The beginning of
CYCLING WITHIN THE CITY
UPCOMINGSPORTS
LAURIER AND LUTHER ORIGIN
Delving
of fall clothing Arts & Life, page 14
a newseasonfootball Sports, page 24
into the past of inceptionLaurier’s Feature, pages 12-13
FALLFLOURISHESFASHION
of culturecringe Opinion, page 22
Investigating the safe and
Exploring the demise
CRUMBLESCRINGING
Looking into the three articles
unsafe places to cycle News, page 6 VOLUME 62 ISSUE 1 • SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
REPORTERSPORTS Ethan sports@thecord.caCaplan CONTRIBUTORS Emily Waitson Aaron Waitson Matt McKenna EDITOR’S CHOICE "Cycling in -BronteEnvironmentallyWaterloo:aware"Behling INQUIRIESADVERTISING All advertising inquiries can be directed to Aaron Waitson at ads@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560. COLOPHON e Cord is the o cial student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community. Started in 1926 as the College Cord, e Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors. Opinions expressed within e Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily re ect those of the editorial board, e Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in e Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.eCord is created using Macintosh computers running OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used for principal photography. e Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatised complaints can be sent to the council at info@ontpress.com. e Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 4,500 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000.eCord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004. PREAMBLE e Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. e Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation
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1939 In the "scoop of the century," Telegraph journalist Clare Hollingworth becomes the first to report the outbreak of World War
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1905:na.
1981 Fiona Brothers sets women's propeller boat speed record (116.279 MPH).
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1979 U2 releases 1st record, an EP titled 'U2-3', available only in 1980Ireland.Terry
Cover and Features graphic by Kash Patel Quote of the week: “Have you eaten today? Take more!” - Editor-in-Chief Yasmeen Almomani trying to force her team to eat more pizza during production.
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1931: Future Baseball Hall of Fame 1st baseman Lou Gehrig hits his 3rd grand slam in 4 days & 6th homer in consecutive games in NY Yankees' 5-1 win v Boston Red Sox.
uphold
1954II."Rear
1996 Zendaya [Coleman], American actress (Spider-Man: Homecoming, Euphoria), singer and dancer, born in Oakland,
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1715: King Louis XIV of France dies a er a reign of 72 years— the longest of any major European monarch.
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e Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. e purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the a airs of our newspaper.
Window", directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, is released.
individual,
Temple Buddha statue of Vairocana Buddha, then the world's tallest statue at 128 meters (420 ), completed in Zhaocun township, Henan, China.
2020 BTS become the 1st all-Korean pop act to top the Billboard 100 singles chart with "Dynamite."
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Opening Ceremonies #1
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Welcome Back Concert: Loud Luxury
Wilfrid Laurier oversees Alberta and Saskatchewan joining the Confederation of Canada as its 8th and 9th Canadian provinces.
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2008California.Spring
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occurred,
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LAURIER ARCHIVES
Further information on Lau rier Orientation Week 2022 can be found on the organization’s website.
RESOURCES
“[Shinerama] has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts,” Eskan dariEskandarisaid. also mentioned the fundraising plan for Shine Day, noting “This year we’re going to be doing three different components.” This includes a carnival, a car wash that is open to everybody in the community and a bottle drive.
barbecues where everybody who’s on campus can come by for a quick bite,” Eskandari said.
“We have a range of nurses, mental health nurses, physicians … physio, chiropractor, massage, di etician here in the Wellness Centre
“The services that are offered at the Student Wellness Centre encompass medical health, as well as counselling and mental health support,“ Jenna Baronette, nurse manager at the Waterloo campus Wellness Centre said.
CAMPUS MADALYN MOSTACCI NEWS INTERN
The first official day of O-Week, Sept. 5, starts the integration process for first-year students in full force. Meetings with residence communities, campus tours and ice breaking activities are on the schedule.
Students can come in for issues that they would usually present to their family health practitioner, including illness or injury, pre ventative healthcare such as birth control, medical management of mental health, and counselling.
“The message that we’re making sure this year is that the programs and events we’re putting on really help connect and build relation ships, have students [create] a familiarity with campus and really help academic success,” Mahsa Es kandari, Associate Vice President of Programming for the Waterloo Campus,O-Weeksaid.begins with two desig nated move-in days. During these times, first-year students living in residence will be greeted by Laurier ice-breakers followed by an introduction to their rooms, floormates and dons.
The next day, first-year students can attend the ‘Get Involved Fair’ – which will feature various booths around the Waterloo campus pro viding information on the clubs, associations and student union
YASMEEN ALMOMANI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
FILE PHOTO
Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 provide an academic introduction. Sections aimed to help students get their academic footing are set to take place on both days.
Orientation Week events kick-off new school year
as well as our team of counsellors,” sheShesaid.explained that the Wellness Centre helps students navigate which services are best for them and what they need for treatment and“Ifsupport.[students] are not sure what they’re needing or if they [have] questions, they can always get booked to speak to our nurse and they can help figure out what they’re needing for that day.”
think you can keep yourself safe right now: Call Here 24/7 at 1.844.Here.24.7 (1.844.437.3247)
The Wellness Centre is here to help
To end the week, students will participate in Shine Day – an initia tive for raising money and aware ness for Cystic Fibrosis. Shine Day donations are put toward the char ity Shinerama, Canada’s largest post-secondary fundraiser.
“The Athletic department will be running free classes for first-years … things that would be happening with a group [exercise] pass, like a Spin Class or Zumba,” Eskandari said.‘We Got Game’, the headphone disco, carnival and drag show are among the list of events during the evening at the Waterloo campus.
“On that Thursday [the begin ning of fall term], in the morning, we have a walking crew outside of
Students can call (519-884-0710 ext. 3146) and book appointments, or walk in and book appointments. There are limited same-day spots for medical and counselling services, and urgent cases take precedence when seeking care at the Wellness Centre.
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Laurier’s Wellness Centres provide physical, emotional, and mental health services and resources for students on both campuses.
She also mentioned that the Wellness Centre is always open to feedback and they have a feedback form on their website to fill in if necessary.Ifyouare suicidal or do not
Additionally,find.” the Waterloo cam pus will host musical duo, Loud Luxury, for the campus Welcome Back Concert – an event Eskandari believes is most anticipated among students.“Withour concert depending on space and capacity it should be open to all Laurier students, ” Eskandari explained.
MacDonald House. And basically we have some volunteers that will walk first-years to classes that they can’t
The Wellness Centre also pro vides education and resources for students when asking about health conditions and they partner with Wellness Education for a wide va riety of workshops, certificates and events about proactive strategies regarding health and wellness.
O-Week 2022 is the first entirely in-person orientation week since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eskandari touched on the excitement shared from both volunteers and executives alike as everybody is eager to see O-Week make an in-person comeback this year.In regard to first-year students, Eskandari offers a piece of advice –“Put yourself out there, come to the events, try things out.”
“We are here to help students, whether that is on an episodic, one-time thing that’s happening or to help them throughout their time here at Laurier,” Baronette said.
committees offered at Laurier.
“All of the days leading up to [Shine Day] we’re also doing shine
Orientation Week, a Laurier tra dition, is returning to campuses this fall. Commonly referred to as O-Week, this time serves as an introduction period for first-year students - allowing them to famil iarize themselves with the campus, their peers and the Laurier com munity.Taking place from Sept. 5 to Sept. 10, this year’s O-Week aims to integrate new students on both the Waterloo and Branford campuses through various events, activities and games. O-Week is planned and executed by Laurier senior student volunteers. These students take on roles such as executives, coordina tors, liaisons and ice-breakers – all implemented with the purpose of easing the transition from high school to university.
• 3THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 News NEWS news@thecord.caVACANTDIRECTOR NEWS EDITOR JAMES news@thecord.caWINSLOW
This includes a glimpse into Laurier’s athletic department.
“Reach out and access us. We’re here. We want to support [students]. We want to help them navigate their own health and well ness and help them be successful in their Laurier career here.”
Students experiencing crisis can get booked with a counsellor or a safety appointment to make sure that they are seen and supported.
BealsTheresaid.are two main goals of the Food Justice Garden: recognizing and educating people about Indig enous land and cultivating food.
The Weekly Distro at Martin Luther University College distrib utes fresh groceries such as dairy, bread, fruit, vegetables, pantry items, hygiene products, cleaning products and school supplies.
FILE PHOTO
home to over 23 different types of vegetables and herbs that provide fresh produce to students in need.
“Laurier is situated on Indig enous lands, and we need to be
Although the Food Justice Gar den is commemorated for helping Indigenous students in need of nutritional food, it does not com pletely alleviate food insecurity.
“We’re starting to build quite a bit of findings … and support around the health and wellbeing benefits that parks and nature offer.”“We’re kind of seeing a case for support across the board [that] there are physical benefits, mental, psychological, social, spiritual benefits as “Throughwell.”some of the studies that we’ve actually done here at Laurier, we have indeed found that when you spend time in nature you do receive those positive benefits, and it happens quite quickly,” Reining explained.
Park Seek, a pan-Canadian re search project led by Western Uni versity, is studying the accessibility and quality of parks across Canada with researchers at Laurier.
there is a discrepancy between the quality of and access to parks in different socio-economic settings.
As Laurier sits on the land of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Peoples, one of the initiatives of the garden is “growing ultra-local food to donate back to Indigenous communities through the Luther Weekly Distro,” Walls said.
The Food Justice Garden is located at Martin Luther University College facing Albert Street. It has raised garden beds and is
“Despite the corn not doing so well, we wanted to focus on the squash and beans because they were great producers.”
Additionally, volunteers at the garden plant vegetables and herbs that celebrate Indigenous culture and“Wefarming.wanted to pay homage to the Indigenous community we had started to donate this for, so we planted a crop with the three sisters in it,” Wall said.
Laurier researchers studying health benefits of parks
“It shouldn’t be dependent on students going to other students to have healthy food.”
The Food Justice Garden may be a small project within the larger scope of issues pertaining to food insecurity for Indigenous students across Canada; however, it is a powerful demonstration of community and activism at Laurier that has made a positive impact in students’ lives.
NATURE
Mikayla Wall, head coordinator of the Food Justice Garden, said.
Research has also suggested that
ASHLEY BARRY LEAD REPORTER
“It’s not the solution to the prob lem—it’s really more of a band-aid. We need to live in a society where everyone is cared for,” Beals said.
JAMES WINSLOW NEWS EDITOR
“[Park Seek is] looking at the ac cessibility and quality dimensions of parks across the nature con tinuum,” Catherine Reining, a lab coordinator in human geography at WLU, said.
Martin Luther University College joined forces with Laurier Stu dents’ Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG) this summer to promote food justice on campus.
This includes “anything from municipal parks to provincial parks and national parks.”
Readers can go to parkseek.ca to learn more.
Mhairi Chandler, a master of envi ronmental studies student at WLU and research assistant for Park Seek,Qualitysaid.is also a priority: “Are there access to washroom facili ties? Are there new play structures and are they well-maintained? Are they looking like they’re falling apart and corroding, or are they
The project is also looking at “how being out in nature and [in] those different features of parks and being able to access those spaces relate to our overall health andTowellbeing.”promotea greater focus on accessibility, researchers are ask ing numerous questions: “Are there trash bins? Are they accessible? Are there ramps [for wheelchairs]?”
“Different parks have different qualities of their park space … There needs to be some consis tency and some evaluation there,” Reining said.
The data on the annual Food for Hawks report shows that over 47 per cent of students at Wilfrid Laurier University suffer from food insecurity, the majority of whom are“It’sIndigenous.mind-blowing to see the discrepancy in food access within our own campus environment,”
respectful and acknowledge that by ensuring we raise the voice of the territories of the people that this university sits on. It’s very import ant, and so is food justice,” Ann Marie Beals, a volunteer at Climate Justice Laurier, said.
Questions on the latter survey might include “how are you feeling right now?” and “how are you enjoying this experience?”
The garden also highlights land, reconciliation, culture and literacy injustices and their relationship to food insecurity within the Indige nous“It’scommunity.sosadthat human beings can use land however they see fit even when it does not really fit with some peoples’ worldviews—Indig enous peoples’ worldviews. The land is not something for humans just to use, but we also need to pro tect and restore the land because it’s the sustenance for everyone,”
newer?” Reining elaborated.
Volunteers and community members from Climate Justice Laurier, LSPIRG and Laurier work together to take care of the garden. Through growing, cultivating and harvesting produce, they are able to aid Indigenous students impact ed by food insecurity.
The justice part of this initiative is bringing attention to Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous ways of being, so we can protect Mother Earth for our own survival,” Beals said.The second goal of this initiative involves helping “ameliorate the food insecurity that students are facing on campus,” they said.
For anyone interested in con tributing to this project, Park Seek is launching an app in the fall that will allow anyone to participate in dataYoucontribution.can“download it and it will prompt you to do a little survey and when you are out in the parks
it will prompt you for a quick five-minute [survey],” said Reiner.
YASMEEN ALMOMANI/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“I think it makes everyone much more grateful for the ability to just walk into the grocery store and buy food, if you have that ability,” Wall said.“It’s also made people realize how important access to healthy and fresh food is.”
4 • NEWS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
ACCESSIBILITY
Receiving these benefits, howev er, can be an obstacle for individu als with “Surprisingly,disabilities.it’s not well-un derstood or in any policy and management plans that we need to have access to those spaces,” ReiningPhysicalsaid.disabilities are not the only factor that can hinder access to parks. Transportation, or lack thereof, can also be a challenge.
Food Justice Garden provides produce for students in need
“We’ve been shut out of the con versation for too long and really should be at the forefront.
A big part of the mental health benefit of parks and nature is “be ing more restored and relaxed.”
If someone lives far from parks, having public transit to get there would benefit accessibility and relieve some of that restraint.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has partnered with five local organizations to launch the ‘Help is Here’ campaign.
“The reality is that somebody who’s 20 years old today has an av erage of 60 more years of life ahead of them in which they’re going to have to deal with these changes in the“Youenvironment.”can’tlet[this anxiety] get the better of you. Instead of being a cause for worry and stress and
With all of this apparent bad news, McLeman noted that “it’s understandable to be anxious.”
A video included in the cam paign is aimed at clarifying the information landscape surround ing sexual violence, and “where survivors can get support from a trauma-specific lens and under standing.”HelpisHere is the culmination of a grant received by WRPS “to
“What we’re seeing, both in Canada and worldwide, is that heatwaves are happening more frequently and the temperatures themselves during the heatwaves are getting hotter and hotter.”
New campaign raises awareness
Extreme weather events and climate anxiety on the rise
JAMES WINSLOW NEWS EDITOR
NEWS • 5THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 SEXUAL VIOLENCE
One of those organizations is the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC). Accord ing to an email to The Cord from Saranyaa Tharmalingam, their manager of counselling services, “the Help is Here campaign is an initiative created by Waterloo Re gional Police Services to help raise awareness around supports for survivors of sexual violence.”
Extreme weather events have been aplenty this summer. Heatwaves, for instance, have been consistent ly making headlines around the world.According to Robert McLeman, a professor of geography and environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, “heatwaves in one sense are a normal thing. They happen periodically. It goes in cycles, these things in the weather.”
Saranyaa Tharmalingam, Counselling Services, SASC
FILE PHOTO
do social media awareness work around sexual violence support and prevention in the region.”
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This year, according to the email sent by Tharmalingam, the cam paign was particularly “focused on raising awareness around supports for the BIPOC community mem bers and to give information on rights, legal aspects, and support centres, and programming for survivors.”SASChas an “online volun teer-run chat service and sup port line, legal advocacy, public education, groups and workshops, and individual counselling services [with which] we are able to support survivors and those supporting survivors.”According to another email, sent by Staff Sergeant Jen Ranta
JAMES WINSLOW NEWS EDITOR
so on, it should be a catalyst for action.”Such action might be “direct involvement in environmental ini tiatives” including joining school clubs that focus on the environ ment.Climate action might also be “indirect, which is just [to] be better informed about the changes around us, inform our families and loves ones and so on about our
“Whethersaid.it’s walking or recy cling or taking the bus more often,” everyone can do something to help catalyze environmental change for the“Mybetter.advice to students would be to become leaders in this field and lead by example,” McLeman said.
“There is a lot of misinformation around what sexual violence is and what it can look like,” Tharmalin gam said.
There is a lot misinformationof around what sexual violence is and what it can look like.
Since “we are warming sea-sur face temperatures in many parts of the world” and hurricanes only form when sea-surface tem peratures rise above a particular threshold, “I think we’re going to see more severe hurricanes,” McLeman said.
In some nations, including Can ada, warming happens “faster than the global Accordingaverage.”toMcLeman, other extreme weather events might also become more frequent as the planetTornadoes,warms.for instance, while
Sea levels are rising about three to three and a half millimetres per year due to average temperatures rising.“[Three to three and a half mil limetres] doesn’t sound like much here, but if you live on the coast lines that’s a big deal. Over the course of your lifetime, you’ll see significant changes in sea levels.”
“The Waterloo Region Police Service and our partners believe that everyone impacted by sexual violence should be treated with respect and dignity, fairness and honesty, and in a professional and bias-free manner,” the website says.The link to the #HelpIsHereWR site is checksexualaboutstaying-safe/help-is-here.aspx.https://www.wrps.on.ca/en/Anyoneinterestedinlearningtheresourcesavailableforassaultisencouragedtooutthewebsite.
of WRPS, the campaign hopes to highlight “the supports and re sources available to sexual violence survivors in Waterloo region.”
“The goal is to wrap survivors in community care, while also edu cating the community on sexual violence and how to prevent it.”
“On average they’re becoming stronger, which is bad news for people who live in areas exposed to Scientiststhem.” are also seeing more droughts in many parts of the world and sea levels rising.
concerns and then take basic dayto-day steps that we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint,” McLeman
Other organizations include the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of Wa terloo Region, Family and Children Services and the Victim Services of Waterloo Region.
For example, in July this year, temperatures in the UK hit 40 de grees Celsius. Such high tempera tures in that region are almost un heard of, according to McLeman.
difficult to predict on a case-bycase basis, could become more frequent as “the type of weather conditions that produce extreme thunderstorms are becoming more common, especially in North America.”Forestfires might also happen more“Predictingoften. individual wildfires is difficult, but the types of weather conditions that give rise to wild fires—really hot, really dry periods for extended periods of time—are becoming more common,” Mc LemanHurricanessaid. might also behave differently, and concerningly so, in the near future.
ENVIRONMENT
McLeman explained that these events are all consistent with climate change andwith global warming. As average temperatures rise, heatwaves become “hotter than usual.”
“Last year, in British Colum bia, temperatures in the interior reached almost 50 degrees Celsius. Again, [that’s] just not normal.”
It is also “to raise awareness about sexual violence,” Ranta said in the Thisemail.includes spreading in formation about “how to report [sexual violence] and how we connect survivors with community support.”According to a video about the campaign on WRPS’ website, #HelpIsHereWR hopes to foster “a collaborative approach to support survivors of sexual assault” in Waterloo Region.
In a previous external review of the SCS conducted by three ex perts, there were different recom mendations made for the SCS in terms of racial justice and commu nity policing.
KASHYAP PATEL/MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
With the climate crisis continuing to plague the minds of Canadi ans, many have turned to more eco-conscious forms of transpor tation.InKitchener-Waterloo alone, walking, carpooling and Grand River Transit services (bus and ION) are staples for those looking for alternate modes of transporta tion throughout the region.
Reviewing Special Constable Services
“We struck a committee made of faculty, staff, students, the Indigenous vice provost, the black Equity, Diversity and Inclusion vice provost, and went through every single one of the recommen dations and decided which ones could we decide to move forward with,” Joseph said.
“There’s an example of the Forwell Trail going north east out of Uptown Waterloo where it crosses Weber. There’s a little tiny refuge island in the center that you’ve got two lanes of high-speed traffic on either side ... I’ve heard many reports of people saying they almost saw someone get hit there,” Trueman said.
son Multi-Use Trail and the Laurel CreekConversely,Trail.” there are places in the region cyclists should avoid if they are “There’sable.abridge over High way 85 on Northfield. You have a painted green cycling lane with high-speed traffic on either side of you getting onto the freeway, so that’s probably the most famous unsafeTrumanplace.”also advised that cy
“If we could partner with our mental health unit, what might that look like for them to be more involved in delivering some of the services that typically our Special Constables might deliver? ” Joseph said. This would mean investing in the mental health units.
Cycling in Waterloo: Environmentally aware
cycling daily has many health “Statistically,benefits.youare more likely to have serious health issues if you don’t get the kind of exercise that you get when you’re riding than you are to get injured when you are riding. So, you actually reduce your risk of health issues by riding,” Truman said.
The comprehensive recom mendations which can be seen in the report include the following: reallocating resources and funding to better serve the students at Laurier; increasing proactive campus engagement and relation ship building; conducting a review specific to the Brantford campus; re-defining hiring and the job description of the SCS (as well as increasing hiring of equity-denied individuals).Italsoincludes reviewing the SCS uniform to ensure that SCS understand barriers that the law enforcement uniform presents to Laurier’s community; increasing community partnerships; increas ing mental health training, gender violence training and cultural safety training; implementing different problem-solving models for SCS; implementing a student program to support student safety
Start riding with friends because that’s the best way to get introduced to it and get hooked on it.
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
Being eco-concious starts with us re-evalutaing where we emit unnecessary fossil fules in our everydayLookinglives.totry cycling? Check out Cycle WR for information on how to be a safe and alert cyclist in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region. You can find them on their web site: https://cyclewr.ca/.
FILE PHOTO
“Start riding with friends because that’s the best way to get introduced to it and get hooked on
cycling. The best way to start, True man suggested, is with friends.
grid, primary network or city spine. A minimal grid refers to a cycling initiative by the City of Toronto, while a primary network and city spine are interconnected systems that guarantee safe passage for those using alternate forms of transportation.Currently,there are few safe havens for cyclists in the region.
“We’ve been overinvesting in cars and motor vehicles and the infrastructure to serve them for about a century - and it’s time to catch up so that people who are walking or cycling can get where they need to go safely.”
However, there is another that is becoming increasingly popular— cycling.Speaking with David Trueman from WR Cycle, cyclists come up against many obstacles: “the ma jority of the population do not feel safe riding in traffic.”
EDI INITIATIVES
6 • NEWS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 TRANSPORTATION
In July, Laurier shared a report containing recommendations that were presented in the external review of the Special Constable Service“That(SCS).review was enacted to look at our special constables and make a decision if there were things that we could improve,” Ivan Joseph, Vice President of Student Affairs at Wilfrid Laurier Universi ty,Reviewingsaid. the SCS is part of the university’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Action Plan in order to strengthen the way SCS supports people who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized or part of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ com munity.“[The purpose] was to look at our services and to make sure that we were serving our students, our faculty, our staff and our commu nity as best we could,” Joseph said.
YASMEEN ALMOMANI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Of course, this shouldn’t dissuade those looking to start
Furthermore,it.”
This infrastructure would allow for cyclists to have added protec tion, something that is currently lacking and dissuading many from trying cycling themselves.
Trueman advocated for off road trails such as “the Ironhorse Trail, the Spurline Trail, The Homer Wat
All Laurier community mem bers are encouraged to review the recommendations and email scsreview@wlu.ca regarding any questions as a phased-in imple mentation is scheduled to begin Jan. 2023 and be complete in the fall.
clists avoid the Forwell Trail.
andRegardingwellness.the allocation of resources, the purpose is to ensure that adequate funding is provided to areas that support community safety, gender violence support, anti-oppression, anti-racism and cultural safety training.
“We need protected infra structure and that takes the form of being separated from traffic whether it’s on multi-use trails or boulevards, paths or what we call cycle-ways,” Trueman said.
With the reallocation of this investment towards vehicular transportation, cyclists could have added protection with a minimal
David Trueman, President, WR Cycle
“Number Ninja, tutoring, home work help, reading buddies, that’s all university students, so they play a huge part in those kinds of things. We do some special events so we always welcome the support of volunteers to help with those events.”Forsupport, getting a library card is crucial, as well as spread ing the word about the library’s resources and taking part in com munity consultations.
NEWS • 7THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 EARLY EDUCATION
The effectiveness of early child hood education in Ontario is a frequently contested topic among those who have children in what has become known, ominously, as ‘theWithsystem.’numerous changes to the school system over the last ten years, many parents may feel as if the education system is proving to be too challenging (or not chal lenging enough) for their children.
Furthermore, the WPL, along side the other libraries in the region, promote 5 key practices to “build early literacy strategies. So, reading, writing, singing, copying and playing. Those are embedded in that collection, and then we have a suite of programs that we do that are targeted at age and stage 4 babies all the way up to seniors but in that early literacy strategy.”
“We also like to do intergener ational programming,” Kipfer ex plained, detailing how a program centered on astronomy allows whole families to learn how a telescope works in a family friendly setting.Ultimately, Kipfer stressed that programs at the WPL “respond to needs that are either academic needs that we have, and we have partners that help us with reading buddies and homework help.”
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
One area, English, can be ad dressed by making use of com munity resources - such as the numerous programs and offerings provided by the Waterloo Public LibrarySpeaking(WPL).with Kelly Kipfer, the Manager of Community Engage ment & Children’s Services at the WPL, the extent of the library’s role in fostering the creative and liter ary minds of children was made apparent. By making use of this extensive community resource, parents can help to broaden the minds of their children in a way that the school system lacks.
The Explore Play Learn collec tion bridges the gap between chil dren and their parents, empow ering parents to become an active agent in their child’s literacy devel opment through active reading.
Furthermore, there are “ lots of fun and creative programs with the emphasis really being on learning something new, finding yourself in community space and trying differentInterestedthings.”ingetting involved
In addition, through a partner ship with Frontier College, the WPL has developed a program called ‘Number Ninjas.’
By connecting to the library, children will learn to seek and use its resources - ensuring its contin uedThesurvival.essential “connection to a community resource that’s about lifelong learning and about exploring passions and about you know - not just being on a screen”, says Kipfer, will make the library a “pleasurable, intergenerational kind of Interestedexperience”.inany of the WPL’s programming and resources? Looking to get a library card?
FILE PHOTO
According to the Government of Ontario, the number of students enrolled in an English language school between the grades of junior kindergarten to grade 1 was 359,049.Considering this statistic, it is easy to estimate that the current education system will be unable to cater effectively to each child’s individual needs.
Alongside these practices, the WPL has a full slate of programs for theForFall.middle childhood program ming (ages 5-12) , there is the “core literacy area.”
“We will be doing community consultations shortly about our new strategic plan and so having university input on that is very useful.”Moreover, Kipfer notes the WPL’s continued focus on reaching out to the university community to help them view the library as a safe space.“One of the things that’s really important to us is reaching the university community - so we have new students coming in all the time and we want them to feel like they’re part of the community.”
“Our goal as a library is to devel op the multiple literacy needs of our community so we have some kind of core areas that we’d like to address ... one of those is sort of community leadership and envi ronmental stewardship, so we have programming happening around being involved in your communi ty,” Kipfer said.
Based on this, the WPL offers outreach programming for stu dents.
All information can be found on their website: https://www.wpl. ca/.
With the planet warming at an increasingly rapid pace, programs like this are essential for the next generation who will bear the weight of the climate crisis. Fur ther, other members of the child’s family can also be involved with the programming at the WPL.
“We do special outreach ac tivities like Waterloo Fest that is coming up on September 8 that’s in partnership with the City of Waterloo.”TheWPL remains focused on providing an essential service to the community for all ages. In or der for it to survive, the onus is on the community itself - university students volunteering and parents instilling a love for the library in their“Lotschildren.ofpeople don’t realize that you can read to kids before they’re even born so they can hear their voice - so we try to really empha size making reading and visiting the library part of your daily hab it,.” Kipfer stressed.
From this strategy came “Ex plore Play Learn”, a collection of “really easy, quick grab books that families can use knowing that they are not only great books to read out loud, but that they also help to support fundamental skills when it comes to developing early literacy,” Kipfer said.
Any type of reading is better than no reading. From riveting fictional dramas to graphic novels, any type of book that gets children reading in a world polluted with technology should be fostered.
This is the title for the WPL story
both early childhood, so 0 to 5 and for middle childhood - so 5 to 12. So, these are formalized strategies that we’ve come up with to create responsive and comprehensive programming and services and en gagement with the community and strategic relationships with other organizations to best support kids at these different ages and stages,” Kipfer explained.
“We have a strategy in place for
One of these strategies is the Early Literacy Strategy - an award-winning strategy “in place where our whole organization looks at serving families with young children and what the library should be doing.”
or supporting the library as a uni versity student? Luckily, there are many opportunities to get involved at the “We’veWPL.worked with sororities to actually do a lot of programs, special story times and things like that,” says Kipfer.
of things that we can try to do to pivot and accommodate puppy raisers,” she said.
To apply for raising a puppy and proceeding with ADS’s training program, go to their autismdogservices.cawebsite:tosubmit an application.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“We’veindustry.had lots of offers for donated puppies from credible breeders, and we’ve been very honoured and well supported by other service dog organizations,” sheAlthoughsaid. the influx of puppies donated to ADS is wonderful news, the demand for puppy raisers to help these dogs through their training programs has increased.
Additionally, after 12 to 18 months of training, puppy raisers are invited to participate in their dog’s graduation when the dog gets placed with a new family.
The socialization part of the training is a crucial part of the de velopment of an Autism Assistance Service
Autism Dog Services offers program for support dogs
“Our problem is, we’ve got pup pies, but we’re low on recruiting puppy raisers to get them started,” Spadino explained.
The graduation ceremony is a full circle moment between puppy raiser and dog through demon strating the impact the dog will have in their new placement—a
“Puppy raisers can look differ ent. They can get the puppy started for us and be a puppy starter, re quest an older dog, if that’s where their comfort level is—there’s lots
“Puppydog.raisers subject their puppy to loud noises, crowds, community festivals, grocery stores and restaurants. All of it is groom
“The puppy raiser gets invited to come back to graduation, to have that closure, and I tell you there’s never a dry eye in the room.” .
ing them to become a versatile, well equipped dog that’s going to support a child and a family with autism or other,” Spadoni said.
rewarding experience.
BARRY LEAD NEWS REPORTER
ADS is a volunteer run charity organization, aiming to provide independence and companion ship to children aged three to18 years old with autism, fetal-alcohol syndrome, down syndrome and related disorders through training and placing service dogs.
and after the dog was in the home for three hours was saying, ‘come doggy, come’—like not even just talking, but speaking sentences,” Spadino said.
8 • NEWS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
With the increased demand of puppy raisers, ADS has made their training program fit to accommo date all foster families.
COVID-19 proved to be a chal lenge for the socialization aspect of ADS’s training program, as foster families were not able to socialize their puppies in proper community settings due to lockdowns.
ADS’s goal is to recruit as many people as they can who are inter ested in fostering and training a puppy.“Weare quite concerned that we may have to turn puppies away from our program, and nobody is comfortable with that,” Spadino said.ADS is hoping that they will be able to recruit committed pup py raisers, to participate in this program.“Wehave had college students, university students, semi-retired volunteers, retired volunteers, and families with young children —everyone over the age of 16 is welcome to apply,” she said.
“It really affected us, not having the puppy raisers and dogs able to access community events when everything was closed,” Spadino said.Despite this setback, ADS has received support within the service dog
With the positive effect that au tism service dogs have on children with autism, ADS is looking for individuals or families who may be interested in raising a puppy that could make a difference in these children’s lives.
“We offer regular training classes in Hamilton, Cambridge and Guelph, and pay for all the big ticket items including the vet bills, crate, food, training equipment and public access jacket, so that the puppies can get socialized anywhere and everywhere when they’re young,” she explained.
“When the puppy raiser takes the dog to the family, and the public access jacket is put on, the puppy raisers are actually able to meet and see how the dog benefits that child and that entire family,” she
“Once my advanced dog trainer feels that the dog is ready to be placed, they consult with client services, and they pick a family on our waitlist that we feel is a good match,” Spadino said.
Thesaid.impact the autism assis tance service dogs have on the lives of children and their families is miraculous.“I’vegottestimonials where after the dog was placed in a home for three hours on a trial basis. The child was never verbal, never said ‘mama,’ never said ‘daddy,’
“I’m very, very proud and pas sionate of this organization,” Vicky Spadoni, executive director of ADS,Overexclaimed.thepastseveral years, Spadoni has worked alongside a dedicated team of volunteers to coordinate a flexible and accessi ble training program for anyone interested in raising a puppy.
ASHLEY
Autism Dog Services (ADS) is looking for foster families to house puppies, as the demand for autism assistance service dogs increases.
e rst objective is approached by way of donations to “humanitarian charities like Help Us Help, the Canada Ukraine Foundation,” and“We’remore.also looking for new Ukrainian charities that we can donate to [and] that we can partner with,” said Bezruchko.
“ ere’s a human factor to it and I think that’s something that you only see when you get more involved and you get more in contact,” Bezruchko said.
STUDENT ADVOCACY
“Laurier Helps Ukraine is essentially a group of students who are very passionate about what’s happening in Ukraine and who wanted to do the right thing, who wanted to help.”
COVID-19 fall update
So ya Bezruchko is a second-year psychology and criminology student at Wilfrid Laurier University. She was born in Ukraine and immigrated to Canada when she was 10 years old.
aid,promote student advocacy and raise awareness. In addition, the organization wishes to introduce students toUkrainian culture.
your voice, your media
To get involved with Laurier Helps Ukraine, Bezruchko suggests that students “come join our club. We’re always looking for new members … it’s just a matter of reaching out and saying ‘hey, I want to help’ and, believe me, we will nd work for you.”
e Laurier Helps Ukraine Instagram (@laurierhelpsukraine) is the best place for students to reach out if they want to get involved.
FILE PHOTO
COMEVOLUNTEERWITHUS
Bezruchko believes that part of this desensitization is from not seeing the undeniable human cost of the war.
Bezruchko noted that desensitization to the war is a barrier and especially troublesome for “the student body because it’s something that’s so serious, that’s so depressing … it’s di cult. It can impact people’s mental health.”
When Russia invaded Ukraine this past February, Ukrainian students like Bezruchko felt the impact personally.
Laurier Helps Ukraine provides support and awareness with crisis
NEWS • 9THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Bezruchko described one incident in which friends of hers, who had recently arrived from Ukraine, “started crying and having a really bad reaction to reworks. at’s a sign of BezruchkoPTSD.”will be president of the club until Sept. 6 this year, when she will become co-president alongside Elzbieta Morawska.
Helps Ukraine has three objectives: Raise humanitarian
PUBLIC HEALTH
“ e club formed pretty much right after [the invasion]. On the 28th of February, several people got together and said, “we need to do something.” We found each other and started knocking on doors within the Wilfrid Laurier administration and we formed the club,” Bezruchko, president of the club,Lauriersaid.
Laurier has taken steps to update their ventilation and ltration systems to ensure the health and safety of everyone on campus.
Wilfrid Laurier University has established updated COVID-19 guidelines for returning and new students, faculty and sta . E ective Sept. 8, face coverings are required in instructional spaces to limit the spread of COVID-19 in higher-capacity, close-proximity settings. Masks will be provided by the university at no cost.
“We now have to worry about things like rape and mass graves and people being buried in their front yard because there’s no time for a funeral,” Bezruchko said. Most of Bezruchko’s family lives in Ukraine, and she knew she had to do something when the war broke out. us spawned the advocacy group Laurier Helps Ukraine.
and the Ukrainian people are really a diverse and unique culture and ethnicity all on their own.”
e third objective – to raise awareness and introduce people to Ukrainian culture – is “something that’s going to be really important, really“Wevital.”want to introduce people to Ukrainian music, to Ukrainian cinema, to Ukrainian traditions and holidays and kind of make people understand that Ukraine
JAMES WINSLOW NEWS EDITOR
Although mask wearing will be optional in other areas of the university, there will still be a number of designated mask-only spaces for students who would prefer to wear a mask.eCOVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy remains paused, but Laurier members are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with boostersand students and sta are urged to regularly self-monitor for symptoms and avoid campus whenFurthermore,ill.
e club’s second objective – to promote student advocacy – includes helping “students from Ukraine who are now at risk of either being homeless or of being unable to continue their education. eir future and their career trajectories are completely jeopardized.”“Students[who] have arrived here and are looking for pathways to continue education, that’s what they’re looking for and that’s what they’re really nding di cult. I’m hoping that Laurier can ll that gap and I’m hoping that we can help Laurier ll that gap,” said Bezruchko.
An instructional space is any in-person indoor gathering where academic courses are being delivered. is includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, teaching laboratories, tests and exams.
10 • PHOTO SPREAD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 The top eight study spaces on the Wilfrid Laurier University campus WLU Library Arts Atrium The Turret Martin UniversityLutherCollege Empty Lecture Hall 24-Hour Lounge
PHOTO SPREAD • 11THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Solarium
Lazaridis Building
Beyond academics and resources for students, Luther o ers counselling and psychotherapy services.“We’ve worked with the Chap-lain Multifaith Committee at Laurier to meet the variety of spiritual needs of students,” Lund said.
She invites everyone to check out the building and attend the initiatives they host, while also looking into the history it holdsand its connections to Laurier’s inception.Laurierwas built up into an exceptional campus and Martin Luther University College remains a part of the campus.
1911 1955
welcome,” Lund said. The distro also welcomes donations from students who have the ability to help their fellow peers.
By 1924, liberal arts and teachers’ college programs were developed and the seminary became more of a traditional “school,” o ering undergraduate teaching. In 1955, a group of faculty started the University of Waterloo, demonstrating our shared history with the university down the street. In 1973, this campus o cially became Wilfrid Laurier University.Thereare
As you start your first year atLaurier (or as you return herefor another year), we hope that, much like Laurier itself, you can build youself up into something greater, one brick at a time.
Martin Luther University College becomes the name of the seminary to reflect the school and community we have become.
A Closer Look at Laurier's Past
Wilfrid Laurier University’s rich history can be traced back over 100 years ago, to 1911. The time-line above shows an overview of the establishment of Laurier.
This campus originally began as the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary of Canada in 1911 and had four students and one professor. The land was gi ed to the seminary by the Board of Trade in the Region of Waterloo and the school was opened by SouthernOntario Lutherans. This action was taken to form pastors for Lutheran congregations acrosseastern Canada.
“We hold a degree-granting ability in abeyance, and our students get Laurier degrees.”
They o er undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degree programs, including a Master of divinity, a bachelor of arts in Christian studies and global citizenship, and a graduate diploma in spiritual care and psychotherapy.“Luther would describe itself as a Lutheran host to a multifaith multicultural community,” Lundsaid.
pasta, beans, rice, laundry, soap, shampoo, and other household staples for students in need. Furthermore, they o er a lending library where international stu-dents can come and take basic household items, such as pots, bans, dishes, appliances, or bedding, to furnish their living areas. When they are done, they can bring back the items they borrowed to be cleaned and givento the next round of students. This saves students from buying temporary household appliances, as well as being a sustainable practice.“There are no questions asked when you’re near, students are
The Evangelical Lutheran opensSeminaryTheologicalofCanadainWaterloo.
Lund acknowledges that the building sits on the traditionalterritories of the Neutral, Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee Peoples, so when the Board of Trade in the Region of Waterloo gi ed it to the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary to begina school, it was not their land to give.
The seminary launches a Faculty of Arts for terlooeducationpost-secondarynamedWa-College.
Waterloo College is a liated with the University of Western, Ontario.
“
Editor-in-Chief Yasmeen Almomani dives deeper into the history and origins of Laurier’s Waterloo campus.
“
1913 19731924 20151925 2018
There are multifaith rooms with ablation stations, so the college has been used regularly in the past for Friday prayers.
“We have a very diverse student body. And we have diverse faculty and sta . And we work to create a welcoming space wherestudents can feel comfortable andTheywelcome.”havemany initiatives throughout the year, including a food distro in partnership with LSPRIG, where they o er fresh produce, dairy, cheese, eggs,
“[The building] is spacious, it’s bright, so a lot of students make use of the space for studying,”Lund said.
Waterloo Lutheran Seminary o cially begins operating as Martin Luther University College.
classes for students to take.
Through Luther’s continuous development from a seminary into a federated college with Laurier, they now o er programs and
The Luther building is decorated with art pieces along the walls and in the chapels, “Students are welcome to come by and have a look at the art, sit, view the art and take some quiet time to reflect on Beyondthings.”allofthe academics and initiatives at Luther, students can come to the building to hang out and study.
with Kristine Lund, the Principal-Dean of Martin Luther University College, the college continues operating as a campus space and resource for studentsand Laurier constituents.
As a part of Laurier, Luther is committed to teaching, research, reflection, and scholarship within the university. The sta and faculty aim to strengthen the community in a holistic way that values opinion and culture.
Seminary is named Evangelical Lutheran Seminary of Canada.
A group of faculty discussed opening a college for science and engineering programs. Waterloo University.nameUniversityLutheranadoptstheWilfridLaurier
The Delton Glebe Centre, which is an outgrowth of Laurier, has a wide range of therapists andstudents from the Laurier social work program who do clinical placements there. There is a wide range of services o ered by racially diverse, religiously diverse, multilingual therapists and counsellors. Luther also o ers pet therapy, with their ‘Chilling with Dogs’ initiative.
We have a very diverse student body. And we have diverse faculty and sta . And we work to create a welcoming space where students can feel comfortable and welcome.
“We make strong e orts towork for truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous Peoples inCanada,” she said.
o en claims that the name Wilfrid Laurier University(WLU) was chosen to mirror the acronym of the previous name, Waterloo Lutheran University(WLU), but they are unconfirmed.
On the Laurier campus, seminary property is still present atthe corner of Albert Street and Bricker Avenue and is now known as Martin Luther University College.Speaking
To style this item, a dark belt and solid-coloured sweater with dress shoes does the trick.
The look is yours to own- walk into fall in style with these trendy items!
SHOPPING
If any fashion item is a true clas sic, it’s the leather jacket. Dubbed “the epitome of cool” by Vogue, leather jackets are a striking item that attract attention while remain ingInclassy.particular, a vegan leath er jacket with an (also vegan) shearling-collar leather is an ideal choice for fall as the shearling pro vides warmth for the slight wind and chill. Besides, it adds dimen sion and comfort to the look.
14 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Arts
1. Wide-Leg Trousers
For example, a yellow plaid skirt with a solid-coloured top in cool or neutral tones is a casual and cute look.We can also make a bold state ment with a plaid yellow bodycon dress and a neutral pair of mary janes, combat boots, or heels.
& Life ARTS arts@thecord.caAMICHAIEDITORABRAHAM
Her look consisted of a bright yellow plaid jacket layered over a yellow sweater-vest and white top, along with a matching pleated skirt. To pull off the plaid trend, we can recreate her entire look or sim ply incorporate one of the pieces into a regular outfit.
If you prefer looser-fitting clothes, opt for a colourful over sized plaid jacket, which goes with any solid-coloured pants and sneakers in cool or neutral tones.
With sustainability being a pri ority for Laurier, Laurier students should also do their part in helping the effort to reduce the impacts of climate change. While it may feel like only shopping second hand is not enough, it is a sustainable action that is easy for individuals to pick up and maintain. In addi tion, with many students needing
thrift store - but shopping locally should be our top priority.
ThriftTok has it right—thrifting is the way of the future. Want to be ahead of the trends or not fall prey to them? Choose to thrift and find your own unique style - that is true sustainability.
ter all, the wide-leg trouser is a relaxed, breezy look perfect for the “in-between” fall weather that’s neither hot nor cold. The subtle patterns and solid colours that it comes in make for a polished look, while the baggy silhouette adds a fun flourish.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
FILE PHOTO
The best thrift shops in KW
With the re-emergence of ‘90s fashion, it’s only a matter of time before bright plaid makes a come
3. Bright Plaid
LIFESTYLE EDITOR CRYSTAL lifestyle@thecord.caXUE
A blazer completes the look by balancing the upper-body with the lower.This item is available at many Canadian retailers, such as Aritzia, Zara and H&M.
CRYSTAL XUE LIFESTYLE EDITOR
In the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, there are many locations where savvy and eco-conscious shoppers can find great thrift finds. Many are in close proximity to the university and feature accessible prices.Thefirst (likely known by many Laurier students) is Luster and Oak. Located in the heart of Downtown Waterloo at 2 King Street West, Luster and Oak will be a hit for any thrifters who love 90s/ early 2000s fashion. Also featuring an online shopping option, Luster and Oak is accessible - even if you’re not in Waterloo.
to pinch pennies in an increasingly expensive economy, thrifting is affordable.Inaddition, with many retailers on this list putting money back into local charities, thrifters can feel good about where their money is going - back into their communi
FASHION
In 2022, one of these trends is “ThriftTok” - a section of TikTok obsessed with finding the best eco conscious thrifting finds. A major supporter of shopping local and second-hand clothing, ThriftTok has had a massive positive impact on a global scale.
Next comes May Court Consign ment - located in Belmont Village in Kitchener at 714 Belmont Ave nue West, May Court has trending thrift options of 3 years of age or newer. Supporting local charities in the region, May Court is an essential store in Kitchener-Water
Harry Styles made waves in his Rolling Stone photoshoot, which featured the English singer-song writer and actor in wide-leg trousers. This isn’t Styles’ first time sporting the item- he commonly dazzles in the look - such as on his album cover for Fine Line, the release party for said album and onstage at Saturday Night Live. We get his love for this look-af
loo. In addition, all purchases at the shop are tax-free - what’s not to Forlove?those who frequent Down town Kitchener, Thrift on Kent can be found at 50 Kent Avenue. Featuring both clothing and other second hand items (such as books and furniture), Thrift on Kent has great appeal to students looking for affordable decor for their dorms. In addition, the shop is a non-prof it - all proceeds supporting the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).Lastbut not least is YW Thrift Boutique. Located at 102 King Street West, the boutique, while not a vendor of clothing, sells second hand and new accessories and shoes. Like others mentioned on this list, YW Thrift Boutique is making a large impact on the community.Anothercharitable retailer, 100% of the proceeds from the boutique goes to “programming for women, gender diverse people and girls in our community”. Like Luster and Oak, YW Thrift Boutique has an online shop making them accessi ble to all thrifters.
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
Keep in mind that bright plaid doesn’t have to mean yellow- pink, red, green or blue are all stylish choices. This look is available on Simons, Steve Madden and more.
2. Leather Jackets
Three fall trends for your wardrobe
Flattering with jeans, a solid-co loured top and platform boots, heels or dress shoes, the leather jacket is durable and complements a range of items. You can get your own at Free People, Etsy, Nord strom and more.
As Generation Z (and some Mil lennials) continue to adopt TikTok as their main form of social media, certain trends continue to become prolific on the app.
back. This trend was popularized by movies like Clueless (1995) where Cher Horowitz, portrayed by Alicia Silverstone, sported her iconic yellow set.
ty where it will help those in need. While big thrifting stores like Value Village promote that they also do charitable work, supporting local thrift stores helps consumers see actual changes in their community due to their shopping choices. Yes, there is a place for both kinds of
However when I see them thrown into a film for cheap laughs, and it comprises the majority of ‘jokes’ told..., it comes off as lazy.
ARTS & LIFE • 15THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 COMEDY
MATT MCKENNA ARTS CONTRIBUTOR
A couple of weeks back, I went to see the film Easter Sunday. I very quickly learned that this was a mis take. Easter Sunday is a ”comedy” film starring ”comedian” Jo Koy. Now perhaps due to how I phrased the prior sentence, it’s evident that I did not find this movie funny. Indeed, I did not. However, note that I did not say that the film objectively wasn’t funny, only that I didn’t think it was.
LOCAL ART
KAASHYAP PATEL/ MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
there was clear effort made with the jokes by taking vampire tropes and putting them in a realistic context. It expertly highlights the ridiculousness of said tropes, and through their clever use of moc kumentry filmmaking are able to show the audience how funny the tropes can actually be. In contrast, a common feature of (for lack of a better word) low-brow humor is a reliance on slapstick, gross-out humor, and referential humor. On their own, these comedic tech niques aren’t necessarily bad.
The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Waterloo Town Square. Check out their website at uptowngallerywaterloo.com.www.
About 8/10 of the comedies that I see I don’t find funny, or at least not funny enough. Myself and other cinema blowhards have lambasted the Adam Sandler com edies, the Jumanji remakes, and the Minions movies among many others. Critique them as we may; it doesn’t change the fact that these films gross hundreds of millions of dollars. Not only are people watch ing them, people are loving them. So the question must be asked, why do my snobby comrades and I revile these sorts of comedies?
The artwork featured in Rela tionship and Emotion was stun ning and thought-provoking.
Located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, the UpTown Gallery is currently featuring its newest exhi bition, Relationship and Emotion, until Sept. 18.
This exhibition features the works of Michael Manchoi Chow, Amy Stickney and Ida Tong. It showcases works of photography, paintings, mixed media, glass, botanical art, pottery, jewelry, felt
The pieces that initially grabbed my attention from the exhibition were that of Ida Tong, which seemed to explore the theme of humanity’s relationship with arti ficial intelligence and technology. In their own words, Ida’s greatest inspiration comes from “using art as a visual language to tell stories about our human experiences and evolution.”Theother exhibition pieces cap tured various emotions, especially through the chosen colours, style and mediums.
throughout its runtime. The deliv eries of jokes are always deadpan and dry. The film’s characters take themselves seriously despite the obviously absurd circumstances the film depicts. This juxtaposition makes it clear to the audience that they shouldn’t be taking the film seriously, thus making it easier for them to laugh. This isn’t to say that to be a successful comedy, the film
At 75 King St S in Waterloo Town Square, you’ll find a captivating art gallery only minutes away from Laurier’s Waterloo campus. UpTown Gallery began in 2006 and has been a local gem in Waterloo everThesince.Gallery made it their mis sion to “bring art to our communi ty and promote local artists.”
The UpTown Gallery chair, Jane Bayne, encourages everyone to hear from the artists face to facebut briefly described the featured artists to me:
and mosaic art.
AMICHAI ABRAHAM ARTS EDITOR
In this kind of conversation, it’s easy to lose track of the subjectivity of comedy. There is no right sense of humor and everyone will find different things funny. I may not have found Easter Sunday funny, but most of the audience seemed to love it. How could I say that they’re wrong for enjoying some thing which is completely subjec tive? I don’t try to dislike certain comedies, it’s just the reaction I
The audience I was with was cackling the whole time; you’d be forgiven for thinking that someone had thrown laughing gas into the theater. If the audience reaction is any indication, it would be fair to say that most people who see this movie would think it’s funny.
If most people find Easter Sunday funny, perhaps it’s me who’s got it wrong. Does one of us have to be getting it wrong?
away from the entertainment. In Airplane! It feels like the movie doesn’t care if you laugh or not. In something like 2019’s Jumanji, it feels like the movie is begging you to Therelaugh.is also the question of effort. There’s an easy way to make jokes and a hard way. One of my favourite comedies is What We Do in the Shadows (2014) in which
“In her conceptual but surre alistic paintings about evolution from the apes up to society’s brink of dependence on artificial intelli gence, she attempts to show how
With all of this being said, plenty of people will disagree with me. I’ve watched Airplane! and What We Do in the Shadows with many people who didn’t find them funny at all. Undoubtedly, what I consid er lower-brow humor has persisted and become exponentially more successful than films that I con sider humorous. Does this mean someone is wrong?
Not only does the UpTown Gallery feature diverse and pro fessional work, but they also offer an engaging setting with an artist present during open hours. They can often be seen creating their art in real-time, welcoming ques tions about their work and artistic journey.Whether you are an aspiring
“Amy Stickney is an abstract expressionist painter who works with mood and paint to direct the pieces she creates which are very textural and utilizes natural mate rials to achieve neutrally coloured abstracts. Ida Tong’s focus is using art as a visual language to tell sto ries about our human experiences and evolution,” she added.
“Upon my visit to Relationship and Emotion, I was greeted by Julie Krahule, an artist with UpTown Gallery. She was warm, welcoming, and passionate about the pieces on display,” Bayne said,
Of all genres, I believe that comedy is the toughest one to pull off. Making a comedy that people find funny and want to rewatch is a herculean task. This becomes especially difficult when comedy snobs like me enter the picture.
Amy Stickney’s process shines through her work, as she “paints with no set goal or image in mind but instead works with how mood and the paint direct her.” Michael Manchoi Chow was also interest ing in his use of landscapes and environment to vividly connect with “the artist-within-you in the viewer.”Although titled Relationship and Emotion, my experience of the exhibition seemed to reflect on our relationship with emotion, and what it is to be human.
Currently, the Gallery is present ing its newest exhibition, Rela tionship and Emotion, which runs from July 19 to Sept. 18.
To explain this, let’s use the example of one of the timeless classics; Airplane! (1980). Airplane! maintains a very specific tone
Is it right to laugh?
Relationship and Emotion at UpTown
artist, gallery viewing enthusiast, or simply looking to explore, the UpTown Gallery has something forForyou.the more artistically inclined among us or those who simply want to hone their skills, some artists collaborating with UpTown Gallery host workshops for the public.These workshops are generally available for all ages and skill sets, featuring a variety of mediums such as Adobe Photoshop, Light room and drawing. In addition, there are also workshops where patrons can learn how to make stained and fused glass.
must have a dry presentation, but finding ways not to take yourself too seriously is beneficial. Often when I’m watching something like Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), it feels like the jokes are being jammed down my throat by The Rock while he screams at me to laugh. It is very possible for com edies to take themselves too seri ously, and when they do, it takes
“Man Choi Chow, is a photog rapher who pushes the limits of exposure and materials to achieve an unusual emotional view of the landscape. His personal hope is to have the chance to interact with the viewer,” Bayne said.
have.Amore rational reaction would be for me to feel envious of the au dience members—–they were able to enjoy something that I could not. Those audience members certainly aren’t wrong or stupid for enjoying it, they’re are merely lucky, and I am therefore unlucky for disliking it. It’s kind of funny when you think about it.
we have the choice in shaping AI and how it can be used for the ad vancement of peace and serenity for the human race.”
From this data, researchers concluded that while computers are helpful to quickly record a lot of information, they don’t allow users to efficiently internalize the
Due to this continued rival ry between the two note taking methods, studies have been done around the world to answer the pressing question—which method statistically works better?
As university students across Can ada prepare to “hit the books” once more, an age-old debate is once again brought up—what method is more effective for note taking: writing by hand, or writing on a laptop?Both sides have staunch sup porters—while writing by hand can help with some students’ focus by not involving a screen, it isn’t as quick as typing is. Conversely, while typing is fast, some students feel that the information they are recording doesn’t “stick” in their brain as well.
information being written down. By slowing down the process of re cording information, taking notes by hand allows for proper internal ization of each topic.
Although another fire challenged the second pavilion in 2016, there was no serious damage.
If you’re a festive soul, you’ll be excited to learn that the Farmers’ Market becomes a Christmas market during the holiday season. Including goods of all kinds, the Christmas market has something to get everyone in the holiday spirit.Naturally, a cold Canadian Christmas market would be in complete without some warm food and hot chocolate found inside the pavilions!Butdon’t wait until the holidays to stop by St. Jacobs Farmers’ Mar ket, they’re open Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
FILE PHOTO
Therefore, a “more complex and stable memory link” is developed in the Whenbrain.taking into consideration the differentiation of informa tion given in the vast number of
Check online for more infor mation and pay a visit to our local Farmers’ Market.
15 minutes away from the hus tle and bustle of Waterloo is a charming market frozen in time. The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market will transport you into a different era – an era before food delivery and before you could buy food from a groceryLocatedstore.on the corner of King St N and Weber St N, just off highway 85, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market has something for everyone. Con taining over 250 vendors, you’ll find clothing, jewelry, hand-craft ed goods, artwork, and of course, fresh produce from local farmers. Popular items include farm-picked berries, fruits and freshly baked bread.Perhaps if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a horse-andbuggy. St. Jacobs is home to Cana da’s largest Old Order Mennonite population, who can often be seen transporting their goods to and from the market and traveling throughout the surrounding area. St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market traces its roots to 1952 and has been a regional treasure ever since. Op erating Thursdays and Saturdays year-round, the facility includes an outdoor market and two indoor pavilions. In a devastating blow to the community, one of the pavilions was destroyed in a fire in 2013. Fortunately, the heartbreak was mended after the pavilion was rebuilt just a few months later.
Of course, the rapid develop
16 • ARTS & LIFE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 WRITING
MATT MCKENNA ARTS CONTRIBUTER
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
FILE PHOTO
ment of new technology has led to the creation of tablets (mainly iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tab lets) that merge handwritten and electronic notes into one entity. These tablets allow students to have the handwritten “feel” while still having the added convenience of being able to include electronic resources (images, tables etc) in their
post-secondary academic pro grams, hand written notes or electronic notes may prove to be more effective.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Note-taking methods: writing versus typing
Across from the market sits the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall. Although not officially associated with the Farmers’ Market, the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall makes for a great addition to your outing, featuring items in clothing, shoes, and home décor. In a poetic contrast between tradition and modernity, the Farm ers’ Market and the Outlet Mall enhance one another, with both having become an integral part of the market scene.
According to a study done by the University of Cadiz, it was found that “handwriting students performed statistically significantly better than computer writing par ticipants” when it came to a “shortterm free recall task.” On the other hand, those using laptops scored “significantly higher results” on the recognition task.
And come out to their Harvest Hoedown Friday, Sept. 23. The evening is complete with country dancing, live music, an artisan market and more!
The Charming St. Jacob’s farmers market
visual “mind-mapping” to connect the links and similarities between lectures.Onthe other hand, those in math and science focused pro grams may find the convenience of electronic notes helpful as they may require detailed and intricate tables, graphs and diagrams in their lecture notes.
Fornotes.many, this is the perfect solution and the use of tablets in universities is newwinsbeenofportunityforsomeod,changingfeelyou—noisultimateicaltionlatterconveniencechallengekeepaddition,alternativeUnfortunately,widespread.thisisacostlyfortakingnotes.Inhavingtoremembertothetabletchargedcanbeaforthosewhoenjoytheofanotebook-therequiringnofurtherpreparathanbeingtossedinabag.Whetheryou’reanavidphysorelectronicnotetaker,thesolutiontowhichmethodbetterisdowntotheindividualmatterhowmanystatisticsread,onemethodwillalwaysmore“right.”However,ifyou’reconsideringyournotetakingmethtryusingelectronicnotesforclassesandphysicalnotesothers.Bydoingthis,youhavetheoptounlockdifferentlevelscognitionthatyoumayhavenotabletoreachbefore.Thechoiceisyoursastowhothisbattle—oldschool,ortech?
For example, those in the arts who contend with abstract con cepts and theories may benefit from hand written notes as the content given often requires a lot of complex internalization. Further, they may choose to do physical
The Cord: Are there any specific resources you’d advise students struggling with mental health to access, either on or off campus?
The Cord: How do you find poor mental health manifesting itself?
Julie: There are a couple of reasons why [the Student Wellness Center] are expecting an increase. One is heightened anticipatory anxiety; people are already worried about what will happen in the future. We’ve been put into this position where there is more un certainty than usual. One positive
ARTS & LIFE • 17THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Julie: Everybody is going to be stressed stress can be good stress or bad stress. The No.1 thing we can do is recognize and accept that and take the steps we are com fortable taking in finding ways to cope with that. Don’t ever feel that you’re alone or that it’s not valid. There are always going to be sup ports on campus, you’re not alone, you should ask for help.
The Cord: How has COVID affected mental health?
Julie: Feeling of [being] out of control is one big one, but some of the other little red flags are chang es in sleep, changes in eating, and changing in how you interact with your friends. We’re in a time now where being social in person might be overwhelming but if you find that you’re not checking in with your friends, even via social media as you normally would, or if you’re not getting back to people, that’s sometimes a warning sign that maybe you’re feeling over whelmed. You might need to stop and check in. I find that reading week is a great test because on the medical side of things, we begin getting over our sore throats and flus. In my opinion, [aliments] combined with poor mental health and poor self-care, we reach the point where we are no longer getting small red flags but rather big red flags telling us that we need to take a break… It’s important to
Julie: I’m an advocate for at least some level of routine. Not only does routine allow you to make sure that you’re investing in self-care, investing in your sleep, but it’s also really great because it gives you early warning signal if that thinks aren’t as great as they should be.
This upcoming fall may end up being the most challenging term in recent memory. While Laurier returned to in-person learning during the final half of last year’s winter term, many will be return ing this fall after years of online lectures.Formany, this will be their first time attending lectures. With the return to in-person learning comes the added stress of living away from home and being in a lecture hall with classmates—an anxi ety-inducing situation for many. We sat down and talked with Julie Gamble, a mental health nurse at the Student Wellness Centre at Laurier Waterloo, about the stress that returning/incoming students face, how COVID-19 affected mental health, and some possible amenities and advice that students struggling with mental health should consider.
that’s come out of the isolation is that people are now more com fortable reaching out and access ing resources; it’s become less stigmatized… we now have both an increased need and a decreased stigma.
The Cord: Do you have any advice or tips to maintain positive mental health?
The Cord: Do you expect more students to access Laurier’s mental health resources this upcoming year due to the circumstances?
watch your physical health and to take it seriously when people that are close to you are concerned.
Don’t be unprepared.caught sign up for the wlusp newsletter for updates & info.
Julie: From what I’ve seen, it’s really challenged our ability to cope with stress. We all know there are usual stressors, but [COVID] was a lot of intense stress, a lot of intense change… Although I very much feel that everyone has been doing their best, it does take a toll on long-term mental health… Everybody is in that boat where we’re all at a point of recovering; I think we’re at a point of recovery for sure.
The Cord: Do you think Laurier should be taking additional steps towards supporting mental health?
Julie: I think things are currently in the works, both formally and informally. [Laurier has] programs and supports in place. We have workshops like ‘Ride the Wave’ that are trying to look at the social aspects that might not be what they used to be before everyone was isolated. We also have that kind of self-care coping under our radar… [additionally] professors are now aware of that adjustment; they’re validating to students that [mental health and transitioning back to in-person] is a challenge… I’m hoping that more and more, I’ll get feedback that the programs and professors are just taking into mind that this is an adjustment, and any
It’s valid: A talk with a mental health nurse
Julie: There are lots of resourc es, the number one thing I want people to know is that it’s totally valid. Often I find that people think [their situation] is not ‘bad’ enough or they might end up gas lighting themselves thinking that their struggles aren’t real. Having
AMICHAI ABRAHAM ARTS EDITOR
adjustment and change takes time.
connections in the community like Delton Glebe and Kids Help Phone and all those places, there’s no wrong pathway. If you’re coming in, and you have a concern, it’s a valid concern and weather you come to our councilors, me, an academic advisor or your par ent’s EAP provider, that you are supported and validated in your concerns... Any door is the right door.
KASH PATEL/MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
The Cord: Do you have any final message for incoming/returning students about mental health?
INTIMIDATED (FEAT. H.E.R) // KAYTRANADA, H.E.R
BAD HABIT // STEVE LACY
GIRL ON FIRE // ALICIA KEYS
SOFTCORE // THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD // TEARS FOR FEARS
GOODIE BAG // STILL WOOZY
AS IT WAS // HARRY STYLES
BROKEN CLOCKS // SZA
IT WAS A GOOD DAY // ICE CUBE
SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE // MUSE
LESS THAN ZERO // THE WEEKND
HELL N BACK // BAKAR
BULLET PROOF SOUL // SADE
RED BONE // CHILDISH GAMBINO
FAMILY TIES (WITH KENDRICK LAMAR) // BABY KEEP, KENDRICK LAMAR
THE
PERFECT MIX FOR THE START OF CLASSES
PINK + WHITE // FRANK OCEAN
PLAYLISTBACK-TO-CAMPUS
MOVIN’ OUT (ANTHONY’S SONG) // BILLY JOEL
SILK CHIFFON // MUNA, PHOEBE BRIDGERS
TEK IT // CAFUNÉ
I WANNA BE YOURS // ARCTIC MONKEYS
HOLD ON, WE’RE GOING HOME // DRAKE, MAJID JORDAN
18 • GAMES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
DREAMIN OF THE PAST // PUSHA T, KANYE WEST
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THE CORD IS PUBLISHED BY WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 205 REGINA ST. N., WATERLOO WLUSP ADMINISTRATION BOARD CHAIRDIRECTORSOF Abigail Heckbert VICE-CHAIR Jacob Rice DIRECTOR Rosalind Horne DIRECTOR Emily Crump DIRECTOR Jack Vrolyk TREASURER Kash Patel SECRETARY Grace Corriero
DIRECTOREXECUTIVE Kurtis ed@wlusp.comRideout
CRYSTAL XUE ARTS EDITOR
MANAGERFINANCE
Honestly, I’m an overachiever. I like to accomplish a lot and I like to be proud of myself but there’s only so much I can do at once and no matter how phenomenal my plan ning, organizing, and time-man agement skills are, there are only 24 hours in a day. It has taken me a while to learn that no matter how good I am at doing things, it does not mean I can take them all on at
Editorial: How I survived my first year of university
When I graduated high school, I’d already been mentally checked out of the place for months. My heart was in the future and I looked ahead at Laurier starry eyed, my mouth watering. I had no idea what I was in for.
get into three of the most useful lessons that I learned during my first year at Laurier.
When I have way too much to accomplish at once, it usually goes like this: I pace around in circles, I give myself a quick pep talk, I sit down and “grind” it all out. And then I feel absolutely no relief when everythng is done perfectly since I’m too burnt out to even think about feeling relaxed or joyful.There;s
parenting yourself. I need to force myself to attend class, eat healthy, clean my room and save money. The same goes with deciding on a study schedule, because nobody else is going to do these things for me. As it turns out, humans need structure, and when it’s not offered to us, we can create it for ourselves.
Editors Note: Taking on too much
Don’t get me wrong- I love Lau rier and enjoyed parts of my first year, but it was also an experience that forced me to confront difficult truths about myself. In doing so, I was able to grow.
People work better in a team and even if you are independent, strong and resilient, it’s nice to have support every once in a while. I personally hate to see my loved ones in any form of stress and would feel much better if I can take it from their plate, even if it fills up mine.Secondly, it’s okay to miss deadlines or need an extension every once in a while - it is not the end of the world. We are all human and if you communicate with those around you, it’ll most likely work out. You deserve to not always have stress hanging over your head.
“I’m so lucky we all lived through who we were to become who we are.” - Neil Hilborn.
I can’t count the amount of 20 page research papers, hour long
also the alternative, I pace around in circles, I give my self a quick pep talk, I sit down and try my absolute best, I don’t finish what I have to because there is lit erally not enough time (regardless of all the planning and preparing I do), and then I still feel no relief since it did not get finished. Both ways offer me nothing.
PRESIDENT Abigail president@wlusp.comHeckbert
The freedom of living on your own is one of the biggest changes awaiting first years- the ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want. I was thrilled about this, but it quickly became clear to me that always doing as I wish isn’t sustainable- just ask my bank account.Myfirst semester at Laurier, I spent an absurdly large amount of money- whether it was on Door dash, Uber or going out. My diet was so unhealthy, the campus food court servers actually knew me as “the girl who always orders cake”. Since I hate cleaning, my dorm was messy enough to prevent me from ever turning my camera on in Zoom. I juggled a nocturnal schedule, social media addiction and serial procrastination habit.
At the time, I wasn’t used to liv ing without my parents’ rules. I’ve now found that in a way, university (and adult life in general) is about
1. Self-control is more than just a Frank Ocean song.
If you are like me and you take on more than you are physically capable of, here is my advice to you (and to myself): Firstly, let people around you help and support you.
I got through my four years of undergrad with this same process over and over and I did pretty well. By the time I got to my fourth year, I had piled on a full course load of hard courses, two part-time jobs, volunteering on the side, and maintaining every close relation ship since I make sure to dedicate time for the people I love (even if I’m under so much stress I’m internally melting).
Now entering my third year, I’m much more confident- in myself, my decisions and the people in my life. I’ve finally found the peace that previously, I’d only ever dreamt of having. I’ve created a present that I enjoy living in instead of fantasizing about the future.Toavoid sounding even more like a cheesy quote in a Pinterest mom’s home, I’ll quit rambling and
Randy comrandy@rcmbrooks.Moore
YASMEEN ALMOMANI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
presentations, eight hour shifts, that I did at the same time.
To read more, head over to thecord.ca.
My first year was derailed by COVID-19 lockdowns, with every thing online and no roommates or guests allowed in residence. While I lavishly had a double dorm to myself, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t incredibly and undeniably lonely.
It took a long time to find the routine that works for me. I had to create one that isn’t overly rigid and makes room for fun, but is still balanced. Depending on our habits and personality, the ideal routine varies. Good routines have one thing in common though, which is that they’re achievable and sustainable for you.
Aaron ads@wlusp.comHagey
HR MANAGER Emily hr@wlusp.comWaitson
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 Editorial OPINION EDITOR opinion@thecord.caVACANT • 20 EDITORIAL CARTOON
KASH PATEL/MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
MANAGERADVERTISING
As someone who always piles too much on my plate with false reassurances of, “You can do it,” I’m used to being overwhelmed andWhetheroverworked.it’sschool, work, overcommitting to my social life, or offering to help when I know I can’t afford to, I always tend to chew more than I can swallow and it usually (always) comes back to screw me over. Even still, I contin ue to do it.
once.Even if it always (usually) works out in the end and I deliver what I promised, or I accomplish what I wanted to, it does not mean it was worth all the pressure and suffer ing that I put on myself.
2. Stay connected with people who love you.
And hey if you do the same as me and overwork yourself to finish everything to the point of no relief, at least when a job you’re inter viewing for asks you to “name a time you were under pressure,” you have a whole bank of scenarios to choose from.
Because burnout is such a frequent occurrence, students get the message that it’s merely a part of the productivity of life and we need to handle it ourselves. It’s never acknowledged that being a “productive” human being doesn’t necessitate constantly collapsing under stress or having to deal with our challenges alone.
In fact, burnout is not viewed as something to be fixed, but is instead twisted into something to strive for. Being overstressed is often equated with hard work and success.Onthe other hand, having little to no stress means there is something wrong with us, that we are not being productive workers turning the gears of capitalism. The glamourization of burnout feeds into the fear of not being burnt out.
We believe the worst will happen if we don’t submit to our full duties in our careers or social lives. The fear of missing out (or FOMO, as it is commonly known) is often what keeps many from leaving an otherwise draining situation. But what would happen if we did miss out?
and got involved - years later, it is the best decision I have made since starting at Laurier.
change.Thatis,
In addition, technological development has allowed for us to continue our studies - just in an online format. While not ideal, we should feel grateful for not having to put a pause on our degrees.
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
in Staylife.Golden, Golden Hawks. I, for one, am rooting for you!
NATASHA SHANTZ OPINION INTERN
How often do we find ourselves torn between getting work done, hanging out with friends and tak ing time to ourselves to recharge?
However, as a near-graduate, I feel that I should try one game out (especially as someone who’s never been to a football game in the first place!)
It is in our hands to make our remaining time at university mem orable - I plan to do the best that I can by being an active member of “university culture.”
social acceptance of “unproduc tivity”.Take academic institutions for instance: Even at schools fortunate enough to possess mental health resources, students hesitate to use such tools as accessing therapy or any form of counselling to treat burnout is seen as excessive.
For others, it may be getting involved with student initiatives. Whatever it may be - these are
It isn’t too late for your own “life altering” moment at universityeven in your final year, the course of how you view your program can
In reality, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. We might lose a few points from our friends and co-workers. In the long run, our lives would be the same- save for a healthier mindset. The challenge is achieving that healthier mindset in the first place, and the largest ob stacle is the stigma around seeking help and taking time for ourselves. Being able to decline social invitations and work pressures on one’s own is a courageous step, but there is a larger support system needed to consistently make such choices. Not only do the relevant mental health resources need to be accessible, but such a transfor mation also necessitates a general
As someone who isn’t a harcore fan of football, I had chosen to skip homecoming in my first year due to lack of interest (sorry).
This kind of burnout can be come intense in contexts where the lines between work life and social life are blurred. Many students, including myself, understand the challenges of balancing school and friendships. While those of us in school may often have the moti vation to take on such challenges and participate in both social and
Going into my final full year of university, I re fuse to let thoughts of what could have been get in my way.
Bronte Behling, Managing Editor
Of course, there are large yearly events that any WLU student must attend at least once - such as homecoming. This year, home coming will take place in Waterloo from September 22 to 25th and October 22nd for those on the Brantford campus.
At this point, useful mental health resources for anxiety, stress and burnout are not so common place as being unstigmatized.
Currently, the standard is going to break us.
We know that this over produc tive, capitalist view of the world is not sustainable nor realistic. However, it has become an un spoken rule. It’s not our own fault, we’ve simply been conditioned in a society that values time and money over all else.
Like many others, the majority of my university career was spent in bed on Zoom calls - while no one could have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, it is easy to feel resentful of not being able to have the proper “university expe rience.”Going into my final full year of university, I refuse to let thoughts of what could have been get in my way.Can’t change the past, right?
overall, the way you can make the most out of your final year - coming away from Laurier with a deeper sense of self and inner purpose.
A cry for help: burnout culture and you
Enjoying fourth year
We know first-hand how harmful burnout is, yet we continue to cope with it instead of finding alterna tive ways of living. Without un derstanding the consequences of glorifying burnout, we, as students, can easily become overwhelmed with stress when starting a new school year.
opportunities that will create life time memories.
As a film student, prior to the pandemic I had been lost on where in particular I wanted to utilize my degree.Thanks to the switch to an online format, I rediscovered The Cord
This stress doesn’t merely come from overwork, but from over socialization too, both of which are taught to be natural and desirable aspects of life.
These are all important parts of life , yet the persuasiveness of our
working activities, it is also very easy to forget about our real needs in the process.
essential for one’s wellbeing.
The world runs on a tight sched ule that doesn’t fit us. At the sup posed peak of our civilization as a human society, we find ourselves constantly pushed to points of extreme stress without ever taking truly beneficial breaks.
However, there is no way to truly encapsulate the university experience.Theso-called “university expe rience” is unique - after all, this is the time to try new things. While I don’t regret my university expe rience thus far, sometimes I do wonder about the opportunities I may have been able to experience had the COVID-19 pandemic not happened.Itisimportant to remind your self that this line of thinking isn’t productive.Whileyou may have missed out on the physical experience of going to Laurier, you are one of a select group of people that has
This guilt around seeking help and taking breaks is intense in most settings, and prevents us from taking care of ourselves. So, not only do mental health resourc es need to be available and acces sible to everyone, but they must be seen as socially acceptable and
• 21THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 Opinion OPINION EDITOR opinion@thecord.caVACANT
This will look different for every one. For some, it may be joining a sorority or taking the time to go to more club events.
While not without challeng es, learning in an online format allowed for each of us to address where we might have needed more focus in our chosen area of study.
What can be done easily to combat burnout occurs on an im mensely personal level. It involves self-awareness and self-respect alongside a willingness to stray from the norm and defy common beliefs.Ofcourse we aren’t going to stop working entirely. But by following our own principles when it comes to burnout, we also create a new standard for those around us.
work environment and social pres sure trivialize time off and simplify the meaning of self-care. The term is boiled down to images of hot baths, smoothies and candles. In reality, it is not acknowledged enough that taking a bath won’t fix serious burnout.
the “I attended university during a worldwide pandemic” card to play.
But to be able to penetrate past the tight-looming bounds of burn out, we have to realize that there is always a choice between society’s values and our own. To preserve our mental health, we need to start choosing ourselves.
YASMEEN ALMOMANI/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
22 • OPINION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Let’s rejoice! Cringe culture is dead
In your 20s? Liking Hello Kitty can be cute since you still have aesthetic appeal physically, as ordained by society’s hyperfocus on being young. Over the age of 30? Boom. you’re a part of “cringe culture”.Ata“serious” adult age, you shouldn’t have a want to feel joy or enjoyment in anything. It’s easy to forget that age really is just a number - whether you’re 17 or 45, you should be able to enjoy what you love without the fear of being judged.Areyou a “Disney Adult”? Own it. Do you collect My Little Ponies or fit into the “Brony” community? Cool, I want to know all about it.
Ironically, looking back now, I recognize that I was just like ev eryone else who actively browsed TumblrToday,regularly.I’vegrown and matured enough to recognize that there’s no such thing as “on trend” or “cool”. If you’re comfortable in your style and the things you like, you auto matically fit under the “cool” label. Based on this, by my logic, the overused term “cringe culture” is also dead. What exactly constitutes the use of “cringe culture” as a descriptor in 2022? The main one, as many people who are on the internet will know, is centered on
Even worse, the level of judg ment you receive will differ based on how old you are (yes, even among adults).
Especially toy collectors or any one who likes anything made by Disney (except for Marvel and Star Wars it Influencedseems).by the patriarchy since the media assumes these properties are predominantly en joyed by men? Most definitely.
For those that like to throw around “cringe culture” to shame others, this proves to be a problem. This puts the problem back onto them.What benefit do you get from making fun of someone for liking something? Thus, the cycle is broken. You’re free to like what you want and you have the perfect comeback for anyone who might question you. If only it was that easy.
anything that an adult enjoys that is “supposed to be for children.”
Is it hurting anyone? No. Therein lies the problem: Adults enjoying things that are “cringe” (anything that doesn’t fit into the category of “serious and worldly”) doesn’t
enjoy content geared towards children?Howcould an adult, who pays taxes, possibly deserve to find a source of comfort and escapism in an increasingly difficult world to live in? So what if adults enjoy the content that the Walt Disney Company puts out?
At the time, it meant being “on trend” with fashion trends (anything from the Bethany Mota Aeropostale line), taking a photo of your pumpkin spice latte for Ins tagram and blasting Taylor Swift’s 1989 while applying her signature red lipstick shade (“Dragon Girl” byOfNARS).course, there was a time pe riod during my high school years where I actively tried to go against so-called “cool” culture - I wore a black leather jacket, dark purple lipstick and would solely listen to Panic! At The Disco.
Unfortunately, the reality of “cringe culture” runs deeperyou’ll encounter it everywhere.
Life's too short to worry about being “cringe”. I know it’s cheesy, stereotypical advice.
But it's more “cringe” to hide the things you like in favor of living a miserable existence of societally enforced adult misery.
“Cringe culture” is dead. Long live the era of accepting your for mer and present love of fanfiction andAfter“SuperWhoLock”.all,who’sgoing to stop you?
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actually hurt anyone.
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
These so-called “Disney Adults” are the perfect example of “cringe culture” for many. After all, how could any self-respecting adult
When I was in high school, I was aware of (on a subconscious level) what made someone cool.
Interested in registering for In tramurals or Interuniversity Sport Open Tryouts? Fall 2022 tickets can be purchased now on the Laurier Recreation website for the posted fee.New and returning Golden Hawks can begin or return to using the Athletic Complex as normal in the Fall 2022 term, hours ranging from 6am to 11pm Monday-Friday and weekends from 8am to 8pm.
Looking to take a group class? The Athletic Complex features dance and group exercise classes for any fitness level.
Recreation website.
Sports SPORTS EDITOR sports@thecord.caVACANT THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
With plan packages ranging from $74 to $682, there is an appropriate option for any student.
Active Golden Hawks can find many ways to stay active at Lauri er’s on-campus Athletic Complex this upcoming year.
For those who need more guidance on how to make the most out of the fitness center, personal training packages are available to purchase through the Laurier
Fall 2022 athletic complex services
KASH PATEL/ MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
All dates and dance class descriptions can be found on the Laurier Recreation website under “shop”.Notinterested in dance? Group exercise classes can be purchased for $97. Classes vary by term, and
the Fall 2022 free trial period is running from September 12 - 18.
As a free trial period, this week is the perfect opportunity to try out the range of the classes available.
CAMPUS SERVICES
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Those looking to join a dance class will enjoy trying out the wide slate of dance programs available from September 12 - 16.
In addition to these free services, students have the ability to pay a fee in order to make use of the climbing wall, towel service, lock service and day use equipment service rental.
After the trial period, you must purchase the appropriate ticket for your dance class/group workout class in order to continue.
Welcome back, Golden Hawks.
Women’s only hours take place Monday to Friday from 7am to 9 am and 4pm to 6pm.
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
At no additional cost to their On eCard, both part-time and full-time students have access to the Fitness Center and lane swim. Further, stu dents can reserve a squash court, studio or multi purpose room with in the Athletic Complex.
The season kicks off on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m., with the Golden Hawks facing off against the Western Mus tangs in the first home opener.
Lions.Next, the Hawks will return to Waterloo for homecoming - play ing the Ottawa Gee Gees on Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.
After the titular homecom ing game, the Hawks will travel to Windsor to play the Windsor Lancers on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. before taking part in the famed “Battle of Waterloo” game against the Water loo Warriors at the Warriors’ home turf on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
exciting football game of the year, the “Battle of Waterloo” requires all Golden Hawks to show their support.Wrapping up the fall season, the Hawks will conclude with hosting the Guelph Gryphons on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. before playing Queen’s Gaels at 1 p.m. on Oct. 22.
It’s that time of the year again where we all move back to school and catch up with our roommates, friends and colleagues about how our summers were. Maybe you’re moving into a new house or apart ment off campus. Or maybe you’re starting out here at Laurier living in residence.Whether you’re a first-year student who knows absolutely nothing about Laurier, or a fourthyear about to start your final year, there’s an air of excitement in the air that can be associated with the start of a new football season here at ThisLaurier.year, there is a lot to cheer for as the Golden Hawks try to soar above the competition and com pete to take the championship.
Make a plan to attend a game this season—all information about this year’s football season can be found through Laurier Athler ics online on their website aspx.https://laurierathletics.com/index.at
“Wewell.”got a stable of running backs that can add to our rushing totals every week,” Faulds said on the entire offensive staff coming in this season. In coaches’ words, “We don’t rebuild, we reload.”
to surpass his best football skills later on in the season.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 202224 • SPORTS SPORTS INTERVIEW
Make sure to wear your Laurier swag on this day—as the most
Michael Faulds, Head Coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks Foot ball team
BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR
It was tough to have a culture during the COVID years. Being accountable and looking out for each other is the philosophy now in person.
“Everything is surrounded by Taylor. Around him we have re turning veteran receivers like Nick Peterman but we’re also looking for EJ Jordan or Tyriq Quayson to really step up. Our offensive line is one of the biggest that I’ve had in my time at Laurier, so I think we’ll be a lot better to run the football as
“He feels that he has a lot of playmakers so he knows he doesn’t have to do too much, instead be a great facilitator as he is.”
Players like Ife Onyemenam can lead this defense after a promising sophomore season. He recorded 20 solo tackles and had one sack.
talent coming into the program this year. For starters, Faulds has appointed Sophomore Quarter Back Taylor Elgersma to replace Conner Curasello.
“With our defense we are never rebuilding. We always have guys chomping and ready for the opportunity. We are going to be super solid, super-fast—lineback ers with incredible speed. It will be a dangerous group and one of the most dangerous groups in the conference for sure.”
football, liked by both players and coaches, and also the most hard-working player on the team,” FauldsElgersmasaid. seems to bring the en ergy and fire that this team needs
“The expectation is that we get better every week. When we were in the Yates cup in 2016-17, we were truly playing our best football at the end of the season. We want to constantly improve throughout the season. You see some teams peaking in week two or seven. We gotta be at our best in late October earlyHisNovember.”philosophy makes sense when looking at former champi ons. For example, the Super Bowl Champions, the LA Rams, this pre vious season were arguably playing their best Alternatively,football.take a look at the 2019 NBA Champs, the Toronto Raptors. They finished the regular season not ranked as the highest team amongst the NBA and fin ishing second in their conference. They then went into the Eastern Conference Finals without home court advantage and still moved on to win the whole thing. When you have a healthy team at the end of the season who have experi ence under their belt, they know inherently how to win the champi onship.Thisteam is fueled with young
“He went out and earned the keys to the starting role from us. He is a great leader, passionate about
Coach faulds’ 2022 football outlook
said.“We’re
“It was tough to have a culture during the COVID years. Being accountable and looking out for each other is the philosophy now in person. We have team captains but we have a leadership group of 10-15 players. They are eyes and ears from the coaching staff to the
KASHYAP PATEL/ MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
not only here to coach and win football games—he’s someone who builds a strong relationship and connection with each player out on the roster. He is the person who leads the charge of shaping a community that Laurier athletics strives for.
doing this because we want to be the best version of our selves and win football games. We are always meeting to get the lock er room feels and so we can stay ahead of issues that might arise.” This strategy shows how com munication is key between players and coaches here at Laurier. Faulds is trying to encourage a welcom ing culture where players can express what they think should be changed. In addition, he encourag
Ready to cheer on your Golden Hawk Team to victory?
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hundred players on the team. I ask them to not be afraid to call people out and lead by example,” Faulds,
Michael Faulds, Head Coach of the Laurier Golden FootballHawksteam
Michael Faulds, head coach of the football team, said.
ETHAN CAPLAN LEAD SPORTS REPORTER
With eight games scheduled overall for the OUA season—foot ball has made a triumphant and long-awaited return to Laurier. In addition, it remains a must-see event for every university student.
OUA 2022 football schedule
Defensively,spirit.
es them to analyze what they could do better in certain aspects of the game. This is something that is led by Faulds to increase morale and team
The expectation is that we get better every week. When we were in the Yates cup in 2016-17, we were truly playing our best football at the end of the season. We want to constantly improve throughout the season.
this team has a lot of veteran leadership accompanied by new team players. The depar tures of the cornerbacks may look disappointing on paper, but it’s next man up for the Golden Hawks.
From there, the Hawks will go to Varsity Stadium to play the Varsity Blues on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. before traveling to York Stadium to face off once again against the York
This will prove to be an exciting matchup as the Hawks look for glo ry during homecoming weekend.
Coach Faulds is someone who brings a community spirit to Laurier.Heis
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
“It was great to have a training camp in August this year, since we haven’t had one since 2019. This year, with less restrictions with a full OUA schedule, both players and coaches seem to be excited.”
There is plenty of depth in both running backs and wide receiv ers that will always be ready to perform at their best when their number is called.