Copyright Š 2019 by Cindy Hu. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from Refusion Magazine Ltd or Cindy Hu. refusionmagazine@gmail.com cindyhu2013@gmail.com
Refusion Magazine Ltd.
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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INTRODUCTION About Us Our Team Sponsors
FEATURE: THE EDUCATION SYSTEM 10 Development of the Education System in Canada and China by Liana Zhang 11 Incompatibility: East and West Education by Catherine Lim 13 Vying for Ivy: Is the Ivy League worth it? by Jillian Zhang 14 School Supplies by Galicia Gordon SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 18 Danger Hertz by Cindy Hu LITERATURE AND POP-CULTURE 20 Malcolm Miller, the One Who Never Changed by Matthew Mallia 21 Book Review: Indian Horse by Stanford Guo 22 Poetry: Gender Equality by Sanjana Karthik 23 Poetry: Home by Parul Yadav IDEAS 26 Feminism Misinterpretation by Cindy Hu 27 Change in Mindset, Chang in Fate by Sanjana Karthik EDUCATION 30 Youth Organization 31 Summer Camp 32 Online School? FUN 34 Fun Facts by Jillian Zhang
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Who are We? Founded in 2019, Refusion Magazine is a students led company that provides a common platform for people to lead and express through writing and design. United by a common vision of increased information and the values of identity and involvement, Refusion Magazine strives to give a platform to all people and organizations to express their ideas.
Our Goals The goal of Refusion Magazine is to connect the ideas of students across Canada and to foster an environment in which people could showcase their talents. We want to create content for youth curious about current events, science, literature, and the ideas of others; this overall makes our readers more informed, allowing them to make better decisions in their lives. Through our articles and reviews, we also want to take a stand against climate injustice and human rights abuses.
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Our Management Team Cindy Hu
Catherine Lim
Editor in Chief Cindy has always been passionate about creating positive change. In 2018, Cindy's trip to Costa Rica made her realized the devastating effects of plastic. Being an avid speaker who has already traveled across the world, she decided to write a speech voicing her concerns. She presented this speech at TEDxBrighouse and was later invited to give the same speech at a water company called flowosophy.life. She has also been invited to give a lecture at the 100% Human conference in Israel in 2021. Production Manager Catherine is an avid reader who reads books of any genre. Her passion for reading has led her to write many literary analyses; Catherine's analysis of the book "No Friend But the Mountains" can be found in the literature section of this magazine. Aside from reading, Catherine also wants to make a positive impact on the community around her; she does this by volunteering at the local food bank every Thursday.
Ashlee Tam
Andy Liao
Social Media Manager Ashlee is an innovative and easy-going individual with a love for art, pop-culture, and technology. She enjoys Chinese Gongbi painting and calligraphy and has had her art displayed at a Chinese painting exhibition in 2018. Through her talent and creativity, she has become a valued member of her school's yearbook team and service and leadership committee.
Promotions and Communications Andy has a profound passion for public speaking and journalism. His passion for speaking has enabled him to voice his ideas as he works with his peers on various projects. As a leader in his school's Model United Nations Club, he tries to help students envision a future society that is more equitable and peaceful. Andy is looking forward to sharing his ideas with you in Refusion Magazine.
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Our Writers Sanjana Karthik In 2019, Sanjana began using poetry as a platform to voice her thoughts. She attends writing clubs around her community and has started writing and open mic events at her local recreation center. Despite this being her first year writing poetry, her work has already been published in Cedar books, WestWard Quarterly Family Magazine, and Poetry Institute of Canada.
Stanford Guo Stanford's passions lie within the realm of music; he is the Junior Music Steward at Southridge School and has attended music festivals for both piano and voice. Through dedication, Stanford was nominated to be the Vancouver International Music Competition delegate for voice. He hopes that you will enjoy reading Refusion Magazine!
Jillian Zhang Jillian is a self-motivated and hardworking person in all areas of her life. Through her generosity towards others, she has a strong positive influence on those around her. As a result of her leadership skills, she is a notable member of her school's service and leadership team. She also has a talent for playing the piano, along with other musical instruments; this has taught her discipline and perseverance.
Parul Yadav
Parul Yadav is a 19-year-old student at Gargi College, Delhi University (India) majoring in English Literature and minoring in Philosophy. Recognized for her work in poetry and outreach, Parul believes in empowerment through work while connecting to a real change. Parul also leads an exclusive group of women entrepreneurs of PR, Digital Marketing groups, and writing agencies.
Galicia Gordon Galicia is the Founder of the non-profit Leading Learners, a writer, and an avid volunteer. She is passionate about learning languages, cultural appreciation, literature, volunteering, and youth law & policy advocacy. Going into the new year, Galicia is having poems published in both English and Spanish and wants to continue contributing to her community for the better.
Matthew Malia
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Matthew is an assertive student-athlete from Toronto with strong passions for writing as well as music. Matthew’s exceptional leadership skills ensure that he steps out of his comfort zone more often than not, resulting in a sense of realism and passion in his work. He looks forward to sharing his perspective with Refusion Magazine.
Our Writers Sandra Chang Sandra is constantly eager to learn new things. As a passionate junior debater, she strives to spread awareness through her writing. She is highly interested in topics to do with children and their mental health. Sandra believes that through her knowledge in filming and passion for writing, she can contribute her own personal skills to Refusion Magazine.
Liana Zhang -
You
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Our Sponsors
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Feature: The Education System
Development of the Education System in Canada and China by Liana Zhang In recent years, the development of technology has reshaped how society functions. In order to prepare the coming generations for this unpredictable time, the perspective on education needs to be revised. Education in Canada, prior to any adjustments, was based on rote memorization and Eurocentrism. Now, Canada has a new approach in regards to education, with many of the new implementations in the curriculum reflective of a new emphasis. Gone are the days of rote memorization and regurgitation of the information found in a textbook. Now, it is necessary to be able to adapt and have a variety of auxiliary skills in order to keep pace with the world. In order to survive within society, it is now necessary for one to understand technology. Before, children in elementary school would use computer class as a free block or a time to play online games on mass free gaming platforms. Now, kids are learning to write the codes for such games. Furthermore, schools are increasing the emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and starting to partially neglect the arts. In an almost imperceivable way, this shift in focus changes the expectations on students. Many students believe that in order to excel, one needs to go into the sciences, and in order to do so, one must go to university. Multiply this journey by x times, society gets a generation filled with bachelors, skyrocketing competition.
A similar pattern of thinking has been taking place within the Chinese education system for many years; this is defined by two main qualities: Confucianism and rote memorization. These qualities have been passed down through generations filled with imperial exams and emphasis on literacy. One main difference between the Canadian system and the Chinese system is the focus on individualism. In China, there is an increased focus serving one’s purpose in a group. However, in Canada, there is more of a focus on developing individuality. To put this idea into context, if an average Chinese student was suddenly dropped into a European or Western school, they would struggle switching from a collective-team based mindset, despite their past more advanced curriculum, to a more individualistic mindset. How these Chinese and Canadian students study also highlights the different approaches. Chinese students learn by doing at least twice the global average of homework. According to a study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), youth in China spend approximately 14 hours per week on homework whereas the average American and Canadian teen spends around 6 hours per week.
With an increased value placed on academics, it is clear that the standard of education that defines success has also been affected. In a world that’s becoming increasingly digitized and convenience prioritized, it's as if the education system has become outdated. Going to university used to be a student’s outstanding achievement. Now, bachelors are the new normal. 4
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Differences: East and West Education by Catherine Lim Nearly my entire extended family lives in China, all educated under the same system. I’ve heard the horror stories from my parents about the heavy workloads and the draconian rule of teachers. Terrified by these horror stories, I was always grateful to be in a Western school and indignant on behalf of Chinese students.  However, whenever I would visit China, I would hardly ever hear Chinese students complaining about the teachers in China. Since then, I have learned more about the rich history and culture of both the West and the East, and how each education system encapsulates the principles of each. The values of the West and the East differ greatly, with Western culture celebrating talent and individual autonomy over the hard work the Eastern culture prizing collective dependency. The education styles of each reflect these values, with Western educators constantly working to help students realize and achieve the individual potential that each student has, while Eastern educators encourage students to strive for collective excellence in all subjects, as well as cultivating selfdiscipline in the pursuits that benefit the community. Both systems face a lot of criticism from the other, each stemming from fundamentally different ideas of personal identity, collective identity, success, and the purpose of education. The Western education system is highly praised for its rather recent development of developing the core competencies of students, increasing chances of success in different areas of work. Gradually, the system is aiming for less emphasis to be placed on what kind of work students can turn in, instead, observing the process that they choose to take in completion. In this, students develop critical and creative thinking skills, both of which are hallmarks of future entrepreneurs, developers,
strategists, and countless other leadership positions. In addition, the Western education system has a history of producing some of the greatest thinkers in history: Democritus, Aristotle, Thales, and so many others that revolutionized eras with their ideas alone. Even in the modern world, some of the most influential thinkers are being produced by the Western education system: Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault, and Gilles Deleuze, all great thinkers who have challenged commonly held beliefs and held their own. However, this education system is criticized for failing to produce-driven students equipped with the proper mindset to overcome difficult obstacles, a mindset cultivated through a lifetime of pressure with large workloads and strict deadlines. As a result, many young people feel unmotivated in service jobs and break easily under pressure. The Eastern education system is commended for its ability to produce-driven students that can work well under any pressure that may be placed on by future superiors in the workplace. Used to the stress and hard work common in workplaces, students are equipped to persevere in everyday jobs. Work ethic of this level is born of a lifetime of believing in the Confucianist legacy of hard work over natural talent. The pressure placed on them by parents, teachers, and fellow students, are appreciated as well-meaning concern for their future. Furthermore, the Eastern education system promotes a deeper understanding of academic topics. Those from the East are often known for their deep understanding of topics revolving around mathematics and sciences. The environment within the school system promotes students who do well in these subjects, which lends well to the futures of students as they explore valuable and often high-paying jobs in those fields while stimulating and challenging their understanding of each subject every day.
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Nonetheless, the Eastern educators are denounced for their failure to develop an environment in which creative thinking is endorsed and actively encouraged, though students are trained in pushing themselves in terms of managing time, workload, and quality of work. Both systems of education are equal in that they try to develop different essential skills and characteristics in students to help them in their future careers. The West instills creative and critical thought processes in students, while the East helps students achieve commendable results. Perhaps, instead of vilifying the demerits of each system, we can work together and create a learning environment in which students can receive an education that provides them with the best possible opportunity to succeed in the future.
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Vying for Ivy
by Jillian Zhang and Liana Zhang
When students first think of the words “Ivy League”, most would associate them with eight prestigious, expensive, and highly competitive colleges located in the northeast of the United
To be best informed of whether Ivy League education is the correct decision for you, it is crucial to know what the resources Ivy League colleges can generally provide. Ivy League colleges
States. These colleges boast some of the best academic programs as well as a rich history that spans hundreds of years. It is often said that once someone gets accepted into an Ivy League college they gain instant success. However, when talking about Ivy League education as a post-secondary pursuit, it is necessary to first determine what ‘success’ means to oneself.
offer some of the most highly esteemed academic programs in the entire world with a wide variety of resources available for all students. Their research centers are more in-depth and developed than public colleges, allowing students to gain access to almost any article their heart could desire The main reason Ivy League schools can provide better resources is because they have a rich and long history as well as the huge amount of money; this causes their library to be diverse. Ivy League schools also provide more personalized attention for the students studying there due to the difference
Plenty of students dream of the “Ivy Dream”, but they should first be informed of the pros and cons of these education institutions. While getting accepted by an Ivy League school can bring one prestige and connections that serve as opportunity generators, one needs to consider the cost of going to an Ivy school. Standard colleges have a tuition fee of approximately $20 000 for in-state students and $35 000 for out-of-state students, which is much more lenient compared to the $66 000 tuition fee of prestigious schools. Even though there are scholarships available, there are tens of thousands of people vying for them. For the general student population, as a result of the high cost, private school graduates can expect to spend an average of four more years paying back student debt than a standard graduate. Fortunately, most Ivy League graduates have a higher earning potential than public school graduates. Statistics show that Ivy League graduates generally earn more by ten percent, with top-earning graduates making around thirty-five percent more than graduates of other schools. As income is directly related to job employment, Ivy graduates have an advantage in earning potential because they are given a head start in highly competitive fields. For example, more than half of the Supreme Court Justices have attended an Ivy League University. Currently, all nine justices attended law school at either Yale or Harvard.
in the student to faculty ratio. Harvard has a ratio of 7:1 and U.C. Berkeley has a ratio of 18:1, this difference is mainly due to the sheer difficulty of getting accepted into an Ivy League college, causing the student population to be significantly lesser compared to public colleges. Despite the many resources Ivy League colleges are able to provide students should not choose to attend Ivy League colleges just for the prestige or connections they would receive. Instead, students should focus on which major they want to study. Students should prioritize certain aspects they want in a college or university and strive towards these priorities. For example, a student who majors in engineering should choose schools like Hulman Institute of Technology or Harvey Mudd University, which have the best national undergraduate engineering programs, instead of Harvard. Students should carefully consider whether the Ivy League is the correct decision based on their interests, passions, priorities and current financial situation. Students should weigh all the pros and cons to make a rational and best decision for their future education.
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Science and Tech
Danger Hertz By Cindy Hu After nearly a decade of development, 5G is finally becoming a reality. Telecommunication companies are all jumping at the opportunity to offer their clients faster and more stable wifi. However, behind all the positive buzz, 5G may also bring about serious harm to one's health. 5G has a frequency of 23 billion hertz to 325 billion hertz. In comparison, the earth has a frequency of around 7.3 hertz and human brain waves have 7.8 to 50 hertz; this clearly shows how much higher 5G’s frequency is than what occurs naturally.
dispersal guns called Active Denial Systems. Dr. Paul Ben-Ishai said, “If you are unlucky enough to be standing there when [the beam] hits you, you will feel like your body is on fire.” In order to determine the safety of 5G, it is important for scientists to do extensive testing. Before simply listening to telecommunications companies on the benefits of faster wifi, one must consider the implications on one's health.
It would be fair to assume that a technology with such a high frequency that will be introduced into people’s homes would be tested for health risks; however, 5G has actually never been tested for adverse health effects. Some scientists say that 5G’s high frequency may negatively impact one’s skin and sweat glands. Nathalie Nagel, a Cambridge graduate biophysicist and founder of flowosophy.life, said in an interview with Refusion Magazine that “a high level of hertz may cause brain damage, a lower IQ, lower problem-solving skills, wrinkles, eye and ear damage, and mental health issues”. She also told us that it is best for the human body to be kept in an environment with a similar frequency; this is why people usually feel calmed by the ocean. Even more shocking, the only place where one would usually be able to find frequencies as high as 325 billion hertz is in nuclear blasts. Nuclear blasts are a natural occurrence in space; however, when they have taken place on earth, they have resulted in terrifying devastation. Furthermore, not only will 5G require using new spectrum bands in much higher frequency ranges, it also utilizes submillimeter and millimeter waves. The US Army uses millimeter waves in crowd
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Literature and PopCulture
Malcolm Miller, the one who never changed By Matthew Mallia When most kids think about those teenage years, Mac Miller is a character that probably played a big role in all those memories coming together. With ratchet and rude rhymes, we as teenagers felt a sense of comfort when listening to Mac. If you’re “one of those fans”, or even a “stan” of vintage mac, you know how his projects went from a kid doing dumb stuff with his buddies to creating a loveletter and a cry for help. Mac was born and raised in Pittsburgh. The inspiration for his earliest work came from a park called “Frick Park” from his hometown city. The earlier version of Mac is my favorite.With the noname skateboard clothes and snapback, he looked like an outcast. Despite the slander it received upon release, Blue Slide Park debuted at number one on Billboard. The debut album was accompanied by pure star power that year, fighting to the top alongside powerhouse artists like Drake, Adele, and Justin Bieber. Despite the numbers, this side of Mac would be one that we’d never see again. “Blue Slide Park” was a viewing of a young kid from Pittsburgh rapping about his past childish self trying to conquer the world. In the coming years, Miller would release “Macadelic”, an album filled with classics that appeared on the billboard alongside household names like Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne. Miller would also release the critically acclaimed “Watching Movies with the Sound Off”, a truly classic project that portrayed Mac out of his comfort zone trying to find his true self. After most artists taste the type of success Mac saw after the release of mainstream radio tolerable rap; Mac went in the opposite direction. Songs like “Remember” and “The Star Room" invited fans into his real world, a world filled with demons
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WMWTSO debuted at number 3 on billboard selling almost 105,000 copies and was a perfect stepping stone for the next big release, GO: OD AM. In 2015, after starting to date Ariane Grande, Mac. As a result, he stopped releasing albums for two years; this left him with a herd of disappointed fans. Mac decided to restart releasing music under a new record label; this meant the classic Mac everyone knew would be there to stick around. Mac’s third album, “GO: OD AM”, was possibly one of his greatest hits; this song about Mac “letting go of the anxiety” eventually surpassed two hundred million plays on Spotify. Although it is an uplifting track that makes listeners want to bop their heads, the lyrics when listened to closely, hit hard. Beginning in the first verse, we hear Mac talk about battling demons. The world was well aware of the Ariana Grande and Mac Miller break up; however, Mac fans were especially aware of the toll it took on him. I always like to look at his fifth and final piece, “Swimming”, it is a piece of evidence that shows Mac slowly showing progress in getting over the dark times he was previously stuck in. Swimming puts the mature, self-aware, and healing Mac Miller on display. It displays a guy who’s been through a lot and spreading his wings.
I want to conclude this by saying goodbye to Malcolm, he left fans with such a connection to him
Malcolm James McCormick was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Miller began his career in the city's hip hop scene in 2007.
Book Review: Indian Horse "Indian Horse", a book by Richard Wagamese, follows Saul, an indigenous boy in a residential school. At the residential school, he discovers his talent in hockey with the help of Father Leboutillier.
Theme of Reconciliation Reconciliation at its core means “the restoration of friendly relationships”. Saul Indian Horse, the protagonist of “Indian Horse”, is an indigenous man from the Ojibwa tribe of Canada. Throughout his life, he experiences many tribulations and triumphs as a result of his heritage. Saul’s culture was being suppressed by colonialists; this was done by the removal of children from indigenous families. Saul’s siblings, Rachel and Benjamin, are taken from his family at a young age. In order to compensate for the losses, both of Saul’s parents become addicted to a substance brought by the Zhaunagush(the white man): alcohol. His family is later torn apart by the death of Benjamin; this causes Saul to leave his family. After a harsh winter, Saul is forced to attend St. Jerome’s Indian Residential School.
By Stanford Guo Saul escapes to Manitouwadge, the home of the hockey team he wants to play for. Even after making the team, Saul still needs to face multiple acts of discrimination. Despite this, Saul stays with this team, his second family; this represents Saul’s attempt to reconcile for the loss of his family and his culture. At the end of the book, Saul is able to find his true identity and move past his past trauma. Reconciliation is not simply just the restoration of friendly relationships; it is about recognizing the loss and finding a way to deal with trauma. In Saul’s case, despite being alone for the majority of his life, he is able to live a full life with the help of some amazing friends. As a result, reconciliation is important for one to grow and succeed for one cannot step forward if the past is dragging them back.
St. Jerome’s Indian Residential School is a prime example of a residential school that exploited indigenous people. As soon as Saul arrives at the residential school, he is forced to change his name. In addition to the name change, Saul needs to endure physical abuse, causing lifelong mental health. Luckily, Saul meets Father Leboutillier, a priest at St. Jerome’s Indian Residential School. Father Leboutillier takes Saul under his wing and introduces Saul to hockey. Father Leboutillier becomes Saul’s ally and helps him escape the school.
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From the wrongdoings: Drugs, Gangs That encompasses the mother’s life
Gender Equality By Sanjana Karthik There is a woman And a man... They decide to part ways How do they take care of the family Yet, to be raised? What happens to the children Used to the love of a father And the hate of a mother Used to the care of a dad, A lad, A friend A foe Is there mother For a new lover She turned their back on them But now the children Might have to leave And there's no time For him to grieve He needs to fight In court today To keep his children Far away…
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Society’s labels Plunging in Like a knife His children His everything The merest of rights All dissipate in a second But what happened to his rights?! Now, as one of 80% Of men He gives up his child So what happened To stopping inequality And infliction of harm? How can this ill-treatment Persist With such calm
When more men Lose out on these rights:
Whether from longer prison sentences To losing out on kids' lives?
Home
by Parul Yadav
We read within a poet’s book the starry night when we hooked Those lines that mellowed the page ‘Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage!’ Yes, that is true; and somedays ahead, when you'll feel the rush of nostalgia running through those veins. You’ll find, where’er you roam That marble floors and gilded walls Can never make a home. But every house where love abides, Old memories of the happy days reside And people are no longer loners. Where Strangers find solace Is surely home, and home-sweet-home: For there the heart can rest.
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Great Books to Read
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Ideas
Feminism Misinterpretation By Cindy Hu
In the 19th century, the suffrage movement jumpstarted the feminist movement; this was followed by numerous debates on gender equality, the role of women in society, and the supposed pay gap. Though many feminists claim that feminism means equality for both men and women, the feminist movement often excludes men in the fight for equality. Firstly, the very word “feminism” is confusing. The definition of feminism is the equality between men and women; however, many interpret it as in the fight for women's rights. The word itself comes from the Latin word fēmina, meaning female. Would it not be more “equal” to call feminism the fight for gender equality instead? On the topic of gender equality, statistics used to support women's rights are gained through confirmation bias, the tendency to interpret evidence in a way that confirms one’s beliefs. One prime example of such is the gender pay gap. Most have probably heard of the often-cited statistic “that a woman earns 80 cents for every dollar earned by a man.'' Though it is widely believed that this is the difference in pay between two people in the same job, it is actually taken from the national annual earnings of men and women in the American economy. Statistically speaking, more men are in jobs involving STEM and business, jobs that generally pay more than common female jobs, such as teaching and retail. Of course, females should be encouraged to go into STEM and entrepreneurship; however, at the moment, the reality is that some are still vying for more traditional female jobs. The commonly cited statistic in pay gap fails to take into account these differences.
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Change in Mindset, Change in Fate By Sanjana Karthik Spirituality is about changing the way one thinks, and one feels about their role in the world. Only with spirituality will one be able to start to understand that they are on Earth to impact
must accept their shortcomings. Everyone must acknowledge their accomplishments as much as their downfalls so that they can motivate themself to persevere through obstacles. People need to
another life. Nowadays, people allow life to control them. People allow themselves to become victims of circumstances; this causes people to be unable to generate their happiness. People need to understand that they are in control of our fate; this is done by embracing changes, learning to have a positive outlook on life, and being vulnerable. This article, inspired by Deepak Chopra, contains a few methods on how one can change their mindset, and, in exchange, receive unconditional happiness and success.
take time to reflect on their mistakes and get to know themself better. For instance, everyone must ask themself “What can I do from my end to make things better?”
Mindfulness: If one wants to change their mindset, they should begin with being more mindful; this includes being more mindful of the environment and of the people that surround them. Through mindfulness, people have the power to give others the undiverted attention and time they deserve; this will amount to building healthy relationships. Even during the most difficult times, there are always times to give our minds a break and focus on reflection and solution making. Everyone must seize opportunities to be happy and peaceful. Everyone must give their mind a break and not worry about things that they can’t control. This valuable time will allow people to be strong enough to deal with adversities when the time comes. Self - Love: Everybody must treat themself with the amount of love and respect they are hoping for from others. Who better to appreciate someone, other than themself? Most importantly, everybody
Moving on: We must realize that it is “okay not to be okay”. Everyone needs to express their emotions and acknowledge how they are truly feeling. When one’s fallen, one must learn to ask for help, but trust in themselves to rise again. Everyone must be able to confide in family, friends, teachers, or counselors when they are upset. Everyone must remember to learn to forgive and forgive themself. It is necessary to tell oneself that “as long as I am happy, I am winning. As long as I forgive, I am free”. Forgiveness is an opportunity to liberate oneself, and move forward. Whenever one is feeling down or having a bad day, tell oneself, “this will only make me stronger.” If anyone ever feels like the world has “failed” them, they must realize it's okay. It’s okay that the universe has failed them. It’s only through life’s obstacles that one will and prosper. Gratitude: Journaling is an important method of freeing oneself from unnecessary stress while bringing joy back into one’s life. One’s journal can be a safe place for one to confide and share the darkest of thoughts. Daily journaling allows one to gain a new perspective on their problems. By putting things down on paper, one can find a solution to things one otherwise would find too overwhelming to talk about. One is liberating
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themself from worries and replacing them with solutions. Journaling gratitude can also be used as a tool to build one’s self-esteem and confidence. It is scientifically proven that gratitude improves physical and psychological health. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. When one is happy with who they are and the life they are living, they can’t help but want to share themselves with the world. Manifestation: As mentioned above, one must healthily express their emotions and let them out. They should try and find a solution to their problems and acknowledge that they have more to be grateful for than they don’t. When one begins to feel needed in this world, their goals will align with a new vision. One will feel inspired to try new things. Everyone must have faith in their ability to accomplish their dreams. The University of Exeter has found that people who constantly tell themself that they can meet a goal are more likely to secure a positive outcome, and people who visualize a better future are more likely to be able to bring that future into existence. “Thoughts become things. If you see it in your mind, you will hold it in your hand” -Bob Proctor.
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Education
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Cool Summer Programs
Summer@Brown offers hundreds of courses for high school students to immerse themselves in. These 1-3 week courses give students an opportunity to reflect deeply and think critically about their work. Aside from being able to discover about themselves, students are also given to opportunity to discover Rhode Island, the home of Brown University.
Columbia Summer offers many 3 week courses for students to immerse themselves in. From archeology to philosophy, students are given many chances to discover their passions in a fun and fast-paced learning environment. Aside from being able to study in the prestigious Columbia University, students also get many chances to discover New York.
Global Leadership Adventures gives students an opportunity to take learning out of the classroom. Offering a wide variety of trips to countries all over the world, GLA is a great opportunity for students to broaden their scope and to experience a new way of life. Furthermore, through GLA trips students get to see first hand the many issues in today's society and work in a team to try to fix them.
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Are you Ready for Online School?
Coronavirus Causes School Closures
The B.C. government and the governments of many other provinces have suspended all schools in the province until further notice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Education Minister Rob Fleming said that the province may transition to online teaching. Currently, the province is working with more than 50 online learning providers, and the entire B.C. curriculum is available online.
How can I ensure learning quality when I am learning online? 1. Create a Schedule to keep up with all your school work 2. Make sure you have good internet speed 3. Contact some friends and learn with them 4. Have some snacks ready! 5. Have fun
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Fun
D i d Yo u K n o w ? F U N FA C TS BY JI L L I A N Z H A NG
E nv i r on m e n t
A glass bottle made in our time will take more than 4,000 years to decompose.
Sp or t s
A man in Mississippi was briefly imprisoned for “sorcery� in 1884 after throwing a curveball at a county fair
E d u ca t i on
Meal-time in France is considered part of the curriculum
Animals
Giraffes have no vocal chords
Mu s i c
Cows produce more milk when they listen to slow music
Humans
On a genetic level, humans are more than 99% identical
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The Future of Refusion Magazine Expansion Over the next year, Refusion Magazine will be expanding to accept worldwide submissions. We also want to distribute our content in educational institutes in other countries, such as China and the US. The Start of Refusion Films Recently, Refusion Films, the sister company to Refusion Magazine, was launched. The goal of Refusion Films is to bring "to make seen what cannot be seen through the use of videography". Currently, Refusion Films is producing a short documentary called "Scars". Stay tuned by following our Instagram page @refusionmagazine @refusionfilms Email refusionmagazine@gmail.com for inquiries
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