Centre unveiled its new location on Dec. 4, 2024, with a celebration and press release featuring Sexual Violence Response Advisors (SVRAs)
Gabrielle Joncas-Brunet and Noémie Thibault, Principal Sébastien LebelGrenier, and Vice Principal of Student Affairs Danai Bélanger. The Campus sat down with Joncas-Brunet and Thibault
and
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s a student and employee, generative AI has been one of my biggest productivity boosters. It has allowed me to complete assignments better and faster, with an entire Encyclopedia’s worth of information on any given topic. Similarly, it has allowed me to do tasks at work in an hour that would take me ten manually.
Really, the potential to utilize this technology from an academic or commercial standpoint is limitless. Now, I could stop my article here and you’d go along your merry way, using this revolutionary tech guilt-free – but this morning I woke up and chose violence. So, if you’re looking for ‘Five
New ChatGPT Tips and Tricks That Are Guaranteed to Help You Ace Your Exams,’ I would put the paper down and go prompt it yourself. I believe that generative AI is a game-changer in productivity and innovation, but its implications for learning, employment, and society are far and beyond anything you could imagine.
So, you just finished the final paper for your business class. It was a case study on a failing company, where you were tasked with the consultant’s role of turning the business around. You know that if you really thought about the case, and all 11 pages of information that were provided to you, you could come up with a good
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
NEWS
New
location for the Sexual Violence Support Centre unveiled: What resources are offered to the Bishop’s community?
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having installed a new ramp. New offices also provide confidential rooms for the advisors to meet with multiple students and faculty at the same time in a confidential manner and provide support. Joncas-Brunet added that the opening of the centre also signalled they are “back at full capacity” with two advisors, giving students a chance to gravitate towards the advisor they are most comfortable speaking with.
Students and faculty impacted by sexual or gender-based violence can use the centre as the primary point of contact for shortand long-term accommodation, support, and information. Thibault explained the options for both on- and off-campus resources: offcampus may include access to community services, hospitals, or police services, while more immediate on-campus support can include no-contact orders or academic accommodations from SAS (Student Accessibility Services). Joncas-Brunet emphasized how support is tailored to the individual: “It’s important that we listen to their needs… every situation different”.
The centre also dedicates itself to being
a queer-positive, mentioning the importance of being “aware of intersexuality when addressing sexual violence” and taking account of the “full complexity” of the subject, especially, as Joncas-Brunet points out, amidst the anti-trans political climate and the unique and disproportionate challenges facing the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It’s important to them that education on sexual and gender-based violence does not just include queer voices as an “afterthought”.
Support is provided in both French and English. The advisors underscored the importance of bilingual options in building trust, which is not mandated by the government. Francophone students studying at Bishop’s may feel more comfortable speaking to an advisor in their primary language, whereas English students may find translation services useful while navigating francophone systems such as the Sherbrooke Police, legal system, or hospital. JoncasBrunet also mentioned the bilingual services are important to fully grasp the semantic “nuance of words” related to sexual violence, and its differences across the two languages.
Beyond individual meetings, the centre also promotes educational events and training
within the Bishop’s community, including specialised approaches for leadership roles such as coaches and O-Week judges and leaders. They also organize general consent and bystander training for the student body at large, both in person and online, to dispel popular myths that perpetuate harmful conceptions surrounding topics of sexual and gender-based violence. “We’re here as a resource for information”, Joncas-Brunet affirms.
They add that a common problem they see is students who feel bad for using the service because they don’t believe they’ve passed a certain threshold for harm experienced in “domestic abuse” or “sexual abuse”. Joncas Brunet explains how the term “intimate partner violence” helps correct some of the connotations associated with “domestic abuse” that make people feel like they must be physically abused to seek help. “Harm is done through many means”, they add. The services are not “wasted” on any student struggling: “Everyone deserves support”.
To contact the centre, the two advisors encourage students and faculty to contact them at the joint email address svsc@
ubishops.ca or their personal addresses nthibault@ubishops.ca or gjoncas@ ubishops.ca, where they can ask questions or make an appointment to visit the centre. Advisors are also available for drop-in appointments at the centre between 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. To help flag repeat offenders, they also add that the online REES platform (https://ubishops.reessecure.com/) can help students record or report incidents that help the campus flag repeat offenders.
SRC extras day builds a bigger, Stronger BU Community
By Britney Ellis Rahman-TrudelContributor
SRC Extras Day is a biannual event held as part of Orientation Week at the beginning of the fall and winter semesters to introduce student organisations to each other as well as to the student body. The newest edition took place on Jan. 15 in The Gait and saw over 40 different clubs, committees, academic societies and student associations, including ten brand new ones, come together to introduce themselves to the Bishop’s community.
Despite the smaller turnout of students, a usual expectation for the winter edition of Extras Day, the students both attending and acting as leads and co-leads for the various represented organisations were still able to get the visibility the event is designed to create. Megan McCrudden, co-lead of the brand new Bishop’s University Cooking Club (@bu.cookingclub), illustrated the point: “The club just started, so it’s nice to have a table so that people can see it.”
Erica Berger-Lewis, co-lead of the BU Off-Campus Social Club (@offcampus_ bu) remarked that “it’s a really cool idea to bring everybody together. It’s a chance to create a collaborating community bringing everybody together,” drawing attention to the opportunity for clubs to meet, interact, and collaborate.
The primary aim of the event, creating awareness among the student body, seems to have also been achieved. First-year education student Nyla Rossi offered that it “gives you opportunities to see what’s on offer,” remarking that she “didn’t know half these clubs existed,” and that “it’s nice to see that there’s a club for history and a club for education.”
The number of clubs, societies, associations and other organizations is growing each semester in partnership with the SRC. There are now more opportunities than ever before for students of any niche interest be that swimming (@bu.swimmingclub), sexual culture (@healthysexculture_ bu), or more academic concerns such as English literature (@bu.englit.society) or accounting (@bu_accountingsociety) to find community within the Bishop’s campus. As Erica Berger-Lewis puts it, “It’s crazy how many clubs we have for such a small university.”
The current listing of clubs available via the SRC website counts 56 different groups, making for an average of one club, sports team, academic society or student association for every 50 students enrolled, and SRC Extra Manager Sasha Kardos-Machado admits that not all of them are listed yet. SRC Extras Day put it all on display all at once, allowing a proper full look at the diversity offered within the Bishop’s community.
Jimmy Carter was the 39th president of the United States and his death on Dec. 29, 2024, invoked a public rise of appreciation, portraying him as an especially important figure. Many Americans know him as a friendly
face in the Oval Office, but what made Carter’s presidency so profound?
Carter was the longest-living president, reaching triple-digit status at 100 years old. He served in the U.S. Navy and became a peanut farmer afterwards. His website details information on peanuts and methods to plant and harvest the popular legume. Carter was for the peanuts and the people, advocating for human rights and the prosperity of peace long before he became president. In 1979, Carter played a pivotal role in the Camp David Accords, a series of political agreements between former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, which created the framework for a historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The significance of this can be simplified: this was the first time an Arab nation had officially recognized the nation of Israel.
The year before this, Carter signed the Revenue Act of 1978, which reduced
individual income taxes. Additionally, this act created Flexible Spending Accounts, allowing employees to obtain reimbursement for medical expenses from untaxed income dollars.
In 1977, Carter and Panamanian Chief of Government Omar Torrijos signed the Panama Canal Treaty and Neutrality Treaty. This treaty provided the nation of Panama with eventual full control over the Panama Canal and declared the canal to be accessible to all nations.
The following year, he established the government agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), whose aim is to help people before, during, and after disasters.
In the same year as the Camp David Accords, the Second Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II) was signed by Carter and former General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Brezhnev, to limit and control the number of nuclear weapons that could be manufactured by both countries.
After his presidency, he continued to advocate for the policies he championed in office. “In 1994, the former president assisted the U.S. government settle a tension-filled nuclear weapons dispute with North Korea, showing how committed and valuable he was to the United States government and the rest of the world” (UVA Miller Center). In 2010, Carter sought the successful release of a captive U.S. citizen in Pyongyang, ending the punishment imposed by the North Korean government.
In his private life, he and his wife “would hang Ziploc bags out to dry, a nod to their experience with the Great Depression” (The Hill). Carter’s grandson Jason Carter noted that “the 39th president was the same man in public as he was in private” (The Hill). It is Carter we are to credit for the U.S. government’s increased focus on human rights. Carter both planted and harvested foreign relations and peaceful measures that continue to be felt today.
Trudeau’s Resignation: What are the implications for Canadians, and how can we prepare for the 2025 elections?
By Christina Lépine - Staff Writer
On Jan. 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation in a press conference in Ottawa, ending his nine-year run in office. Trudeau intends to remain in office until the Liberal Party elects a new leader, and he confirmed that parliament would be prorogued until Mar. 24. To prorogue parliament is to suspend all proceedings, debates, and votes, without dissolving parliament to buy time during a political crisis.
Trudeau announced that he is stepping down as he believes the country deserves a real choice in the next election and he does not feel that he is the best option, citing his preoccupation “fight[ing] internal battles”. Trudeau alluded to the recent disagreements within the Liberal Party. In recent months, he has faced overwhelming calls to quit from inside the party, ramping up by deputy prime minister and ally, Chrystia Freeland’s resignation in December. The resignation announcement followed a disagreement with Trudeau’s inaction regarding Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Canadian goods following the President-Elect’s November victory.
TIn Nov. 2024, the Politics and International Studies Association and the Bishop’s Politics Department hosted a panel of experts discussing the possible outcomes and consequences of the American Presidential Elections. Experts on this panel discussed the challenge such tariffs on imported Canadian goods would pose to our economy, highlighting the importance for the federal administration to take action to tackle this threat.
Politics and International Studies professor Jacob Robbins-Kanter shared his expert opinion on the situation to educate students on the current political context. Robbins-Kanter explained that the Canadian
Liberal Party is currently working to choose a new leader before the end of the parliamentary suspension in late March. He explained that proroguing parliament is not unusual: Trudeau prorogued parliament in August 2020 to give his government time to deal with an ethics scandal regarding the handling of a contract with a charity. During this suspension, Robbins-Kanter says, the business of parliament is on pause and the House of Commons does not meet. However, the government continues to work on all ongoing issues.
The next federal election is set to take place in October. Polls currently indicate that the official opposition, Canada’s Conservative
Party led by Pierre Poilievre, is leading the race. The Liberal Party’s choice of leader, the Canadian-American interactions regarding Trump’s threats of tariffs on imported Canadian goods, and the Conservative Party’s actions against the carbon tax will all come into play in the upcoming months leading to the federal election.
Robbins-Kanter recommends that all Canadian voters, including university students who are first-time voters, consider using an online tool such as a vote compass on CBC to explore which party and candidates align best with their ideas and values. In preparation for the next federal election, he also recommends reading as much reliable news as possible to inform yourself of each party’s motivations, turning to news outlets rather than social media, and avoiding pressure to vote in a certain way.
Resources
Honderick, H. (2025, January 6). What happens next for Canada? BBC. https://www. bbc.com/news/articles/czjdo Wendling, M., Yousif, N. & Sudworth, J. (2025, January 6). Canada’s Justin Trudeau cites ‘internal battles’ as he ends nine-year run. BBC. https://www. bbc.com/news/articles/c878ryr04p8o
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
As a well-practiced procrastinator, starting the assignment is always the hard part. No matter how many people tell me to “make a list!” or “break your work into chunks!” I still find myself struggling to sit down and dive into work. Instead, I sit on my bed watching New Girl and wait for the “perfect time” to start my essay, because it would be simply scandalous to start work at 3:57. Surely at 4:00 precisely, God will strike me with divine inspiration on Chaucerian poetry, and then finally (finally) I can begin the essay.
Somewhat predictably, perhaps because God has more important things to do, 4:00 rolls around without a whisper of divine inspiration. For my part, I am sitting in my bed at 4:01, mentally amending my schedule to begin writing at 4:30 and restarting the whole cycle. Throughout my entire school career, I have sabotaged myself by waiting for
the “perfect time” to start work when no such time exists.
Part of this struggle is just feeling inadequate. I often feel like I don’t know
enough to even start the research on a paper, much less the writing. When that happens, it’s easy to push off the work until I feel equipped to start. The problem here is that this mentality extends beyond schoolwork into most of my life. With schoolwork, I’m given
a deadline. No matter how sloppy the work is, it gets handed in. With bigger goals, there’s no deadline: exercising, traveling, writing, reading … These goals get pushed aside to an indeterminate time when I feel more ready. Of course, I rarely end up feeling ready, and besides, most stuff worth doing will never have you feeling fully equipped anyway.
My advice (however unqualified I am to offer it) is to get comfortable with being bad at stuff. Start writing the paper even though you feel lost, and be okay with the first draft being awful. Go to the gym and ask questions, even if they’re stupid. Apply for jobs you’re not fully qualified for – if Trump landed the White House (again?), you’re more than qualified to tackle that internship. Most of life is just taking a stab at something and seeing what happens. I joined the military when I was seventeen, right before coming to Bishop’s. That’s not a decision I was qualified to make, equipped to handle, or generally ready for. It’s also not a decision I regret. If I had waited until I was ready, that moment wouldn’t have come, and I’d be kicking myself for not trying
Californian cold survival guide
By Gregory Wands-BourdoiseauContributor
Everyone told me Canada was grey and cold. I used to laugh and smile … I don’t anymore. It is freezing here - there is no denying it. Not the ‘let’s get a jacket on’ kind of frozen, but the ‘let’s make it back before our bones shatter’ type of cold. I would like to turn the thermostat up about fifteen degrees. I don’t think I am asking for much - just enough to feel my face again. I enjoy feeling the wind, I would just like it not to go underneath my skin, please?
When I first stepped out into this tundra, I was about ready to pack up my bags and head to Miami. Of course, for several quite rational and compelling
reasons, I decided to stay and explore more of this new, riveting environment.
After returning from a wonderful break back home visiting my family, making music, and spending time on warm California beaches, I decided I was done letting the weather take the blame for my frustrations. That is why I have created a short ‘how to’ guide for surviving winter. To simplify what it is I’ve come to understand, I’ve broken down my thought system into a simple acronym: AWAKE! The letters signify as follows;
A - Ask to see friends often. Preferably, this can be completed with fifty- to tenminute intervals for outside-to-inside time. This allows for the feeling of being trapped between a carpet of snow and a ceiling of clouds to feel less desolate and suffocating.
W - Wish the cold away (this one doesn’t always work).
A - Appreciate the beauty as it comes. The more time I spend appreciating things I do love amidst the pain, the easier it becomes to find gratitude and contentment in smaller, easier parts of my life.
K - Karate. When I get cold walking home, I start to kick and punch at the air; I hope you understand.
E - Envision warmth and all other great things. This will keep you distracted just long enough to make it home on that mortifying night walk back.
Now, I don’t want to promise anything, but to those like me who are not used to such a climate, I hope that, through great consistent tenacity, we will make it out with all our extremities - and enough
a career I wanted to pursue.
This conversation always comes up around New Year’s. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fun New Year’s resolutions (this year, mine is to eat more soup). But the “New Year, New Me” mantra just doesn’t work for me. No matter how much pressure we put on ourselves to get it right – to change our habits, organize our lives, and be better – the momentum of the New Year often falls short, as resolutions are abandoned within weeks or days. Why put pressure on 2025 to feel like the “perfect time” to start? At a New Year’s Day party this year, a friend told me he slept through New Year’s Eve: his resolution was to go to sleep earlier, and he figured he’d get a head start. I think he’s kind of a genius for that: why wait until January when you can start in December?
So, stop waiting for a perfect time to do something and just do it now. Go to the gym even though it closes in twenty minutes. Write an article for The Campus. Join the Navy (for legal reasons, this article is not military propaganda). Stop waiting for 4:00 and just start the essay at 3:57.
complaints to last through the summer. Take care of yourself this winter, and please, stay AWAKE! (and appreciate that here, at least, you are not on fire).
Making Waves: Why the Bishop’s Swimming Club is Long Overdue
By Mya Cowper - Contributor
In November of 2024, Bishop’s Swimming Club was created. The goal of the club is to strengthen Bishop’s community through sport, while giving students better access to a seemingly underused space: the
on-campus swimming pool!
Did you know that Bishop’s University is home to a beautifully renovated, six lane, 25-meter pool… yet Bishop’s students hardly ever use it? While the pool gets great use from the surrounding community of Lennoxville, for Bishop’s students, the access is limited.
Beyond the occasional rental by a student-run club or a Bishop’s Gaiters sports team, the swimming pool is currently available to students (as well as the community of Lennoxville) every weekday from 11am to 1pm for lane swims, and for open swims; Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 7 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
The current schedule - offering only two hours of lane swimming during midday –makes it quite difficult for Bishop’s students to take advantage of this resource. Between a busy schedule of classes, work, and other commitments, it’s impossible for most students to access this narrow opportunity.
This lack of access isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a missed opportunity for the University to foster student engagement, improve mental health, and grow the oncampus community through sport. Bishop’s Swimming Club is here to help.
Starting out with a “trial run” this past November, Bishop’s Swimming Club made it abundantly clear that they were here to stay. At the end of the month, I met with a fellow student, Breanna Cooney, to discuss her experience with the club so far. When asked about her favorite part of the club, she said: “how everyone cheers each other on and supports each other.” She also enjoyed the fact that the practices are “go-at-yourown-pace” while still being structured. I believe inclusivity and a sense of community are vital aspects of a successful club in any sport.
Thanks to a generous amount of donations, this semester, the swim club will
be able to meet every Thursday at 8am and every Sunday at 4pm, giving students access to the pool outside of their class schedules. Students also have the opportunity to choose to participate either twice a week, for a onetime payment of 60$ per semester or once a week for a lower rate of 40$.
The Bishop’s Swimming Club is about more than just swimming laps. It’s about giving students the access they deserve to our beautiful, on-campus pool. It’s about strengthening the bonds within our student body. It’s a way to de-stress in between classes, stay fit, and make lasting connections with fellow students.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness or simply find a new way to connect with others, the Bishop’s Swimming Club has something to offer.
Mya Cowper is a co-lead of the Bishop’s Swimming Club
recommendation, be proud of your work, and learn something along the way. However, you have 4 other final projects and only a few days to do all of them. So, you go onto Chat, ask it for ideas, which you use to form your recommendations. It gives you great ideas that you use – which is probably extracted from your class’s textbook – and you get a 90 per cent on the project. Wow, aren’t you just the sharpest tool in the shed! But did you really learn anything? Well, according to published research, you are 50 per cent more likely to retain concepts through active learning compared to passive learning, like being given the answers (Freeman et al., 2014). So, your answer is likely no, you learned little to nothing. If we’re all just cruising through school, relying on our personal assistants to do all the work for us, why are we even here? I rest my case.
Congrats! You’ve graduated from BU (finally), and with the help of ChatGPT writing your resume and helping you with interview questions, you manage to land your dream job at Meta as a Marketing Specialist. The job is great, and you could complete the same project in a day with AI that would have taken someone a month without it. One day though, you get
a memo from Zuck. He writes, “Thanks to the significant progress we have made with AI, we are now able to accomplish much more with much less. This is why, effective immediately, we will be laying off 20% of our staff whose jobs can be done with AI. Cheers! -Zuck.” Do you think I’m crazy? Well, in early 2025, Wall Street execs projected “approximately 200,000 job cuts, attributing this reduction to the increasing adoption of AI technologies that automate tasks traditionally performed by humans” (Forbes, 2025). Oh, and don’t forget, AI as we know it has only been around for 10 years or so.
You might be thinking to yourself, “Dylan, you’ve beyond scared me straight, now where’s the silver lining?” Well, I’ll be the first to admit that my hot take isn’t exactly nuanced, and AI has and will have numerous merits in our world. For example, AI can help detect diseases early, accelerate drug research, and provide invaluable solutions for accessibility. The question isn’t whether we should use AI, but how we can use it wisely. To quote a great prophet of our generation, “AI is like a microwave: incredibly convenient, but if you try to cook everything in it, you’ll end up with a soggy mess. Use it wisely, and your life will be a lot tastier.” (ChatGPT 4o, 2025).
I watched 170 movies in 2024. Only one came out on top.
By Kayla Boujja - Contributor
If I were to tell you anything about myself, I’d first say that I’m a massive cinephile. Sometimes it feels like it’s my only personality trait, but that’s a conversation for another day.
I use Letterboxd to track the films I watch (Letterboxd users, rise up!), and I came in at a whopping 170 in 2024. That means I have a few opinions about last year’s releases.
Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, was the best film I watched in 2024. Allow me to explain!
You’ve likely heard the name Luca Guadagnino if you’ve seen Call Me By Your Name. More so if you’ve seen Bones and All. And if you haven’t seen these films, I highly recommend it. Plus they both star Timothée Chalamet. Need I say more?
Guadagnino generally employs a serious tone in his films and often explores themes of sexuality and love through his work. Bones and All, for example, tells a harrowing tale of two cannibalistic young lovers yearning to find their place in the world as they explore the complexities of their relationship. Call Me By Your Name tells the beautiful story of a young Italian man falling for an
older gentleman. What’s particularly engaging about Call Me By Your Name is how it explores the concept of uncertainty in one’s sexuality. Elio (played by Timothée) is falling for a man for the first time and must face the reality of his sexual identity, while Oliver (Elio’s love interest, played by Armie Hammer) views their affair as a simple opportunity to try something new. The intricacies of their relationship are gracefully explored, making Call Me By Your Name another must-watch in Luca’s filmography.
Though poignant and often poetic, Challengers offers a refreshing break from the usual intensity of Luca’s films. An inherently playful film, Challengers explores a love triangle between two professional tennis players (the female lead being retired) and one less-experienced player. Backed by a high-energy electronic score by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor, it is the definition of a Summer Flick. Challengers is often comedic, fast-paced, and constantly sexy. Supported by the likes of Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, another enjoyable aspect of Challengers is that you’ll always have someone nice to look at. Sweaty tennis players galore! Plus, who doesn’t love Zendaya?
Challengers was my favourite watch of 2024, purely because of how fun it is. Above all, if this film is anything, it’s entertaining. Orchestrated by (subjectively) one of the most talented directors of our time, Challengers hit the nail right on the head. No one could have done it better.
Challengers is shot incredibly well. And while I have you, The Last Note, a film by Eva Corric and Marine Lendez (2 fellow Gaiters)
which competed in the BU Film Festival (BUFF) is shot amazingly, too! In terms of great films of 2024, It’s worth checking out. Support our Gaiters!
Challengers truly is a lighthearted and exciting watch, backed by the likes of three extremely attractive leads and an awesome score. Zendaya’s character is extremely stylish, and there’s a “keep you on the edge of your seat” kiss that occurs in the middle of the film that I won’t spoil. You just gotta see it for yourself!
Graphic courtesy of Payton Langevin
Graphic courtesy of Payton Langevin
Kitzan,
Gaiters prepare for second half of the season
By Leighton Geraghty - Contrinutor
After a short Christmas break, the Gaiters basketball teams returned to Mitchell Gymnasium on Dec. 27 to prepare for the second half of the season.
The first half of the season saw both teams sitting inside the top two of the RSEQ. The men’s team is led once more by the twin tower forwards, Charles Robert and Etienne Gagnon, who are currently ranked 11th in the country. Meanwhile, the women’s team has strongly established themselves as a competitive force, sitting second in the RSEQ, trailing only the Laval Rouge et Or.
Although the Gaiters start off with a bye week in their return from the new year they have been hard at work in the gym. The weekend of Jan. 4 did not only see the semi finals of the World Juniors but also two exhibition matchups in Usports basketball. The women’s team, coached by Andrea Tores, faced off at 6pm against the Ottawa Geegees. The Gaiters battled with a short bench but ultimately were bested by the Geegees. As the team returned to practice the next week the vibes were high spirited as they used the Ottawa game as a learning moment. Freshman guard Shaylan Greaves, returned to the team after being absent from the Ottawa game due to injury. The young guard has immense potential and
will be a key asset to the team throughout her collegiate career. The women’s team faces off in a doubleheader this weekend against the UQAM Citadins.
On Thursday January 16th, the Gaiters travelled down to UQAM for their first RSEQ game of the new year. The game plan was simple: play team ball, string defence and the rest will go their way. That is exactly what they did. Everyone on the team touched the court as the team prevailed to a monstrous win beating the Citadins 78-45.
As Saturday rolled around the Gaiters continued where they left off. Wearing their flashy pink Breast Cancer Awareness uniforms they beat UQAM 86-45.
The men’s team played 30 minutes down the road from the women’s team as they entered the Ravens den facing off against the Carleton Ravens. Carleton, a renowned powerhouse in Canadian University basketball, came into the game ranked 6th in the country.
Bishop’s started the game off firing on all cylinders. Jumping to a significant lead and holding it all the way to the start of the 4th quarter.
The Gaiters team showcased a new acquisition in Carl Jacobs, wearing 23 the 6 ‘5 wing put in some hard nosed minutes in his return to the Gaiters lineup and debut this season. Jacobs used to play for Bishops pre-Covid when he was named
Skiing in the Eastern Townships
By Matt Abizaid - Contributor
The eastern townships surrounding Lennoxville are full of amazing ski hills waiting for you to visit. From beginner level hills to advanced terrains, the area has you covered!
The most notable hill for most students is Mont Orford, a hill located roughly 30 minutes away from campus. It is a beautiful hill on protected land that has slowly expanded its territory for a national park. With three summits to choose from, Orford offers lots of runs of all levels for skiers to enjoy. Unfortunately, since the hill is on protected land, Orford does not offer night skiing since they are not allowed to use lights at night.
The next hill on the list definitely doesn’t lack night skiing, even offering several nuitsblanches where the hill remains open until midnight. Located about 50 minutes from Bishops, Bromont has restaurants and outlet shopping near the hill. The hill features an impressive park for skiers to hit jumps and attempt tricks. Bromont can often get quite busy, especially on a nuit blanche, so you may find the large portions of slopes are filled with moguls
the RSEQ rookie of the year.
As the game continued a sea of purple was seen in the crowd. The team fed off of the energy in the gym but with some defensive collapses Carleton used the much used 3 point shot to their advantage. Heading into the final seconds of the game Carleton led by three. Guard Zach John brought the ball up the court and with no other option threw up a Curry range three pointer. Calling bank John tied the game and propelled both teams into overtime. Competing all the way through, the Gaiters ultimately came up short, narrowly losing 70-68. Nevertheless, the team proved themselves worthy of their title of top 10 in the country.
The men entered UQAM on a mission as they battle for 1st place in the RSEQ. The game started off slow for Bishops as the Citadins were fueled by home-court energy. UQAM won the first quarter 3115. The rest of the game was all Bishops. Led by freshman guard Yannis Malanda and forward Charles Robert. The two combined for 48 total points. Bishops came away victorious winning 74-66 over a very athletic UQAM roster.
On Saturday night, Bishops looked to continue their success in front of the rowdy home crowd. The team were able to complete the weekend sweep ultimately winning 74-60. They now prepare for two games against the McGill Redbirds.
that it is a slightly different style than Orford and Bromont where the runs are largely open slopes. The chairlifts are open until 4pm, meaning they don’t offer night skiing. The hill does feature a bar for après ski making it a fun day of skiing. Being the furthest from school, it’s about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach an amazing hill.
Photo
which may not be everyone’s ideal conditions.
Mont Sutton is next on the list, offering an impressive 60 trails for all different levels. With 45 per cent of their trails being forest trails it is important to note
The last on the list of major hills in the eastern townships is Owl’s Head, located an hour away from BU. It is a smaller hill compared to some of the others on this list, but offers some of the best views from the hill making for a beautiful experience. Owl’s head closes at 4 pm with no night skiing, making it less desirable despite its great conditions and views.
All four of these hills are worth checking out over your time at Bishop’s whether you’re an experienced skier or only just learning. They all offer beautiful days of skiing within an hour of the school for all to enjoy. Time to hit the slopes BU!
Gaiters hockey returned to the ice on Jan. 12, over a month after their last game on the Nov. 29. Taking on the McGill Martlets on home ice at the Jane & Eric Molson arena, the girls were ready to show there was no rust from the holiday period.
Halfway through the first period, Bishops would score a powerplay goal quickly followed up by a McGill equalizer. The Gaiters would immediately strike back for the third goal combined between the two teams in less than three minutes. This would be all the goal scoring in the first, giving BU a 2-1 lead heading into the intermission.
The Martlets would score early in the second on a powerplay to bring the game back to a deadlock. This would prove to be the last time they would find the back of the net as a Gaiters onslaught began. Bishops would proceed to score four goals before
the buzzer went to end the second period giving BU a commanding 6-2 lead.
In the third it was much of the same with Bishops continuing
own to complete a great return for Bishops on the ice.
On Friday January 17th, the Gaiters headed to Montreal to face UdeM. The game was neck
their thrashing of the Martlets. The Gaiters would find the back of the net three more times for an impressive 9-2 win. Naomi Côté and Maude Pépin would both record hat-tricks, with Daphne Boutin and Majorie Bolduc both recording three points of their
and neck in the first with both teams managing to score one goal. In the second Bishops managed to take an edge over the Carrabins as Maude Pépin netted her second goal of the game and the Gaiters came out of the period up 3-2. After Montreal managed to score
BU club hockey ranked #1
By Reece Bastien - Contributor
Coming into the new year, your BU Club Hockey team finds itself ranked number one in the AAU 2nd division. Having held the title for over two months, the team is coming into the new year poised and eager to make some noise.
With a record of 6-1-0 heading into their games against Quincy, the team has shown that they can produce offense at will, scoring an average of 6.1 goals a game in the first half of the season. Defensively, they have also been solid, only allowing 3.4 goals per game in a high scoring league. The opponent is a Quincy side with a record of 3-4-0 on the year, ranked 27th nationally. The only area that favors the Quincy team is discipline, averaging only 4.9 penalty minutes a game in comparison to BU’s 11.4 minutes spent in the box.
The first game was set with a seven o’clock puck drop on the 17th of January in Quincy, Massachusetts. BU came out swinging as the clear
twice, BU would bring it back to even, to make the game 4-4 and send it to overtime. In OT the Carrabins would strike quickly on the Gaiters to give Bishops a 5-4 overtime loss.
Two days later the Gaiters hosted UdeM at home in an afternoon game. The puck dropped at 3:30 p.m., setting up the stage for a revenge game for BU. Bishops would take a hold of the game in the first with the scoreboard reading 2-1 in favor of them after the first. In the second the Gaiters would strike again to make the lead 3-1 but the Carrabins would bring it back to within one before the end of the second. In the third BU would once again find the back of the net again which UdeM would match however their lone third period goal wouldn’t be enough to match the Gaiters as they came away with a 4-3 win.
The Gaiters are back in action on January 23rd on the road at the Ed Meagher Arena where they will take on Concordia at 7pm, followed by a home game on January 26th at 3:30 against the Stingers again. Make sure to come out and support!
favorites in the game. Antimmes Laudiere received the nod in net in a 6-0 Bishops win over Quincy, stopping all 17 shots sent his way. Ryan Gudernatsch dazzled with a hat trick performance on the road, joined by teammates Alex Budd, Jo Aubert and Leighton Geraghty in the goal scoring column. With the tone set for the following day, Bishops returned to the hotel ready for some rest and round two.
Day two in Quincy saw Jack Mcfarland get between the pipes in the back to back. He faced 9 shots allowing one goal as BU cruised past Quincy for an 11-1 victory. Jack Knox posted a hat-trick this time Bishops, adding an assist. Nico Deichmann picked up a goal and added two apples on the night to cap off a five point weekend. Will Côté capped off the trio with a three assist game. Everyone had a chance to eat in this one, with
BU registering seven different goal scorers in an absolute demolition of Quincy.
The team now improves to an impressive 8-1-0 record on the season and will almost certainly look to continue holding the top spot. The boys will be back at home for a double header against Buffalo State Hockey January 25th at 1:30 and the 26th at 11:30 in the swamp. Make sure to come support!
Photo courtesy of Brendan Kelley
Photo courtesy of Émilie Douillard
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
New Year, New Goals: Make resolutions fun in 2025
By Katlyn Stoneburner - Features Editor
The New Year is a time for fresh starts, and resolutions often reflect ambitions like improving health or academics. But who says resolutions can’t also be fun? For Bishop’s students, 2025 is the perfect chance to create goals that not only inspire self-improvement but also spark joy and creativity.
Fun Resolutions to Kickstart the Year
Think outside the box when setting goals this year. Why not journal about the different animals you see on your walks or outings? Sherbrooke’s proximity to nature makes it the perfect setting for spotting everything from squirrels, turkeys, and the occasional deer. Keeping track of these moments can turn your everyday stroll into a wildlife adventure.
Or, try spreading positivity with small acts of kindness. Make it your mission to pay one random person a compliment each day—whether it’s about their outfit, their smile, or their choice of coffee at a local café. You could also commit to giving someone a high-five each week. It may seem simple, but these little gestures can brighten your day and someone else’s,
too.
Sherbrooke-Inspired Resolutions
Being a student in the Sherbrooke area means you have a wealth of activities at your fingertips. Why not resolve to explore a new local spot every month? From cozy cafés, like Faro, to unique boutiques downtown, discovering new gems is a fun way to connect with your community.
Outdoor enthusiasts can set goals like trying snowshoeing for the first time, hiking all the trails at Mont Bellevue, or building the most creative snow fort on campus. For a quirky twist, you could even aim to build a mini snowman in a new location every week and post your creations on social media.
Creative and Personal Goals
If you’re feeling creative, set goals that allow you to express yourself. Start a journal—but give it a twist! Dedicate a page to sketching a random doodle daily or writing down one thing that made you laugh. For photography fans, commit to capturing one unique photo of campus life each week and curating your gallery by year’s end.
For a challenge that combines fun with learning, aim to cook one new
dish every month. Explore global cuisines or recreate classic comfort foods with a twist. Not only will you expand your skills in the kitchen, but you’ll also have some impressive meals to share with friends.
How to Stay Focused on Goals
Of course, setting goals is one thing—achieving them is another. Start by breaking your big goals into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to learn a new language, aim to practice 10 minutes a day with apps like Duolingo or Babbel.
Even the most enjoyable resolutions need a little structure. If
you’re paying daily compliments, consider setting reminders on your phone until it becomes a habit. Writing your goals down and keeping them visible (think sticky notes on your laptop or a vision board in your room) can also serve as a daily reminder of what you want to achieve.
Accountability also helps—share your resolutions with friends or post about them on social media. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Whether it’s completing your first hike or nailing a new recipe, taking pride in your achievements will keep you motivated throughout the year.
Finally, don’t sweat perfection. Fun resolutions should stay just that—fun. If you miss a day or two, don’t stress. Focus on the bigger picture and the joy these goals bring to your life.
Make 2025 Your Year of Fun Resolutions don’t have to feel like chores. They can be an exciting way to add creativity, connection, and joy to your year. Whether you’re spotting animals, complimenting strangers, or exploring all that Sherbrooke has to offer, make this year about having fun while growing into the best version of yourself. After all, the New Year is what you make of it—so why not make it a blast?
Dry January: A Generational Shift in Drinking Culture
By Katlyn Stoneburner - Features Editor
For many, January marks a time for fresh starts and new habits. One growing trend is Dry January, a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol. While initially aimed at older adults looking to detox after the holidays, this movement has found surprising traction among Gen Z students—a generation reshaping societal norms, including their relationship with alcohol.
Rethinking Drinking: Gen Z’s Unique Approach
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is rewriting the rules regarding drinking. Studies suggest that Gen Z consumes less alcohol than Millennials or Gen X did at the same age. This shift is often attributed to several factors:
Wellness Culture: Gen Z places a high value on mental and physical health, viewing excessive drinking as counterproductive to their overall wellbeing.
Financial Consciousness: For students juggling tuition fees and tight budgets, spending less on alcohol aligns with their pragmatic approach to money.
Social Media Accountability:
Growing up in the age of smartphones, Gen Z is acutely aware of how their actions can be documented and judged online. A messy night out is less appealing when it can follow you indefinitely.
Dry January fits seamlessly into these priorities, offering a chance to reset, focus on personal goals, and even experiment with a lifestyle that doesn’t revolve around alcohol.
A Broader Shift in Alcohol Culture?
While Dry January may be a shortterm commitment, it could be part of a larger trend. The rise of popularity in alcohol-free alternatives—like Tom Holland’s BERO non-alcoholic beer— suggests a growing demand for inclusive options that don’t rely on drinking. Bars and restaurants are increasingly catering to this demographic, offering menus that emphasize creativity without the booze.
This trend goes beyond abstinence— it’s about reimagining how people connect and socialize without relying on alcohol. Gen Z is challenging the idea that fun and connection require alcohol. Instead, they are exploring activities like sober dance parties, coffee meetups, or
fitness-based hangouts, reshaping what it means to unwind and celebrate.
Drinking Culture on Campus: Time for Reflection?
For Bishop’s, this generational shift raises important questions about the drinking culture on campus. While binge drinking remains a reality at many schools, the normalization of “dry” alternatives signals an opportunity to rethink the role alcohol plays in university life.
The traditional university experience has often been synonymous with wild parties and pub crawls, but this narrative doesn’t resonate with everyone. For some students, heavy drinking environments can feel exclusionary or even unsafe. Others are simply looking for ways to connect with peers without the pressure to drink.
Bishop’s could take cues from Dry January and begin implementing initiatives that foster a more balanced culture. Organizing sober events, promoting alcohol education, and providing accessible alcohol-free spaces could make campuses more inclusive for all students.
Why Dry January Matters
Participating in Dry January isn’t
just a break from drinking—it’s a chance to evaluate one’s relationship with alcohol and explore new ways to engage socially. Whether it’s about saving money, boosting mental health, or simply taking a break, Dry January represents more than just a fleeting trend. It’s a testament to how this generation redefines fun, connection, and the college experience.
As more students embrace the challenge, Dry January could spark long-term cultural shifts—on campuses and beyond. Is it time to view drinking culture through a new lens? For Gen Z, the answer is a resounding yes.
Graphic courtesy of Payton Langevin
Photos courtesy of Katlyn Stoneburner
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
The B.E.S.T. project series: Venturing outward and inward
By Grace Johnston - Contributor
In 1998, my freshly graduated parents moved to Japan for three years to teach English. This travelling stint was not a progression of their Bachelor’s degrees, nor relevant for their later careers, but rather inherently valuable for their character development. They immersed themselves in a new culture, explored neighbouring countries during their breaks, and produced some of the finest anecdotes of their adolescence. This intrigue for travel was baked into my upbringing and I have spent many years aspiring to teach abroad. My B.E.S.T. project in Sigatoka, Fiji was the realization of this dream but not its extent.
I am now in my third year of Sports Studies at Bishop’s University and won’t falsely advertise having a firm agenda for the future. In the summer after my first year, I moved to Banff, Alberta for an internship with Rocky Mountain
Adaptive. This summer of mountain (dirtbag) lifestyle, was followed by a semester-long hiatus from school and a harsh reevaluation of my educational plan. I ultimately returned to BU the following winter with a reaffirmed sense of direction and a plan for my studies. Now in my third year, my post-grad life plans always seem to have a semester-long shelf life. I won’t claim that three weeks in Sigatoka revolutionized this. However, that should not be misinterpreted as a shortcoming of the project, nor was it without personal takeaways.
As a Sports Studies Major, these three weeks were invaluably insightful into a culture of sport I had never before experienced. The kids in Vatukarasa village were phenoms in rugby, soccer, and volleyball. Their skill and excitement were unlike anything I had seen in the Canadian sports context. However, their scouting opportunities and access to quality equipment were unjustly limit-
ed, thus stifling their potential. Witnessing the sporting dynamics in Fiji gave my major a newfound sense of purpose and motivated me to continue pursuing work in international sports.
Likewise, teaching in the villages was uniquely out of my comfort zone. I taught health and environmental lessons to kids who, in kindergarten, had never brushed their teeth and used their local beach as a dumping ground for trash. As North American and European teaching volunteers, there was also a large emphasis on crafting our lessons to Fijian culture and being mindful of our Eurocentric biases. This exercise in creativity challenged me to review and rework my perspectives before delivering lessons. It also reinforced my provisional goal to teach internationally and travel.
Before graduating, I hope to go on exchange to Nord University in Bodo, Norway for Outdoor Studies and after
BU, acquire an International Baccalaureate Teaching Certificate in Vancouver. I anticipate these programs will be no less personally insightful than they are professionally. Just as three weeks in Fiji -or three years in Japan- can be intrinsically valuable without propelling your career. Every experiential learning opportunity has been enriching and I am eager to continue building on these life experiences. It can be daunting to not know what comes after graduation, however, I do not expect my plans to be fully-fledged before I am.
Social Justice Learning Hub: Bringing allyship to the Bishop’s community
By Lauren Root - Staff Writer
At the start of the 2023-2024 school year, the BU Student Representatives Council (SRC) launched the Social Justice Learning Hub (SJLH) to increase allyship in the Bishop’s community and provide an educational outlet for those wishing to learn more about social justice. The SJLH has the goal of helping raise awareness about resources available on campus and in the Lennoxville community, as well as increasing allyship for all minority communities.
The SJLH was formed after the BUSRC was consistently receiving feedback from students and community members asking for more inclusivity and education, to promote the idea of allyship. Many students want to learn more about
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diversity within their communities but can’t figure out where to start. Likewise, the SRC finds that many community members are viewed as “go-to” members for equity, diversity and inclusion even if they do not always have the answers. The creation of the Social Justice Learning Hub is designed to “relieve pressure” placed upon community members by providing students with a structured outlet for their questions and concerns.
The Social Justice Learning Hub emphasizes allyship, defined as: “a term that is used to describe active support for the rights of a minority or marginalised group without being a member of said group.” The SJLH is centered around improving access to educational resources, which removes the standard excuse that many people use, claiming that they don’t know where to start. The resources found on their website
encourage readers to take action and work towards becoming allies. The SJLH notes that simply reading the resources and viewing them doesn’t equal allyship, instead, active engagement with the text is encouraged. Allyship happens only when action is taken and changes are made.
The section of the SJLHs website that contains the external links and resources covers many topics, hoping to answer all questions and provide exposure to issues students may be facing. The resources cover a wide range of communities, including LGBTQIA+, Indigenous, disabled, and racialised groups.
The resources posted under these categories are varied, they contain podcasts, books, movies, videos and articles. The links posted on their website take you directly to their resources, whether that be a movie streaming
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platform or a podcast location. These links are aimed to make learning about different communities easy and enjoyable, providing films and books that encourage equality and explain how to better help Bishop’s communities.
The SJLH invites people to come and visit them, or to engage with their website to begin their journey of meaningful allyship!
Abby Epstein, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
Seeing into DJ CC: An interview with Conaugh McKenna
By Abigail Epstein - Arts & Culture Editor
Conaugh McKenna has been DJing for just over a year but has already amassed a reliable reputation at the Gait and throughout the Bishop’s campus. What started as just curating playlists for friends, evolved into what DJ CC strives for now: uplifting the community and creating memorable experiences.
When putting together a set, understanding the vibe of the event and the crowd is what starts McKenna’s process. “I think about the energy I want to build and the memories I want to help create,” he says. “I dig deep into my library, balancing crowd-pleasers with unique tracks, and I love weaving nostalgia
into my sets to give people something familiar yet fresh.” This kind of attention to energy is nurtured by the tight-knit community, allowing him to “take risks and connect directly with the crowd.” McKenna says that it’s helped immeasurably with his growth as a DJ, really feeling like “he’s a part of something special.”
Outside of the Gait, McKenna has performed at his local venues in Collingwood, Ontario. He says it’s more competitive outside of Lennoxville but appreciates how it’s forced him to bring his A-Game. “DJing isn’t just pressing play. There’s so much thought, preparation, and creativity that goes into crafting a set. It’s about understanding music, the crowd, and how to balance art with entertainment.” While practicing, he continues to experiment with
transitions, new tracks, and effects at home. He researches the venue, event theme, and audience, then creates a flexible framework of tracks. He leaves room for improvisation - as he puts it, “reading the crowd in the moment is everything.”
McKenna has ambitions of playing at larger venues and festivals and eventually producing his own
music. Ultimately, he wants to “create experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level,” whether it’s through live sets or original tracks. To those interested in getting into DJing, his advice is to “just start -” starting with daily practice. He encourages risktaking, developing a personal style and connecting with the local scene: “It’s all about building relationships and putting yourself out there.”
When asked how being a DJ has impacted his student experience, McKenna responds, “It’s completely transformed how I see myself and my potential. It’s taught me discipline, creativity, and how to connect with people in ways I never imagined.” To those who have supported him, he says thank you. “Music is meant to be shared, and I’m lucky to do that with such an amazing community.”
BUFF: For more than just gym-rats and Wes Anderson’s-in-training
By Halle Brindley - Opinion Section Editor
Buff. I’m not talking about you, big guy (pan to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson). No, no, no, I’m talking about the first time you get to pull out your shorts before summer. Okay, maybe not the first, some of you warm-blooded vampire aura – I’m sidetracking! I’m also not talking about the 4’ inch inseam khaki shorts, I’m talking about movies.
Short ones. Like a maximum of six minutes short. This is perfect for when you want to watch a movie, but only want to watch a little bit of it. This year I have heard that the directors are like Jimmy Fallon and Ryan Seacrest status... Self-promotion! Claudia Leonforte and I, Halle Brindley, will be the directors of this year’s Bishop’s University Film Festival.
Why make a film? I don’t know, to
show off?
Seriously though, it’s fun. I made a ridiculous film last year, Hallelujah, that got paired with a film, Echoes of Independence, about the sweetest elderly lady in the documentary category. That on its own was worth the attendance and you know what? I’m going to gatekeep the reason why! But I feel it’s my civic duty to disclose the entire screening and all films from the 2024 film festival are on YouTube, so you can watch previous films there. However, I do have to say the in-person experience is superior.
Registration for BUFF closes on Jan. 31. Don’t freak out! It’s just to say that if you’d like to make a film, the actual deadline for films will be later in March. Mar. 28 to be specific. You can find the link to register in our
Instagram bio (@bufilmfestival) or on our Facebook.
I’m personally an iPad kid for life, so don’t fret if you don’t own the most top-notch film equipment. You can 1) rent film equipment at Bishop’s, even booking the editing suites if you want, 2) use your equipment, including that cute little digital camera you got off Facebook Marketplace, or 3) use your phone. You could even film on your DS. Anything goes!
As for what you should focus on in your short film, once said by lyrical genius, Addison Rae, “the world is your oyster” (“Aquamarine”). There are four categories submissions are put into: narrative, non-narrative, documentary and research. Creators can submit up to four films, one under each category.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, BUFF is the Bishop’s Oscars. Come on, don’t you want to be the Christopher Nolan or the Sophia Coppola of
Bishop’s University (and this is where you pan to the reader smiling and them going “yeah.”)
Are you more of a watcher and less of a filmmaker? We encourage viewers to attend as audience members, both new and returning patrons. Whether you know everything about movies or you have only seen The Lorax, BUFF is an event for everyone, where students of any major can submit or watch a film. I’ll see you at the cinema (Centennial Theater) this April.
I Saw the TV Glow: The horror of teenagerdom
By Lucie Casinghino - Contributor
Set in the American suburbs in 1996, I Saw the TV Glow (2024) defies categorization. Yes, it is a horror movie, but it’s more unsettling than scary in many respects. Yes, it’s a fantastical story that stretches the fabric of reality, but it feels less like a fantasy movie and more like an ode to discomfort, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, David Lynch and being transgender than an outright spectacle of dreamlike wonder.
I Saw The TV Glow is director Jane Schoenbraum’s second feature fiction film and tells the story of Owen and Maddy, friends who bond over their love of the TV show The Pink Opaque. The Pink Opaque is an epic for these two, they live their lives by it, know all the episodes front to back and discuss all the intricate lore of the show’s strange story with each other. It’s a refuge for them, a respite from
their suburban American teenage reality.
Soon, though, the show becomes more than fiction. Maddy disappears, and things spiral for Owen from there. After her disappearance, he’s left to muddle through high school and the awkward despair of being a teenager. I don’t want to get too much into the plot description, since so much of I Saw the TV Glow’s power comes from its viscerality and the viewing experience itself. Of course, I still have more to say about it though. This is a movie that in many ways wears its heart on its sleeve.
The openness of the film’s story as a transgender allegory is powerful in part because it pulls no punches. There are times when I felt the film lacked subtlety, or when dialogue felt clunky and went on too long. However, then you get scenes like the one in which Maddy describes being buried alive, which will stay with me for a long time.
There are a lot of reasons to watch the film, with all its intensity and surrealness. There’s its visual strength with a bold color palette, the strange costumes and characters from The Pink Opaque that feel like a fever dream and of course the outstanding performances from Justice Smith and Bridgette Lundy-Paine as Owen and Maddy. I still come back months after watching the movie to the incredible score from Alex G, and the original soundtrack which features a who’swho list of indie music darlings like Phoebe Bridgers, Caroline Polachek, Snail Mail, and Sloppy Jane.
The ending of the film is haunting and tragic in a way I felt in my bones. The thing I’m left with isn’t hopelessness. Even though I sat in unease and dread through much of the movie, there are moments of clarity throughout the film, perhaps most intense in the phrase “There is still time” written in chalk on the street in Owen’s
neighborhood. It’s a powerful message, one that harkens to the film’s powerful transgender allegory – that there is still time to become who you want to be. Transformation is always possible.
Photo courtesy of Jacob Guité
Photo courtesy of Ryan Allat
Photo courtesy of Theatrical Release Poster
ARTS & CULTURE
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Bark and Bite
By Eva Rachert - Contributor
Before stealing Canadian Classics from strangers outside bars watching spiders climb the telephone poles and waiting for you in the street and before walking home with aching feet and sore eyes before the twitching of my fingers and the spasming of my lungs the wrinkling of my forehead and the weaving of our hands together and the taste of soot on my teeth I wake up in a bed I used to think I would outgrow. I learned myself from mimicking you — I am loud when I need to be.
I am dreaming about getting lost. Let me slide into your skin and wear you, let me be tall enough to see the tops of picture frames and I can check for the accumulated dust of the last 20 years. We will never part.
We will have a heart with arteries springing forth like spider’s legs, creeping through our chest, the veins twitching through our bodies. Have we not always been interwoven? That dust has a home here too.
bite
It would be easier to list the names I don’t have.
I am not a sunset over a midwestern plain, I am not a frequent flyer, I keep the bedroom cold.
I pray for rain;
The drought eats all I grow and all my patience.
I am a farmer of manufacture: short of breath and short of stature.
The railroad bisects my land, and travellers look out of grey windows at my lonely fields.
I do not harvest —
I bury all the names that nobody knows I was once given, and when I churn the soil, I call out to my neighbours and nobody comes.
Graphic courtesy of Payton Langevin
bark
Graphic courtesy of Damita Melchi
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Williams School of Business teams take on prestigious case competitions
By Frédéric Grenon - Contributor
Bishop’s University was represented by two teams of WSB students at prestigious case competitions from Jan. 8-12, showcasing their teamwork and innovative thinking, taking advantage of experiential learning opportunities offered at Bishop’s.
Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition: A collaborative effort in Vermont
The first team, composed of Joseph Aubert (4th year, Finance), Josée-Anne Lafond, (4th year, Finance), Simon Salvail (2nd year, Finance), and Vivienne Webster (3rd year, Business), competed at the Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC) at University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business.
Under the guidance of BU alumnus Maxim Jacques, former champion of the NIBS Worldwide Case Competition, the team began preparing for their Vermont competition early in November, working to improve their case-solving strategies and presentation skills.
The “World Cup of Family Business” challenged participants with complex cases revolving around the main topic of family business enterprises, focusing on issues of succession, family harmony, corporate governance, and managerial disputes. After presenting a strong pre-arrival case, the
team tackled two additional rounds with four hours to prepare each. Presentations were followed by Q&A sessions with a panel of judges, ranging from family business owners to professors from all around the world.
Although the team didn’t qualify for the final round, they were able to take advantage of the various networking opportunities with students and professors from over a dozen higher education institutions around the world offered by SGFECC and its leadership team throughout the week. Team members were able to apply the theoretical material learned in class to real-life situations, develop strategic thinking skills, and sharpen their teamwork abilities. “The competition challenged us to think critically and act quickly under pressure,” said Joseph Aubert. “It was an incredible experience that pushed us out of our comfort zones and showed how well we could work as a team.”
Battle on Bay: A podium finish in Toronto
Meanwhile, another Bishop’s team traveled to Toronto, to compete at the Battle on Bay Case Competition held at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management.
The team, featuring Max Harrison (3rd year, Finance), Samuel Paré (3rd year, Finance), Olivier Pontbriand (2nd year, Sports Studies and Business), and Jake Stevens (4th year, Finance), was coached by Kevin Guay, a BU alumni now working in private debt at Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec (CDPQ). Guay’s mentorship began in December and extended into the new year, contributing numerous hours of his time to work on getting his students ready for Battle on Bay.
The competition consisted of tackling two separate challenging tasks. First, the team prepared a comprehensive stock pitch for TJX, the parent company of Winners, HomeSense, and Marshalls. Their analysis included building a full financial model and presenting their findings. In the second round, the team had two hours to come up with a strategic acquisition plan for a Canadian data storage company looking to expand its energy capacity through a renewable energy company in California. This last case highlighted the importance of effective teamwork in working under pressure.
Despite the tight timelines, the team’s hard work paid off, earning them a remarkable third-place finish out of 20 schools across Canada, notably outperforming delegations from the University of Toronto and Guelph University. Max Harrison also took home the Best Speaker Award for the event.
Reflecting on the experience, the team cited valuable lessons learned, such as valuing stocks in uncertain economic times and balancing qualitative with quantitative analysis. “The past weekend brought incredible learning experiences that you don’t get in the classroom, challenging us to think critically, work collaboratively under pressure, and tackle real-world problems with innovative solutions,” said Harrison. “While the podium finish is rewarding, the real learning comes from the late-night brainstorm sessions with the crew, consistent practices, and countless hours digging into quantitative and qualitative aspects of TJX’s business to craft a professional stock pitch for industry professionals.”
These case competitions underscored the strength of the Williams School of Business in fostering experiential learning and professional growth. From podium finishes to making connections, both teams left an impression on the competition circuit, proving that small schools like Bishop’s can compete - and thrive - on the national and international stage.
The looming menace of Trump’s tariffs and its implications for Canada
By Theo Gervais - Contributor
Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports has cast a shadow over Canada’s economy, threatening key industries and increasing economic uncertainties. As different sectors prepare for impact, the oil and lumber industries have emerged as being at the center of this looming crisis.
Canada is facing harsh realities as oil exports heavily rely on American refineries. With most of the crude oil being refined at midwestern refineries, tariffs will most likely disrupt the flow and price of Canadian oil. Canadian crude oil discounts are already showing signs of strain: with differentials between world prices and Canadian prices widening. A 15 per cent hit to production prices is very much possible.
The impact of tariffs would likely not only impact Canadians but also U.S. consumers who may face sharply higher gasoline prices. Canadian producers will likely attempt to ship oil away from the United States and force U.S. refineries to import from far away places such as Saudi Arabia at a premium to current prices.
The lumber industry is likely to suffer further but most likely from an already weak position. Canadian lumber shipped to the U.S. is already heavily burdened by duties, which stand at 14.4 per cent. There is a real possibility that universal tariff will boost that number to a staggering 50 per cent. Such large duties would likely be disastrous for Canadian lumber exports to the U.S. and force companies to either shut production or divert production to other markets. Any increased lumber price would destabilize the States’ housing market while further squeezing producers
north of the border. “The industry has paid over seven billion dollars in duties over the past eight years, and this is on top of an already heightened state of duties between Canada and the U.S.,” Susan Yurkovich of the B.C. Lumber Trade Council told Bloomberg in response.
Industry experts assess the risk of 500,000 jobs being on the line across Canada; Ontario, basically entwined with U.S. trade right to its economic DNA, especially stands to suffer. If job losses begin to mount at that scale, a ripple effect on multiple sectors is to be expected, eating into consumer confidence and further cascading in the economy.
Under the most likely scenario, a universal tariff on Canadian exports would force the government to take unprecedented action to stabilize industries. Canadian oil prices, as well as many oil company stock prices,
have already shown a decline and are predicted to drop further if tariffs are implemented. The over-exposure of the Canadian economy to American markets highlights the need to diversify Canada’s trade relationships and grow industries insulated from U.S. tariffs. Canada’s base plan should expect tariffs to be a recurring issue, showing it may be the right time to explore new opportunities in international markets.
