The Cascade, Volume 32, Issue 4

Editor-in-Chief

Brad Duncan brad@ufvcascade.ca

Production Manager Sherryl Agingu sherryl@ufvcascade.ca

Business Manager Marie-Ange Routier marie-ange@ufvcascade.ca

Culture Editor Kiara Okonkwo kiara@ufvcascade.ca

Features & Cover Illustrator Eseniia Bondar eseniia@ufvcascade.ca

Digital Media Manager Wilson Agyapong wilson@ufvcascade.ca

Digital Design Manager Diana Blanco diana@ufvcascade.ca

Snapshot Illustrator

Iryna Presley iryna@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Gauri Sethi gauri@ufvcascades.ca

Staff Writer Veronica Powell veronica@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Prati Kapoor prati@ufvcascade.ca

Creative Director Gabriela Gonzalez gabriela@ufvcascade.ca

News Editor Rachel Tait rachel@ufvcascade.ca

Opinion Editor Emmaline Spencer emmaline@ufvcascade.ca

Copy Editor Aasha Khoyratty aasha@ufvcascade.ca

Features Editor Brad Duncan brad@ufvcascade.ca

Sports Editor Jeffrey Kennett jeffrey@ufvcascade.ca

Arts Editor Gianna Dinwoodie gianna@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Cassie Williams cassie@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Larry Odey larry@ufvcascade.ca

Distributor Kirat Dhami kirat@ufvcascade.ca

Community Engagement Coordinator Sabrina Morgan sabrina@ufvcascade.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

Being able to work is a privilege, it just doesn’t always feel like it at the time.

AASHA KHOYRATTY

“It must be nice to not have to work,” is a sentiment I’ve been hearing all too often recently. You’d think I would get used to hearing it, but I don’t. It grinds my gears more and more each time, so much so that I have to write about it, or else I may explode.

In 2018, I started my journey at UFV. My aspirations were high, and they felt realistic at the time. I would finish my degree in five years, as I knew I had to factor in the fact that I was (and am) mentally ill, so the prescribed four years wouldn’t work for me. After that, perhaps I would pursue a bachelor of education, or maybe even a master of fine arts in creative writing. The possibilities seemed almost endless. I knew there were many jobs I couldn’t do because I’ve struggled with chronic pain and mental illness since I was a kid. Aside from that, the world was my oyster.

Now it’s 2024, and my graduation request for a general studies diploma was recently approved. I won’t be finishing my degree — at least not any time soon. My six years at UFV have been nothing short of excellent; my nearly two years here as a copy editor at The Cascade have been

INSTAGRAM.COM CASCADE_FY

TIKTOK CASCADE_FY Volume 32 · Issue 04 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529

The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by The Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.

The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Pitch meetings will be digital for the remainder of the semester. Please email managing@ufvcascade.ca to be put on the assignment email list.

In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous student publication, opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members. WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA

The Cascade is published on the traditional, unceded territory of the Stó:lō peoples. We are grateful to be able to work and learn on this beautiful land.

Aasha Khoyratty

Vancouver’s new Indigenous mega-development

Squamish Nation takes a big step towards reconciliation with an 11-tower Vancouver housing project

CASSIE WILLIAMS

Sen áḵw is Vancouver’s newest mega-development that is set to be completed by 2033. The project is being developed by Nch’ḵay West, a partnership between Nch’ḵay Development Corporation and Westbanks Projects Corp. This is the largest partnership in Canadian history with any First Nation. According to Macleans, this 11-tower development takes up just over 10 acres of land, is centrally located in the city, and will be “the densest neighbourhood in Canada.” Indigenous nations are reclaiming their power and presence for their people with the building of Sen áḵw, and they are not bothered by what their neighbours think of it.

Sen áḵw is being described as “undeniably Indigenous” with some remarkable architectural features. When complete, the four million square foot development will provide over 6,000 rental homes and 1,200 affordable homes, and will be the largest First Nations economic development project in Canadian history — as well as the largest net zero carbon residential project in Canada.

Sen áḵw will be built on reserve land that is currently owned by the Squamish First Nation. Partnering with the private real estate developer, Westbank, it will provide homes for thousands of Vancouver residents, and assist those who have struggled with the inflating and unequal housing market. The project will be located at the south end of the Burrard Street Bridge, made possible by a special agreement between the Squamish First Nation and the City of Vancouver signed in May 2022.

The Squamish land building site holds much history. According to the Sen áḵw

website, “long before the arrival of European settlers in the Vancouver area in 1791, Squamish ancestors had a village at Sen áḵw.” This is where families would fish, hunt, and harvest. They also built longhouses and would host potlatches for the community. Sen áḵw was a significant hub of culture, trading, and commerce amongst the First Nations people of the area.

The Squamish Nation will be at the forefront of the construction and uninhibited by the City of Vancouver’s zoning rules. The Nation is choosing to make it bigger and bolder than any city property development could ever be. This has brought some controversy from those in proximity to the building who are worried about how this will affect their day-to-day lives.

Critics of the project are concerned with how it will impact livability and traffic congestion. The Kits Point Residents Association has gone as far as to seek having the agreement between Squamish Nation and the City of Vancouver declared unlawful. However, the B.C. court rejected this challenge, and the project is set to continue on track.

The total residential floor will be 3.8 million square feet, with retail and restaurant spaces accounting for another 171,000 square feet. Six acres of the land area will be dedicated to green spaces, parks, and plazas.

Sen áḵw is “reconciliation in action” and will provide long-term benefits for both the Squamish Nation and the City of Vancouver for generations. Rentals will be 30-40 per cent cheaper than other market rentals and the project is expected to bring in “four times more rental units into the Vancouver housing market than are built by the city in a single year,” according to the Nch’ḵay project website. One of the most important projects in the history of Canada, Sen áḵw will guide the Squamish First Nation towards complete economic independence.

The first phase of construction is set to be completed by late 2025. Each phase will receive an approximately equal number of residential units. Phase 1 will be made up of three towers and is expected to begin soon and be completed by 2026. Phase 2 will be built by 2028, Phase 3 by 2030, and Phase 4 by 2033.

Canada //

An Unhappy Generation

World Happiness Report finds that individuals under the age of 30 in Canada are ‘very unhappy’

CASSIE WILLIAMS

Canada fell to 15th place in the 2024 World Happiness Report, dropping two spots from where it was in 2023, with Canadians under 30 feeling especially downcast. The World Happiness Report is an evaluation of annual worldwide happiness rankings. It reviews the present state of happiness and well-being while offering explanations of personal and national differences when it comes to happiness.

For the first time, this year’s rankings were given based on age groups, and youth in North America have shown a substantial drop, revealing that Canadians under 30 have a much lower level of happiness compared to those over 60. When looking at Canadians aged 30 and under, their placement fell to the 58th spot.

The report “takes in data from the Gallup World Poll of people from more than 140 countries, then ranks countries by their average life evaluations over the three previous years, in this case, 202123,” according to the World Happiness Report website. The report measures GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, social support, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. These six main indicators are meant to create an accurate representation of happiness. Respondents rate their own lives and experiences in these categories.

Those under the age of 30 report feeling like they have less support from family and friends when they need it. They also have less hope about living circumstances and uncertainty in terms of their futures; there is a growing lack of stability amongst the generation due to a continually rising cost of living.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University postulates that Gen-Z has faced “unprecedented

challenges and novel social dynamics.”

This generation has undoubtedly been through challenging times, like a global pandemic, rising wealth inequality, and a housing crisis. The ascendency of social media-laden smartphones has also been a crucial factor in the growing anxiety plaguing Gen-Z, making global tragedies like mass school shootings and international conflicts feel much closer to home.

Christopher Barrington-Leigh, an associate professor at McGill University’s equity, ethics, and policy department, suggested that these youth may also have a lack of trust in the government as well as overall higher levels of stress and anxiety.

“One of the securities that are important for life satisfaction is actually just stability, feeling safe,” he said in an interview with Global News. “That has something to do with knowing what’s coming and that is very naturally harder for the youth because they don’t have a long past to look at.” This points to a lack of trust in and suspicion of the government, a connection to negative perceptions of the economy and increasing public concern about crime, as violence portrayed in the media can lead to a declining public trust. Stress and anxiety permeate the lives of those under 30. Precarity has led many Canadians to believe that given the

current economy, they will be unable to secure the long term financial stability needed to buy a home and start a family. A definite snub to this generation’s “freedom to make life choices.”

A survey polling more than 1,500 employed Canadians aged 18-34 were found to be significantly more likely than those aged 55 and older to be struggling with mental health. According to this survey by Ipsos for RBC Insurance, “the majority (69 per cent) of employed Gen-Z and millennial Canadians are struggling with anxiety, while 59 per cent are dealing with depression.”

The rising cost of living and lack of housing affordability have led people to believe they will never achieve a “good life” and that their work will not pay off. Felix Cheung, Canada’s research chair in population well-being told Global News, “One possible reason why we’re seeing this decline in happiness among youth is that I think we need to really think about whether or not our younger folks feel hard work can bring success.”

The country that currently holds the number one spot in the report is Finland. They have held this position for the past seven years. Cheung believes it is because their people feel a strong sense of support from the community that relates to their overall mental strength and contentment.

Barrington-Leigh and Cheung both concluded that the declining happiness of youth is a sign that policy makers should be focusing efforts on improving the overall quality of life of Canadians.

Cheung told Global News it’s especially concerning when an entire age group is struggling, as is now the case with young Canadians. “When the entire population isn’t happy, it’s now no longer an individual problem but a structural problem.”

April 2024 Senate recap

Program changes, criminology program review, and UFV’s 50th Anniversary.

RACHEL TAIT

Senate is the academic governing body of UFV, with the university president and vice-chancellor Dr. Joanne MacLean as chair. They are responsible for making decisions on everything academic, including: approving new courses and programs, approving changes to programs, and setting entrance requirements and the academic calendar. The

Board of Governors, which looks at the business side of the university, is advised by Senate on matters of mutual interest.

All at the university are welcome to attend Senate’s public meetings, held once a month. Senate makes decisions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. This article will recap the main agenda items of the hybrid Senate meeting on Friday, April 12, 2024.

The motion for approving the new

Microcredential policy made by Gerry Palmer, school of business associate professor, was withdrawn after some concerns were raised by several members of the senate board. “I think it’s worthwhile for us to move this back and let Senate governance direct it as appropriate,” said chair, Dr. Joanne MacLean, who assured the senate that it will come back for a motion once it is further worked on and reviewed.

Provost and vice president academic, Dr. James Mandigo, motioned that the documents for the criminology program review be approved. According to the proposed action plan, this includes reviewing the “learning outcomes for the BA (criminal justice) and criminal justice diploma to ensure they align with program goals.” Factors that are being

Andrea Vollgas - Adobe Stock

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

considered include how different the two programs are and if they attract “different clienteles with different goals.”

Another goal in the action plan is to “evaluate the removal of the CRIM extended minor,” as the program is very similar to the minor. Different criteria are also under review such as “making CRIM 211 (Indigenous Peoples, crime and criminal justice) a core program requirement and evaluat[ing] the inclusion of ECON 100 (principles of microeconomics) as a breadth requirement.” The motion to accept the documents was approved by the senate.

A motion for changes to the bachelor of fine arts entrance and program requirements was made by David Johnston, university registrar. One of the biggest changes in the BFA is the new SOCA 105 course that is set to fulfil the academic writing requirement. The reason stated is “to ensure that BFA students are introduced to creative-arts specific genres of writing and writing expectations.” Another program change is to make THEA 111 a required course for the program. This was done “to ensure that students are introduced to performance

BC //

skills that are required for creative arts tasks.”

Entrance requirement changes for the BFA include no longer having an interview for new students coming out of high school and university students who have completed program courses now only need a “2.0 CGPA” and “15 university-level credits in BFA-related disciplines with a minimum GPA of 2.” The motion was voted favourably by the senate board and the changes will come into effect in September 2024.

Motions were made by Johnston to approve the changes to the entrance requirements and program changes for both the bachelor of environmental studies and the bachelor of environmental studies (natural sciences). Entrance requirement changes made to the environmental studies BA include no longer needing prerequisites for STAT 104 or STAT 106 for high school students.

Additionally, changes made to the natural sciences program entrance requirements stipulate that high school students will no longer need prerequisites for BIO 111 and university students need to successfully finish nine credits with a 2.0 CGPA. Revisions made to both bachelor programs include the introduction of

new courses such as the ENV 212 (environmental field and lab techniques), GEO 252, ENV 345 (invasive species management) and PLAN 366. The motions were carried, and the changes will take place in September 2024.

In the Provost report, Mandigo gave a summary of UFV’s history in honour of their 50th anniversary. “Throughout the next year, we will be taking time to

recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of FVC, UCFV, and UFV and the impact it has made over the past 50 years,” wrote Mandigo. He mentioned that UFV will also be contemplating the next 50 years as well, and wrote that “there is much we can learn from the past 50 years that will ensure that UFV continues on its exciting path forward and continues to serve the needs of the Fraser Valley.”

Aspiring Fraser Valley tradespeople compete for a spot on Team BC

A look into Skills Canada BC’s trades and technology competition

VERONICA POWELL

Skills Canada BC hosted their 30th annual Provincial Trade and Technology competition on April 17, 2024 at the Abbotsford Tradex. Over 600 secondary and post-secondary students competed to prove their technological excellence and passion for their chosen career path. The free event, open to the public, held 56 different trade and technology competition categories.

The tasks at hand required excellent attention to detail and concentration to produce a well-made product for final judgment. For example, the bakers of the competition had to complete four different modules while maintaining strict safety, organization, and sanitation requirements.

The winners will move on to compete in the national event in Quebec City May 29 to June 1, 2024. Beyond that, Canada’s elite young talents who prove their mettle will move on to the international WorldSkills competition in Lyon, France this September.

Students and educators witnessed the competitors in action from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

and were welcomed to visit the Pathways to Careers showcase for an opportunity to try some interactive activities such as heavy equipment operator simulators, or operating a mobile crane. Viewers could watch a variety of job skill demonstrations throughout the day, and middle school students participated in the junior skills competition, constructing spaghetti bridges, sumo robots, and wind turbines.

All the provincial competitors earned their spots through the numerous regional

competitions held throughout British Columbia. Many competitors took home very deserving medals including a few UFV students. Andrew Majka and Henry Majkawon won silver and bronze, respectively, in IT Network Systems Administration; Ashley Young claimed bronze for plumbing; Ethan Black and Dominic Anderson captured silver medals in Automotive Service; and Connor Harrison took home the Gold in Cooking.

Tingey Injury Law Firm-Unsplash 2020

SNAPSHOTS

Goodbye, cucumbers!!!

So, I am a sandwich girly, and I love cucumbers in my sandwiches. They’re light and provide a good crunch. I usually use two-to-three cucumbers a week. Sigh But that would be impossible now. With inflation, one cucumber could cost $3-4, which brings me to a grand total of $9-$12 for a couple of cucumbers a week. Before I knew it, I was dropping $50 a month just on cucumbers, which is far too much for me to justify spending on one ingredient. So, I decided to switch to lettuce to still keep some green in my sandwiches. The price for cucumbers and lettuce is the same, but lettuce has a larger volume.

What’s your secret?

A lot of people are curious how I got to be so good at all the different little hobbies of mine. From streamlining cable knit hats, to a perfectly balanced cinnamon roll recipe, to a fully customized PC, I’ve polished every project I set my heart on until it is pristine and shining. Other people wonder where I get the time to do it in the first place. Is it even possible to read all the books I do in the minimal amount of days it takes?

I’d like to think I’m just incredibly cool and am naturally gifted, but the

Illustrated by Iryna Presley

Your 20s are the worst years of your life

Hence, one head lasts me a week.

But it’s not the same! Having switched to adding mounds of lettuce to my sandwich, I realize that nothing beats the succulent crunch of cucumbers — I just can’t get used to leafy lettuce. Cucumbers were a simple joy in my life. Why was that taken away? What did I ever do to you, inflation?! I guess I won’t be enjoying my beloved cucumber sandwiches for a long time. Anyway, welcome, lettuce! Cucumbers? What are those?

NISHI CHANNA

reality is pretty lackluster. I just have a habit of hyperfixating on an activity and forgetting the rest of the world. I will spend every waking moment I have on the singular goal. If I have a five minute break at work, I’ll spend it on my project. So how did I perfect the cinnamon roll recipe in less than a week? Let’s just say a lot of people I know received cinnamon rolls that week.

Don’t get me wrong — this isn’t a complaint; it’s a declaration of truth. Regardless of what stage of your 20s you’re in, people my age often hear comments like “you’re just a baby,” and honestly, yeah, I am. The famous notion that our 20s are the “best years of our lives” is a myth. Our 20s teem with highs and lows — we encounter remarkable, yet also profoundly challenging circumstances. We find ourselves grappling with life’s complexities, feeling as though everything is unfolding all at once.

Testimony

It’s not as though life miraculously becomes easier at 30, but I want to believe it gradually eases from the frantic pace of now. The challenges of my 20s surfaced early, as life’s course would have it, and though I’m still navigating them, I’ve come to realize I’m not alone in this struggle. This phase is simply a difficult stage of life. Once I realized this, the absurd pressure to make my 20s the best years of my life completely evaporated.

It’s no secret that sometimes we feel down. We tend to pursue ways to avoid the deep nagging call of loneliness; whether it’s seeking validation from others, keeping active in faith, or engaging in activities designed to address those feelings. Something that unintentionally unites students, both domestic and international, is an unwanted sensation of isolation, and it seems that addressing it is hard for many. The school, however, has taken steps to support students ready to confront these emotions — especially when they start to interfere with academics and campus life — by providing guidance counseling and related services.

But again, it appears that these genuine efforts fail to hit the nail on the head or deliver any significant improvements. Perhaps the approach is flawed. Perhaps outright deliverance is not entirely necessary. It’s too easy to dismiss such feelings as “just a phase” and attempt to bury them — and that might just be the worst approach — but what if we were to embrace the coldest days? What if we made something positive out of these harsh emotions, and transformed them into motivation that leads us to achieve something, and allow our loneliness to become a testimony?

LARRY ODEY

GABRIELA GONZALEZ

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

It turns out that chronic pain and mental illness have been a bigger factor in my life than I anticipated them to be six years ago, and they’re also more intertwined than I ever could’ve predicted. While accessibility services here at UFV have been incredibly helpful in providing accommodations, I have now reached a point where it is nearly impossible to physically pursue my education any further.

My chronic pain has a name now, but only because I took my healthcare into my own hands. Growing up I was sent for x-ray after x-ray, and there wasn’t a solid explanation for the pain and other symptoms I was experiencing. Until last year, when I requested an MRI of my entire spine. Finally, I was diagnosed with several conditions that explain my symptoms. These symptoms are vast, and while some can be managed, others are out of anyone’s control. Getting these diagnoses has helped me understand myself better. My symptoms will get worse. I know that now. I also know that the best treatment for me is symptom management, and the best way for me to manage my symptoms is to… not do much at all. At least that’s

how I think most people look at it. What symptom management looks like for me is to focus on activities that bring me joy, because these types of activities release endorphins, which lessen pain and stress. It also looks like prioritizing relaxation and comfort above all else, and avoiding things that cause me extra pain, or stress (as the two often go hand in hand). It looks like not putting pressure on myself to finish my education or to continue working, because even though those things bring me joy, and even though I’d love to do those things, it’s ultimately too hard on my body. No matter how much I try to adapt, my pain and other symptoms still disable me.

I love my job here at The Cascade, and I am endlessly grateful for it. Prior to starting my role here, I found it extremely difficult to hold down a job due to my pain and mental illness; but here I found a home and somewhere I could thrive. If I could, I would continue doing a job just like this one for the rest of my life. I would love to be able to listen to people talk about their jobs and be able to relate to them instead of feeling jealous of them. I would love to continue to earn my own money and feel fulfillment through work,

but my reality is that I cannot. I will keep writing, for as long as I possibly can, but my days of working on a set schedule are over. It isn’t a choice, it’s what my body and brain require of me.

If you’d like to follow along on my journey, feel free to follow me on Instagram @aasha.khoyratty. There I post bits of my personal life, while providing updates on my writing. By following, you’ll be among the first to know when I have a

new article or poem, or when I eventually publish my novel. While you’re on the app, follow @Cascade_fy so that you’ll stay up to date with all the goings on of The Cascade, including new articles, job openings, and special events such as giveaways — yup, that’s right, if you give us a follow you might be lucky enough to win something… maybe even a The Cascade branded T-shirt (I’ve always wanted one of those).

Shorten the fuse, burnout the teacher

It’s long overdue that we take the teacher shortage seriously.

EMMALINE SPENCER

The teacher shortage used to give me peace of mind. I could be sure I’d have job security when I finish my university studies, but lately I’ve been questioning why the shortage is so bad in the first place. As a high school student, I had thought the shortage was a natural result of teachers reaching retirement age and never questioned it further.

It turns out the problem is much more complex than I had thought. Teachers are burning out, not just retiring. The burnout has only gotten worse in a post-pandemic world. During the pandemic, schools were forced to rapidly shift curriculum to an online environment that impacted not just students, but the teachers as well. Quality of education went down and we still don’t know how exactly that will impact education long-term, but we do know that stress from the pandemic resulted in an unimaginable fallout: teachers quitting their jobs. By some estimates, more than 30 per cent of new teachers are walking away during the first five years of their careers. That number only increased when school closures made income more unpredictable.

I now worry about what sort of work environment I am trying to enter and if I even want to enter it anymore. The

situation has become so dire that it’s common to see uncertified teachers working. Having someone who hasn’t completed the base training for the job feels quite a bit like the blind leading the blind. Teachers are forced to play a constant game of catch up with no end in sight.

Beyond the impacts of the pandemic, more and more schools are seen depending on portables as short-term solutions to long-term problems. As a child, I attended an elementary school that originally had a student maximum of 480, but its actual student enrollment was close to 1000. To compensate there were several portables where there should have been grass, and the kindergarten classes were entirely moved to another building five blocks away. The school had to renovate to add on additional classrooms to the main building, and eventually a new school, Katzie Elementary, was built a mere two blocks away.

Back in 2013, shortly before the height of the teachers’ strike, not only were teachers being unfairly compensated, they were also being overworked. It is evident that this seemingly past narrative isn’t truly in the past, as it is still a problem today, just as much as it was a decade ago. Something needs to change or we will only see further breakdown in

the education system.

Teachers need proper compensation, as well as adequate support in ratio to the number of students. On the other end of the stick, it is a disservice to our upcoming generation to not care for their education properly. As a society, we need to start

caring about the education system and the people that make it work if we have any hope of moving forward. Teaching programs are popular and competitive, but what is the point of that if once those potential teachers graduate, they quit their career in the first five years?

Aasha Khoyratty

The loneliness epidemic looks like a deserted mall

Convenience, community, and the case for “third places” in an increasingly isolated world

BRADLEY

DUNCAN

On May 27, 2021 — 17 years after the final episode aired — millions tuned in to the Friends: The Reunion for a dose of sweet nostalgia. Collectively, we were just over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and after months in and out of lockdowns, social distancing, masks, and Zoom calls, it was refreshing to see the gang gathered together on the set of Central Perk again. It might have been shameless fan-service, but it was also comforting in a familiar sort of way. Sitcoms (situational comedies) often employ some casual meeting place that serves to group its characters together. The cast of How I Met Your Mother drank at MacLaren’s Pub, Saved by the Bell’s teens headed to The Max after school, and the Seinfeld quartet frequented Monk’s Cafe. These locations all represent what sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined “the third place,” which differentiates it from the first place (home) and the second place (work). The third place is some other community nexus between home and work where people can gather. They’re community hubs and places of social connection — and it turns out they’re very important for society. So why, you may ask, am I writing about them? Well, it’s because we’re losing them at an alarming rate, and the consequences are alarming.

“Third Places” and why we need them

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. General Vivek Murthy released an 81-page advisory titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” The report identified worrying trends of social disconnection, pointed out several root causes, and outlined “Six Pillars to Advance Social Connection.” This phenomenon is not contained to America. Canada is culturally similar in many respects, and is experiencing this crisis in its own borders. While the rise in rates of social isolation, anxiety, and depression were

supercharged by COVID-19, the swift uptick began a decade earlier.

Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has been tracking the data on this for years, and his two most recent books, The Coddling of the American Mind and The Anxious Generation, lay out a persistent and troubling trend among children and young people in Western nations. Older Canadians are feeling the effects, too. Last year, a study released by the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) reported that 53 per cent of Canadians aged 65–79 were either “somewhat” or “very” lonely.

We’re also becoming more tribal. David R. Samson, an associate professor of biological anthropology at the University of Toronto, describes tribalism’s paradoxical nature in The Globe and Mail: “Outside of the group, it is acceptable to be compassionate toward those who share identity signals that foster co-operation, but it is also acceptable to dehumanize and use violence against out-groups when resources are limited.”

Human beings are social animals. We need other people for our mental and physical health. Research shows that in terms of mortality, the loneliness we experience from social disconnection equates to the negative health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is even more harmful than physical inactivity. It’s such a problem for our societies that it’s been taken up by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to their website, “The WHO Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026) aims to see the issue recognised and resourced as a global public health priority.”

This epidemic is sweeping and multifaceted, but one ingredient that lies at the heart of the matter is the societal divestiture from “third places.”

The endless draw of convenience

When Amazon was established in 1994 as an online book retailer, nobody could have predicted that three decades later, its founder would be rocketing billionaires into space while its employees relieve themselves into used water bottles. Now, the company is virtually omnipresent; and it has a ravenous appetite. As it grew, it didn’t stop at eating its digital rivals, and began gobbling up brick-and-mortar stores too. Why go to Sears, Eaton’s, or Zellers when you can find everything online, checkout from the toilet, and get it delivered to your home for free the next day?

I’m one of these people. Most of us are in some ways. If humans are good at anything, it’s making life more convenient for ourselves. The decline of third places takes many forms, but one of them is our inclination to be idle. If we resolve to put effort into something, we want to know that the energy being invested has a payoff. So what’s the virtue in getting dressed, dealing with traffic, finding a parking spot, and navigating a mall just to potentially emerge empty-handed? At that moment, those are all just obstacles standing between you and your new hair dryer.

The digital revolution has totally upended modern commerce. When Apple started selling individual songs on iTunes, they probably didn’t do so with the intention of putting a whole music retail industry out of business. Similarly, when Netflix started mailing DVDs to customers, they likely didn’t predict that they would relegate Blockbuster to the halls of extinction. Once those dominoes start falling, they don’t stop. Technology is always improving and innovating. Digital music downloads are great, but what if you didn’t need to burn songs to a CD? Behold the iPod. Can’t afford to buy the song? No

problem. Listen to this ad and you can listen to it for free.

Convenience is death-by-a-thousand-cuts to third places. Gone are the days of meeting friends at HMV to browse the clearance bin, or pacing the aisles of Rogers Video until you all decide on a movie or game for your Friday night hangout. What shooter pairs best with pizza and Doritos is a serious question for a group of friends, and those are decisions that simply don’t come up very often anymore.

Thanks to ever-increasing bandwidth, streaming has become ubiquitous. Yearover-year, screens get better and cheaper. Streaming and downloading have killed entire segments of the economy and replaced them with products that are better by virtually every metric — except one: human connection. There is nothing in the app store that will replace that experience;

which brings us back to the mall.

The third season of Stranger Things kicks off with the Hawkins youth basking in the neon glow of the new Starcourt Mall. The adults might be lamenting the loss of Main Street businesses, but the kids are in their element. The mall provides employment, and therefore new social connections, but it takes a much larger role in the story as a place to gather organically. It’s large, vibrant, and free to enter, so it’s a natural place to go with friends whether they can shop or not. It’s got a variety of food options with communal seating, a movie theatre, and an arcade. More telling though is the effect it has on Eleven, the lab-raised protagonist. Going to Starcourt is a crash course in humanity for Eleven. She observes the shoppers, copies their styles,

and mimics their behaviours. In doing so, she experiences true joy, and gains a better sense of herself. In one afternoon, she takes a massive leap towards true self actualization. Just here for the Wi-Fi — The (increasingly private) public sphere

If you were to step into a London coffeehouse in 1801, you would find yourself in a raucous environment of caffeinated Brits guzzling cheap cups of java and engaged in spirited conversation. They weren’t a uniquely English phenomenon, however. They had been springing up all over Europe, from French Salons and Austrian Kaffeehaus, catering to an expanding middle class who frequented them to discuss their rapidly changing societies — and in many respects — shaping them. These spaces became indispensable to public discourse as low-barrier forums for debate, discussion, and disseminating ideas.

Fast forward to your local Starbucks today and you’ll find something radically different. Where cafés of the past were hubs of

serendipitous conversation and social mixing, today it’s for prearranged meetings with a friend or working on that screenplay you’re definitely going to finish this year.

Whether public or private in nature, gathering spaces like coffee houses, parks, or gyms are becoming increasingly individual experiences. The portability of technology and wealth of available content means we can distract ourselves and smother our inner monologues without having to interact with — gag — other people. Prosocial environments that increased connectivity and community in the past are increasingly being populated by individuals who bring their home or work into third places. Slowly, this changes the very culture of these spaces.

We also legislate changes that have creeping effects on organic gatherings in the public sphere. North American cities are designed around cars for residents who want their own slice of aristocratic living: the single-detached house — complete with a front lawn that’s almost entirely decorative and serves almost no practical application — except as a place for your neighbour’s Labrador to relieve himself and to soak up local reservoirs.

Our car-centric society means automotive reliance for many. There is a drought of third places in suburban areas, which means getting to the nearest pub often means commuting in your Hyundai. And you should go for that beer. An Oxford study has shown that “social drinkers have more friends on whom they can depend for emotional and other support, and feel more engaged with, and trusting of, their local community.” Local bars and pubs encourage socially lubricated connection thanks to alcohol’s effect on the endorphin system. The way we zone our neighbourhoods, however, mean that many residents can’t or don’t take advantage of these spaces.

Anti-social networks

The nonfiction book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam is a deep dive into the decline of social communities. Released in the year 2000, Putnam’s title represents his observation that while more Americans were bowling than ever before, fewer were joining bowling leagues. The book explores a gradual diminishing of social capital and civic engagement that he argues is fundamental for a healthy, functional democracy.

Since the book’s release, we have seen the birth of sites like Facebook that have further shifted communities from physical to digital spaces. The result has been an increase in the appearance of community engagement

Eseniia Bondar

without any of the prosocial benefits. Membership is now a mile wide and an inch deep, because it demands no investment of time or energy. Divorced from true, physical human connection, community members regularly clash in rhetorical combat, and administrators and moderators routinely cull dissenting voices, creating hegemonic monocultures steeped in tribal orthodoxy. We drop the “people” characteristic from “other people” until they simply become an “other.”

The effect on Western democratic societies appears to be a backsliding of civil discourse, cooperation, and compromise. Facebook groups and social media feeds are regularly targeted by international agencies to sow discord — an element of what Russia describes as “Hybrid Warfare.” An official NATO release issued on April 26, 2024 reported that “digital and social media are breeding grounds for disinformation, and Russia brings that into its strategic calculus.” Russia’s cyber meddling in online communities result in real-world upheaval.

In 2017, The Texas Tribune ran the headline, “A Russian Facebook page organized a protest in Texas. A different Russian page launched the counterprotest.” The story reported on Russian manipulation of online communities to foment conflict and create division. During the Cold War, Russia invested significant time and resources into training and developing spies and intelligence networks that were made almost irrelevant with the invention of social media platforms like Facebook. They can now exert far more leverage over many more societies for a fraction of the cost, largely because we don’t really know the members of our communities anymore.

The prevalence and siloing of online communities has led to a far more insular nature of groups that become radicalized by their self-imposed isolation from heterodox thinking. This makes these communities intellectually lazy and prone to poor decisions and ideological overreach. This ultimately fuels backlash from similarly-structured, but oppositional communities in a continual loop of polarized reactivity.

For most of human history, your friends were just the people who lived nearest to you, and most friend groups contained individuals who didn’t gel as readily as others. However, getting along with the one person in the group who irritated you was preferable to being socially ostracized, so you made it work. You found a way to get along. Today, though, childhood friendships are far more cultivated — part of a phenomenon

that Haidt describes as “The decline of the play-based childhood,” in which decreased childhood autonomy has led to an atrophying of the prosocial muscles needed for civic engagement in adulthood.

Impulse, agency, and who we choose to be

Last year, in a review for the third season of Ted Lasso, I wrote that the portrayal of a prosocial character like Lasso, utterly devoid of cynicism, “made me hyper-aware of the way I moved through the world, and conscientious of my interaction with colleagues and strangers alike.” The key ingredient for Lasso, and the lesson he instils on-screen and off, is one of agency. We are who we decide to be, and we can choose to make healthier choices all the time — from what we put in our bodies, to where we direct our attention, to how we spend our social capital.

In 2005, the late American novelist David Foster Wallace delivered the now infamous “This is Water” commencement speech to Kenyon College. An invitation to be more aware, thoughtful, and considerate of the world around us — the water we’re all swimming in, but rarely take any notice of — contains a distillation of human impulse at the heart of the erosion of third places:

“Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal arts cliché about teaching you how to think is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about “the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master.” (...)

And I submit that this is what the real, no bullshit value of your liberal arts education is supposed to be about: how to keep from going through your comfortable, prosperous, respectable adult life dead, unconscious, a slave to your head and to your natural default setting of being uniquely, completely, imperially alone day in and day out. (...)

Our own present culture has harnessed these forces in ways that

have yielded extraordinary wealth and comfort and personal freedom. The freedom all to be lords of our tiny skull-sized kingdoms, alone at the centre of all creation. This kind of freedom has much to recommend it. But of course there are all different kinds of freedom, and the kind that is most precious you will not hear much talk about much in the great outside world of wanting and achieving…. The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them over and over in myriad petty, unsexy ways every day.”

We all have grand designs for what we want our life to be, but continue to make choices that run counter to those ends. We elect leaders on platforms of reform, but revolt when we’re asked to sacrifice to achieve our own objectives. We want to fight global warming, but rail against carbon taxes; call to house the homeless, but protest supportive housing in our neighbourhoods; decry globalization, and then order clothes from SHEIN.

We crave human connection, but wear headphones in public — a signal to be left alone. We follow causes that concern us, but donate nothing more than a like or a share. We buy houses with high fences in the suburbs, commute alone, and watch reruns of Friends, envious of the relationships formed through the third place of Central Perk. We take the path of least resistance, absorbed in our thoughts, anxieties, and dreams, only to look up to see we’ve wandered off by ourselves. We’re not Chandler and Monica — we’re the person in the background, alone and unnoticed.

The complete antithesis of this can be found in grueling events like Tough Mudder, in which getting up and over the wall relies on group effort — people to push from below, and haul up from above. Real human effort, cooperation, and grit. A choice to take the hard road, and conceptualize success not through ease and convenience, but by prioritizing the “unity” in community.

I’m no exemplar of how to live a more communal life. I use Amazon Prime, and wear headphones to the gym. I drive to school, and rarely volunteer. But I try to be conscious of the water I’m swimming in, and to not float unconsciously through my days. I try, like Wallace implores, to remind myself that “this is water.”

This is water.

Sports Editor - Jeffrey Kennett

CanucksCampus: Takeaways from Lekkerimänia in Abbotsford

CanucksCampus is UFV’s home for everything Canucks, in this issue we take a look at Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s

Abbotsford debut.

JEFFREY

KENNETT

I’m obviously no National Hockey League (NHL) prospects guru, but sometimes you just get a spidey-sense about a specific player.

I’ll be the first to admit, a year ago I wasn’t so sure about Swedish winger, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, or his chances of becoming an impact NHL player. Unless he could legitimately set up shop at the top of the circle and blast away like Alexander Ovechkin or Steven Stamkos, I didn’t see the size or two-way chops to be an impact player without solely relying on his shot.

I apologize, Jonathan; (insert Shaq meme), I wasn’t familiar with your game.

The fifteenth overall pick from 2022 has an obvious flair for offence. What troubled me was if he had the pace to keep up on his skates, or the strength to win enough 50/50 battles along the boards. His resilience is evident though, rebounding from a tough injury-stricken nine-point season in 2022, with 31 points this year including 19 goals.

That his shot is dazzling is undeniable — I bet it keeps Swedish goaltenders up at night. The skeptic in me however, thinks

that most of his goals are scored from distance, on larger European ice-surfaces. Scoring from distance is an admirable quality, but is more difficult to achieve with NHL goaltenders in smaller rinks.

Lekkerimäki arrived in Abbotsford in late March and I was able to get a close-up look at Abbotsford Centre in one of his first games in North America. Before we get there, maybe because of SpiderMondays at Cineplex, some previous occurrences of my spidey-sense being half decent have been bouncing around in my mind, and I’d like to take this opportunity to gloat a little bit.

Back in 2022, when I watched the Canucks at the Young Stars tournament in Penticton, I was impressed with another Swedish player, Nils Åman. The former Colorado Avalanche draft pick had signed with the Canucks as a free-agent and displayed a detailed and professional game that stood out during the prospects tournament.

Åman would go on to play 68 games in Vancouver that season, and 17 in Abbotsford indicating the Canucks perhaps had their own spidey-sense watching his play in Penticton. The forward isn’t flashy, but showed effective

stick-checking chops and effort away from the puck that has made him a reliable option for the Canucks organization, including this season as well.

In 2023, it was Arshdeep Bains who I thought made the biggest impression at the tournament, and separated himself from every player on the ice, no matter the team.

His strong tournament was anchored by dogged determination to retrieve loose pucks, both on the forecheck and in his own end, evidence of his strong skating. Bains’ Penticton performance was just a launching pad to an all-star American Hockey League (AHL) season this year, as well as putting himself in contention for a roster spot in Vancouver next season. There’s not a whole lot to take away from a 7-2 loss, which is how Abbotsford was defeated by Coachella Valley on April. 7, but a word that came to mind to describe seeing Lekkerimäki play was plucky. It’s positive, and a trait often attributed to goal-scorers.

In a blowout loss, I was just looking for someone to show something; anything, steal a puck, be disruptive, just do something.

Being plucky might not be the most

desirable trait for a hockey player among bruisers like Luke Schenn, or agitators like Brad Marchand, but if you’re going to go down 7-2, being plucky seems pretty good to me. Lekkerimäki was around it all night when the Canucks were on the attack, recording assists on two goals scored for the home team, before one was taken back, and still managing a positive +/- at +1.

In totality, Lekkerimäki’s short time in Abbotsford concluded with two points in six games — not exactly blowing the roof off, statistically — but the point totals don’t bother me. I think showing a certain degree of grit with his willingness to engage, and ability to create offence on smaller ice surfaces, is a notable step in the player’s development.

As he grows more comfortable his game will become more assertive and he’ll become more of a play driver. I’ll be watching for Lekkerimäki to create his own offence and get stronger on his stick in Penticton with the Canucks at the next Young Stars Tournament. Vancouver has seen sniper-from-distance, Brock Boeser, become a crease-crashing, in-tight scorer over his career, a trajectory perhaps Lekkerimäki can follow.

Abbotsford Canucks

World Sports // Riley Gaines among 16 female college athletes challenging NCAA’s transgender policies

CASSIE WILLIAMS

On March 14, 2024, 16 female college athletes, including media personality, Riley Gaines, filed a lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), alleging their Title IX rights were violated by competing with a transgender female. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination within athletic programs in the U.S. and gives women equal opportunities in sports within educational institutions. The athletes are also seeking the court’s approval to find the NCAA guilty of violating their constitutional rights relating to the 14th Amendment of the United States. The 14th Amendment declares that “no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens.”

Lia Thomas is the first openly transgender NCAA athlete to win a Division I title in any sport, the highest level of intercollegiate athletic achievements. Gaines competed head-to-head with Thomas in the 2022 NCAA National Championships where they tied in the 200-yard dash. Despite the equal result, Thomas, not Gaines, was handed the trophy following the race, due to what officials explained as “chronological order,” alleges Gains. When questioned regarding the result of the tie, officials allegedly said they had to give it to Thomas without further clarification. Gaines also alleges that Thomas would be the only athlete to hold the trophy for photos.

Thomas swam in the men’s division for the University of Pennsylvania prior to her gender transition, and in 2019 ranked Number 65 in the 500-yard dash and Number 554 in the 200-yard. Following her transition and entry into cisgender women divisions, Thomas has dominated nearly all swimming races; setting records in a single meet, and winning the 500-yard freestyle competition in March 2022.

Gaines and the 15 other complainants are demanding that transgender athletes not be allowed in women’s events going forward and that any titles these athletes have won be revoked and re-awarded. Gaines has stressed that the lawsuit is about ensuring the viability of collegiate sports for the next generation of female athletes, and to honour the women who came before them who fought for the rights and opportunities gained through

say anything, or they’re scared because today’s culture is ‘cancel culture’ and they don’t want to risk their future in athletics or future career.” The former swimmer went on to say, “but what I’ve realized is if we want a change, you have to use your voice. We have to let people know as a group that a majority of us female athletes — or females in general — are not okay with this. We’re not okay with the trajectory of how this is going or how it could end up in a couple years.”

These events were set in motion after a January 2022 ruling by the NCAA Board of Governors gave transgender athletes the ability to compete alongside their chosen gender. The organization claims that the ruling “preserves opportunity for transgender student-athletes while balancing fairness, inclusion and safety for all who compete.” However, Tylor Mathieu, another complainant, finished one spot away from qualifying for the final that Thomas would go on to win, and was denied first-team all-American honours as a result.

The NCAA’s alleged violations also include permitting trans women to share the same locker room space as non-transgender women. Kaitlynn Wheeler, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, told ABC News, “a lot of people ask us, why did we wait this long to file a lawsuit? Well, we waited this long to allow the NCAA every opportunity to make the right decision… The NCAA’s most basic job is to protect the fairness and the safety of its athletes, and it has failed on that simple task.” Wheeler added, “never in my 18-year career had I seen a man changing in the locker rooms. I immediately felt the need to cover myself,” when speaking of her experience being in a locker room with a trans woman. She explained how she could feel the discomfort from the other girls in the room as well.

While Gaines and Wheeler are currently spearheading new bills in conjunction with state Freedom caucuses, hundreds of trans rights advocates have recently signed a petition for trans women to be able to compete, including two-time Olympic soccer medalist Megan Rapinoe, and former WNBA star Sue Bird. This came on the heels of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) putting a ban on transgender athletes from women’s sports. The NCAA is expected to make a decision on their policies imminently.

RICH VON BIBERSTEIN/ICON

STUDY BREAK

Column //

The Cascade Kitchen: Vegetarian Egg Wrap

Down:

1. Fermented bread

KIARA OKONKWO

Kiara Okonkwo

Down:

Crossword //

Across:

What University of Washington team made 2. Mubarak it to the 1936 Olympics? 3. Spanish word for water

Across: 1. Fermented bread 5. What University of Washington 2. Mubarak it to the 1936 Olympics? 3. Spanish word for water

Fruit of the... 4. Leave a paper…

The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips. Check back weekly for something new to try in the kitchen, or if you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ufvcascade.ca.

Fruit of the... 4. Leave a paper…

I think my mom saw it on TikTok… but this savoury, protein filled recipe works as breakfast or a midday snack. You can put your own twist on this by adding your favourite condiments or meat of choice, if you’re into that. This Egg Wrap will satisfy the diminished attention span and the tight pocket!

Prep time: 10 minutes

Bake time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 egg

* 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

* Half of a tomato

* Handful of lettuce

* 1 tbsp salsa

* 1 tbsp sour cream

* Pinch of salt and pepper

Method:

01. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and shredded cheese.

02. Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Grease with oil or butter.

03. Spread egg mixture into a flat, pancake shape.

04. Monitor the edges by lifting with a spatula.

05. Flip!

06. Cook the other side.

07. Chop the tomato and lettuce.

08. Transfer the egg wrap to a plate.

09. Add tomato, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, salt, and pepper.

10. Fold and enjoy!

Down: Across:

Fermented bread

Leave a paper…

Horoscopes //

9 8 7 6 1 5 7 1 6 4 2 3 4 2 9 1 7 6 1 3 9 6 8 5 7 8 ®

Your monthly horoscopes made by Yours Truly.

Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19

The sagacious eclipse season in your sign has passed, dear Aries. How do you feel? You may have gone through some sizable transformations. Take May as a time for respite before the heat of the summer. Nurture the daily acts that give you life.

Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20

Happy birthday, Taurus. Your steadfast nature has served you well in the heat of April’s cosmic storm. Don’t be afraid to take up space this month, but really ask yourself what you’d like from this new season. Remember that for every finger you point, you must turn three back on yourself!

Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20

Twin, you sure showed your faces during eclipse season. Miscommunication was at an all time high for you, and it felt personal. May will be about strengthening your relationships. How can you be a better child, sibling, student, or friend? Know that any setback is only asking you to grow.

Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22

Cancer, an old flame may have come back into your orbit. May will be a time to decide where you want to put your time and energy. You are full of grace, and others are drawn to you because of that. Be wise, but don’t be afraid to take a risk. You never know what the unknown may bring.

Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22

You are walking a good path, Leo! You should be proud of yourself. With the semester behind you, really hone in on how you can be of service to others. All of your goodness is best when shared with others, and you will feel even more confident when you are effecting change.

Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22

Virgo, you are making a difference right now. Whether it’s your GPA, your workplace, your circle of friends, or at home, your energy is highly influential. May will serve you well in continuing anything you started in April. Ride the wave.

Routier

Libra - Sep. 23 to Oct. 22

Libra, this May is all about communication and intellectual pursuits. With the semester wrapped up, where can you put this brain power to use? That passion project or trip to visit a friend you’ve been delaying is vying for attention. Stay open to expanding your horizons.

Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21

May brings a focus on material possessions for you, Scorpio. Spring cleaning is real, and maybe your closet, bedroom, or backyard could use an overhaul. Less is more, and ridding yourself of unnecessary stuff will help you cultivate gratitude for what you have.

Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21

Sagittarius, this May encourages you to focus on self-discovery and personal growth. Where were you in May last year? How have your thoughts or feelings changed? Reflect on your beliefs and be open to challenging your own perspectives. Fulfilling new experiences are on your horizon.

Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19

May brings opportunities for recognition for you, Capricorn. Focus on your professional goals and take decisive action. Your hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed by those around you. You deserve more than a pat on the back. Vye for that raise and apply for that scholarship.

Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18

This May, Aquarius, focus on nurturing your social connections and forming meaningful friendships. Remember that life is meant to be loved! Collaborative efforts will be successful — don’t hesitate to reach out to others for support. Embrace your humanitarian values and look for ways to make a positive impact in your community.

Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20

Pisces, May encourages you to focus on self-care and emotional healing. Take time to rest and recharge, and prioritize activities that bring you inner peace and tranquility. Trust your intuition when navigating interpersonal relationships, and set healthy boundaries to protect your energy. Remember that self-love is the key to your well-being.

Marie-Ange

Clubs and Associations

//

Embracing unity through dance: The Journey of DNC

Dancing, diversity, and community; integrating dance into the DNC’s goal of bringing UFV students together

GAURI SETHI

In the heart of the University of the Fraser Valley is a hidden gem — a safe space where rhythm flows freely and friendships are formed on the dance floor. Welcome to the DNC, where students gather to appreciate the global language of dance.

Under the leadership of club president Angelina Joseph and secretary Theo Dayo, UFV’s Dance Club is a vibrant example of inclusivity and creativity on campus. Dayo, a fourth-year student studying Computer Information Systems, and Angelina, a third-year student in the Criminal Justice program, are connected by their shared enthusiasm for dancing, which goes beyond a simple pastime.

Their journey began last year with a simple idea that would unite students from all backgrounds and cultures. “Theo and I met up, and the idea of a fusion dance club sprang to life,” recalls Joseph. “We started off last September in the fall, and it’s been going steady since then.”

Their ambition for the club extends into their desire to build a community where everyone feels accepted and appreciated. “UFV is very diverse in the cultures that it has. People come from different backgrounds and dance is something

Lifestyle //

that, from our experience, brings people together. Even if people say ‘Oh, I’m not a dancer. I don’t know how to dance…’ You do your own thing. When you listen to

Sophia Andreazza - AdobeStock

How not to rot

I thought I was relaxing until I went online

KIARA OKONKWO

The relationship between my bed and I has changed. Since semester’s end we’ve become closer. No longer the place where I flop, breathlessly, after a long day, only to force myself back onto two feet to (at the minimum) brush my teeth. The past week or so has been a revival I’ve relished — languid mornings between warm sheets with my face pressed towards my bedroom window as the rain patters. I don’t rush from this place. I don’t fall into it with despair. I’ve got time, and I’ve chosen to spend some of it in bed. As romantic as these moments in my bed sound, my affinity for horizontal downtime is a universal Gen Z experience; co-opted by the unfortunate name,

bed rotting. And while I’m grateful for my snuggly reconnection with my bed, I am wary of taking it too far. This “self-care” trend has been deemed as potentially harmful, leading to depression or other mental health issues if the behaviour becomes a pattern. Movement is key in upkeeping our mental, physical, and emotional health. So allowing yourself to stay in bed, while it is easy and relaxing, might do more harm than good. In no way do I want to resemble the tupperware I forgot in the Cascade office — I have little desire to rot. Too much of any good thing can be bad; at this point of my life I have welcomed moderation. In honour of that, I’ve compiled the ways that ensure that I do not rot.

Guilt-free relaxing: What’s the point

music, you’re bobbing your head. You’re stomping your feet… and that is dance in itself,” explains Joseph.

Dayo highlights the club’s open approach. “Anyone can join... you like music, you listen to music, you can come in.”

“All our events are drop-ins. You don’t have to have any prior skill sets or qualifications to be able to join any of our events or classes,” said Joseph.

When Joseph looks back on the club’s activities, she considers both the successes and the setbacks. She remembers that although occasions like the Diwali performance at UFV’s Diwali event in November 2023 were complicated due to the short time for practice, it was amazing to see everyone come together and give it their all. “Everyone — all the performers and the dancers — they did a very good job. They committed themselves and they saw themselves through that commitment.”

DNC also holds events like the Just Dance Tournament, which aims to “give an outlet to students to be able to express themselves away from all the already existing chaos that we have with academics.” Their advice to apprehensive learners is that all of their classes are beginner-friendly, something for them to

enjoy without thinking about it. “I am a guy, and going to dance events... it sometimes makes me feel more feminine,” said Dayo. “So if there are guys that want to dance in our club, just know that this is a safe space. We don’t judge.”

Looking ahead, the club is focused on expanding its reach and impact. The club is constantly looking to recruit more members, and they claim they will have vacancies for dancing instructors as well as executive positions open sometime soon. “Brian mainly specializes and teaches jazz… and Veronica is our other instructor. She does mainly hip hop and contemporary,” said Joseph.

As UFV’s Dance Club continues to thrive and grow, it serves as a bright reflection of the work students are doing to create culture and spirit on campus. As Dayo aptly puts it, “The best benefit of the dance club is you get to enjoy our events. It’s so fun! You get to move your body around! It’s a great place to socialize and connect!” DNC reminds us all of the ability of dance to unite individuals, regardless of background or views, in a world where divides appear to be getting wider by the day. Enter the world of the DNC, regardless of your level of experience; you’ll discover more than just your rhythm — you’ll find a community.

of being lazy if I spend the entire time beating myself up? Instead of telling myself I should have been up at 8 a.m., or should have already done the million things I could have done, I fully allow myself to enjoy lazy, warm mornings. I’ll watch my show, guilt free. Conquering incessant mental chatter is no small feat, but allowing myself the mental space to be present makes getting up something I want to do rather than something I should or have to do.

Romanticize time alone: The hours in a day fly by when you have nothing on the agenda, and I’m not going to add tasks for tasks sake… but I will motivate myself with some romantic idealism. I’ll put on my comfy jeans and favourite cardigan to enjoy a latte at Oldhand with a good book.

It’s a cool way to spend an hour or two. Monitor your screen time: A tale as old as time, but it’s so real. The visual stimulus from our device is like a dopamine vacuum. How many devices do you have going at any given moment? Are you watching TV on your laptop while also scrolling on your phone? Are you relaxing, or dissociating? Be intentional about what you’re engaging with and be conscious of when you’re overloading your senses.

“Rot” creatively: You know, there are other things to do than consume… If you’re dying to binge watch some new releases, take up knitting and keep your hands busy while you do. Or bring a

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

journal to your bedside and purge some cyclical thoughts. Maybe you can curate a playlist for a friend and offer it as a gift.

Boundaries: My phone does not have streaming apps. I deleted Netflix once I realized I was always watching Netflix, because I always have my phone. Call me old fashioned, but I’ve designated my living room as the place where I, get this, watch TV. Creating physical boundaries around my media consumption has made it easier to compartmentalize. Studies show that allowing your bed to be a place where you can eat or watch TV, messes with your sleep cues, the mental associations we have with rest.

Community Spotlight // Des Pardes is here to represent the community

The Reach Gallery Museum highlights South Asian voices in the Fraser Valley

HARLEEN DHILLON

“Motherland/Other Land” or Des Pardes is the newest exhibit at The Reach Gallery Museum. Featured in four different languages, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English, the gallery is accessible to the diversity of people belonging to the Fraser Valley. The breadth and largescale collaborative nature of the exhibit makes it the first of its kind, and seeks to represent the South Asian community and explore their contributions, challenges, and successes in cultivating a new home overseas.

I had the chance to get a one-on-one tour from The Reach Gallery’s Curator of Art and Visual Culture, Kelley Tialiou. Tialiou explained that the showcase had a prime focus on community engagement and involved a lot of community research and archival work. The collaborative nature highlights how museums are changing, by shifting the position of authority, “this idea that museums would make an exhibition on behalf of a community is inherently flawed,” she said.

All six sections of the gallery were tied together by the theme of the matriarch which begins in the title itself. Tialiou emphasized how important women are in preserving and disseminating traditions to future generations. She spoke to the matriarchs as “key contributors to resilience through their many roles, and how unsung, often these roles are.”

The central mural, “Motherland / Mother Hand” was a collaborative effort led by Sandeep Johal, and inspired the designs for the rest of the exhibit. Tialou stated how they were “keen to avoid creating a visual language that reinforces some

of those stereotypes of visual culture,” and incorporated common iconography from the South Asian diaspora, such as Corning Ware, spices, a lion, and an array of eclectic patterns. Johal’s contemporary renditions of traditional South Asian culture explore what belonging to two cultures looks like.

Continuing to challenge traditional notions of museum spaces, Des Pardes was an immersive and hands-on experience. With videos, interactive touch

screens, and an arts station informed by the nuances of the South Asian communities of Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley.

I also interviewed Rajnish Dhawan, a UFV associate professor of English and a participant in Des Pardes. Dhawan offered me some insights into the impact of this kind of project, “...we saw a different kind of world... to see the struggle and to be a part of the continuum of the migration history, that is something which I find is valuable.”

The Des Pardes exhibit organized and presented by The Reach Gallery Museum is an in depth exploration of the rich history of the South Asian communities in the Fraser Valley from settlement to present day. I highly recommend everyone to go and visit Des Pardes, on until June 15, 2024, and hopefully develop a new appreciation for the history of the Fraser Valley, and the groups that call it home.

Elena Shmoylova - Adobe Stock

Campus Fashion: Thrift your heart away!

How

to shop smart, locally, and frugally in a time of inflation

RACHEL TAIT

Inflation is real and finding good deals is becoming more challenging, especially if you love fashion. While thrifting is an option, it can either feel like a chore or a treasure hunt, and there’s always a chance you’ll come up short. Here are some thrifting tips and local secondhand shops with incredible deals that are budget friendly for students.

Never buy something if you’re not 100 per cent sure you’ll wear it:

All too often people donate clothing because they bought it thinking they would wear it and never did. When you go thrifting, look for things you really want or need. If you have any doubts, leave it on the rack and save your money. Stick to a budget:

One thing many people do is over buy, and consequently, spend too much on clothing. If you have a budget in mind and stick to it, you’re less likely to overspend. Consider the price tag. Sometimes thrift stores inflate prices based on brand names, overlooking the quality or condition of an

item. Be careful when thrifting and don’t do the same thing. If it looks worn out, chances are it won’t last very long or be worth the higher price point.

Have a list:

If you’re looking for something specific, having a list can help you focus on what you’re looking for instead of just browsing the entire store. Lists help save time, effort, and money when shopping at second hand stores.

Be patient:

Thrifting takes time, but being patient has its rewards. You may score brand name, good quality items for cheap. You could also find exactly what you are looking for in fewer visits to the thrift store than you anticipated. Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes, the treasure hunt is worth it.

Local deals and steals:

Visiting some local thrift stores in Abbotsford this month, I found some incredible deals for a student budget that are fun and inexpensive:

MCC Clothing Etc on Clearbrook Road has 50 cent racks. For those on a budget

or simply looking for a fun find, this option is an inexpensive way for you to find clothing you need or want without breaking the bank. While going through clothing priced at only 50 cents sounds too good to be true, it is one of the perks of this location. Every week, a different tag is marked down to 50 cents and the racks are usually set up just outside the store. If you go earlier in the week, you may be able to find an entire outfit for less than five dollars! MCC also has 50 per cent off select colour tags, and during the last Friday and Saturday of each month, all their colour-tagged items are half off! They also have a quarterly five-tag sale every three months where the entire store is half price.

MCC on Gladys avenue also has great perks for students. Every Friday, students can receive 20 per cent off their regular-priced purchases when they show their

student ID card. This location also has a weekly tag for 50 per cent off, and another tag for 75 per cent off the original price.

Thrift stores like LIFE’s Second Chance, Salvation Army and Abbotsford Bibles for Missions have similar dollar deals where clothing has been marked down to just a dollar.

Online thrift stores, like ThredUp, have the advantage of making thrifting easier for those not wanting to go to a physical thrift store or don’t have the time. ThredUp allows you to shop by brand, size, or type of clothing you are looking for, and they ship to Canada. This can all be done on your phone, so you don’t have to leave the house.

Thrifting can be fun, challenging, and rewarding. Going thrifting is like any good adventure — you never know what you’ll find, but it might all be worth it in the end.

Becca McHaffie on Unsplash 2018

Movies // Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is chillingly soulless

The Ghostbusters are back on the big screen, but their return

is less than spooktacular.

NOAH SCHMIDT

If you asked me at age 12 if I’d like to see a third Ghostbusters film, I would’ve fainted from excitement. But when my dream finally came true in 2021 with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the prospect of a new instalment in the series didn’t feel quite as exciting anymore. After being disappointed time and time again by modern sequels and reboots to my childhood favourites (looking at you Star Wars sequel trilogy), Afterlife felt like just another nostalgia-heavy snooze fest with no identity of its own. I hoped that the next film in the series, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, might be able to forge its own path, creating something unique and special. I was wrong.

Although not as egregiously uncreative as Disney’s live-action remakes, or as in-your-face with its references as The Flash — Frozen Empire is yet another example of Hollywood’s obsession with resurrecting long-dead movie franchises. Now I know modern blockbusters aren’t exactly high-brow cinema, but this film can’t even be enjoyed in a “turn your brain off ” kind of way. It’s extremely complicated, with a main cast composed of the four new Ghostbusters from Afterlife, the

three surviving busters from the original films, and a handful of other new characters. This makes the film bloated, wedging in random sub-plots to justify each character’s presence. Unfortunately, the newer entrants aren’t remotely as funny, likeable, or relatable as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson, who are hardly present themselves. This is symptomatic of the modern nostalgia blockbuster formula, as the overstuffed cast leaves little room for character development. The original Ghostbusters worked because it was a tight cast, providing much needed opportunities to flesh their characters out.

Ghostbusters was also never an action movie, at least not in a typical sense. It was first and foremost a comedy; the horror and action elements were icing on a hilarious cake. Sadly, the point of the first film has either been forgotten or brushed aside to make a more widely-appealing, Marvel-esque blockbuster. Frozen Empire drops the comedic angle almost entirely.. The jokes here are akin to quips from Tony Stark rather than the clever, dry wit of Peter Venkman or the earnest yet awkward remarks from Ray Stantz. I’m not saying the filmmakers can’t experiment with different genres and tones — Afterlife was light on comedy,

but it felt more excusable there, as it felt far removed from the other films in the series. Here, we’re back in New York with the original gang, yet the sharp and witty writing has disappeared.

Elements of the original film that have become far more important in Frozen Empire are the gadgets and lore. There’s quite a few scenes in this film that come to a grinding halt to explain the technology behind ghostbusting equipment, or to tell us the villain’s backstory. Frozen Empire seems more interested in made-up science than story, using iconic imagery to convey emotion rather than creating interesting characters. Again, these are symptoms of modern Hollywood’s worst tendencies, using nostalgia as a way to garner attention rather than creating something meaningful. Audiences don’t care about made-up ghost science; they want interesting characters and humour, because that’s what Ghostbusters is, or was, all about.

There were some positives to the experience, such as the use of practical costumes and puppets to portray the iconic Library Ghost and everyone’s favourite disgusting blob Slimer, which in an age of CGI dominance was refreshing. However, a couple of pros weren’t

enough to save the film for me, which was sad, but expected. Legacy sequels, reboots, and remakes rule Hollywood at the moment,but if the reception of this film and others like it is any indicator, I believe we might be entering a new age of cinema. People are tired of seeing old ideas reproduced with no vision of their own, or tired sequels bringing back actors in their 70s to play the same role they did in 1984. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, while better than most of its contemporaries, feels like it’s coming at the end of an era. Audiences just want more — more character, more detail, more substance. We’re tired of the same old dull routine. As sad as it is that we might have to say goodbye to old friends, maybe something new isn’t such a bad thing after all.

My

internet

boyfriend hasn’t noticed me.

What do I do?

Seeking social solace in the digital realm

GIANNA DINWOODIE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself gravitating towards the digital space to feel some semblance of normalcy. I have a bubbly personality and I love being surrounded by others, so when I was forced to stop seeing friends, I lost a sense of myself. While COVID-19 worsened my reliance on “comfort youtubers,” they have always been a core part of my identity.

“Comfort youtubers” is a reference to content creators who provide individuals with a sense of relaxation or emotional support. For me the first YouTube duo that brought this sense of peace was Dan and Phil. Two British YouTubers who played video games like The Sims, interacted with their fans during the craze of Tumblr and Twitter, and drew cat whiskers on their faces with Sharpie. At age 14, I

was hooked, waiting expectedly by my iPhone 6, for their latest video. A certified “Phannie” as the kids at the time called it. I had all their books and was deep into the Tumblr speculations that they were an item, so imagine my surprise when one fateful day they just disappeared. Their gaming channel went on a (five year) “hiatus,” and I, like many others around the world, was heartbroken. What would we do without our faves? What I didn’t know then is that I had developed a parasocial relationship with these two, so when they left, it felt like betrayal. Of course, to fill the deep void Dan and Phil left, I sought out content by the likes of Emma Chamberlain and Valspire Family, as I grew up and drifted towards unfiltered honesty about existential dread. However, when I got the notification that Dan and Phil were coming back to YouTube, I cried, dropped everything

I was doing, and watched the newest video. Two grown men who didn’t know I existed — whose content I’d spent countless hours with in my formative years — were coming back. It felt like my fathers were returning. While they got me through some of the toughest years of my life, I realize now that this one-sided bond I had with them was unhealthy. It isolated me from real-world social interactions as I regularly ignored friends to watch the latest video. It also created a distorted view of reality, as I often became sad that my life wasn’t as cool or interesting as these content creators. That being said, I don’t entirely regret the reliance I had on them. It allowed an awkward 14 year old to feel a sense of companionship and shaped who she became as an individual. They inspired her to pursue new hobbies and connect with others over a shared interest in their content, which allowed her

to break out of her shell and make more friends.

It’s crucial to balance appreciating the connection and comfort a parasocial relationship might bring while recognizing creators are also people. You may feel as if they’ve let you into every corner of their lives, but that’s simply not the truth — it’s merely part of the show. Being a part of a healthy fandom means recognizing that creators have their own responsibilities and priorities, meaning if they go on a hiatus, that is okay! It isn’t the end of the world. People evolve and change. A balanced parasocial relationship will mean that viewers like myself don’t become overly dependent and can enjoy content in moderation, prioritizing realworld connections, and differentiating between curated content and a creator’s true complex self. Accepting this fact is the key to developing a healthy and balanced relationship with the artists and creators we admire.

Sony Pictures Entertainment 2024

08:30AM-10:00AM Community of Practice: Holistic Assessment@via Zoom

07:30PM-11:00PM Cody Johnson and friends @Abbotsford Centre

Classes Begin Summer 2024 Semester@UFV

03:00PM-05:00PM Installation Ceremony of Dr. Jo-ann Archibald Q’um Q’um Xiiem @Gathering Place — CEP-A1457

7:30PM-09:00PM Very Very Improv Community Jams@Open Space, 33765 Essendene Avenue

05:00PM-07:00PM Games Night@B223

09:00AM-04:00PM Holistic Approaches to Teaching and Learning@SUS building

Victoria Day - UFV Closed

07:00PM-11:00PM Brothers Osborne@Abbotsford Centre

08:45AM-05:00PM Run for Water@Mill Lake Park

Territory Acknowledgement Workshop @SW of parking Lot 10, behind bldg S 05:00PM-07:00PM Games Night@B223