Editor

he holiday season has always been my favourite time of year. Parties, family gatherings, and a whole string of festivities are always in the line-up. But when Omicron cases rose and the government placed new rules, our plans came crashing down. When Christmas morning rolled around, being quarantined meant we had to get creative. Instead of having presents under the tree, we turned our gift-giving tradition into a scavenger hunt. “Knock knock, who’s there?” My sister said to my parents and I on Christmas morning. “The gift you are looking for is under the footwear.” We looked at each other in confusion, then burst into a sprint to the shoe shelf by the front door. As my sister peered under the shelf, she grabbed a small green box from beneath with another riddle taped to it. And so, the scavenger hunt in our matching red-and-white snowflake-patterned Christmas pyjamas began. Hours went by without us noticing. The scavenger hunt proved itself a fun holiday challenge. Pandemic or not, our family found a new tradition that is sure to last for many years to come.

Gag gifts and a sparkling Covid-19 Christmas Paige France Staff Writer

ery few people know that champagne is from the Champagne district in France. Otherwise, it overcompensates with a glittery title–sparkling wine, lavishness for people on a budget. It’s only right that we romanticise Omicron to be from the French Omicrônne district. Hence, we are enjoying a Christmas that is unlike any other: a sparkling Covid Christmas. With Omicron’s emergence, my family was familiar with viewing our lifestyle through a more scrupulous lens, questioning our expensive, materialistic lives. To combat this dreary Christmas isolated from friends and family, we were left to one of the best mechanisms of humankind: laughter. Specifically, laughter from gag gifts by the bucketload. As an anxious student awaiting a challenging semester, I was gifted a 517-page Organic-Chemistry solutions manual from my giggling twin brother. As a self-proclaimed hater of her piece-ofjunk 2011 Toyota Camry, I was also given top-of-the-line winter floor mats. It isn’t the need to spend money, but time together during Christmas where we are apart. We have grown to accept our Covid-19 variant budget. Dreary, but still sparkling.

week before Christmas, I sat in my living room searching for publishing jobs on LinkedIn. I wasn’t in the holiday spirit. Day after day, my routine looked the same: I slept in, ate breakfast, checked emails, and watched Netflix. What to do? What to do? I thought. Surely finding a job will change things up for me. My eyes squinted as I opened my LinkedIn profile and began searching for jobs. CP24 played incessantly on my TV in the background. “Ontario is reporting 16,713 Covid-19 infections and 15 deaths today,” the reporter said. “That is up from roughly 9,600 cases last Friday.” I tried tuning it out, but my efforts failed. I couldn’t stop thinking about the latest Covid-19 cases. Wouldn’t it be great to work for a publishing company remotely? I get to work from home and, right now, nothing is better than that. I scrolled through the tenth entry-level position that required two to three years of publishing experience. “How disappointing,” I mumbled under my breath. “1,144 people are hospitalized with Covid-19, including 205 in the ICU,” the reporter continued. I stared at my dying miniChristmas tree to avoid looking at the television. I guess I could always become a freelance editor.

Maple trees in Tai Tong Amanda Liu Contributor

look out the window and the sky is perfect. The clock reads 8:30 a.m. I grunt and drag myself out of bed. I’m supposed to meet Angela at 11:00 for brunch before we set off for Sweet Gum Woods in Tai Tong, Hong Kong. It’s been a year since I last saw her. On the subway, I rest my eyes while listening to Taylor Swift’s Delicate on Spotify. I have been longing to go to Sweet Gum Woods after seeing pictures of it two years ago. In December and January, the park is crowded with maple trees and families. The red, orange, and yellow leaves draw many photographers. When Angela and I studied in Canada, we dreamed about the maple trees and cherry blossoms there. Lately, she’s too busy with her research studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The sunlight shines through the maple leaves’ veins. A soft breeze takes the orange and brown leaves off their branches. It’s a relief to start the new year with a maple tree hike along Angela.

Arts

Editor | Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

Celebrating the life and legend of Betty White Iconic actress passed away on New Year’s Eve, weeks before her monumental birthday. Lexey Burns Staff Writer

eople Magazine jinxed Betty White’s onehundredth birthday after posting their new January cover featuring an interview with the actress’ reflection “on her centennial birthday.” White then passed away on December 31, 2021, five days after the magazine released the cover. One Instagram user, @em0leeisrad, commented “Y’all gonna jinx it! Her birthday isn’t until Jan 17th!!” on December 28, 2021. At the time of publishing, the comment had over 60 replies, scolding the magazine for jinxing White’s birthday or calling @em0leeisrad a psychic. Many people are wondering how death finally claimed the 99-year-old actress, but White’s agent Jeff Witjas and the Los Angeles Police department confirmed that White passed away from natural causes and “there is no evidence of foul play.” To put White’s impressive age in perspective, she was older than some miscellaneous

household items, including ballpoint pens, sunglasses, cheeseburgers, and masking tape. A meme also claimed that sliced bread was the best thing since Betty White, as she was six years old when the bread-slicing machine was first used at a Missouri bakery in 1926. White was best known for her iconic roles as Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls and Sue Ann Nivens in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. White’s IMDb filmography also includes popular titles like Ponyo, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, and That ’70s Show. White had been acting since 1945; her earliest recorded work was a short film called Time to Kill. She won five Primetime Emmy Awards throughout her career, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show won 29 Emmy Awards. In addition to her acting career, White was also the executive producer of her show, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers, which was a 34-episode TV show that ran from 2012 to 2014. While famous for her talents, White was also known for her progressive actions on The Betty White Show after she hired and kickstarted the career of Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer. At the time, in 1954, viewers complained about his skin colour. It was hard for him to keep a permanent dancing position

on TV until White’s offer. White’s show was a gateway for Duncan as he became the first Black regular on a variety show and was later

ALAN LIGHT/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

hired on The Lawrence Welk Show, where he would perform for 20 more years. Duncan said in a documentary that he credits “White for really getting [him] started in show business.” White followed, saying that “all through the South there was this whole ruckus, they were going to take the show off the air if we didn’t get rid of Arthur because he was Black […] I said ‘I’m sorry, but he stays. Live with it!’” White’s progressiveness set her apart from other variety shows at the time and only added to her emblematic status in Hollywood throughout the decades. White was loved by many people in her lifetime who mourn her passing, including Ryan Reynolds. There are speculations that Reynolds’ youngest daughter, Betty Reynolds, was named after the late actress as a tribute to her after working together on the set of The Proposal. After the announcement of White’s death, Reynolds tweeted, “The world looks different now. She was great at defying expectations. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We’ll miss you, Betty. Now you know the secret.”

The M ’s Playlist – Jamming Through January with Jaros Ponder a playlist that is all over the place, you might find something you like. Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes Features Editor

few years ago, I struggled to find a new job. I wanted to work in the retail industry, but there was one issue: I had only worked at restaurants. I applied to clothing stores, shoe stores, and even supermarkets. My phone did not ring for months. That was until I added “playlist maker” under the hobbies section of my resume. Sherwin Williams, a company that sells paint and has nothing to do with music, called me back days later. Months after I landed the interview and was hired, I asked my manager for her thoughts on the “playlist maker” addition. “It gave me a sense of your personality,” she said. “You seemed like a fun character and someone who would fit in well with the rest of the group.” At this point you might be thinking: is this guy implying that making playlists and adding them to my resume is something that will land me a job? Well yes, but probably not. The thing about music is that it connects humans on a deeper level. If you share specific music tastes with someone else, that automatically creates a stronger and faster bond. Over the years, my music taste has been dramatically influenced by the people around me. I have gone from listening to hip-hop and rap, to metal, pop, and Latin music. Every time I meet someone new, I always ask what type of music they listen to. It helps me get to know them better and bolsters my own musical archives. So, in this playlist, I have included some of my top songs over the last year. Songs that I played when I was feeling hype and bold. Songs that define my personality—all over the place. Enjoy!

Spider-Man: No Way Home—an era for everyone The multiverse mayhem brings home the nostalgia. Shruti Kamath Staff Writer

Spoiler warning: mentions key plot points, the ending of the previous film (Spider-Man: Far from Home), and trailer content for No Way Home.

reaking box-office records, the final installment of Marvel’s Spider-Man trilogy, Spider-Man: No Way Home, swings into theatres. Despite the weight of being one of 2021’s most anticipated films, it exceeds all expectations, making for an enjoyable and emotional experience until the very end. The movie picks up right where the previous installment, Far from Home, left off. Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) had

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framed the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man (Tom Holland) for his own crimes and exposed the hero’s real identity as Peter Parker. As most people believe he is a criminal, Peter and his confidants, MJ (Zendaya), Ned (Jacob Batalon), and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), become outcasts. From the beginning of No Way Home, the tension is high, which director Jon Watts excellently employs not only for some exciting action sequences but to bring out some levity in an otherwise bleak situation. The comedy in this movie does not appear forced and efficiently eases some of the (many) emotional punches that rain upon the audience. It allows everyone, even the characters, to remain hopeful and persevere. The high-stakes atmosphere increases when Peter asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to use his powers to make people forget Spider-Man’s identity. Inevitably, the spell goes wrong, and the multiverse opens. The characters who enter their universe are the foes of Sam Raimi and Marc Webb’s Peter Parkers, which include familiar favourites like Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), Electro (Jamie Foxx), and the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) among others. Watts develops the conflict for this movie while building the groundwork for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multiverse, which is set to be the primary plot of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, arriving in May. The return of the villains from the past franchises, played by the original actors, makes No Way Home a vessel that transports the audience back to the previous movies. It is a nostalgia-fuelled trip, powered by brilliant writing and acting that surprise and satisfy the audience. It is a delight to see Holland’s Spider-Man interact with villains he has never encountered, but who we all know and love. The action sequences do not disappoint as the stunts and

visual effects work in tandem flawlessly, neither overshadowing the other. With the many renditions of Spider-Man, No Way Home excels at paying tribute to its predecessors with their beloved wall-climbing and web-slinging action while still bringing something new to the table. The impact that these villains have on Spider-Man and his beliefs is a refreshing change of pace from the standard hero versus villain trope in the superhero genre. The supporting characters are given more time to develop as well. The powerful—and often painful—performances from all the actors solidify each of the characters as individuals beyond their relationships with the protagonist. They all have a significant role to play in this plot and leave a lasting impact. No Way Home is a perfect movie because it has something for everyone. For the people who know and love other Spider-Men, either from a previous movie franchise, television show, or comic, there are many homages to each of them. It also has an interesting plot that is cleverly executed for the people who just want to watch an entertaining movie with no strings attached. Proving the film’s popularity, No Way Home became the twelfth highest-grossing film of all time in less than a month after its release—the first to gross over one billion dollars during the pandemic and the third-fastest film to do so of all time. Despite its worldwide release on December 17, it was also the highest-grossing film of 2021. With Spider-Man: No Way Home, there is nothing to lose and a wonderfully fun experience to gain. With brilliant performances, a nostalgic premise, and a promise to surprise, No Way Home fills every second of its two-anda-half-hour runtime to create an Amazing addition to the Spider-Man legacy.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express for the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts reunion. Fans finally receive their Hogwarts letter late in 2022 and travel to the past in this HBO Max special. Kiara Senanayake Staff Writer

>> HARRY POTTER continued from page 01 Likewise, the familial relationships between the cast members are emphasized throughout the special—to almost emetic levels. During the discussion of the Philosopher’s Stone, the trio talks about what it was like being children on a set, how Director Columbus was like a father to them, and how they spent most of the time distracted and playing Slaps. Uncovered secrets that made headlines in the following weeks include Watson’s childhood crush on Tom Felton and Radcliffe’s letter to Helena Bonham Carter (who is a delightfully chaotic addition to the special). With this reunion, viewers revisit the same sense of wonderment they experienced as

children—running to get their copies of the newest book or watching the latest film in theatres. Was it a tad contrived? Certainly. It was arguably overly sentimental, but it struck a chord in the hearts of ardent fans. A less sentimental viewer might accuse the elaborate performance of deftly avoiding darker themes, especially since the cast repeatedly emphasizes feelings of magic and warmth throughout the entire film experience. The special skirts around any deeper discussion of the recent besmirchment of the Harry Potter franchise. Amid the nostalgia, there was a tense undercurrent due to Rowling’s unaddressed absence, who only appears in archival footage from 2019. Much of the fanbase has distanced itself from the author following several comments made on Twitter that were criticized for being anti-trans. The disinclination to include Rowling in the special means the program leans more toward the movies rather than the books, missing the chance to

explore the franchise’s cultural impact. There were several other notable unaddressed absences, such as Michael Gambon

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(who played Dumbledore for most of the films) and Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall) among a few others. The cast members also pay tribute to actors who have since passed, such as Richard Harris, the first Dumbledore; Richard Griffiths, who played Mr. Dursley; and John Hurt, who played Ollivander from the wand shop in Diagon Alley. Notably, cast members remember the impact of Alan Rickman and Helen McCrory’s performances as Severus Snape and Narcissa Malfoy respectively. The reunion special serves the simple purpose of celebrating the anniversary of a franchise that means a lot to many people, and admittedly, it is nice to see the cast meet as adults, see the wizarding world from a more mature perspective, and reminisce about times that have passed. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts acts as a potent dose of nostalgia with enough heart to awaken the sentimentality that lies latent in all of us.

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2022 Get ready for familiar favourites, next chapters, and new adventures with the top five upcoming films of the year. Aidan Thompson Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Batman—March 4, 2022. Dir. Matt Reeves, starring Robert Pattinson, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, Zoë Kravitz.

Eggers’ upcoming film The Northman is set in Iceland at the turn of the tenth century. The story follows a Viking prince who roams his stolen kingdom as a stranger, seeking revenge for his father’s murder. The film pronounces Eggers’ unique style, which situates his films in a distinctive and often unpopular period of history while generally dealing with darker, more psychological, and supernatural subject matter. Eggers casted Skarsgård as the Viking Prince Amleth and is reuniting with Joy who plays the female lead. Kidman, Dafoe, and Hawke are also set to star in this upcoming revenge thriller.

Lightyear—June 17, 2022. Dir. Angus Maclane, voiced by Chris Evans.

Reeves’ upcoming film marks yet another extension of the DC superhero franchise and stars Pattinson as a young Bruce Wayne. Barely into his second year of fighting crime, Bruce is pulled into the class-divided underbelly of Gotham City as he tries to unravel the Zodiac-like ciphers of the Riddler. The film is set to be the first of a trilogy and introduces several of Batman’s famed villains including Dano as the Riddler, Colin Farrell as the Penguin, and John Turturro as Carmine Falcone. Several of his famed allies return as well, with Wright playing Commissioner Gordon and Kravitz playing Catwoman. The film’s trailer suggests confidence in moving toward darker themes—a direction many fans have been praying DC would move toward since Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy and DC’s subsequent missteps in trying to copy the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s campy, yet successful, formula.

The Northman—April 8, 2022. Dir. Robert Eggers, starring Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor Joy, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke.

Pixar’s upcoming prequel to Toy Story chronicles the origins of Buzz Lightyear as he rises from a young test pilot into the toy-worthy Space Ranger that the iconic Toy Story character is based upon. Evans has signed on to voice Buzz, and Jojo Rabbit director Taika Waititi will also play a role that has not yet been disclosed. Little else is revealed about the casting choices, however, there is an initial teaser. Pete Docter, who wrote the original screenplay for Toy Story, will be the film’s executive producer. Lightyear will be one of two Pixar films coming out in 2022 alongside Turning Red.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)—October 7, 2022. Dir. Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin Thompson, starring Hailee Steinfeld, Shameik Moore, Oscar Isaac.

Killers of the Flower Moon—Unknown date, 2022. Dir. Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo Dicaprio, Robert De Niro, Brendan Fraser.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse captivated audiences when it was first released by Sony Pictures in 2018. The animation style, sound design, and voice acting garnered critical acclaim and adoration from audiences, including those uninitiated to the superhero genre. Sony has since announced a sequel with a teaser, revealing that the film follows Miles Morales (voiced by Moore) and Gwen Stacy (voiced by Steinfeld) as they venture further into the madness of the Spider-Verse. The film’s plot looks to extend upon the post-credit scene of the first film, which teased Miguel O’Hara—or Spider-Man 2009—as a multiverse antagonist from the future who tries to recreate the abilities of the original Spider-Men. The plot mostly remains a mystery but judging from the teaser and the distinctive animation style, the film looks to be an impressive reinforcement to the Spider-Verse series.

Following his 2019 film The Irishman, Scorsese brings David Grann’s 2017 novel Killers of the Flower Moon to the screen. The film tells the story of an investigation into a series of murders against members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma in the 1920s. With an ocean of oil beneath their land, the Osage tribe quickly rose to wealth, and their land became a target. The Osage Murders became one of the first major homicide investigations taken on by the FBI. While there is no trailer yet, Dicaprio and De Niro have signed onto the film, and Eric Roth—writer of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune and Robert Zemeckis’ Forrest Gump—will be adapting the novel for the screen.

sports & health

Editor | Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca

Student athlete Andreas Jankovic shares how teamwork on the court has strengthened his academics and skill set Anjalli Becharbhai Staff Writer

ndreas Jankovic is a fourth year University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Men’s Varsity Eagles Basketball student athlete. He is pursuing a Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Management double major. Jankovic played in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and competition leagues from the fourth grade. His older brother has been a constant inspiration to him, playing Division 1 Basketball and still playing professionally to this day. During high school, Jankovic earned a scholarship to play basketball in Hawaii. He then transferred to Orange Coast College in California. Unfortunately, with little court time to go around, Jankovic contacted an assistant coach at UTM who offered him a spot on the varsity team. Jankovic was happy with the move as he instantly felt supported by his team and coaches and got the minutes he needed to succeed. He believes teamwork is crucial to success on the court because it’s everyone’s responsibility to hold one another accountable. This led to one of the best seasons UTM has played. “One season our team had eleven wins and we were only one win away from making the playoffs,’’ Jankovic mentioned. For Jankovic, UTM offered optimal training that allowed

him to carry on throughout the season physically. He emphasises that it can be easy for varsity athletes to neglect playing their sport and it is important they put in the work to keep up with the demands and challenges: “It is important to put in hours in the weight room and do bench presses, deadlifts, plyometrics, and squats to move better on the court.” One of Jankovic’s biggest motivations is to obtain good grades and this is what pushes him to keep playing. “My mentality is that I am a student before an athlete. Maintaining my grades to stay eligible fuels my desire to work harder to continue following my goals and passion.” His time on the team helped Jankovic grow on and off the court, and he believes that his sport helped him develop skills that allow that personal growth young students are in search of. At university, the investments, hard work, and hours you spend training pays off on the court. “You don’t have to be the most skilful, the best shooter, or the most athletic. If you work hard and control your mind, you can succeed.” Being a part of a varsity team means that you need to adopt time management skills, but it also allows you to be a part of a strong community. “There are opportunities to help coach junior camps which provide integral leadership roles while engaging in a positive support system,” says Jankovic. The main piece of advice Jankovic has to offer student athletes is this: “It’s okay to ask for help and be vulnerable when you are alone. UTM has ample services to help you achieve your goals.”

Being a part of a team has allowed Jankovic to develop social skills and real-world friendships with teammates. “You need to join clubs and sports teams. You need to get yourself immersed not to contribute to UTM’s reputation but for you to develop character and learn lessons.” He states, “You don’t know your potential without stepping out of your comfort zone.” Jankovic’s journey with basketball sheds light on how being a part of a team can foster a positive space for growth as athletes are taught to take on responsibilities and make sacrifices to reach their goals and pursue their passions.

Andreas Jankovic

UTM has offered excellent mentorship for growth that allowed Jankovic to excel academically, physically, and mentally.

Keeping your New Year’s fitness resolutions This time of year is filled with new beginnings and promises for a healthier and more active year. Here’s how to make the most of it. Dellannia Segreti Associate Sports & Health Editor

anuary is the time when many of us commit to new fitness goals and resolutions for self-improvement. While goals are a great way to reach our fitness targets, many studies have found that New

Year’s resolutions are not always the most successful for individuals. In a study conducted by Richard Wiseman, only 12 per cent of people who make New Year’s resolutions feel they are successful in achieving them. However, this should not discourage you from making resolutions. Another study, conducted by John C. Norcross and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, found that those who make resolutions are ten times more likely to change their behaviour. Here are some tips that will help you increase the chances of following your New Year’s resolutions throughout the year. One way to help maintain your resolutions is to reframe them as SMART goals. SMART goals look at goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based. We can apply this directly to our fitness goals. They should be specific and have components that can be measured, such as your body weight or how much you can lift. Provide yourself with enough information to track your progress.

“SMART goals look at goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebased.” In addition, your goals should both be achievable and realistic. This means that you should be making fitness goals that are doable for your skill level and are not out of your range of accomplishment. Realistic goals are made with an understanding of what needs to be done to reach achievement. Lastly, your resolutions should be time-based, meaning that you should set a deadline to hold yourself accountable. It is also important to recognize the impact of our surroundings and how we can use our environment to either hinder or positively impact our fitness resolutions. Small changes, such as preparing your gym bag the night before, can significantly impact your decisions. Thus, it is imperative that we align our environment with our goals, as the options that surround us have a large impact on our decisions. It is also important to take some time to plan

and reflect on the resolutions and where you would like to see yourself this year. Reflection lets you better understand your motivation for such goals and will help you also define any obstacles that might stand in your way. Lastly, it is always a great idea to get support and even consider the buddy system. A strong system of support can keep you accountable and motivated. A like-minded friend or even a loved one can be invited to join you on your goal or help you on your journey. If you feel stuck or want some professional support, take advantage of the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre’s #MoveUTM Consult and 3x30 Personal Training. These are available to all U of T fee paying students at no additional cost and consists of a 30-minute Zoom consultation and training session with a UTM Fitness Specialist. During the consultation, UTM trainers will help you define your goals, optimize your space, and explore the programming that will work for you. Let 2022 be the year that you reach all your goals and follow through with your New Year’s resolutions!