Digital Design Manager Mehak Narang mehak@ufvcascade.ca
Illustrator May Beeney
Illustrator Natasha Zilcosky
Staff Writer Caitlyn Carr
Columnist Sean Horn Columnist Faby Cruz Alderete
Videographer Eddy Rubi
The Cascade
In issue 33.01, published on Jan. 15, 2025, we printed a column titled “The Environmentalist: the ticking clock.” Unfortunately, the article’s text was incorrect and was not authored by columnist Fabiola Cruz Alderete. While no person or group was harmed by this mistake, we still
felt it responsible to make the correction. As students running a paper, we sometimes make mistakes during our production process and The Cascade seeks to uphold journalistic standards!
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
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CATHERINE CAMPBELL
I know Halloween is long gone, but we’ve got something spooky to share: despite January somehow stretching for 542 days, it’s almost the end of the first month of 2025! That means that, not only are we 1/12 through the year, but that your courses are well under way and you’re likely already cursing your full calendar. But fear not! The Cascade is here to distract (I mean inform) you with all that’s happening in the Fraser Valley, both on campus and off.
If you’re looking for some action, head over to p. 14 for a thrilling play-by-play of UFV’s recent men’s and women’s volleyball games. (Spoiler: fourth-year setter Cailin Bitter picked up her 2000th career assist on Friday.) Similarly, you’ll find a suspenseful recap of UFV’s recent men’s and women’s basketball games on p. 14-15.
By now, we’re sure you’ve seen the news about the California wildfires (and if you haven’t.. Get on it). If you make your way to p. 4, you’ll see how these wildfires connect to those in British Columbia, while also receiving expert information on what causes wildfires — and how we can mitigate them.
If you’re feeling a lack of culture in your life, make your way to p. 16 to learn all about the Abbotsford Film
Society. Alternately, If you find yourself spending time with friends or classmates, and are pulling out your hair wondering why everyone is battling over who’s functioning (read: staying upright) with the least amount of sleep, then the article on p. 9 is for you.
For those of you graduating this spring — or for anyone wanting to get a jump on their career — check out p. 10-12 for a practical guide to employment that shares everything from how to format your resume to why your application may be overlooked.
I’m so sorry to tell you that, despite our best wishes, midterms appear to be creeping up once more. To prepare yourself ahead of time, turn to p. 6 for a midterm survival guide. (Pro tip: read it now, and again a week before your midterm. Your future self will thank you.)
If you’re like me, you probably have some questionable frozen fruit lurking in your freezer right now. While the recipe provided on p. 17 calls for rhubarb (and we highly recommend you try it as is!), we also encourage you to get a little weird with it and sub in any fruit that may be on its last legs.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and are wishing you a wonderful end to the longest month of the year.
P.S. Do you have thoughts on this issue, or want to contribute your own words? Send an email to managing@ufvcascade.ca — we’d love to hear from you.
NEWS BRIEFS
RAINBOWS UP HIGH AS THAILAND LEGALIZES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE!
Jan. 23, 2025 was filled with joy and celebration as hundreds of same-sex couples took part in a mass wedding service at Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok. Thailand marks a historic moment as the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage — third in all of Asia, joining Taiwan and Nepal.
After a years-long fight to push the marriage equality bill forward, it was finally passed by the Senate in June 2024.The official signature of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) in September 2024 marked the 120-day countdown.
In a pre-celebratory meeting with 2SLGBTQIA+ activists in early January, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra commended Thailand on this milestone and the mindset it reflected toward other countries.
While she couldn’t attend Thursday’s ceremony, as she was at the The World Economic Forum in Davos, she did express her support through social media.
“The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand.” Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok’s governor, was in attendance at this event and told BBC that this symbolized an all-encompassing community.
“We embrace everyone who’s different.”
EXECUTIVE ORDER EXTENDS TIKTOK BY 75 DAYS
The long-dreaded TikTok ban, implemented on Jan. 19, 2025 in the U.S., took a turn on Jan. 20 when President Donald Trump signed an executive order postponing the implementation of the federal law. If enacted, the federal law — originally signed by previous president Joe Biden — would have required TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the app to continue its operation in the U.S.
Trump pledged not to enforce the ban when he entered office, and a little over 12 hours after the ban took place, the site was back up and running. His implemented executive order and 75-day extension gives the government more time to resolve the conflict between national interests and data security.
Under Trump’s orders, the Department of Justice is instructed to stop all efforts to enforce the ban. Therefore, it is guaranteed that businesses won’t be penalized for facilitating TikTok’s operations.
For now, the 170 million TikTok users in the U.S. may continue scrolling, but there are still many questions yet to be answered.
UFV // January 2025 Senate recap
Changes to Criminal Justice BA program
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, which are 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 in-person Senate meeting which occurred on Friday, Jan . 17, 2025.
David Johnston, university registrar and associate vice-president enrollment management, made a motion for the senate board to accept the revisions made to the Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice program.
made to the Criminal Justice diploma program. A similar change was made for students to maintain a standard grade of C+ in two recognized grade 12 courses; additionally, students no longer needed to have the additional C+ average in Grade 12 English to meet the program requirements.
According to the memo, the reason for these changes in both programs was in part to help students with meeting educational expectations.
“Course requirements are being revised to ensure sufficient foundational knowledge and development of institutional learning outcomes, and to include an Indigenous course requirement.”
Both motions were voted on and approved. These changes are set to begin September 2025.
On Jan. 7, 2025, Canadian company Comark Holdings Inc. stated they will be shutting all their Ricki’s and Cleo stores. The company has recently filed for creditor protection, and as a result 75 Ricki’s stores and 54 Cleo stores will be closing down.
The reason for these massive closures stems from a loss of revenue from factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a cyberattack in 2021, and fierce competition from fast fashion retailers. This is not the first time Comark Holdings Inc. has filed for creditor protection. They filed in 2015 and 2020, respectively.
Ricki’s was founded in 1939 and has been in operation for 86 years. Cleo originally opened in 1979 under the name Irene Hill before switching to their current name in 1994. However, after 46 years of retail service, they will be closing their doors for good.
Bootlegger, their sister store, is being downsized; Comark Holdings Inc. is actively looking for a buyer to avoid closing the store altogether.
At the time of this publication, Ricki’s and Cleo remain open until further notice; no closing date has been announced.
REPUBLICAN STATES IMPORTING TO CANADA TARGETED
B.C. Premier David Eby spoke to the media about the threat of U.S. tariffs on Jan. 21.
Standing in front of the Port of Vancouver, a hub for global trading economies, Eby confirmed the province’s plan to retaliate against the 25 per cent tariff threat, if imposed.
Eby reiterated the detrimental effect the tariffs could have on the province.
“The tariffs mean potentially the loss of tens of billions of dollars; more than 100,000 jobs. It is a big deal for British Columbia.”
Eby’s government will be following federal plans to target republican states.
“We’re supporting the federal government in direct-response targeted tariffs at Republican districts to make sure that the party that is bringing these tariffs to us understands why trade increases the prosperity of our countries.”
Canadian provincial governments have been coming together to discuss the economic impact of tariff threats, showing some unity amidst the ongoing banter of Canada as the 51st state.
One of the main changes made to the program is that students only need a B average in two recognized grade 12 courses to be admitted into the program. The decision was made to remove the Grade 12 English requirement that was also set for a B standard grade.
Additionally, a motion was made by Johnston for senate to accept the revisions
Dr. Joanne MacLean, president and chair gave an update on the construction projects at the Abbotsford campus. She stated that the construction of the expanded cafeteria is proceeding as scheduled and will be opening in the Fall 2025. However, the new housing is taking longer than anticipated and will now be officially open to house students beginning in Jan. 2026.
She mentioned that the total cost of the dining hall construction is $20 million and the new student housing is $105 million.
She also made it clear in her report, that while other universities are going through financial difficulties and lay offs, the same cannot be said about UFV.
Dr. James Mandigo, provost and vice president academic, wrote in the Provost Report that enrollment numbers for the winter semester have reached new heights. There has been a two per cent increase in student enrollment this semester compared to Winter 2024. The enrollment of both current and new domestic students has also increased by six per cent. Mandigo shared that the total number of returning international students has grown by 18 per cent.
However, Mandigo also pointed out that despite this increase, there was a 67 per cent drop in new international student enrollment due to the cap set by the Canadian government on student visas. Despite this, UFV continues to work hard in attracting prospective students to the University.
“UFV International has been actively engaged in continuing to promote UFV as a destination of choice for students around the world and promoting the high quality of education that all our students receive in our programs.”
RACHEL TAIT
SKY S. TERRONES
GAURI SETHI
RACHEL TAIT
KIARA OKONKWO
Illustration by Eseniia Bondar / The Cascade
Hell on earth as the City of Angels burns
UFV professor shares his insight on how to prevent wildfires
SKY S. TERRONES
On Jan. 7, 2025, the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires began to spread throughout California. At the time of publication, the death toll is at 28 and there are more than 16,000 constructions wrecked. The wildfires continue to be an active threat as the Santa Ana winds are spreading through the south of California at alarming speeds.
Dr. Mariano Mapili, UFV associate professor of Physical Geography within Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies, explained the necessary temperature, humidity, and wind conditions that create a forest fire.
Mapili said that experts use the “30-3030 rule” to determine the danger level of the fire. If temperatures are in the range of 30-31.5 degrees, the humidity is under 30 per cent, and the winds are 30 km/hr, then there is cause for alarm.
Mapili, who has been teaching at UFV for 17 years, shared that as people build their houses closer to the forest, the Forest Service will attend more calls on small fires. However, he said this will create more fuel and increase the risk of a bigger fire.
“If you keep on dousing those fires, the fuel will accumulate, and then it’s a big one. It’s better to have very small ones. Let them burn because it’s natural. That’s the way the forest will renew itself.”
Mapili honoured the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous people, who skillfully handled these issues in the past.
“[They] were the ones who are the fire experts, and that’s why now we still
go back to them and say, ‘What did you do before?’ because they managed forest fires before.”
He gave an example of how Indigenous people managed fires with the practice of controlled burning and how that’s been lost in favour of modern technologies that are often more harmful.
“They followed bison and created fire so that there would be grass when the bison came.”
When it comes to the LA fires, it’s already past the point of not dousing them, and despite the reluctance to use salt water to fight the flames, Mapili believes it’s necessary to combat the urgent situation.
“Yes, there will be salts, but sooner or later, there will be rain again … So, it will be washed. You have to look at which is the lesser evil. They want to prevent other houses from being burned.”
Mapili firmly believes that people can expect a big flood in LA once the fires have been controlled, which seems to be the overall consensus.
He commented on the multiple methods of prevention that could be done, especially firebreaks, as they act as barriers that stop fire from spreading — but they aren’t being put into practice as they should.
“I used to teach Natural Hazards … we taught that there should be a firebreak around communities so that if there’s a big forest fire, the community will be protected. But look, how many have breaks? None; they only put the break when the fire is coming.”
Mapili also mentioned how diversifying
the species of trees they plant also helps prevent fires.
“We always say it is better to have to plant trees that are different in species, different in size so that they are more resilient.”
He pointed out that trees susceptible to burning are easy to identify, and they should be cut down before they inevitably burn. This way, there would be profit for logging companies, and they would be able to replant in a way that prevents the whole forest from burning down.
When asked about the Canadian government’s knowledge on this issue, Mapili referred to a 2003 investigation into the Kelowna fires and how, two decades later, the same story repeated itself.
“I think the former Premier of Manitoba was the lead author of the investigation,
Unlocking potential: students and research at UFV
A closer look at UFV’s latest initiatives regarding student research projects
GAURI SETHI
Regardless of their field of study, university students often encounter several research projects throughout their academic journey. To provide more opportunities, UFV’s School of Business has launched a number of research-focused initiatives to encourage and support research among students. In a recent interview with The Cascade, Dr. Christophe Schinckus, dean of the Faculty of Business and Computing, shed some light on how transformative research can be.
According to Dr. Schinckus, research
is an excuse to delve deeper into a topic. Students benefit from learning more about a specific subject because it teaches them how to think critically, evaluate complicated problems, and develop creative solutions — skills that are also useful in the real world.
He further added that learning from a textbook is easier, whereas applying it to a real-life scenario is a completely different story. Dr. Schinckus mentioned that research also helps students to think and problem-solve.
“Research is helping you to frame your thoughts and your knowledge in such a
way that you come up with a solution, or you suggest a solution.”
Moreover, UFV’s courses provide students with hands-on research opportunities to develop creative solutions for problems in the real world. In an effort to encourage this, UFV is also working toward offering a special digital badge that validates a skill one might possess to honour the contributors of the published research projects.
“It’s a kind of micro credential demonstrating that you have skills in research and that [is shown] to the employer.”
Dr. Schinckus added that it is important
and that was 2003. [In] 2024, 20 years later, another fire popped up in the same place. So, we visited Kelowna in 2024 to present some papers, and one of the field trips was to look at these forest fires. I said, ‘Didn’t we learn? 20 years later, we are in the same place, the same fire.’”
He suggests that while they are aware of these reports, there are political realities they need to consider as well.
“I don’t know if we will ever have a premiere who will wake up these people saying, ‘This is the right thing to do, you should do this.’ But again, the solution is there.”
All this information lies in the hands of the government, but the question remains on whether people will listen and take action.
to have faith in students and the research they do.
“We need to demonstrate that we trust research and we trust our students, and we trust our students doing research.”
While assignments are not necessarily research projects, they can lead or turn into one. A research project requires effort and initiative. Dr. Schinckus advised students to begin by communicating with their instructors. This involves expressing an interest in researching out of the box, something that is not being done
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in the classroom. Assignments can be descriptive and to the point, like writing a report on the Fraser Valley’s financial or economic situation, but research demands something more than just facts.
“You need to make a clear distinction between an assignment and a research project.”
He also added that students need to
be curious and raise questions that show they want to research deeper on a subject. Instructors can be a guiding hand for students by pointing out areas to focus on or improve in.
Dr. Schinckus suggested that true research challenges students to form original ideas and ask questions no one has asked.
He also pointed out that research isn’t just about chasing after good grades — it’s more about nurturing curiosity;
about personal and intellectual growth as a professional in a specific field. Dr. Schinckus reflected that one should be willing to put in the time to refine their ideas.
“If you want a project or an assignment to be transformed into something else, it will be beyond the marks, beyond the course.”
He shared that students who put in extra time and effort open doors to incredible opportunities, like presenting their
work at conferences and getting awarded for it. These experiences not only enrich their CVs but also help them succeed in their future academic and professional endeavours.
Research opens up endless opportunities, but it all begins with a conversation. It encourages students to approach and talk to their instructors. While some projects may end after one paper, others can evolve into long-term collaborations.
Dr. Schinckus highlighted that research usually begins with a small question which, with persistence, can lead to a greater outcome. While some projects may end after one paper, others can evolve into long-term collaborations.
“One of my co-authors now started like that ... seven years ago, [he] asked to work with me like this — and now we have around 20 papers together.”
Dr. Schinckus reminds students that research is about finding what really drives their interests, not simply about getting results.
“You never know where you can go.” Interviews have been edited for length and clarity
Spotlight on youth homelessness
Two community service workers on aid, funding, and harm-reduction for unhoused youth
SKY S. TERRONES
Winter temperatures continue to drop and homelessness is increasing throughout Canada. Zachary Bernardi, a youth worker at Covenant House Vancouver (CHV)’s complex support services drop-in centre, and Andrea Sadowski, a former employee of organizations such as Mission Community Services, Chilliwack Community Services, and Salvation Army (as well as The Cascade), shared their experiences working with youth on the front lines.
CHV is a trauma-informed agency focused on helping young people susceptible to, or experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. Bernardi, who has been working for a year at CHV and previously worked five years with the Homeward Trust program in Edmonton, commented on how uplifting it was working with youth.
“Working with adults was a positive but difficult experience because after you have an adult who’s been on the streets for 20, 30, 40 years, and they get very entrenched into the street life and surviving, they oftentimes will have an extremely difficult time transitioning away from that street life. Where a lot of the youth that I’m working with haven’t really gotten to that point yet.”
Sadowski shared a similar experience.
“Youth work is a little more uplifting because a lot of them were pretty fresh on the streets … a big part of our job was trying to reconnect them with their families and integrate them back into society ... But working with adults — [some] are so far gone. They’ve been on the street for decades. This is the only life they know.”
Each organization’s rules vary according to whether they’re privately funded or not. Bernardi mentioned how private funding allowed them to “pilot test” new initiatives, and there’s more leeway with rules. However, it created some confusion regarding rule enforcement and which actions to take.
Sadowski remarked on the obstacles faced with the rigidity of certain rules at government-funded organizations.
“Shelters and all housing organizations have to have rules, and that’s necessary. The youth have to learn how to live with these rules … but sometimes, with such a vulnerable population, you have to bend the rules a bit. So, I would get into fights with my supervisor, who saw things very black and white.”
Sadowski explained how strict it could be working for a Christian organization like the Salvation Army and shared her frustration with enforcing some of these rules.
“There are a lot of overdoses in the building, and the sad part was someone
that overdosed, we would revive them, and then they would lose their bed. They would get kicked out, and it’s like the guy almost just died, and now he’s going to be on the street.”
She emphasized the importance of harm-reduction policies in cases like this and pointed to the many studies encouraging these policies, as they are considered safer.
“They’re good for the neighbourhood; they’re good for people who use them. They actually help people get off the drugs [and] get off the street. The people hear that word, and they think, ‘Oh, you’re bringing drugs into my neighbourhood.’ No, we’re actually taking [them out].”
Drugs are not the only reason for homelessness. In the Fraser Valley, there’s been over a 200 per cent increase in homelessness from 2014 to 2023, where the average price in rent has gone from $829 to $1,483 in recent years.
Both Sadowski and Bernardi noted the effect of the growing housing prices as one of the main reasons for homelessness and how people are closer to living on the streets than they thought. They encouraged people to be more empathetic.
“[People] need to realize they are one missed pay cheque away from being homeless themselves … treating them like human beings and politicians setting the example about that would be pretty
good,” said Sadowski.
“At the end of the day, the person you have in front of you is still a person and still deserves to be talked to with dignity and respect,” stated Bernadi.
He added that even if people can’t financially support those experiencing homelessness, to be knowledgeable of organizations that provide aid remains important.
“Keep it in the back of your head so that if you are talking to an individual that might need some help, then go, ‘Oh, I’ve heard about this great resource. Here you go.’”
Bernardi advocated looking beyond first impressions, as people will discover a world of wonder in who these youths are.
“...A lot of these kids have strengths ... people can ignore, especially when they see they’re homeless, perhaps they’re using substances, perhaps they have tattoos on their face ... [There’s] a snap judgement into who they are ... but they’re just very lovely … and they want better lives for themselves.”
CHV will host a Sleep Out on Feb. 20 to support youth experiencing homelessness, foster understanding, and raise funds. Everyone is welcome to join.
Practical ways to help prepare and navigate midterms with ease
PRATI KAPOOR
With the winter season in full swing, the comfort of a warm blanket seems far more appealing than a study session. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that. It’s hard to say no to an extra hour of sleep, but I’ve learned that accepting a bad score sucks even more. To avoid that, here are some practical tips and tricks that worked for me and might just work for you too.
Be all ears in your class
Think of your classroom as a stage play and your professor is the main lead. Sometimes, what’s said in class can’t be found in the textbook, but makes its way into the exam. Professors love sprinkling real life examples to clarify concepts and those are the small details you shouldn’t miss. Listening to lectures and explanations in real time is better than scratching your head scrutinizing a 200 page textbook later.
Speak up and ask questions
Utilize your classes to clear all of your doubts, no matter how trivial you think they might be. It’s smarter to ask questions than to sit and pretend that you know the answers. Don’t suffer in silence. Keep up with your professors as they ask if anyone has any questions, review material in-class, discuss exam formats and content, etc. Talk with the professor and ask them to share their personal guidance on how to achieve a good score in their class.
Plan your study sessions
Procrastination will lure you into the trap of postponing things for tomorrow. You get your course outline on the first day of your class; best use it as a road map. Mark important dates and use it to your advantage. Plan studying in digestible chunks, rather than cramming the entire course content a night before an exam. If you can, create notes and read them ahead of time; it will help you engage better in class.
Know what to study
While it’s great that you can study all the course material you have, it’s still essential to prioritize. Some professors prefer notes over optional textbooks, some prefer pop quizzes to prepare their questionnaires. Focus on the sources that matter the most. There’s no use in reading a 95 page chapter if the answer lies in a 10 page handout. Study smart, not just hard.
Tailor your approach by subject Your interest and ability to score high aren’t the same in every subject. For
instance, if you’re good in economics and not so good in philosophy, then devoting an equal amount of time to both the subjects won’t help. Schedule your study sessions in a way that you’re giving extra time to the subject you struggle with the most.
Submit assignments on time
Imagine having midterms in a week and you’re buried under three assignments, two group submissions, and one presentation. A total nightmare. To avoid this, finish assignments as early as you can, especially around midterms. It will give you more time to focus and minimize the stress of deadlines.
Make use of available resources
UFV has multiple resources to help students do well academically. Some examples are peer tutors who provide one-on-one sessions, student learning groups which are alumni-led study sessions, and advising sessions. They’re there to help us and there’s no shame in asking for help.
Study to learn, not to get it done with Out of all the fields you could’ve chosen, you picked your specific degree for a reason. Don’t let the goal of just getting
assignments done overshadow the opportunity to learn and grow. Exams test our knowledge and scores are irrelevant in the long run; in the end, learning is what truly holds value.
Don’t study on your bed
This might sound funny, but studying on your bed is a slippery slope that can lead to falling asleep. Find a study spot, like the UFV library, a cafe, or your desk at home. Wherever you can stay alert and study without distractions helps.
You’ll be okay regardless
Your score doesn’t determine your worth or your potential. You shouldn’t overestimate your dreams and not study at all, though. But sometimes, despite giving your best, the results aren’t as anticipated. Don’t take it as a failure — take it as a nudge to rethink your strategy and try again.
To each their own
What works for me might not work for you and that’s okay. It means something else will do and you just have to find the strategy that works best for you. After all, these are some tips that worked for me, so feel free to modify them to best suit you! Midterms are just tiny stepping stones to a bigger dream. You’ve got this!
SNAPSHOT
I can’t handle spicy food
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
I don’t usually engage with stereotypes, but when I think of a very specific one being applied to myself, I can’t help but to find it both funny and ironic. Mexicans have a reputation of loving spicy food, but despite my inheritage, I can’t handle anything spicy. If I had a cent for each time a family member or a friend has made fun of me for this, I say I’d be able to comfortably afford at least four large lattes at Fair Grounds. Some of my friends have tried to convince me to eat more spicy things to build up my tolerance to it. But each time I attempt to do so, my burning tongue makes me regret it rather quickly. I think I’ll stick to converting those jokes into imaginary cents that I can then exchange for imaginary lattes.
BY NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade
SNAPSHOT
I’m an adult and love board games … so?
by Iryna Presley
Since I was young, I’ve always had access to a leaning, and somewhat dangerous, tower of board games in my closet. The days when I spent the afternoon playing my favourite games were all good days. I have fond memories of after-school board game sessions with my grandparents while I scarfed down a ham and cheese sandwich. Now that I’ve grown older, those board games sit in my closet for a lot longer than they used to — each under a layer of dust. It makes me sad when I look at the game closet door, but older-person priorities take precedence.
It’s not just adult life that pushes my precious board games into storage, but also being an adult. I feel a small voice invading my 20s that says “board games are for kids.” It’s basically putting fun into an age category, and I don’t want that. There’s something special about a game with real figurines or cards to play with. Though I’m certain my interest for board games will live through my adulthood — it’s like keeping my childhood self alive. So, for anyone who’s down to have a board game night, I’m proud to say that I’m totally down for it too!
BY VERONICA POWELL
The Environmentalist: When nature burns
Wildfires have a reputation of being detrimental for the environment, but that’s only half of the story
FABIOLA CRUZ ALDERETE
Welcome to The Environmentalist, your column for understanding the natural world. Today we look at forest fires and the increasing need for urgent solutions.
Imagine your co-worker approaches you and tells you to go home. You ask them why, and they let you know that the forest fires have reached your neighbourhood and that you must evacuate — everything is ablaze. This is what happened to Jennifer Schweitzer, a victim of the California forest fires, who lost her home and family business. She is one of many that are losing their livelihoods to these increasingly frequent events, which are not just limited to California. Forest fires are escalating in frequency and intensity, fuelled by climate change, human activity, insufficient forest areas, and poor land management. Beyond the visible damage, they leave myriad consequences behind, such as disrupted ecosystems, unbreathable air, and economic devastation. Here in British Columbia, last season’s wildfires resulted in 208 evacuations, affecting
approximately 48,000 people.
But what is a forest fire? Britannica defines them as an uncontrolled fire occurring in vegetation more than 1.8 metres in height. A wider term is wildfire, which also describes fire affecting grasslands, brush lands, or crops.
But it’s not all gloom and doom — did you know wildfires can be controlled and can even be beneficial? Planned and regulated wildfires are referred to as prescribed or controlled burns, but to mitigate danger, they must be performed under tight safety parameters. Moreover, Indigenous people from North America, Africa, and Australia have long used fire to clear debris, remove undesired insects, and preserve biodiversity. Here in British Columbia, wildfires release valuable nutrients trapped in debris on the forest floor. They also open the forest canopy, which stimulates new growth and enables the reproduction of certain tree species, such as lodgepole and jack pine.
But we can’t deny the damage that uncontrolled fires cause — so how do we
prevent them? First we need to understand what causes them. Risk of fire is driven by three main factors: oxygen in the air, heat to ignite, and dry fuel, like leaves, grass, branches, and any other organic materials. The main human activities that cause wildfires, whether accidental or intentional, range from open burning, equipment failure, cigarettes, and acts of arson. To prevent these fires we just need to break the fire triangle by taking away heat, fuel, or oxygen. This circles back to controlled fires, since they decrease the fuel loads, therefore reducing the risk of wildfires.
Wildfires are one of the scariest phenomena that occur on our planet, but with the use of Indigenous knowledge and better land management, we can reach a point where our forests are in balance and healthy.
Let’s not forget what The Lorax once said: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” So, let’s care.
Illustrations
Video Games //
The end of the “console war” is closer than ever
Xbox shows signs of making exclusive titles available to other
gaming platforms
BRANDON GILL
There have been rumours for years that Microsoft’s gaming strategy is going to shift significantly. While it has changed before — ranging from massive acquisitions of other developers, focusing more on their Game Pass subscription model, and even the company’s gaming CEO Phil Spencer hinting at the possibility of flagship titles making it to other platforms — the prospect of first party games like Halo (2001) becoming available on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles is a strong shift that could change the gaming landscape permanently.
Microsoft has been vocal about their multi-platform video game strategy; an example of this is their recent ad campaign called “This Is an Xbox,” which highlights their plan to bring Xbox to multiple different platforms. In the past, they have implied that certain first-party games will be exclusive to Xbox, be it on an Xbox console or through an Xbox service like Game Pass. This is particularly true for the Halo franchise, which has remained exclusive to Xbox for over 20 years, and arguably assisted in making Xbox what it is today. Microsoft Gaming has slowly expanded their game availability to other consoles as a way to bring in more revenue. For gamers who own different consoles, this is an enormous win!
I remember growing up when the “console war” between Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo were the equivalent of aligning with a favourite sports team. You would make friends with the other people on “your team” so that you could jump online, party up with them, and play some
Mental Health //
games together. Anyone who did not have the same console as you would have to stay as a school friend only, because the lack of cross-platform compatibility wouldn’t enable including them in your online play sessions.
With this exclusivity possibly changing, or maybe even ending, it means that more gamers than ever before may gain access to some great games. I grew up on Halo and the idea of seeing a massive resurgence in popularity due to PlayStation and Nintendo players joining the audience is exciting! Same thing goes for other big titles that are only on Xbox, like Gears of War (2006) and Forza (2005), as well as smaller titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (2024) and Senua’s Saga (2024). By having more players in the game, the fan base can grow alongside the franchise.
This could also mean huge benefits for the game developers behind each title. As with all businesses, the developers seek financial gain and want to see their games succeed. If they release a game to more consoles, they will have access to a larger target market, leveraging the incremental cost of making the game available to those consoles. With a larger audience, success may be easier to achieve through more game sales and possibly through merchandise as well.
Part of this massive change has to do with how games are consumed. As mentioned previously, the aforementioned ad campaign by Xbox made it clear that they want their online services to be available on all devices. We have yet to see an official announcement on behalf of Xbox, but for now, there’s reason enough to speculate and become excited. Being able to play Halo or Forza on my phone without even owning an Xbox console would be cool!
Despite my excitement and high hopes, we should wait for an official announcement from Microsoft.
Sad or Gen Z?
Research shows Generation Z is considered the saddest generation to date
PRATI KAPOOR
Born between 1996 and 2010, Generation Z is the generation that bridges the gap between Millennials and Generation Alpha. Generation Z, abbreviated as Gen Z, has been faced with challenges of the digital age, climate anxiety, and COVID19. Because of this, and including myriad other factors, Gen Z is considered one of the saddest generations to date. According to a report by Harmony
Healthcare IT, over 42 per cent of Gen Z integrants were diagnosed with mental health conditions. Anxiety was at the top, followed by depression, ADHD, and PTSD. According to the report, 68 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds held COVID responsible for their loneliness and stress about the future. Surprisingly, about 20 per cent of Gen Z reported engaging in therapy and around 60 per cent are on medications.
As a part of Gen Z, I felt my world
spin when COVID struck in 2020. The switch from in-person to online learning was new and extremely challenging. Two years of staying at home took a toll on my mental health and severely disrupted my academic performance. Growing up alongside the internet shaped me, the ease of access to information and shared experience exposed me to different communities and increased my awareness of issues surrounding mental health. I feel that Gen Z was born in a
SNAPSHOT
by Iryna Presley
A classmate of mine returned from their break recently and, tightening the lid of their Hydro Flask, posed a peculiar question: “Why does the water here taste like shit?” People from all corners of the classroom became engaged in conversation, eager to contribute to the campus water discourse.
“Water here sucks!” “I hate it!” We all felt we were being a little dramatic, because who were we to comment on drinkable running water? For a long time I thought that I was delusional.
“The water doesn’t taste better in Langley you idiot, the chlorine has just poisoned your tastebuds.” So if you ever just made it to class on time after paying for parking, and rushing across campus, then attempted to quench your thirst with a swig of water to maximize your learning potential and thought: “Am I drinking warm sewage run-off?” You are not alone.
BY JEFFREY KENNETT
competitive era and that we’re afraid of rejection. This fear is so present that some give up before trying. This is especially true when it comes to love. Some of us might shield ourselves from heartbreak by convincing ourselves we don’t care, when we do. Despite being open to different types of relationships, over half of Gen Z daters withhold from pursuing a potential relationship because they’re CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Illustration by May Beeney / The Cascade
UFV’s water
Illustrations
I refuse to buy a car without a CD player SNAPSHOT
Like many of us ‘90s to early 2000s kids, my childhood was spent listening to burnt CDs. Some of my parents’ old compact discs have even followed me into adulthood, and now live in a thick booklet in the glove compartment of my car. CDs hold a lot of sentimental value for me, which is why I find it so tragic that newer vehicles lack the means to play them.
Maybe it’s the touchscreens, flush door handles, and keyless entries that have people rushing for the latest vehicle models — but for me, I’ll gladly forgo all of these glamorous features in exchange for the ability to play my CDs on the road.
It’s not only nostalgia that makes me so stubborn. There’s also something about owning physical copies of my favourite albums that makes me feel like they’re really mine. It’s comforting to know that even in a hypothetical, post-apocalyptic world without streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, I could still listen to my favourite tunes whenever I wanted.
Whether I have a point or just need to get with the times, as long as I have my CDs, I don’t really care.
BY CAITLYN CARR
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
scared. The impact of COVID-19 exacerbated this, making it harder to engage with new people.
There are many other factors that negatively affect Gen Z. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 75 per cent of the surveyed youth stated mass shootings as a significant source of stress. Another stress-inducing factor is social media, which can be a double-edged sword. A 2021 study focusing on 10 to 17-year-olds found a relationship between problematic social media use and challenges with impulse control, difficulties with goal-oriented behavior, procrastination, and
Lifestyle //
stress. Another source of stress for Gen Z is the climate crisis, since they are inheriting a world afflicted by unprecedented pollution and environmental change.
Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author of iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood (2017), profiles Gen Z across a series of “I” words: “Internet, No In-Person, Insecure, Irreligious, Insulated, Indefinite, Inclusive, and Independent.” In her book, she details how factors like insecurity as a mental health crisis, income instability, gender and race issues, long distance relationships, and politics are negatively affecting
the generation.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. A report by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation highlighted predictions of happiness for Generation Z. These include finding a sense of purpose in school and work, fostering positive social connections, and having enough time to sleep and relax.
I feel Gen Z is extremely resilient and can overcome these challenges. After all of the obstacles we have faced as a generation, I think it’s fair to say that we have done well so far and everyone should be proud of themselves. We’re learning, adapting, and healing, which stands as a testament to our resilience.
Yes, there is a reason we brag about bad habits
The psychology behind competing for last place
NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
You have surely been in a situation where one person brings up how little they slept last night, only for another to comment that they slept even less. But this is not limited to sleep — it also happens when talking about skipping meals, comparing who had less food in the last 24 hours, or discovering who did the most work with the least amount of breaks. There is no limit to the unfavourable things people brag about!
I’ll be the first to come out and say it — I’ve been that person. But here’s the thing: you have probably been that person too, at least once. We can agree that all of the aforementioned behaviours are not ideal; so then why is it that we tend to make competitions out of them? There’s no award for being the person who slept the least this week, so why does it feel like some people compete for the spot?
I thought long and hard about this topic — I wanted to dissect this peculiar behaviour and find out if there is one specific reason why this happens. What I found is that there are a lot of components to this behaviour, but let’s start with competitive conditioning. Humans are hardwired to engage in competitive practices, since from an evolutionary standpoint, it was beneficial for the survival of the species. Outcompeting others usually meant securing resources which favoured survival, so it is no surprise that people may feel the urge to turn anything into a competition. This aspect is also deeply ingrained in cultural, social, and psychological values. Growing up, some people may have experienced a competitive environment at home, inadvertently fostered
by their parents or peers. Other people may subconsciously depend on competition to reassure themselves of their capabilities and self-worth — with their need for recognition and status driving their competitive spirit.
This leads me to the next reason: empathy. I have no doubt that all of us have skipped a meal before, or missed out on a lot of sleep, or lost something valuable. We all know how it feels, or at least have a good idea about how it might feel. A natural reaction could come in the form of expressing empathy toward people who are living through something unfavourable. Drawing from the fact that some people rely on competition for self-assurance, these people might end up externalizing their afflictions in hopes of getting validated by others, and receiving empathy in the process.
For some, bragging about how bad their
luck has been all year might be a simple conversation starter, but for others this might be a subtle cry for help. This is why it is important to be on the lookout for people who engage in flexing their bad habits regularly. A decrease or increase in eating or sleeping, along with other alterations in someone’s routine activities, can be signs of psychological distress.
There’s no harm in looking at an unfavourable situation in your life with a bit of humour, even more so if everything is in control. But when it comes to an excess of this behaviour, I invite you to take special note of the afflicted person, as they might be struggling with something they can’t externalize properly. Even if most times it takes knowing the person to spot the signs, starting by empathizing with them can go a long way. And if this sounds like you, don’t be afraid to reach out for help; we all need it from time to time.
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER:
Practical advice for post-graduates facing the job market
CINDY CASTRO
“If you get a degree, you will have trouble finding a job,” said no parent ever; but, that seems to be the reality for many new Canadian graduates. We were always told to graduate high school, go to college or university afterward, and study more to succeed in the real world. Or if you really didn’t know what to do, take that gap year to figure out what to study at university, but make sure you go at some point. Why is this so normal? Why is it so ingrained in our heads that without a degree, we will not be successful?
Education is helpful for making connections, learning new skills, and pursuing internships and practicums, but after speaking with friends and family and doing a little research, I began to realize that work experience is more important than education.
Now I know it might be counterproductive to argue against education in a newspaper run by university students, but I’m not here to speak against education because I do see its value. I am a university graduate myself, and although I think education alone is important, gaining work experience during education is that golden snitch you need to catch.
I graduated in June 2024, with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and minoring in Philosophy. Yeah, it’s a pretty vague degree, and if you’re not planning on becoming some kind of teacher, it’s just another line on your resume and a piece of paper on your wall. But what did make my education valuable were the experiences I had and the people I met during my time at university. When I graduated, I spent six months applying for jobs, and I am not kidding when I tell you I was ghosted for six months.
Graduation looming on the horizon for you? I’m going to let you in on a couple of secrets of what not to do, and what to do as a fresh graduate to stay away from the postgrad limbo of questioning your existence and worth. Why should you listen to me? Because, using the strategies I’ll explain below, I went
from hearing nothing for six months to landing five interviews and three job offers in one day.
I conducted a Google survey with my personal friends and family aged 17-37 from different walks of life, asking them to give me insight on how to increase my chances of employment and to find out what their biggest struggles have been while job hunting. All the participants I included currently reside in the Lower Mainland; some were recent graduates, some were about to finish school, others had growing careers, and some never attended university at all. There was discussion on life after graduation, concerns about the job market and how they aimed for success despite the odds.
Two of my survey respondents had very different experiences in the employment world. One is a high school graduate working as a self-employed cleaner, and the other is a nurse with a degree from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). Would you believe me if I said they both make the same hourly wage? You probably wouldn’t, but the reality is that they do. So, let it be known that you do not need a super fancy degree to make it in life.
Almost every single one of my survey respondents has or is currently struggling to find a job in their field of study. Some participants expressed a deep frustration either at themselves or at the world, but mostly I got a sense of overall disappointment from everyone, including those with a fresh bachelor’s degree under their belt. Why? It could be that the one-size-fits-all approach of rote learning and standardized testing in education leaves many post-secondary students feeling unprepared for the real dynamic, skill-based demands of today’s workforce.
After dealing with my own experiences of trying to find employment post-graduation, and listening to the stories of those I surveyed, it seems that the majority of recent
graduates and those who do not have formal education are frustrated with the lack of accessible resources, potential employers that fail to respond to their application, long and tedious application processes, low wages, the fact that landing a job is too connection-based (for example, you have to know a friend of a friend of a friend to get you in), and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
An ATS is a software screening tool that organizes information from applicants and uses AI to filter through each one to identify the best candidates. The downside is that these automated screening tools disqualify potentially qualified candidates over simple formatting issues. For example, if your resume includes images, tables, artistic fonts, or anything other than simple, readable text, the ATS will leave your profile with missing data. While a human can decipher these details, the system cannot grasp these nuances, effectively disqualifying qualified applicants.
When I was applying for jobs fresh out of university, I was on Indeed and LinkedIn each day sending out the same generic application and tailored cover letter to each company. It was radio silence for months. Then, I got one message from a potential employer on Indeed asking if I had a vehicle to get to and from work. Unfortunately, I don’t own a vehicle; I share one with my fiancé to go about our daily lives. Little things like this are deal breakers for companies regardless if you are qualified or overqualified. Radio silence once again. I took a break from applications to review my strategy. I came back two weeks later with a new resume tailored with all the keywords that an ATS might flag to put me through to the next round (I was mostly applying online … rookie mistake). My survey respondents and I speculated that if employers don’t see your face, they will feel less obligated to respond. My applications were now getting reviewed
1. If you’re a college graduate (or student), most university and college campuses have career centres that help alumni with their resumes, cover letters, and application strategies. You may be able to schedule mock interviews with the career centre to help with the interview anxiety that we all get. UFV’s Career Services offer help to not only current students but alumni as well within one year of their graduation date.
5. Use keywords relevant to your industry and the job posting you’re applying to. This can help ATS systems cling to your easily-readable resume and sort you at the top of the applicant list (make sure this isn’t the only tip you incorporate).
more often, but I was still struggling with not getting any further than an email that began with ‘Unfortunately…’. After some more radio silence, I had a conversation with a family friend who reminded me that if my current strategy was not working, I really needed to switch it up, and not just by adding keywords to my resume. As author and coach Tony Robbins says, “All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone.”
I received some advice from my survey participants with full-time jobs as well, whether they are living their dream jobs or are currently working up the ladder. Some of that advice was not to be afraid to take big risks, even if that means looking beyond your hometown for work; the unknown is often where the most valuable experiences are waiting. Don’t pursue general knowledge in different fields — pursue what you are passionate about and perfect it. Make sure you are genuinely interested and you’re not only motivated by money because that will give you a higher success rate and you’ll feel happy to work in that position. Choose a field that needs people, like healthcare and teaching. Contact real people instead of applying solely online; genuine face-to-face or voice-to-voice connection can go a long way. Lastly, you are worthy of finding your dream job, and sometimes that means working four jobs that you only half-like at fi rst. This is all brilliant advice to consider, but I know you’re also here because you want some tangible tips to try right now. So without further adieu, here is my advice.
2. Focus on one industry. If you are sending the same resume to all different types of jobs as I did, it won’t work. As impressive as some of your skills may be, they’re probably irrelevant to different industries. Pick the skills you want to use, and apply to positions in the industry that would benefit from those skills. That is where you will find your passion.
3. Find people on LinkedIn with the job title you want, and the job title you have or had in the past. We call this resume stalking. Look at their profiles, study their job descriptions, and review their skills, certifications, and anything else they have that you don’t have. It is time-consuming but so necessary if you don’t know what to do next or how to improve. If you have spare time and money, get some of those certificates and training. See if your university offers free or discounted certification courses – it could save you money.
4. Make your resume BORING! Scrap the resume with cute borders, a picture of yourself, colours, and pretty fonts. These resumes worked when you were in high school for minimum wage McDonald’s work, but you need to use simple layouts now; these make you look mature and professional. I recommend using an ATS-friendly resume format so the automated resume filing system can scan and understand the text on your resume. If possible, type it out yourself, and avoid using tables, images, or artistic font as an ATS cannot process them. There are many ATS-friendly resume templates online that can save you time! This is a crucial step if you plan to apply online, by email, or in person. I found success using the website Resume Worded for my templates.
6. Compile job postings, set aside a day to go in person, and apply to all of them. Shake hands with the employer and introduce yourself. Even if you are not fully qualified, being confident may get you farther than you think. Don’t cross your arms or keep your hands in your pockets; have good posture, smile, and hold eye contact. Most importantly, use the employer’s name in conversation. It’s more personable and can make you stand out from other applicants. If they go by Mr./Mrs./Ms., Dr., Professor, etc. use that as well. It will show you have done your research on them and the company.
7. Write a list of companies you want to work for that align with your values. Instead of refreshing Indeed and LinkedIn every morning, go to the “Careers” page of the company’s website. The job I have now was not listed on a popular job site. I found it on the career page of a company I wanted to work for. This ensured that I was applying to a place I had a genuine interest in, and it increased my chances when they asked how I found the job posting.
8. Email the company or go in person if you want to apply somewhere that is not hiring. Don’t ask if they are hiring because they may turn you away when they are not. Instead, introduce yourself, and express your interest in working for their business. List your skills and what you are open to doing. Express that even if they are not hiring, you are more than happy to be considered as a backup applicant when the time comes and that the least you could do is introduce yourself. This strategy got me a second job offer for a business that was not hiring.
9. Time your applications. I have found that when I got responses, it was mostly at the beginning of the week and in the late morning after they’ve caught up on emails and before they go to lunch. When I applied to companies near the end of the
workday and/or workweek, they would get piled up when the employer or HR was out of the office for the day, or (even worse) for the entire long weekend. Here is a guideline: Send applications between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. What’s better than having your application right at the top of their inbox when the employer comes in to work for the week, or when they are actively responding to emails? They are the most productive during these hours. This can help you streamline your job hunt to make it more efficient and avoid burnout and disappointment. Some employers would likely have reached out to you, but they saw someone else’s application before yours. Use your other time during the week and weekend to prepare for similar job applications, tailor your cover letter for new positions, and energize yourself for the coming week.
10. Use a good hook and treat your cover letter like a short story. Avoid having AI write your cover letters, too. Trust me when I say we can all tell when something has been written by AI. If you are applying to one industry, chances are you won’t have to change your cover letter very much either, except for the company name, position, and company values. Some examples that got me interviews are:
a. My name is ________ and I am an experienced _______ (position) professional with over X years in the _____ industry.
b. As a passionate advocate for ______ and ______ (company values), I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to be your next ________ (position) at ________(company)
11. Your cover letter should be a page long, and a maximum of four small paragraphs. The cover letter that got me all of my job offers followed this structure:
a. The fi rst paragraph should introduce yourself, highlight your best relevant skills, and show how you can contribute to the company. Employers want to hear how you can benefit them instead of hearing how they can benefit you.
b. Your second paragraph should be about a previous relevant role, any achievements or improvements you contributed to your previous company, and what kind of work that achievement was built off of.
c. Your third paragraph, which is optional, is relatively the same as the last but with a different role, or you can discuss the relevance of your education and the role it plays in being successful at the position you are applying for (especially if there is a gap in your resume due to school).
d. Lastly, the final paragraph should express why you are interested in working for this company, the kinds of values they have that align with yours, a final closing statement about who you are and what you can bring, and a thank you for considering your application. Sign off with ‘sincerely’ or ‘warm regards’, and call it a day.
If you take anything from my advice and my interviewees’ advice, I hope it’s that all you need to do is change your strategy. An employer’s response or straight As do not define your worth. You are gaining momentum by reading this, even if it doesn’t feel that way. The post-graduation
slump is temporary and your career is a lifelong, ever-learning journey. Remind yourself that experience is more valuable than that essay due at midnight, so take advantage of co-op opportunities throughout your time at university. It was in my final semester that I wished I had done more with my time at UFV. Without getting involved on campus, without the extracurricular activities and fun practicums, I would have thought my education was a joke and a waste of money. But in reality, all the resources are already available to you at UFV. After all, you are paying for them — you may as well take advantage of the opportunities that arise for you to build your portfolio and gain real-world experiences.
If something is not working for you in the way that you hoped, take a step back, analyze the issue and its cause, and see if there is a better way to go about it. Put yourself in the shoes of the employer; try to imagine how they might go about the hiring process and apply yourself. Overall, remember that there is always room for improvement and we will never reach perfection. As long as you keep learning, keep connecting, and especially keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, the most valuable opportunities are waiting for you on the other side.
Cascade Q&A: Swaggydawg Lauren
Lauren Attieh is a fourth-year outside hitter and team captain on the Cascades women’s volleyball team (WVB) at UFV. Attieh has over 800 kills and 600 digs in her Canada West career to date.
What was your reaction to Cailin Bitter reaching 2000 career assists?
I’ve known Cailin since high school. We played club together in grade 11 and 12 — and before that, we’d always played [against] each other in school … I’ve seen her develop into the player she is.
v
2000 assists is such a cool milestone … but it doesn’t even encapsulate all that Cailin does for this program and for the sport itself. She’s such a trooper, and she’s probably the player on the team that I look up to the most. And Emily Matsui with 1000 career digs?
I’ve also known her for so long … we played zone volleyball together when we were going into grade 10, and I played against her in club as well … I have this insider look of their whole volleyball journey, and it makes me happy to see them get recognition.
This [is] such a specific and cool accolade … Some other liberos in the league wouldn’t be getting the touches that she does. She gets the ball up like none other … so it doesn’t surprise me, honestly. They’re a different breed, I tell you.
Your favourite animal and why?
That’s so easy … My favorite animal is a bald eagle … they’re images of strength and courage and hope. Even when I just look at them it gets me fired up … like a National Geographic shot, or some of these crazy videos that I see. In the Lower Mainland there’s so many bald eagles, especially right now, the main time to see them is this season.
I’ve never looked at a picture of an eagle before a game … but maybe I should, because I seriously think it would get me hype … and I’ve been bird watching before, I
literally went to — it’s called Brackendale … it’s kind of near Squamish. I went eagle watching with some binoculars, and it was one of the coolest things I’ve done. How would you describe having both of your sisters on the team with you last year?
Last year was really cool … Tal [Attieh] wasn’t a red shirt anymore, and it was Gabby [Attieh]’s final year of eligibility, so the three of us actually got to play together last year. That was the dream since we were young, but I [don’t] think [any] of us even put that much thought into it. We all thought we were going to go on different volleyball journeys and paths … I’m so thankful for how life shook out and we were able to play together.
When the season was done we all had a moment after we lost the bronze medal game, where we sat in the change room crying to each other knowing how much this meant for us, and how sad it was that it finished — but how happy we were that it actually happened. And in years to come this little era is something we’re gonna tell our kids about.
Why do you love Spider-Man?
I mainly got that from my brother … he’s a big SpiderMan guy. Something about Spider-Man’s disposition. I feel like we’re quite similar the way he’s a bit silly. Depends on the actual Spider-Man we’re talking about [too]. I really like the Tobey Maguire [version] … he’s the most Spider-Man.
Is there an origin story of your Swaggydawg moniker?
The age old question … to be honest, it’s not as sick as I wish it was. When I came to UFV two years ago there were two other Laurens … Lauren Way [and] Lauren Rommel. So there were three of us, and Janelle [Rozema] clocked that right away … she [didn’t] think three different Laurens would work … [so] they had nicknames … Way and Rommel, just their last names.
I had an older Instagram account [that] suddenly got removed one day … so I remade another one [and] I was like, why does it have to be something basic? Let’s just
make a new name for myself … so I jokingly named it Swaggydawg Lauren. I think Janelle had seen that, and she’s like, why don’t we just do Swaggy?
I wish it was because of my persona … that would be a lot cooler, but I try and live up to it every day the best I can.
Are you a dog or a cat person?
I’m actually 100 per cent a cat person; I love cats. I have one, I call him my son — his name’s Richard. I do love dogs … I think they’re great animals. Swaggydawg Lauren is less so that they’re my favorite animal, but more so because I think I got that dawg in me. Q&A has been edited for length and readability.
JEFFREY KENNETT
Photo by Eduardo Rubi / The Cascade
Photo by Eduardo Rubi / The Cascade
Volleyball //
Unpacking the Cascades’ dominant weekend against
the
visiting Calgary Dinos
CASSIE WILLIAMS
On Jan. 17 and 18, the UFV Cascades’ volleyball teams played back-to-back matches against the University of Calgary Dinos (U of C) at the UFV Athletic Centre. The UFV women’s volleyball team (WVB) improved to 11-1 this season, remaining second in the Canada West rankings, while the men’s volleyball team (MVB) elevated to 6-8 on the season and eighth place overall.
MVB’s Friday festivity
In the fourth set, fifth-year outside hitter Nimo Benne became the 31st player in Canada West to record 1000 kills. It was a special moment in the stands as the crowd came alive with cheers from Benne’s family and friends for the milestone. An ace from Benne closed out the final set 25-18, capping off a 3-1 win.
“It was definitely a goal when I came here,” said Benne on his achievement. “All the great players that I know have done 1000 at least.”
Basketball //
Dropping their first set 25-17, the Cascades came together in the second set, finding their rhythm to even the match with a 25-21 victory. The third set progressed with neither team able to gain more than a two-point lead, until the Cascades finished it off courtesy of fifthyear middle Ryan Hampe’s second kill of the night.
Benne fired three kills in a row after notching his record tally, accompanied by fourth-year outside hitter Jonas Van Huizen’s ability to find the pockets, they put the game away for the home team. The Cascades’ pin-hitters continued to execute, as Benne and Van Huzien ended the night with 18 and 17 kills, respectively.
WVB kicks ass(ists)
It was a big game for fourth-year setter Cailin Bitter on Friday — picking up her 2000th career assist, with 28 total. The game didn’t make it past three sets, with the Cascades defeating the Dinos 25-22, 25-18, and 25-20 en route to a 3-0 win.
The Cascade got Bitter’s reaction to the news following the match.
“I had no idea, but it feels good,” she said of her milestone. “I wouldn’t rather
do it with anyone else than [the] girls on this team.”
Head coach Janelle Rozema has had high hopes for Bitter ever since bringing her into the program.
“We recruited Cailin as a setter that we knew had potential to be one of, if not the best, setters in Canada … She’s super physical [and] strong, but she’s also very strategic,” Coach Rozema explained. “Getting the ball to the right places but also making the right decisions is what results in her hitters scoring points off her sets.”
MVB serves up trouble
The Cascades secured a fourth consecutive victory on Saturday, their longest win streak since joining Canada West in 2021. The match required all five sets by scores of 19-25, 25-23, 14-25, 25-15, and a 15-8 final set to grind out a 3-2 win. Following Benne’s personal victory on Friday, he showed up clutch again for the second match with five aces and 13 kills.
Van Huizen had another 17 kills in the game, and was a prominent figure in the team’s comeback after falling behind two sets to one.
“Heading into the fifth [set] hitting those aces and putting us ahead, it gave us that cushion and confidence — we felt very unstoppable at that point … We want to have one island out there, not six individual islands.”
WVB: a dig deal
Streaks, records, and a weekend sweep Lopez surpasses 1000 points; Cascades bounce back
UFV would sweep Calgary in straight sets for the second night with another 3-0 performance. It was another night of achievement as fourth-year libero Emily Matsui registered her 1000th career dig and became 23rd all-time in Canada West.
Matsui tallied 14 digs in the game, putting her at 1,010 for her career.
“It shows that it’s not just myself — it’s everyone else who puts me in that position to succeed,” Matsui said. “We all work very hard, and everyone helps me get better every day. So it’s really cool for me, and also a testament to our team.”
Perhaps often an unsung hero, Matsui is the anchor of the Cascades’ defence.
“Emily backing us up on serve receive, and putting our setters in a good position to be able to set our attackers has been pivotal to our team’s success,” said Coach Rozema. “To have somebody be able to play such good defence behind a medium-sized block really helps our team be successful.”
The men’s and women’s teams head to Manitoba riding win streaks of four and seven games at the time of writing this to take on the Brandon University Bobcats on Jan. 24 and 25. The Bobcats currently hold 10th and 13th place in the standings for MVB and WVB, respectively.
The Cascades return to their home floor on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. to take on the arch-rival, Trinity Western Spartans in their final home games of the season.
JEFFREY KENNETT
The UFV Cascades basketball teams rebounded from Jan. 17 and 18 defeats at top-seeded UBC with decisive weekend sweeps at the UFV Athletic Centre against the largely inferior MacEwan Griffins on Jan. 24 and 25. Running away
80-41 on Friday and 66-39 on Saturday, UFV’s WBB remain the second best team in Canada West’s Pacific division at 11-5 overall after this weekend’s action. After a heartbreaking 93-88 double overtime loss to the Thunderbirds, UFV’s MBB put two in the win column against the Griffins, coming away 104-64 and 93-61.
With Saturday featuring as an emotional senior night for Chris Jackson, his team remains fifth in the Pacific division at 7-9.
Maddy Gobeil was the best player on the court Friday night, scoring a gamehigh 26 points (PTS) to go along with five rebounds (REB) and six steals (STL). Julia Tuchscherer had the most time on the
court of the Cascades, her play warranting it with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks (BLK) — a category she leads the program in.
“She’s a real rock defensively …” said Coach Al Tuchscherer. “She does a good
Photo by Joshua Sulpico / The Cascade
Photo courtesy of UFV Cascades
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
job in the post and controlling the paint, and she’s turned herself into a pretty good shot blocker.”
Gobeil would lead the Cascades in scoring again on Saturday with 22 PTS, while Unity Obasuyi of the Griffins scored a game-high 23 PTS.
Friday was milestone night for Dario Lopez, who surpassed both 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. The third-year forward scored 14 PTS and grabbed four REBs.
“I’ve been here for four years, and it’s something that we all look up to — we have the records up there … I’ve always wanted to be up there, so being up there for two things is just amazing,” said Lopez.
Three years have flown by, and Lopez is already approaching his senior season.
“When he arrived I’ll always remember Troy Gottselig, our assistant coach at the time, said ‘He’s going to be your all-time leading scorer [and] leading rebounder,’” Coach Joe Enevoldson recalled. “He’s on a path to do that. This is just a milestone of many milestones he’s gonna accomplish
Hockey //
here over the next year and a half.”
Jake Willemsen was lights-out from beyond the arc on Saturday, shooting an incredible 7-for-10 from three-point range. Willemsen and Lopez scored game highs of 23 PTS, as the Cascades’ starters issued statement performances. Ismael Hernandez was another standout scoring 15 points, shooting 5-for-7 from the field, and 3-for-5 from deep.
The Cascades have three graduating seniors: Jackson, along with Willemsen, and team captain Takeshi Croke. After a moving tribute to Jackson this weekend,
the team’s next senior night is the season finale against arch-rival TWU at home on Feb. 14 and 15.
“This senior night’s a little bit different, obviously, with Chris’ injury and his family being up here from Vegas …” Coach Enevoldson said. “Senior nights are emotional, and they can be tough. Our three seniors are Chris and our two fifth years, [who] have been culture setters for our program, so it’s a little more emotional than it would normally be. They’re just great, all three of them are great … our guys love and respect them.”
Growing the game: Vancouver gets its first look at the PWHL
Reflecting on the importance of women’s hockey with Dr. Brett Pardy and the possibility of a Vancouver team
JASLEEN SANDHU
Dr. Brett Pardy is an assistant professor in the School of Culture, Media, and Society at UFV.
Women’s hockey rocks; if Marie-Philip Poulin sniping a goal from her knees doesn’t prove that, I don’t know what will. As someone who desperately wants a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team in Vancouver, I was ecstatic when the league announced they would be coming to the West Coast during the Takeover Tour. On Jan. 8, 2024, Rogers Arena’s sold-out crowd of over 19,000 people watching the Montréal Victoire
and Toronto Sceptres provided me with immense hope that there is a future for women’s hockey in this city.
I was hoping for a Victoire win — which I got — but I didn’t mind in the slightest when the Sceptres put two goals past Ann-Renée Desbiens. My allegiance was with the Victoire, but I couldn’t stay upset when the Sceptres’ goal song was a remix of Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” While Vancouver witnessed a regular season game, there was urgency to it: each woman had something to prove, as if The Walter Cup was on the line.
I’ve attended many hockey games, but this one felt more meaningful.
Women’s hockey defies expectations of hockey culture; it emphasizes that there is space for everyone to enjoy the sport — there is no one way to be a hockey player or a fan. I got to discuss that and more with UFV professor, and fellow hockey fan, Dr. Brett Pardy.
We examined what differentiates the culture of women’s hockey from men’s hockey: why does the PWHL seem more inviting than leagues like the NHL.
“The community around women’s hockey is a bit different than the community around men’s hockey … one is very accepting. [The other] one is you’ve got to adhere to the strict code of masculinity to be accepted. I think women’s hockey is a lot more fun and open. It feels more inclusive. You don’t have to be a certain way to like it.”
PWHL athletes have molded a unique culture within the league which is substantiated by who they are outside of hockey. Dr. Pardy provides an insight into some of their backgrounds.
“My friend and I once put a list together of professional women’s hockey players who have either a master’s or PhD and it was quite a long list … There was one who played for Markham in the CWHL … she was researching fisheries. It was
really interesting.”
An aspect of the PWHL game that stood out to me was the amount of young women who felt emboldened to bring signs proclaiming they’d be future PWHL players; each time one of them was on the jumbotron, a chorus of cheers erupted.
While the impact of six PWHL teams is already prevalent, it can only continue to grow with potential expansions, with Vancouver as a potential destination. There were several signs advocating for a PWHL team in Vancouver; I asked Dr. Pardy for his thoughts on the possibility.
“I would expect there to be a team in our lifetime. I don’t know if in the next five years, but in the next 20, yeah.”
If being a Canucks fan has taught me anything, it’s that you have to be stubbornly hopeful. Until Vancouver welcomes a PWHL team, I’ll keep hoping for more Takeover Tours.
If you’re someone who’s interested in women’s hockey, but don’t know where to start, Dr. Pardy has some advice to give:
“A good way of getting into it would be watching women’s hockey during the Olympics next year. In the past you couldn’t really follow women’s hockey, but now you can.”
Nikki Cabuco, #0, on Jan. 25 against the MacEwan Griffins (Photo by Sukh Brar @s.b_studioss)
Ismael Hernandez, #1, scoring one of his five field goals on Jan. 25 (Photo by Sukh Brar @s.b_studioss)
Photo by John Mac Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 Generic
culture@ufvcascade.ca
Culture Editor - Elyssa English
Community // Movie enthusiasts, this one’s for you
The Abbotsford Film Society brings the quality of archival and overlooked films to the forefront
VERONICA POWELL
The Abbotsford Film Society, founded in October 2022, is a non-profit organization that provides the perfect opportunity for all ages to kick up their feet and enjoy a good film. As a fellow movie-lover, I was pleased to speak with the society’s president and founder, Aaron Dawson.
Looking around the Fraser Valley, the movie community is largely in the grasps of Hollywood blockbusters. During Dawson’s time attending Vancouver Film School, he saw a hole where a certain diversity of linguistic and cultural films were missing from the local spotlight. That’s when the Abbotsford Film Society was born.
“[Our] goal is to bring lesser-known films and classic and historically important films to Abbotsford. We do public screenings of those kinds of movies, and we’re starting to also try and work into
Lifestyle //
bringing out more filmmakers with independent films and … to have Q&A’s and talkbacks and that sort of thing after the screenings.”
Dawson also commented on the lack of older Canadian content available — despite the number of streaming services and accessible online media — sharing how this has helped to shape the direction of the Abbotsford Film Society.
“Our official mandate is to raise and increase awareness and access. Access is the big one to independent, classic, foreign Canadian and art house films … Because even with the rise of streaming services … we have so many options for streaming, but I think I was looking at stats … there aren’t any movies on Netflix made before 1979 in Canada.”
When asked about future goals for the improvement of the film society, Dawson spoke about Abbotsford’s lack of cultural infrastructure and the society’s hopes to
find or provide new locations.
“One of our biggest struggles right now is just finding spaces to hold screenings … our main venue right now is a place called the banquet room, which is just a spare activity room in a church.”
Having held a few screenings at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, Dawson spoke of his dreams for the film society, and its future in hosting more, and better, screening events.
“This is a pie in the sky kind of dream, but if we could have our own theatre space at some point, that would be amazing. I don’t know how realistic of a dream that is, but just a more permanent home that [has] a slightly better audiovisual experience for people.”
Dawson has a drive to create a unique cinema experience by giving attention to an important aspect of film and what truly matters to audiences.
“[We] would like to be associated with
Failing your resolutions
“New year new me” or cog in the capitalist machine?
GAURI SETHI
New Year’s resolutions have existed all over the world for thousands of years. While some people set resolutions and work hard to maintain them throughout the year, many others, including myself, give up on them quickly after. As you can imagine, I failed miserably at my initial attempts at a resolution pact for the new year. That, coupled with my constant failures in accomplishing some of my resolutions, caused me to say: “To hell with it.” The predictable cycle of resolutions made in January and then promptly forgotten by March presents a contradiction to this tradition. Which leads me to the question: do we actually wish for change, or are we caving into societal pressure and capitalism?
The “fresh start effect” is a psychological phenomenon that explains why we as a society give New Year’s resolutions so much significance. The new year’s beginning gives one an impression of a fresh start, or an illusion of one, while boosting motivation. The new year marks the end of whatever mistakes or “failures” one may have had in the past and provides the opportunity to envision a new self that will achieve set goals. Under these
circumstances, the pursuit of perfection turns into a never-ending financial treadmill. The cycle keeps going, and the relationship between material success and self-worth doesn’t change.
The moment I talk about eating healthy, my “For You” page floods with extreme before and after transformation videos. This ongoing exposure can result in a vicious cycle of temptation, guilt, and the unceasing sense that something more is required to achieve the objective, even if at times it feels unattainable. Moreover, a study from 1988 monitored New Year’s resolutions of 200 Americans. The success rate was great at first — 60 per cent were consistent with them after three weeks — but it dropped to 43 per cent after three months and to only 19 per cent after two years.
Products and services that are for sale that are marketed as helping you achieve your goals frequently lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction. If you think that a program, product, or lifestyle coach will help you become a better version of yourself, you might find yourself investing in it. The endless pursuit of improvement turns into a quest for more financial resources to sustain this shift in lifestyle, and finding self-worth.
quality of films. I’m trying to keep this legacy of works that, in a lot of ways, is becoming [more niche] … when people think of us, and come to one of our screenings … I would like to think they’re going to get a new experience and something that they can’t get anywhere else.”
The film society is hoping to have more of a presence in citywide events such as the Abbotsford Berry Festival, Fraser Valley Pride, and the Winter Jubilee. For now, all are encouraged to attend one of their screenings. The society plans on showing seven to eight films from September to May, every second Friday of each month. Moviegoers can check out their website at abbotsfordfilmsociety.com to find information on links to tickets, the full list of their 2024-25 showings, and events. Links can also be found on their Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up to date. Their next screening is Jan. 31, playing the film Forbidden Planet (1956).
The results of a survey by researcher Michelle Rozen shows that of the 815 participants who made at least one goal for themselves in January, 762 gave it up by June, and only 53 people stuck with it to the end of the year. This cycle is a result of capitalism and isn’t limited to New Year’s resolutions. It is a system that only survives when people maintain a persistent sense of being insufficient, no matter how much wealth they have earned or produced. There’s always more to do, more ways to get better, and a never-ending need to develop higher productivity levels.
Resolutions may or may not be a motivating factor — some argue that they are beneficial. There are many who would like to make a thousand changes to who they are, and these resolutions are merely another scheme to one of the many self-improvement plots you will fall victim to. You don’t have to make a change unless you feel like it, and the New Year does not have to mark the start of your journey. You may decide to start going to the gym in the middle of the summer, or to never see it again. The new year is just an excuse, so just pursue whatever you want whenever you want.
Illustration by May Beeney / The Cascade
Campus Fashion: layer up for winter
Five ways to stay warm and fashionable when it’s cold
RACHEL TAIT
This is Campus Fashion, your source of inspiration for seasonal trends, cool finds, and wardrobe basics to keep you looking stylish throughout the year.
This winter is ushering in colder weather and layering up is key to adapting to unpredictable temperature drops, high winds, and snow. Let’s take a look at five ways to keep warm this season while still looking stylish.
Turtlenecks
Keeping your neck covered is important to staying warm; a turtleneck is a great layering piece that does just that. Elegant and simple, this style is both flattering and versatile. A black turtleneck paired with black dress pants and a matching blazer is both dressy and professional. For a more casual appearance, try wearing a turtleneck under a thick knit sweater, worn with jeans.
Polar fleece
Sometimes it’s alright to look like a sheep, especially if it keeps you warm. Polar fleeces are lightweight layering pieces that look effortless when styled with a long sleeve shirt, jeans, and boots, or even sweatpants and a T-shirt. Easy to maintain and comfortable too, polar fleeces can help keep the cold out as the temperatures drop.
Thermals
An age-old concept that never fails; thermals are great layering pieces to wear underneath your outfits for added warmth. They’re useful when hiking with friends or participating in winter sports such as skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Try wearing thermals under boyfriend jeans, an oversized fair isle sweater, a winter coat, and your favourite accessories for a warm and cozy outfit.
Wool socks
Keep your feet warm this winter by wearing woollen socks. This is a great hack to avoid the cold, not only adding an extra layer of warmth, but adding comfort as well. Wool socks look stylish paired with neutral coloured hiking boots; this combination is perfect for hiking or other outdoor activities.
Knitwear
A sweater is always a classic choice to keep you warm during the colder months and ones made from natural materials such as cashmere, alpaca, and merino wool are great options. Try wearing a chunky knit sweater with jeans for a casual look or a merino cardigan with a black turtleneck and black slacks for a more dressy option.
And there you have it, five ways to stay warm this winter while still maintaining comfort and style. Try out some of these winter fashion tips and see which one keeps you the toastiest and coziest on campus!
Column //
The Cascade Kitchen: rhubarb streusel muffins
ELYSSA ENGLISH
The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budgetfriendly recipes and cooking tips. Check back monthly 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.
When cleaning out my freezer this week, I struck gold. Tucked behind a Costco sized box of perogies, nestled in beside the final, frozen remnants of the great zucchini scourge of 2024, sat a beautiful bounty of frozen rhubarb. How long had it been there, lost in the frigid darkness? That is not for me to know. All that mattered is that I had found my prize, and knew in an instant that it was destined for greatness … streusel muffins. These rhubarb streusel muffins are quick and easy to make. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or study-time snacking. They also freeze really well, and taste great when microwaved with a bit of butter. So if you can’t foresee yourself eating two dozen muffins within a week, feel free to freeze them or simply cut the recipe in half.
Serves: 24 Muffins
Prep time: 10 - 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 3 tsp baking powder
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
* 2 eggs (room temperature)
* ½ cup milk or non-dairy alternative
* ½ cup butter, melted and cooled
* 2 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or thawed from frozen)
Streusel topping
* ¹/2 cup flour
* 1/3 cup brown sugar
* ¹/2 cup oats (rolled, old fashioned, or quick oats)
* 4 tbsp butter, melted and cooled
* Pinch of salt
Optional
* You may like a firmer bite to the rhubarb pieces. Personally, I prefer a jammier texture. To do this, add rhubarb and 1/4 cup of the 1 cup of white sugar and cook on low in a pot, until reaching desired consistency. Let cool before adding to the batter.
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with your liners of choice (silicone, parchment, etc.)
2. Combine all streusel ingredients together in a small bowl, using either a fork or your hands (just wash them first, please). Set aside.
3. In a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients for the muffins: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add yogurt to this mixture and stir gently.
5. Using either a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup (as I do), combine the melted butter with the milk and eggs. Mix until well combined.
6. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the large bowl, stirring as you go.
7. Fold in the rhubarb.
8. Using a ladle (or a large spoon, if you don’t have a ladle), add batter to the lined muffin tin — filling each cup just over ¾ of the way full.
9. Top with the streusel mixture.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade
Photo submitted by Elyssa English / The Cascade
Crossword Puzzle
Horoscopes //
By: Madame LaCarte
Crossword Puzzle
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
Many things thrive in the dark: mold, potatoes, mushrooms. Not humans though. Humans are more like flowers. We need light, warmth, and general sun stuff. Stop wallowing and go for a nature walk, you Corn Cockle.
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
Glass is pretty. It has many shapes, and can be made into plenty of useful objects. But you can’t just grab a hunk of cold glass and shape it to your will; you have to warm it up first. Stop impulsively trying to complete things, and be careful of shards.
Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20
The end of anything is always the beginning of something else … or what’s the cliché? A door closes and a window opens? This notion is often used to look forward to a new positive era on the horizon, but not this time. This is a warning.
Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22
I get it. It’s a coping mechanism to look down on others in hopes of bringing yourself up. But gossip is not actually the cure to your insecurities. Have you considered daily affirmations?
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
Yesterday can’t hurt you — it doesn’t exist anymore — and no amount of psychological time travel will change that. Looking back has only stopped you from moving forward, and although the present is safer than the past, the future is an exciting place filled with possibilities. Go explore it.
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You’ve done well lately and it has you feeling on top of the world. Be careful though, resting on a crown can leave some nasty indents on your ass uetudes. Don’t slack now; keep up with the habits that have gotten you this far.
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Dreams to nightmares, and nightmares to dreams. Sometimes we think it’s one when it’s the other, but really it doesn’t matter. It’s time to wake up now. Good fortune, bad fortune, unfortunately unknown, but fortune nonetheless awaits your awakening.
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
A wizard leaves a strange rune on the round door to your comfort zone. You’re scared of the adventure to come, but your party and the wizard assure they will do their best to keep you safe. If Bilbo can do it, so can you.
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Therapy looks good on you.
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Blah, blah, blah. Sometimes words are meaningless. It’s okay to save your breath — I know I will.
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
Creative blocks are the worst. Just staring at a blank anything with no muse to spark colour sucks. Sometimes rest will get you further than stress. If you can’t be an artist today, be a jock. Take a step back and launch forward.
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
A teacher once showed me a video to exemplify hierarchical organization within nature. It showed how you can look at something like a flower, and it seems organized, but then you zoom in and the texture of the petal is chaotic, then it zooms in more, and the molecule looks organized, and then it zooms in more and the atoms are all chaotic. Math aside, I guess it goes to show how much perception matters, and when life seems chaotic, a step back can make it organized again.
Leanne Dunic arrives on campus
Get to know UFV’s 2025 Writer in Residence
CAITLYN CARR
Through the Writer in Residence (WIR) program, UFV’s English department welcomes one experienced Canadian author, per year, to campus. From January to April, students can book time to meet with the WIR to workshop their writing and discuss career goals.
In early November 2024, it was announced that this year’s WIR would be none other than Leanne Dunic. While currently working as a fiction editor for Tahoma Literary Review and a mentor at Simon Fraser University’s The Writer’s Studio, Dunic is also the leader of the cinematic indie rock band, The Deep Cove. Dunic has published work such as Salt Rich (2024), Wet (2024), and One and Half of You (2021). Her band’s discography includes albums The Gift (2019) and To Love the Coming End of the World (2017).
The Cascade sat down with Dunic to discuss what students can expect from UFV’s newest WIR. Dunic said that, while she’s always loved writing, it wasn’t always her plan to pursue it as a career.
“I started working in the music industry when I was 15, then I opened a few clothing stores when I was 20. So during these periods, I was focusing on other entrepreneurial endeavours and I wasn’t writing. But when I sold my store in 2009 I was like, I’m going to be a writer.”
Dunic claimed that while, for her, each writing project requires a different approach, the one thing they all have in common is a focus on her surroundings.
“I think the thing that is most key to my writing process is observation, and part of that comes with travelling. I do a lot of artist residencies in places around the world, and being in a new place helps me see things more acutely.”
Dunic also described what she enjoys about editing.
“I think I can really see what another writer can’t see in their work … That’s one of the reasons why I like being here at UFV and having writers come in … Sometimes you need an outside perspective to help you see what’s right in front of you.”
As for what kind of writing she would prefer students send her, Dunic said she is open to receiving all types of work.
“I’m interested in comics, visual narratives, or I can help with songs … Very wide-ranging options with me.”
When asked about Wet, her latest novelin-verse, Dunic gave this description.
“Wet centres around the climate crisis
that happened in Southeast Asia in 2015 … The book is [the protagonist] observing the injustices that are happening among migrant workers, but also non-humans like bugs, birds, [and] domestic animals.”
As for her music, Dunic said that there’s one song of hers that holds a special place in her heart.
“I like [“To Love the Coming End of the
World”] because water is a theme for me … there’s that line, ‘love you like water, swallow not to drown.’ That just feels like something integral to who I am [and] how I see the world.”
When asked to compare the different communities she’s part of, Dunic said she feels more rooted among writers.
“I think, because I work in it … and I’m
fostering all these new writers, I feel a lot more connected through that capacity as an editor and a teacher.”
Regarding what she would like to say to aspiring writers, Dunic said it’s important to have fun.
“It’s something that I keep trying to tell my students, because I think they have ideas of fame and fortune, or maybe they [think] the ultimate achievement is a novel or something like that, which I don’t agree with at all … I think the ultimate achievement is if you can do a creative practice that you enjoy and that is rewarding … If you don’t enjoy it, then don’t do it.”
Dunic also shared her goals as UFV’s newest WIR.
“To connect with people, meet people, and hopefully inspire them.”
Finally, Dunic encourages students who haven’t started writing yet to book a time to speak with her.
“If you’re not ready to put the pen to the paper, that’s okay. We can talk [about] ways of writing it, or talk about the plot or characters … You don’t have to give me writing.”
Looking to expand on a brewing idea? Have some writing you’d like another set of eyes on? Send an email to writer-in-residence@ufv.ca to book a half hour consultation with UFV’s accomplished writer in residence.
Photo from Wet (2024) submitted by Leanne Dunic
Photo submitted by Leanne Dunic
Movies // Wolf Man is a howling success
latest werewolf
flick tells the tale of one ruff night
CAITLYN CARR
In the midst of Nosferatu’s (2024) vampire haze, a new horror movie exploring a much furrier mythical creature has emerged. For fans of movies like Silver Bullet (1985), Van Helsing (2004), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), Blumhouse’s newest addition to the werewolf subgenre definitely deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Directed by Leigh Whannell — known for Saw (2004) and The Invisible Man (2020) — Wolf Man (2025) is the second remake of the 1941 film, The Wolf Man. While each movie tells the tale of a man becoming a monster, Whannell’s version offers an updated take with fresh new characters.
We follow Blake (Christopher Abbott), his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner), and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) as they venture to Blake’s childhood home after the death of his estranged father (Sam Jaeger). However, the journey goes sideways when Blake contracts a suspicious illness after a creature attacks their van in the woods. Told over the course of one long and terrifying night, Blake must not only protect his family from the monster lurking in the forest, but also battle the beast brewing within.
The first thing that struck me about this film was how stunning the opening shots were. The natural scenery and sublime landscapes instantly had me wondering what could be lurking in those woods. That, coupled with Benjamin Wallfisch’s eerie and emotional score, told me right away that I was in for a compelling story with a powerful message.
Without a doubt, the best part of Wolf Man is the way it executes its themes. Not only does it delve into Blake’s internal
demons through his physical evolution, but the film also tackles the challenges of parenthood through Charlotte’s character, who struggles to connect with her daughter.
While Blake has his flaws, as all fleshed out characters should, I really felt for him as he fought tooth and nail to protect his family. This well-rounded role no doubt made good use of Abbott’s range as an actor, as also seen in films like Poor Things (2023) and Kraven the Hunter (2024).
Garner’s performance was equally compelling. As a secondary character, Charlotte has less focus than Blake, however she is nonetheless influential. Her shortcomings as a mother can be validating for other parents who have the same difficulty connecting with their children. Not only that, but Charlotte’s struggle also provides a refreshing break from the stereotypical on-screen mom forced to single-handedly run the household while her incompetent husband lounges on the couch.
On the other hand, and this might be a matter of personal preference, but I wish the movie’s werewolf had been more stereotypically wolf-like. The sort of beast I’m thinking of is the one from Van Helsing. Now that’s a werewolf. I would have liked to have seen more canine features like a long snout, pointed ears, and even more fur in a movie centred around these wolfish beings.
On the topic of expectation, while there were many jumpscares that I didn’t see coming, the actual plot was somewhat predictable. Although I think that might be an unavoidable aspect of this film; many viewers know what a werewolf is, and the trailer also gives away Blake’s
transformation. Nonetheless, I was able to predict the ending fairly accurately by the halfway mark.
That being said, the depiction of Blake’s slow and torturous metamorphosis from man to werewolf worked really well, which is largely due to the film’s effective cinematography. According to an interview with The Upcoming, the inspiration behind the film’s creative audio and visuals came from Whannell’s concept of separation and miscommunication –two people belonging to different worlds who can no longer understand each other.
Whannell went on to say that he “built the whole movie around” that concept. Since Blake’s relationship with his father was largely built on fear, a truly moving part of this film was watching Blake foster a more loving relationship with his daughter. However, the challenges of such a goal are not to be ignored. Represented by the metaphor of Blake’s physical turmoil, this movie effectively conveys how difficult it can be for parents to avoid scarring their children because of their own past experiences.
Blumhouse’s
Wolf Man (2025) / Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Wolf Man (2025) / Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Books // Five books to get you offline
Kickstart your 2025 reading goals with these recommendations
KARA DUNBAR
For three years I failed to reach my reading goal of 50 books, and so come 2024, I was determined to hit that target. In the final hour of the year, I crushed my goal and then committed to never doing it again; this year I’m setting the somewhat more reasonable goal of 30 books. However much you are aiming to read this year — whether it’s a specific number or just “more,” here are five books from my reading quests that could help you in yours.
The Last High (2020)
by Daniel Kalla
Written by David Kalla, who has been an ER physician for 20 years, this medical thriller set in Vancouver takes the reader through an extensive and empathetic exploration of the opioid crisis. This was the first book I’ve read where I’ve been to the setting before. Knowing that I have walked the same streets as the characters — and even more so, knowing that many people I have walked past on those streets live the reality Kalla depicts — make this book all the more haunting. This is not for the fainthearted; I can wholeheartedly say I have carried it with me since reading.
Path of Deceit (2022) by Tessa Graton and Justina Ireland Marda Ro believes that manipulating the Force leads to disastrous consequences.
Kevmo Zink is a Jedi Padawan on an investigation to find lost Force artifacts he believes Marda’s community has stolen. For better or worse, their paths intertwine in a new era of books from a galaxy far far away.
It is a Star Wars book that you don’t need to be a Star Wars fan to read. I loved the exploration of the Force via the two young devotees of opposing religions. The book can stand on its own, or if you’re looking to knock another book off the list, it has a satisfying sequel: Path of Vengeance (2023).
People We Meet on Vacation (2021) by Emily
Henry
For 10 years, polar opposite best friends Alex and Poppy have taken one blissful week of vacation together. But two years ago, it all went wrong, and they haven’t spoken since. This year Poppy is determined to make it right with one last chance vacation.
Though flawed and frustrating at times, I was entranced by the characters’ chemistry. Set over the span of twelve years and told in a non-linear fashion, Henry takes the reader on vacation, then invites us back home. If you are looking for a fun romance to chase away winter blues, this is the book to pick up.
Braiding Sweetgrass (2013) by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Plants and animals are our oldest, wisest teachers, and we need to listen to them more. This is what Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer says in Braiding Sweetgrass
This book weaves together Western scientific method and Indigenous teaching through vibrant storytelling. It asks us to step outside, see what we have been given, and ask what we can give back. Through tales of maple trees, moss, strawberries, and more, it made me weep and reshaped how I view not only current
climate issues, but also my relationship to myself, our earth, and my community.
The Anthropocene Reviewed (2021) by John Green
Brought to you by the internet’s favourite history teacher comes a collection of personal essays on our shared human experience. Each chapter in this book is a review of a different facet of the modern age on a five-star scale. Topics range from the Icelandic hot dog stand Bæjarins Betzu Pylsur, the Smallpox vaccine, our capacity for wonder, and John’s favourite:
diet Dr. Pepper. Adapted from his podcast by the same name, the essays in this book are heartfelt and rich with detail. A story, lesson, and laugh in each one. The short chapters and accessible storytelling makes this a good read for those who typically don’t like nonfiction Books open doors to escape. They encourage us to try and understand ourselves and those around us. So head over to the library, open the page, press play on the audiobook — slow down, and let’s see that New Years resolution through.
Book covers of The Last High by Daniel Kalla, Path of Deceit by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green.” (Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez / The Cascade)
Television //
Your new favourite medical drama just dropped
Getting gritty in Pittsburgh with The Pitt
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
Have I got the new show for all you medical drama fans. Stepping into the emergency room in a Pittsburgh hospital, The Pitt (2025) shows what a 15 hour shift is like for its staff. Each episode spans an hour and is one hour in the fictional universe, meaning no time jumps — everything flows from one problem to another in real time. Dr. Robinavitch — or Dr. Robbie (Noah Wyle) — takes the lead as the senior attending in the ER, making difficult choices for both patients and staff.
The first question I had when I looked into this show was: how realistic is this going to be? Now, I don’t work in a hospital and never have (thank goodness), so I have no authority to say whether or not it is realistic. That being said, this show is the closest thing to what I imagine working in an emergency room would be like: the long lines of disgruntled patients, horrific incidents, snap decisions, and death. The gore factor is real. Some of the special effects look too real. I highly recommend not eating while watching.
To distract from the terrible injuries,
Podcasts //
I focused on the brilliant camera work. Long sweeping shots walking from room to room gave the show a sense of urgency that wasn’t too fast-paced. Sometimes when things heat up camera work can get choppy, flipping from one angle to another, which disorients the viewer. Using longer shots gives time to fully process the show’s events but still captures how quickly everything is happening. In a way, the camera is our body, walking with characters from one scene to the next.
The show feels natural. Characters are established quite quickly, which in another show could feel forced — especially when you only have one season guaranteed to tell your story — but The Pitt does it subtly. Playing on tropes like the young prodigy or the surgeon with a huge ego, viewers can easily identify the characters while they build dimension. Further, the characters are written to be realistic, the kind of people whose lives you can imagine outside of the hospital. Even the way they interact feels like co-workers who are just starting to get to know each other (in the case of the interns) or who have long-standing beef (in the case of the residents). Either way
the banter is incredible.
I do have to apologize to all the Grey’s Anatomy (2005-) fans: there is significantly less interpersonal drama than what you’re probably looking for. But that’s okay because the drama outside of the show makes up for it.
In August 2024 the estate of Michael Crichton (creator of ER (1994-2009)) filed a lawsuit against The Pitt. According to Forbes there was a deal in the works with Warner Bros. that would accredit Crichton as a creator. After years of negotiations, neither parties could come to an agreement, so the motion picture entertainment company switched the setting and
A podcast for anything you may need — literally
changed the name of the show, prompting the lawsuit. Crichton’s estate essentially stated that the show was a copy of ER due to its similar premise and the fact that a number of those involved also worked on ER, including Noah Wyle, R. Scott Gemmill, and John Wells. Warner Bros. has motioned to have the suit dismissed as it’s a completely different show. At the time of writing this, there are no further developments. So wait in anticipation with me for the next episode and to see if this real life drama gets any messier than an operating room floor after surgery.
Introducing Emma Chamberlain: youtuber, business owner, and unfiltered adult ready to spill
VERONICA POWELL
If you ever find yourself on a 10 hour plane ride alone and needing entertainment, or in a tough situation where you have no one to confide in, consider listening to Emma Chamberlain’s podcast anything goes.
The title speaks for itself. Each episode highlights a new topic that her listeners send in, and each one is unlike the last. With a wide variety of conversation topics, Chamberlain definitely keeps it interesting. Whether talking about friendship, unpopular opinions on window seats, the importance of boredom, or the weird things she does when she’s alone, her podcast proves that anything really does go.
Chamberlain’s ability to be vulnerable is a captivating aspect of her podcast. She sits in the comfort of her own bed with her cat and a microphone, and for each episode, listeners might call her a friend,
or perhaps some version of a sister. As the queen of oversharing, she’s raw, real, and upfront with her advice. She doesn’t hold back from admitting that her expertise is only subpar, but her podcast is all about self-improvement. The more she talks, the more she opens a door for others to feel comfortable listening to what she has to say. She allows for easy connection, but most of all, a place to feel understood and less alone.
Each episode captures a humorous and light-hearted tone that Chamberlain executes well. She sometimes uses herself as a wall to throw the bricks against, but in a good way. She might focus on a personal story from 10 years prior or whatever she ate for breakfast, but it’s when she criticizes or makes fun of herself, her habits or choices, that provides a sense of enjoyment. You might find yourself cackling, crying, or clapping for more, but ultimately she makes talking less serious
when confronting things like pet peeves, changing one’s mind, and anti-aging. Chamberlain’s podcast not only engages her audience, but keeps them educated. You could learn a thing or two from her stories on becoming an adult, but she takes the extra step and invites doctors and field professionals to expand on topics she is not as knowledgeable about. Listeners are invited to learn as she learns. She even has conversations with individuals in the public eye, such as Suki Waterhouse and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Her talks with actors, models, and entrepreneurs give listeners the chance to feel inspired, encouraged, and perhaps motivated to fulfill a goal or follow a passion.
Most of all, Chamberlain is authentic and highly relatable. She’s ready to take on any topic that comes her way and be totally transparent about it. People want honesty and a real, unfiltered world to enter. Social media’s track record and the
increase of AI usage has persuaded others to disguise who they truly are, decreasing the value of trust and authenticity. anything goes is a place to connect to those people, even if it’s through a screen, and create a trail of storytelling that will make a positive impact. Chamberlain’s down-to-earth but quirky personality is what defines that, and the capability to reach out to those who choose to listen.
anything goes podcast by Emma Chamberlain, Graphic by Gabriela / The Cascade
Book Talk: Patti Smith sheds skin through memoir
Appreciating the day-to-day of our extraordinary lives
CATHERINE CAMPBELL
Welcome to Book Talk, where we help you find new fuel for your bookish obsession. While you might not find these authors while scrolling short-form content online, you will find their work to be significant, impactful, and, hopefully, something you reach for time and again. Happy reading!
Patti Smith is likely the most famous author we’ll look at in this series, but it’s only because her work is so impactful. At 78-years-old, Smith has really lived: from beat poet to songwriter to public speaker, Smith has travelled the world, writing songs and stories. She also won the National Book Award for non-fiction for Just Kids (2010), co-wrote a song with Bruce Springsteen, and, on Bob Dylan’s behalf, accepted the Nobel Prize for literature in 2016. According to Goodreads, she has also had a hand in dozens of books to this date. Talk about star power!
But that’s not why we’re here. We’re here to celebrate her writing, and luckily for us, her breadth of experience has, in recent years, been distilled into multiple memoirs: meandering, personal entries that highlight not only Smith’s way with words, but give the reader a glimpse into the mind of someone who’s clearly experienced a lot more than most of us ever will. Beyond this, she’s also an avid photographer, which we’re able to see in A Book of Days (2022), a collection of 365 polaroids collected over the span of a
CHARTS SHUFFLE
Aaron Levy
year; with this, a line or two to capture the essence of the day.
But let’s rewind to early 2020. My love for Smith started on a snowy January day, when I found Year of the Monkey (2019) while wandering the public library. I’m a huge sucker for creative nonfiction that lets us open the little door into the writer’s mind — especially if it comes in the form of diary entries — and so by the end of the first page, I was hooked.
Unsurprisingly, the same pattern followed for the rest of her books I picked up. I read them voraciously, finding tiny links between Smith’s experience and my own that, by the time I’d finished all her books that were in the library’s collection, I felt a distinct connection to her. That’s just it: she’s famous; she’s travelled the world; she’s performed in front of thousands of people. And still she writes in a way that anyone reading her work will feel seen, and find themselves within her writing. That, I think, is the mark of a strong writer — one who will be remembered long after they’re gone.
Though we may attribute her wisdom to her age, I’d like to think she’s been wise her whole life — the way she writes makes me think so, at least. I’ll leave you with one of my favourite of her quotes, one that I return to again and again:
“We go through life. We shed our skins. We become ourselves.”
Happy reading!
CIVL’s Aaron Levy tributes last week’s US Presidential Inauguration Day with a list of songs focused on presidential power, or something akin to it.
Bright Eyes - “When the President Talks to God”
Not a massive Bright Eyes fan, but this song slays: “When the President talks to God / Are the consonants all hard or soft? / Is he resolute all down the line? / Is every issue black or white? / Does what God say ever change his mind / When the President talks to God?”
Pras Michél, ft. Ol’ Dirty Bastard, & introducing Mýa - “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)”
“My eyes is sore, being a senator / Behind closed doors hitting truth to the seafloor / The rich go North, ignore the tug of war / While the kids are poor, open new and better drug stores / So I became hardcore, couldn’t take it no more / I’ma reveal everything, change the law.”
Nick Buzz - “That’s What You Get for Having Fun”
Nick Buzz’s singer/songwriter, Martin Tielli, was also the guitarist/vocalist for 20th century Canadian alternative rockers and CBC darlings, the Rheostatics. This song is a letter to whom he calls “Mr. President of Canada,” challenging the nature of executive decisions to do with either national security or expansionism.
The Fugees, ft. Nas“If I Ruled The World”
The diamonds and pearls of power, ascension, administered justice, and progress toward our own personal and familial goals are as intoxicating as they can be dangerous and fickle to both obtain and maintain. The Fugees may have realized this after their rise to the top with this album, The Score.
01. SHEBAD Music is the Answer 02. SAM LYNCH Outline 03. HILDEGARD Jour 1596 04. CHLOE DOUCET Sincerely, 05. KYLIE V Crash Test Plane 06. BEN COTTRILL The Ballad of Favoreau EP 07. MADELEINE ROGER Nerve 08. CINDY LEE Diamond Jubilee 09. JENNIFER CASTLE Camelot 10. RUBY SINGH Vox.Infold II 11. BOBBY SPROAT Paramount 12. BONNIE BANANE Nini 13. YANA Amy EP 14. TALKING VIOLET Everything At Once 15. JANETTE KING Incantation 16. AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS Cartoon Darkness 17. OMBIIGIZI Shame 18. YOO DOO RIGHT From the Heights of Our Pastureland 19. RAPALLO Merger
20. GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR
“no title as of 13 february 2024 28,340 dead”
The Cascade, using book covers of Just Kids (2010), A Book of Days (2022), and Year of the Monkey (2019) (Graphic created by Gabriela Gonzalez)
