Issue 6 - October 23, 2013

sputnik

the

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 - Issue 6 // www.thesputnik.ca

News

2

On Campus

4

Features

6

A&E

8

Sports

10

Opinion

12

Partnership with Laurier likely page 3

Homecoming 2013 page 5

Brantford’s Walk of Fame page 3

Laurier Brantford’s long distance relationships page 7

Canadian spotlight: Brantford Symphony Orchestra page 9

2

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

3

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

NEWS

Nathanael Lewis // news@thesputnik.ca | @Sputnik_News

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Layla Bozich eic@thesputnik.ca ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Rohith Sothilingam rohith@wlusp.com (519) 756-8228 ext. 5948 PHOTO EDITOR Cody Hoffman photography@thesputnik.ca ART EDITOR Rebecca Duce visual@thesputnik.ca WEB EDITOR Sylvia Hernandez-Rassavong web@thesputnik.ca COPY EDITORS Kyrsten Lowell Jessica Lalonde SECTION EDITORS Nathanael Lewis, News Oren Weiner, On Campus Dillon Giancola, Features Amber Richardson, A&E Kyle Morrison, Sports Cody Groat, Opinion

CONTRIBUTORS Brittany Bennett Taylor Berzins Stevan Bodrozic Jaclyn Brown Anthony Fusco Brian Holland Chris Pimentel Priscilla Popp Kristen Rodgers Ali Saghari Swathy Sooriyakumar Aldo Zhang

WLUSP BRANTFORD 202-171 Colborne St. N3T 2C9 (519) 756-8228 ext.5948 MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Jessica Lalonde manager@thesputnik.ca

MP Phil McColeman gives Mayor Chris Friel a certificate recognizing his efforts in establishing the Walk of Fame. (Photo by Cody Hoffman)

Brantford holds Walk of Fame grand opening Taylor Berzins Staff Saturday marked the city’s long anticipated dedication ceremony for Brantford’s newest monument, the local Walk of Fame.

The Walk of Fame showcases 26 local honourees from Brantford, Six Nations and Brant County. The inductees range in a variety of diverse backgrounds, from athletes, writers, philanthropists and inventors to artists, scientists, actors and doctors.

“Not many people in Brantford knew that Phil Hartman was born here…no one knew that we had an eight time world carving champion, no one knew that we had the brains behind Degrassi, and it was time to celebrate and brag,” said Brant MPP Dave Levac.

Many Walk of Fame inductees were present for the ceremony, and family members gathered to represent others.

“When I came here to see this monument for the first time I thought about the lives and

contributions made by those we honour here today. I also thought about those who will take their rightful place here in the years to come,” said Jean Anderson, widow of Walk of Fame inductee Arnold Anderson.

The monument was designed around the theme of the Grand River; the concrete and glass structure includes a water pattern to channel the concept of the flow of time and the lives that have shaped the Brant community.

“Yes indeed, there’s something in the water,” said Levac while speaking on the number of great people who have come from the Brantford area.

The monument is the third piece of public art unveiled by the city this year, and commemorates a project 17 years in the making.

“We started this so many years ago, because it was about drawing people into the downtown,” said Brantford Mayor Chris Friel.

City councilors opted to re-design the Armories Gore Park in order to display the monument, which is now located at the intersections of Brant Avenue, Dalhousie and Colborne Streets. City officials hope the monument will attract more people to the downtown core, and provide a space of inspiration and pride for the community.

The monument and its surrounding waterwise garden are now open to the public. The Walk of Fame was specially designed to be practical for all seasons; its elevated plaques provide revelers the opportunity to explore the monument even during bouts of heavy snow.

“When you cumulatively see it here today on these walls and the future great ones to come out of this community you really realize what a special community we have here in Brant,” said MP Phil McColeman.

tape should be added for better night visibility.

“Weather conditions should also be taken into account the night of Halloween – parents should make sure that their children are dressed according to the weather,” states Crime Prevention Officer, Laura Collier.

Parents should plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with welllit streets. Collier continues, “Parents should teach children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them.” Children should also have phone num-

bers and their home address on them.

The Brantford Police Service would like to remind everyone that alcohol should only be consumed by persons who are over nineteen years old and should be done in moderation.

Alcohol and driving should never be mixed, and if you plan to drink, have a way to get home safely without driving.

“During this time of year, police will see an increase in mischief investigations. Even though it may seem like harmless Devil’s night or Halloween fun, vandalism is a crime,” said Officer Collier.

Brantford Police share Halloween safety tips Swathy Sooriyakumar Staff

WLUSP OFFICE 205 Regina Street Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5 PRESIDENT Allison Leonard (519) 884-0710 ext.3565 allison.leonard@wlusp.com ADVERTISING Angela Taylor (519)884-0710 ext. 3560 angela.taylor@wlusp.com

The Sputnik is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns. For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ontpress.com or call 416-340-1981.

The Sputnik is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo. Contact Allison Leonard - WLUSP, 205 Regina Street The Sputnik is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) Opinions expressed in The Sputnik are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Editorial staff, The Sputnik, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc.

FRONT PAGE PHOTO CREDITS: Main: Ali Saghari Left: Cody Hoffman Centre: Aldo Zhang Right: Amber Richardson

A gentle breeze rustles as the sun sets; creatures begin lurking in the dark under a pale moonlight. Not a single light can be seen, with the exception of a few flickering jack-olanterns. That’s when everyone knows it’s that time of year again: Halloween.

Today, Halloween mostly consists of trickor-treating, carving pumpkins, haunted houses, and dressing up in costumes. With this eventful Canadian culture, a lot of safety precautions need to be kept in mind.

When choosing costumes for children, parents should pick bright, flame retardant costumes. For all outfits worn at night, reflective

Ontario to unite children and the outdoors Swathy Sooriyakumar Staff The Ontario government encourages kids to get outside and be active with the new Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter. Ontario is the first province in Canada to develop an outdoor charter for children and youth.

Survey results found that 70 per cent of young Canadians spend an hour or less a day outdoors. Promoting children and their families to connect with nature and live a healthy life, The Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter features a passport for kids to encourage participation.

The passport highlights 12 outdoor activities that Ontario children and their families can take advantage of and enjoy: follow a trail explore a park harvest something to eat swim in a lake paddle a canoe play in the snow build an outdoor fort visit a farm

camp under the stars go fishing observe plants and wildlife create an outdoor adventure “Childhood is a time to play and explore.

The Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter reinforces the importance of children being outside to discover the wonders of nature. When we encourage a child to take part in outdoor activities, we help develop healthy habits and a lifetime of appreciation for Ontario’s biodiversity,” said David Orazietti, Minister of Natural Resources.

A 2011 University of Essex study shows that participating in outdoor activities improves children’s mental health, increases physical activity and boosts self esteem. Children report feeling happier, more energetic and having a more positive outlook on their school, home and social lives.

There are many Government of Ontario programs to help children and their families complete the 12 character activities, includ-

ing Learn to Camp, Family Fishing Weekends, and the Ontario Trail Network, which features many accessible trails.

“Far too many of our youth have become disconnected from the very life support system that sustains them: our biodiversity. Why would we protect or care about that which we do not understand. The Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter seeks to unleash a lifelong fascination in the life that surrounds them and to install a passion to protect what sustains them,” said Steve Hounsell, Chair, Ontario Biodiversity Council.

More information about the new Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter can be found at Childrensoutdoorcharter.ca, where you can also look into each activity and download the activity passport for children to check off as each activity is completed. The charter can be downloaded, as well as posters to help promote the new initiative.

4

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

CENTENNIAL TOWERS

Walk Laur to Bran ier tford Cam pus

Situated in the heart of downtown Brantford, Centennial Towers is the perfect place to call home.

Within minutes from Laurier Brantford Campus, the Farmers’ market, libraries, OLG Casino, biking and hiking trails, shopping, restaurants and more. !"#$%&$'()*+,"+-.-%/ !"0,1+*"2,%$.3),& " /*4"5"4,&-3"2$$4 !""61-44-%/"7$$+ !""832&,%"),2239, !""#$%)2$++,&"399,(("+$::* !"";3+9$%-,( !""<,)"=2-,%&+*

One, two and three bedroom suites from

$

950

Grey

Colborne

129 WELLINGTON STREET & 150 DARLING STREET

888.795.9272

Call today to book your viewing

timbercreekcommunities.com

Clarence

Darling

Wayne Gretzky

Wellington

5

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

ON CAMPUS

Oren Weiner // oncampus@thesputnik.ca | @sputnikoncampus

Sabrina Ruffolo

Laurier students cheer on the Golden Hawks at the Homecoming hockey game. (Photo by Ali Saghari)

Laurier Brantford students celebrate another homecoming Brian Holland Staff

Rain or shine, homecoming was going to be alive this weekend at Laurier Brantford. Despite the ominous weather, students were up and lively. The day started early, with students filling the streets and backyards ready to celebrate the campus’ homecoming.

Students were all around campus Saturday. There was no shortage of purple and gold on the streets, with people hopping from one place to the next looking to party. After pre-partying with smaller groups of friends, many students went to 118 George Street for the biggest party of homecoming. The George Street Blueprint party proved to be a popular meeting spot, with over 500 students attending.

For a once-a-year event, days like Saturday start earlier than most. Students and alumni were invited to the Blueprint party at noon. Attendees showed up from all over in groups, quickly filling the party. By mid-afternoon, students filled two backyards.

Everyone mingled, while a live band and DJ provided music for the party.

Rain was light, but steady throughout the day. At four o’clock, crowds

left into the pouring rain for the hockey game between the Laurier varsity team and the University of Windsor.

Students draped themselves in purple and gold to show their support for the home team. The Golden Hawks came up short, however, losing four to two to the visiting Lancers. The crowd was still energetic despite the loss. Laurier Brantford’s captain of the men’s extramural team, Dave Howe, was in atten-

dance.

“The atmosphere was great to be a part of, with everyone at the school watching,” commented Howe, adding that he personally enjoyed the event.

After the hockey game, some returned back home, while other night owls kept going. Exhausted after a long day, many would have to call it quits early. There were after-parties going on for the midnight tokers, but not

Opening ceremonies at Laurier Brantford’s Homecoming. (Photo by Christina Manocchio)

everyone could catch the party train.

Kim Squires, a residence don, was on duty Saturday, walking around campus. In her experience, she found that this year’s homecoming was clearly more lively.

“Campus in general was much busier this year. People were everywhere walking around,” Squires said.

With a smaller-than-average campus, the school came together in a close-knit fashion. However, the small student body, as Squires feels, might actually be for the better.

“People are friendly here. They just want everyone to have a good time,” said Squires of the nature of the smaller campus.

Facebook was filled with people loading photos from the day before.

Everyone seemed to be having a good time, which is typically the norm with events like homecoming. It was a time where participants were happy to let loose, have fun, and celebrate being a Golden Hawk. Laurier Brantford hopes to continue a run of successful homecoming events in the coming years.

Laurier begins construction for a new digital resources library Oren Weiner On Campus Editor

This past week, Laurier’s Brantford campus took a minor intermediate step towards the ultimate goal of having an independent library. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, construction began for Laurier’s digital library and a student learning commons in Grand River Hall’s basement.

“I think it will mean better services for students,” said Brian Rosborough, Laurier Brantford’s Senior Executive Officer. “We worked with Student Union leadership to determine what is the right approach to addressing the concerns of the students, and we believe that creating a dedicated space in GRH will serve them better.”

Laurier’s library space is currently situated in the basement of Brantford’s Public Library, located beside Grand

River Hall, and remains the primary means for students to find academic resources. According to Laurier Brantford librarian, Irene Tencinger, construction of a new digital library is another step toward developing an independent university library, something many students have expressed is a dire need in years past.

“This is an intermediate step, or an interim library space, until we can get a library and learning commons that has been outlined in the Brantford campus master plan,” said Tencinger of the library situation.

As it stands, Laurier Brantford’s hardcopy physical resources collection will remain at the Brantford Public Library space, along with the online resources computer stations. In addi-

Matt Mente

tion to the online resources stations at the current Laurier library space, there will be more created for the new digital library. To facilitate any assistance that students might need, the university’s librarians will also be moving from the main floor of GRH to the basement, where the digital library will be.

The process was unofficially started when the university’s librarians were moved from the Brantford Public Library to new offices in GRH. With these alterations, Laurier hopes to establish an academic literature resource centre that is actually within the confines of the school’s campus buildings.

“By creating an additional library space in GRH, we’ll be able to situate the librarians there,” Rosborough said.

“I think it will mean better services for

students.”

Tencinger, similarly, believes that this reallocation of librarians should improve access to them. Access to librarians is something that has been problematic due to the separation of the librarians from the online resources that students often need help with.

Construction, having begun on the Wednesday, is expected to be completed by December and in full use by January.

On the greater nature of this project, Brian Rosborough commented, “Our long-term goal is to have a university library that will support growth on the campus, and provide students with state-of-the-art university library services.”

6

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

FEATURES Dillon Giancola // features@thesputnik.ca | @sputnikfeatures

What in the world are the Brantford Foundations?

Stevan Bodrozic Staff

The 2013/2014 school year marks the first year of the new core curriculum at Laurier Brantford, called the Brantford Foundations. In previous years, all students had to complete a mandatory number of Contemporary Studies courses that made up a core program and a general Contemporary Studies major. These courses include: Social and Political Thought, The World in the 21st Century, Applied Scientific Reasoning and Contemporary Studies Methodologies.

These required courses have been replaced by four new courses that aim to provide research and critical thinking skills. The four new courses are: Modernity and the Contemporary World, Modernity: Critique and Resistance, Academic Literacy: Social Sciences and Academic Literacy: Humanities.

Dr. Charles Wells was instrumental in the creation of the Brantford Foundations. He and the rest of the faculty at Laurier Brantford are united in their belief that the Brantford Foundations support the learning goals of all the programs on campus and set students up for the ability to learn and achieve in the classroom and beyond.

“The Brantford Foundations aim to equip Brantford students with a core set of knowledge and skills that will give them an advantage as students, in the job market and in being engaged responsible citizens in the 21st century”, says Wells. “While every university program aims to provide its students with the knowledge and skills appropriate to its particular discipline, the Brantford Foundations are built on the idea that these core competencies are useful across all disciplines and in all walks of life.”

Just like the former core Contemporary Studies General Major curriculum, the new Brantford Foundations aim to equip students with the necessary skills to excel at the university level, primarily in the study of liberal arts. We are not the first school to adopt a core curriculum, as world-renowned universities like Columbia University and the University of Chicago have pioneered core curriculums and successfully shown that they do indeed have a place in undergraduate studies.

“Brantford Foundations takes its cues from some of the most prestigious scholarly traditions in North America,” says Wells.

These core curriculums could take

up to four years to complete in some cases, but the Brantford Foundations can be done in a much shorter time.

There are still many students, both first years and upper year students, who hold differing views on having a core curriculum.

“The classes seem cool and I think it’s important to understand how to think critically and learn research skills, but looking at the course calendar, there are very similar courses in second and third year,” says first year Tracy Hang.

“I’d rather get a grasp of the material in my major first.”

“I think a core curriculum like the Brantford Foundations is a good way of making sure that all students have a similar skill set that they can use towards school and their jobs later on,” says fourth year student David LeeBocus. “There are a lot of students who come in first year without the skills they need to do well.”

Fourth year student Stefanie Garner agrees, saying “a core curriculum definitely has its benefits, but the challenge is to make each course complement the others, and I didn’t really find that with the Contemporary Studies courses that we had to take.”

“I like how the Brantford Foundations blends ancient and modern thought together and teaches me about people of the past that still have influence today,” says first year Fahad Kashmiri. “Critical thinking plays such a big role, and I think every student can benefit from that.”

While the Brantford Foundations have similar goals to the core Contemporary Studies program, it will not appear on a student’s transcript. The ten mandatory courses, including the four that the Brantford Foundations replaced, make up a general degree that appears alongside the students’ Honours degree. So, for example, a first year student in Criminology would leave with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a general degree in Contemporary Studies. Incoming students instead have 3.0 credits, or 6 classes that they can use freely.

Garner is one of many upper year students who feel that they could have benefited by taking 10 more courses towards their chosen major. It will only impact first year students in undergraduate studies, but there are numerous students who would still like the chance to take more relevant courses.

Four years is a short time, and it seems the choice must be made between electives and a core curriculum, and for

The Brantford Foundations come to Laurier Brantford. (Art by Rebecca Duce)

Laurier Brantford, the core curriculum is crucial to the success of students.

Although it may not show up on a student’s transcript, the knowledge and skill set they build in the four Brantford Foundations courses will aid them long after their four years here, whether it is in postgraduate studies or in the professional world. The same can also be said for the General Contemporary Studies program.

Although some students may not see the results right away or may not agree with the Brantford Foundations, they will surely see the benefit of learning critical thinking and research skills later on in life. When the announcement first came out last school year, many upper year students voiced their frustrations at having invested so much time and effort in classes that could have been related to their chosen studies. “I see the benefit in it, but it would have been better to have less classes so you can actually focus on what you are go-

ing to school for,” she says.

Whether or not the Brantford Foundations curriculum actually provides a benefit is really up to the student, as they are the ones in control of their academic success. Many students understand the benefits of providing foundational academic skills early on in. Maybe you won’t see a benefit to it, or maybe you won’t ever agree with a core curriculum like the Brantford Foundations, but a big part of education is forming the ability to think critically about a topic and thinking outside of your own perspective or opinion.

“The aim of this focus is to expose students to a wide range of approaches that their discipline might not usually include”, Wells says, “This will give Brantford graduates the ability to make connections, raise questions and suggest conclusions in innovative, complex and unexpected ways that graduates from other universities and campuses cannot.”

7

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

FEATURES Dillon Giancola // features@thesputnik.ca | @sputnikfeatures

Laurier Students’ long distance relationships: Held together by technology?

Longing for an actual human touch. (Photo by Aldo Zhang)

Brittany Bennett Staff Does this generation ask too much of their partners? Long distance relationships used to rely on letters and the few affordable phones calls. Now technology has given the world the opportunity to electronically see their partners from anywhere, talk to their partners at any time, and share their relationships with all their friends. But still, long distance relationships aren’t working out, and partners need more. Four out of eight random Laurier students interviewed lacked success in their long distance relationships, but why?

First year student Kaitlyn Wighton explains that long distance relationships are not something that all couples can do, speaking from experience. She smiles as she remembers, “I did value the time I got to spend with him more,” but changes expression when she tells of how she found him cheating. Wighton explains that her and her partner lacked communication, which she thinks is key to a successful long distance relationship. She admits this could have been because they did not use any social media to contact each other, only texting and calling. Supporting long distance relationships, third year student Bryanna Roberts says, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Roberts has been in a long distance relationship since she first started at Laurier in 2011, and at that time was already three years into her relationship. Although she admits it is a lot easier to get into petty fights by taking out your daily frustrations on each other, her honest smile supports her explanation that she would not change a thing. Roberts contacts her partner through texts, calls and Skype.

She believes long distance relationships are something all couples should try to truly

realize the effect it can have in good and bad ways, ultimately bringing the partners closer together if it is meant to be.

First year student Dana Tennmiller has a different opinion. She would not recommend any couple to put themselves through a long distance relationship, and she has only been a part of one for a month and a half. Tennmiller describes her experiences as “a definite transition”; it was a very different change from seeing her partner every day at school to only one or two times a month. Tennmiller and her partner now send each other letters and packages, text and call daily and Skype, but she still admits “At the end of the day all you really want is the person to be next to you.” She feels that one really has to find their partner worth the struggle, and both partners need to motivate each other equally to have a successful long distance relationship.

Third year student Alyson Weisler speaks of the many positive aspects to long distance relationships. “Instead of being so dependent on Johnny [her partner], it’s made me an independent person on the same level,” Weisler proudly tells. She talks of long distance relationships as something exciting. Weisler counts down the days to see her partner, and finds their time together to be much more special when they do meet. Her and her partner text, Skype, call and send each other pictures to stay in contact. She explains that there are never dull conversations, there is always something new to talk about.

Some of the necessary qualities to succeed in a long distance relationship are told by first year student Rachel Runstedler.

Runstedler has recently separated from a year-long, out-of-the-country long distance relationship. She explains, “If you’re not determined it will never work.” Runstedler says the big problem her partner had lacked

was respect. She stresses that it takes a lot of extra effort to make time to talk to your long distant partner and each one should privilege and respect that effort without expecting more. Runstedler and her partner contacted each other through a cell phone app that let them text without long distance charges, called on her eight-hundred number at home, and Skyped. She admits the one plus to separating with a long distance partner is the easiness of getting over them; they are not in your face to keep reminding you of the heartbreak.

Two first year students, Kathleen Binder and Lucas Berthault, both agree that it is common for people to not take their long distance relationships seriously. Friends have either pressured them into cheating, or tried to make a move themselves! They feel because their partner is not there, people do not see the boundaries of being in a relationship. Binder explains this is where the trust factor has to come in; couples should tell their partner of situations like this and how they reacted in order for their partner to trust they can handle that pressure without them there. Both students use the same word, “maturity”. They explain that the partners have to be mature in order to be able to fully trust one another.

Berthault has recently separated from his long distance partner that lives in Brazil. He explains that jealousy was a common thing to fight over and tells that for a successful long distance relationship, “You have to trust the person 100 % with your heart, because that’s what you’re giving the person.” They stayed together on and off for about three years, but it was actually a different reason that ended it for good: priorities. Berthault’s partner wanted to hear from him just as much as if she were there in person, not considering his new responsibilities of schoolwork. Berthault’s

shoulders slowly droop as he explains that long distance relationships result in many sacrifices, ones which his partner did not want to make. Communication was made through texts, Skype, Facebook and iphone apps, but he just did not have the time between school and sports to be talking with his partner constantly.

A similar situation happened with third year student Dran Ngo, also dealing with an out-of-the-country long distance relationship. Ngo and his partner not only used technologies such as texting, Skype and facetime, but also sent each other postcards, which Ngo describes as feeling more heartfelt. One of his favourite parts of their relationship was spending hours on Skype laughing and talking. His partner would even pretend to kiss the camera as if they were together, resulting in a glory of smiles on Ngo’s side. Sadly, priorities took over and they realized they just didn’t have the time for each other between their busy schedules. Ngo doesn’t believe their relationship would have lasted as long if it weren’t for technologies and social media.

All eight of the Laurier students interviewed agree that their time spent with their partner was cherished much more than it would be with a normal relationship. Each of the unsuccessful relationships mention the major issue of priorities, and most mentioned an issue with trust. All eight students agree that their relationship has or does rely heavily on technologies and/or social media. Would long distance relationships be as common and successful without technology and social media?

How did the generations of the past do it? We can only wait and see how society evolves.

8

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

A&E Amber Richardson // arts@thesputnik.ca | @sputnikarts

Who will you see this Halloween?

Kristen Rodgers Staff

Halloween is quickly approaching and people are on the search for the perfect Halloween costume. Who will you see trick or treating this Halloween?

tucked into a pair of tighty whities. This look can be completed with messy hair, eye glasses, socks, and suede shoes.

Despicable Me 2 Minions

Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke After Miley Cyrus’s shocking VMA performance of her hit single We Can’t Stop, the world has yet to stop buzzing about her new style. The one piece bear costume Miley wore throughout her performance along with the famous foam finger is sure to be seen this Halloween.

This look can be completed with a funky hair style of double top knots and red lipstick. In addition, during Robin Thicke’s memorable VMA performance of Blurred Lines, Thicke was dressed like the character Beetlejuice. This look can be created with a black and white striped suit, aviator sunglasses, slicked back hair, and a gold necklace.

Duck Dynasty It is going to be a duck nation this Halloween. The last season of the television show Duck Dynasty shattered records due to the shows increasing popularity. To dress up like a member of the Robertson family think ‘redneck chic’. Beards, bandanas, and camouflage are what this family is all about.

“Everybody wants a minion costume, that’s a big one,” Marcia Lucier, an employee from Brantford’s Halloween costume shop Spirit said. Would you not agree that the minions are adorable? The minion costume is popular for people of all ages. The costume can simply be created with a pair of jean overalls, a yellow shirt, and a pair of goggles.

1920s characters from The Great Gatsby

People are going to be time travelling back to the roaring twenties Halloween night. Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby have inspired elegant Halloween costumes. The Daisy Buchanan look can be recreated with a sequence dress, pearl necklaces, and a feathered headband. In addition, makeup should include smoky eyes and cherry lips along with a bob styled wig or a low bun for a twenties hairstyle. Jay Gatsby on the other hand can be created with a three-piece peak tuxedo, a white pocket square, a black bow tie, and black leather shoes.

Hunger Games Characters

Walter White The Breaking Bad series finale aired at the end of September and it did not leave fans disappointed. Walter White is likely to make an appearance this Halloween.

The chemist will be wearing a yellow hazmat suit, a gas mask, and eye glasses OR a green button up long sleeve shirt

May the odds be ever in your favour on Halloween night. Hunger Games fans have been patiently waiting for the release of the Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire.

Hunger Games has interesting characters, one of the favourites being Katniss Everdeen. Katniss’ most recognizable outfit from the games can be recreated

with a pair of cargo pants, a black V-neck t-shirt, leather boots, and a black jacket.

Her hairstyle consists of a braid off to the side. In addition, accessories can include an orange knapsack, a bow and arrow (fake of course), and a golden pin along with a low side braid.

Babies Prince George and North West It has been a year of babies in the entertainment industry. The birth of Prince George was one of the most anticipated births this year. A royal baby costume will insist of tiaras, bibs, and soothers. Moreover, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian had a baby girl dubbed North West. Do you want to be North West for Halloween? Dress up in cotton luxury pink pajamas, a pink beanie, and pink shoes with a pacifier. Another option is simply a compass.

consisted of traditional costumes such as witches, vampires, zombies, vixens, and princesses.

It is no surprise Miley Cyrus is one of the most predicted Halloween costumes of 2013. Girls seem to be buying very provocative Halloween costumes this year. Over the past couple of years, Miley’s style has changed dramatically compared to her Hannah Montana days.

She is transitioning from an innocent girl to a woman who is not afraid to act sexy on stage.

Keep an eye out for these Halloween costumes this year, and let us see how accurate these predictions are.

Superheroes With movies like Iron Man and Man of Steel: Superman coming out this year, it is no surprise that super heroes are one of most predicted costumes of 2013.

According to Lucier, superhero costumes are a popular choice at Spirit.

This year, the predicted Halloween costumes seem to be directed towards the entertainment industry opposed to the traditional Halloween costumes: vampires, witches, and ghosts. Last year, according to the LA Times, the most popular Halloween costumes

New hit on Lifetime: Witches of East End

Halloween bunnies.

(Art by Rebecca Duce)

Priscilla Popp Staff

Unfortunately for all the goblinloving, ghost hunting, and potion brewing people in the world, Halloween only comes once a year. Before we have a chance to say “BOO”, our pretend witch’s brooms are being putting away, decorations are being brought down, and the sweet taste of candy corn is only a distant memory. For those of you prone to experiencing post-Halloween withdrawal, I have some wicked news for you. There’s a new, enchanting, magical, and mysterious show airing on Lifetime Canada, and Halloween is every Sunday

night at 10.

Two sisters, one secret, and a lot of drama. These are the words that can be used to describe Witches of East End, a show that brings whole new meaning to the word suspense. Lead by an all-star cast including Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Rachel Boston, the series centers around two sisters, Freya and Ingrid (DewanTatum, Boston), who – unbeknownst to them – are the next generation of family witches. After the sisters are told of their incredible powers, mysterious events begin plaguing them in their small North

Laurier Brantford MUSICIANS!

Hampton town. Both realize quickly that everything they once knew has changed forever and that the future has more surprises in store for them than either could have imagined.

Watch Witches of East End anytime you need a break from reality and a spooky plot line.

Just don’t get too comfortable.

What you need to know: Who: For fans of shows like Charmed, Smallville, and Supernatural What: Witches of East End, a new show

based on a novel in a series of books by Melissa de la Cruz Where: Lifetime Canada When: Every Sunday at 10 p.m.

Why: Watching a show that’s filled with mystery is a nice break from studying.

Getting caught up in drama-filled story lines can be a nice break from reality (like you forgetting to study for that exam worth half your grade) How: By grabbing the remote (you’re roommate has to give it up sometime)

applications due

by Wednesday, October 30th.

9

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

A&E

Amber Richardson // arts@thesputnik.ca | @sputnikarts

with Amber Richardson

Brantford Symphony Orchestra. (Photo by Amber Richardson)

with Amber Richardson Brantford Symphony Orchestra has intermittently been a part of Brantford’s music scene since 1919. After a few times disbanding, Brantford Symphony Orchestra has been up and running strong since 1953.

They have three more shows left this year, including Christmas Bells A-Ringing! on December 7th, Some Enchanted Evening on March 8th, and Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” on April 6th. The best part is, thanks to funding from the City of Brantford, Laurier Brantford students can buy a season’s pass to see the concert for $3.50. That’s less than a pumpkin spice latte. So go ahead, get cultured.

How many concerts do the Brantford Symphony Orchestra hold each year?

What is in your repertoire?

Denis Rondeau (Double Bass): There are four concerts, and sometimes an additional concert. There’s a mixture of things, there’s the traditional classic repertoire, and then with Amber Richardson there’s the pop series. We got Grand River Chorus, which is a choir in Brantford (a very good one, I might add), and we’re doing a nice American songbook - a jazz concert with them.

When did you start with the Brantford Symphony Orchestra? How did you get involved?

Emma Morrison (Violin): This is my first concert. I always came to these concerts when I was little, with my family. Last year I played the BSO as a soloist, and after I played that, I found out that they were holding auditions and I prepared and auditioned and found out that I got a place, so that was awesome.

Denis Rondeau: One day I met an elderly gentleman who was playing a white bass in Victoria Park. I was quite intrigued by this instrument, so I went up to talk to him afterwards, and he said, “Well if you really want to learn this thing, you can come over.

I offer lessons on Saturday morning at the

: Brantford Symphony Orchestra Saturday String school.” So after a few sessions he said, “You really ought to come out and play for the symphony. One thing led to another, and that’s what brought me here about 32 years ago.

Ron Royer (Cello): I’ve been here around 10 years now... I got involved through my wife. The Brantford symphony has been a really important part of her life, so when we got married, I got involved too. I was lucky enough, it turned out there was a concert and someone backed out at the last minute, and they knew I played cello so they called me up and asked me if I’d like to play, and I’ve been playing ever since.

Do you have to get into a particular mindset to play certain tunes? Some compositions convey different emotions, how do you capture that?

Emma Morrison: Yeah, it’s important to know what was going on when the composition was written. In the youth orchestra that I’m in, we’re playing Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony, and before we rehearse it, the conductor likes to talk about how important it is. He talks about what Shostakovich went through and how it was written at the end of 20 years of struggle, so I think that once you know the background of the piece, and once you can really understand and connect with what the composer was going through, you can deliver a more effective performance.

Ron Royer: Yes! You do. You’re like an actor, you have to get into character. So you have to really think about what the composer wants, and you have to recreate emotions. And the great thing about the orchestra is that it’s capable of any emotion possible. No other musical ensemble has the flexibility of a symphony orchestra.

An important part of your education is understanding the differences between each composer, their style, the meaning of each pice. It’s all part of your preparation.

A lot of it comes from the conductor, cause

every interpretation is a little bit different and everyone works together to [achieve] his vision for the orchestra.

piece written for Brantford Symphony and my wife was one of the great thrills of my life.

Julia McGraw (Violin): I think it’s kind of like acting. You really have to think about it when you’re playing.

Wren Canzoneri (Violin): I run a business called Tour Music Entertainment, where I contract musicians - string and jazz bands, for special events.

Denis Rondeau: You have to look at the composer and what they had in mind, because it’s all about interpretation. For example, if you were playing romantic music, you would tend to use a lot more vibrato and put a lot more motion into it so you’re working through the phrases, and it’s not so strict on the beat sometimes.

Whereas if you’re playing Bach or Vivaldi, it’s really regimented right on the beat. So you’ve got to think about the composer and what they had in mind.

What do Brantford Symphony Orchestra musicians do with their spare time? Do you have other jobs?

Denis Rondeau: Spare time, what is that?

I’m have a mix of things that I do. I’ve played rugby for 30 years, and quite often I’m involved in teaching. I teach music for the blind here in Brantford, at the W. Ross. McDonald school, and I have a family. So essentially between the sports and the music, it keeps me pretty busy.

Immersing myself in culture is a thing too.

I play double bass; The instrument lends itself to different cultures, so I’m involved in celtic bands, bluegrass bands, country, and blues. I immerse myself in that culture ‘cause that’s the best way to learn that kind of music.

Ron Royer: I also teach at the University of Toronto schools in Toronto and love doing that. I think it’s important to share your passion with young people. And besides playing cello, I also compose.

A few years ago, for my wife’s 30th anniversary playing with the orchestra, they commissioned me to write a concerto for clarinet and orchestra. And to have this

What are the main challenges you face being a part of the Brantford Symphony Orchestra?

Ron Royer: We all come from different cities around Southern Ontario, and we have to put together a concert in one rehearsal. We have a really dedicated group of musicians, they’re amazing. Putting together a concert in one rehearsal is really challenging, but we do it. We do it with a lot of passion and enthusiasm.

Julia McGraw: There’s so many dedicated people, and we have to get the performance ready with one rehearsal. You have to be very prepared, you have to practice and be very dedicated Wren Canzoneri: It’s trying to support an orchestra the best we can. All other orchestras like this are having trouble raising funds to keep the thing going. In the 60s, 70s, 80s, there was a lot of federal money. There were standards that said, “If you prove you can fill the hall, we’ll give you money.” Now it doesn’t even matter if you’ve filled the hall, the federal government still wont give you money.

And they turn around and say, “Well you’ve filled the hall, you ought be able to get people to give you money.” So it’s just to keep these institutions going because they are just disappearing due to a lack of money. I don’t know how Ontario will ever maintain a freelance base of professional musicians because there just isn’t enough work anymore. The federal government, the provincial government, and town governments need to give more money.

And, frankly, they need to give a damn.

To twerk, or not to twerk Jaclyn Brown Staff To twerk, or not to twerk – that is the question. You’ve seen her limp tongue hanging from those crimson glossed lips and the image of her dry humping a foam finger in latex lingerie is probably burned into your skull. She took us all by surprise and has left us wondering how you can reveal so much of yourself in such a short amount of time.

My heart goes out to that steaming hot mess. I vividly remember singing “Best of Both Worlds” into my glittery pink hairbrush as I ran around in the morning getting ready for school. I was even that girl who bought the Hannah Montana wig for Halloween. I’ve locked those memories within the naïve bliss of childhood and I think its safe to say that old Miley has taken a permanent vacation. Her photoshoot

with Terry Richardson certainly affirmed this notion.

The explicit photos with famous celeb photographer, Terry Richardson, feature Miley sucking everything from ice cream cones to mirrors, fingers to Arizona Iced Tea cans. Clearly this girl missed the life lesson we all learned from the classic PSA “Don’t You Put it in Your Mouth”. You may be pondering the question, what pose would truly accentuate sucking inanimate objects? Well folks, I’m pleased to tell you that a self-inflicted camel-toe goes with a sucked finger like peanut butter goes with jelly. The explicit photos show Miley pulling the bottom of her red bodysuit just enough to gracefully outline her prized lady parts. Don’t forget that this fashion season, nipples are the new black! The photoshoot

reached its climax as her nipples made their print debut exposed beneath a tight white blouse.

Last time I checked, the ability to give your self a camel-toe didn’t make the list of cool party tricks.

All I’m implying is that I’ve never turned on the news to see gruesome story about how a bra ruthlessly murdered its wearer. Maybe she gets a different news stream than us. However, breaking free from a past where she was framed as America’s sweetheart must entail an unimaginable crisis of identity and selfimage. I just think it’s a fair request that while doing it you wear clothes.

When it comes to artists like Lady Gaga who has been simultaneously criticized for naked photos and provocative

performances, she has one quality Miley forgot about: balance. GaGa may have sported the occasional nipple sticker, but in interviews she is composed and professional while shrouding her personal life with a mysterious veil.

Miley hasn’t shied away from making sarcastic remarks about alleged drug use or partying, there is no side to her we haven’t seen. Intentionally or unintentionally, she has made herself into a classless sex symbol, there is little we don’t know about her. She’s revealed all of herself, which perhaps provides insight into society’s infatuation with her. At the end of the day at least she has proved her point, she’s not who she used to be.

10

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

SPORTS

Kyle Morrison // sports@thesputnik.ca | @sputniksports

Leafs Nation Update Anthony Fusco Staff Few Leafs fans will be able to forget the game seven meltdown against the Boston Bruins in last year’s playoffs. It was a traumatic moment that set the stage for a summer of big changes in the Leaf Nation.

General Manager Dave Nonis delivered big and made some huge changes in the off-season.

First, he went out and re-signed top line pivot Tyler Bozak. Next came his signing of arguably the most coveted of the summer’s free agents in former New Jersey Devil, David Clarkson. A trade brought Dave Bolland, the two-time Stanley Cup winner over from Chicago. Likewise, a trade with Los Angeles sent the Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier.

Add in that Nonis was able to sign

Paul Ranger and speedy winger Mason Raymond for one million dollars each, as well as re-signing Cody Franson and Nazem Kadri, the Leafs had a very productive offseason.

At the time of writing, the Maple Leafs sit with a record of 6-3. There have been bright spots early on and some things that need to be changed immediately if the Leafs hope to succeed.

Let’s start with the pros. The Leafs goaltending, save for a few games, has been excellent. Jonathan Bernier looks great so far, though, I’m not ready to anoint him the saviour just yet. Based on the small sample size we’ve seen, Bernier looks pretty good.

James Reimer has looked steady as well, save for the game he was pulled in Ottawa early on. The hope is that these two net minders will push each other to be better over the course of the season.

Another bright spot is the Leafs offence.

With Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, and James van Riemsdyk leading the way, the Leafs have ample scoring. Add in the unexpected offence of Mason Raymond and Dave Bolland, and the Leafs are rolling when they need to put pucks in the net.

Now onto the not-so-good things. The Leafs defence has looked suspect most games throughout the beginning of the season. The Blue and White also lead the league in giveaways with 133 at this point.

To counterbalance that, they are third in the NHL in takeaways with 73. They also routinely get out-shot by their opponents, a trend which has carried over from last season. They still find ways to win, but if that keeps up they are playing with fire.

The Leafs have a lot to look forward to, as well as some questions that need to be answered. The fact that they have found

ways to win with regulars such as Nik Kulemin, Mark Fraser, Frazer McLaren, and David Clarkson out. That is no small feat. Having David Clarkson in the line-up for the first time next week should provide the Leafs a huge boost.

Questions that need to be answered are another matter. How long can the Leafs keep winning games while being badly out-shot? Who will be the true number one goalie? Will overall team defence improve?

This is a very interesting year for the Leafs and their many fans. They have some excellent talent both on the ice and coming up through the system. Many things need to improve, but if the Leafs play well together, with some excellent goaltending and a little bit of luck, they may indeed just make it back into the Promise Land.

Rookie coach Faulds expects better results in 2014 Chris Pimentel Staff In a loss 25-8 to McMaster, Laurier Football wrapped up their first year under new head coach Michael Faulds. On the surface it appears that Laurier had a disappointing season with a 1-7 record, but if you were to look deeper you would see that this program has a lot of hope in the upcoming future.

Coach Faulds has a history with offense and more specifically the quarterback position and in his first year the offense took a while to gain some consistency.

Losses to the University of Guelph, Toronto, and York showed that issue early on. The

offense would play great for short periods of time, but was unable to play a full sixty minutes at that level.

This led to a quarterback change midway through the year from Julien John to James Fracas. “We just needed a change and nothing against Jullien, he’s a hard working player and a good quarterback, but the team needed a spark and Fracas gave us that spark. He does a good job of taking care of the ball and managing the offense,” Coach Faulds said when talking about the switch.

In Fracas’ first start, he was able to lead the Golden Hawks to 41-10 win under the winless Waterloo Warriors. Although the strength of the offense that day came from

the running game under Dillion Campbell, who gained 180 yards on the ground to his 25 carries. The Golden Hawks were able to feed their running game and own 31 minutes of the clock that day. That was the lone bright spot for the Golden Hawks from a win/loss perspective.

The Golden Hawks played a lot of close games this year, losing to Windsor by one on homecoming in overtime, leading the first place Western Mustangs at half time, and losing to Queens by four as well. For a young team this a good sign.

“The experience we gained playing in tight games, losing in overtime, is great experience for our guys. We only graduate two players where most teams lose 10-12 players, our guys are going to get stronger in the weight room and understand the system better. They are already excited talking about 2014,” Coach Faulds said about his team and the future for next year.

A one win season is nothing to be proud of by any means, but the experience that the players gained by having so many close games is something that should not be ignored, especially looking towards next year. The biggest key for this team moving forward is making sure that they focus on playing a full sixty minutes every game and, like Coach Faulds said, making sure they execute in all three aspects of the game.

Growing the team doesn’t happen overnight. There has to be a lot of hard work put into the weight room in order to grow as a team, and Coach Faulds is excited about what changes are ahead for his team. “I am excited to see the change physically with our players. They are about to enter into an off season strength and conditioning program that they have never seen before and I think we are going to change physically as well.”

Recruiting is in full force as well. Laurier has

Laurier’s men’s football head coach, Michael Faulds (Photo courtesy of Laurier Athletics)

already signed six new recruits and they are hoping to sign 20-25 recruits in total.

Depending on how each of them develop as players, the future is uncertain but could be very bright since typically recruits don’t make a difference until their second or third year in the program.

A full offseason for the players to develop physically is a great place to start, but the main difference will come with the players knowing the system that they are going to play in. When players have to think less and react more and let instincts take over, the better they become as a team because it allows each player to play fast, something Coach Faulds’ system on offense is supposed to do. They never huddle before the snap and like to push the tempo in the game.

For a team that is rebuilding, wins are very rare to come by, especially in a coach’s first year. Normally times are rough before they get better, but the team is headed in a great direction. The offensive system is something that is run at the Canadian Football League level, and this can help players transition to that game and the full effect comes in attracting new recruits to the program.

It is easy for a coach to come in and play to win right away, but great coaches build programs around their system and make sure they get the right players for that system. It may not produce results right away, but in the long run it is the way to go. Coach Faulds appears to be building a program here at Laurier and the future is golden.

11

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

SPORTS

Kyle Morrison // sports@thesputnik.ca | @sputniksports

Ben Skinner (left) skates with teammate Peter MacIntosh at Saturday’s homecoming game. (Photo by Christina Manocchio)

Windsor goalie Parker Van Buskirk prepares himself as teammate Christian Steingraber fights for the puck with Laurier center, Zack Woolford.(Photo by Christina Manocchio)

Laurier students cheer on their home team. (Photo by Christina Manocchio)

Laurier’s Greg Cerilli, Matt Provost, James Marsden, and Chad Lowry line up for the pregame ceremonies. (Photo by Christina Manocchio)

Golden Hawks lose 4-2 at Homecoming game against Windsor Kyle Morrison Sports Editor An early first period lead and the rabid cheers from Laurier fans weren’t enough for the men’s ice hockey team to pull through against the University of Windsor Lancers at Laurier Brantford’s Homecoming. When the final buzzer sounded on the men’s first game of the season, it was the Golden Hawks on the losing end of a 4-2 score line.

Laurier really controlled all the play early, with most of the first period spent in Windsor’s zone, leading to a goal by rookie defenceman, Peter MacIntosh, only four minutes into the game. Laurier held that

momentum going into the second period of play, until midway through the frame when Windsor would tie it up on a goal by Drew Palmer. Laurier then fell behind on a goal by the Lancer’s Derek Lanoue.

However, there certainly wasn’t a lack of fight in the Golden Hawks, as they clawed back to even the score at 2-2 on a hard-fought goal in front of the net jammed in by forward, Ryan Lopes.

But it would be a tough break 37 seconds into the third that ultimately put the game out of reach. With Laurier on a powerplay, the puck got stuck on a wet patch, while the Golden Hawks’ offense was trying to break out of their own zone.

Windsor forward, Matt Beaudoin took

advantage and easily took the puck in on a breakaway and buried it for a 3-2 lead.

And then midway through the period, Jadren Beljo scored to make it 4-2 and put the game entirely out of reach.

Despite the pressure applied, the Laurier offense couldn’t quite break through goaltender Parker Van Buskirk, who made 26 saves in the victory, highlighted by a couple of flashy glove saves late in the game. Laurier’s rookie goalie, Shayne Campbell, was no slouch either, making 27 saves and held his own in his first career start due to the injury to starting netminder, Duncan Long. It will be interesting to see from here on out who Coach Greg Puhalski will stick with as the

season progresses.

From here, things get a lot tougher for the Golden Hawks, who travel to Thunder Bay on October 25 to play two games against the Lakehead University Thunderwolves, who are always one of the best teams in the OUA. Even though it wasn’t the start to the season the team wanted, the hundreds of Laurier fans in attendance at the Brantford Civic Centre got a solid showing out of their Golden Hawks and all stayed until the bitter end. However, it is quickly becoming time to shift their attention to Laurier Brantford’s extramural hockey team, who begins their Challenge Cup defence on November 21 against Humber College.

Despite the loss, students at the Brantford campus were spectateors to a hard-fought game at the Civic Centre. (Photo by Ali Saghari)

12

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 23, 2013

OPINION Cody Groat // opinion@thesputnik.ca | @sputnikopinion

Stick families: Narcissistic and dangerous Amber Richardson A&E Editor Everybody has seen them - you know, those stupid little white families on the back of every single mini-van. There are zombie families, Disney families, sporty families, and fami-

lies with way too many pets. Now people have taken it too far and they just put little stick people representing themselves and their pets. So why is this an issue? First off, I feel bad that society has created such a push for individualism that people find it necessary to display their “unique” families of shoppers and soccer players on the back of their car. Secondly, these cute little families can lead to some pretty serious dangers. Don’t believe me? Allow me to help you explore your own ignorance to the realities of crazy people and too much information.

Picture this: You’re driving around town with the stick figures of you and your cat on the back of your

A crazy cat lady’s SUV. (Art by Rebecca Duce)

car. Maybe you’re just trying to advertise that you’re single, and you’re hoping Prince Charming will get out of his car at a red light and sweep you off your bottom. But instead, a crazy rapist robber sees your car and thinks, “Hmm, that girl lives alone with a cat. Easy prey.” You are inviting trouble if you drive around town advertising that you’re a single female with a cat. Regrettably, you’re putting yourself in danger if you’re advertising that you’re a single woman at all, even if you have kids and a dog.

Now let’s turn this up one creepy notch.

If you have kids, and you’re driving around with pictures of stick kids who are baseball players and ballerinas, you’re basically giving pedophiles a reason to stalk your children. It’s like having a stationary Facebook page on the back of your vehicle, and we all know the dangers of the internet. Actually, let’s touch on that. The Internet isn’t inherently dangerous. People make it dangerous by over sharing and giving people both

motive and opportunity to do some really messed up stuff. That is exactly what you are doing when you put these weird, self absorbed little families on the back of your vehicle. I mean, how hard is it to go up to a kid and say, “Hey sweetie, I’ve seen you dance before. You’re a wonderful ballerina and I’m a dance teacher and I want you to be in competitions at my super fancy (fake) dance school. Here, take some candy and get into my van, I’ll take you there.” Poof.

Your daughter is missing.

Maybe I’m just paranoid because 2/4 of my parents are police officers, or maybe I’m just neurotic when it comes to thinking about societal dangers. And maybe, much to my dismay, I’ve just given a disgusting pedophile some really great ideas.

It’s not your fault that society houses a ton of creeps, but you can take some extra precautions to prevent bad things from happening to you and your family. And seriously, start by taking those stickers off of your car.

Anxiety in the classroom Cody Groat Opinion Editor The thought didn’t really pop into my mind until I randomly read it one day on Twitter. Class presentations are brutal for a lot of us, having to do countless hours of work (sometimes, with a partner that does nothing to help), and planning exactly what to say. But imagine if you had a looming cloud of concern over you that no one else had to deal with, that the professor may or may not of thought to consider. I’m sure there could be a lot of looming concerns, but the one I’m specifically thinking of is an anxiety disorder. Although “anxiety disorder” is an umbrella term that can refer to a variety of specific things, in this instance I’m talking about an individual with diagnosable levels of increased anxiety, meaning “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear”.

I’ve unfortunately heard of such overwhelming cases that individuals can hardly make it through an exam with such high levels of anxiety plaguing them, which effects their marks drastically. I’ve heard of individuals who can’t make it to a class where they don’t know someone else, since there would be no anchor present, meaning someone to be there and give a sense of comfort. But even that is an individual battle. Having to suffer through it is hard, but I’m sure the battle gets insurmountably larger when you’re face to face with anywhere from 20 to 250 strangers, solely waiting on the words you’re about to utter. There, in the front row, the professor waits with pen and paper in hand ready to evaluate. Your body slightly shaking and sweat appearing could lead to a grin, “stage fright”, but in reality, you could be

trying to fight the urge to pass out. That’s the thing, we live in a society that doesn’t assume psychological disorders right away.

Maybe they shouldn’t be our first assumption, but they shouldn’t be ignored either.

As I mentioned earlier, this can lead to marks taking a massive blow. But I feel that it’s a hidden problem. While fighting the anxiety just to stand and utter what needs to be done, less concern is placed on saying it with the confidence that you’re being marked on, your showmanship deceases drastically, even if what you’re actually saying is brilliant. So, what if this leads to a decreased mark? To anyone, I’m sure it would be a confidence blow, but when matched with what you had to overcome just to present, the hit to your confidence would be dramatically more severe.

Since I am not diagnosed with any form of anxiety disorders, a lot of the results I’ve discussed so far are mainly just assumptions and my own attempt to put

“Your body slightly shaking and sweat appearing ... you could be trying to fight the urge to pass out.” myself in someone else’s shoes. But, I decided to do some research as if I did suffer from an anxiety disorder, some research to see possible things around the Laurier

Brantford community that may help. Luckily there were some results, but not really the ones I had expected. First, by searching very basically about “anxiety, Laurier Brantford” all I found were crisis intervention services. This, in my opinion, is rather sad. It seemed there were pointers on what to do once someone was suffering an anxiety attack, what to do when it reached its worst (and even then, their response is giving you a number to call). I then found mental health services at Laurier Brantford, which is for sure a good thing, but I question how it would help in situations inside the classroom. Finally, something that may have benefit, the extension for the “Student Support Team” (x3318) which you’re to call for issues regarding “Intersection of: Mental, Health, Security and/ or Academic Concerns.” It seems we do have solutions in place, albeit ones you need to dig a bit for.

That’s where issues related to mental health and psychological issues can appear.

What happens when the individual doesn’t believe they have a problem? What happens if it’s one that they think “isn’t that bad”, that they should just work through?

Circular thinking ensues; “stage fright”, grin, “maybe I should call for help”, “my problem isn’t a problem”, low marks, “stage fright”. The only concern is, what do you do? Drastically altering the classroom experience, altering examinations or banning class presentations are improbable, blanket solutions. The Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada states that 12% of Canadians suffer from anxiety issues a year, an amount large enough to consider how our

Anxiety. (Photo courtesy of getridofsocialanxiety. com)

system could change, but not large enough for immediate radical change. Education and anxiety seems to be a conundrum.

A solution to this problem needs to be discussed, for it’s a major deterrent in the universality of our education system. With some anxiety issues reaching drastic levels, what happens if an individual ceases their education at the mandatory age of 18?

We no longer live in a society were education is available to all. Something needs to be done. But, the massive question is “What?”

SPOOKY MOVIE NIGHT hosted by

Night of the Living Dead RCW 002 10 p.m.

10pm

Wednesay October 30