Confluence YOUR OFFICIAL COLLEGE MAGAZINE
April 8th, 2019
The
Nipsey Hussle and 11 Why it Doesn’t Matter The Big change 12
06
Paige’s Declassified School Survival Guide
Torn between 14 two feelings Claire 15
Here comes the news - Editorial This is it. My time as the News Editor of The Confluence ends with this issue as my time at CNC ends. I will be heading to Simon Fraser University in late August. If you’ve spoken to me once or twice, you’ve likely heard me either complain about Prince George, express my excitement for leaving my hometown for Burnaby, or both. Probably both. A few mentions of thanks are in order. To the English department that taught me everything from analyzing a sex scene for hidden metaphors to understanding what Robert Browning meant when he spoke of “Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse,” I am grateful for your encouraging words and your critiques. To my fellow union members at the CNCSU, I would like to express my gratitude for the learning experience this school year was. My bosses who led with fairness and general bad-assery, Leila and Harman, you are incredible, and the union thrived with you two in the lead! Amy, my fellow wine fanatic, I am so grateful that you were selected for the position. I look forward to seeing more of your diligence and passion pay off for the betterment of students. Rebecca, you made the office warm and welcoming. Thank you for helping me with papers and for the laughs. Thank you to my partner in crime, Damon. We are utter opposites, and that is what made these runs of issues so successful! Of course, thank you to the readers of our humble little collection. Writing for the paper sharpened my skills as a writer and as an observer. I learned. I struggled. Without all of you, that voice would not be the same quiet yell that it is. You have all helped me in your own ways, and I will carry this experience with me. I know The Confluence will continue to make waves next year, even without me at the helm. Take care of yourself and others.
Paige Riding News Editor, The Confluence
It’s the Chief - Editorial
This is the last week of classes, folks.
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For some, that means you finally get to escape. For others, it means you have to cram yourself to exhaustion for exams you will not remember by next week. For me, it’s an exciting time where we put together everything that we have done and learned up to this point. Remember to breathe, and know that things will be okay. If you’re failing, pull up your bootstraps and get to work. Just know, that if you do fail, it won’t be the end of the world. It’s not that I am advocating for school flunkers, I just mean that it’s not worth dying slowly inside for your GPA. Take it slow, enjoy these days and take it all in. I love you guys!
Cheers!
Damon Robinson Editor-in-Chief, The Confluence
Confluence Staff and Contributors
Harman Dandiwal
Chintan Gohil
Owner of Organizer, CNCSU
Intern, CNCSU
Kiana Fergusson Cover Artist
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The
The Confluence is produced biweekly at the CNCSU office on CNC’s Prince George campus by Damon Robinson and Paige Riding. Submissions, inqueries and requests can be made to editor@cncsu.ca, in person at the CNCSU office room 1-303, or mailed to “The Confluence c/o CNCSU 3330-22nd Ave. Prince George, BC. V2N 1P8”
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All submissions are welcome, the authors of edited works used in the confluence receive a $20 cheque upon publication. Advertisement rates are available upon request.
The Confluence
JANUARY 14th, 2018
12 - article - The Big Change When I was sixteen, I fell in love with my best friend. For the sake of this article, I will refer to this person as “Alex”. Alex had vibrant red curly hair, freckles from head to toe that turned into one giant freckle in the summer, and stood at a whopping five feet, two inches.
14- Poetry - Torn Between two Feelings 15 - Poetry- Claire It was an emergency. We rushed our grandmother to the nearest hospital because she had heart problems due to her old age. The emergency room was busy: the nurses were running back and forth, the doctors are calm yet working in a fast-pace as... have a little time left to save my grandmother, and...
“You didn’t deserve what you got
Because while others forgot I remembered the girl with flowers Ingrained in her hair of umber.”
11 - Article - Nipsey Hussle and why it doesn’t matter
06
Paiges Declassified
School SURVIVAL GUIDE
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March 31st, 2019 33-year-old Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was shot dead. Hussle unfortunately joins a long-standing tradition of hip-hop artists falling victim to gun violence. Hussle is survived by two children, and a long-time girlfriend. However, although the Grammynominated-rapper-turned-businessman has been publicly mourned by numerous notable figures including Rhianna, Drake, and LeBron James, I pose a question: “another dead rapper, why does it matter?”.
Confluence The
Paige’s Declassified School Survival Guide by Paige Riding
W
ith the end of my time at this college approaching, I was inspired by a certain nostalgic television show to provide new and returning students with the tricks and tools I gained with my three semesters here. I hope that this article will provide my fellow students with new ideas that maybe never crossed their minds as well as reminders for some school tips that may have been forgotten along the way. Full disclaimer: I by no means am the most successful student to have ever graced this campus. I did, however, manage to balance two jobs and a full course schedule with pretty damn good grades. If you wish to learn about some of my money saving ideas, as well as ways to make student life more fun and easy, keep reading my school survival guide below!
you have a problem with a subject, I guarantee someone else has had a similar problem before. You are not alone and should not try to face these challenges alone. For academics, the Testing and Tutoring service located on the first floor of the campus helps with tough courses.
It helped me get an A in Geography 201 when I started the course not knowing that there were around ten different cloud types instead of just fluffy ones and stormy, scary ones. The service is free to all students. They offer help with English, sciences, and mathematics. If, like myself, you struggle with taking an exam with a room full of shuffling, gum-chewing students, there is also the option to ask your professor (at the start of the semester!) to take exams and midterms in a quieter room there. Go out and get help before you This one may be obvious, but make your study time efficient. need it, not after. Cramming does little to nothing to help students prepare for exams. Leaving a chunk of time each night to study, perhaps College of New Caledonia strives to make life for students leaving out Friday nights for some relaxing, will help you to challenging yet rewarding. With these academic and personal prepare. Make studying fun –well, about as fun as it can be. hurdles, however, the school offers some help along the way. Use bright page markers and highlighters from the dollar It is up to students to reach out for these life preservers store to mark notes and textbooks. Take breaks. Your brain rather than choosing to avoid them and start drowning. If
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1.
HOT TOPICS
2. If you’re going to spend your money, spend it right.
Looking for cheap, fun things to do? Hint: with a bus pass that allows you to go most places around PG, outdoor options are a great idea. My favourite place to head to is Cottonwood Park. It is a stunning walk during each season. Get your daily steps in and enjoy the beauty of British Columbia. Sonar Nightclub offers free student cover with the presentation of student ID some nights. Check with their Facebook page for great events, and even better music. Lambda Cabaret has cheaper drinks, though. Good thing is, they’re right down the street from one another on 3rd Avenue. Party!
To pamper yourself, know the places that offer student discounts! Azure Advanced Aesthetics offers discounts on some products and services with a valid student ID. Get your eyebrows done, for less. Hell yeah. Some clothing stores across town, especially in the mall, have the Student Price Card that offers discounts for any student who purchases the card at the start of the year. Check it out if you’re a fan of fashion. Or, if you’re super cheap like me, check out
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will thank you. Find studying approaches that work best for you. I found that quizlet.com, a free studying site that helps with learning terminology and concepts, is both eco-friendly (no paper flashcards required!) and readily available with internet access. Make your own quizzes, or find some already made that help with your subject. When it comes to school, the stress a student has to deal with is exponential. The Health and Wellness Centre on campus is a great option for counselling sessions, as well as access to a nurse during their walk-ins and appointments. Professional and caring, the staff in there helped me in my second year. If looking for a more anonymous approach, CNC introduced the Student LifeLine app for many issues students face. From mental wellness to work issues, the website/telephone service/app provides confidential, 24-hour support. Check it out at the very least. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain from speaking out about any concerns you may have for your mental health.
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HOT TOPICS Value Village. They have a loyalty program there. Also, you can buy four books and get one free. And if you love books like me, but hate renting from the library and parting from your novels, give their rotating selection a go! On the note of books, studying at the public library is a great way to avoid spending money at cafes like Starbucks. While coffee can be helpful for students to focus and stay alert, make it at home and bring it to a place without temptations. Also, why do they insist on playing shitty “indie” playlists twice as loudly as they should be? Who are they trying to impress? The library has an amazing ambience that encourages working and doesn’t have Mac DeMarco blaring all around you. CNC’s library is closer, but I find that there are more distractions. Up to you, though. Some other little hacks to save money at school: park in the street! The parking lot is expensive. Get your daily steps in by showing up 5 to 10 minutes earlier and parking either on 22nd, Nicholson, or 18th Ave. I’ve saved about $800 just by doing this. Also, bring your own reusable containers for either water or hot beverages. You get a discount for coffees and teas if you use your own mug. I know it just isn’t practical to suggest that students will not get their caffeine fix. Just do it with finesse. Make sure you check in with the Students’ Union for information on insurance and the U-Pass. I knew nothing about these benefits that I paid for with my tuition. Utilize what you have at the college! Save some moolah. I got my glasses reimbursed so of course I bought two more. (I never said I was a TLC channel coupon clipper, okay?)
Side note: I grew up obsessed with impressing people. If you’re anything like me, you succeeded in elementary and high school, and found that post-secondary is a whole other rodeo. Indeed, it is twice the amount of work with half the time in which to do it. When life turned sideways at the start of my last semester here and I began to struggle in an English class, the course in which I find the most joy, I realized that maybe that particular class just was not for me. And you know what? It is okay to walk away from a course, a person, whatever that makes you unhappy. I wish someone had told me this at that time. So now I’m telling you. The legend RuPaul says, “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” Remember that! I would like to end this on a positive note. College is an amazing opportunity to grow as a person and a scholar. The faculty at CNC are some of the most genuine, empathetic people I have ever met. Take the time to speak with your instructors and your classmates. While keeping up with your studies is important, remember that you are only here for a certain amount of time. A C on a midterm is not the end of the world. Take these stumbles and motivate yourself to study harder. If testing is not your strong suit, work hard on assignments and presentations. Remember to take a break once in a while. Treat yourself, just not too much. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and others.
That dickhead friend that always asks you for rides and never pays you gas money, only messages back an “aw that sucks” when you send a paragraph-long rant about someone, and belittles your interests? Bye. A significant other that does not put you first? Peace out. Self-sabotaging behaviours like staying up too late watching “one more episode” or buying a textbook but not taking off the plastic wrap? It needs to stop!
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3. If it doesn’t spark joy, get rid of it!
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ERMIAS ASGHEDOM
1985-2019
Nipsey Hussle and Why it Doesn’t Matter
The short answer is: it doesn’t.
It is extremely unfortunate when the fatal shooting of a young, community-minded, father of two becomes an insignificant symptom of a much greater issue. Hussle is simply the latest addition to an, unfortunately growing, roster of rappers who have died to gun violence. While the shooting of 20-yearold XXXTentacion (Born Jaseh Onfroy) dominated headlines in June 2018, the week following his death saw the fatal shootings of two of his contemporaries, Jimmy Wopo (Born Travon Smart) and Toronto-based “Smoke Dawg” (Born Jahvante Smart). However, even when shifting focus from Hussle’s death to the larger music scene, the scale of the issue at the core of these deaths remains out of focus. Simply put, the narrative of a rag-to-riches hip-hop star being murdered exists in public consciousness, with Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (known by his stage name The Notorious B.I.G.) being the most notable examples. However, despite the familiarity of Hussle’s story, the famous faces involved in hip-hop murders are merely obliquely related to the larger issue of gun violence. California, with a population of 39 million reported 3,184 gun violence deaths in 2016 (Aguilera). America reported that, in the following year, its 327 million inhabitants experienced 40,000 deaths due to gun violence (Mervosh). Canada’s 36 million inhabitants reported only 266 gun-related homicides in 2017 (Beatie, et al.). However, although simple to disregard gun violence as an American problem, Prince George reported 4 homicides in 2017 (Pawliw). These stats can be simplified, as each year: - Someone living in Prince George has a 1 in 18,000 chance of being killed - Someone living in California has a 1 in 12,000 chance of being shot and killed - Someone living in Canada has a 1 in 135,000 chance of being shot and killed - Someone living in America has a 1 in 8,000 chance
of being shot and killed In this way, violent crime and gun violence remains an issue for Prince George residents. The initial reports of Hussle’s death heavily emphasised his past gang ties. However, initial reports failed to mention his scheduled meeting with the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department that was meant to occur on the day of his death, regarding a public discussion on ending gang violence (Carpenter). Furthermore, claims that Hussle was merely a victim of gang violence is disappointing. This disappointment stems from the fact that gang violence largely exists as a buzzphrase meant to minimize murder. This minimization occurs in two major ways, firstly, it simplifies the circumstances of the violent crime and secondly, it reduces the victim’s claim to victimhood through the implication that the victim was somehow responsible for their own attack. The victims of violent crime should be allowed to remain victims, with full responsibility being placed on violent offenders regardless of circumstances. Currently, Hussle’s final Grammy-nominated album Victory Lap currently occupies iTunes top-selling album slot, and he has now surpassed 57 million streams (Associated Press). However, if his music sales are ignored, Hussle’s death becomes entirely significant, much like the 40,000 Americans lost last year to gun violence, and much like the four individuals lost locally. In this way, throughout media-perpetuated narratives of violence against rappers, it becomes critically important not to lose sight of larger initiatives to eliminate gang-violence, reduce violent crime, and regulate guns properly. This focus is so important, as without the larger focus “another dead rapper” simply does not matter. Carpenter, Cassie. “Nipsey Hussle, 33, was due to meet cops TODAY to discuss gang violence” The Daily Mail. April 2, 2019. Web. April 4, 2019. https://www. dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6871463/Rapper-Nipsey-Hussle-gunned-LAclothing-store.html Aguilera, Elizabeth. “Despite mass shooting, California—with tougher gun control—has lower gun-death rate than most states”. CALmatters. Nov. 9, 2018. Web. April 3, 2019. https://calmatters.org/articles/california-lower-death-rategun-control/ Associated Press. “Nipsey Hussle: Music streams hit 57M Monday; ‘Victory Lap’ No. 1 on iTunes album chart”. USA Today. April 3, 2019. Web. April 4, 2019. Beattie, Sara et al. “Homicide in Canada, 2017”. Statistics Canada. Nov. 21, 2018. Web. April 3, 2019. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2018001/ article/54980-eng.htm Chicago Tribune. “In Chicago, 426 people have been shot this year. That is 97 fewer than 2018.” Chicago Tribune. April 1, 2019. Web. April 4, 2019. https:// www.chicagotribune.com/news/data/ct-shooting-victims-map-charts-htmlstory.html Mervosh, Sarah. “Nearly 40,000 People Died From Guns in U.S. Last Year, Highest in 50 Years”. The New York Times. Dec. 18, 2018. Web. April 4, 2019. Pawliw, Brendand. Prince George’s rate of homicides holds steady in 2017: Stats Canada”. Nov 22, 2018. Web. April 4, 2019. https://www.myprincegeorgenow. com/89010/prince-georges-rate-of-homicides-holds-steady-in-2017-stats-canada/
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March 31st, 2019 33-year-old Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was shot dead. Hussle unfortunately joins a long-standing tradition of hip-hop artists falling victim to gun violence. Hussle is survived by two children, and a long-time girlfriend. However, although the Grammy-nominated-rapper-turned-businessman has been publicly mourned by numerous notable figures including Rhianna, Drake, and LeBron James, I pose a question: “another dead rapper, why does it matter?”.
by Justin Madu
The Big Change by Raegan Cote
When I was sixteen, I fell in love with my best friend. For the sake of this article, I will refer to this person as “Alex”. Alex had vibrant red curly hair, freckles from head to toe that turned into one giant freckle in the summer, and stood at a whopping five feet, two inches. She had a gift for photography in which I had the pleasure of modelling for, she always wore Marvel t-shirts, and loved The Killers. She took nearly all of my “firsts” away; the first person I came out to, the first person I made out with, the first person to see me naked. We did prom, grad, the whole shebang. We saw each other grow in our most crucial teenage years, and we both changed an incredible amount. Alex, however, happened to change a little more than most people . I have always been someone to appreciate change. Sure, it can be hard, plus I’m a crier, so the tears flow whether it’s good or bad change. Now that I’m not sixteen anymore, and (hopefully) wiser than I was, my philosophy is: if you don’t change, you can’t grow. I project this onto all of my relationships, whether it’s a friend, or a partner. When I meet someone that I’m able to create a bond with, I know that they will not always be that same person forever. The largest cause of failed relationship is when one person changes, and the other is unable to either accept it, or change with them. It’s how people can grow apart, or become closer, and how come long-term relationships may seem nearly impossible to maintain. When things change, things end; which is how come so many people are afraid of it. When so many things are ending, it can block the view of all the possible beginnings.
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Though all of that may have just sounded like a motivational Facebook post that your weird Aunt Jackie shared to her timeline, I stand by it, especially when love is on the line. In grade eleven when we became “official”, Alex slowly began coming out to me. Throughout the end of high school, though I’m sure way before, Alex began steering further and further away from the girl that I fell in love with. Alex began
finding more comfort in masculinity, while being confined to his biological femininity. Alex, my dear little Alex, was turning into a HE. Alex and I were together for two whole years, and considering we started dating at sixteen years young, I’d say we did pretty good. By no means am I about to express that Alex’s gender transformation ruined our relationship. Being seventeen is what ruined it. The truth is, when Alex began coming out to me, I never really batted an eye. For me, love has no gender, so I was able to release that potential stress off of him. That’s not to say we didn’t have our issues. Since our relationship ended three years ago, I cannot quite remember every little thing we fought about, nor should I care, but the years have given me plenty of reflection time. I truly loved him, and he truly loved me, but insecurity barricaded our love for each other. Insecurity at our age was so common in kids all shapes and sizes. I mean, what girl didn’t hate their stretch-mark covered, blood hurdling uterus, sweaty, pubescent body as a teenager? Arguably, I think many of us still do (which is an issue in its own). For Alex however, the
insecurity and self-uncertainty ran further than my desire to lose weight. He needed so much time to understand himself, Thankfully, today I am still able to call Alex one of so much time to learn to love himself; that which I believe I my best friends, and as gross as it may sound, he might as lacked patience for. well be my brother at this point. We truly are the unicorns of people going from lovers to friends, but hey, it works for One of my big things in a relationship, any us! He is truly one of my greatest inspirations, and I owe so relationship is to feel understood. As cheesy as it sounds, I much of my life to him. think that’s what most people want to feel. We want to feel loved in a way that we don’t even know exists, and to this I guess the moral of the story is: don’t be afraid of day, I’m really not sure if it does. Little baby Raegan didn’t change in others, and don’t be afraid of change in yourself. believe that, though. I demanded someone who didn’t even understand himself, to not just attempt, but to fully wrap Happy growing! his head around everything I was as a moody teenager. I demanded for someone who didn’t love themselves, to love every inch of me. Though Alex tried, (maybe even succeeded, who knows), I didn’t feel like it. The same went the other way, it was hard to keep up with myself changing so much, never mind Alex . Now that’s the “negative” side of things. Let’s get to the good shit.
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Alex’s transition was one of the most captivating things I’ve ever had the front seat pleasure of witnessing. Compared to that experience, sunsets come second, and seeing “Mr. Brightside” performed live comes third, though that one is debatable. Living so close to his journey and hearing at least a snippet of what was in his mind during the process is something I hold so dear to my heart. I watched the death of my girlfriend, and the birth of my boyfriend, all while I got to keep my best friend. Ultimately, I got to see this person become who they were always meant to be. I got to see the tears and discomfort transform into relief and satisfaction. I still remember prom, one of my favourites to this day, because he glowed more confidence in his suit than I had ever seen him feel. I remember going in to Charlies Girl with him to get his long Princess Merida hair cut off, and having to leave because I started crying (happy tears, of course). And I remember the first time I watched him take a T-shot to the thigh in his bathroom.
Torn Between two feelings It was an emergency. We rushed our grandmother to the nearest hospital because she had heart problems due to her old age. The emergency room was busy: the nurses were running back and forth, the doctors are calm yet working in a fast-pace as they have a little time left to save my grandmother, and machines are beeping around the cubicle. One nurse pulled the curtains so we won’t be seeing anything of how they save my grandmother and another nurse was asking my mom about any information from the patient. I stayed strong, I kept my faith hoping that it would be enough for the Heavens to hear my prayers. I’ve seen these kinds of scenario in movies, and most of them don’t end well. They were trying to revive her, and after an hour of the loud and busy commotion, there was stillness. Everyone stopped. Why did they stop? Then I heard a long beep. “Flatline,” the doctor said. “Time of death: 6:05am.” My mom starts crying, and I was in shock that it froze me. I couldn’t move, and I couldn’t speak. I was trying to process everything in my mind. Before the doctor came out, he mentioned my name. He asked me to leave the patient’s file on his desk at his office. I was sure he said my name, so I snapped back to reality. Before I could take a quick peek behind the curtains, the doctor came out and right in front of me I saw myself wearing a nurse scrubs. Now I’m not sure how I would feel. Should I feel sad because of the death of my grandmother or happy because I saw how I would look like in the future as a nurse?
By Ara Daniela Abaquita
Claire You didn’t deserve what you got Because while others forgot I remembered the girl with flowers Ingrained in her hair of umber. Nobody told me that one day you would disappear, Not from death, but from birth as those who swore to their savior, Held you pinned to the dish as you soon found out There are places where even god won’t go. I can’t explain the broken pieces of my heart Laid between you and I as I saw you, fragmented as well. Gone was the girl who believed in the good of just being, Tied to the father who now played the role as the cross. People ask why religion is a sore spot for me. Before I could raise myself to speak I remember what The umber-haired athiest in the Prussian blue hoodie told me in grade five: “Sometimes life just freakin’ sucks.” It’s been 10 years since I saw you, and you didn’t move away. I heard from a friend of a friend that you had a son now, A son who also happened to be your brother. Your son being you brother and your father being his.
Damon Robinson
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My friend told me you said he was born in the name of god. I just wish you were still just my friend named Claire.
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