Universities are political and denying it is harmful
By Virginia Rufina MarquezPacheco - Contributor
The genocide in Palestine has brought to light not only issues of human rights and indigeneity, but it has also put the spotlight on the meaning of neutrality. Across the world, as students mobilized to push their university institutions and student associations to take a clear stance against the genocide, they have often been met with the response that universities are apolitical environments. This statement is not only misleading, but it can also result in perpetuating harm.
To begin, it is important to define what I mean by an institution being “political.” Politics are usually associated with the
actions of politicians and governments. This narrow view of what counts as political institutions (i.e. government bodies) ignores the impact that institutions traditionally considered non-political can have on the public and personal lives of people. After all, what is politics; but the governance and guidance of relationships between people and between resources within societies. In feminist and student activist circles, this idea can be summed up in the phrase “the personal is political.” When it comes to universities, one can easily see how their actions and decisions can have a lasting impact on societal relationships.
Dumpster diving on the rise: A
complex trend in Canadian communities
By Joseph Aubert - Economics & Business Editor
As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, more people are turning to alternative methods to secure food and other necessities. One of those practices on the rise is often referred to as ‘dumpster diving’ and is a response to a variety of economic pressures.
The economic pressures many Canadians face nowadays are driving this spike in dumpster-diving popularity. Inflation, combined with stagnant wages, high rent and tight monetary policy has left many people struggling to make ends meet. Food insecurity is especially common, with
recent Food Banks Canada reports showing that reliance on food assistance programs has reached record highs in Canada over the past couple of years. Over the same timeframe, the small town of Lennoxville has seen the number of dumpster divers increase considerably. While this practice has long been associated with urban centers, it is now spreading to smaller communities, raising concerns all across Canada.
For many, dumpster diving is a direct response to economic hardship. Many of those digging through dumpsters are the working poor or individuals experiencing homelessness. For them, this
Read more on page 12
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
SRC presents annual plan and budget for 2024/25 year
By Jillian French - News Editor
On Sunday, Sept. 21, the BSR met to discuss issues for the 2024/25 year. The meeting opened with the announcement of Environnemental Representative Maxwell Shewan’s resignation. To replace this position, an appointment committee will review candidate statements, which will be open for interested BU students to submit at a later date.
To start the meeting, several new clubs advocated to be ratified. Bishop’s Brewing club presented a closed membership club, where they would host educational and experimental events. They emphasized that prospective members would need to be in good standing with the university and security. Roser Rise, VP of Academic Affairs, asked how they planned to check security standings, as the information is private, and raised concerns over underage members’ presence at beer tastings. Drew Hastings, co-lead of the club and SRC President, conceded that the club would not have access to security information, but members would need to be in good standing with the Bishop’s Arches, and assured Rise that underage members would be limited to educational events without alcohol. The Creative Writing club made a case for creating a space for peer-reviewing prose, and the Happy Hour club highlighted a strong interest in social events at the gait such as trivia, dance workshops, and more. After moving into a closed session, the board conditionally ratified all three groups. Next on the agenda, the executive council presented updates. Notably, Rise
updated the board on the shortage of 3 librarians, including the research assistant position, which has been particularly difficult for graduate students working on research projects. This issue stems from Bishops’ financial deficit, which was predicted last year due to the announcement of the tuition increases. How this issue will be addressed remains unclear.
Near the end of the meeting, the board considered the SRC annual budget and annual plan for approval. Director of Finance Taylor Morgan presented the budget, which was made with the goal of narrowing last year’s deficit. The SRC is currently projecting a deficit of almost 46,000 dollars. Although large, this would be an improvement from last year’s deficit of nearly 57,000. He noted that ideally, a non for profit organization should be within a 10,000 dollar range of zero. When Rise how he planned to further narrow the gap, Morgan replied that generally, they planned to cut costs and increase revenue by increasing student fees and external funding. This would mark the second rise in student fees this year, after the board approved a seven percent increase in student fees at the last meeting of the 2023/24 year. Although continuing to raise student fees may prove both unpopular and unsustainable, the SRC does maintain some of the lowest student fees of all Canadian universities. Both the annual plan and the annual budget were approved unanimously during the meeting.
On the following Monday at noon, the SRC held their Annual General Meeting in the Gait to review the SRC’s financial statement last year, appoint accountants for this year, and present the newly
approved plan. The council highlighted improvements to organization, engagement, and transparency.
For organization, they presented the plan to revisit the structure of the SRC and elections, which will be modified by the end of December. The gait will also see some changes: Friday gait nights will be removed altogether to reduce personnel costs. According to the financial plan, the gait’s profit’s should skyrocket from around 2000 dollars from last year to around 23,000 this year. Lacey Baillerge, VP of Student Life, also plans to open the Gait to the student population during the day for a social gathering space. In engagement, the execs plan to implement an alumni network and improve advertisement of SRC funding opportunities. Lastly, their initiatives to increase transparency includes student access to information on
how student fees are used. Currently on the SRC website, under Finances and Fees, the linked document for student fees is a one-page graphic featuring no more than four vague sentences. If not inaccurate, the posted information is certainly incomplete, leaving students to rifle through multiple pages of budget spreadsheets linked further below in order to glean how their money is being spent.
As Bishop’s faces fallout from the tuition hikes announcement, it’s important to have a board of representatives who plans to tackle these issues, and, more importantly, will follow the plans through. Students who are interested in these concerns are encouraged to attend BSR meetings, which are open to the public and held bi-weekly. More information and further resources can be found on the SRC website.
Dr. Mike Sampson speaks on Sappho poems and scholarly ethics
By Jillian French - News Editor
On Tuesday, September 24, students flooded Cleghorn to hear Dr. Mike Sampson’s guest lecture, entitled A Sapphic Scandal and Scholarly Ethics. As professor of classics at the university of Manitoba, Prof. Sampson discussed controversy surrounding poems written by Ancient Greek author Sappho, discovered in 2014 on dubious grounds.
In 2014, Dr. Dirk Obbink, a papyrologist at Oxford University, announced the discovery of a fragment of parchment with two newly discovered Sappho poems. Sappho was a renowned archaic female poet in Greece, regarded as one of the greatest lyrical poets of ancient times. Her written adoration of women has further cemented her legacy through words like “sapphic” and “lesbian”, derived from her name and place of birth (Lesbos), respectively. The discovery makes reference to her brothers Charaxos and Larichos, which are names referenced in other documents by separate authors. This, as well as stylistic similarities to Sappho’s works, asserted Dr. Obbink’s claim over Sappho’s authorship.
Prof. Sampson, however, raises concerns over Obbink’s secrecy about the origin of the material. In 2014, Obbink remained vague about how the anonymous buyer came across
the papyrus, but assured the public that it was completely legal. These kinds of details are referred to as proveniance. One year after the discovery, Dr. Obbink revealed that the papyrus had been bought by an anonymous collector in 2011 at a London auction. However, Prof Sampson noted that this same origin story had been used for another papyrology fragment, but was later confirmed to be a lie, instead having been sold on eBay by a Turkish antique dealer. With such secrecy surrounding the true source of Sappho’s poems, it’s not unreasonable to question whether the fragments have passed through the black market. Prof. Sampson also points out that most parysuses come from Egypt. If it did not leave Egypt before 1984, the papyrus is property of the government, and therefore was removed illegally. Rumours of theft are far from impossible: Dr. Obbink was arrested in 2020 for the theft of biblical fragments in Oxford’s papyrus collections, although he remains clear of any court conviction. All of this, of course, raises concerns of authenticity and ethics in the procuration of the recovered poems.
In concluding the lecture, Prof. Sampson emphasised the “priority of proveniance”. These two recovered poems were received very happily by the media in 2014, and the matter of origin was brushed aside in the excitement of new sapphic poetry. However,
he says, “it’s not just about reading Sappho, it’s about knowing where Sappho came from”. Without legitimate origins, scholars have difficulty approving the authenticity of these
recovered works, and risk violating ethical codes in scholarship. When looking at these works, he adds, it’s important to “keep a bright light on questionable objects and behaviours”.
Graphic courtesy of Damita Melchi
Photo courtesy of Elsa Cunnington
US Election Campaign Strategies reflect in Presidential debate
By Elsa CunningtonContributor
Kamala Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States, has been running in the U.S. presidential election for just over nine weeks since she took Biden’s place as the democratic nominee. Her campaign strategy, in comparison to former President Donald Trump, was best exemplified in the recent debate of September 10th. The Harris campaign spent a week on preparations: they ran practice debates with a staffer playing Trump to iron out which points to emphasize and which to avoid. On their part, the Trump team held policy time, where Trump held meetings with aides, who discussed the debate issues. Going into the debate, there were high expectations from Vice President Harris. She has received media buzz and celebrity attention: Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Harris in an instagram post, and Charlie XCX called Kamala Harris BRAT, a slogan which comes from the singer’s latest album and which Harris’ marketing team has fully adopted. However, polls suggest that many Americans do not feel familiar with her character or policies, and she has often been criticized as being “vague”. She hoped to rectify this in the debate
by concentrating on her plan such as “opportunity economy” that presents her as the champion of the middle class. Many agree that she performed well, but voters are still hesitant to embrace the democratic nominee over vague policies on an economic and international scale.
Trump focused primarily on immigration and his plan to fix the economy, but notably made headlines for highlighting an X conspiracy that Haitian immigrants were “eating the dogs” in Springfield, Ohio, which was fact-checked as false by the ABC debate moderators. The resulting memes and viral videos have taken over social media.
In contrast to democratic voters, who are wavering in support for Harris, Trump’s voter base remains strongly influential in his campaign. The “religious right”, a voter base of evangelical christian conservatives, are unwavering in their support of the former president. This dynamic is explored further by Bishop’s professor Dr. Miller in his class on Christian Nationalism in America. When asked about how Trump’s voter base has shifted, Dr. Miller told the Campus that “when he needed [the religious] vote before, he used Mike Pence to cement the deal”. Now, Dr. Miller adds, Trump doesn’t need Pence. Christian nationalists follow him because “he gave the religious right more than they’ve ever had”. Although
Harris made a solid impact in the debate, Trump’s voter base is stable, and the election is poised to swing in either direction.
Dr. Miller adds that there is reason to be concerned over Trump’s tendency to bend election narratives: “In 2016 Trump will claim he won by a landslide. When he lost to Biden by the same number of votes, he lost by ‘a hair’. This election, Dr. Miller adds, extends beyond policy. “Christian nationalism is anti-democratic”, he explains. “They don’t believe in voting anymore. Unless they win, it was rigged. [Trump] would
love to win the popular vote, but [he] has a Plan B: use election deniers, and throw every lawsuit they can at it”. This post-election commotion is what drove nationalists to the Capitol building on January 6th after Trump’s 2020 election loss.
As the presidential candidates prepare to enter the last stretch of their campaigns, they vie for control over several swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan. With such an action packed election, the coming weeks are certain to be interesting as we draw nearer November and the campaigns
Liquid Gold at Bishop’s University
By Anne LabergeContributor
On Monday, Sept. 16, Bishop’s Bees took the Art Lab by storm. Around 15 people partook in a honey extraction extravaganza that lasted from 10:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to learn about where honey comes from and how to make it buyer-ready. From beehive to jar, Bishop’s Bees got to work.
The first step was to retrieve the honey-filled frames from the beehives and move them to a closed space to prevent the bees from chasing after us (which was only semisuccessful, since one stung me on the head, but it was worth it). Next, we had to transport the frames to the Art Lab on campus. Once the space was sticky-proofed, we began the process of ‘de-capping’ the
Thoney frames, removing the wax film, sealing the honey to the comb. Isabel Nguyen, an Environmental Club co-lead who volunteered for the event, found the de-capping process very zen and relaxing.
Once the frames were sufficiently de-capped, we put them in what is called the extractor. The extractor flings the honey from the frames onto its inside walls using centripetal force, all thanks to hand-cranking it (and if you’re looking for another exercise to add to your back-and-bi day, this is it). The honey that collects at the bottom of the extractor is then ready for filtering. After filtering, we jar the honey and prepare it for distribution!
As many folks pointed out at the Student Success Fair, Bishop’s Bees has been quite dormant for the past few years. The club was founded in
2017 through the Green Levy, a fund that supports student sustainability projects on campus. While there have been many dedicated beekeepers keeping the club alive over the years, the club hopes to gain lost momentum by giving club members more opportunities for hands-on learning. Since the club is totally reliant on the bees’ rhythm and seasonal tendencies, it can be challenging to keep interest going when we meet so scarcely. Nevertheless, this was a very successful club event with lots of intrigue from fellow Bishop’s Bee-ers!
Thanks to the people who came out and volunteered, we managed to make over 100 honey jars. To get your hands on some Bishop’s home-grown honey, come by the farmer’s market on Oct. 3 to see your very own Bishop’s Bees club selling their honey! Word on the street is that it’s liquid gold.
he Campus acknowledges that the land on which we operate is stolen land, the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. We live, learn, work, and play on this land, home to Indigenous peoples still living. Canada was founded through colonization, a system rooted in oppression and the abuse of power over others, continuing to affect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities today. As a student newspaper, The Campus has a responsibility to highlight truth. We are committed to prioritizing underrepresented voices in our community and proactively highlighting Indigenous peoples’ histories and ongoing realities, including their resilience and achievements. We recognize our work plays a role in shaping public perceptions, being able to call-out injustice but also call-in action. We emphasize that we must go beyond a land acknowledgement, which is only one step towards reconciliation. It is the stories in our paper – told with respect, accuracy, and integrity – and the respect and humility we show to the land and others that is more important than what is written in a land acknowledgement. Actionable steps to go beyond a land acknowledgement include educating ourselves and others, and supporting Indigenous traditions, movements, and businesses. —The Campus Team
Universities are political and denying it is harmful
continued from page 1
A direct way in which universities are actively political institutions is by their direct participation in governance. After all, universities, like other institutions, actively engage with the government on a local and national level for a variety of reasons. For example, last year, English universities across Québec engaged in extensive negotiations with the provincial government to avert the latter’s proposed tuition hikes. Moreover, universities are compelled to continually adapt to and influence provincial and federal law. Such is the case with the recent changes to sexual violence prevention and response policies and laws, an area where universities publicly declare their intentions to change the culture.
From a civic perspective, universities are also key players. Civic participation is undeniably a form of politics, and universities have historically been a scene for these activities. From student movements to the formation of budding politicians, universities shape the way social issues are addressed. For example, the anti-apartheid student movement forced many university
institutions to divest from companies supporting and enabling apartheid in South Africa. The decision made by the university administration to divest sent a strong political message that undoubtedly contributed to the end of the apartheid regime.
Universities are also political players on an academic level. From a practical standpoint, the decision on who and what to teach impacts the social and therefore political fabric of our societies. The education students receive undoubtedly impacts the political views that they will act upon as engaged citizens, especially should they choose to follow a career in politics. There is no denying that the decision to teach about the negative impacts of systemic racism, for example, leads to negative perceptions of this problem. If this were not the case, there would not be such an intense battle in the United States about the teaching of African American and queer studies. What universities teach matters.
Lastly, there is extensive precedence on the participation of universities in global issues, even when that participation boils down to so-called neutrality. For example, when Russia first invaded Ukraine, Bishop’s
University chose to take a public stance on the issue, even choosing to raise the Ukrainian flag on campus. Even the choice of staying silent in the face of issues of violence and oppression is a political stance. An example of this silence was the historical “neutrality” or inaction by university institutions in the face of systemic sexual violence. The lack of action to tackle this issue seemed to imply approval for that culture and allowed it to perpetuate. Neutrality is a political stance, and when harm is being perpetuated, “neutrality” permits the perpetuation of harm.
As Desmond Tutu said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Thus, it is clear that universities are not and have never been apolitical nor neutral institutions. Their choices and their voices matter, even the choice to do or say nothing. To deny the political nature of universities is to make room for the perpetuation of harmful behaviors should they choose to allow it by either encouraging it or by doing nothing to stop it.
The aftermath of losing friends to graduation
By Ilona Plat - Contributor
“It’s just so different going out now,” says my friend as we arrive at the pre-party. To put this into context, our friend group used to be quite big. However, with the majority of our friends having graduated last year, it is not the same when we go out anymore. The start of the new school year is a big wake-up call because this is the moment of the year when you hang out and party with your friends. But compared to previous years, it feels like something is missing: the rest of our buddies. This feeling is even worse, especially if your closest friend is one of those that already graduated. I believe many of us are, or will go through that problem during our time here at Bishop’s.
For most studying at university, we are expecting to graduate. However, it is not something that goes through your mind when making friends; that you might not graduate at the same time.. and that you may be left alone for your last year. This brings lots of changes, such as not necessarily having someone to go to your every course with, not having your ‘go to’ friend for group assignments, not being able to go to certain apartments to hang out, or even having to change roommates completely because they all graduated. This can create feelings of loss and loneliness, or even taint your motivation to be here.
Luckily for me, some of my graduate friends live nearby and come to visit often. They update me on how life is as a new workforce member. The thought is so interesting—having a steady salary, living in a big city, meeting new people and living in modern apartments surrounded by endless opportunities. I am not going to lie, these updates only furthered my loneliness, and have made me start to look forward to my own graduation. I too, want to have all those exciting things happen to me and get ‘started’ in life. It is easy to crave those things when you have been in the small town of Lennoxville for years. Also, since most of your friends have graduated, feeling a bit behind in life is unsurprising.
However, as I started to go down the road of counting the days until graduation, I realized that this was not the way to go about it. Sure, my friends are living fulfilling lives, and I miss them, but university is a once-ina-lifetime experience. Therefore, it is essential that you make the most of it. It is important to remind yourself that as humans, we are never satisfied with what we have, and only when we lose it do we realize how happy we were. As such, counting down the days to graduation isn’t the way to go; balance is better.
If you are in the same situation as me, I encourage you to alternate between seeing your friend(s) in the big city, whilst also enjoying some
weekends together here. If you feel alone, try to join a club that interests you, or go to the bar. Of course, do not hesitate to reach out to your friends who are still here and create friendships with those around you. This will drastically
improve your year, and will make you feel less alone. Deciding to put your life on hold to be with your graduate friends may result in your missing out on these precious university experiences, which you should be enjoying fully!
Graphic courtesy of Damita Melchi
Graphic courtesy of Damita Melchi
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Behind the Scenes of new plays
By Shannon GaskarthContributor
The Bishop’s University Drama Department is not only dedicated to teaching students performance work, but also in giving students the opportunities to learn and work in all aspects of production. The New Plays Festival is an event that showcases the diverse skills of students from all disciplines within the world of theater. This festival is unique as it is entirely student driven - from page to stage - with students of varying years of experience all
coming together to create six one-act plays. Student actors, directors, stage managers, and designers each bring their unique perspectives and skills to the table that creates a dynamic learning environment where we learn from each other and push our boundaries of creativity.
This is my third year participating in New Plays. This year I stage managed and did lighting design for Popped! Written and directed by Kate Vandermeulen. Stage Managing is the organization aspect of production that holds a cast and crew together. As a stage manager, I communicate and organize meetings between different technical departments, take notes during rehearsals, keep everyone running in accordance with deadlines set in our production schedule, and am ready to face a variety of creative obstacles.
When it comes to performance days, my job is in the tech booth, where I call all the lighting and sound cues for the show. This means staying in tune with what the actors are doing onstage and making sure the Lighting and Sound operators hit the cues at the correct times. Stage managing is a lesson in overcoming challenges, but has also deepened my admiration for the work that goes into the performing arts.
Lighting design, on the other hand, is a full creative aspect of production.
I fell in love with lighting because of its ability to build atmosphere and highlight the skills of the actors onstage. The way light can transform a space, evoke emotions, and guide the audience’s focus is truly magical. Working with lighting design taught me the importance of precision, collaboration, and most importantly: that the behind the scenes is just as important and FUN as being onstage. It allowed me to contribute to the storytelling process in a visual and impactful way. This multifaceted experience in both stage management and lighting design has intensified my desire to pursue a career in theater.
The New Plays Festival stands as a testament to the power of student-led initiatives in the arts. It is a platform within Bishops where students have the opportunity to apply skills taught in classes. Students from the lighting design class last winter and students currently in the intro to technical theater class are given hands-on opportunities to continue learning their craft.
By integrating classroom learning with practical application in these student-run events, we gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to run live-theater. Support the Arts!
Challengers (2024) Improv: Bishop’s Tennis Club
By Hugh Englehart - Contributor
Tennis club at Bishop’s is one of the most fun clubs at Bishop’s University. One of the reasons you should join tennis is because studies have shown that this sport increases your lifespan by almost a decade. This year, we have also added pickleball. This sport is new, but very exciting, so come and play to have a chance at being known as the best pickler at Bishop’s.
As a sport, tennis is a great stress reducer as it is a physical activity that gets all of your muscles involved. If you struggle with handeye coordination, tennis might help improve this, while also working on your timing, and patience. Now let’s address the stereotypes or fears you may associate with tennis. For example, over the top grunting –
although this is very common in professional tennis players – we do not have a ‘no grunting’ rule. You might also associate tennis as being a very expensive sport; however, the tennis club has no fees. In fact, students who are interested in tennis can come to our open practices and borrow the rackets and return them. For pickleball, students can go to the sports complex and give their identification, they are then given a racket to return at the end of the night.
Another fantastic aspect of tennis is its ability to build mental toughness and resilience. When you’re out on the court, you’re constantly adapting to your opponent’s strategy, dealing with pressure, and overcoming challenges—whether it’s a tough rally, a
bad serve, or losing a game. These moments teach you how to stay focused and determined, skills that are valuable not just in tennis but in life as well. Playing tennis regularly also helps improve concentration and self-discipline, making it a perfect sport for students looking to balance academics with physical activity. Plus, tennis encourages personal growth as you learn from each match and improve your skills over time.
A new feature we are adding this year is a league system that will allow players to be independent and play matches once a week, which will show who is the best Bishop’s University tennis player. Tennis is a sport most people end up playing later in their lives and they always
ask, “why didn’t I start earlier?” Don’t be one of these people who wished they started earlier. Another great benefit of tennis is that here at Bishop’s, we will accept any tennis level of player, even if you’ve never heard of tennis!
The tennis club will play in any temperature, but not in any weather: rain and snow stop us unfortunately. If you are looking to find the tennis courts, you can walk or drive to the Maxi, and then go up the hill where you will find the courts right above Lennoxville Elementary School. If anyone is interested in tennis lessons from a professional coach, you can reach out to the tennis club’s Instagram (@bishopstennisclub).
Graphic courtesy of Damita Melchi
Photo courtesy of Kate Vandermeulen
Gaiters football on a roll
By Owen Kitzan - Sports Editor
Gaiters football has come into the season looking excellent this year.
After defeating ST-FX 37-27 at home, Bishops went out and proceeded to outscore their next two opponents by a score of 132-7. With all systems rolling it looks to be a promising season for the team.
The first of the two schools they took on was Acadia University in a game that transpired on Coulter field on the 14th of September. Neither of the two Bishop’s quarterbacks could be stopped that day with both Justin Quirrion and Xavier Gervais getting a chance to take snaps. Quirrion finished the day throwing an impressive 15 completions on 18 attempts for 270 yards and 4 touchdowns as well as picking up 12 yards rushing and a touchdown on 3 attempts. Gervais also finished with an impressive statline picking up 174 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 for 14 passing along with 3 attempts rushing for a total of 16 yards also picking up a touchdown.
O’Shae Ho-Sang couldn’t be stopped by Acadias run defense as he averaged 15.5 yards per carry out of the backfield, rushing for 124 yards on only 8 attempts. He was no slouch in the receiving game either catching 2 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. Oliver Burnett would also catch a touchdown pass to go along with
5 receptions for 90 yards as the Gaiters main wide receiver against Acadia. On the defensive side of the ball Alex MacDonald would register a sack alongside Jaures Goke and Brandon-James Poulin-Marquez each picking up 1.5 sacks. At the end of the game the scoreboard read 70-7 in an impressive blowout of Acadia for Bishops.
The Gaiters would follow up that impressive showing by going on the road to face off with the Mount Allison Mounties. Bishops would absolutely dismantle them as well winning 62-0 on away turf. Justin Quirrion would once
again have a good showing throwing for 321 yards, completing 17 of his 27 passes for a touchdown and an interception. Jonathan James-Francois would lead the team in rushing yards picking up 68 yards on 6 attempts while O’shae Ho-Sang would punch in 2 touchdowns, rushing for 42 yards on 8 attempts.
The Bishops Defense would have a monster day, posting 5 sacks and 4 interceptions against the Mounties. Alex MacDonald and Gabriel Royer would both register 1.5 sacks while Mathieu Payette and Cristopher Kramer would each
pick one up. Jet Wilson, Joseph Manga, Cherif Camara and Cristopher Kramer would all get an interception. The story of the game was Bishop’s ability to find unconventional ways to score. Jaures Goke would pick up a fumble for 55 yards and a touchdown. Cherif Camara and Joseph Manga would both record pick sixes on their interceptions for 2 more Bishop’s scores. Cedric Maurice would return a blocked kick for an absurd 129 yards and a touchdown, while the Gaiters also managed to pick up three safeties. Safe to say things are looking bright for the rest of the season in the swamp.
Gaiters rugby recap
By Reece Bastien - Contributor
Gaiters women’s rugby recently posted a historic tie against Carleton in a 27-27 match. Looking to capitalize on this momentum they looked ahead to their next two games against ULaval and the university of Ottawa with both games on the road.
Their first matchup would be ULaval in Quebec. The game took place on September 14th and was sadly not the outcome the Gaiters were hoping for. Bishop’s would lose 69-3 to the hands of the Rouge et Or. After the hard fought battle the women shifted their focus to the Gee-Gees and the upcoming game they had in Ottawa on September 21st. Bishop’s came out and looked to put up a fight playing with grit and determination. The GeeGees proved to be too strong however, winning by an eventual final score of 68-3 against the Gaiters.
Gaiters mens rugby started off the year strong with a 60-0 win against Carleton and looked to keep that going in their next two games against ETS and the University of Ottawa. The first game would be against ETS in Montreal
on September 14th. ETS would prove to be too much for Bishop’s to handle, with the gaiters losing by a score of 4310.
Looking to bounce back from the tough loss the men came out for a war against the Gee-Gees on September 21st in Ottawa. The gaiters battled all game long and put up a great effort but it sadly wouldn’t be enough
with the final score reading 47-27 for Ottawa. While not the outcome they were looking for, Bishop’s showed resiliency and fought right til the final whistle setting up a good foundation for upcoming matchups.
Following the two games the teams both had homecoming games on Coulter field against Mcgill. The women’s team came out and showed
the perseverance and dedication they’ve exemplified pay off with a thrilling 51-5 win. The first win of the season came around at the perfect time for the Gaiters roster. The men’s team once again came out strong against a solid Mcgill side making it a dogfight the entire way. The Gaiters would daily end up losing by a score of 38-24 to cap off the Hoco weekend.
Photo courtesy of Emma Krobath
Photo courtesy of Francois Quirrion
Home sweet home
By Leighton GeraghtyContributor
The best time of the year is right around the corner in Lennoxville. Homecoming weekend is set to last from Thursday, Sept. 26th until Sunday September 29th. As alumni will be welcomed back into town the Gaiters prepare for must win situations. Six games over Four days will see many people fill into the Grand stands in Coulter field. Thursday night will see an 8:30 pm faceoff between the Gaiters men’s Lacrosse team and their rivals the McGill Redbirds. The game has a lot on the line for the Gaiters as they look to impress the crowd on the opening night of Hoco. Friday will see the first of two double headers of the weekend. Women’s soccer will kickoff against Montreal, a powerhouse in the RSEQ. Following the soccer game, Women’s Rugby will play a must win game in hopes of making the playoffs for the first time in program history. The 8:15 pm kickoff between the Gaiters and the McGill Martlets is bound to be a great match as both teams are battling for their lives. Continuing onto Saturday the undefeated football team who has outscored their opponents 132-7 in the past two games looks to stay perfect as they will defend homefield against
Saint Mary’s. Finally Sunday will consist of another double header. The Men’s rugby team kick’s off at 1:00 pm against a nationally ranked McGill team, followed by a 4:00 pm kickoff between the Women’s soccer team and the Laval Rouge et Or.
All eyes will be on the athletes as they battle for playoff positioning nearing the end of their seasons. Although the weekend is filled with joy and excitement by many, some suffer under the stress of making sure the games run smoothly. The Gameday staff will have their hands full as they set up to receive some of the biggest crowds of the season. You may be wondering what goes into preparing for such a heavy set weekend. As part of the Gameday staff, I can tell you that Rachel Bayer (Sports Information Coordinator - Marketing, Sponsorship & Home Events) and Marty Rourke (Manager of CommunicationsAthletics & Recreation) have been preparing for the past weeks to make sure they have every step of the way planned out. Organization is key when you have so many events in the same weekend. Everyone needs to be on the same page in order to make sure that the games run smoothly. One person’s mistake could be costly and affect the whole atmosphere of the weekend. Although some staff may be anxious for the weekend they are more than ready to cheer the Gaiters on and Bleed purple.
Gaiters women’s hockey team thrives with an impressive weekend sweep
OBy Gabriella Goodall - Contributor
ver the weekend of September 20 to 22, the Bishop’s women’s hockey team dominated their pre-season games in New Brunswick, clinching three straight wins.
With scores of 6-3 against Moncton on Friday night, 5-1 over UNB on Saturday, and 6-1 against St. Thomas on Sunday afternoon, the team showcased skill and an exceptional team spirit that has left fans and families buzzing with excitement.
The weekend kicked off on Friday night in Grand Falls with a thrilling game against Moncton University. The Bishop Gaiters demonstrated impressive offensive strategies and sold defensive plays quickly after freshman Amélie Brassard took the lead scoring a key goal that set the tone for the match. Senior Mackenzie Borgfjord was also a key aspect of the Gaiters win when she scored a goal. The Gaiters didn’t stop there when defense Kamryn Johnson’s presence on the ice provided pivotal support, allowing the Gaiters to maintain their offensive pressure throughout the game. Freshman Naomi Côté led the way with a goal and an assist in her team’s convincing win, while Éliane Michaud and Majorie Bolduc completed the solid team performance. The final score of 6-3 reflected a victory, and a statement of the team’s resolve and skill.
Building on their momentum, Bishop’s faced UNB that showcased their relentless effort. From the very first puck drop, it was clear that the Gaiters were ready to continue their winning streak. Senior Maude Pépin stole the spotlight, racking up two goals and two assists, leading the Gaiters to a dominant 5-1 victory. Gabrielle Santerre continued to be a playmaker with one goal and one assist, and Angélique Pagé and Noémie Garneau had important contributions with essential goals. Jamie Aspropotamitis and Justine Turcotte were also crucial in this game as they added assists to seal the victory. In this game, the Gaiters’ defense held strong, allowing opponents to not get scoring chances and allowing them to score only once in the game.
The weekend concluded on a high note, with the Gaiters dismantling St. Thomas 6-1. The team showed their depth and versatility as all players contributed to the win. Freshman Jordanne Laforme scored early in the game, setting the pace for an exciting match. It was again Maude Pépin, who added two goals and an assist to establish herself as one of the top scoring leaders this weekend. Freshman Daphné Boutin scored twice to punctuate the depth of this team. The teamwork and cohesion seemed to be there for the Gaiters as the plays were made with sharpness and confidence. This streak not only shows the skill and determination of
the Bishop’s women’s varsity hockey team but also electrifyingly sets the tone for the start of the season. Ahead in the way of facing greater challenges, there lies a perfect weekend, promising them even better times ahead as they try to continue this momentum.
Photos courtesy of Jayme Martneiuk
Photos courtesy of Marty Rourke
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Student Advocacy: The Maple Leagues VP Academics Assemble
By Christina Lépine - Staff Writer
On Wednesday, September 25 the Better Together: The Maple League’s VP Academics Assemble: Navigating the Landscape of Student Advocacy event took place online featuring the four Maple League’s Student Unions’ Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Bishop’s VP of Academic Affairs, Roser Rise, shared a panel with Benjamin Broadbent, VP of Academic and University Affairs at Mount Allison Students’ Union, Jacob Cruchet, VP of Academics at StFrancis Xavier Students’ Union, and Sam Taylor, VP of Academic and External Affairs at Acadia Students’ Union. This event was broadcast online through Zoom and advertised through the Maple League of Universities’ social media accounts. This panel was chaired and organized by Dr. Juan Carlos López, Director of Teaching and Learning at the Maple League of Universities.
Background
Bishop’s University is part of a consortium of four universities called the Maple League of Universities along with Mount Allison University, Acadia University, and Saint-Francis Xavier
University. All four universities have a Student Union composed of student leaders elected by their peers to represent their interests for a one-year term. All Student Union Executive Councils are formed of elected and hired positions including a President and a VP Academic. The Better Together series interviewed all four VP Academics to discuss their responsibilities, the challenges they are facing as student leaders, the skills they have developed, and the elements they enjoy as part of their job. This panel is new for the Maple League Student Unions as it is fairly rare for all VP Academics to have an opportunity to meet and compare the work they do.
The VP Academics’ skills and challenges
All VP Academics, in a round of introductions, shared their responsibilities as Senators on their respective university Senates, meaning they are part of one of the highest decision-making bodies of their universities, their committee work with their university’s administration and faculty members, and their work to represent students with initiatives and projects.
Broadbent shared that a challenge he faces this year is getting more students involved on campus and increasing event turnout as he mentions more students could
take part in initiatives. An important skill he has learned since the start of his term is to be persistent and confident in his decisions and suggestions when negotiating with his university’s administration.
Cruchet shared that he values and respects the role of student unions as “faculty members care about students, but sometimes they have their blind spots” and he knows he can help advocate for students’ interests and empower student voices. He enjoys the autonomy in his work and school environment, but he believes students should all be treated as equals as he often encounters students feeling like they are not taken seriously, a challenge he wishes to tackle this year.
Taylor enjoys empowering minority voices as part of his role and is very grateful for the experiences he acquired as VP Academic. A challenge he wishes to work on this year is supporting students’ voices and interests in initiatives and projects and ensuring as many student groups as possible feel heard and empowered. He believes this job has brought him great leadership and project management skills.
Rise shared she enjoys working on committees with faculty members and the university administration but is challenged with bringing about changes in a system rooted in the long history of the university.
She is, however, grateful for the time management and decorum skills she learns sitting in meetings.
Working with students and faculty
An impression shared among this panel was the eagerness to hear about students’ opinions and ideas. The four VP Academics work for students’ interests within their Student Union and university Boards. They also shared their expectations for faculty members to want to engage more with students, to attend networking events and student initiatives, to hear about their realities and needs, and to be open to understanding and working collaboratively.
I Wanna Tell You: Eli Lev’s Advice for Aspiring Musicians
By Lauren Root - Staff Writer
Eli Lev is a Silver Spring, Maryland native whose current tour “2024 Present Journey Fall Tour” brought him to Le Murdoch in Sherbrooke on September 26 where he was able to perform in front of his fan base, known as the “Levitators.” The critically acclaimed singer has had a few different career paths, and after teaching English in several countries, Eli made the decision to become a full-time musician.
Music has always been a source of therapy for Eli, helping him to navigate emotions and life’s challenges. He
would play songs for friends and family, which helped him to gain confidence and experience. After completing an English degree, Eli became an English school teacher in a northern Arizona town called Shonto, on a Navajo reservation. Later, he lived in Andorra and Israel, helping to create bonds and expand his worldly view. However, Eli’s ultimate decision to leave teaching behind and become a fulltime musician came on a beach retreat to Sayulita, Mexico, where he had a spiritual awakening. It was then that Eli decided to follow his true passion (no matter the risk) and pursue music as his career.
While he was nervous about this career shift, he knew he had to follow his love
for music, and to trust that he would be able to find success.
Eli hopes to share his journey with younger musicians, and to encourage them to pursue their passions. That is why Eli chose to add a tour date in Sherbrooke, where he is hoping to connect with Bishop’s students and share both his story and his music. Eli is hoping to share his story with all students, not only those in a music major, since anyone (in any field of study) can eventually work in the music industry.
When asked about what advice he has for Bishop’s students who are aspiring musicians, Eli advised: “there are thousands of different positions in the music industry” for those who are questioning a career in music. Expanding on that idea, he continued: “There are singers, there are instrumentalists, there is sound, there is lights, there’s agents, there are managers.” He wishes to convey
the variety of roles that the music industry holds, offering plenty of opportunities to begin a career, or to change pathways while still being involved with music. Eli explains that it is okay to take risks when it comes to your career, and to not let a fear of failure hold you back, saying: “And if [you] like music, then yeah, make a go of it and see if that fits.” In addition, Eli mentioned that if students find themselves interested in other parts of the industry, it can be just as fulfilling and just as important in bringing art into their communities.
Eli Lev will be continuing his tour “2024 Present Journey Fall Tour” across North America and venturing to Europe next year, where he hopes to continue sharing his music and journey. Eli is always open to connecting with Bishop’s students to help inspire them to follow their musical aspirations and to continue spreading joy through music.
Graphic courtesy of Christina Lépine
Photo courtesy of Eli Lev
Photo courtesy of Taylor Rigg
The B.E.S.T. Project Series: Sasha KardosMachado, the NATO Field School
By Grace Johnston - Contributor
When the age-old question pops up “What do you want to be when you grow up?” most kids envision being an astronaut or a rockstar, but how often do we hear of aspiring diplomats in kindergarten?! Sasha KardosMachado has been imagining a career in politics since she was five years old and wanted to be the Prime Minister of Canada. While her dream job may have shifted from PM to the Canadian Ambassador at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), her love of politics has never wavered.
Now, in her fifth year at Bishop’s University, Kardos-Machado is pursuing an Honours in International Studies with a minor in Political Studies. She is also the Head Coordinator of the Charity Fashion Show, the SRC Extra Manager, President of the Politics and International Student Association (PISA), and a Senior Student Ambassador for the Recruitment and Retention Office. In Spring 2024, after receiving the B.E.S.T. Project Fund, Kardos-Machado commenced one of the greatest experiential learning opportunities of her university career: the NATO Field School and Simulation Program.
This intensive program took place in Latvia, Italy, and Belgium from May to July. Kardos-Machado was grouped with 44 of the brightest and most keen students from across all NATO nations. She was admittedly somewhat intimidated when the program began, but quickly found her footing, and adapted to the challenging format. There was a fresh itinerary daily,
and whether it was boarding an Italian navy support ship, visiting Camp Adazi: the Canadian Enhanced Forward Presence, or spending a week at NATO headquarters, Kardos-Machado was privy to some of the most prestigious educational opportunities. In addition to in-field visits, two simulations were held to truly accelerate students’ development, these included: the Negotiation, Mediation and DecisionMaking Exercise (NMDX) at the NATO Defence College in Rome, and the NATO Summit Exercise (NSX) at NATO HQ, in Brussels. Two fully immersive week-long simulations, training students in NATO’s crisis management process and summit proceedings. At NMDX, Kardos-Machado assumed the role of Secretary General, she chaired the meetings and hosted a press conference. At NSX, she represented the United States of America as the Ambassador. One of the most memorable highlights of the program was KardosMachado’s opportunity to attend the 75th NATO Summit in Washington, DC. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a student, but will likely not be KardosMachado’s last NATO Summit.
During the program, Kardos-Machado also began managing in-field social media and was offered a position as the Communication and Outreach Coordinator for the NATO Field School when the program ended. She plans to continue this role through her final year and after graduation in Brussels and The Hague with the NATO Field School. She will then pursue a Masters degree in security and defense at the Brussels School of Governance, and in keeping with her lifelong dreams, hopes to secure a career at NATO HQ in the Public Diplomacy Division.
Kardos-Machado’s experience at the NATO Field School and Simulation Program, which grew her knowledge of NATO exponentially and confirmed her desire to work in security and defense, would not have been possible without the
Bishop’s University B.E.S.T Project Fund. She will look back on the NATO Field School and Simulation Program as one of the most outstanding experiences of her undergraduate degree.
Lennoxville’s best-kept secret: A haven for book lovers since 1998
By Britney Ellis RahmanContributor
Friday the 13th, November 1998, a cold morning with temperatures barely half a degree above freezing with a stiff breeze bringing that chill to the bone. A warm and welcoming retreat for bookworms had just opened its doors: Black Cat Books. It has been twenty-six years since the fateful day and the cozy bookstore, now in the capable hands of its current owner, Anne-Marie Bailey, remains the hidden gem for gently used books in Lennoxville.
Located across the street from the Maxi and tucked in behind the former TriKnit café where it might be easy to miss, but for those in the know, Bailey describes it as “Lennoxville’s best-kept secret.” And what a secret it is. With over fifteen thousand books stacked quite literally floor to ceiling and wall to wall in the cozy seven hundred square foot shop spanning every imaginable genre, the shop is a book lover’s dream. A veritable “dragon’s hoard” of treasures, as Bailey whimsically puts it,
guarded by an entire troop of thematically appropriate black cat statuettes
I remember getting lost in the maze of these shelves when I was but a budding young bookworm. My mother, a Bishop’s University honors student at the time, would come visit her friend Annie, who at the time lived in the apartment on the top floor. While they had their study date I would explore. It is now over twenty years later, and the place still gives me those same feelings of wonder and joy when I walk in, but now with even more to discover and enjoy.
Over the years, Bailey has kept the spirit of the original Black Cat alive while also making it her own. One of those contributions came some six years ago when the store partnered with Faro to create its own coffee blend, of which Bailey will gladly make you a cup while you peruse the collection, or when you sit down in the adorable reading corner to glance at a few pages of your finds.
For an avid reader, the thought of being eternally surrounded by more books than one could possibly read in ten
lifetimes may sound like a dream come true, because it is one, but Bailey describes it as being “both the best and worst thing about owning a bookshop.” The fact of seeing new things literally every day and needing to figure out what to do with everything on hand can be a lot when you are the sole owner and employee of such a local institution.
Nonetheless, Bailey says that she appreciates every moment of it. She might not be from Lennoxville proper, but her connection to the area runs deep, having attended Alexander Galt High School and visited this shop nearly every day since then. So, when Janice LaDuke, the original owner, decided to retire there may have been some hesitation, but Bailey could hardly resist the opportunity to grab hold of the reins and lead Black Cat into the future.
Since then, her effort has been to maintain traditions for the only Englishspecific bookstore in the region, like having an uncountable hoard of black cats decorating the store and also of having a sale every Friday the 13th to celebrate the store’s spooky opening day. But she has also greatly expanded the new book
selection, introduced a loyalty card for dedicated readers, and begun taking special orders for any books not in stock. The store now also has an eclectic mix of stationary, postcards, mugs, hats, and various other gifts and trinkets for sale.
Black Cat Books is more than a business; it is a cultural icon in Lennoxville. We arrived in this town at the same time Black Cat and I, and I could never imagine my town without it.
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Photo courtesy of Sasha Kardos-Machado
Photo courtesy of Britney Ellis Rahman
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This abuzz in the arthive
By Abby Epstein - Arts & Culture Editor
In the Centennial Theatre building, beneath the Foreman Art Gallery, lies the Bishop’s Artlab’s Art Hive. The community art space freely welcomes people of all ages and experience. From Sept. 14 onward, it will be open Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m..
The Art Hive operates within the metaphor of a beehive - a shared collaborative effort that is part of a larger artistic movement aligned with other art hives. “The Artlab positions itself on the cutting edge between art, education and community,” says Camila Vásquez, the Artlab coordinator. It operates with the goal of “exploring how these worlds collide and interact with one another, to disrupt the hierarchy of knowledge and enrich community life.”
Bishop’s Art Hive is facilitated by students of fine art, art education and psychology (with an interest in art therapy). Facilitators offer their experience to anyone seeking artistic guidance; otherwise, participants are welcome to create independently. Materials are free to use at a self-directed pace, as they have been donated as part of the communal undertaking.
Beyond regular drop-in hours, the Art Hive organizes themed events throughout the academic year. The first one of the semester will take place on Nov. 13 during standard hours. The theme, “Connecting with the colors of diversity,” invites participants to “experience a moment of autonomous artistic creation with others, while taking part in exchanges on interculturality.” Vasquez also hints that “the idea of organizing a talk on the principles of
beehives is also in the air,” which would expand on existing collaborative efforts between art hives and campus partners regarding spirituality and reusing. In the spring, the Bishop’s Art Hive hopes to be a part of an annual event which brings together the whole of the Eastern Townships’ art hive community.
Reflecting on her own experience, Vásquez speaks to the opportunity to create holistically, as well as a chance to take time for oneself and relax away from the activity of everyday life: “I find that the opportunity to gather, to feel at home, to explore one’s creativity without pressure or expectations is accompanied by a sense of gratitude, calm and joy.”
All members of the community are welcomed into the Art Hive to experience this for themselves; thereafter, like bees, they can carry this spirit with them out into the world.
New plays new slays
By Kate Vandermeulen - Director of Marketing & Communications
As the fall semester starts back up, students are thrown into everything new: new professors, new courses, new apartments and now, thanks to the annual drama festival, new plays!
The New Plays Festival will take place Sept. 26-29 in Turner Studio, with three plays being performed each night. Each play is student-led from start to finish; with scripts written by students in the Playwriting course, scenes being directed by students, casts being made up entirely by students and the festival itself being coordinated by two students.
One of these students, 3rd-year music student Emmett Tinning, is in charge of coordinating the festival. He expressed his excitement about the upcoming productions, saying that “New Plays is an incredible experience for drama and non-drama students alike (especially students new to Bishops) to try their hand at all that goes into putting on a festival. The people and experiences
have all contributed to an invaluable and engaging few weeks!”
The process of putting on a single show started over the summer, with student playwrights submitting their scripts for consideration. Once shows had been chosen, it was up to students to sign up to direct. Auditions took place on Sept. 7, and each cast has been fervently rehearsing since to ensure that their show is stage-ready by the 26th.
3rd-year Musical Theatre and Drama student Sonoma Brawley, who plays the role of ‘Elizabeth’ in Night B show ‘Popped’, weighed in on her experience being part of the festival: “As a drama student, I love having the chance to be in Turner Studio performing with my friends and peers”. She elaborated on how being part of a student-run project has enriched her campus life: “It’s incredibly rewarding as we all work together to make it possible to produce our shows. Theatre is an incredibly collaborative art form and New Plays encapsulates what it means to be in conversation with one another to create something together”.
From hilarious comedies, to dramas that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, the festival will have a play for every type of audience-goer. Night A (Sept. 26 & 28) will feature (in show order) “Off the Deep End” by Malcolm Armstrong, “Shafted” by Tomas Peck and “The Attic” by Michael Gearey. Night B (Sept. 27 & 29): “Popped” by Kate Vandermeulen, “Ghosts” by Carly Wagschal and “Together at Last” by Mia
Williams.
Interested in participating in a production, or cheering one on from the audience? Don’t miss out on next semester’s TheatreActiv festival- follow @bu.drama on Instagram for updates!
Kate Vandermeulen is the Playwright/Director of the New Plays show ‘Popped’.
Photo courtesy of Felix Sylvester
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
ARTS & CULTURE
Abby Epstein, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
First rule of the BU film club? Let’s talk about it
By Eva Rachert - Contributor
Alongside volunteer initiatives and mainstay student societies, several new clubs have started on campus this year. Among these new initiatives is the Bishop’s University Film Society, which was created at the beginning of this semester. The BU Film Society has been advertising across campus since the start of September, tabling in the SUB and working with some of the English Department professors to workshop the structure of the club and find relevant films. The Film Society intends to provide an educational space for Bishop’s students to learn about different periods of film and allow students to connect over a love of movies. The Film Society will be meeting weekly starting in October — as of now, screenings are
planned to be held on Tuesday evenings in Nicolls 004. Admission is free for all Bishop’s students, regardless of whether they are registered as members of the club. The club is currently run by fourth-year English literature honours students Eva Rachert and Lucie Casinghino.
After each meeting, students are invited to join the co-leads in the Gait, where attendees will be able to discuss and analyze the contents of whatever movie was shown that week. The club intends to provide an informal setting for students across different departments to learn theory and the history of film, encouraging engagement in the humanities and fostering community between disciplines. The informal nature of the club allows for students to come to screenings as they will — members are encouraged to attend
Gentle Reflections
To a Bee
Little honey bee
Sitting upon a flower Making something sweet
Of a Flower
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screenings and bring friends and are not required to register in advance.
Casinghino describes the club as follows: “We wanted to give students a place to watch interesting and culturally relevant movies they might not otherwise have access to — we’re specifically trying to focus on movies that aren’t on streaming sites, that aren’t showing in movie theatres. Universities across the country have similar clubs, and I’ve known them to have high student engagement and help people get to know each other while watching and talking about something they love. We’re super excited to get started.”
The film club’s first screening will be Michel Gondry’s 2004 drama film The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, likely to be presented on Oct. 2. Interested students can contact the club via their
Instagram @bishopsfilmsociety, or by reaching the co-founders through their university email addresses. The club takes movie requests through their Instagram direct messages or in person at the end of each screening.
Petals bright and white In bloom the whole summer long Fading, but not gone
Under the Tree
Brilliant white pine tree Standing longer than Mcgreer The memories it holds
Squirrels on the Grass Nuts preciously kept Nestled up inside the tree Ready for winter
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Unlocking career opportunities: The power of preparation and networking
By Frederic Nicolas - Contributor
As the fall semester begins, many students are starting to prepare for internships and post-graduation employment. This time of year, businesses and organizations are actively looking for their next class of summer interns, providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience outside of a classroom context. However, landing an internship or a job isn’t just about sending out resumes and hoping for a lucky break. Students have to be well-prepared to stand out in a competitive job market.
Networking: the key to unlocking opportunities
Networking is considered by most to be the cornerstone of career success. It’s not just about knowing people - it’s about building meaningful professional relationships with key individuals. Studies show that a great number of jobs aren’t advertised to the greater public and that many opportunities come through personal connections and referrals. Students who make time for networking will be more likely to be aware of these hidden opportunities, giving them a head start when it comes to job search.
Higher education institutions like Bishop’s offer different networking opportunities. Attending career fairs, industry-specific events and any networking mixers hosted by the university or clubs can prove beneficial in meeting the right people in your field of study. At those events, students are encouraged to engage with guest speakers and organizations who visit campus and to connect with them on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Professors and mentors can also be valuable assets, often providing insights into your industry of interest or upcoming opportunities.
Simply collecting business cards isn’t sufficient to create meaningful professional
connections. Students have to focus on building authentic relationships. Asking questions, showing interest in their work and offering value where possible can make connections evolve into mentorships or even job offers.
Tailoring your resume: quality over quantity
One of the biggest mistakes students make when applying for jobs or internships is sending out the same resume to every employer. While it might seem efficient, doing so significantly reduces the chances of a student getting noticed. In a job market where employers are often sorting through hundreds of resumes for the same position, looking for ideal candidates that align with their specific needs, tailoring your resume to each job description is essential.
Start by thoroughly reading the job posting and identifying the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Customizing your resume to highlight the
relevant experiences, coursework or projects that match those qualifications will help you stand out. Quantifying achievements when applicable is also a good idea, as metrics give employers a concrete sense of one’s capabilities.
Soft skills: the unsung heroes of employability
While technical skills and academic background are important, market trends show that employers are increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate strong soft skills - such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving. Many hiring managers value soft skills just as much, if not more, than technical expertise.
During interviews, students should be prepared to provide real-life examples of how they have demonstrated these skills in previous work experiences, in the classroom or other activities on the side. These skills will help set the student apart from other candidates who may have
similar qualifications, but fail to show the interpersonal and professional skills that are required to be successful in today’s dynamic work environment.
Securing an internship or a job is more than just a one-and-done effort; it’s an ongoing process of preparation, networking and refining your skills. By building a strong network, customizing your resume to the job posting, and highlighting both your hard and soft skills, you’ll see your chances of standing out in the competitive market for a job increase significantly.
Investing time now will pay off when it comes time to apply. Start early, be proactive, be intentional about the steps you take toward your career and most importantly, be aware of the different resources Bishop’s has to offer for career preparation. Bishop’s Career and Transition Services (CATS) are free for students to take advantage of and might prove valuable in their future job search.
Dumpster diving on the rise: A complex trend in Canadian communities
continued from page 1
activity can be the difference between having a meal or going hungry. Research also shows that an increasing amount of students in Canada are turning to dumpster diving to save money on groceries and other essentials, oftentimes struggling to balance tight budgets with academic responsibilities. However, for local businesses and municipalities, the situation presents economic challenges of its own, whether it be waste management problems or health issues.
The collection of recyclable materials is also on the rise, particularly for aluminum cans, which can be redeemed for cash at local gas stations or recycling centers. That rise in can collection can be explained by the Quebec government’s new depositrefund program, which increased refunds from five to ten cents per aluminum can back in November 2023, as well as by the average Canadian’s ever-growing need for extra income just to get by in the current economic landscape. Can recycling not
only help reduce waste but also provide a meaningful source of supplemental income, especially for individuals who are retired or facing financial insecurity?
A local can collector who spoke with The Campus argued they were able to collect almost $200 worth of cans each month in the streets of Lennoxville, netting around $2,400 in extra revenue each year.
Beyond economic motivations, some individuals engage in dumpster diving for personal reasons. For those looking to stay active, dumpster diving can be a surprisingly physical activity. The process of searching through dumpsters, lifting heavy objects, and moving from location to location provides a workout, adding an unusual dimension to the fitness routine. “I do it because it keeps me young.” said an anonymous dumpster diver when speaking with The Campus. “Of course, I started doing it for the money I get selling cans, but after a while, I started feeling better [physically] than I ever did before,” they added, highlighting the various reasons why people turn to such alternatives.
While dumpster diving may not appeal
to everyone, it can have great environmental benefits. According to a study organized by Global Citizen, a worldwide organization aiming at reducing extreme poverty, around 58 per cent of all food produced in Canada annually goes to waste, most of which ends up in landfills. It is then safe to say dumpster divers play a role in reducing food waste and diverting materials away from our already overburdened waste management system.
On the other hand, the unregulated nature of dumpster diving can result in littering and environmental degradation. Waste can be left behind by scavengers, leading to pollution in local streets and waterways.
As the practice continues to grow, local governments and organizations may need to consider more structured responses, such as expanding food security programs or promoting better waste management practices. What is clear is that dumpster diving, while sometimes driven by necessity, is not a sustainable solution to the underlying economic and environmental issues facing Canadians today.
