More tech support New tech bar loans equipment, staff answer questions. Page 3 MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2018
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Making a difference Social activist recognized for his work. Page 3
A LEARNING NEWSROOM FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS
CONESTOGA COLLEGE, KITCHENER, ONT.
WWW.SPOKEONLINE.COM
49TH YEAR — NO. 2
Protest for Palestine
PHOTO BY TAYLOR PACE
Protesters gathered at the Waterloo Town Square on Dec. 17 to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. BY TAYLOR PACE
A group of University of Waterloo students staged multiple peaceful protest in Waterloo Town Square last month to show their support for Palestine. Around 50 people huddled in the cold on Dec. 17, waving the Palestinian flag, holding hand-made signs and chanting phrases like “From Palestine to Mexico, all the borders have to go,” and “From Turtle Island to Palestine, occupation is a crime.” Turtle Island is North America’s pre-colonial name. The group, University of Waterloo Students for Palestinian Rights (SFPR), held the protest in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to move the U.S. Israeli embassy from
Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which he has deemed the capital of Israel. They also protested the recent Israeli bombing of Gaza and constant violence against Palestinian people. Trump’s decision is controversial because both Israel and Palestine – which have been in a territorial conflict for decades - claim the city as their own. According to CNN, Palestinian leaders are insistent that the move “would be a violation of international law, and a huge setback to peace hopes.” Before the Trump administration, it was U.S. policy that Palestine would be involved in any negotiations for the city. The other 86 embassies in Israel are also stationed in Tel Aviv, but, during the United Nations’ vote to condemn Trump’s
decision on Dec. 21, several countries voted with the U.S., and will be moving their embassies. These include Togo, Palau, Guatemala and Marshall Islands. Canada abstained from the vote, keeping their embassy in Tel Aviv. With the public speakers and chanting, the group emphasized the conflict in Palestine is not a religious one, but one of human rights; and one we should all concern ourselves with. “Silence is complicity,” said Rachel Thevnard, one of the group’s organizers. “It’s important for anybody who’s human to be aware of colonial histories of places. This is one that’s happening right now, and we can raise our voices and help put a stop to it,” she said. The SFPR formed to educate
their fellow students and the community on the PalestinianIsraeli conflict and to motivate the community to voice their concerns by participating in peaceful protests and petitioning the government, as well as creating a fair and balanced representation of Palestinian people. During the protest, members of the crowd were invited to share what was on their mind about Palestine. “Everybody knows this is just going to derail the whole peace process,” said Rania Lawendy, who also spoke to the crowd about her time visiting Palestine. “I think as Canadians we should stand against any country that’s committing international law violations.” Lawendy said, “The same way I want to live in peace
PHOTO BY TAYLOR PACE
Protesters listen to a speaker at the event. here, where I’m an equal citizen to you, we all have the same rights, we all have the same opportunities; this is something we should want for other people around the world.”
NEWS
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Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College
Monday, January 8, 2018
FILBERT CARTOONS
Random questions answered by random students
If you could give any gift to anyone, that wasn’t money, and wasn’t to yourself, what would it be, and to whom?” “I would give love throughout the world. World peace.”
CONESTOGA STUDENTS BUNDLE UP
Alex Sokcic, first-year early childhood education
“I would pick a random classmate, and make them exempt from exams.” Dane Reynolds, first-year software engineering
“A French press to a random stranger.”
Brendan Brading, first-year software engineering
PHOTO BY MELISSA HORTON
Doon campus students stay bundled as they exit a warm bus to brave the -12 C weather in Kitchener on Jan. 2. Today will be the warmest of the week, with a high of -1 C. The rest of the week will range from -4 C to -13 C for the highs, with -16 C on Wednesday being the coldest. More flurries are also expected.
“I would feed a starving family.”
EXPERTS OFFER TIPS ON NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
Joel LorentzMaynarid, third-year business administration
“I would pay someone’s rent for a year.”
JoJo Ibbotson, third-year business administration
“I would give camping equipment to my friend Sokhan.” Farooq Mahmood, first-year design foundation PHOTO BY REBECCA SOARES
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Nora Kozman (left) and Krista Cvar of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services offer tips to help people maintain their New Year’s resolutions. For video story, visit www.spokeonline.com.
NEWS
Monday, January 8, 2018
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A tech bar is the latest addition to Conestoga’s Library Resource Centre (LRC) and its staff want to help students succeed. “The tech bar is a place for students to come and get help with any of their technology questions,” said Trish WeigelGreen, the director of the LRC. It’s a service that may have students questioning whether it’s just like IT Services, and they’re right to question that. The difference is that tech tutors will help improve your knowledge of technology while IT staff help with any problems with software or networks. “Hopefully it will help IT be more efficient as people will come to the tech hub for help with their technology skills,” said Weigel-Green.
be trying to get feedback from students in the winter semester to see what else they would like to be able to sign out for next year.” While the tech bar area at the Doon campus is larger and more prominent, the Cambridge and Waterloo campuses do have tech bars as well, although they are smaller. As of this moment any help from tech tutors can be received by dropping by. In the future, the plan is for students to have the ability to book an appointment online to meet with a tech tutor. In addition, LRC staff plan to promote the tech bar in the coming semester to inform students that this new resource exists, which will help them succeed. The tech bar on the Doon campus is located just outside the LRC.
Tech bar to the rescue BY PETER SWART
PHOTO BY JOSH PEDERSON
Conestoga College student Daniel Ajiroba holds two of his awards. On the left is the Queen’s Young Leaders Medal and on the right is the Neil Aitchison Scholarship award from Conestoga for recognition of outstanding volunteerism.
Advocating for the environment
BY JOSH PEDERSON
To say that you have received an award directly from Queen Elizabeth II is not a feat that many of us can relate to. For Daniel Ajiroba, a bachelor of environmental public health student at Conestoga College, that was a reality, when he received the Queen’s Young Leaders Medal in 2015. This sensational accomplishment is just one of many that Ajiroba has obtained in his 30-year lifetime. Ajiroba was born in Nigeria, which is where his work all started. Back home, he obtained a bachelors of plant biology and for the last 10 years, he has committed his life to working as an advocate for environmental sustainability, helping to better the world around him. Since 2015, Ajiroba has been a member of the Climate Reality Program, a worldwide organization that travels to different cities to inform people and advocate for climate change. Ajiroba credits his philosophy on life to his father, who helped him become who he is today. “One of my dad’s favourite quotes was always, ‘whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.’ I have found great wisdom in this. “If I am to commit myself to anything, giving my best then should not be negotiable. I also do believe that life is about our perspectives. It is about how we choose to perceive things around us. The challenges we face today equally provide us with opportunities to serve.
We should be inspired by these challenges and not overwhelmed.” Ajiroba has more than adhered to that advice, obtaining several honours and accreditations for his work within the field, which he got started in due to his love of the outdoors, nature and community involvement. “I have been quite fortunate to be recognized for my active participation and involvement in various social issues. Some of this includes being a recipient of the Nigerian Youth Leadership award, selected as the World Economic Forum Global Shaper, recipient of the Nigerian Youth Service award, leader of the Nigerian youth delegates to the United Nations Climate Change conference in Qatar, the African Union Ministers of Youth Leadership award, the Neil Aitchison Scholarship award from Conestoga and a few weeks ago, I was invited by the World Bank Group to Washington, D.C. for its youth and ICT summit.” Ajiroba has already achieved more than some people have in an entire lifetime and he is a prime example of how hard work and determination can pay off. His dedication toward environmental sustainability and advocacy shows no signs of slowing down. “I hope to see myself involved in high level public policy issues. I look forward to championing global issues of interest and leading interventions targeted at making our world a better place,” he said.
Trish Weigel-Green, LRC director. Not only does the tech bar staff truly save students who are drowning in schoolwork and are unable to grasp certain elements of the technology they need, but it also has some useful equipment that can be signed out at any time. “The tech bar lends out laptops, cables, chargers, digital cameras and more,” said Weigel-Green. “We will
PHOTO BY PETER SWART
The Doon campus’s Library Resource Centre recently opened a tech bar and students are taking full advantage of the services provided.
FEATURE
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Monday, January 8, 2018
Galt art studio offers more than just art BY TAYLOR PACE
The owner of a new art studio in Galt believes providing customers with a positive and memorable experience is the most important part of her job. “I put people first; it’s more important for me to treat people with respect than whether I sell something or not,” said Susan Benton, a mother of two with a friendly face, who opened the doors of Cedar Lake Studios on Ainslie Street in the first week of November. The studio offers more than just the usual run-of-themill paintings. It features a variety of Canadian art and artisanal products ranging from large, expensive fine art pieces and sculptures, to reasonably priced artisanal jewelry, tea and chocolate. For Benton, it’s a dream come true. “I’ve probably been toying with the idea of opening my own gallery for 15 years, maybe,” she said. “So really this is a dream that is a reality now.” Her love of art was ignited at a young age, as she grew up with her father’s own collection of original art hanging on the walls. “I loved art, but I’m not artistic myself in that way,” she said. For years she has played different roles in the arts, working at the Stratford Festival while studying English at university, and later went on to other top institutions and festivals such as the Shaw Festival and, finally, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Toronto – the only major art gallery that exclusively displays Canadian art. Wanting to work closer to home, Benton suddenly
left the McMichael in 2015, uncertain of what she would do next, but confident something would work out if she took a chance. Soon after, she opened Cedar Lake, the online store, with her former business partner, carrying many of the same artisan products featured in the studio, but with fewer large pieces. After two years of growing success online and vending at art festivals, Benton decided it was time to set up shop. “It was hard doing the art shows, because I’m packing up everything, taking it, displaying it. I was always the last person left at the art show taking it all down,” she said. “I figured I’d rather be here where I can display things properly.” Working at the studio on weekends is Jennifer Leigh, who can otherwise be found at McMaster Gallery and Custom Framing in Dundas, Ont., where she does custom framing and art appraisals. The two met roughly four years ago when Benton first went to the McMaster Gallery for some custom framing. “I was so impressed with her skill and her customer service, she’s just warm and genuine and dedicated, compassionate and caring about what she does,” Benton said. So, of course she was delighted when Leigh agreed to help her with the studio. “When she’s here, she sets the same atmosphere that I would set,” she said. For Leigh, the admiration is mutual. “I’ve always been a big fan of hers. She and I just got along really well and always have since the moment we met,” she said. Leigh believes Cedar Lake Studios is different from other art galleries where customers
might feel pressured to buy things or not to touch anything: customers are always welcome to browse and chat about art or anything else. “How she talks to people about art, how she welcomes clients in, I think makes a huge difference,” Leigh said. “Her enthusiasm is genuine and infectious and she just has a warmth that works for a business owner.” For Benton, it’s simple: she just loves people. “That’s what’s been so fun about opening the gallery, is that I actually get to interact with people one on one. Whereas online, sure you do by email or whatever, but it’s not the same as when people walk in the door.” Even the wide range of artists she works with are chosen based not only on their expertise, but on their personality. “Not only are these people incredibly talented in their chosen medium, they’re just remarkably genuine people,” said Leigh. “That’s what makes Cedar Lake so welcoming to come in to, energetically there’s just a really good feeling that makes it accessible.” For example, a fine art photographer Benton has known for years through the McMaster Gallery is one of the artists featured in her studio. Customers often relate to the images with their raw Canadian theme. Leigh said, “I find that people really have an emotional connection to it because he doesn’t use Photoshop, he doesn’t digitally manipulate his images.” Working closely with Canadian art over the years inspired Benton to make that her focus. The theme is certainly there, from the
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Above: The sign outside Benton’s newly opened studio. Below, from left to right: Handcrafted jewelry featured in the studio. Prints, pottery and fine art are displayed on the wall. northern photography to the tree sculptures and jewelry with beaver charms. Although this makes the store a great place for gifts, she believes it’s all in good taste, and doesn’t come close to resembling typical souvenirs. “I love the selection in the store, I think it’s very Canadian in a really spiritual way, who we are as Canadians is reflected,” Benton said. Benton prides herself in the wide range of pricing and merchandise, making the arts accessible to everyone; a rare
concept in the art realm. With the accessible prices, the variety of the art and the service, customers have been responding well to the store so far, leaving Benton confident that the studio will succeed in the coming months. “I think there’s a need for art. You can buy a couch, you can buy a chair, but it’s what you actually put on your walls that reflects who you are. So I think I’m offering people a nice selection of things that may touch them, in a way. Something that they’ll have for a long time.”
Monday, January 8, 2018
Eat, sleep, study repeat BY TYLER MEDEIROS
Exam time can be stressful for most students. It causes late night study sessions and anxiety, leaving most students wondering if they are as ready as they can be for the upcoming test. “There is nothing worse than exam time and with the recent strike everyone is worried about their grades dropping from just one test,” said Adam Vitug a first-year Conestoga business student. You can beat exam stress in many ways, you just have to find out what works for you. Concordia University studied the top six things that help manage stress and anxiety during this time and published the results on their website. The first of these tips is to exercise. According to Richard Demont, associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science, “exercising helps to get rid of that extra stress. The problem is nobody makes the time to do it.” Number two on the list is to simply take a break. Make sure to give yourself some time to breath and relax – you may feel the need to study ever moment you are awake but overdoing it can be counter-productive. According to Elaine Ransom-Hodges, a learning specialist at Concordia, “Sitting for long periods of time lowers brain activity so getting up and taking a
short break is a great way to kickstart your brain.” Think about the bigger picture is Concordia’s third tip on the list. Simply finding time to think of things other than the classroom can be a big help. So, try not to think just about the exam. Instead, try to see that in the long run this test is only a small piece of the bigger puzzle. Taking the time to prepare sits at number four. Making sure you have a study plan set in place is always a good idea. Allocate specific times to study each topic for each class you have. This will allow you to focus on what you are doing when you are doing it instead of thinking about everything you haven’t done. Number five is finding a place where you can focus and succeed while studying. Gather all of your things and find a place you can feel comfortable in while working, such as your favourite café or in the library. Take the time to scope out a good spot is always worth it. The last tip on the list is to get help or buddy up. You should never feel like you are alone. Make sure you take the time to talk to a mentor or friend who cares about what you have to say. You can also find a study buddy so that you both know what the other is going through and can support each other in this stressful time.
PHOTO BY TYLER MEDEIROS
A Conestoga student studies alone in a quiet space on Jan. 2 for her upcoming tests.
NEWS
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PHOTO BY TYLER MEDEIROS
A Conestoga College student receives a flu shot at the recreation centre at the Doon campus to prepare herself for the flu season ahead.
Flu season strikes BY TYLER MEDEIROS
The flu season is here so grab your tissues and lozenges because it is going to be a rough one this year. On Dec. 22 nurses came to the Doon campus recreation centre to administer the flu shot to any student, faculty and staff who wanted it. Most of the students who received the shot were people who were not born in Canada or who travel to other countries throughout the season, according to the nurses. Doctors and specialists are saying this year might be a nasty one for the flu because of what is happening in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Their winter is our summer so they see the trends and patterns first, which is then used to predict what is coming our way.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, a tropical infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto, told Global News in an interview, “The key thing with influenza is that it’s predictably unpredictable but a few arrows are pointing in the direction that this may be a bit more on the rough side for influenza seasons.” According to Bogoch there were more documented influenza cases in Australia this year than the previous two years as well as more people hospitalized and more deaths related to influenza. There are three strains of influenza based on H1N1 – A, B and C. According to Global News there are three major strains to worry about based on H1N1 called A/ Michigan/45/2015, H3N2 known as A/Singapore/
INFIHM-16-0019/2016, and a B strain, B/Phuket/3073/2013. The bad news is the current vaccine this year is not an exact match for the H3n2 and the B strains. Doctors are still recommending people get the shots because many researchers say there will be an overlap between the circulation strains and the vaccine. Anthony Bastos, a thirdyear Conestoga programing student, said, “It’s better to be safe than sorry. I would prefer getting the shot than doing nothing and getting sick anyways. Even if this will not protect me 100 per cent it’s still better than not having any protection at all. The last thing I need is to be sick and start my new semester being miserable after the break.”
COMMENTARY
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Monday, January 8, 2018
Naloxone kits coming to college BY MELISSA HORTON
The growing use of fentanyl has become a crisis in many areas including Kitchener. Politicians are grappling with how to deal with the issue, including proposals for safe injection sites in the hopes of keeping drugs off the streets. Residents have organized events to rid their neighbourhoods of needles and first responders have armed themselves with naloxone kits in hopes of reducing the number of overdose deaths. Homeless people get most of the blame for the rise in drug use, but after the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s 2017 survey, which looked at Ontario students’ drug use and health, some parents’ worst nightmares have come true. According to the survey, around one per cent of students in grades 9-12 have taken fentanyl. Despite drugs like marijuana dropping nine per cent and alcohol usage dropping 23 per cent, parents are concerned about fentanyl, specifically in terms of schools being prepared. The Waterloo Region District School Board has been considering putting naloxone kits in schools in order to be prepared for the growing opioid crisis. In an interview with CBC, Nick Manning, chief communications officer for the school board, said, “We’re in a position now where we want to receive some guidance from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health on how we should be handling this.” Naloxone kits may be the new norm, including at colleges and universities. Conestoga College will have a naloxone kit on site in as early as four weeks. Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie, director of Security Services, said it will be kept at Health Services and any security staff hired by the college will be trained on how to use it. She added that if any issue were to arise, response times for paramedics and firefighters are under four minutes to the Doon campus and if any student was in need of immediate care, Waterloo Region first responders are located at the emergency medical services station on campus. Although, the use of fentanyl by students is very low, the increased use of fentanyl is concerning. For now all school officials can do is put preventative measures in place and inform youth about the dangers of fentanyl. This is exactly what the region and Conestoga are doing and hopefully this will result in fewer overdoses and deaths. As the saying goes: better safe than sorry. The views herein represent the position of the newspaper, not necessarily the author.
Letters are welcome Spoke welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be signed and include the name and telephone number of the writer. Writers will be contacted for verification. No unsigned letters will be published. Letters should be no longer
than 500 words. Spoke reserves the right to edit any letter for publication. Address correspondence to: The Editor, Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Dr., Kitchener, Ont., N2G 4M4
“ Online mob mentality.”
Social mob mentality must go Social media has become probably one of the single most powerful and influential aspects of human interaction across the globe. Whether people use it to read about politics, inventions, discoveries, crime, or something in between, social media connects people, and shares information to the masses. However, social media is also a shining example of mob mentality, and it’s starting to get really annoying. How many people reading this, have stood outside and physically protested against an issue they felt compassionate about? Probably few, but if I asked how many people have got up in arms on social media about things that bothered them, I bet the numbers would be staggeringly higher. But, more and more I’m noticing a trend where people who previously had shown no outward expression against something, let’s just say transgender rights, suddenly will become a, “social justice warrior.” This term is being used to describe someone who participates or engages in protests or activism under the guise of conviction to the cause, but secretly (and maybe
Mike Turcotte Opinion
even subconsciously) does it to look better, cooler, or to be part of what is trendy. Seriously, millennials are terrible for trends … I mean, trends have always been around, but with sites like Instagram and Pinterest showcasing images and trends, it feels like every month there is something new that everyone must have, or wear, or believe in. This is fine when it’s simple things like fashion, but the problem really comes when this pattern is applied to politics and crime, in particular. If something happens on a political level, such as the major sweep of movements and social change about genders, people are almost forced to conform to the opinions of the mob, lest they be viewed as an outsider to the pack. This is normal animal behaviour essentially, and happens all the time in our day-to-day lives, but social media amplifies the numbers
by the tens of thousands. The other issue isn’t just the fear of being outcast by the pack, but simply the naivety of the few, becoming the problem of the masses. Fake news is spread like wildfire, with people believing it blindly because it seems like the right thing to do, and everyone else is. Look at the whole Keaton Jones situation that circulated on social media. First, everyone supported him, raising tens of thousands of dollars in donations for him and his family. Major celebrities and sports stars met with him, etc. Then, suddenly information comes out about his family’s background, and the mob quickly changes their view, with everyone in an uproar. It’s hilarious to watch the mindless masses run back and forth, but it’s also really starting to get annoying. Let’s start a new trend in 2018: the minds of the world need to start thinking as individuals. Dan Millman, author of the Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives, says, “Everyone tells you what’s good for you. They don’t want you to find your own answers. They want you to believe theirs.”
SPOKE
IS PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED WEEKLY BY THE JOURNALISM STUDENTS OF CONESTOGA COLLEGE Editor: Taylor Pace Assignment Editor: Austin Wells Advertising Manager: Christina Jonas Spoke Online Editors: Mike Turcotte-McCusker, Josh Pederson
Production Manager: Christina Jonas Photo Editors (print): Lucas Hutteri, Tyler Medeiros Photo Editors (online): Veronica Reiner, Peter Swart
Social Media Editor: Melissa Horton Circulation Manager: Becky Soares Faculty Supervisor and Adviser: Christina Jonas
Spoke’s address is 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 1B23, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4. Phone: 519-748-5220, ext. 3691, 3692, 3693, 3694 Email: spoke@conestogac.on.ca Website: www.spokeonline.com
The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of Conestoga College. Spoke shall not be liable for any damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for the space. Letters to the editor are subject to acceptance or rejection and should be clearly written or typed; a MS Word file would be helpful. Letters must not contain any libellous statements.
FUN & GAMES
Monday, January 8, 2018
SPOKE s Page 7
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope
The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At that time, the most known player on the market was Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.
Week of Jan. 8, 2018
Aries
March 21 April 19 Are you comfortable with the idea of doing something new? This year will prove to be the day you stood up for yourself and the trajectory of your life shifted, even if subtly.
Taurus April 20 May 20
Seek out someone you trust to answer a difficult question. With good advice you can do anything.
Gemini May 21 June 21
This week your Pluto is waxing, which means that you should keep close persons of the sign Aries who are likely the sign where you’ll find the most comfort.
Cancer June 22 July 22
Now your sun/moon is increasing, which means that you should think twice about people who are Capricorn who may watch your back, if you’ve watched theirs.
Leo
July 23 August 22 Are you considering making a job move? Soon will come the time you realize the answer you have been pondering.
Virgo
August 23 September 22 You may want a friend whom you used to be close with to make a major decision. If you’re ready to make a move, this week is a good time.
Libra
September 23 October 22
Bruce Lee was so fast that they actually had to slow film down while shooting so you could see his moves. That’s the opposite of the norm.
If you’re considering dating someone new, then don’t put it off. Consider holding off on matters related to reproduction and birth control.
The phrase “rule of thumb” is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn’t beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.
Scorpio
October 23 November 21 It may be in your best interest to consider an old flame to suggest to you that you already know the solution.
Sherlock Holmes NEVER said, “Elementary, my dear Watson.”
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.
Look to someone you trust. Don’t take any big risks that you may regret. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.
Capricorn December 22 January 19
Today is your now. Do it.
Word Search
Aquarius January 20 February 18
Today you have the choice to make a new start for yourself. Let go your earthly desires and understanding that you have the power to do the right thing.
Pisces
February 19 March 20 You will find an item you own, like a broken watch or a broken clock, and it will remind you of things gone by. So just consider this as you go into today.
Diodonna Winona dabbles in forces beyond mortal comprehension. She also enjoys people watching and coffee.
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Monday, January 8, 2018