The Confluence | October 24th, 2022 | The October Edition

GARRY SINGH

HAPPY TO BE HERE

What purpose do we all have? As deep as that question goes, the answer for most people limits to seeing their life be filled with good memories; a wish to make memories worth a lifetime "Go after what creates meaning" said Nicole Barager, my instructor, and there I went to a trip down the memory lane

"Life is nothing but a blank canvas" I've heard that quote, along with many other, for a good 6 years of my life from a particular school teacher of mine. At first I was unsure why I'm reminded of that each time something big happens in my life, but I, now, understand that quotes hold the power to persuade, to motivate, and to empower us. I, Garry Singh, am your new Editor In Chief for The Confluence, and I've experienced the gravity of that quote firsthand. So much could be written on a blank canvas if you're given such a great canvas like this magazine, all while we're starting our journey on a new campus and around new groups of people What better stage could one need!!!

The purpose of the confluence, according to me, is to bring the truth to the ones on campus, and I'll make sure that this is more than just a Bi weekly magazine because there's so much to speak about, so much to learn from and so much to celebrate on campus. Let's continue to add onto our stories!!

Garry Singh

in

Madhavi Sharma

Clarence Bo

Gulshan Singh

Anmol Gondara

Darian Meesto

More Than A Student Newspaper

A Short Story About How I Got Here

Garry Singh

Editor in chief, CNC Student Union

Scene It’s been while since you’ve finished high school; your search through various social media platforms or web portals for the college of your dreams has been everything but decent. After all, finding a campus, a community and an opportunity that speaks to you is never an easy task You end up at that one video that would convince you of your next destination.

I still sometimes wonder about how funny it is that I ended up becoming the editor in chief, because the confluence is what brought me here The fall of 2021 is when it all started my search for the college of my dreams. The next few months sadly went in vain as I struggled with the search like most students were at that time. Then, Confluence happened.

“The Confluence Podcast Episode 13: A New Era”, I read the title of this video aloud as I was scrolling through YouTube; it is concerning and hilarious in the same sense to me that this video spoke to me more than all those college recruitment articles However, I still was skeptical; luckily there exists the CNCSU Discord Server which I joined via the same video. I observed the community interact on discord and decided to apply after a few weeks of quietly lurking in the server, unaware that these would be the people I’d end up working with in the future

Unlike Damon and all the previous EICs, I’m unsure about what would become of confluence and how many people would read it. Although it’s still a mystery in my head, I feel overjoyed about this: being able to write for the confluence, having my voice heard across the campus and getting an opportunity to bring forward the new era that Damon and Anubhav talked about in regard to the future of The Confluence.

Having said all of that, I know that The Confluence is more than only one person; it might even be more than only one campus To be inclusive of every story that deserves to be talked about and every event that impacts us in one way or another, I need your submissions: ideas, events, opinions, stories, and everything beyond that It would definitely help The Confluence become a platform which will help create powerful conversations, meaningful opportunities and amazing stories.

Whether it be aspiring writers, photographers, journalists, poets, artists, or even videographers, the confluence is welcoming you all. For, this could go so many ways because it is nothing but a blank canvas waiting for CNC’s passionate imaginators.

If you are interested in writing for the Confluence, email communications@cncsu.ca

Aboriginal Resource Centre ToUnderstandandAppreciate

Garry Singh Editor in chief, CNC Student Union

Together we can raise awareness of Aboriginal issues and promote a new relationship of cooperation and a sharing of knowledge "

The Aboriginal Resource Centre (ARC) exists to help empower the first nations community, inclusive of and beyond the students at The College of New Caledonia. Located on the first floor of the college campus on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, this place is more than a safe space; it welcomes first nations students to provide a safer environment which houses many facilities: a computer lab, quiet study room, private tutoring sessions, and craft activities not limited to sewing and beading

The ARC staff has been dedicated towards creating outreach by helping indigenous students connect with their roots and creating opportunities for international students to learn about the true history of first nations people

It is heavily encouraged that students take a bit of time to time to interact with the team at ARC with the likes of cultural advisor, and now chancellor at UNBC as well, Darlene Mclntosh, who has been such a big support to the

The Vision of Aboriginal Resource Centre at CNC "

community. In an effort to honor the efforts made by these amazing people and have other students understand them better, the editorial committee sat down for an interview with the ARC Staff

Madhvi Sharma

Journalist - Editorial Committee

I would say it was more of a learning session than an interview because there was so much I got to know without feeling the need to ask I was informed about drumming, smudging and varying clans with a bit of knowledge about their traditions as well; I was surprised to see how welcoming the place is.

While going through some questions I had about ARC, I was amazed by how the community respects the elders described as "The wisest and most smartest people of the indigenous community" according to one of the ARC Staff. If I had to highlight something from the interview, it would be the way certain words were phrased: "Volunteering is an essence and an initiative to restore culture" and "Generosity is the main element of our culture, the first nations people, because there's a lot of pain and we have to take care of one another "

Garry Singh

If there is anything which is clear right now, it is the fact that certain corrections are necessary in the way we view the indigenous community, and in the way we view Canada. Especially for international students because it is not uncommon to hear something along the lines of "Canada is a white country" when it's not. This further justifies the oppression which the indigenous community has faced as they still aren't acknowledged properly under the media's influence.

This was talked about in the interview as well. it is as Sharma was saying, "There is genuine struggle and most people ignore it when it only takes so little to actually understand what the truth is". However, acknowledging the efforts made by the college and ARC, it is good to see that there are people being informed of the truth and trying to reconcile. In the words of Elder Darlene herself, "It was amazing to see so many international students attending the Truth and Reconciliation Day Event; I saw tears in their eyes, and yes, there is progress "

Orange Shirt Day and recognition of residential school survivors, one of the dark chapters in the Canadian history, and the sharing circles established on campus on the 28th last month, it is all to be understood and appreciated; whether it is for how far the first nations people have come or it is for how much struggle there was in the process.

Around Prince George

Someexcitingthingswentdown

Garry Singh Editor in chief, CNC Student Union

An event was organized at the CN Centre to Celebrate the frontline workers; luckily, I had the opportunity to visit there. What was expected to be a piano concert started resembling a rave really quickly. The Dueling Piano Kings went a number of fan requested songs, ranging from Lizzo and Taylor Swift's party hits to Elton John and Bradley Cooper's classics

The Event held a total of 4800 tickets sold (according to the announcement made on stage during the event); meanwhile, visitors also got access to a QR Code to make donations in favor of front line workers. You can see a glimpse at top of how the CN Centre was looking at that night

As the month of October comes to it's end, most of the ice rinks around Prince George have opened up. There's no winter without ice; scanning the QR will provide you access to the schedule of Ice Rinks around town for this winter Go break a leg!! (Not in the literal sense)

Falling Illusions - Garry Singh

Got lost, walking through that valley of that undisputed emotion. Thought you'll catch my hand, Couldn't fall I thought, well that was a false illusion.

To each and each, place my own touched It had left a bruise that'll never be untouched.

Was at the center, of every event I was part of, Now meaninglessly wondering of my existence while I'm on the side of a sidewalk.

Got lost through the valley of this undisputed obsession, Knowing you'll never catch my hand, at least not without

@Just.GarryRajput

The Campus Appeal Newseasonalwallart

Garry Singh Editor in chief, CNC Student Union

Each year brings new alterations to the campus we are on; these alterations sometimes are sometimes structural while other times they are purely based on aesthetic. What alteration has October brought forward? Go in front of the College Library and find out!!

Do you happen to know about areas that need to be showcased on The Confluence? Take pictures and send them at editor@cncsu.ca.

The College ElectionThe College ElectionThe College Election Results Results Results

Are you thrilled to have Ophelia and Mohamed representing the college as new Board of Governors, or did you only now find out about the elections in the first place? Either way, as the election results ruled, these two, along with @edco members, were chosen to voice the rights of students.

Do you have any questions about what they are to do and how they could influence the campus? Share them @theconfluencemag on Instagram.

There would be an interview organized with these amazing people where the editorial committee would emphasize on certain issues on campus would our newly elected survive the interview? stay tuned in for the next edition of the confluence.

Editor in chief, CNC Student Union

Garry Singh

The Talent Hunt

Howwasitlikefortheparticipants?

From movie nights to social gatherings in the gathering place, there are many events organized by the CNC Student Union each month. Last month, a talent hunt was organized in a similar manner where students showed support to the participants. Hasn't reviews always been focused on the audience for the event? I wondered, and decided to turn the tables around. This time you get to hear what some of the participants were feeling.

Tanya Unabia

It was Tuesday, the 20th of September when I participated in the event where all students were invited to audition for a talent search. In my understanding, I thought it was only to showcase your talent, and if you were lucky enough, you would be selected to join a dance club, a singing club, and the like I did not know it was a competition of various talents. My bad for not double checking. The event interested me, so I signed up to perform a song. Since then, I had rehearsed two or more songs, unable to decide what I will sing; an English or a Tagalog song Turned out, I decided to pick a Tagalog song entitled “Bulong” by Kitchie Nadal “para maiba naman, charot lang!” However, I believe an English song would be the best choice to pick as

everyone understands it. However, I thought it would be best to do a Tagalog song instead as I have not heard any Filipino songs being performed at school, and maybe to sing something different that people might not have heard So far, getting out of the shell has been a wonderful experience. That was nerve wracking as it was a first for me to perform in front of a large crowd of various cultures. Nevertheless, so far, I have never heard any bad comments

On the contrary, I have seen the support of my fellow Filipinos and even the support of people from other cultures. It was still a safe place and a safe environment for not getting judged in the wrong way Moreover, I hope more Filipinos like me will be inspired to go out of their shell and show everyone what they got.

I felt giddy when I was up on stage dancing in front of 100+ people. I hadn't performed for anyone in years, dance becoming my own quiet hobby after high school as none of my friends dance and I have the social skills of a worm so I was unable to find others to dance with. It was a rush of adrenaline and excitement that didn't let me breathe for those four minutes I got in the spotlight With a dance club now active at CNC, I have a social outlet for this hobby, but I hope that another event like the Talent Hunt happens again in the future so I can perform for people and once more experience that euphoric feeling that comes with being on a stage.

Tune into the Confluence YouTube channel to hear more of the participants of the event in the near future: The Bhangra Team, Muskaan, and many more You might get to see a few familiar faces as well

The Student Clubs MemoriesandMagic

Garry Singh Editor-in-chief, CNC Student Union

Student clubs have existed for a long time, providing the creative freedom of doing just about anything with possible resources and allowing students to make connections that goes beyond the college experience. From Dance Club to Dungeons & Dragons, from The Pride Club to Human Resources, a lot of clubs exist on CNC for students to be a part of.

Unsure of how to join? Visit the CNC Student Union office and we'd be more than happy to help. Still not happy with the options available? You can start your own club with a few likeminded people; the student union's one of many purposes is to ensure the success of these clubs.

A club, according to me, is more than just a group of people; it is a force capable enough to make a positive change if given the correct guidance I'll be a pleasure to see how the veteran and new born clubs will light up the grounds of the College of New Caledonia.

The CNC Pride Club is one such club which has been growing considerably. It promotes a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ Community on campus, while welcoming individuals off campus to join as well. It was a pleasure to see a Pride museum being organized at the Gathering place on the 20th October; The place was filled with different flags related to the community and a survey was conducted in regard to what views people had about topics including the importance of pronouns, the lgbt community and safety on campus. A lot of growth has been observed in this club and a lot more is to come. Special thanks to UNBC Pride Club and Health and Wellness centre for the support at the event

Know Your Representative ToUnderstandThemBetter

Garry Singh Editor-in-chief, CNC Student Union

"Every student on campus has a representative", I heard Anuroop say this while she was talking to some women sitting outside the cafeteria. It made me think: what does it mean to be a representative? What better person to ask than the Women Students representative standing right there "A student representative could be many things but they need to continue to make attempts to get to know their audience better. That is what I am doing; what I try doing on the daily." Anuroop's response resonated with her title as a representative It would've been comical to talk on behalf of a representative, thus I let Anuroop hold the pen as well.

Yet, I think what she has been doing, in terms of going around campus, trying to talk to as many women, and wanting to start a Women Committee. There is power in small steps and then there is power in loud actions; Anuroop happens to be a balance of both; one of the qualities of a great representative for students.

Focusing more on her wish to establish a women committee, she said "I want it to be a team of women who knows what is happening on campus, about issues, about things that need correction. Moreover, it should be inclusive; I want women who are Vietnamese, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Nigeran, Pilipino and domestic students as well. A table where free dialogue could happen, because I am able to take those issues into the student union and if necessary the college board as well."

So, I believe you by now should understand what a representative is. If you have any more questions, ask the experts: the student representatives, themselves. They exist to support their department; they exist to help others; and lastly, they exist to be role models for the students at the College of New Caledonia.

Do you know who your representative is? What kind of traits do they embody according to you?

Tell us at communications@cncsu ca

Anuroop Kaur

Women Students' WRepresentative omen Students' Representative

I remember the winter of 2021. I got here around the end of December 2021; my college experience was starting soon after. I came to the student union office to get my U Pass, like every other student. The meeting that changed my perception about many things took place at that time.

I met Kyle; he was the business students' representative that year In the midst of that conversation, I am unsure how volunteering was brought up, but I always wanted to be a volunteer. It was one of those things which I knew I had to do.

Then, I met Damon Robinson, now one of the people I trust the most; along with Kyle, he explained how it all worked, step by step. In the following few months, I went from a volunteer

to a member at large. My purpose was to help Kyle with the food bank. With each meaningful interaction at the union office, my perception about things and about myself was evolving

Back in India, the country from where I come, I wouldn't say that I ever had any irrational restrictions from my family. I had been raised by supportive parents; however, it never got to grow beyond the person who was existing within the four walls of my house. It lead me to find my comfort in lesser public interactions, if any at all.

This was exactly why I was hesitant to run for the representative elections I was aware that there are things I'm now capable of doing; I am supported by the student union, by people who saw potential in me. Frankly Damon Robinson and Harman Sandhu convinced me in some sense to stand up in the elections But, I now had courage of voicing my opinions

From my first day walking around as a candidate to actually becoming the Women students' representative, it was a journey; but, the actual journey started when my term started, which was in May 2022

The first event I organized was the women to women event, with the help of my friend Miley. While I was very pleased with how things were going, I knew that another issue had to be discussed: the bus stands around Prince George need to be renovated for the winters; many students including myself suffered in winter. I reached out to the college and then BC Transit and they have promised to have the renovations done by fall 2023 To some this might not mean much, but this is something which makes me proud.