The Cord June 14, 2017

THE CORD THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926

VOLUME 58 ISSUE 2 • JUNE 14, 2017

COLONIALISM OR CONFEDERACY?

What are we really celebrating this July 1?

News, page 6

HIGH-SPEED RAIL

BIG SCREEN, LITTLE SCREEN

KEEPING PRIDE IN PRIDE

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

HAWKS TAKE HOME SILVER

New public transit options coming to KW

Where local cinemas fit in to the big picture

The Tri-Cities celebrate diversity

Why everyone deserves a living wage

2017 University/ College Golf Championships

News, page 3

Features, page 8

Arts & Life, page 11

Opinion, page 15

Sports, page 16 MADELINE MCINNIS/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

2 •

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

VOCAL CORD

How do you plan on celebrating Canada day?

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

“Going up to Collingwood and partying with friends.”

–Kevin Herdes, environmental studies

“With some friends and a couple drinks.”

–Nick McCready, fifthyear kinesiology

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Eric Flockhart led the Golden Hawks to a second-place position at the 2017 Canadian University/College Golf Championships.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: JUNE 14

“Like no other day; I am still 18 and i cannot go anywhere.”

–Xiaohu He, computer science

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GET INVOLVED?

1922: Warren G. Harding becomes the first president to be heard on the radio

The Cord is still looking to fill a few vacant positions for the 2017-18 team!

1940: German troops enter Paris

Currently we are looking to fill the positions of Video Editor, Web Assistant and Social Media & Recruitment Coordinator.

“Absolutely nothing.

Completely regular day.”

–Hudson Ash, double degree, business and mathematics

If you or someone you know is interested please visit thecord.ca/hiring ASAP!

FEATURES EDITOR Karlis Wilde features@thecord.ca

VIDEO EDITOR Vacant editor@thecord.ca

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Shyenne MacDonald arts@thecord.ca

LEAD REPORTER Erin Abe news@thecord.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kurtis Rideout editor@thecord.ca

OPINION EDITOR Emily Waitson opinion@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Madeline McInnis creative@thecord.ca

SPORTS EDITOR Pranav Desai sports@thecord.ca

LEAD SPORTS REPORTER Abdulhamid Ibrahim sports@thecord.ca

WEB DIRECTOR Garrison Oosterhof online@thecord.ca

GRAPHICS EDITOR Alan Li graphics@thecord.ca

SENIOR NEWS EDITOR Safina Husein news@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Tanzeel Sayani photos@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Jake Watts news@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Dylan Hines editor@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Nathalie Bouchard news@thecord.ca

ONLINE EDITOR Vacant editor@thecord.ca

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

CORD STAFF

1965: Paul McCartney records the song “Yesterday” 1971: The first Hard Rock Cafe is opened in London 1985: TWA flight 847 is hijacked by terrorists 1998: Michael Jordan leads the Bulls to their sixth NBA title 2002: The Bourne Identity is released to major audiences

Compiled by Erin Abe Photos by Luke Sarazin NEXT ISSUE

1953: Elvis Presley graduates from LC Humes High School in Memphis, TN

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Luke Sarazin photos@thecord.ca SENIOR COPY EDITOR Michael Oliveri copyeditor@thecord.ca SOCIAL MEDIA AND RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR Vacant editor@thecord.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Brittany Tenhage Tori Stratton Zack Stronge Kaitlyn Severin Jessi Wood Fani Hseih

“Spending an afternoon with a psychic” by Shyenne Macdonald “Minimum wage, maximum impact” by Zack Stronge

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES All advertising inquiries can be directed to Care Schummer at care.schummer@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560.

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Quote of the week: “I haven’t seen you in that particular flannel before!”

- Arts & Life Editor, Shyenne MacDonald, upon seeing News Director Safina Husein for the first time since our last production.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

News

• 3 NEWS DIRECTOR SAFINA HUSEIN news@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR NATHALIE BOUCHARD news@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR JAKE WATTS news@thecord.ca

MENTAL HEALTH

Study suggests demand for mental help is rising Post-secondary institutions scramble to meet the increasing need for mental health services SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS DIRECTOR

Recent data collected by The Toronto Star and Ryerson University revealed that the demand for youth mental health services has increased greatly in the past several years and continues to peak at a high rate.

The increasing demand by students is a cause for concern amongst post-secondary institutions, who are now faced with supplying enough resources to meet the high need. In order to do so, many post-secondary institutions have had to increase funding, or change the way which they use funds, in order to provide a system that is efficient and effective.

Karen Ostrander, director of Laurier’s Student Wellness Centre, explained that Laurier’s health and counselling department began to make major changes starting in 2012 when various student groups had expressed some concern in regards to having easy access. “[We] formed a student wellness initiative … we knocked down the walls between our two departments, made changes in our reception area and really upped our clinical care so that we would be able to respond in the best way,” Ostrander said.

different world events, particularly right now, so we’re a little more aware of that,” Ostrander said.

“I think that this generation has really grown up in a digital age and is much more familiar with computers and with instant access … I think that has had somewhat of an impact on people’s ability to communicate and just be connected.”

Additionally, Ostrander explained that the rise in demand may also stem from the broader learning abilities of students who enter post-secondary education.

For example, students who may have faced challenges in secondary school, such as ADHD or learning

disabilities, may not have had as much access to post-secondary school several years ago in comparison to present day.

This broader access to post-secondary may suggest a positive trend, concluding that students are being better supported throughout high school, allowing them to continue on to university or college.

In addition to striving to provide as much support and resources to students, the Student Wellness Centre has also taken on the task of educating students on the importance of self-care in order to improve coping strategies and self-awareness.

“So much impacts your mental health and your ability to cope and your resiliency — we’d like to focus a lot on the resiliency because our mental health is a continuum,” Ostrander said.

Above all, Ostrander feels that supporting one another and creating connections can help to build resiliency.

“We’re lucky at Laurier. I think there’s a great support. It is a caring community, and there’s a lot of support and people do express concerns for our students,” she said.

“I think together we can be stronger, so that’s really what we’re trying to work towards here.”

include the stops that are at Toronto, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Guelph, Kitchener and London. Then by 2031 they suggested that stops in Chatham and Windsor can be implemented,” Vrbanovic said.

The high-speed rail is expected to improve the quality of life for many commuters to and from the Waterloo region.

The impact on the lives of students is expected to change as well; Vrbanovic weighed in on the importance of accessible transportation for Kitchener-Waterloo’s post-secondary students before and after graduation. “[Having] more transportation links between Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area is going to serve students at our three post-secondary institutions well.”

Vrbanovic said.

“It’s going to make it easier for people to go back and forth on weekends and it may make some people decide to commute.”

“I think the [high speed rail] has significant advantages and [will] keep young people in our community when they have graduated because having a rail in place will spur economic growth, which will create more jobs and keep young people here in the community.”

The province of Ontario has not indicated the cost of high-speed

rail, however the environmental assessment will allow for cost estimations to better foreshadow the cost of the rail.

“What the province has indicated [is that] this isn’t something that the province plans on funding on their own, they see it as a private public partnership. Part of the environmental assessment process and the next steps will look at the construction model and funding model that will support the construction,” Vrbanovic said.

Vrbanovic also hopes that the rail system will influence the use of public transit to save individuals the hassle of purchasing a vehicle.

“This will result in a lot of families and young people potentially delaying the purchase of a car [due to] options of high-speed, GO, Via Rail and the Ion and bus transit in Waterloo Region,” Vrbanovic said. “It would add to the list of transportation options available for people.”

With the high-speed rail gaining popularity locally, those outside the community may also benefit from the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

“This also creates the potential — as Toronto Pearson International Airport grows — to see the Waterloo Region airport take some of the excess capacity off of Pearson and see more flights here locally.”

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

“We feel like we’ve made some positive changes, but definitely the numbers continue to go up.”

According to The Star, a joint study conducted with Ryerson — where 15 universities and colleges across Canada were surveyed — found that all but one institution had increased their budget for mental health by an average of 35 per cent over the past five years.

Similarly, a major survey conducted by the American College Health Association showed that between 2013 and 2016, amongst 25,164 Ontario university students, there was a 47 per cent increase in depression, a 50 per cent increase

in anxiety and an 86 per cent increase in substance abuse.

Within that same period the number of suicide attempts also grew 37 per cent.

According to various researchers and health specialists, the reason for the spike in youth mental health demand stems from numerous factors.

One of these reasons, said Ostrander, may stem from the anxiety that is induced through being exposed to instant news.

“Whether it’s with social media or, certainly, through the evolution of the internet and websites … news is instant — and we’re seeing

TRAVEL

DYLAN HINES/PHOTO EDITOR

High-speed rail plan unveiled NATHALIE BOUCHARD NEWS EDITOR

On May 19, 2017, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced to the public that the high-speed rail will be coming to the Waterloo Region by 2025.

Wynne made the announcement in Kitchener regarding the new transit system which aims to benefit economic growth and reduce environmental impact of fossil fuel emissions.

The high-speed rail aims to have a positive impact by improving the lives of many citizens in Kitchener-Waterloo.

“High-speed rail is something that we’ve been advocating for … for two main reasons: One, for the economic development that it would have in terms of everything that is happening around tech and innovation in Waterloo Region,” Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener, said.

“Secondly it’s important from

a transportation point-of-view because of the number of people that are commuting between Waterloo Region and Toronto in both directions.”

Though the expected start date of the project is unclear, Vrbanovic explained that the preliminary design work can begin once a joint federal and provincial environmental assessment is completed.

“We could see that first phase of high-speed rail implemented as early as 2025, and that would

4 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

BUSINESS

DYLAN HINES/PHOTO EDITOR

Scale-Up program boosts companies globally ERIN ABE LEAD REPORTER

The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics recently announced that they are accepting applications for the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program.

Since the fall of 2016, the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program has been working closely with 10 Canadian technology companies who are looking to scale up and become dominant in their respective industries.

The purpose of the Scale-Up Program is to give support to Canadian companies in three areas that may cause constraints to startup technology companies.

The three areas include access to experience, access to global markets and access to capital.

“The main focus of the program is to help [startups] overcome

whatever challenge they’re facing as they are scaling [up],” Sarah Burt, associate director of marketing, Lazaridis Institute for the Management of Technology Enterprises, said.

Last fall, a panel of investors from Canada and beyond worked with the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program to pick 10 Canadian technology companies, evaluating candidates based on their potential to grow globally.

On May 25, the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics announced that they are now looking for the next 10 companies to take part in this program.

“What we look for is an astounding team that is shooting for the stars, as we like to say,” Burt said.

Once selected the companies are provided with mentors who put in a maximum of 100 hours over the year-long program.

What we look for is an astounding team that is shooting for the stars ...

-Sarah Burt, associate director of marketing, Lazaridis Institute of Technology Enterprises

The program was established alongside the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics with the aim of helping Canadian startup companies become global marketplace competitors Canada currently has many technology companies in the startup stages, although not as

many globally sized technology companies.

The purpose of this program is to provide these companies with help in scaling up, with the hopes of establishing more Canadian companies on a global scale.

Last year’s 10 companies have all grown since becoming a part of the Scale-Up Program.

“All [of the 10 companies] are reporting that they made significant changes in the way they do business and those changes have helped them as they continue to grow,” Burt said.

“One company said that they have five times their revenue and all of them credit the scaleup program with helping them make these gains,” Kim Moroney, executive director of the Lazaridis Institute, said.

This program has already created many benefits for students

at Wilfrid Laurier University who take any classes at the Lazaridis Institute.

Students registered this summer have been given the opportunity to meet with a Waterloo based startup that is a part of the Lazaridis 10, where they will also be given a tour and the opportunity to speak with the founders of the company.

In addition to these perks, the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program will also benefit students with an updated curriculum.

“Students will have access to the cutting edge knowledge of what [it] take[s] to grow Canadian companies.” Moroney said.

“So everything that we learn from this program we work back into the curriculum in business, economics and entrepreneurship,” she continued.

Applications to the program will be accepted until June 30, 2017.

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

GSA aims to focus on student wellness this upcoming year JAKE WATTS NEWS EDITOR

Since stepping into the position of president and CEO of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) this past May, Natalie Gleba has begun work on project planning for the 2017-18 school year.

Gleba described the transition into her new role as “seamless,” attributing the ease to her previous five years of experience with the GSA and relationship with previ-

ous president and CEO, Samantha Deeming. Gleba has also finished hiring the students who will help her lead the association.

“We’ve got a great balance of student leaders from different campuses,” Gleba said.

“We’ve got two student leaders from the faculty of social work, which is down at the Kitchener location, and we’ve got also a student leader that I hired down in Branford.”

Now settled into the position

with her team behind her, Gleba has begun making plans for the upcoming year with a specific focus on student wellness.

“A large part of the discussion around our table so far has been around wellness and so we have several wellness programs and events that are going to be coming up,” Gleba said.

“We usually have some sort of wellness week during the summer term, but most of our planning is looking more forward into Septem-

ber when students come back, so we talked about different peerrun groups for different groups on campus, just to kind of have a different support system available to students that might find that useful.”

Beyond leveraging different groups on campus to gauge and improve student wellness, Gleba mentioned reaching outside of the university to accomplish these aims.

“We’re in the works of building a relationship with a local company called Plasticity Labs. We’re looking to potentially build a partnership with them to help with graduate student wellness,” Gleba said.

Gleba also noted that the GSA’s increased focus on student wellness may alter the role they play in certain events, specifically orientation.

“Orientation on its own is a big project that we all work closely on.

This year, the Graduate Students’ Association is going to be running more of the social events and wellness events within the programming,” Gleba said.

“The university partners will be taking on more of the academic piece, so TA training, department sessions, university departments welcome, that sort of thing.”

When asked about desired

We just want a real, good understanding on how well students actually are.

-Natalie Gleba, Graduate Students’ Association president

outcomes from her tenure as president and CEO of the GSA, Gleba emphasized a commitment to better understanding and improving student wellness.

“We just want a real, good understanding on how well students actually are. I think some of the programs we have coming up will really help tell us that, and be able to gear our whole project planning towards that goal,” Gleba said.

“We already know that there’s certain areas and certain times that students are more stressed, so [we ask ourselves] how can we help to better our ability to help alleviate some of those stressors? And what areas can we advocate for on their behalf for the supports and services that they need and may not be receiving?”

NEWS • 5

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 ADMISSIONS

Waterloo attracts influx of international students KAITLYN SEVERIN SUMMER REPORTER

Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo will witness an influx of international students moving into the area come the beginning of fall.

As reported by 570 News, both post-secondary institutions are now reporting double digit growth in international student applications.

On June 1, the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) reported that the number of Ontario high school students who accepted their offer of admission at Laurier was up to 4,646, an increase of 16.1 per cent or 645 students.

International undergraduate applications to Laurier increased by 48.3 per cent, while the undergraduate visa applications at UW rose up to 27 per cent.

Applications from the United States have also increased to 39 per cent and graduate school applications also rose to 31 per cent.

While the political and social climate of countries in Asia and Europe plays a key role, the weak Canadian loonie and general interest in the country are other significant factors for the major increase in applications.

According to Alistair Edgar, associate professor in Laurier’s department of political science, as well as the executive director for the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS),

there are many reasons as to why Canadian universities are seen as more attractive for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Money does matter,” Edgar said.

“And the relatively low Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar, but also to other currencies in a sense, reduces the costs for foreign students coming here.”

It’s a long-term benefit and I always think it’s a very good longterm benefit for this part of Canada ...

-Alistair Edgar, associate professor, department of political science

Edgar explained that if international students are striving for economic value when looking at post-secondary institutions, a lower dollar can influence their decision when applying to different programs in Canada and the United States. “[International students] look at our programs and they then check the value money-wise of coming here, and all of those things make sense.”

Massi Basiri, COO of Apply-

Board, an online site that assists international students in applying for universities in Canada and the US, explained that all universities across the country, including Laurier and UW, are experiencing an influx of international student applications.

He also interestingly noted that there has been a decline in applications to universities in the US because of the political climate, particularly due to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

“We ourselves had a decline in our United [States] applications,” Basiri said.

“Canada is welcoming in so many international students and if you look at the numbers it’s increasing every year, while in the United States this was the first year that the number of international students actually did not grow and it decreased.”

Once they complete their studies, international students in Canada are eligible for a three-year work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

If a student desires to stay in Canada as a permanent resident, they are able to apply to a number of programs with their own requirements. According to Basiri, this permit can make a difference for students who choose to go to school in Canada rather than any other country. “[International students] do not want to spend 200 thousand dollars and not be even able to stay

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

in the United States, so they much prefer to go to other countries so then at least when they got the education from that country they have opportunities if they decide to stay in that country.”

Some international students from countries of intense political and social climate, such as Turkey, may also decide to study in Canada for safety and security reasons.

According to Edgar, the country renders a more attractive and welcoming face to international students and their families.

Edgar also noted he has recently been approached by a number of graduate students from Turkey who are nervous about the direction their country has been taking.

In July 2016, an unsuccessful coup attempt tried to evict the

Turkish government.

“They don’t see a future for themselves for independent academics in that country and they’re starting to look for graduate programs outside,” Edgar said.

“Awareness of Canada develops us as the potential place to come.”

According to Edgar, the rise in international students will greatly benefit the Waterloo region for various reasons.

The area will increasingly become more diverse and more students will go back to their home country with advanced knowledge about Canadian life and culture.

“It’s a long-term benefit and I always think it’s a very good longterm benefit for this part of Canada — but also for the entire country,” Edgar said.

MUNICIPAL COLLABORATION

Mayors come together to manage opioid crisis JAKE WATTS NEWS EDITOR

On May 25, a task force consisting of mayors from 13 Canadian cities released a set of recommendations to the federal government to better handle the opioid crisis.

The task force was organized by the Big City Mayors’ Caucus, a group within the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and was formed in February 2017.

Convening on the task force is the Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic.

The recommendations put forward by the task force can be separated into four categories.

There are those aimed at harm reduction, including measures to reduce overdoses and remove barriers to proper overdose response.

There are those aimed at treatment, including measures like expanding access to opioid substitution therapy.

There are those aimed at prevention, including measures like improving public education on the risks of drug use.

Lastly, there are those aimed at enforcement, including measures to improve law enforcement and evidence protocols.

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

“We know that we’ll need all four of those pillars to be successful.

Any solution that isn’t comprehensive like that is destined to fail,” said Michael Parkinson, coordinator for community engagement with the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council. “[The recommendations are] a fantastic start to addressing what is widely known to be the most pressing public health crisis in Canada

right now and the worst drug safety crisis in Canadian history.”

Among the recommendations is a call to improve the collection and dissemination of data relevant to the opioid crisis, which Parkinson pointed out has not been done very efficiently.

To illustrate this, he used the example of coroner data.

“Coroner data tells you how many people passed away [due]

to drug-related overdose and the coroner data will tell you what kind of drugs were involved in those overdoses,” Parkinson said.

But according to Parkinson, everywhere in Canada except for British Columbia experiences a lag in the release of coroner data that can stretch to one or two years.

“That lag time is a problem because the drug market and the typology of drug-related overdoses

are changing,” he said.

One particular change in the drug market has been the emergence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, the latter known colloquially as ‘bootleg’ fentanyls.

“These bootleg fentanyls [are] highly toxic and they’re showing up in substances often without the consumer’s knowledge and in many parts of Canada, without street-level dealers’ knowledge,” Parkinson said.

“And they’re showing up in a range of substances like cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, heroin and being pressed into counterfeit pills and made to resemble Percocet or Xanax.”

Another recommendation that was made by the task force was to lay out specific goals, outcomes and timelines to handle the crisis.

“What we haven’t seen anywhere in Canada, at any level of government, is a goal that says ‘we will reduce overdoses by 15 per cent by the year 2018 and we’re going to throw x millions of dollars at the issue to undertake the following initiatives,’” Parkinson said.

“It simply doesn’t exist anywhere in Canada. At the federal level, provincial level, territorial level or the municipal level.”

6 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

Celebrating 150

This year, Canada is going full throttle to celebrate its 150th birthday.

News Director Safina Husein explores the representation in festivities This year, Canada is going full throttle to celebrate its 150th birthday.

On July 1, 1867, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia entered into Confederation, which is why Canada’s anniversary is celebrated annually on July 1.

To commemorate the milestone, the federal and provincial governments have implemented various signature initiative and grant programs in order to invest in a number of projects, infrastructure and programs.

Striving to provide all Canadians with meaningful experiences for the 150th anniversary, the government has also decided to bring forth various initiatives and tourist opportunities across Canada.

For example, there will be no admission fees at all national parks across Canada. And of course, one of the more well-known attractions is the 30,000-pound rubber duck which will be making an appearance at Toronto’s waterfront on this upcoming Canada Day. Within the provincial government’s Ontario150 grant program, five recipients throughout Kitchener-Waterloo were successful in receiving funding. The recipients include the Multi-Cultural Theatre Space Inc., the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW, Neruda Arts, the Homer Watson House and Gallery and the recipient of the community capital program funding was KW Counselling Services.

“The programs and projects selected are those that help to tell the story of who we are and will leave a lasting legacy for the people in our community and right across Ontario,” said Daiene Vernile, MPP for Kitchener-Centre.

Within the federal government, the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will provide $300-million in national program support. In Southern Ontario, the federal government has spent approximately $88-million in the past few years.

“This is something that’s extremely important to the government because it develops on four themes which we have decided to pronounce,” said Raj Saini, MP for Kitchener-Centre.

The four themes which the federal government has chosen to focus on — in order to celebrate 150 years in a meaningful manner — include diversity and inclusiveness, the environment, young people and reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Through these four thematic principles, the funding aims to support projects, renovate cultural space, parks and museums that highlight Canadian culture.

“What we’re trying to do is to build on the fact that we have this very unique opportunity … to focus in on those issues that are important to us, but also to highlight how far

we’ve come as a country, the challenges we have faced and the wrongs that happened in our history,” Saini said.

The celebration of 150 years, however, brings forth a critical concern shared by numerous Indigenous peoples in regards to how inclusive the celebration may be.

“I think that the fact that it’s a defective celebration, even the words that are being used, make it exclusive,” Lianne Leddy, assistant professor of Indigenous Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, said. “The fact that we’re meant to celebrate 150 years of Confederation is something that automatically excludes, from my perspective, what confederation means,”

services are in place. I’m not 100 per cent sure that Indigenous children are as important as celebrating this milestone,” Becker said.

Saini, however, iterated that including and reconciling with Indigenous Peoples is both a focus and a piece of the framework for the federal government throughout this celebratory year.

“Canada is well-known in the world for its multi-cultural, pluralistic, inclusive society.

We also have to face the fact that there were wrongs made against the Indigenous people in this country. We have to come to terms with that and we have to reflect in a much more mature, profound way,” Saini said.

“This is an opportunity for each one of us to focus on the question of reconciliation with our Indigenous peoples, Métis and Inuit people.

This is a very important time in our history to do that. And what better time then the 150th celebration to do that.”

Saini also explained that the anniversary has brought forth and initiated important conversations involving the process of reconciliation.

“The process will be long, it will be hard, it will be challenging; but more importantly, it’s something that’s necessary and it’s the right thing to do,” Saini said.

“This is a time to reflect. And we’re not going to shy away, we’re not going to bury our past history.

We’re going to be honest, truthful and reflective about what wrongs have been done in the past,” Saini said.

Indeed, celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary is an important time to reflect and think about what it means to be a Canadian.

“We have so much to celebrate here. I love Canada Day … because all you have to do is reflect on what it means to be Canadian — the things that we value: peace, prosperity, we have a great economy, we have health care, we have an excellent education system,” Vernile said.

“These are all things that we cannot take for granted, so if we can take one day to reflect on that it’s going to make us better Ontarians and Canadians.”

For Becker, she hopes to be able to reflect on the success of the anniversary and on whether or not the government has been able to reconcile and make the changes that they’ve expressed a concern for.

“We’re trying to make change, but the change hasn’t been made yet,” Becker said.

“I [hope to] evaluate the success of the 150th — did it contribute to reconciliation? Was there meaningful progress made in addressing some of these critical issues that still are very troubling to Indigenous Communities?”

We’re going to be honest, truthful and reflective about what wrongs have been done in the past.

— Raj Saini,

MP for Kitchener-Centre

“150 years is a small blip on the radar in terms of how long we’ve been here. I think just saying that it’s 150 years erases, then, the millennia before that when we were here — we had our governance system, we worked with the land — and to just call it 150 years is inappropriate,” Leddy said.

A main concern, explained Leddy, is that Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation also coincides with the anniversary of the Indian Act, which was created in 1876, only 10 years after Canada entered Confederation.

“It’s widely agreed that the Indian Act is an oppressive piece of legislation that has led to a great deal of harm over the past 150 years. It remains in place and it’s not a cause for celebration,” Jean Becker, senior advisor for Aboriginal Initiatives, said.

Additionally, Becker explained that something important to her is the rights of Indigenous children, and ensuring that they receive the same care that other children in Canada receive.

“I think that that $300-million would have gone a long way towards addressing that concern and making sure that children[s]

MADELINE MCINNIS/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GAMES • 7

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

Dear Life

SUDOKU

Dear Life is your opportunity to write a letter to your life, allowing you to vent your anger with life’s little frustrations in a completely public forum.

All submissions to Dear Life are anonymous, should be no longer than 100 words and must be addressed to your life. Submissions can be sent to dearlife@thecord.ca no later than Monday at noon each week.

Dear Author of “The blurred lines of cultural appropriation,” I want to quote one of the most prominent voices who criticized Niedzviecki after his article.

“I can’t believe I have to fucking say this, but no one, in the history of writing books, has ever suggested that white people are not allowed to write thoughtful portrayals of Indigenous people or people of colour, namely in fiction.” - Scaachi Koul.

The problem with your editorial is that it is abundantly clear that you didn’t actually read any of the criticisms of Niedzviecki or people who actually describe the problem with cultural appropriation. If you did, you would know that cultural appropriation is not just about white people writing about cultures to which they do not belong. Cultural appropriation is a two pronged issue where the more important prong is that people from marginalized cultures aren’t able to profit from their own cultures, or at least not in a way that’s even comparable to how white people can profit from them.

But that’s not really the point I’m most disappointed with in your piece. That honour goes to the weird expectation that writers should expect only positive responses to the things they write. Niedzviecki himself wrote the following in his resignation letter “I appreciate individuals taking time to share their thoughts and respond to the piece, since I do value the opportunity to learn from this experience and from the thoughtful feedback of others.”

What happened with Niedzviecki is the free discourse of ideas so many people complain about not existing.

The opinions expressed by critics just happened to be those that you disagree with and now you’re pissy about it. In my eyes, that’s the disgusting thing.

Sincerely, A pissed off SJW who feels like a strawman in your eyes

Dear The Cord, I appreciate you printing that editorial on cultural appropriation.

Though I don’t agree with everything the writer said, it’s refreshing to read something going against the grain. I also don’t really understand how people are fighting for diverse representation, but then don’t want people to represent cultures outside their own. I’m looking forward to reading the replies you’re undoubtedly going to receive!

Sincerely, PC and listening Dear Life, Come on guys, I thought we were past the point of being afraid of mental illness. OCD does not equal insanity. Why is it okay to say that it is, especially in an academic setting?

Sincerely, Insane, apparently

WORD SEARCH BROADWAY GRADUATES LUCK OPIOIDS SCALE-UP TRI-PRIDE CINEMA HIGH-SPEED RAIL MINIMUM WAGE PSYCHIC SESQUICENTENNIAL FLOCKHART INTERNATIONAL NORMANDEAU RHUBARB STATIONARY

YOU WON’T BE THE NEXT HUNTER THOMPSON UNTIL YOU START WRITING.

thecord.ca/volunteer

8 •

FEATU

FEATURES EDITOR/KARLIS WILDE/FEATURES@THECORD.CA

It’s all lights, camera and action as Features Editor Karlis Wilde jumps into the world of independent cinemas.

URES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 • 9

There’s a method of filmmaking called cinéma vérité — true cinema.

The form refers to a specific method of taking natural bits of life — rather than contrived art — and splicing them together into an unpretentious grasp at realism.

For the sake of this article, we’re going to re-contextualize those same words to question the modern state of the Americanized, corporate version of the screening room: the multiplex.

The modern audience now rests in a perpetual state of entertainment. Whether it be through smartphones, computers or digital boxes attached to televisions, media has never been easier to find and consume.

People used to have to go out and seek entertainment; now it comes to the patron in a never-ending, compulsively watchable stream.

But what this really does is redefine the status of the theatre. In a world where everything is available on-demand, what reason does a person still have to go out to the cinema?

“It’s kind of like a meeting space,” Andy Willick, owner of downtown Kitchener’s Apollo Cinema, said. “It’s more than just a cinema.”

“Ultimately people are social beings, right? People don’t want to stay home all the time,” he continued. “Sometimes they want to watch Netflix and sometimes they want to go out and do something interactive and more interesting than just vedging for four hours.”

John Tutt, owner of Waterloo’s beloved Princess Cinemas, also recognizes the social role of the cinema.

“The second best thing to do in the dark is go out to a movie with a date,” he explained. “Without the movies, what are you going to do? ‘Oh, come over to my apartment we have a date tonight and we’re going to watch a movie?’”— There is more to movies than Netflix and chill.

Regardless of the values we subscribe to or the social choices we make; change is a constant in this world. But that doesn’t mean that our conditions and expectations necessarily change as quickly as industry does.

While the very concept of the video store has eroded due to an increased air of obsolescence, Willick sees the cultural vacancy as a role for smaller cinemas to fill.

“Losing video stores is sad because those are the people who actually curated good films,” Willick explained. “If you were to go out and discover something new, at the video store it was quite easy because you could have someone recommend it to you. You could look at the cases; you could have an interactive element to it.”

“That has kind of disappeared slowly with the video stores going away,” he continued. “It’s more difficult to find a curated film experience, so I think theatres have begun taking up more of that role.”

Regardless of how it’s framed, the small-business owner — an odd concept when extended to an industry as globalized as film — is forced to adapt in order to survive.

Both mainstream and independent theatre owners, by necessity, are forced to keep their ears to the ground and pay attention to consumer needs in order to stay relevant.

And what it seems the modern audience wants is not just

a standard film, but an experience. incredibly long Special social events at the Princess have ranged from adaptations on wine-tastings paired with films to premieres featuring the small screen, director and panel discussions — a reflection that the state audiences need to remember that there is an in-between of cinema is not restricted to the mere use of the screen. that pays tribute to the best films of bygone eras.

Willick has also applied the same sort of philosophy to This is accomplished by hosting interactive events and the Apollo, hosting events like B-movie bingo and screenfeaturing some of the best new, under-the-radar films. ings of Monty Python and the Holy Grail where patrons There is interplay between cinema and community at are given coconut shells to ‘ride along’ with the horseback this level. Willick understands the Apollo as integrated riders onscreen. with the city it inhabits.

“We’re kind of just trying things out — see[ing] what “Downtown Kitchener [is] getting more dense with kind of [stuff ] sticks and what people are interested in, and people actually living downtown. We just want to create trying to build on that,” Willick said. a venue for people to come and have fun, watch movies, His vision for the Apollo is rooted in the foundations of come to interesting events and — you know — meet their the name itself, which he sees as a harkening to a bygone friends and their neighbours” era of cinema.

The Princess and the Apollo are both forced to be more “It just fit in with the idea of a classic film-going expethan just screens leased out. Both have rience, where it was an event and something that you yearly memberships that result in look[ed] forward to,” he said. “It wasn’t just going reduced prices. These are a to the movie and eating popcorn … it [was] symbol of what each cinesomething a bit more grand.” ma actually represents: While Apollo has invested heavily in the theatres that foster experience behind each film, and plays community and are a lot of classics, Princess has taken an directly engaged approach that likens to their art-house with their audiorigins in 1985: hosting a plethora of ences. touring film festivals, first-run films These are venand smaller Canadian cinema. ues that respect “We distinguish ourselves through the film and the the product we play,” Tutt revealed. audience. These But where does that leave are environstreaming services like Netflix? ments that create Interestingly, both owners positive spaces had only positive things to for enjoying say about the service. cinema that aren’t While Willick views it as ruined by the vapid — Andy Willick, a kind of competition to babble of impolite owner of Apollo Cinema television, he doesn’t see filmgoers who would it as a direct competitor to rather converse with his own cinema. their friends during Tutt echoed the same the film than watch. sentiment: “I think it has But what’s the made a difference to the big point of any theatre, movie chains,” he said. “They have now that the business to be careful. They have to always upgrade their has become so streamtheatres to try to compete with that.” lined and digital releases As far as competition goes, Tutt has turned his sights to are made just as easily avail“the backyard barbecue, camping in the summer, gardenable from opening day? ing [and] outdoor patios.” Environments that bring people “[When] they sell movies to Netflix … how they value together. it is based on how much is grossed in the theatres,” Tutt This really begs the question: is local cinema redundant, said. “It’s a real function of the whole industry and how the or is it true cinema? industry works. They’re going to be really reluctant to let It boasts smaller screens than the multiplex and so many that get out of the bag.” films are released every year that there’s bound to be at “I think that’s not going to go away,” he added. “It’s still least one streaming video that would be of interest to any going to be fun, it’s just they’re going to have to go through viewer. growing pains of how to deal with that exclusive window But that’s why local cinema is so important. Even if we and deal with piracy, that type of thing. I think it’s still don’t consider the direct implications of shopping local going to be around for sure.” and keeping our dollars circulating in the area — rather “I mean, ten years from now, what more can Netflix do?” than sinking them into faceless corporations — it’s still Tutt pondered. “What other thing can come in technologiworth recognizing that local cinema is able to thrive by cally to make it better than what it is now?” consciously choosing to do so and working hard toward “I think movie theatres will still have a function to play that end. in the whole scheme of things,” “We really do lots of outreach into the community and he said. do partnerships to do these events that I don’t think the The theatres that multiplexes do. They just sort of lay back and put their feet create a unique space up and rely on the big huge tent-poles and box office films for watching actually to just roll through their theatre,” Tutt said. “So you have good movies — whether to work a little bit harder as an independent art-house or that’s out of commercial cinema to really make it work.” necessity or out of a love Big cinema is getting bigger and progressively more for the product — these homogenized and home media is all turning to long, are our culture’s own verbinge-able series. sion of the true cinema.

With an insane influx of ‘cinematic universes’ on the big These are our cinéma screen and an obsessive force for compulsively watchable, vérité.

It’s more than just a cinema.

MADELINE MCINNIS/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

10 •

Arts & Life

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 ARTS & LIFE EDITOR SHYENNE MACDONALD arts@thecord.ca

SCHOOL & OFFICE

Saving on stationary LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

when to put those cheap items in your cart and when to splurge on something better.

Highlighters - Don’t Buy MADELINE MCINNIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

When you’re making an investment in your future, particularly one as huge as university, saving a few bucks here and there can really add up.

But where should you save on those investments?

Heading to the dollar store for your school supplies can be a great way to keep your bank account happy.

However, if you’re a stationary snob like myself, the thought of a pen bleeding through your paper or a ripped sticky-note seems like a horror story.

What’s fine to buy for cheap?

Here are some tips to navigating

As we were taught in high school, we always want to highlight the important parts of our notes and readings.

Don’t run the risk of smudging and blurring that important information, especially in a cramming grind.

Spend high for these lighters.

The dollar store often has only your standard colours, too (like yellow, pink and orange), so going to the name-brand is worth it for all your diverse colour-coding needs.

Pens - Write On The chain dollar stores offer dozens of choices for pens, including really reputable brands at low prices.

I’ve also gotten some great, offbrand felt tip pens that I write my exams with, as well as a pack of a dozen black gel pens I use for class notes.

Though they may not last as long as what you might get at the bigbox store, the quantity you get for the price can’t be beat, especially when they write just as well!

Sticky Notes - Skip them!

Cheap notes can rip and get rid of any sticking power they may hold, on top of getting rid of half of your writing area.

It’s well worth it to spend the extra few dollars on the name brand to make your notes colourful (and save you frustration).

the dollar store.

I’m super picky about notebooks, but I still have several that I use for class because I can throw them around and scribble things out without it feeling like a waste.

Experimentation is key to finding a notebook that your pen that doesn’t bleed through, but it is worth it for those times you just have to get the information in writing.

Correction Fluid - No correction needed

Notebooks - Noteworthy

This is another product that the dollar store sells in name-brand, but even the no-name bottles work pretty well, from my experience.

One of the bottles I bought even had a paper texture that made writing over my mistakes a breeze.

There seems to be an almost unlimited selection of notebooks at

This is something that you shouldn’t worry about buying for a

couple of loonies.

Whether in fluid or tape, covering up your pen mistakes has never been so cheap.

Colouring Materials - Be mindful With the popularity of colouring books, especially to relieve stress, don’t skimp on the opportunity to unwind.

I’d recommend investing in some high-quality pencil crayons or colourful felt-tip pens for the intricate designs.

I have some markers I love from the dollar store to add pop to my notes, but for daily use, quality is better in your pencil case.

These tips may not make you rich, but trust that you’ll be thankful half way through the semester when the next installment of OSAP seems eons away.

FOOD & DRINK Instructions: 1. Place your chopped rhubarb in a pan with water (to soften) and cook over medium heat. It should take about 10 minutes to puree.

2. While cooking, add your desired amount of sugar for your preference of tartness.

3. Place your rhubarb puree into a strainer. Using a spatula, push on the rhubarb to release the juice.

Mixing:

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Try a new cold one TORI STRATTON CORD ARTS

It is finally summer and while you may be dreaming of music festivals, cottage with the family, or weekend getaways, your work schedule could be spelling out a whole different scenario.

Summer means patio season.

But, for those of us who are working 24/7 to tackle tuition, fear not!

I have compiled a list of bar worthy summer drinks easy enough to make at home.

Rhubarb cocktail Sounds kind of crazy, right? But this drink is surprisingly refreshing and sweet, which means it’s perfect for summer.

Ingredients: Rhubarb puree: 5 stalks of rhubarb 8 ounces of your choice vodka (I use junction 56 distillery) Sugar ¼ cup vodka

1. Mix desired amount of vodka with desired amount of rhubarb juice. Pour over ice.

2. Rim the glass with sugar. Garnish with basil or mint leaves.

Caesar Would this be a summer drink list without the Canadian classic?

“A Csesar must include clamato juice, vodka, Worcestershire and hot sauces. But from there, the sky’s the limit,” said Natalie Proulx, a local bartender.

Bacon, celery stalks, and pickle juice are just a couple of the many things you can add to a Caesar to spice things up.

Keep in mind though, that it has also been argued that horseradish is an essential ingredient to the Caesar.

Ingredients: Clamato Juice Vodka Lime Salt and pepper Horseradish Worchester sauce Franks hot sauce (you can use any hot sauce you desire) Instructions: 1. Cut a lime into wedges, cut a slit into the wedges. Place the lime onto the glass and rim it with the lime juice.

2. On a flat surface place salt or preferably, celery salt. Rim the glass with the salt (the lime juice ensures it will stick).

3. Put ice in your glass.

4. Add a couple of drops of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce (it is important to do this BEFORE adding the clamato juice).

5. Add one tablespoon of horseradish.

6. Add one shot of vodka.

7. Pour the clamato juice.

8. Mix.

Rose-Rhubarb Sangria Sangria’s are best consumed by the pitcher and that’s a fact.

The following sangria is easy, so multiple pitchers won’t be an issue if that’s how you like to rock-androll.

It does require you to make a simple syrup (a rhubarb puree again) but this is the only prep required.

Ingredients: 1 bottle Rose wine 2 large stalks of rhubarb (for the simple syrup) 1 Lime ¼ cup Mint, diced 2 cups Strawberries, quartered ½ cup Sugar Ice Instructions: 1. Combine water and ½ cup sugar into a pan. Bring this to a boil and then add your rhubarb. Cook until rhubarb is in a puree. Drain.

Let it cool.

2. Mix all ingredients into a pitcher. Let it marinate in a fridge for about four hours.

3. Serve! I recommend serving in a mason jar.

You don’t need alcohol to enjoy these drinks and you can easily replace the alcohol with soda or juice.

But these are three great summer drinks that will please crowds, whether you’re on the patio, having a movie night or just looking for a fun way to unwind after an extra hot day.

ARTS & LIFE • 11

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 LGBTQ+

Purpose of keeping Pride MADELINE MCINNIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

For many of us, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Warm weather, the sun, at least some free time and the rainbow flag is flying overhead.

June is Pride Month and festivals are picking up to celebrate LGBTQ+ folks in our communities.

Queer history is being explored and showcased in many ways for those who are eager to learn.

Tri-Pride, the Pride festival in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, came to a close on June 4, but the festivities in Toronto and other major cities are still ramping up and will reach climax at the end of the month.

Even some smaller cities won’t have their celebrations until late July, while others will start their marches in August.

It’s not too late if you want to be in on Pride but missed it in the Waterloo Region, and it’s never too late to be proud of who you are and who you love.

In the last few years, one thread I’ve seen through the discussion of the festivals concerns why we still have them.

Pride parades, historically, were marches for representation and rights. Black, trans women led the first march — composed of protestors commemorating the Stonewall riots — to demand LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. The event also served as the spark for international gay liberation.

Now, Pride is a corporate event, where the Justin Trudeau-types wave to the crowd and banks hand out business cards.

Compared to the 1970’s, we’re a lot more tame, but at the same time, we also have a lot more explicit rights.

However, equality and equity don’t end with marriage rights.

Until every person is free and comfortable loving who they love — and comfortable being exactly who their brain tells them they are — Pride will always be important.

Even if we’re no longer marching against police raids or a justice system that doesn’t serve the community, we’re still marching to end discrimination and to demand proper representation.

That being said, human rights groups such as Black Lives Matter

still use Pride as a platform for their voices.

No matter if we agree with the politics of this or not, it’s undeniable that their message has been heard, as the police are no longer marching in some cities, and the group has shown the systematic inequality that they face with their own voices.

The more visible we are, the more likely we are to be heard and, in turn, accepted.

And that’s exactly what Pride is about. The more visible we are, the more likely we are to be heard and, in turn, accepted.

There should be no stigma about loving whoever we want to love and being who we are, and Pride is about engaging with that goal —

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

loudly, proudly and for all to hear and see.

We may be able to get married now in Canada, but there are people who still view being gay as a disease that can be cured with the right amount of persuasion.

Couples still get harassed on the streets and “coming out of the closet” is still one of the scariest things that many young people must endure.

Celebrating Pride gives a community its own voice. Even if we’re no longer yelling and picketing,

we’re still shouting our support and our existence.

Pride is a safe place for LGBTQ+ people to exist and be proud of who they are, despite the systematic inequality faced every day — passing privilege or not.

Modern Pride is about visibility and the lack of change in how people are viewed.

In the same way that we can’t change our sexualities or genders, we won’t change the tradition of the fight for our existence in society and the acceptance of our love.

ENTERTAINMENT

The hottest flicks for the hottest days of summer MICHAEL OLIVERI SENIOR COPY EDITOR

Have you ever found part of your summer to be lacking? Is work sucking too much out of your life?

Have you tried film? It’s an excellent — albeit temporary — escape from the responsibilities of work or school.

From competing in the Olympics to searching for ghosts, these are little opportunities to escape our own troubles and live a different life for a few hours.

With classes less frequent, and the weather becoming too hot, spend your next free evening with some of the following recommendations.

While summer is the time most of us are working or catching up on classes, we all still need those lazy days or nights.

So, whether it’s just a way to pass the time while you’re waiting for your sunburn to heal, or you need a night off, don’t be afraid to sit back and enjoy yourself.

You’ve earned it.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) Tis the season for massive blockbusters. The new Pirates of the Caribbean film is part of the summer trend of films big on visual

spectacle.

This latest installment in the popular franchise features both reoccurring and new faces, which adds a level of freshness to the 14-year-old franchise. The film revolves around a force from Jack Sparrow’s past that has returned to haunt him and threaten his entire world.

The fun and comedic atmosphere of the rest of the series is present here but further invigorated by new additions in the cast and lore of the world. It is by no means a perfect film but it fits the category of blockbuster nicely.

Dazed and Confused (1993) To me, no other film more perfectly encompasses the ritual events that surround the end of a school year. This film follows a large group of people on the last day of school; some are leaving and some entering the scary world of high school. The film’s ability to stay relevant after being around for more than two decades is a testament to its strength. The feelings explored and shown here are timeless; what was once new is old and the cycle of time continues.

This — coupled with a cast that included soon-to-be stars like Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck — makes the film a summer go to. Never mind the near-perfect playlist of classic rock songs that makes up the soundtrack.

Richard Linklater seems to always know what it takes to evoke feelings of youth and nostalgia.

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

House (1977)

Cool Runnings (1993)

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Perhaps the strangest film on this list, House’s almost indescribable plot is the perfect blend of comedy and horror.

At its most basic form it is about a group of school girls that travel to an old house and slowly get killed off.

This does not even begin to describe the hallucinogenic and surreal events in the film.

Why is it so fitting for summer?

Because it is made to be enjoyed in a social setting, specifically with a group of open-minded acquaintances.

Nothing makes man eating pianos, spooky paintings and watermelons that turn into heads more enjoyable than being able to laugh and cringe with your friends.

What on earth is a winter movie doing on a list about summer movies?

Well, if you’re like me and you dislike warm weather, watching something set in winter is a wonderful break.

The film centers around a group of Jamaican men who want to start their countries first bobsledding team.

A strange effect of watching this film is that it feels like you are genuinely cooling off while taking in the winter setting. The film is a genuinely touching and funny experience, perfect for watching with family members. This is one of Disney’s lesser-known films, which is a shame considering how heartwarming and enjoyable it is.

Do you like getting spooked?

This cult-classic film still manages to scare viewers.

In it, three amateur filmmakers head into the woods of a small town in Maryland in order to research the legend of the Blair Witch.

However, things go from bad to worse quickly and the trio feel like they may not be alone in their journey throught the forest.

For me, it’s the utilization of the natural settings that make this a great summer film.

This — in combination with the tense atmosphere developed by the handheld camera style — creates a suspenseful and terrifying film that is perfect to enjoy on a summer night.

12 • ARTS & LIFE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

SPIRITUALITY

Spending an afternoon with a psychic SHYENNE MACDONALD ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

Next month I’m turning 21. Like most people my age, I have no idea who I am, what I’m supposed to do or who I’m supposed to be.

Of course, I have dreams, but they all seem so distant and unachievable that they’re usually boiled down to another anxiety that keeps me up at night.

So — with what I hope is a long life ahead of me — I figured there would be no harm in taking a sneak peek.

On the eighth of June, I went to a psychic.

Colleen, the psychic, operated her business in the basement of her home.

I never asked for her last name, I felt like it took away from the illusive nature of it all.

I had heard of Colleen through my mother, who joined me on my spiritual journey.

Colleen and the office she reads people in was nothing like what one might imagine.

She reminded me of the aunt that let you eat biscuits whenever you wanted and told you things about sex your mother thought was too inappropriate.

When you walk into the basement, all around are inexplicable Christmas decorations and knitting projects left abandoned.

She had two of the tiniest dogs I had ever seen that would jump up on your lap if you weren’t on guard.

Her office displayed an array of different religions, all meant to make sure everyone felt safe, she had assured me.

I found out immediately that Colleen’s number one concern was

JESSI WOOD/GRAPHIC ARTIST

her clients comfort and ease.

The second thing I found out was that in my past life I was royalty, which — honestly — doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.

When I went into her office, I had expected a series of predictions that I could look forward to.

I would fall in love on this month, rip my favourite sweater on this day, etc.

And for others who went in to see Colleen, that is, to a degree, what happened.

Allegedly, my sister will be the cause of a car accident in February.

Colleen also claimed that my mother will buy another farm.

While she had predictions for

me, our hour together consisted mostly of life advice only someone who knew me all my life could give.

It felt like Colleen knew me all my life.

She knew I was a writer without my having to tell her, she knew that after a very unsuccessful attempt I had given up playing the flute in high school.

That I was a paranoid driver and that I wanted to move to Paris, France.

“It’s not patience that you’re in this life for, it’s persistence,” she said.

Colleen explained that we all have a lesson to learn in life, and that that was mine.

She had called me out immediately on my tendency to give up when things become too hard, like the flute.

“You don’t believe you can do it, so you just stop. Which is why you’ve never finished writing a novel.”

Colleen had a habit of looking at me in a disapproving — but not entirely unamused — way when she said things like this, reinforcing my view of her as an auntie.

When we moved on from my career, she asked if we could discuss my relationships.

I had thought that the section would be a breeze.

Never having been in a serious

relationship before I was doubtful on the baggage we could unpack.

“You can’t spend all your energy in pushing people away and then be surprised when they leave,” was the first of many scathing truths about why I won’t get into a relationship, alongside my personal favourite: “You won’t live with anyone until you can accept and live with yourself.”

A rendition on one of the worlds worst adages.

While Colleen had apologized several times for her blunt truths, I found it incredibly refreshing.

This was all advice that can help me become a fuller and better person.

But what about the predictions she gave to me.

There were a few that stick out, such as the prediction that I will be an accomplished writer, that I’ll move to Paris, France in three years.

The other, less welcomed predictions were that I will have multiple divorces, as well as triplets.

Since twins don’t run in my family, I’m blaming the illusive first husband for that.

Do I believe her though?

I’m not inclined to put all my eggs in one psychedelic basket, as much as I want to believe that I have a long and wealthy career ahead of me.

But her understanding and assessment of my character isn’t something I’m turning away from so quickly.

So, if you are like me and are terrified of the unknown, try a psychic.

While you will hear things you may not want to, you also may find that truth you’ve been looking for.

ENTERTAINMENT

Broadway in pajamas and the emotional soundtrack flows in such a way that you don’t need to have seen the show to understand what is going on.

BRITTANY TENHAGE STAFF WRITER

It’s no secret that musicals – while infinitely enjoyable – aren’t always entirely accessible.

Pricey tickets and out-of-town shows mean that often times you’ll be missing out. However, that doesn’t mean you need to fall into a musical melancholy.

I’ve put together a list of musical soundtracks that will make you feel like you are right there in the nosebleed seats.

Come From Away This Canadian musical is based on the true story of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who hosted displaced persons after the events of 9/11.

This musical is Tony-nominated

Kinky Boots Also based on a true story, this musical follows a young British man set to inherit his father’s failing shoe factory.

To get more business, he starts making shoes for a drag queen named Lola and her company.

With music written by Cyndi Lauper, this musical is a big ball of fun with some great tunes that will be stuck in your head constantly.

Next to Normal A highly emotional rock musical about a dysfunctional family.

The musical addresses issues such as grieving, drugs, suicide, as well ethics in modern psychiatry.

The mother has severe bipolar disorder and vivid hallucinations of her dead son.

The daughter is isolated but is a

talented musician and the father just wants his wife to be okay.

The unique story is full of moving musical moments that reminds you no one is alone.

If/Then A musical that stands on its own, If/Then is about the consequences of our decisions, telling a story with multiple different endings about a young woman who makes decisions that affect her life.

This musical has wonderful songs that will have you singing along and it also presents one of the most daunting realms that can be found on Broadway: reality.

Sunshine on Leith The only jukebox musical that ever makes my lists; this is a Scottish musical using only music by The Proclaimers.

You know that ‘500 Miles’ song?

That’s them. This musical is wonderful and the songs are incredible enough that you will no longer

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

solely associate their authors with walking long distances.

It’s a heartwarming story that will have you dancing around your bedroom for days.

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 Commonly shortened to Great Comet, this genre-bending musical is based on Leo Tolstoy’s epic War and Peace. It is similar to 2016’s

famous musical, Hamilton. But, rather than centered on the forefathers of America, Great Comet fuses Russian folk music and classical music with EDM and indie rock.

It’s definitely worth a listen.

These may not be the musical’s that have you dying to drain your accounts for a one-way ticket to Broadway. But, hopefully I’ve added to the repertoire of what you belt out during cleaning day.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

• 13

Editorial

OPINION EDITOR EMILY WAITSON opinion@thecord.ca

A note on graduating Those are the experiences that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I mean, there are definitely some classes I could have done without — taking psych 101 as an elective almost cost me my degree — but there isn’t a single individual I met, teacher or student, that didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

They often did so in such a way that challenged both my own interpretations of the world as well as the status quo.

If I learned anything important in university, it would probably have to be that people are never going to fully agree on anything — and that’s totally okay. You can disagree with something without being an asshole, and you can still be friends with someone if they hold a different set of values than you.

At the end of the day, if there is one thing that I hope everyone takes away from post-secondary education, it would definitely have to be something revolving around this.

University is the perfect time for you to get out of your comfort zone. Chill with people from cool places, find friends with diverse opinions and backgrounds — political or otherwise. You may never have the opportunity to be around so many interesting and talented people again for the rest of your days.

It may seem tempting to hunker down and keep to yourself a lot of the time.

On the flip side of that, maybe you just came to school to get away from your parents and let loose — not really my style per se — but it’s your life and no one can tell you how to live it, especially not me.

What I would personally recommend however, is that you just take a couple minutes to reflect on the things you love most about going to school — everybody is different.

Sometimes what seems important at the moment really doesn’t matter in the long run and sometimes what seems important long-term isn’t as huge of a deal as you think.

The only solid advice I can leave you with is to just enjoy all of it while you can.

You’ll be shocked at the things that go through your brain as you walk across that stage.

KURTIS RIDEOUT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It’s that time of year again.

Another crop of well-adjusted and — hopefully — qualified individuals will make their way into the working world.

Simultaneously, another group will step up to the plate and fill their shoes, gearing up to prepare for seminars, capstones and final projects.

It is a period of reflection for many people, particularly those graduating — myself included.

Upon receiving my degree — and that fancy hood thingy — I found myself awash with an array of emotions. How, after four years of discovery and childish wonder, will I continue to learn and grow as a human without the guidance of my professors?

Good question.

While I credit my teachers with providing me the tools and information I needed to succeed, I have to say that I learned more from my peers and my friends than I ever could have expected — and I mean that in the most purely positive of ways.

My fellow students provided me with the discussion and discourse that I could only dream about taking part of in a large classroom.

I mean, let’s be honest, no one wants to experience cognitive dissonance in a lecture hall filled with 200 other students.

Maybe the fear of being put on the spot kept a lot of my personal feelings and opinions at bay; I couldn’t count the amount of times I buried thoughts deep in my mind, only to have them erupt the second I entered the safety of my best friend’s apartment.

That is why I am so grateful for the experiences I had — both inside and outside of the classroom.

The discussions often started in lectures; the real learning happened once I engaged the material with peers, each of us slumped knee-to-knee on generic, fire-proof dorm furniture.

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Unhooking the bra stigma SHYENNE MACDONALD ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

There isn’t a woman I know who enjoys wearing a bra. How can anyone blame them? Bras are confining, they cut into the skin and add an extra layer of fabric in the summer.

However, because I’m not entirely small chested, I never considered going braless.

People would notice; my breasts would be out of control. It seemed like the kind of nightmare I would have in high school, until I actually did it.

Like a drug addiction, it started out in small doses. If I was just running to the grocery store, or going for an impromptu ice-cream, I would throw on a large sweater.

No one would notice and at the time there was something uniquely exhilarating about being the only one who knew.

I realize that this sounds insane, that I’m making a way bigger deal out of this than need be. But — and I believe most women who were raised in our society can attest to this — young girls were never taught to be proud of their bodies.

I don’t believe having breasts

is something I should be given a badge for, but I also don’t believe that we should be taught to be ashamed of our bodies either, and that’s exactly what is happening.

It starts off when we’re young through the abhorrence of bra straps in school, all the way to motherhood where women are shamed for publicly breast-feeding their children.

But what does my decision to go braless have to do with the gross over-sexualization of women’s bodies? To me, it’s the smallest act of defiance, a form of me reclaiming my body from society.

There are so many arbitrary rules for women to follow when it comes to our bodies. Shave your legs, or else you’ll appear too manly. On the obverse side, don’t shave your legs otherwise you’re giving into the patriarchy. Don’t wear too much makeup, don’t wear too little.

It goes on until I’m at the point where it feels like I’m being pulled in every direction. No matter which route I go, someone will be disappointed, or pass judgement on me.

But, lately I feel like the worse person to disappoint in this scenario is myself. In all the years of me bending over backwards trying to appease relentless demands, my own comfort has always taken second place.

Pain is beauty, the adage I’ve re-

peated to myself through the years of waxing, starving and squeezing into whatever is deemed attractive, is quickly becoming more absurd.

As I slowly regain my sense of self, I’m catching up to what a lot of other people have already realized.

It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing, what matters is that I feel comfortable in my clothes and happy in my skin.

In all the years of me bending over backwards trying to appease relentless demands, my own comfort has always taken second place.

As for bras, I haven’t completely forsaken them. Going braless while working out will never be an option, and there’s something about a high-collar event that, for me, demands a brazier.

However, if the only reason I’m meant to be wearing a bra dayto-day is because it makes others more comfortable — I’ve always been a selfish person.

14 •

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

Opinion Jaded Jerry Seinfeld says no to hugging OPINION EDITOR EMILY WAITSON opinion@thecord.ca

EMILY WAITSON OPINION EDITOR

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

A recent oddity in pop culture news that has quickly garnered the attention of the internet has been a video of Jerry Seinfeld declining a hug from Kesha.

Almost like a moment plucked straight out of Seinfeld itself, this incredibly awkward clip is nothing short of uncomfortable to watch.

As a person who absorbs secondhand embarrassment like a sponge, I physically cringed watching the interaction unfold, but I didn’t consider the comedian’s actions out of place.

Looking at online comments is usually a bad idea, but I noticed countless people, including article writers themselves, bashing Jerry for being “rude.” This frequently used and — frankly — baseless admonishment is baffling to say the least.

It’s as though he verbally eviscerated her. The issues surrounding such a simple occurrence rest on the fact that many people believe he simply should have just given her the hug she so desperately wanted in the first place.

I have several problems with this apparent necessity of human interaction, especially with celebrities.

For one, Jerry was in the middle of an interview when Kesha excitedly sidled up to him expressing her wishes for a quick embrace.

Obviously confused and disconcerted, he rejected her request politely, even putting his hands up when she went in to touch him, despite his refusal.

He had to say, “no thanks,” a grand total of three times before she left him alone. Harmless overall, but it’s troubling to think that someone who self-admittedly finds discomfort in physical contact with strangers is being attacked for expressing his honesty about it.

As a 63-year-old man, I doubt he actually knew who she was either; the likelihood of them crossing paths a possibility only on a sitcom, or a happenstance at the event they were both coincidentally attending.

If this situation was reversed and Jerry was the one to approach Kesha insisting on a hug against her wishes, it would be fair to say that he would be labelled as a creep. It wouldn’t be questioned or debated in the same way.

The key issue I find in these criticisms is the skewed notion many people have regarding consent, specifically over arbitrary interactions involving physical contact.

No one is under any obligation to hug or touch you, regardless of the polite intentions one may have. Rudeness has become an easy write-off for actions that don’t match our own, or that make us feel challenged when they aren’t directly reciprocated.

I’ve had friends who never liked being hugged, but were perfectly fine with a high five. As a naturally touchy-feely person, I understand the fact that not everyone is the same.

Respecting people’s boundaries is far more important than forcing an unneeded level of displeasure onto someone who has their own preferences with being touched.

Similar to adults that coerce small children into hugging their relatives if they adamantly don’t want to — acknowledging personal choice is something that shouldn’t be optional.

No — under any circumstances — should always mean no.

It should be an unquestioned notion that once a person declines an action or offer, it is taken without a second thought. It shouldn’t matter if they’re famous, a kid, a stranger or a relative.

Jerry Seinfeld’s likability should not be the determinant over whether or not he was required to give a woman he had never met a hug, even if she was a fan of his work.

If real luck is going to come to anyone’s aid, it’ll be those who’ve suffered but still decided not to let it beat them down.

It’ll come for the people who put in the effort to work hard, but can also deal with the pain of rejection, disappointment and just plain ol’

unluckiness.

No one ever gets what they want on the first try. What’s important is staying true to who you are, your values and the way you treat others.

No amount of luck should ever be able to define us.

Finding your lucky charm Accepting our fate when we’re not always in control

MADELINE MCINNIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

I like to say that I have the luck of the Irish, which — historically speaking — is fucking awful.

From missing the bus to breaking my ankle during playoffs, having the wifi go down just as I’m handing in an assignment to finding myself in the most disgusting stall in the public washroom — luck never really seems to be on my side.

I think a lot of us like to believe that we are in control of our own lives, but it’s never really true.

There are so many outside influences that affect our everyday lives and that can be a scary thought.

In the words of my guide, Harry Potter: “We plan, we get there; all hell breaks loose.”

Whether you believe in fate, destiny, luck or just coincidence, there’s no denying that there is something in this world — beyond all of our control — that impacts how we live our everyday lives.

We can plan and organize until

our horseshoes go rusty. We can perfectly set our schedules and avoid procrastinating until pigs fly.

Something is always going to go wrong. Something unexpected will come up and we have to be ready to deal with that.

The mentality that we can overcome these conditions by willing them away is absurd.

If real luck is going to come to anyone’s aid, it’ll be those who’ve suffered but still decided not to let it beat them down.

If each of us were completely out for ourselves, making sure luck was on our side, we’d all have to be absolutely perfect human beings.

Every outside force would have to run perfectly and I don’t think there’d be much room for choice.

That sounds pretty bland to me, so I’ll just take my chances.

Sometimes, no matter how hard we work or how much effort we put in, things just don’t work out.

Even for those of us that always like to place the blame on ourselves — if we were only smarter, articulated ourselves more clearly, got up a little earlier — life is often out of our control and there is nothing we can do.

That said, having things out of our control is still an incredibly terrifying thought. All we can really do is roll with the punches and continue on in our lives despite the cards we’ve been dealt.

If I’ve learned anything so far in my life, it’s that it continues on despite any amount of bad luck.

Moving forward, whether from a slight inconvenience or from staring your worst fears in the face, is never going to be easy.

But days will come and pass.

We’ll keep trying no matter what jabs luck may throw our way.

If carrying a four-leaf clover makes you feel more comfortable in the world, all the more power to you. I refuse to change my day calendar until I wake up in the morning, even if I go to bed at 2 a.m.

All of us have to face what we’ve been given, whether we deserve it or not.

FANI HSIEH/CORD ALUM

OPINION • 15

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

Minimum wage, maximum impact We all deserves a living wage, no matter the occupation

ZACK STRONGE OPINION COLUMNIST

I got my first job when I was 15-years-old. It was at the Tim Hortons in the small town I grew up in, Virgil, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I worked mornings, cleaning and serving some of the most interesting — and hungover — characters I have ever met.

Once, when I was walking up to

my workplace, having walked my bike across the crosswalk, I passed by a pick-up truck full of landscapers. Having seen me walking my bike in my uniform, one had the idea to yell at me, “get a real job, f****t.”

I made eight dollars an hour and managed to save $6,000 over two summers of full-time work.

My experience in the labour market of Canada has been eventful.

Having worked in a few industries — with varied wages for each — I can say I have a degree of credibility in this regard.

I am not a characteristically lazy

person, I currently work about 50 hours a week and have sustained 68+ hour work weeks. The expectations from job to job varied, but I found even the lowest paying jobs expected some form of commitment.

For each entry level position, I made minimum wage, so anywhere from eight dollars an hour, to a maximum of $12 an hour. I have also made wages between $16 and $25 an hour, and though I would not recommend the sort of work involved for a multitude of reasons, it happened to make life much more affordable — and by extension — much less stressful.

Despite what I have seen and experienced, I find myself increasingly frustrated to hear people claim that minimum wage isn’t meant for people to survive on.

I pinch my skin to see if reality still obeys logic, and deftly ask, so what?

It was created to prevent the exploitation of women and children, or in other words, the perceived vulnerable groups of people in industrial society.

Stating that, therefore, people are not meant to survive on minimum wage demonstrates a lack of historical and functional knowledge.

It breaks down so simply, I cannot see why it causes so much concern and outrage.

People cannot afford things, or can barely afford things — which has a noticeable effect on businesses of all kinds — as a consumer cannot consume without excess capital. This creates a weaker job market, on top of an overall loss of business.

To add insult to injury, the person making minimum wage often times lives in constant fear of unpaid bills, which induces a stress response that has been linked to a rise in heart disease.

This chronically ill and bankrupt human being ends up becoming a a burden shouldered by our health care system.

So yeah, I think it’s alright if a few small businesses go under, so long as it also means that more Ontario families can start making a living wage.

If anything, I think its pretty

selfish of anyone to imply that their business is more important than our health system, or the life of another family.

As a counter, I offer that the government has you covered there too; with the imminent introduction of basic income, you will not need to fear unemployment nearly as much as you should, and if you do happen to find a minimum wage job, you’ll be able to survive.

So yeah, I think it’s alright if a few small businesses go under, so long as it means that more Ontario families can start making a living wage.

While the weaker small businesses crumble, or — as I imagine will be the case for most of them — weather the wage increase, we will likely see that the additional income held by previously struggling families is used to stimulate the local economy, possibly balancing out or even exceeding the loss for wages.

If you think your business is more beneficial to society than the welfare of families, reducing poverty and alleviating the strained healthcare system, feel free to say I told you so come February 2018.

Normalizing psychological and emotional abuse in TV Drawing the line between television entertainment and dangerous depictions of relationships

BRITTANY TENHAGE STAFF WRITER

On modern TV, romances are not frequently depicted in a healthy manner.

Audiences are fed inorganic, unhealthy relationships that people lap up like they’re meant to without a second thought.

The most recent example that comes to mind is Mon-El and Kara, also known collectively by internet fans as “Karamel,” on Supergirl.

It is promoted by the show as the ideal relationship and has generated a large amount of attention.

The problem lies in what happens when they are given screen time. Mon-El batters Kara in superhero training, despite falling in love with her.

He calls her names and talks down to her.

He also has a desire to spend an unhealthy amount of time with her; his ambition to be a hero fuelled by his need to frequently be by her side.

He is controlling and possessive towards her — something that is promoted to be admirable — instead of what it truly is: abuse.

This depiction is problematic and there are numerous reasons

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

why that is the case. There is also an alternate love interest — a black male — who was sidelined to shift the primary focus onto Mon-El. Similar to Once Upon a Time, there was one romantic interest who was shoved aside to give another character the spotlight.

They switch from one potential love interest to another, who has increasingly worse behaviour than the last.

It has become increasingly normalized for us to see abusive relationships on TV. It’s to the point where we don’t notice when a genuinely decent prospective partner is being overlooked in place of an emotionally abusive one — namely because they’re pretty and white.

Another popular example is the relationship between Betty and

Jughead on Riverdale.

They seem like a healthy couple on the surface, but something incredibly problematic occurred in one particular episode.

Betty planned a birthday party

The issue that stems from this is that impressionavle audiences who watch these shows will believe that this behaviour is acceptable.

for Jughead despite his explicit wishes not to have one.

It doesn’t make you a devoted girlfriend to go against your partner’s desires, it merely shows that you’re neglecting your half of the relationship.

This isn’t normal or beneficial for either side, despite how it may be portrayed.

Shows in general — especially ones that are designed to empower women — shouldn’t showcase arguably abusive relationships, regardless of which gender is the guilty party.

The issue that stems from this is that impressionable audiences who watch these shows will believe that this behaviour is acceptable.

It seems like it’s okay to call your partner names, belittle them and ultimately go against their wishes

to make yourself look better.

This common example of relationship representation needs to stop; people should be more regularly exposed to healthy television romances.

Relationships should empower the people in them.

It shouldn’t be a drag to spend time with someone you’re supposed to love.

It isn’t healthy to be worried that your partner will disrespect you for speaking your mind.

You shouldn’t have to fear that you’ll be seen as selfish for wanting to be treated as an equal.

When you’re watching a TV show, be mindful of patterns like these.

We should never support harmful relationships for the sake of televised enjoyment.

16 •

Sports

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 SPORTS EDITOR PRANAV DESAI sports@thecord.ca

GOLF

Golden Hawks make history PRANAV DESAI SPORTS EDITOR

The 2017 Canadian University/ College Golf Championships took place from May 29 to June 1 in Barrie.

It was a historical week for the Golden Hawks, as the men’s golf team won silver, making it their highest finish ever.

It was also a proud moment for head coach Jeff Colley, as the Hawks fell just short of gold with a team total of 1213, trailing the current champions — the Laval Rouge et Or — who finished with a total of 1211.

The Hawks saw strong performances from all five of their players, with Mississauga native Eric Flockhart leading the way.

Flockhart placed sixth overall in the competition with a total of 15over par 299.

“We definitely had a stronger team going into the nationals this year,” he said.

“Two years ago we finished fifth, which was our highest ever finish at that point, but this year our team

was a bit deeper. All five guys we took could win individually if any one of us was at their best that week.”

“Going into the week, we definitely took the time to make sure we knew everything about the course and that we were fully prepared.”

We definitely had a stonger team going into the nationals this year.

-Eric Flockhart, golfer

The depth of this Hawks roster was on display throughout the tournament as Jaron Brown, Ryan Murphy, Austin Ryan and Andrew

Cox all had impressive showings, with Austin Ryan finishing seventh overall in the competition, right behind Flockhart.

With the conclusion of the university/college championships, the focus for the Golden Hawks will shift towards the invitational tournaments leading up to the OUA championship tournament in the fall.

Last year, Austin Ryan won gold at the OUA Championship, while Flockhart put on a show in the invitational rounds, winning three straight gold medals for Wilfrid Laurier University.

This will naturally put a lot of pressure on Flockhart to repeat those performances this year.

“It’s just something you learn to deal with over time. I played five years of collegiate golf, with my first year playing in the NCAA. That was a big learning experience for me because team golf is a lot different than individual golf,” Flockhart said.

“Even though you’re playing the same round, you do have to remember the team component.

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Over the years of playing university golf, I got used to having the weight fall on my shoulders,” he added.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, Flockhart will not be back with them next year.

However, he was quick to mention that this team can win gold without him.

“I actually won’t be back next summer. I’ll still be playing golf in

the OUA, but I’m going to Western for a master’s degree next year,” he said. “The Laurier team has some new recruits coming in. There’s at least one player that’s played in the US previously and he’s transferring to Laurier.”

“I think Laurier will have a very strong team next year and there’s no reason to think they can’t win gold.”

PROFILE

Athlete recieves Academic All-America honour

Jacky Normandeau is rewarded for her achievements on and off the ice — and with a 3.86 to boot ABDULHAMID IBRAHIM LEAD SPORTS REPORTER

The life of a student-athlete is something many only hear or see from afar, but cannot really relate to — especially at the university level.

While some athletes have busier schedules than others, it is still something to applaud them for considering they also have to balance school just like every other student.

On top of that there are the student-athletes who manage to do better than many of those who are just students.

It’s not to discredit those who are students alone at this level; school is a great commitment that all should be lauded for.

But there is something different about those who balance more than just school in their life.

Enter Jacky Normandeau, a fourth-year biology major from Uxbridge, Ontario.

Normandeau has played on both the women’s hockey team and women’s soccer team in her four years as a Golden Hawk.

In her four-year career, she has accomplished plenty. She’s been a four-time U Sports/CIS Academic All-Canadian, she won Laurier’s Luke Fusco Academic Athletic Achievement Award twice and she was named the Outstanding Woman of Laurier in 2015-16 for academic, athletic and community work.

I just think it shows that anyone who gets this honour has a lot of perseverance I guess and dedication.

-Jacky Normandeau, defenceman

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

As a defender for the teams she played for, she helped both win OUA championships in 2013-14.

She was also named Laurier’s Rich Newbrough female rookie of the year that year, as well as an OUA women’s soccer second-team all-star in 2015.

To top off her long list of accomplishments as a student-athlete at Laurier, Normandeau has recently been named to the 2016-17 CoSIDA Academic All-America College Division at-large second-team,

having finished her time at Laurier with a 3.86 GPA. The at-large teams are made up of student-athletes from NAIA, two-year and Canadian institutions.

Normandeau is the third Laurier student-athlete to ever receive this honour. Before her, the other two recipients were former men’s football receiver Dillon Heap and former women’s hockey defenceman Fiona Lester.

“It’s just such a huge honour and

I’m so proud that I could represent Laurier and add them to that list. There’s like so many amazing athletes … so it’s just an incredible honour,” Normandeau said.

“I think it just shows that anyone who gets this honour has a lot of perseverance I guess and dedication. It also reflects on the school and the support academically.”

When asked how she managed it all, she credited those in her corner who were a part of the journey.

She gave credit to her team-

mates, roommates and coaches for all of their support and understanding.

She mentioned how there were times where she was overwhelmed, but had the support of her teammates and roommates through it all.

She also gave credit to her coaches for understanding her workload with both teams’ seasons overlapping and the workload she also had to balance being a twosport athlete.

She is someone who has achieved plenty in her time being a two-sport student-athlete, both as a student and an athlete.

More so, she humbly gives most of the credit to those who have helped her on her journey.

It seems to only be fitting that she achieved such a high honour and represents those around her and her school in ways most wish they could.