A Dangerous Coping Mechanism

Jeremy Audet, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com

yolkLaunches First Issue

Jeremy Audet Features Editor

On a frigid January night, while the rest of Montreal was tackling the blizzardous and windy streets, a group of a hundred or so hungry young souls gathered in a small venue on Sainte-Catherine to listen to a new generation of writers shatter their shells and declare their arrival. Inside, sweaty bodies manoeuvred the crowded space slowly, rib to rib, anticipating the unusual night of poetry and music – with egg-throwing instead of applause – that was about to begin. The cold fog that engulfed the entrance every time a door opened was evidence that even the night wanted to witness the magic that was happening inside.

“Egg The Poet” was the title given to the poetry reading hosted by yolk, a Montreal-based literary journal that has just released its inaugural print issue this fall, 2020. Five months before the event, recent English Literature graduate Alex Marceau (class of ‘20) held his own little congregation when he invited a few friends to gather around a small table in Parc Saint-Henri to discuss the abstract idea of putting together and releasing a literary journal. Excited and ambitious, the team began meeting every Sunday for hours to work on what would quickly become yolk.

The journal has been publishing electronically since February, accepting submissions in four categories (fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and visual arts), and has since attracted a sizable following. The submissions for the first print issue, on the theme of “Circles,” greatly surpassed the initial predictions but Marceau, the Fiction Editor, believes this is proof that the young artistic community of Montreal is desperate to be heard. He describes these submissions as “little weeds coming out of concrete cracks from all over the city,” a testament to the journal’s theme, which the editor says evokes, channelling Yeats, a “rejuvenation of life.” Indeed, yolk seems to be giving a new artistic wind to the modern generation.

The team behind that wind consists of three Bishop’s alumni, Editor-in-Chief Josh Quirion (‘15); Visual Arts Editor Sean Smallwood (‘17); and Alex Marceau. They work alongside the creative spirits of Creative Director Curtis McRae, Poetry Editor Sean Lee, Non-Fiction Editor Spencer Nafekh, Digital Publication Manager Chelsea Moore, and Copy Editor Sarah Rose Manuszak.

When asked how his experience at Bishop’s influenced yolk, Marceau had much to say, praising the University’s model of liberal education and the rich history of prominent literary graduates. At Bishop’s, Marceau negotiated an enriching student experience on the one end, engaging with prescribed texts and independent studies in motivating ways, and an exhilarating social life on the other. He even reminisced of nights spent escaping a party with Quirion - and a bottle of whisky - to discuss literature and The Mitre, BU’s own artistic journal that now boasts 127 annual editions. One recognizes the impact that the university experience had on the pair when, years later, Quirion and Marceau were to discuss the genesis of their journal. “yolk wouldn’t be yolk without The Mitre, and the ensuing discussions with Josh and Curtis about those burgeoning ideas that stemmed from those young writers in the journal,” as Marceau explicitly puts it.

Walking through the picturesque Quad, where many past great minds had walked before him, also motivates Marceau in his ambitions. Situating the literary giants F.R. Scott, Ralph Gustafson, and Michael Ondaatje, to name just a few, on the very campus he treads helps Marceau place himself on the rich timeline of Canadian literature.

Regardless, yolk remains a journal based out of and heavily influenced by Montreal, where most of the team resides year-round. The minds behind yolk recognize that Montreal is à hub for Canadian artists, and most of the creativity behind the many submissions they receive originates from the city. Although many of their submissions come from outside the country, yolk takes pride in being grounded in Montreal.

One of their artistic goals for this first issue was to resurrect the young spirit and gusto of the Canadian literary landscape that flourished a century ago. With submissions from all over Canada – and some international ones – yolk always accepts and equally

yolk’s inaugural issue Photo Courtesy of Caitlin Aboud

considers work coming from outside its home city.

Having toiled away on yolk for a year now, Marceau is incredibly excited for the first issue (1.1) to be released. An official launch is still in the works despite the ongoing pandemic and consequential restrictions on gatherings, but Marceau is already thinking ahead to the next issue (1.2). He hopes that both issues can tackle the same grand vision of “looking back into the past of the English language in Canada,” before yolk steers itself entirely into the contemporary, where they hope to pave a direction of their own.

For Marceau, acknowledging the past is a priority that lingers over his creative process. Bishop’s and Montreal, with their rich timelines of creative figures that have come before, offer the perfect settings for such a process. The young writer constantly asks himself where he “stands on this country’s literary timeline,” a timeline he hopes to someday make a dent in. yolk is that first mark. yolk’s inaugural issue is available to order on their website, yolkliterary.ca, and for purchase at Black Cat Books in Lennoxville and select bookstores in Montreal (The Word, Paragraphe Bookstore, Argo Bookshop, SaintHenri Books, and Drawn & Quarterly). Follow their social media for more information: @yolkliterary.

A Dangerous Coping Mechanism

Justine Trempe Junior Copy Editor

When the “truth” shared on social media becomes more satisfying than the uncertainties our world faces, the temptation to believe those marginal theories often wins. This tendency has led to a rise in misinformation in North America, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic transformed everyday life, social and political tensions have escalated, the divides of opinion in the population have widened, fake news has proliferated, and conflicts have risen between loved ones.

Journalist Katie Couric recently interviewed Dr. Emily Vraga, a professor at the University of Minnesota, on this recent wave of misinformation. Dr. Varga explained that conspiracy theories flourish in uncertain times because “misinformation gives [people] an illusion of control.”

In the case of the pandemic, time and patience are necessary to accurately understand the ongoing situation. Scientists have to change predictions and recommendations as new information flows in, keeping the population in a state of uncertainty. The resulting distrust the public has towards the ever-changing news is understandable, but Dr. Vraga warns that “conspiracy theories are particularly dangerous right now because they offer us solutions that are easier than the ones that actually work.”

The phenomenon is not limited to the United States; the rise of cases throughout Canada provokes outrage and disbelief in many communities, including Quebec. This disbelief is particularly noticeable on social media, where most rumours are born, propagated, and then magnified. Facebook’s gathering of like-minded people in groups makes it the predominant source of misinformation. As larger numbers of believers give conspiracists a sense of validation, the followers of these conspiracies become more confident in their declarations.

In various cities around the province, Facebook groups like “Action Coordination” have started organizing recurrent marches to protest the obligation to wear a mask and the current state of emergency. Promoting the future of children and the protection of our rights and freedom while criticizing the corruption of our government and its censure of marginal scientists, they demand a rushed return to normalcy. They support their demands with the rumours that masks impair breathing or that the Coronavirus test can damage the brain—both of which are myths disproved by science.

A group has been meeting to march in Sherbrooke every Saturday for the past few weeks. Although many regions are now reaching the “red” alert phase, more events keep appearing on Facebook.

When asked how to respond to family members or friends who believe in the misinformation online or who intend to attend an anti-masker event, Dr. Vraga suggests to “start with a position of empathy and understanding” because, “especially for Coronavirus, most people aren’t spreading misinformation or believing misinformation maliciously.” Their objective truly is to help bring knowledge to people. A soft approach then works better to discuss disagreements and inform without antagonizing someone, which could destroy any chance of reconciliation.

Fall in The Townships

Jeremy Audet Features Editor

It goes without saying that Eastern Canada boasts a breathtaking fall season. This time of year, the rich green forests of summer turn into a blazing triptych of colour that seemingly spans forever, and, in the Eastern Townships especially, it seems like wherever you turn your head, there are countless trees of yellow-orange-red.

Lennoxville can sometimes seem a bit uneventful outside of the Bishop’s bubble. Some students may find that the small town lacks entertainment. However, the area is not shy on outdoor activities. Do yourself a favour this fall and go on a hike, walk, or bike ride in the surrounding nature (close and far) to take in the beauty that lives so close to our beloved campus.

Here is a list of some of our favourite trails and other ideas for outdoor adventures this fall:

Mont Pinacle

An all-time favourite, the short hike (30 minutes) offers a splendid vista of Lac Lyster. The trail is well maintained and friendly for all levels of hiking experience. The mountain is located in the region of Coaticook, some 45 minutes out of Lennoxville, so a car is necessary. However, it is well worth the drive, which goes through many small towns and beautiful fields. And you can stop at the renowned Coaticook Microbrewery on the way! Remember to drive responsibly, though.

View from the top of Pinacle Photo Courtesy of Paige Vandzura

Coaticook Gorge

The Coaticook Gorge is a must-see in the area. Only 20 minutes away, the park is home to some great mountain biking and hiking, including the immense suspended bridge (a favourite). The four hiking trails range from three kilometres to eight-and-a-half kilometres, so there is something comfortable for a variety of levels. (Note: $7 entry fee.)

Mont Mégantic

Located an hour east of Lennoxville, Mont Mégantic National Park offers a few daily hikes and trails. In autumn, the area blossoms with rich fall colours. The most exciting attraction, however, would likely be at the summit, where you can find the Mégantic Observatory. As a bonus, if you get the chance to camp overnight on the mountain or do a hike on a clear night, you will be rewarded with a beautiful firmament populated with the cosmos, satellites soaring beyond the atmosphere, and faraway stars flickering in the sky.

Mont Orford

The closest (big) ski mountain to Lennoxville, Orford offers a stellar network of hiking trails and a beautiful panoramic vista from the summit. Only a half-hour drive away, the mountain is surrounded by small communities and rich forests, with Lake Magog stretching across its western side. (Note: $7 entry fee.)

St-Francis River Trails

On each side of the St-Francis, there are beautiful trails. On the western side (trailhead: Samuel-Graham Street), one wanders next to big trees and tall grass, eventually reaching spots where you can sit on rocks by the river and contemplate. On the eastern side (St-Francis Street), the trail winds through dense shrubs and trees before reaching Atto-Beaver Park. Both trails are close to the campus and worth the stroll, especially for the fall colours.

Massawippi River Trail

The beloved trail that follows the Massawippi River goes all the way to North Hatley, which makes for a beautiful bike ride (around 45 minutes). On the way, the scenery changes from tall, covering trees to open fields, before reaching the Massawippi Dam and, eventually, Lake Massawippi.

Trails Up Rue Mount

At the end of Lennoxville’s Rue Mount is a small but dense forest filled with little paths, creeks, and interesting corners. Follow the path northwards to reach the ruins of an old homemade paintball area, or veer west to reach an elevated plain which overlooks the highway. The trails are not too clear and sometimes tricky, but you’ll never be far from the neighbourhoods.

Parc du Mont Bellevue

A small ski hill located in Sherbrooke, Mont Bellevue boasts a few walking paths and mountain biking trails through the woods. It is only a ten-minute drive away, its fall colours are spectacular, and its trails are well maintained. The parking on Dunant Street serves as the trailhead to a few trails that do not vary much in elevation, making the walk easy and pleasant.

Tips for Online Learning

Sufia Langevin As a part of the Joan

SRC Equity Rep. and BU Debate Society President Stadelman Internship for Student Success, I spent quarantine coming up with ways that I could give students the resources they would need for the upcoming online/hybrid semester. I ended up creating a 9-part video series titled “How to Succeed with Online Learning,” which was posted on the BUSRC Instagram during O-Week. Here are some of my tips!

1. KEEP A SCHEDULE. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, and keep your meal times consistent. Set an alarm for your classes that happen at a scheduled time (your live or in-person classes) so that you don’t miss any of them. For pre-recorded lectures, give yourself a set time to watch them during the week, as if it were a live class. We’ve all tried cramming notes the night before an exam, but cramming lectures is a widely different matter. Just avoid that situation entirely and use a schedule to keep you more organized, and stay on top of your work.

2. HAVE A DESIGNATED WORKSPACE. It could be any surface, but make sure you use it only for your work. It’s especially important that you do not do your homework from the comfort of your bed. Your brain makes associations, and having a designated space will help you stay more focused and attentive to the task.

3. MAINTAIN THE SAME LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT that you would have during an in-person class as you transition to online. Don’t hesitate to contact your professors through whatever means are available to you (Teams, email, online office hours, etc.) whenever you need help. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the material and have a good connection with your professor.

4. GET DRESSED for online classes, as you would for in-person ones; don’t just stay in your pyjamas! This will help you feel more awake and motivated and start your day off right.

5. Try WRITING YOUR NOTES BY HAND instead of typing them. This will prevent everything from feeling automated, and it will give you a much-needed screen-break later on when you revise. You also take better notes that you will remember more easily this way.

6. Create a VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP with your classmates to go over what you’ve learned during the week. This helps everyone stay on track and creates a support system for all involved. It can also help integrate some of the social aspects you may be missing while doing classes from home.

7. As hard as it is to step away from the computer, it’s really important to TAKE SHORT SCREEN BREAKS. Taking breaks from working is great, but make sure you’re not just moving from one screen to another (i.e. typing an essay and scrolling through your phone.) Blue light from screens is harmful to your eyes, listen to your body and, if you get a headache or feel strained, take some time to do something different. Try not to be on any screen within 2 hours of going to sleep.

8. TAKE FULL BREAKS! Take the time to reset physically and mentally. Physically, you should stand up, stretch, take a walk... Anything to make sure you’re not sitting stationary in the same position too long. Mentally, you should step away from your work and talk to friends, take some down-time, and relax. The most important thing is to keep a good balance of doing your work and taking care of yourself.

Bridget Boucher, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com

Bleeding Virtual Purple: Homecoming 2020 amid COVID-19

Bridget Boucher Arts & Culture Editor

Homecoming looked a little different this year due to measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All events took place virtually between Sept. 24 and 27, including a Special Address from Principal Goldbloom and a digital raffle for an alumni package of Gaiters spirit wear and a hotel stay for next year’s Homecoming. Alumni and students alike were encouraged to submit pictures of their own private Homecoming celebrations to demonstrate how they, as the Bishop’s University Alumni Association says, “[Are] bringing BU purple to [their] own backyard.”

On Friday, Dr. Teed presented an online lecture examining the implementation of mental health and leadership training across Canada. Having first joined the Bishop’s teaching staff in 2009, Dr. Teed is the two-time winner of the most prestigious teaching award Bishop’s has to offer: the William and Nancy Turner Award for Teaching Excellence.

On Sunday, John Ruan, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, presented an online lecture entitled, “Cosmic Alchemy: How Gravitational Waves are Unveiling the Origin of the Heaviest Elements.” Ruan’s current research focuses on what he calls “multi-messenger astrophysics,” which uses a combination of data to explore exotic cosmic phenomena such as black holes.

Students used to the hustle and bustle of the usual annual football game, tailgate, and iconic outdoor Gaiter Gardens may have found themselves disappointed to learn that all events were to be moved online this year. But eliminating physical gatherings has been for the best, especially given the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 at other Canadian universities such as Western, which reported an outbreak of the virus in twenty-eight students this past week. And closer to home still was the outbreak among Champlain students, providing more reason for Gaiters to keep things low-key this fall.

People gathered at a previous Homecoming, recalling the seemingly distant realities of the pre-COVID-19 world Photo Courtesy of the Bishop’s University’s website

BUnited Community Cupboard Opens for Business

Emily Whalley Contributor

“In many faith traditions, we gather around food,” Rev. Jesse Dymond said on Sept. 23 as he welcomed members of the Bishop’s community to the official launch of the Bishop’s Community Cupboard. Rev. Dymond is passionate about helping students, which is why he started “the shelf” in his office, a small shelf stocked by donations with food that students in need could access whenever they needed to and help themselves from. This year, the shelf is expanding in an effort led by the BUnited Peer Support Centre with the help of alumni, chapel patrons, and the SRC: “the shelf” is now the Bishop’s Community Cupboard.

Food insecurity is a major issue for university students. The BUnited Peer Support website cites that 54.4 per cent of off-campus students living alone and 47 per cent of those with roommates have struggled with it. These statistics get even more alarming when you see that the number rises to 56.4 per cent when considering Indigenous students. With the financial issues brought on by the effects of COVID-19, the Bishop’s Community Cupboard is a much-needed resource.

If you are struggling and looking for help, reach out to BUnitedPSC@ubishops.ca for confidential assistance. Located in the Peer Support office formerly known as the International Centre, the cupboard is open during office hours for any students to drop in and get what they need.

The Community Cupboard provides for those in need Photo Courtesy of Emily Whalley