Fun & Games Check out your horoscope or do sudoku. Page 10 MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2015
SPOKE
A LEARNING NEWSROOM FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS
CONESTOGA COLLEGE, KITCHENER, ONT.
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Safe and secure Download your free Conestoga safety app. Page 3 46TH YEAR — NO. 14
CCR has successful first year The first official Co-Curricular Record (CCR) was presented on May 25 to Daniela Rosiu, a recreation and leisure student, by John Tibbits, college president, and Mike Dinning, vice-president of Student Affairs. Rosiu’s involvement included volunteering as a Student Life leader and participating in multiple Connect Leadership workshops, Learning Skills workshops and Centre for Entrepreneurship workshops. The CCR was officially launched at Conestoga College in September 2014. It provides a search engine to find various on-campus opportunities for students to maximize their growth and development outside the classroom. Since the launch, the CCR has offered more than 260 opportunities for students to get involved with, resulting in over 1,900 student participations in the 2014 fall semester and 2,400 student participations in the 2015 winter semester. These opportunities are available to all students at Conestoga College and vary from varsity athletics, volunteer opportunities, clubs and societies, committees, recreational opportunities, conferences, and workshops and training. “The workshops were flexible with my schedule, offering two of the same workshops at different periods of time,” Rosiu said. “I chose the ones that will help me both in my future and in my academics. All the workshops I participated in were great. I
wanted to develop my leadership skills not only for college, but for when I am going to the workforce as well.” Being a new student, there may be challenges with meeting new people and finding activities on-campus. With the CCR, students can easily search for all the opportunities available to them and at the same time meet their fellow colleagues at Conestoga. “It’s great to meet people and make new friendships. It’s nice seeing new faces and being able to say hi to them in the hallways,” Rosiu said. Like many other students, Rosiu has used the CCR to contribute to building a welcoming and positive community on-campus. Getting involved with the CCR has allowed students to develop transferable skills which they can apply toward their courses and future employment. It can also be used as concrete evidence to support the skills they have learned and developed outside the classroom. “It is important to put it in your portfolio and attach it to your resume to show you did your part and you want to develop,” Rosiu said. CCR involvement continues to grow at Conestoga College with opportunities available from all areas of the college. To find out how you can get involved, enhance your experience, and make the most of your time at Conestoga, visit the Student Life department in Room 2A101-2 at the Doon campus.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Daniela Rosiu, a Conestoga recreation and leisure student, was the first recipient of a co-curricular record, which highlights her involvement as a volunteer and participant in numerous workshops. She was presented with the document by John Tibbits, right, president of Conestoga College, and Mike Dinning, vice-president of student affairs.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Develop new skills, embrace new challenges Welcome to the 2015-16 academic year. Whether you’re returning to Conestoga to resume your studies, or joining us for the first time, I hope that you will find your experience here to be positive and rewarding. We’ve made great progress with some major projects over the last few months. The new Athletics & Recreation Centre and the expanded Library Resource Centre at the Doon campus are just two examples
of how the college is growing and improving to meet the needs of our students and the college community. More expansion plans are currently in development. We will continue to build our programming, providing more career-focused degrees and pathway opportunities for students to access the education and training that will open doors to meaningful careers and successful futures. Growth and change are
important for institutions: they’re important for individuals as well, as you strive to be the best that you can be and prepare for an exciting future. During 2015-16, I encourage you to commit to personal achievement. Your ability to learn, to develop new skills, and to embrace new challenges will be the keys to both career and life success. Get involved with our college community through the many activities and events
provided through Conestoga Students Inc., Student Life, on-campus clubs and groups, and the professional associations linked to many Conestoga programs. These opportunities will enrich your formal learning, lead to lifelong friendships and connections, and help sustain our vibrant community. Your success matters. If you have questions, or need some support as you progress through your academic jour-
ney, there are many services available to meet your needs. On behalf of Conestoga, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2015-16 academic year. Work hard to achieve your goals, make the most of your time here, and enjoy the many benefits a college education provides. Success awaits you. Best wishes for a great year. John Tibbits President, Conestoga College
NEWS
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Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College
Monday, August 31, 2015
FILBERT CARTOONS
Random questions answered by random students
What advice do you have for first-year students?
“Not to leave their projects until the last minute.” Nathan Brown, second-year protection/security and investigation
“Come prepared and expect a lot of work. Pack your own lunch, campus food is expensive.” Jaime Messecar, second-year public relations
“Do what you love. Never give up, there’s something out there for everyone.” Kevin Henry, second-year protection/security and investigation
“To manage their time wisely, otherwise it all piles up at the end.” Darling Deleon, second-year legal office administration
“Expect to be here late at night and on weekends. Don’t get distracted by social media.” Kat Taylor, second-year public relations
“Be ready to have an outlook on a vast majority of careers.” Ruth Ignuta, second-year protection/security and investigation Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Get your game on in the Den BY JUSTIN FORD
Just because someone is about to decapitate you in Mortal Kombat, or send you flying off the track in Mario Kart, doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. Ironically, these devilishly violent and hazardous moments often bring gamers together. The Den at Conestoga College is more than a place for students to take a load off and play video games, it’s also a place for camaraderie.
Located above the Sanctuary, the Den is a part of the college that often goes unnoticed. “If you want to come here and meet new people, or just come here to play, the people are really friendly,” said Trishia Whetham, a secondyear business administration accounting student. With PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Wii U consoles provided by Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI), it’s a place with a lot to offer stressed-out students.
“We really encourage new students to come enjoy our services, because they actually pay for it (through a CSI fee),” said John Hsu, a thirdyear supply chain and operations management student and Den leader. This semester CSI is planning on adding a number of new games to their already impressive 63-game collection, and with new games comes new opportunities for tournaments. So get ready to smash or drive your way to victory.
NEWS
Monday, August 31, 2015
App just one of college’s safety features BY CARSON DESHEVY-RENOUF
Students at Conestoga College, returning or new, may feel overwhelmed or stressed as the school year begins once again. Fortunately, thanks to Security Services, their safety at the college is one thing they don’t need to stress about. According to Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie, director of Security Services, there are many different utilities available that students can take advantage of while at Conestoga. “We are responsible for all emergency response … we look after safety plans ... lost and found, any issues or concerns as well as training (for multiple safety programs at the college). We are also responsible for lockers, parking (and a variety of other services)” she said. In addition to the long list of services offered by the security office, which is located across from the library on the Doon campus, they also act as an information desk. Students can walk in and ask for directions or referrals to on-campus resources at any time, as the security office is open 24/7. If students want to get into classrooms after official college hours (and have their professor’s permission), whether it be to finish assignments or grab some forgotten items, Security Services is the place to visit to get that access. In terms of the safety of students, services such as the Walksafe program are essential in keeping the college environment safe and inviting. “We employ students
PHOTO BY CARSON DESHEVY-RENOUF
Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie, director of Security Services, shows off the free Conestoga mobile safety app which has many features including providing students with a quick way to contact the security department. through the work study program (which is offered for students who require financial aid). (Walksafe) is a service offered in the evening to anyone on campus, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a student, for escorts to their vehicle, residence or to a home that is close by,” Bradley-McMurtrie said. Although Walksafe staff are not security guards, they are equipped with a radio so they have direct contact with the Security office should any issue arise. Another safety measure in place at Conestoga are strategically placed “emergency buttons” around the campus in designated emergency zones. If a dangerous situa-
tion were to arise, students can go to a zone that has a small yellow box that harbours the “emergency button,” which, when pressed, alerts Security Services A camera will remain focused on that area until help arrives. In addition, every classroom phone has a security button that is a direct link to Security Services. There are also around 200 cameras on campus that are being “progressively upgraded from analog to digital” with additional technology to give Security eyes all around the college’s campus. If students at any point fear for their safety, not just in school but in any aspect of their lives, Security Services
has measures in place to help. “If a student has a concern for their safety, whether it be against another member of the college community or just a general member of the community, we will do a personal safety plan. That provides them with information for safety zones as well as contact numbers if they need assistance,” BradleyMcMurtrie said. There are also accessible resources available like the free Conestoga mobile safety application for mobile devices that gives students a quick way to contact Security. “We didn’t want ours to be just a ‘security app,’ that’s why we called ours a safety app … it does have your emergency contacts, so it gives you a direct connection to Security and 9-1-1. You have your ‘Safety Toolbox’ that contains a flashlight and loud alarm. You can also send your location using Google co-ordinates via email to Security if you are not in a position to talk. It is also there if you need to report suspicious activity,” Bradley-McMurtrie said. The app also contains resources that can connect students to academic counselling and personal counselling, providing them with information on what is available on campus. In terms of personal counselling the app also contains direct contact to Good2Talk, a 24-hour postsecondary student counselling phone service. “We are trying to get away from ‘look it up on the Internet’ and trying to make everything available at everybody’s fingertips,” BradleyMcMurtrie said.
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Varsity tryouts underway BY NATHAN BROWN
Students going to college for the first time have a myriad of questions. What textbooks do I need? Where are my classrooms? And how do I get to and from school? Those who enjoy strenuous physical activity ask, “What sports Ford are there?” Conestoga offers a variety of men’s and women’s sports for students, including a handful of varsity sports. These include men’s and women’s volleyball, rugby, indoor and outdoor soccer, badminton and cross-country. They also offer women’s softball. Tryouts for some of these sports, like rugby, softball and soccer, can start as early as August, with their first games starting in early September, while other tryouts will begin during the first week of school. “If a student can’t make a tryout, especially those in August, then these students should email the coaches directly,” said Marlene Ford, the athletic coordinator at the college. “They won’t turn anyone away.” However, students must get good grades to play on a team. “We work individually with students who are struggling,” Ford said. “We try to have them keep up-to-date with us, and we help them make their academics and athletics both work.”
NEWS
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Library open during reno BY CARMEN PONCIANO
As we know, libraries are the heart of any school. It is an area where students have access to information, quiet study and services to help them during their academic years. And the library at Conestoga College is no exception. It has a wide variety of services, but the one that sticks out the most is the information service desk. Though it looks like any ordinary “front desk,” it is actually one of the most important parts of the library. “We can help with a huge range of things but we help specifically on what the individual needs,” said Trish WeigelGreen, director of the Library Resource Centre (LRC). Whether it be a simple computing question or a situation where resources are needed for an assignment, the information service desk is where you want to go. As for research, there are four program liaisons who work with faculty and can come into the classroom and talk about some of the school’s online resources. Students
PHOTO BY CARMEN PONCIANO
Trish Weigel-Green, director of the Library Resource Centre, says they are continuing to add e-resources because they save space and are more convenient for students. can also book a consultation with a program liaison for further help. The library is also expanding the number of e-books and streaming videos it has. “Physical books we will be at about 20,000, our e-books 200,000,” Weigel-Green said. “We have about 1,000 physical videos and about 50,000 streaming videos.” She said what students really need in the library is space,
so the LRC is focusing on e-resources. Having a wide variety of e-books is also a lot more convenient because students have the ability to access these books and videos wherever they are 24-7. In addition to updating its collection, the library itself likes to be up-to-date. Renovations, which started in May, will see the layout change significantly, providing the space that students require (although there will not be any additional square footage). “Even if we are full, it won’t feel crowded,” Weigel-Green said. “It will better delineate where groups should be working and where quiet study should be happening so that it is more conducive to both of those types of work.” Weigel-Green also thinks that the library’s renovation will make it look as professional as the services they offer. The renovations will hopefully be finished before classes start in September, however, even if the renovations aren’t done, the library will remain open.
PHOTO BY NATALEIGH MCCALLUM
Conestoga pre-health science graduates Vanessa Varga and Josie Makcrow have both written Spotted at Conestoga posts and have been posted about on the site.
Facebook page all about being ‘spotted’ BY NATALEIGH MCCALLUM
What if you could post an anonymous message to that handsome man you saw reading your favourite book? Or to the individual who took the parking spot you were so patiently waiting for? Well, at Conestoga you can. The Facebook page, Spotted at Conestoga, was created in October 2013 and was immediately a success. The creators, who remain anonymous, started the page for Conestoga students after seeing other post-secondary schools had similar pages. Currently, Spotted at Conestoga has almost 6,500 likes and is regularly checked by students. “It’s not really useful. It’s more entertaining,” said Josie Makcrow, a pre-health graduate. The purpose of the Facebook page is to get students involved in things going on as well as allowing them to send anonymous messages to people they’ve seen around campus, which is referred to as being “spotted.” “I think it is somewhat useful to know what’s going on in the school,” said Joshua
McCarthy, a biotechnology technician graduate. “Plus it’s funny. A lot of it is joke posts and it’s good humour.” McCarthy said first-year students should know about Spotted at Conestoga in order to stay in touch with their fellow students. “It also shows them that even though this is a place of learning and academics there is still room for fun,” he said. To get a post on Spotted at Conestoga, students send private messages to the page through its inbox. Even though the point of the page is to be anonymous, the creators do know whose posts are whose. They review the message to make sure it is worthy of being posted and if it is, it makes it onto the page and other students are able to see it and comment, like or share. Posts range from funny pictures describing the life of a student to seeing a goodlooking person and wishing you had said hi. Others are students just simply asking for help or advice. Spotted at Conestoga is becoming more popular every day and the creators’ goal is simple; to connect all Conestoga students on all campuses.
NEWS
Monday, August 31, 2015
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Students juggle school and self-employment BY NICOLE NEMETH
A lot of students end up getting part-time jobs to help them pay for necessities or for extra spending money. But some students choose to work for themselves rather than someone else. Desiree Richards, a Conestoga graphic design student, has been running her own photography business since she was 16 years old. “The name of my company is DDR Photography and I offer a variety of photography services like weddings, portraits, family photos, headshots and more, anything to help grow my portfolio in the direction I want to go when I’m finished school, which is photo styling for magazines,” Richards said. Krystle McGuire, a perinatal nursing student at Conestoga College, became an independent consultant for Arbonne last year after becoming frustrated with having to juggle work, school and family life. Arbonne is a direct sales company that sells environmentally-friendly and vegan health and beauty products.
“At first I thought it was worth working a part-time job for someone else until I came across an opportunity to run my own business a few months ago. It was too difficult having to adjust my whole life, and the lives of my family, through the summer while working for the nursing home, not to mention finding a daycare,” McGuire said. Nick Miller has been selling vintage and retro items online since October 2014 on Etsy, an online marketplace for handmade and vintage items. He used to work for an auction house and an art gallery, where his fondness of midcentury décor and artwork grew. Currently, Miller is considering going to Conestoga to study business. “I sell vintage housewares and furniture. My time is spent between researching different designers, manufacturers and time eras, and searching for items at thrift shops, garage sales, estate auctions and other dealers. From there I offer the items in my online shop, Tubular Retro, after they’ve been cleaned up,” Miller said.
Take advantage of War Amps’ key tags BY JACK PARKINSON
School, and especially a new school year, can be confusing. Fortunately for Conestoga students, the War Amps can make at least one detail less stressful. The War Amps’ key tag service has been in operation since 1946 and has reunited more than 1.5 million Canadians with their lost keys. The basic principle of the system is simple: The War Amps manufactures tags which are attached to a set of keys. If you are out jogging or eating and lose your keys, the person who finds them can put the keychain in a Canada Post mailbox. From there, Canada Post mails them to the War Amps, who reference the key tags against the master list of people in the program, and mail them back to you. The finder can also call the number on the key tag and a bonded courier will be dispatched to deliver them directly to the owner. The return process can take as little as a few days, depending on how quickly the keys are found and how fast the finder decides to return them. The service is also free – it only requires your address and some contact information
to order a set of tags from the War Amps website. For a student starting a hectic school year – and aren’t they all hectic sooner or later – a service like this can reduce a lot of worry when it comes to misplacing something as important as keys. As a test, I put my spare keys into a Canada Post mailbox and received them in an envelope on my doorstep about 10 days later. “It really hinges on who finds your keys,” said Rob Larman, a director with the War Amps. Larman has been involved with the organization for much of his life, starting at age 14 when he tried to hop on a train on a dare and lost his right leg above the knee. As a teenager, he was involved in the CHAMP (Child Amputee) program, and helped manufacture key tags as a source of income. “I basically grew up in the association,” Larman said in a phone interview. The War Amps was formed by veterans in 1918 in the wake of the First World War, and the key tag service was introduced later as a method to employ amputees. The service is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Go to www.waramps.ca/keytags. html for more information.
PHOTO BY NICOLE NEMETH
Some students would rather work for themselves, including Nick Miller, who runs an online vintage shop. Being self-employed is not for everyone though. It requires self-discipline, excellent time management and passion to maintain and grow a business. “Self-employment is great for a person who is passionate about a particular thing that
they can offer a service for,” Miller said. “You have to be passionate because this is a time-consuming activity and the rewards are slow coming. Part-time work has the benefit of secure and reliable income with a set schedule and hourly rate.” One of the biggest advantages working for yourself is having the freedom to set your own hours and work around your course load. “It offers you the freedom to plan around your work and life and it allows you to determine your income; should you wish to make more you can adjust your workload,” Miller said. Richards said, “It is nice because you can build your own hours and you don’t need to depend on someone else to help you develop your skills and grow. Everything you do is your own personal style and reflects on you. You also have a choice in which direction your company goes.” McGuire said, “Running your own business has a lot more advantages, especially when you’re in school. Being self-employed is more gratifying and rewarding. Working
part-time equals more security but it can be degrading at times. Now I can stay at home with my loved ones, make my own hours and enjoy what I’m doing.” There are many different entrepreneurial paths students can take while in school depending on their skills. Students can offer different services such as babysitting, landscaping, painting or tutoring; artistic people may want to try their hand at selling their creations online or at craft fairs or can try selling products as an independent consultant. “I would recommend taking up something on the side and starting your business,” Richards said. “Having the job on the side helps incomewise and also helps to reduce the stresses most students go through with finances during school. Of course, everyone wants to dive head first into it and make tons of money immediately but things that are worth it take time and care, and you always need to remember that what you put in is what you can expect back.”
FUN & GAMES
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Monday, August 31, 2015
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope
The average raindrop falls at 7 miles per hour.
Week of August 31, 2015
Aries
March 21 April 19 Your excitement will carry on to others around you in this new life you’ve set out; keep that positivity.
Taurus April 20 May 20
Stop worrying about things that don’t matter right now. Focus on the now, you’ll be starting something new. Take advantage.
Gemini May 21 June 21
New place, new school, new life. This new energy is making your fly high, keep that attitude for the rest of this week.
Cancer June 22 July 22
You’re nervous but don’t fret little one, your new path will soon give you peace.
Leo
July 23 August 22 You’re stubbornness will hurt you; don’t let it. This is something new, don’t panic.
Virgo
August 23 September 22 People around you are anxious for the next step but you’re taking each stride with pride.
Rats and horses can’t vomit.
Libra
Netherlands is the only country with a national dog.
September 23 October 22
Ancient Egyptian priests would pluck every hair from their bodies.
You’re moving in with someone you don’t know; why not get to know him or her the first night. Maybe go out for some coffee.
A rodent’s teeth never stop growing. They are worn down by the animal’s constant gnawing on bark, leaves and vegetables.
Scorpio
October 23 November 21 Don’t let your emotions control your new outlook on your life. Take control of the reins and charge forward.
Camel’s milk does not curdle.
Sudoku Puzzle
Sagittarius November 22 December 21
Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1-9, without repeating any.
This week will be perfect for you. You can finally prove to everyone how responsible and independent you are; make them all proud.
Capricorn December 22 January 19
The new responsibility bestowed upon you will keep you busy but don’t forget about people you are leaving behind.
Aquarius January 20 February 18
You’re bursting with bright and new ideas for this new year. Use your inventive mind to your advantage. Show them what you’ve got.
Pisces
February 19 March 20 You’re worrying about this new adventure and your worry is blinding you to the excitement of it. Let it go and try something new.
Whispering Waters wishes you waves of fortune
Word Search
NEWS
Monday, August 31, 2015
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Got a question? Get active with intramurals Head to the info desk BY CODY MUDGE
BY RACHEL ROY
When walking into a strange setting for the first time there are so many faces and so many different places. Even the familiar Tim Hortons is crazy with its super long lines. You can’t help but feel overwhelmed. At Conestoga’s Doon campus, the Student Life Centre has an information desk where you can get help. It is by Door 3, and offers the treasure you have been searching for. This desk is staffed from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable student leaders who will answer any questions you may have. Emma Bradshaw, who works part-time at the desk, said don’t be afraid to approach staff even if they are working on the computer. “Come up and interrupt us, we’re all friendly, we’re here to help.” Some of the things they can assist you with include: n Getting directions and information about the Student Life Centre.
n Booking group work rooms. n Getting contact information for Conestoga staff and faculty. Assisting you with the Grand River Transit board and Conestoga campus maps. In a typical day staff get asked between 50 and 100 questions, so over a year they get asked thousands of questions. Bradshaw said the oddest question she has ever been asked (and it has been asked more than once) was where a person parked his or her car. The most common questions include: n Where classrooms are. n Where professor’s offices are. n Professor’s schedules. (Staff do not have access to those but they will give you the professor’s contact information). n Where bus passes and student cards are (two separate locations). n Where the CSI student hub is/ where binding is. n Where the third floor of A-wing is, because it’s hard to find. n And where various services are located throughout the college.
Starting college is intimidating. You’ve likely found yourself in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by people you hardly know and only the vaguest impressions of what the next few months are going to be like. Perhaps you’re in a new city or even a new province or country and you want to do more with your spare time than watch Netflix on an endless loop. Conestoga College’s intramural sports programs offer students a chance to play a sport they love and remain active. First semesters can by very trying but the potential benefits of being involved in collegiate intramurals are numerous. According to Dr. John Ratey, a psychiatrist with Harvard University, everyone knows that exercise makes them feel better, but most people have no idea why. He wrote about the subject in a press release, saying, “We assume it’s because we’re burning off stress or reducing muscle tension or boosting endorphins, and we leave it at that. But the real reason we feel so good when we get our blood pumping is that it makes the brain function at its best.”
This boost in brain ability facilitates learning. Through his career in psychiatry, Ratey has explored the roots in our brains and evolutionary history surrounding activity, social interaction and learning. An active lifestyle for students can be critical in their academic success. Even just getting out of the house or dorm has a positive effect. Students don’t even need to worry about their skill level when it comes to intramurals. Sure, there’s a championship to vie for, it wouldn’t be much of a sports league if there wasn’t, but that isn’t the point. Intramurals are about being active and having fun and you don’t need to be a star athlete to do either of those things. “This is a great opportunity to make new friends, stay active and enrich your college experience,” said Ilana Romanow, the intramural co-ordinator for Conestoga’s Doon campus. Currently, Conestoga College has intramural programs for volleyball, dodgeball, indoor soccer, squash, ball hockey and ice hockey. Teams meet once a week and students may need to pay a fee in order to participate
depending on which sport they choose as well as ensure they have the proper equipment necessary for the sport. Individuals are welcome to sign-up as well as groups If you’re interested in suggesting a new sport, contact Romanow at the college. She is open to any suggestions that students might have to improve the intramural program. “Intramural sports are offered after school, which should not conflict with any class time. This is a good opportunity to take a break and refresh your mind,” Romanow said. She encourages new students to take a chance on intramural sports to gain the advantages of being active, meet new people with similar interests and participate in a co-operative group activity. A sedentary lifestyle might be tempting to a student who feels overwhelmed but being a shut-in shouldn’t be the answer. Students have to try and get over their nervousness and fear of starting a new semester and focus on their health. This approach ensures that even when stress builds and deadlines seem unachievable you’re empowered enough to think clearly.
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NEWS
Monday, August 31, 2015
CSI board members discuss goals BY NATHAN BROWN
Conestoga Student Inc. has a new board of directors this school year, after an election was held last semester. The eight successful candidates were: Gurpal Singh, Colin Gaudet, Dita Dragusha, Holly Featherstone, Brian Clark, Hope Krempa, Colton Lauzon and Scot Wyles. Each will bring creative new ideas to the table. According to Alfred Karathra, the primary electoral officer at CSI, 864 students at the college cast their ballots in the election, around 200 more students than last year. Students were able to vote online via their college email account, something CSI implemented due to the lack of student voting the previous year. The election set a record for the number of candidates running, with 16 students in the electoral race. Seven of the eight winning candidates provided Spoke with a brief description of what they hope to bring to CSI in their newly appointed positions.
ate a stronger and more united community at Conestoga.
Colton Lauzon My goal is to give you all a voice; I welcome the opinions and recommendations of all Conestoga students so that we may serve you to the best of our ability.
Dita Dragusha
I want to keep students informed of CSI as well as introduce students to events happening at the college. I also want to try to create quiet areas for students to study and do their work, especially in the Waterloo and Guelph campuses. I also want to strive to get additional cameras in the parking lots to ensure students’ safety.
Hope Krempa
Holly Featherstone
I would love to continue with the initiatives that I started this year but wasn’t able to finish, such as an aboriginal student forum. I would also like to help with the formation of more events that directly effect school pride, such as competitions between campuses/schools, intramural sports events, contests and games.
Gurpal Singh Bhatia
I plan to continue advocating for satellite campuses. I also plan to collaborate with residence to make life there better for students as well as work on the bar to make it something to be proud of.
Bringing increased skill-building opportunities and guest speakers to all campuses is a top priority for me. I already have a youth mentor in mind – and she is interested in visiting Conestoga. My purpose is to help others, and Conestoga College has given me the opportunity to take a step forward and fulfill it. I will do my best to cre-
Colin Gaudet
Scot Wyles
I want to make a change within the college community.
You are what you eat BY MARYSSA MCFADDEN
They say you are what you eat and if this was true, what would the majority of college students look like? Most people’s first guess would be pizza since students eat so much of it. Here at Conestoga you can get a slice for as little as $2. A salad or bowl of fruit, however, sits around $5. This is one of the reasons why some students experience the dreaded “freshman 15,” where they gain 15 pounds in their first year at a postsecondary institution. However, according to Ellen Gregg, a health nutritionist for the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, unhealthy eating is only one cause of the weight gain. “We are trying to get away from promoting healthy eating on the basis of weight and are promoting diet quality in terms of helping people feel better. It is related to positive mental health as well,” she said. College is a new world for many students and some do not anticipate how time-consuming and stressful the environment can be. Throw in a heavy homework load, a rewarding
family and social life, a possible parttime job as well as attempting to get enough sleep at night and a student can easily move “eating healthy” to the bottom of their to-do list. This is why both mental and physical health take a hit in the first few months at college or university. There are, however, some small changes students can make. “What you eat is usually determined by what is around you. Surround yourself with healthy food and try to avoid keeping tempting treats around,” Gregg said. College life can be hectic at times, but forgetting to eat is not the way to go either. “If you let yourself get hungry, you are more likely to overindulge at your next meal. Eating regularly provides energy for your brain to learn and being hungry is likely to negatively affect your learning performance,” Gregg said. Of course being active also plays a huge role in avoiding the freshman 15. However, don’t use exercise to compensate for poor eating habits. Those who do often have poor outcomes in terms of weight management.