Passion8 Magazine - September 2015

How a cup of coffee can make a world of a difference and other inspiring stories from young professionals

W E A R E Y O U N G , H E A R T A C H E T O H E A R T A C H E W E S T A N D,

L O V E I S A B A T T L E F I E L D. - PAT BENATAR

" Thank

you Pat Benatar for those words of wisdom; but..

I’m going to correct you based on my experience. "

The workplace is a battlefield. I found my husband easier than I’m finding my “career”. I have had many jobs in my mere 25 years of life. Babysitting is the common starting point for most of us, then working our way up to cashier at a local grocery store, followed by a part time gig at the college while in school, the unpaid internship and then entering the “real world”!

Now being a young adult and having had several different jobs since exiting post-secondary education, I find myself often being the youngest person in the staff room. Yet, while I have successfully graduated from university, am married, with a house, a puppy, and a job, I still find that people tend to not take you seriously as you enter the workforce.

It’s astounding how “grown-ups” tend to forget that they too started at the same age as I am now. I have been told I look so young, I am too young to be married, I’m too young to be in the role I am… and the list goes on. But despite their remarks and ignorance, I find that I am still valuable and am needed around the office, especially when it comes to technology. The realm of the everevolving social media is an area that many senior staff and company lifers tend to stay clear of. The internet is scary; once you post something online it stays there forever. If you post photos of yourself, people will stalk you! Naysayers, you are missing out on a world of possibilities! I may not have found my life-long career yet, but I have found my niche, I have found my skill; an element of creativity amidst the mundane daily life of work, and my passion - all because of my love for photos and story-telling.

I have been a camera ham (camera man/woman) since I was a fetus, and now as an adult, I am constantly capturing life happening in front of me

through photography and videography; making photo books, editing, uploading, sharing, and telling my story!

I completed an internship at CTS in Burlington, as well as worked on a web show called Category5 Technology TV, where I fell in love with video as well - but photos have always had a special place in my heart! Photos tell YOUR story, photos have meaning, and sentimentality, photos are art, photos are real life captured.

I presently work in two areas of social service, and have used photos to share people’s stories in a real, and meaningful way. This has been helpful in securing funding for programming, for donor thank you’s, for program participants and more! This content connects real people to a real cause, and using various online platforms, you can spread the word about the social causes you believe in!

I once made a photobook online, as I’m sure many of us have, recounting our past year of events and successes which my coworkers, all over the age of 40, were in awe of such a creation! I have made videos to capture special moments of our events over the year and people were floored at this possibility for story-telling.

I am not a professional photographer, videographer, or editor, but I know how to use social media and technology to my advantage at the very basic level, and yet that basic skill empowers me and sets me apart from my colleagues!

The power of social media is incredible.

I’ve seen funds raised for projects and lost animals be found, I’ve watched viral videos and been sucked into another world, I’ve lived vicariously through those that have traveled to tropical destinations, I’ve connected with long lost friends.

There are no limits to social media, and that is so much a part of its appeal. It’s changing every day and as it is changing, companies and organizations need to

change with it, or they will miss out on a huge world that they don’t really know exists.

I have a friend who started her own business teaching Facebook 101 (among other common social media sites). I insisted my mother attend the course, as she still posts on people’s walls when she intends to message them privately.

These concepts are fundamental for the modern day communicator, and yet so many (not just the middle-aged) have no clue how to navigate this unknown territory! No longer are people taking typewriting courses, they are learning how to enter the digital realm because there is a changing market for business, non-profit organizations, and social communication.

More recently, on the side, I have become the “social media guru” (for real, that’s what they call me) for the Rumball Camp of the Deaf, as well as Everything Bridal Wedding Planning and Consulting. I may not have fully developed any dreams of my own, but I am a dream supporter.

I use social media and my passion for photography, to share the vision and the work of these agencies and companies.

More and more, successful companies with longevity are finding they need to change their old ways, and enter the new millennia. And who is going to help them? We are; the young adults of the world. There’s a spot for you in this everchanging business world, and you’ll be ahead of the game, all because you own a ‘SmartPhone’, know how to sign into Facebook and post a photo on Instagram!

I am not a professional graphic designer, photographer or website builder; but I can navigate a website better than I can navigate the halls of an office building.

My skill and passion for storytelling, inherent in my everyday life, will set me apart from the norm and the old ways.

Hillary Handy

Student Exchanges, ft. Holly Pearson Author: Kristen Fortune

Youth Abroad

~

A

I got on t the beginning of this year,

~

I’m not saying to become a professional backpacker. I’m all for getting a proper education and pursuing a career. But living abroad is the best form of education anyone can ever experience. It teaches you things about yourself, others and the world from a first-hand perspective. It gives you opportunities and new ideas you just can’t get in your university lecture hall. It makes you realize that you are just a tiny part of this big world.

Of course, moving to a foreign country isn’t all just fun and games – it is a huge challenge. But it’s a challenge that comes with great reward. It’s crazy how much you learn about yourself when you are stuck in the metro in Brussels, Belgium, you can’t find anyone who speaks English, and you have no idea where you are going. Watching TV will feel a bit different, ordering a coffee can be confusing, the exchange rates may be hard to get used to- but all of those things teach their own lesson. Living abroad makes you face things you aren’t used to facing, making you realize you are capable of so much more than you probably ever imagined. It turns an introvert into an extrovert, and makes a scaredey-cat a seriously brave soul.

I think the reason we are able to learn so much moving to a foreign country is because it teaches us that we truly know nothing about the world.

Yes, I mean nothing. We are so stuck in our bubble of what we consider normal, learning about the world through what other people tell us or the 6 o’clock news, that you can’t realize how little you know until you leave. There is something about this realization that is actually so humbling, that will leave you wide-eyed and wanting so much more. This is why I see moving abroad and travelling as an investment.

A personal investment, a lot like education. You pay for it now, it pays you back in the long run in terms of experience, adventure, lessons, and intelligence. Think about it as an extra year of tuition. It’s that valuable.

The problem is that despite it being as great as it sounds, most people are too scared to ever actually move abroad. For me, since it had been something I planned on doing for so long, I wasn’t really nervous (until the day I moved into my flat, but that's fair). The point I’m trying to make is that people really shouldn’t be that afraid. What most don’t realize is that there are so many other people doing the same thing. Everywhere I went I met tons of young people around the same age, from a handful of other countries, who all moved miles from home to do the exact same thing as me. And since you’re in the same boat, you will soon realize how easy it is to make lifelong friends.

We are all just a tiny little piece of this world, living these formatted lives of going to school, getting jobs, then going to work at 8 AM every day until we retire. But by going out there and seeing the world, you will realize how much more to life there really is. Moving abroad lets you experience things you never could have experienced at home, opening you up to new perspectives, beliefs, and goals, which is why everybody should do it while they’re still young.

Written by Jayme Campbell

Four Reasons You Should Try Solo Travel (At Least Once)

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The student guide on how to travel: Budgets, tools and tips By: Nicole Papp

As students, we have a lot of expenses to worry about that sometimes make it difficult to travel. We are also at an age where we want to explore the world with our pseudo independence. Believe it or not, traveling on a budget is possible.

There are many different ways you can save money while traveling. The multitude of deal websites online offer different discounts as a marketing tool for themselves, which you can tap into for big savings on food, hotel, flights or car rentals. There are also several apps available for travel organization, which can come in handy on road or backpacking trips.

Websites such as trivago.ca allow you to set your budget for the location you are looking for. There are user ratings available for each hotel, that allow you to make a confident choice in booking. The website curates other hotel website price information letting you compare prices and make a smart consumer decision. The best feature of this website is the sliding price bar which you can toggle to fit your budget and only hotels in your price range magically appear on your page.

Groupon.ca, dealfind.ca, and teambuy.ca are just a few of the websites that provide getaway, hotel, food and merchandise deals based on location. One of the great features available involves using food deals to discover different places to eat.) This not only ensures variety in your food exploration, but it also promises an adventure to get to each location in the city. The getaways offered on these websites allow you to have a packaged vacation for less. There are several durations, features and locations around the world to choose from.

Travel Wallet, Trip Deck and Trip Case are Apps for the iPhone that offer cool features that allow you to travel more efficiently and safely. The travel wallet app provides you with an easy tool to budget for your trip based on different categories such as meals, transportation, communications, entertainment, and lodging. This is a great solution to only having a specific amount for your travel budget. The trip deck and trip case apps offer the ability to set an itinerary for your whole trip, including check in and check out times, hotel addresses and codes, travel time, and car rental check in and out times.

Trip case specifically allows you to send your itinerary to yourself and other people via email, and it will notify you of any changes in the trip plan.

When traveling, the following tips may come in handy and may not always apply to every situation: *

It is important to always stay organized and keep important documents close at at hand or locked away

*

A first aid kit should always be kept on you or in your lodging area in case of an emergency

*

If camping, always put your food away in a car to prevent animals from entering your camp site

*

If camping, ensure your cigarette lighter is working correctly prior to leaving for your trip, to ensure your mattress pump will function correctly

*

Wear any purses or bags across your body to prevent robbery

* If traveling in the USA by car, there are always rest areas along the highway that offer wifi. Use this to check emails or connect with friends and family as needed * Purchase a small flashlight to ensure you always have light in times of need The choice to travel is exciting and a mystery of its own, but a little preparation will allow you to be safe, save money and still have fun at the same time. This will guarantee that you won’t have post trip bank account regret and you will create cherished memories to last a life time.

Wednesday is the new Friday By: Nina Chopra

W

hen your alarm clock rings for that third early morning in a row, wake up with a smile because you’re more than halfway closer to ending your workweek, and to beginning your weekend! To make your week go by even faster, try using this Wednesday as an excuse to do something out of the predictable ordinary.

If you work in the heart of the Downtown Hamilton area, then know that not only are the stars on your side, but also your very own Steel City has your back. There are a number of events that take place every Wednesday that will not only aid in, but also enhance the awesomeness of your day.

For starters, during your lunch break, leave your seat.

Leave your office. A simple change of scenery combined with fresh air can do wonders from your mood to your mind.

If you are stressed at work, then you are in an even better situation because you can use that as an excuse to attend a free 45-minute yoga class that is held every Wednesday, at noon, outside City Hall. The instructors at Moksha Yoga Hamilton created theses classes to welcome all skill levels.

Despite potential concerns some might have about being so close to the cacophony that is Main Street, you might just be surprised to find how you have the ability to make all that dissonance almost inaudible as you flow through your yoga practice.

When I attended this class myself, I chose a spot close to the fountain as I find the sound of water to be absolutely soothing. So bring a mat, your water bottle and let these Yogis help you unwind!

A more social and interactive option would be to grab a few of your coworkers, and enjoy Hamilton’s Summer Promenade. Take this opportunity to stroll through Gore Park whilst enjoying live music, food trucks or even shop artisan vendors. Let your cup over flow with luck as the promenade is not only available on Wednesdays but it also runs on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.- 5.30 p.m. Try engaging in a friendly game of giant chess or giant Jenga!

There is also the option for you to take a more restful route, and take advantage of the many benches and chairs available to you if you prefer to simply sit and eat your lunch while listening to some music.

Personally, I prefer to escape to a retreat that is a little more secluded and intimate. With the gardens at the Whitehern Historic House, you get to treat yourself to a free concert, and at a dollar per person, you can get access to a bottomless supply of lemonade or tea to add to your afternoon. This is an oasis within the city that might just be the hardest to leave and return to your seat in the office.

If you attend any of the mentioned events (or even have your own suggestions!), we would love to hear from you on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Pages. Happy Wednesday from now on friends!

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A NEW WAY TO

NETWORK What They Do

Get Involved

Unlocking Opportunity

“

Don’t let the process get in the way of opportunity

Mackenzie Ewing Content and Editorial Strategist

Sam Consiglio Marketing Intern

“

Challenge the status quo

AZAD MEMON

“

SOFTWARE DEVelopor

It’s amazing to have my ideas actually incorporated and my feedback taken seriously.

Thousand

grace johnson

Communications and Partnerships Coordinator

“

Don’t let anyone dim your sparkle.

Little Discoveries

[A Three-Day Camping Trip Around Cape Breton] NADIA RUKAVINA The further north we embarked, the less connected we were to anyone else. The iPhone GPS brought us to Cape Breton but our signal fell short when cities and tional Park, a map was able to guide us through our journey. Using an actual map felt as though we were truly adventuring. It brought me to a time when GPS didn’t exist and people drew lines and markings to indicate where to go - it really connects you to your travels.

Before the camping trip I did some brief research on camping locations. I really only had one idea in mind: camp on the West, the North and the East coasts to experience Cape Breton from every angle. Alex agreed to this and we found the names of three camping locations and planned a triangular route around the island. This is all we did as “preparation.” Unplanned adventures leave more room for opportunity and discovery. The less you plan, the greater the adventure. There is treasure in spontaneity.

Driving along the western side of the island is absolutely phenomenal. Every turn had a new breathtaking view. Because we had no actual “plan” or time of arrival at possible path to the ocean and a possible route down to the jagged rocks and wild waters.

It was a playground for travellers. I was a kid again as I hopped over giant rocks and bouldered up the highest one in sight. As I close my eyes, I remember how I felt standing on those enormous rocks watching the Atlantic Ocean. The wind chilled my arms, not making me feel cold, but making me feel more alive. I was breathing deeper, with more purpose. The world in front of me was huge and I was only exploring a tiny little piece. I felt so free and so small. I was in a euphoric people would have stayed on the road and enjoyed the view. Alex and I are a little miss out on.

Corney Brook gave us an ocean view and a view of a luscious green mountain staircase to explore; I was way too eager to wait any longer. Instead of staying on adrenaline and where it is “less traveled.”

Exploring in this way led us to discover another beautiful location and it was the perfect spot for watching the sun fall behind the horizon. Observing the grassy rock walls around us and along the coast looked like what I imagine Ireland would look like. It didn’t feel as though I was in Canada. Actually, a lot of this trip brought me to an image of countries I have yet to visit.

Another uncovered gem was found when we didn’t just look at the waterfall at the end of a hiking trail, we climbed it. Hikers down below were seemingly amazed at our adventurous and daring spirit; it was intensely steep, muddy and slippery. Rocks and roots weren’t promising hands to hold for a lift upwards. This challenged us and ignited our adrenaline; it was wonderful. Halfway up the waterfall was a pool

of water. To onlookers down below we appeared to be a couple of irresponsible kids. In reality, we were the ones doing exploring the better way, in our opinion. If I never started hopping rocks towards the waterfall’s ascent, we never would have found a refreshing place to jump in and

inhabited by houses that look abandoned and the name of that pond. This is a perfect setting for a novel, in my opinion, and could lead to a great story.

Breton Island and it is there we stayed for our second night. I have never camped in a place more spectacular

thing we did because we found amazing views from the escarpment outside of marked hiking trails.

shoreline. I highly recommend this camping location; it contains everything adventure-seekers are looking for.

Though this Northern area was quite stunning, it was also garet Village lay a body of water called Deadman’s Pond, house but the road ended and we were forced to return back to the town. On the way back down this little road we neer Cemetery.” We had already noted that this was not A narrow, concealed dirt road took us uphill and around a corner where we stopped to see tombstones facing us.

The strangest part? None of the tombstones had names to leave. Now,” I panicked. We were out of there as fast as we could maneuver around the little, secluded road.

On our third day, we came back into the National Park as we headed South for more adventure and camping. The last campground was nothing special; we knew what to do

What I’m trying to get across to all of you adventure-seekers out there from my favorite camping trip thus far is this: If you’re not willing to take a step further and go outside of the boundaries, you’re never going to discover anything new. You’re going to see what the majority of other travelers, hikers and campers see. Does the opposite side of a hill intrigue you? Does the top of that waterfall? Go there.

Does living without technology scare you? Do it. I assure er planned to venture without our iPhones but we are glad left us with ourselves and brought us closer to our surroundings. Don’t plan too much, either. This leaves you with expectations and time limits. It prevents spontaneity and sometimes the best adventures begin with spontaneous decisions. There is more room in your day for unex-

Everything about the Northern tip contributed to its sinis-

kilometers away from a marked trail while you explore, but it doesn’t hurt to explore just outside of the used path.

Just outside of your comfort zone.

in huge lettering, St. Paul Island, which is known for shipwrecks and fog. Add to that random dead end dirt roads

Enjoy the little treasures you uncover when you dive into the unknown. Happy Adventuring!

INSPIRED TO BE FIT INTERVIEW BY SAMANTHA BRIDGES PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONALD DAO INSPIRED TO BE FIT IS A LIFESTYLE BRAND BY RONNIE FRIEDMAN, A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL CURRENTLY BASED OUT OF OTTAWA, ONTARIO. HERE IS HER STORY ON HER JOURNEY TO A HEALTHLY AND BALANCED LIFESTYLE. Inspiration can come from anywhere. Everyone needs a safe haven when you decide to change a certain part of your life. For Ronnie Friedman, her journey to healthy living became a phenomenon when her Instagram account became motivation for others with the same dream. With hard work, patience and positive thinking, Ronnie reached her goal but knew she had to keep going.

Fast forward to today, with over 120,000 Instagram followers, Ronnie’s “Inspired to be Fit” has helped people recognize their dreams and to know that every goal can be reached, no matter how long it takes. I sat down with her to talk about her journey, motivation secrets and how to stay stylish throughout the whole process.

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE “INSPIRED TO BE FIT?”

WHAT FUELS YOUR PASSION FOR HEALTHY LIVING? WHAT

KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?

INSPIRED TO BE FIT APPAREL AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ITBFSHOP.COM @INSPIREDTOBEFIT

ARE THERE ANY CHEAT MEALS YOU LIKE

WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS STARTING WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND ALL

The time I was hired and fired at 5 P.M. on a Monday and other job hunting woes VANESSA GRILLONE

years of post-secondary education, two internships, and nine years of serving pizza, it makes sense that I would jump on any opportunity that came my way. After applying, answering up to 25 questions, we were given a “lesson” in marketing participating in a “practice run” (a day and advertising. Apparently some of his of working for the company for which I advertising had fallen through and WE, the journalists, were supposed to call position of Journalist I obviously accepted. around and, well, ask for money. We were told not to be nervous or get angry the owner of the company asked me in if the people we were calling seemed a harsh tone: what I would do if after two annoyed. “They obviously aren’t our kind weeks of work he thought I wasn’t suited of people” he said. We were promised a for the company and let me go. certain commission too, which I guess was supposed to sweeten the deal.

I was also informed that there were THREE probationary periods (two weeks, I was given a cell phone and a list of three months, and six months), and that I people to call and told to get to work. I had to purchase $70 worth of books and procrastinated on that for many reasons: I was told that I had to add all of my new 1. I had a sick feeling in my stomach 2. I was hired as a JOURNALIST, not to and ‘Like’ every page he liked, or that he call people and ask for money didn’t know what the ad that I applied to 3. I didn’t know enough about said actually said, forget all of that and focus company to feel comfortable with said task fact that this company wanted to take a 4. I still had not seen my contract. I didn’t know how much I was being paid, if I got sick days, how exactly the company isn’t a journalist at all. I quit my job at the worked, nothing. It was already well past pizza place, bought a metro pass, read all noon. the books I was told to read, bought new work clothes, and before I knew it, my The sick feeling in my stomach is what bothered me the most. I’ve worked in at bag, and pulled out all of the books and research I prepared over those two weeks. I sat down happily as my coworkers piled in. I noticed a person sitting in a desk that was occupied by someone else two weeks prior, which struck me as odd but I let it slide and got to work on a few articles. When the boss got in we

felt that way before. So, I did a little investigating, I was told by an employee that not only is their turnover rate incredibly high but the boss tends to not pay people working overtime (you had to clock-in everyday). Okay so this guy is a little small company is like, I thought to myself

and went back to my research.

Later that afternoon we were told that there was to be a meeting with a perspective client on Wednesday and we would all have to wear uniforms. do you mean uniforms? A co-worker saw the look on my confused and innocent face and she smiled, “They’re this she walked me over to the closet and handed me a size two navy blue pant/skirt/jacket combination and asked me to try it on. So I did, like the little guinea pig I felt I was. that the shoulders were too big. I was asked to try on the jacket over my clothes, “This is a size 2, what size are you?” he said with annoyance and disbelief. “Uhh I don’t know,” I said awkwardly as he told me he would have to take me and another girl to get our suits tailored. Oh, okay. This having these kind of regulations.

After the whole suit debacle and becoming mildly upset over it, I went

later and noticed he had my resume in front of him. They’ve had my resume for over a month by the way. He looked at me with parental concern and said, “I didn’t know you lived in Bolton. How long did it take you to get here this morning?”

“An hour and a half,” I replied sensing that something entirely ridiculous would come He went on and on about how he didn’t know I lived so far, asking if I was okay with it, concerned that I would burn out after three months (even though I had interned further downtown the previous year and if I wanted it but he knew I wanted full time, how if he knew I lived so far I wouldn’t have been called in for an interview, at which point he brought in the lady that interviewed me. He asked if she knew how far I lived and she replied that she thought it was near Yorkdale. Oh. Okay. Google At some crucial point my eyes began to water, from being upset or relieved I wasn’t yet sure. I told them that I hadn’t planned on moving downtown right now, to which he replied, “That’s not what I mean. I need you to make a decision about whether or not you can do this, with such a commute”.

He spoke to me like a child, asking me what I really wanted, what I went to school for (commenting that book publishing was at his company), telling me that I’m an adult and I need to make a decision either way.

“No, I don’t want to do this,” I said, my more relieved than I felt. So he agreed to pay me for the day, shook my hand with a

day of work.

Sure, I cried and cried. I was upset and so were my parents but after a short subway ride home and a long ass drive, I felt as my entire being and told me, this is for the best. He’s a businessman, he could tell that you wouldn’t work out so he found a reason to get rid of you. You didn’t sign a contract so technically nothing about it is illegal. Plus he gave you an option and you said no. Which is a good thing. Something had irked me about that place and now I didn’t have to worry about it.

The only thing I had to do was ask my ex-boss for my job back. I did, going from almost full-time hours there to parttime hours since he hired someone else to replace me. But hey it was better than nothing, right?

As I look back on that whole debacle and I’m happy to report that I do not in any way, shape, or form regret how I played out that day. Perhaps I’m a little paranoid, maybe I’m a bit of a baby, but I wasn’t wrong about the company or the boss - it took me a month to hunt them down for the $100 they owed me. Not to mention, every single time I look on job posting websites the company has an add for something new.

The moral of my little story is that when you’re being interviewed for a job, do your part and interview them too. If you get a reasons you want this to work because

sometimes it just doesn’t, and that is okay.

That all happened over six months ago, during that time I worked at the pizza place and was lucky enough to stumble onto some freelance work - which probably isn’t going to last forever. Since then I made an unwise mistake by quitting the pizza place and thinking that so many doors would open for me. preferable in publishing, preferably fulltime. I’ve never been so ready to start my career but the more eager I become, applying to…” emails and between the hours that I spend researching for jobs, writing blog posts, reading and working on my latest freelance assignment, I am still refreshing my inbox hoping for a “We’d love for you to come in for an interview” email. I’m being a little picky with which jobs I apply to and always do research on the company before I send in my application. The thing is that I want to do something I’m passionate about so I guess the job hunt is to be

THE READING NOoK Sharing the novels of young authors across the globe!

1

THE SILVER-EYED MONSTER A.A. FARR

Alex did not know for how long he hiked up the mountain.

He continued inside the unmarked trail until he reached a the warning, he crossed it, and stopped only when he arrived at the dead end. He looked down below and saw more blackness. He could see no end to the fall.

thinking anything. He shut his eyes and placed a foot over heart raced as he fell to the bottom; it took him less than own feet.

Slightly frowning, he opened his eyes and was amazed there was snow—lots of snow. Despite it being summer, the snow continued to fall as if by magic.

Afterlight (Book Three) are also available in the series. completing her Bachelor of Arts at the University of a self-publishing company in an attempt to give young author’s a promising platform to carry out their works. On watching Japanese Anime, or going on adventures with her brothers.

2

ODE TO THE QUEEN KYLEIGH CASTRONARO

dragging on the end of his cigarette, “the temptation of power too much

glared at him.

Cronos started to laugh, leaning back against the rail of the balcony to

back into the doorway to make sure it was still propped open enough

of fate like you understand it, like the Moirai are your friends and over tea

early he changed the course of history and in its wake a prophecy was

of Gods series by Kyleigh Castronaro. The following books will be available shortly. The book is available for purchase as an e-text on the Kindle/Amazon website: getBook.at/ odetothequeen Kyleigh Castronaro graduated from the Liberal Arts program at the University of Waterloo in 2013. She self-published her debut novel Ode to the Queen while tackling other projects such as the editing and cover design. She is currently living in Nottingham, UK with her

was still planted in the back of my mind. At the end of the day both Atlas

Maybe he had told Cronos the prophecy where he kept it a secret from speech. “Ah but it is: Once more may they cast their eyes A demon whose powers shall retake

5

Tips for Surviving Canada’s

Explore Program

This July I had the great fortune of being accepted into Canada’s Explore. A short background on Explore: it is a government run program where Anglophones learn French and Francophones learn English, where (and) you stay in residence or class in the mornings, and in the afternoons and evenings (as well as some weekends) you participate in cultural activities where you practice what you have learned. These activities include guided tours, trips to botanical gardens and planetariums, and even a rock concert or two! (Tempted to apply yet?) Upon receiving my Université de Montréal, I was absolutely ecstatic to have this opportunity. However, I really had no idea what was in store… summer? I jumped in with both feet, and here are a few things I learned when I did. Tip 1: Be Adventurous. This probably sounds pretty obvious since you are already a little bit adventurous for participating in this program somewhere away from home (kudos!), but at the same time, push yourself. It’s easy to get sucked in

let the activities your friends choose depict what activities you which is never a bad thing… especially in regards to my next tip.

Tip 2: Take Any Chance To Get Out On The Town In Montréal, the most deciding where to go, rather than whether or not to go out. Either way, make sure you jump at any opportunity to see something new. Five weeks may seem like a long time in one place, but for somewhere like Montréal – it is not enough. If your core friends aren’t feeling like a night on the town, send a few texts and see what other people’s plans are. Out of 400+ people (yes you read that right),

I guarantee at least a few have something going on for the night. Tip 3: Nap. With 8:30am classes, activities galore, and 3am nights, naps are key to keeping your energy level high. Whether it’s 30 minutes or a full 2 hours, anything helps. I think I could count on one hand how many days I didn’t have a nap, and I’m sure many of my fellow Explorers could agree with me on that one. Sometimes a night in is needed to rejuvenate your body and mind, but for the days when you feel like just a few minutes of rest will do the trick… take that nap! Tip 4: Get To Know Your Monitors In Explore. There’s this amazing group of people who are your guides for the Explore activities. No matter what your level of French is, these wonderful guys and gals are there to help you succeed, and there’s no better way to succeed than to keep speaking French. And what’s their job besides making sure you don’t get lost? Make you speak French! If you try hard enough, you’ll or two (these magical tickets help you win prizes!) Above all, your monitors enrich your experience, so don’t be shy and try out some of the vocabulary you learned in class. Tip 5: Remember Where You Came From Learning a language is hard, and speaking it is always one of the toughest parts about it. If you’re starting to get tired of looking up words on your phone (thanks Google translate), or feeling like an idiot for always scrambling to put a sentence together think weeks ago, I guarantee you’ll already have learned so much that you’ll be surprised with yourself. Also, always remember that you’re not the only one struggling. Everyone was at that point too, so just keep trying, (comma not needed here) and you’ll be surprised at what you learn! So when you apply to participate next summer, remember a few of these details and I promise they’ll help you survive what were easily some of the best weeks of your life. You’ll make new friends from all across Canada, and you’ll come out of it knowing more French then when you started.

Un petit peu.

By Lindsay Davies

HAMILTON IS NOT SOOOO DIFFE A grac eless lette r to a plac e from a (man) who bare ly knew it .

By Scott Harper

A thing that happened in Hamilton.

Once, in Hamilton, there was a rainstorm. A large, transformative rainstorm, that impregnated delta and then a swamp and then a marsh, where had been dry things. I was present at this time, storm-strolling. I considered going back when I noticed there were ducks swimming along on the footpath, but gave ultimately to my opportunistic

Residents?

I was with you, once, but to stay in a place is tricky when you weigh absolutely nothing. My greatest fear is that I will arrive somewhere with no wind, and no chocolate.

I do love Hamilton, as I love clothing and furniture and pillows to be piled on top of me to the point have become things I do infrequently now. Hamilton makes me content and I don't know what to do with this. When I was young I could not understand how people could be annoyed by arbitrary things, but that is because I didn't drink coffee, then.

surprise—pure tantalization—and I had to touch it.

I ran towards and into the swollen lake, nearly toppling, issuing a guttural scream for balance. The would have been dead if I were a duck-bear. This is the type of thing that might happen to a person in a soggy cheerio off of my bare chest.

When I am elsewhere, as I am now, and Van Morrison sings to me about cross-dressing and kissing wondering why anybody would ever want anything to make sense. And then I get dizzy and I remember.

RENT FROM A

T E K N A L B O

t FOR But listen: You are wounded, adorable Hamilton. It matters how you look, now. I hear the word raw—and some believe the word raw—but the right word is fragmented: raw scary, but you could be, and this is what you should be proud of. But they have arrived and more of them are coming and they love you like you love you, for the same reasons, but they are not you and may not understand you and those days of harmony are already gone but fresh so that they don't feel gone.

This is what is happening now (everywhere, always).

It's not your fault, Hamilton. You are not the wind, you are a city (somehow). You are a phantom way-station, and a place that can be known, despite itself. You have been this for me, and you are this for others, now.

You are the blanket fort that never got taken down; the tent city made of steel. You know how to smother me just right, Hamilton, and it is kind of you to have done so, knowing I would never return the favour.