The Strand | Volume 60, Issue 1

the

STRAND

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER VOLUME 60, ISSUE 1 | 22 AUGUST 2017

the the frosh frosh issue issue

O5 O5 Gender-neutral traditionals: a recent step towards a more inclusive Vic O6 The science of studying 1O 1O Conceptualizing the future EDITORIAL | ELENA SENECHAL-BECKER

OPINIONS | KATHLEEN CHEN

SCIENCE | TANUJ ASHWIN KUMAR

02 NEWS

EDITOR | AINSLEY DOELL NEWS@THESTRAND.CA

International tuition fees continue unregulated ainsley doell news editor

Tuition fees for international students at UofT continue to increase this year, unimpeded, following a provincial trend that has been developing in years past.

In December of 2016, it was announced that the 3 percent tuition increase cap expiring in 2017 for Ontario universities and colleges would continue for the next two years. This cap does not apply to the fees for international students.

Tuition caps are implemented on a provincial level. For international students, the fees are unregulated. This leaves fee adjustments to the discretion of the university. The UofT budget plan for 2017-2018 released in March calls for a 9 percent increase in international tuition fees.

A topic affecting everyone in the UofT community, better regulation of tuition fees is an issue that many student organizations lobby for. The UTSU assembled a tuition brief and policy proposal earlier this year, among other concerns outlined in their planned approach for the lack of regulation for international tuition.

While supporting the maintenance of tuition caps currently in place, the UTSU is lobbying for the introduction of international tuition regulation. As they point out this is not a revolutionary proposal; regulation of international tuition fees is already in place in Newfoundland, where the provincial government has implemented a tuition freeze for all students.

The Canadian Federation of Students (CFA) also runs a Fight the Fees! Campaign, in which they lobby for the reduction and eventual elimination of student fees. As an organization, the CFA believes in universal

post-secondary education, fighting for better policy surrounding domestic and international tuition.

“The province should not allow Ontario schools to continue profiting on their popularity with international students, as it gives Ontario a bad reputation, and discourages international collaboration in postsecondary institutions,” says the 2017 UTSU Tuition Brief. This lack of regulation can make it difficult for

some international students to continue with their degree, lacking the money to do so.

To learn more or to get involved, contact the Fight the Fees! Campaign at fightthefees@cfsontario. ca, or the UTSU through Vice-President External or President at vpexternal@utsu.ca and president@utsu. ca, respectively.

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| rosa kumar

Accessibility services at UofT Navigating applications and finding the right services ashley meehan contributor

Navigating the many resources offered by the University of Toronto can be difficult. Here is how to get the best possible learning experience with the help of Accessibility Services (AS).

Accessibility Services is meant to help students who have a disability that hinders their ability to learn. Some may need AS for the entirety of their academic career, while others may only need it temporarily. Either way, AS has much to offer students who qualify.

The first step is to register for AS on their website (www.studentlife.utoronto. ca/as) and find the registration package that best fits your needs. Packages are categorized by chronic medical conditions: deaf or hard of hearing; mobility and functional difficulties; mental health; brain injury or concussion; low vision or legally blind; learning disability or ADHD; temporary disabilities or injuries; and autism, Asperger’s, or pervasive developmental disorders. Fill out the chosen application to the best of your ability.

The second step is to ensure that you have the proper documentation from your doctor or specialist demonstrating why you need accommodations. Neglecting to obtain this documentation can delay your application process—so try to do so as soon as possible. Generally, medical proof of said condition is required, but this can differ depending on the situation. If unsure of which documents are required, call or visit the AS office, located just north of College Street at 455 Spadina Ave, 4th Floor, Suite 400. Their phone number is 416-978-8060.

The third step of the AS process comprises submitting your package; the office accepts them through email, fax, mail, or in person. It’s best to submit your package as soon as possible so that you can receive accommodations when the school year starts, but November 6th, 2017 is the deadline for the December 2017 exam period. You can also submit after that date for accommodations during the following exam period.

After submitting the registration package, the AS office will contact you for the final step—setting up an intake appointment. A disability counsellor will review your package and discuss the accommodations that best suit your needs.

Accommodations vary depending on the disability and individual, which is why the disability counsellor will prepare a letter that outlines your accommodations but keeps the specifics private. You should provide your course instructors with this letter in order to receive in-class accommodations.

Some of the most widely-used accommodations are notetaking, assignment extensions, extra time on exams, breaks during exams, ergonomic chairs in class, and tutoring. AS offers plenty more accommodations, and you should contact their office for specific information. Students who don’t require accommodations but would like to be involved can volunteer as note-takers to help their peers.

Accessibility services can be contacted at: accessibility.services@utoronto.ca

NEWS 03

@STRANDPAPER THE STRAND | 22 AUGUST 2017

Get to know your student government An introduction to the Victoria University Student Administrative Council

What’s up on campus in September?

Victoria College Clubs and Wellness Brunch – September 6, 9-11 AM Check out the various clubs at Vic, enjoy the free food, and pick up some useful wellness tips on surviving the academically rigorous undergraduate degree.

UTSU Clubs Carnival – September 6, 3-6 PM Whatever your interests are, UofT likely has a club dedicated to them. Join the UTSU for its annual clubs carnival complete with free food, games, and a DJ. Meeting people who share your same hobbies is an easy way to create new experiences.

UTSU Orientation Street Fest – September 12, 11 AM On September 12, St. George street will be buzzing with booths, food trucks, music, demonstrations, and more.

Accompanied by a clubs fair and music, this is a great way to spend the afternoon, meet new people, and discover exciting ways to get involved on campus. The event starts at 11 AM and goes on for the whole afternoon.

Hart House Welcome BBQ – September 14, 12-2 PM Aside from lots of free food, this is a great opportunity to discover the many spaces and events offered by Hart House—a hub of studenty activity with plenty of opportunities to eat, exercise, or hang out with friends. From the reading room, to the dance studio, to the pool, Hart House has spaces and events for all interests.

UTSU DisO Art of Solidarity – September 18 to 22 DisOrientation Week is an annual event held by Opirg Toronto.

This year’s DisOrientation brings together art and social justice in solidarity against transphobia, racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression. If you’re passionate about social and environmental justice, join DisOrientation Week for arts and DIY workshops, panels, keynotes, and discussion spaces.

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| hana nikcevic

alex bercik contributor

September marks the return of student life at Vic and, with it, the culmination of an entire summer of preparation for the upcoming school year from hard-working student groups inside the Goldring Student Centre. The Victoria College Student Administrative Council, better known as VUSAC, is the Vic student government at the heart of many student-run initiatives on campus.

Zahavah Kay, VUSAC President, outlines their role in the Victoria College community: “we offer many services to students at Vic, including cheap printing in our office and overseeing Clubs and Levies, which are basically permanent standing clubs.”

All Victoria College clubs, levies, and commissions receive their funding directly from VUSAC, which in turn is responsible for the collection and redistribution of student fees. As such, VUSAC acts as a link between the student body and administration at Vic. Kay adds, “if a student has to get in touch with administration but doesn’t know how to do it, VUSAC is a good way to do it. They can come to us first.”

The most visible of VUSAC’s additions to student life are the various social events held throughout the year. Stephanie Spagnuolo, VUSAC’s Scarlet and Gold commissioner, says “some events students can expect to see this year are Pub Nights, a Semi formal (1836), and formal event (Highball).” Spagnuolo continues, saying that she believes that “an active social life is not only a valued aspect of the University experience, it also helps facilitate a well-rounded student lifestyle.”

VUSAC often provides students with access to cultural activities both on and off campus. VUSAC Arts and Culture commissioner Blanaid McNally says that she “will ensure that

Vic students are actively engaged in this area by promoting arts based events on social media and in Vic spaces, …and [find out] which artistic activities Vic students would most like discounts and access to”. In the past, VUSAC has provided discounts to the AGO, ROM, and Gardiner Museum.

When asked about services for commuting students, Kay replied, “we have a lot of programs specific to commuters that already exist, like free pancake breakfasts which everyone adores! It’s a good way to come to Vic and make friends.”

She encouraged all commuter students to follow the Victoria Off-Campus Association (VOCA) Facebook page for daily updates on everything a commuter may need, such as places to study late around campus, and where to find free food.

The VUSAC executives also have some advice for new Vic students coming into frosh week. “University is about exploration of knowledge and self, so take time to breath and try not to worry too much if you haven’t found your best friend on Day three,” advised Spagnuolo.

“Sign up for extracurriculars that you are familiar with and a new one that piques your interest” added McNally.

Various positions are still open on the council, including many for first years in an upcoming fall election—see www.vusac.ca for details.

“We want first years to get involved,” stresses Kay. Extending her advice to apply to life in general at University, she concluded, “the worst that can happen is you fail, and really it’s not going to be as big of a deal as you think it is. Don’t be afraid of failing.”

The VUSAC office can be found in the Goldring Centre in room 127, and is always open to casual visitors.

26TH ANNUAL

VIC BOOK SALE 2017 Schedule

NEW OPENING DAY HOURS: Thursday September 21: 2pm – 8pm* Friday, September 22: 10am – 8pm Saturday, September 23: 11am – 6pm Sunday, September 24: 11am – 6pm Monday, September 25: 10am – 8pm in Old Vic 91 Charles Street West (Museum Subway Exit) *(First Day Only: Admission $5, Students FREE with I.D.) For more information call 416-585-4585 www.vicbooksale.utoronto.ca vic.booksale@utoronto.ca Proceeds to Victoria University Library

04 NEWS

EDITOR | AINSLEY DOELL NEWS@THESTRAND.CA

On-campus employment opportunities uma kalkar associate news editor

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|

rosa kumar

The University of Toronto boasts an extensive network of on-campus opportunities. Whether vying for experience in a particular field or just looking for some side money, there are many faculties, professors, and companies looking for new hires.

A majority of on-campus jobs can be found on the Career Learning Network (CLN). The CLN advertises an array of on-campus, off-campus, casual, and workstudy opportunities. Upload your CV by using your UTORid to login to the CLN at: cln.utoronto.ca/myAccount/jobs/welcome.htm. The following is a list of current student opportunities: Academic Departments: Contact the administrative office for specific faculties.

A comprehensive list of academic units can be found at: www.utoronto.ca/a-toz-directory.

Cafes: From campus-run cafés like Diabolos, Sammy’s Student Exchange, and Ned’s, to the usual Starbucks and Second Cup, there’s no shortage of coffee shops nor shortage of barista demand on campus. Check the CLN for current

job postings.

Campus Tour Guides: Each college hires campus tour guides to share their experiences and lead prospective students on walking tours of the St. George campus as well as the individual college campuses. Check the CLN for current job postings.

Hart House: Hart House is a hub for a multitude of university events. Find supervisory positions, technical jobs, committee opportunities, and many more at: www.harthouse.ca/getinvolved/careers-volunteering.

Library Student Jobs Service: The 44 libraries on campus are constantly looking for student library assistants. If you have a knack for the stacks, apply for a library position at: www.studentjobs.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/student/ vacancies.

Porters: Those living in a college residence can work as a porter, managing the residence’s front desk. Check with your college for specific postings.

Teaching Assistant Positions: Graduate and postdoctoral students can find TA positions in their department of study at: www.utoronto.taleo.net/careersection/10050/moresearch.ftl.

University of Toronto Press (UTP): The UTP runs the UofT Book Store, which is a perfect place for those interested in retail jobs. Current open positions can be found at: www.utpress.utoronto.ca/opportunities.php?sectionID=4&sub sectionID=1&pageID=1 University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU): The UTSU has many student government, managerial, and service opportunities at: utsu.ca/jobs.

Varsity Blues Opportunities: If you’re looking to get physical, the Varsity Blues have a number of assistant and intern jobs at: www.varsityblues.ca/ sports/2008/10/8/GEN_1008081349.aspx.

Finding a job doesn’t have to be difficult. To maximize your chances of success, visit the Career Centre and take advantage of its many CV toolkits, LinkedIn workshops, career fairs, and one-on-one career advising sessions. Book an appointment to talk to a career counsellor at careercentre@mail.careers.utoronto.ca.

University is a time to try your hand at new experiences, meet new people, and explore a field of interest. Obtaining an on-campus job can help new and current students to integrate their campus life with the University of Toronto community.

Opportunities for engagement: meet the Organization of Latin American Students The Latin American community at UofT alejandra chauca contributor

Defining diversity on campus and creating welcoming spaces that support multicultural communities is important to many students within the community of UofT. This is a beacon for The Organization of Latin American Students, better known as OLAS. OLAS represents all Latin American students on campus from Puerto Rico to Argentina, Brazil to Panama, and the dynamic each country shares in the name of unity.

The club takes pride in hosting social, academic, and athletic events to bring together the Latin community, and providing a space for non-Latin students to get involved and experience Latin culture. Social events include widely popular monthly pub nights with Latin music and food, salsa and bachata lessons, and cultural fairs. A staple of the Latin community, OLAS also runs soccer teams in intramurals and club tournaments.

As a Vic recognized club, OLAS often hosts events on Vic campus, whether it be comedy shows at the Cat’s Eye, academic panels in Old Vic, or even soccer games on Marg Ad field. Alex Bercik, OLAS Vice-President and Vic student, expressed a desire to see Vic students getting involved with the organization: “I remember

attending my first event in first year after meeting my friend Gladis at Burwash who told me about OLAS. It was a great way to expand my horizons and make new friends at the same time.”

OLAS has been at UofT for over a decade, and 2017 marks a milestone as they launch their first ever undergraduate academic journal, KAWSAXCUNA (meaning: “Quality of Life” in Quechua), with support from the Latin American Studies program.

“We created the journal as a platform to share cultural ideas and foster an environment for a better understanding of the multiple languages, histories, and cultures of the intricate region of Latin America,” explained Cindy Pesantez, OLAS President. “This journal is the first of its kind at the University of Toronto and it welcomes all undergraduate and graduate students to participate—we want your input!” added Pesantez.

Information on OLAS events can be found on their Facebook page Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS St. George), the Facebook group OLAS (UofT Branch), and their website: www.olasstgeorge1. wixsite.com/olas.

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rosa kumar

EDITORIAL 05

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF | MOLLY KAY AND ELENA SENECHAL-BECKER EDITOR@THESTRAND.CA

Conceptualizing the future

the strand

A note on journalism of years past and years to come

v o l u m e

elena senechal-becker editor-in-chief

First things first, welcome (or welcome back).

If you’re reading this, it’s not too late. You’re in Toronto, you’re alive, you’re ready.

That’s what I know about you. It’s not much, but it’s a start. I hope I will get to know you better.

When I started thinking about this editorial, it was dead summer and I was selling shoes and grant-writing to pay tuition. I wasn’t worrying about anything that wasn’t right there in my field of vision. I was trying to preserve my energy, after one hell of a year that took too much out of all of us.

Around this time, in peak summer, I heard the news that MTV fired half of their editorial staff. They cited a shift away from longform articles and towards “video content” as the main motive. Shortly thereafter, VICE Media let go of about 2 percent of their staff, worldwide, cutting down on mainly editors and writers in favour of “ramping up video production.” Even the Toronto Star reportedly laid off 110 employees in 2017, mainly because of a dip in ad revenue and subscription revenue, which left them coming up short.

This isn’t the first we’ve heard of the world of publishing becoming more and more narrow or limited. It seems to me that we, as student journalists, as writers, and artists in general, are constantly fighting to remain on the map, to gain readership, to be taken seriously. Just last year, our outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Erik Preston, even wrote an editorial accentuating the ways in which we, as student journalists, are still relevant.

On a related topic, I am always fascinated by the degree of disapproval that comes with studying just about anything at university that isn’t directly career-related: the worry in my parent’s eyes when I told them I wanted to double major in Women and Gender Studies and Book and Media Studies; every other person asking what I’ll be doing with my degree; and those who roll their eyes when I give them my answer. I’ve learned to take it all with a grain of salt, but I can’t help but look around and wonder what our future will look like.

The world of publishing is incontestably changing.

On a macro or micro scale, whether it is a large media outlet shutting down or cutting numbers, people caring

less about the reliability and truth of what they read, the age of the Internet, the age of fake news, or a combination of many other factors—we will have to adapt.

Some time in the middle of summer, I was worried, but I resolved not to lament. I believe that print media is going extinct. I don’t believe that our attention spans are too short to read through a thorough piece. I refuse the popular conviction that Millennials are entitled, unfocused, or too absorbed by their phones to take part in a meaningful conversation. In fact, I believe the opposite.

In the wake of the MTV layoffs, a tweet by a writer I admire, Hanif Abdurraqib, caught my attention.

editors-in-chief

editor@thestrand.ca

molly kay elena senechal-becker

business manager

mishail adeel

@thestrand.ca news

ainsley doell

news@thestrand.ca opinions

kathleen chen

opinions@thestrand.ca features

erin calhoun

features@thestrand.ca science

science@thestrand.ca

tanuj ashwin kumar nadine ramadan

arts and culture

sabrina papas

artsandculture@thestrand.ca stranded

rebecca gao

stranded@thestrand.ca tristan mcgrath-waugh

copy editing

copy@thestrand.ca

Hanif Abdurraqib @NifMuhammad Replying to @NifMuhammad

28 Jun

I would also like to say something: this concept that young people aren’t attracted by good, thoughtful writing seems bogus and flawed.

design

amy jiao

design@thestrand.ca photo

hana nikcevic

photo@thestrand.ca art

yilin zhu

art@thestrand.ca web

tyler biswurm amr sharaf

web@thestrand.ca video

Bogus and flawed, indeed. We are still here, typing up thousands of words and sharing them on the Internet, or distributing them on paper, because we have a lot to say.

From what I’ve seen, we are still alive and stirring, aching for justice.

All I can do is hope that this is true, and hope that The Strand can prove it yet again this year. This year, we aim to disrupt the quiet of complicit silence. We aim to uplift the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. We aim to include, and to know our worth and stick to our values. We aim to do our part to inform, protest, advocate, and share.

6 0

video@thestrand.ca

annika hocieniec sonya roma

podcast

carol eugene park

strandcast@thestrand.ca editorial assistants

vacant

contributors alex bercik, alejandra chauca, maia kachan, uma

kalkar, julia dasilva, marjan dian, nicholas freer,

charlene hanania, emma lailey, vivian li, jasimne ng, ashley meehan, leo morgenstern, kenzie tsang, harrison wade, mary zelenova copy editors anthony burton, erin calhoun, alyssa dibattista, rebecca gao, molly kay, tristan mcgrath-waugh,

I’m looking forward to seeing you all there.

sabrina papas design team

With all our love, The Strand

molly kay, amy jiao illustrations emily fu, yilin zhu photos maia kachan, rosa kumar, hana nikcevic cover photo abdullah nazim

(@abdnzm)

cover design

A note from the editors

The Strand strongly denounces the continued practice and beliefs of white supremacy and the Charlottesville Unite The Right rally.

We believe it is our responsibility to actively stand up against fascism, racism, nazism, and the so-called “altright”.

As student journalists, we will continue to publish and support the voices of marginalized writers and artists, and condemn white supremacy in all its forms, through any means possible.

Our thanks to the UC Gargoyle for the important reminder that silence is a form of violence when faced with an oppressive regime.

amy jiao

The Strand has been the newspaper of record for Victoria University since 1953. It is published 12 times a year with a circulation of 1200 and is distributed in Victoria University buildings and across the University of Toronto’s St. George campus.

The Strand flagrantly enjoys its editorial autonomy and is committed to acting as an agent of constructive social change. As such, we will not publish material deemed to exhibit racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or other oppressive language.

The Strand is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP).

Our offices are located at 150 Charles St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S 1K9. Please direct enquiries by email to editor@thestrand.ca. Submissions are welcome and may be edited for taste, brevity, and legality.

FOLLOW US

Originally posted on Facebook on August 16, 2017. @STRANDPAPER WWW.THESTRAND.CA

06 OPINIONS

EDITOR | KATHLEEN CHEN OPINIONS@THESTRAND.CA

Gender-neutral traditionals: a recent step towards a more inclusive Vic River Pereira provides insight on updating traditions and the importance of visibility kathleen chen opinions editor

the obvious reasons, like transphobia, and people not being aware of non-binary genders. I know it was mentioned a couple of times, like, “Well, it’s such a small percentage of people, why does it matter?”

Could you speak more about the idea of “tradition”?

I think, in a lot of ways, I can see why tradition is important to a lot of people and I’m not trying to downplay that. But I also feel like a lot of traditions are rooted in things like homophobia, transphobia, racism, and classism—so it ends up not growing with the society that it’s part of. A lot of the time, people participate in traditions because they’re comfortable, or because they’re scared of change. Sometimes that fear of change is benign, but sometimes it ends up alienating and hurting a lot of people.

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How would you encourage people to speak out about these issues?

| hana nikcevic

During its Orientation Week, Victoria College presents itself the way it wants to be seen. Such is the case with any institution. However, Vic’s claim that we are inclusive and progressive comes with the responsibility to build a culture that reflects these values. Every year, Vic frosh holds a set of Traditional Ceremonies (Traditionals or Trads) which were, until last frosh, segregated by those who identify as men and those who identify as women. This system was problematic for the incoming student body because it excluded and isolated non-binary and transgender students—forcing them to either come out or misgender themselves in order to conform with the reinforcement of the gender binary practiced by this “tradition.”

It is without a doubt that Traditionals have changed significantly over the years—especially so during the past few years. Trads were originally created by the women of Victoria College, at a time when it was difficult to be a woman in higher education. Traditionals celebrated successful alumna, sending the message to incoming students that they were also capable of overcoming these systemic barriers. Some time after, a separate ceremony was added to welcome male students. In hosting two separate ceremonies, the assumption was that students would attend the one corresponding to the gender they had been assigned at birth. Due to the problematic nature of this ceremony, however, in 2016, Vic Orientation held a single ceremony, welcome to all students in order to abolish the tendency to separate students in compliance with the gender binary.

River Pereira, an Orientation Exec for Vic’s 2016 Frosh Week, spearheaded the initiative to hold genderneutral Traditional Ceremonies. The Strand sat down with them to discuss the significance of this change, as well as the importance of speaking out.

How do Traditionals compare to the overall level of inclusivity during Frosh?

The Strand: What were Trads like in previous years?

One of the reasons was that it is a big change in logistics, but I do feel like logistics were something that a lot of people were hiding behind. There was also the fear that with a gender-neutral traditional ceremony, the historical components of previous ceremonies would be erased. In the women’s ceremony, they did talk a lot about women’s history at Vic, which is great, but my response to that was that we could still talk about it at the neutral one.

I don’t know why it took so long. I mean, there are

River Pereira: Improvement was kind of happening. You didn’t have to go based on the gender people assumed you were. A few people did take that option of going where they were comfortable with, but those people were questioned by peers and frosh leaders, both to their faces and behind their backs. Separating students by gender seems so archaic. It was kind of ridiculous to me that it was still happening.

I think last year when I was an Exec, Frosh was fairly inclusive because there were a few members of the Exec who were adamant about things like having pronouns written on nametags, and putting content warnings where they were needed. I think that Trads last year furthered that message of inclusivity that we tried to embody throughout frosh week.

It’s very important to remind those who are inclined to speak out against systemic oppression that they’re allowed to take a step back. You’re allowed to ask for help and you’re allowed to rally multiply voices.

I also feel like it’s important to emphasize that if you see something is wrong and you want to say something about it: do it. When I say that, I get that I’m coming from a place of immense privilege—being white, masculine of centre, and able-bodied. All of these things allowed me to do what I did, so I don’t want to downplay the added difficulty that it’s going to be for somebody else.

A LOT OF THE TIME, PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN TRADITIONS BECAUSE THEY’RE COMFORTABLE, OR BECAUSE THEY’RE SCARED OF CHANGE. SOMETIMES THAT FEAR OF CHANGE IS BENIGN, BUT SOMETIMES IT ENDS UP ALIENATING AND HURTING A LOT OF PEOPLE. In previous years it was definitely not the same vibe.

In my second year, Frosh Week was great, but I feel that throughout the entire week, there was this message that Vic is really inclusive and progressive I had come out as non-binary and while I was looking at the traditional ceremonies I was like, this is a weird pause in the inclusivity for a couple of hours. I feel like the gendersegregated Traditionals contradicted the way that Vic was trying to present itself during that week.

Why do you think the change happened so incrementally?

What do you think are the main things that remain to be done in the work towards inclusivity?

That’s a big question. We could abolish ignorance as a concept and make people more open to learning and accepting other people. I’m one voice of this monolith of a marginalized group that includes all of these different intersections and I don’t think it would be fair of me to point to specific things, because the things in my world that I want to change aren’t going to be prioritized in someone else’s world, and that’s totally okay.

Structurally as well as culturally, there is still a lot to be done to make our communities more inclusive. There is value in discussion as well as advocacy: let us make an effort to listen more, to ask questions, and to make sure that when we talk about inclusivity, we ask whether everyone—down to the last small percentage point—feels welcome.

The above interview has been edited for length and clarity purposes.

OPINIONS 07

@STRANDPAPER THE STRAND | 22 AUGUST 2017

Reclaiming utopia

Reaffirming the importance of idealism in the work towards social change julia dasilva staff writer

When I entered university a year ago, I was exhilarated by the prospect of leaving my suburban high school behind and getting involved in the politics of the student movement. I was eager to find ways to fight the economic, political, and environmental oppressions that our society is currently faced with.

I did not realize, however, that there was a paradox brewing inside me; I’m full of ideals, but found myself believing “utopia”—a catch-all term for the infinite possibilities that an ideal world presents—to be a dirty word.

I was—first unconsciously, then actively—a materialist. Materialism holds that the material conditions of a society, such as how goods are produced and who owns them, determine its non-material conditions, like culture and politics. In order to understand or attempt to change political or social structures, a materialist believes it necessary to understand and change material conditions. I believed that the job of social movements was not to imagine how the world could be, and fight for it, but rather to explain how the world is and guide its processes to their natural conclusions.

I set out to “figure out” politics and society in order to act on my “knowledge.” My first reading was Friedrich Engels’ Socialism: Utopian and Scientific, a Marxist text expressing the belief that human society is a science in which it is possible to determine rationally, after empirical observation, what must be done to work towards social change.

When thinking about social change as working towards utopia, there is the danger of imposing one’s

own rigid ideal on the entire world. The materialist concept of utopia, we can perhaps develop a more is right to identify the dangers of upholding a single productive approach; one in which we are constanteternal truth. They are also right in the assertion ly open to new learning, and in which we are not that, in order to be effective, we must be able to ana- afraid to imagine and dream. lyze the conditions under which we live, and how What is that world and how do we get from this these affect what ideas are possible. We aren’t going period of crisis to there? As students, we are uniqueto get anywhere by simply describing how we want ly placed to consider both of these questions by takthe world to look. Strict materialist organizations, ing advantage of the privilege of tools and spaces however, that settle on a single explanation— such as “class structure” as the base of INSTEAD OF THINKING OF UTOPIA AS A PLACE OR A all the complexities of PLASTER MOULD, LET’S THINK ABOUT IT AS THE STATE OF human society—have MIND IN WHICH WE ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE GOING TO BE this in common with UNKNOWNS, BUT IN WHICH WE DECIDE TO ACT ANYWAY. the worst of “utopian” thinking; a hyper-rationality that doesn’t account for the limited human for contemplation that post-secondary education capacity for understanding. provides. Among the resources at UofT is an event Yes, there are patterns, identifiable systems of called DisOrientation, an alternative Frosh week oppression, and traditions of resistance. But, at- held for those ready to take action from Septemtempting to “figure it all out” first and act later—or ber 18 to 22. We also offer a wide range of politibelieving it possible to “figure it all out” at all—is a cal and advocacy groups at Vic and across the UofT misguided way of approaching social change. campus that reveal countless directions for students Utopia does not have to refer to any specific to find opportunities to fight for equity. With conplace or truth. In fact, it’s best if it doesn’t. Giving struction threatening to roll out this month on the up on eternal ideals does not mean we must take Kinder Morgan pipeline in BC, and with UofT still the materialist route of giving up on it. Instead of invested in the fossil fuel industry even as the rolling thinking of utopia as a place or a plaster mould, snowball of climate chaos picks up speed—we don’t let’s think about it as the state of mind in which we have time for paralysis. But if we act now, we just accept that there are going to be unknowns, but in might have time to win. which we decide to act anyway. If we reclaim the

How to find your academic passion vivian li contributor

Because of my varied interests in multiple disciplines, I’ve always had trouble trying to determine my academic passions. Today, after a careful evaluation of my values and drives, I have a more stable idea of what I wish to study. The following are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to help you choose and identify your academic passion(s): Keep an open mind and try not to reject options on the surface.

You might have more than one passion and that’s perfectly fine (you may be a multipotentialite!)

You may not want to try something because you don’t see yourself pursuing it as a career, or you have no idea how it could turn into a job. But I personally believe that if we live purely to pursue certain goals for their material worth, at the end of the day, we won’t exercise our most fulfilling division—the faculty of ideas and actions which harbor personal meaning.

In her TED talk, Emilie Wapnick states that society tries to narrow down the various creative interests of multipotentialites, telling them to focus on their “one true calling.” However, Wapnick claims that this view is limiting, because it doesn’t inspire children to think of everything they could be. Even if you are a specialist, I think the theme of her talk—to follow your curiosity and learn as much as you can along the way—is an important and valuable lesson.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t find your academic passion quickly.

Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations; you might not know if what you’re doing is for yourself or for someone else. As well, coming into a new environment is daunting, exhausting, and sometimes might result in actual tears (believe me, most of us have been there before). But it’s important to be patient with yourself; you don’t know all the answers, and that’s okay. For now, remember to engage in the activities that you love, try to stay on top of class readings, meet new people, and form relationships that you can rely on.

Understand what you love, and think of ways to do what you love.

attending recently, a lawyer told me that you never forget your dreams, and you always go back to them. I think it’s important to be realistic—sometimes we expect to achieve our goals in a short period of time. However, the first step starts with taking a risk in what you believe in. Try everything you are interested in! If you look for people who have similar interests, you’ll definitely learn and grow with them.

Remember that these are just tips, and not algorithms for finding your academic passion(s); only you can choose who you want to be.

Some may claim that surviving in this economy is more important than pursuing our academic passions.

However, I don’t believe that succeeding in anything in life is easy. As well, when you experience a set-back in something you abhor or have no feelings for, you will find it much more difficult to get back up and keep going. Once you’ve found your academic passion, it’s also important to consistently work at it. illustration | yilin zhu As Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space, states: “What I did each day would determine the kind of person I’d become.”

One way to figure out what you love is to list all of the extracurricular activities you enjoy doing. I think it’s important to spend a few minutes jotting them down without judging the items and assigning “good” or “bad” labels. At a writing workshop I was

Remember to keep an open mind about yourself and your future—trust yourself to make the right decision and leap as far and high as you can. Best of luck to all of you!

08 FEATURES

EDITOR | ERIN CALHOUN FEATURES@THESTRAND.CA

frosh w

Disoriented alienated erin calhoun features editor

Orientation Week at Victoria College prides itself in being the first step students take into life at university.

Events scheduled are boisterous, historical, and sometimes wacky—they’re meant to have students strip down their inhibitions and try new things.

Making oneself vulnerable and open to trying new things can be a difficult quest for some. The inclusive events, extroverted orientation leaders, and constant expectation to get involved can alienate students who are uncomfortable in such situations.

Orientation Week Executives and Co-Chairs at Vic are aware of the nature and energy that stems from events meant to be unique and exciting. Such events pressure and induce anxiety in students who do not feel socially-established or comfortable in those situations. Alternative events that are less sensory-heavy are planned to cater to these factors in an effort to absolve feelings of alienation. These events, such as board games in Ned’s Café, still hinge on forced socialization and excessive effort for inclusion.

illustration

At Victoria College, the fee for Orientation week is included in Residence Fees for those students who live in a Victoria College residence and are a Vic student.

In 2016-2017 the fee was $130.12. Students who commute are able to participate in Commuter Orientation for an additional fee paid during the sign up process.

Often seen as a necessary step for inclusion and breaking the ice with your peers, I found my Orientation Week to be highly alienating from the real experience of university that came later on. At first, I was resentful to have to participate and to try new things.

However, I later learned that Orientation Week is an essential way to learn what Vic is about.

In my first year, the theme for orientation week was “Views from the Vic” which I immediately did not relate to, as I was not a Drake fan when moving to Toronto. My name was then misspelled twice on my name tag. I humoured myself in this small tragedy and put the past behind, trying to interest myself in the events.

I spent most of my first week on Vic grounds fumbling

| emily fu

between dorm rooms and common rooms, feeling uncomfortable and out of place for the most part. Being asked to dance to a mashup of pop music didn’t help. I felt like I was in grade nine all over again.

A challenging part of enjoying Orientation Week to its fullest is finding a group of friends to experience it with. The aim of many events throughout the week is to have students interact with each other, from putting them into pre-made groups to constant ice-breaking sessions. Events with less social structure, like the boat cruise, rely on the concept that most students have found a friend or group to associate themselves with.

Without a group where you feel like you belong, the events and socializing can be awful—and that’s just fine. Much of the first month of school will include meeting new people, and meeting more new people, and maybe liking all or none of them. Just remember, everyone is as desperate to make friends as you are.

My first year at Vic started to become more comfortable when Orientation Week was over. I began to

FEATURES 09

@STRANDPAPER THE STRAND | 22 AUGUST 2017

week isn’t for everyone.

and during O-Week familiarize myself with Vic by doing things on my own.

I sought out clubs I would enjoy and tried new things at my own pace. I became the Sustainability President on my residence floor and began writing for The Strand. I met people that I call my friends not through Orientation Week but at my own pace through places where we share mutual interests.

Groups of shared interests and location are profitable ways to make new friends. Victoria College’s first year program, “Vic One” with its many small specialized streams is a consistently successful way for students to talk to likeminded peers and connect with faculty.

Campus groups, clubs, and hangouts will put you in the same area with students who share the same interests. Even residence spaces are ways to cultivate a sense of familiarity while staying at Vic. For commuter students, the Commuter Dons arrange weekly activities to include an off-campus community when on-campus.

The pancake breakfasts are typical hits for on and offcampus students.

When asked to describe my own Orientation Week experience, I refer to it as ripping off a band aid. Not in the stereotypical “it hurts at first but you just have to do it, and fast,” but as something awful and prolonged.

It does hurt and is uncomfortable at first, but you’ve started so why not keep going. As you continue you wish you could abort, but you keep going. By the end, you’re glad it’s over and you might have ended up with a little scar somewhere; maybe it might have been a bit fun too. It’s also something only you can do.

The energy that flows through Orientation Week is not properly representative of life at university. Everyone eventually stops holding hands and promoting support and enthusiasm. Eventually, self-autonomy becomes essential for seeking advice. The resources mentioned throughout Orientation Week are important, but it’s up to you whether to attend. Once the safety ropes of this make-believe week disappear, the real challenge begins.

OFTEN SEEN AS A NECESSARY STEP FOR INCLUSION AND BREAKING THE ICE WITH YOUR PEERS, I FOUND MY ORIENTATION WEEK TO BE HIGHLY ALIENATING FROM THE REAL EXPERIENCE OF UNIVERSITY THAT CAME LATER ON.

10 SCIENCE

EDITORS | TANUJ ASHWIN KUMAR AND NADINE RAMADAN SCIENCE@THESTRAND.CA

The science of studying

tanuj ashwin kumar science editor

School will soon be in full swing! As is part of the usual first-year rituals, you are about to cast yourself into a new university life with a fresh outlook on things—even if you might still be a little confused about yourself and your future. One thing’s for sure though; you want to make sure you can jump into your course work with enough verve and vigour that you’ll be able to balance everything elegantly while having enough weird school stories to tell your friends.

But you may be faced with a problem. If you’re like me and many other people I know, some feeling of confidence in your existing high school studying methods can be knocked down by what looks like a great big deal of much more complex university-level work. But that’s okay! You’re ready to pick the fruits of knowledge and launch yourself into new academic waters, even if they’re a bit scary.

While this particular jump in complexity may startle you, the good news is that tried, and generally useful, scientifically-supported study methods grow in scale. This is where The Strand’s Science section comes in to help! The details of studying can differ between subjects (for example, how I study for mathematics is completely different from how my friends study for literature), and on an individual level, you’re the only one who knows what works for yourself. So, these tips will serve as general guidelines that we hope you will find useful!

reviewing the information; then do the same the next day. In the next few days, keep increasing the time spent reviewing. This spaced repetition schedule is actually the basis of a number of flash card programs such as Anki and Quizlet, and is used to great effect in the famous language learning app Duolingo. But generally speaking, spacing and repeating your learning will help better internalize the material, and reduce a bit of midterm week stress.

you to further clarify or better explain things will help you extend your thinking into corners of your study material, making you more confident in understanding anything and everything about the topic. Active learning through testing and teaching will help keep your thoughts sharp when confronting your books.

Testing and Teaching

I know what you’re thinking. You’re either telling yourself “I promise to sleep as much as I can,” or “I don’t need sleep, sleep is useless” (perhaps with less exaggeration, I hope). Why is this here? Isn’t this about study habits, not mom-like advice? Thankfully for your brain and your fatigue, sleeping is extremely beneficial to your study habits. In fact, getting some desperately-needed rest is exactly how your brain is able to retainw the things that you learn. In simple terms, deep sleep is when your brain organizes the many bits and pieces of information you stuff into it, and internalizes them. It isn’t unusual to be stuck on a problem late into the night, fall asleep, and then wake up refreshed, suddenly understanding what you might need to do to progress. Of course, sleep also has many other benefits. Keep this in mind when thinking about lastminute cramming and all-nighters, especially when taken into account along with the other study methods.

Rest and refresh your brain, you’re human!

These are all well-known tips, but the biggest challenge is twofold: getting the energy to start doing these things, and being consistent and diligent with making them habits. This becomes an issue especially alongside all of the confusion that belies a typical firstyear experience. Thankfully, you have time to fully hone these skills, even if you only start the minute you step onto the college cobblestones. Many of your friends will likely be in the same boat as you, so working together to help each other understand study material can be really useful. Even if you don’t study well in groups (like me), friendly check-ins and reminders can be nice. Above all, your mental health is important. There can be a lot of stress around marks, but your GPA does not define you, especially in post-secondary institutions that are by no means equal in how they may treat students’ identities and experiences. Ultimately, the science behind studying can serve as a guideline for you to tweak what works best for you, but trust me—you will be okay!

It’s useful here to draw the distinction between “passive learning” and “active learning.” Passive learning involves just casually reading the textbook, going over lecture recordings, using your cute highlighters while re-reading notes in recitations, and so on. None of these activities involve an active engagement with the information. Active learning, in contrast, is how your brain best solidifies information, tossing and turning it, squeezing

Sleeping

THERE CAN BE A LOT OF STRESS AROUND MARKS, BUT YOUR GPA DOES NOT DEFINE YOU, ESPECIALLY IN POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE BY NO MEANS EQUAL IN HOW THEY MAY TREAT STUDENTS’ IDENTITIES AND EXPERIENCES.

Spacing and Repetition One of the most common ways people end up studying is to cram everything at the last minute. In the first few weeks of class, before the first midterms, students tend to either try and coast in the beginning with the most basic of note revision, and then kick it up much closer to the midterm. Others start off strong in the beginning, drain or loosen out in the middle, and then scramble again near the midterm. Sometimes this works for people, which is fine, but what’s more likely to happen is an inconsistency in remembering or understanding facts for the long term.

Cramming is especially bad for this, particularly with allnighters. Studies dating back to the 1930s that have been held up and expanded upon to this day posit that the idea of “spaced repetition” has been central to making learning more efficient. The concept is simple; the less you use or think about information, the more likely it is to decay.

So, what to do? A few hours after your lecture, try

it and poking it. Active learning involves asking yourself questions about the material, reframing it, going deeper into the facts, or various other types of self-testing. In fact, self-testing is a simple but fantastic way to check that you fully understand a concept. Physicist, Richard Feynman stated that “what I cannot create, I do not understand,” and while this generally refers to recreating and re-deriving physical and mathematical information, it can be easily extrapolated to the idea that “you can’t fully understand something until you can re-create or summarize it on paper,” which is precisely what a test or an essay is!

The natural extension of this idea is to not simply learn the information but to pretend to teach it. This perspective helps you grapple with how to best understand the information so you can express it to other people in a concise way, which will help you understand what you’re learning. People who might not be in your major asking

ARTS AND CULTURE 11

EDITOR | SABRINA PAPAS ARTSANDCULTURE@THESTRAND.CA

Inside the 187

A look at Kensington Market’s newest art space nicholas freer contributor

It was early in the summer. The rains dampening Toronto had yet to make an appearance. I joined my friends on a bench outside the shop. The building next to the Vietnamese diner was unassuming. If not for the storefront window, I would have thought the gallery was an apartment. The notes of a newly formed jazz trio floated out 187 Augusta Avenue’s open door while two people wrote in chalk on the window— “Jazz Concert - Tonight. $5 only.” Inside The 187, there were a few chairs but, like most of the audience, we sat on the floor.

187 Augusta Avenue is home to, and the name of, an arts space, which has operated for about five months in the heart of Kensington Market. Despite their relative newness, an event there is unique compared to similar spaces. Toronto is home to many venues and galleries, from one-night popups to the AGO. What sets 187 Augusta apart from other spaces is its sense of community. Community is a word that is often thrown around, but at The 187 it is almost tangible.

The jazz night I went to was loosely-organized and relied on the musicians’ ability to ad-lib with one another. There was a set list that lasted half the night and the other half was either improvisation or audience suggestion. Maybe I had become too numb from the floor, but by the end of the concert I found that I had not only enjoyed the music, I also connected with the band and the audience around me. The Strand spoke to the owners of The 187 to discuss its origins and plans for the future.

The Strand: How did The 187 begin and why did you start it?

The 187: 187 Augusta is a community arts and event space operated by TAYO Collective. The TAYO Collective is a Filipino, multidisciplinary art squad that formed last August after having cultivated a creative relationship through the sixmonth Kapisanan Philippine Centre youth arts mentorship program. Tayo is the Tagalog word, which, depending on intonation, means an inclusive “we,” as well as “to build,” or “to stand.” TAYO expresses these values and achieves its mandate through various platforms, one of which is 187 Augusta. The 187 began initially as a home for TAYO Collective, but as time passed the definition of our collective moved with it,

and The 187 became much more. Our mandate at The 187 is to offer transformative programming and spaces. We do this by curating and offering our space to events, workshops, art, music, and literary shows that invite and inspire change.

Is there any significance regarding your location in Kensington Market?

The building began as a family-owned Chinese barber shop and tailor. After its time as a barber shop, the space was used as a community arts and event space by a queerrun collective called Videofag. They operated out of The 187 from 2012 until recently, when the space was passed on to us. Apart from its history, the significance of 187 Augusta Avenue lies in the centrality of our location. Being across from Kensington Park makes us highly visible. We also have a lovely window that faces the street. Obviously this is a blessing, but it’s also a responsibility for us to care for and share wisely.

What sets 187 Augusta Avenue apart from other galleries or art spaces?

We’re relatively new to the landscape of art and event spaces in Toronto. However, there are three pieces of our identity we find distinctive. First is that we are a space led by young adults, persons of colour, women of colour, and those from the queer community. Second, is our atmosphere. Our space is not highly polished, but our friendly grassroots ambiance aids the feeling of community we are able to bring.

As a relatively new organization, what kind of events do you manage from The 187?

As fall comes, we’re looking to develop more events, however, we have a few events that run consistently on a weekly to monthly basis. These include our jazz nights, life drawing sessions, comedy nights, open studios, and the Halo-Halo Market. However, outside of these gems, our space gets booked at its own flow. We are in our first four months and it is hard to gauge what we can call our standard as it can be difficult at times to maintain steady timing for our show-

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yilin zhu

ings. We strive to maximize our use of the space for such events, as it drives our outreach and desire to build a solid brand as a community organization.

At an eight-minute bike ride or 30-minute walk from campus, The 187 is worth the visit. As courses at the university begin again, it’s spaces like The 187 that can provide meaningful and fun experiences in Toronto, past the dorm room or apartment. Experiencing art, music, or entertainment can be fun, but it is made all the more significant when those creating and performing are of one’s own generation.

To stay up to date, follow The 187 on Instagram or Twitter (@187augusta).

VCDS celebrates its centennial Here’s what you can expect from them this season emma lailey associate arts and culture editor

This year, the spotlight is shining brightly on Victoria College’s student-run theatre society, Victoria College Drama Society (VCDS), as they celebrate their 100th birthday. Most often found on Vic’s Isabel Bader Theatre stage, VCDS is widely recognized within the college and outside community as a well-established student group that is passionate about theatre and showcasing student talent.

In honouring VCDS’ centennial, executive producers, Alyssa DiBattista and Leora Nash have organized the 2017-2018 season as a celebration of Vic theatre and Canadian theatre in general. The season opens with three UofT alumni written productions and closes with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night—VCDS’ first performance in 1918.

Initiating VCDS’ 2017-2018 season is Jim Betts’ Colours in the Storm, directed by Shannon Dunbar and musically directed by Michael Henley. Following the story of Canadian artist Tom Thomson, Colours in the Storm explores Thomson’s incredible influence in Canadian art as well as his controversial death in the waters of Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park, exactly one hundred years ago. The second round of auditions will be announced midSeptember, and interested musicians are encouraged to contact the directors. Colours in the Storm will be performed October 19th to 21st at 7 PM in the Emmanuel College Quad.

The season line-up continues with Bob Martin and Don McKellar’s The Drowsy Chaperone (directed by Meredith Shedden), David Yee’s Lady in the Red Dress (directed by Jasmine Cabanilla) and William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (directed by Maya Wong). All productions succeed in addressing relevant Canadian issues and topics that have a direct impact in the lives of students and artists alike. Auditions for all productions will occur throughout first semester. Those interested in temporary stage crew positions are encouraged to get in contact with the producers, follow VCDS’ Facebook page, and attend their information session scheduled during the first week of class.

In celebration of all that the society’s accomplishments, VCDS will host a Centennial

Gala in March in which all participating Vic alumni are invited to attend. Co-Producer, DiBattista states: “the theatre is a meeting place for people from Vic, U of T, and the community. This year, our focus is to celebrate the history of VCDS and bring together the people who built us up to where we are now.”

VCDS IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED WITHIN THE COLLEGE AND OUTSIDE COMMUNITY AS A WELL-ESTABLISHED STUDENT GROUP THAT IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THEATRE AND SHOWCASING STUDENT TALENT. With or without experience, VCDS’ producers encourage all first years and those with a passion for drama to apply and get involved with their council because “ultimately [VCDS’] goal is to do awesome creative things and have a lot of fun.” Applications will open for executive team assistant positions to the producer, artistic director, communication directors, and technical directors in mid-September. For those interested in obtaining more technical experience, VCDS will be hosting three educational workshops focusing on lighting, set design, and sound from mid-September to late-October. More information can be found online on their website (www.vcds.ca) and social media (@VicDramaSociety).

12 ARTS AND CULTURE

EDITOR | SABRINA PAPAS ARTSANDCULTURE@THESTRAND.CA

Seeking out the strange A beginner’s guide to the film-related resources on and off campus and why using them matters harrison wade staff writer

To both new and returning students, I would like to put forward a suggestion for the coming school year: seek out uncomfortable art—whatever uncomfortable means to you.

That’s it. Listen to an album in a genre you’ve never liked, or read a novel in translation. Go see a play or an art exhibit with a context that requires some research. Ask your friends for suggestions and try to talk about your experience. There’s no guarantee that it will be life-changing.

But any art that works from a viewpoint dissimilar to your own will at least be interesting.

To be specific, try to find a movie somewhere beyond your comfort zone. Because, while movies aren’t treated with the same flippancy as they used to be, there is still an ongoing debate about whether or not movies are inherently Art or Entertainment.

And whether you lean towards one side or the other, the opposition presents an easy solution to finding an uncomfortable movie: if you usually treat movies as an excuse to hang out and eat popcorn, go see the artiest movie you can find; if you only watch auteur films exclusively released before the 1990s, please go see the latest Marvel movie.

The one rule—or secondary suggestion—is that you should always interact with uncomfortable art in spaces which make you feel safe. This is because your reaction to something new is often just as unpredictable as the art itself. Take it slow. Test out new theatres or galleries with people who will support you. There’s a wealth of resources and theatres available both on campus and around Toronto. My informal guide below is limited to the downtown core, and just begins to scratch its surface.

A few months ago, I ventured alone to a small theatre on the third floor of an empty Ryerson building to see a screening of La France est Notre Patrie, a Cambodian anti-colonial documentary. I was nervous, in part because I knew nothing about it, but also because the screening was part of a monthly series and I felt I was intruding partway through the year. Of course, my anxieties were baseless; the movie was wonderfully critical, aided by the atmosphere of the event. Before the screening started, I had a chance to speak to the grad student running the series. He was excited I hadn’t seen any of the director’s prior work—an enthusiasm I’ve run into again and again. Don’t be afraid of watching a movie that seems “beyond you.” Most likely, it’s not—anyone hosting a screening is going to be more than happy to share something they love.

Screenings and festivals on-campus are always welcoming. Innis Town Hall hosts more events than I can mention.

Check out the Free Friday Films hosted by CINSSU, which

are exactly what they sound like: a film or two each Friday night, often striking a balance between classic and contemporary, art and entertainment. Or attend any of the series put on by the school. Last year their Contemporary Canadian series was packed both times I attended.

If you’d like to support your peers and see something totally original, go to one of the student film festivals. They’re held simultaneous to—and sometimes in the same venues as—some of the city-wide international festivals, other than TIFF, which showcase diverse national and cultural cinemas.

But it’s often the off-campus theatres which give you space to find your new favourite movie, besides finding your new favourite theatre. Each venue has its own character, alongside a variety of unique offerings. If you didn’t catch the latest release, you can probably still see it at one of the Imagine Cinemas downtown, which play like cozier multiplexes.

For cult classics and special screenings, including events more akin to performances, The Royal and The Revue are the places to go. International films land here and there, but a wide selection, along with regular classic retrospectives, show at the TIFF Lightbox. And if you’re interested in the experimental scene, super8porter.ca keeps an event list of all the screenings happening in mini-venues around town.

Don’t want to go out? The Media Commons at Robarts has thousands of DVDs available for loan, and most campus libraries have a good selection of film books if you want to read up on a star, director, or movement. The Toronto Public Library even offers a streaming service of hundreds of Criterion Collection films, which means there are plenty of free options if you’re in the mood for something besides Netflix.

This year, push yourself to discover something new— whether it’s a theatre, movie, or some other media. See how that art interacts with your own tastes and conceptions of what art, or movies, can do. Discomfort will lead to critical thinking while also moving you through a story, emotion, or concept. If you find something that makes your heart race, you’re in luck, and try—as hard as it can be—to hold onto that feeling amidst other people’s judgments. One of my favourite movie moments was going to see Under the Skin on my first trip to The Royal.

The theatre set the atmosphere, with seats sloping gently down to a screen tucked behind a blue curtain. When the lights dimmed, the curtains rolled open and the screen lit up with one of the most unnerving opening shots I’ve ever seen. Both the movie and theatre have remained close to my heart because, eventually, the uncomfortable will become your comfort. illustration

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Victoria’s own Sheepishly Yours A discussion with Sam Clark on the band’s influences and balancing academics with music maia kachan associate arts and culture editor

Sheepishly Yours describes themselves as a “Toronto Based Indie-Folk group.” Formed by Victoria College students, Sam Clark, Aaron Phillip-Muller, Noah Phillip-Muller, and Yasmine Shelton, the band has quickly garnered much success both in and out of the Vic community. The Strand sat down with Sam Clark to discuss the formation and influences of the band and the intersections of his experience as a student and artist.

The Strand: Tell us the origin of Sheepishly Yours. How were you and the other band members able to connect?

Sam Clark: Aaron and I were roommates in first year—so we’ve been playing music together since we started university.

Another friend of ours brought Aaron, Noah, and I together to work on some songs last summer. After that, Aaron, Noah, and I decided we wanted to start a more serious project together. Our other friend couldn’t commit to anything as serious as what we wanted, but I had met Yasmine a month before and asked her if she would be interested.

The first time I heard Yasmine sing was in her frosh week open mic, where I was a frosh leader. I was completely floored.

I was super excited about how enthusiastic she was about the band. We started with three covers, particularly a song called “Canary Gaslight,” that has turned into our signature. From there, we branched out and started using compositions of band members, and more challenging music.

One thing that stands out is your cohesive and distinct style, how did the band develop that? Who are some musical influences?

We all kind of have a nerdy, weird energy and it gels to-

gether really well. It’s cool because we’re a band and play music together, but we’re also friends and have a lot of fun. I think the style of music we play reflects the fun we have and the way our personalities intersect. We’re all classically trained so we have that as influence too.

Noah is especially strong classically, so his lines on the cello tend to have strong technical and classical influence.

Aaron writes a lot of our music, and has a very upbeat, light, and humorous slant to his songs. Yas has a really bluesy voice.

We work with Maya Killtron, who’s an established musician in the city. She taught at the school where Yas took singing lessons, and always talks about how standout a student Yas was.

She has incredible command and uniqueness in her voice. Her individuality shines. I love Anais Mitchell, Bon Iver, and the slower, more pensive versions of folk music. The songs that I write tend to be slower pace. What really unites us all is our love of folk.

How are you able to balance the commitments of such a large artistic endeavour and academic commitments? How do your identities as a student and musician intersect?

When I came to Vic, I didn’t really think that I could be a musician and not be at music school. Recently, I’ve learned through research that many artists come from academic backgrounds. I think it isn’t unusual for people to start off their music careers while studying something else. It’s a matter of priorities. You can’t do everything at the highest level, so I have to pick and choose what I focus on. Aaron and Noah work in labs, Yas works, plays quidditch, and writes. For me, it was a matter of realizing that this is a serious endeavour. I would like to pursue music in the future, so I take a bit of the energy I would apply towards other things and apply it here. My uni-

versity experience isn’t just about class, it’s about learning and growwing holistically.

Staying accountable to the band is a big thing, because we all need to make it a priority to be as successful as we want to be. That’s probably one of our biggest challenges. Having a gig puts pressure on you in a similar way as having an exam.

You never want to walk away from a set feeling like you underperformed, so that’s another motivating factor.

Do you have any suggestions for young musicians coming to Vic on being musically engaged in the Vic and, more broadly, Toronto artistic scene?

Having lived in Toronto for 16 years, I wish I had known earlier about the small arts scene in here. There’s stuff going on all the time, all over the place. It has a kind of life to it that you don’t get from places like the Air Canada Centre. The small concert experience is amazing, and we’re so lucky to live in Toronto where so many artists come to our city. There are so many incredible bands that nobody knows about, and you can pay five or ten dollars to go see them at a bar.

If I were to give advice, the biggest thing would be to go out and be a part of that. Meet people, and talk to them after shows. Vic is chock-full of artists, and there are so many people just sitting around with incredible talents that they pull out occasionally at a Cat’s Eye open mic. It’s very easy to meet musicians at Vic, and there are so many people who want to be engaged. You just have to look and you’ll find opportunities.

I’m thankful to go to a school that gives me so many opportunities to do what I love.

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@STRANDPAPER THE STRAND | 22 AUGUST 2017

Fulfilling frosh goals An interview with Yasmine Hassen of The Humming Magazine marjan dian contributor

To some, university comes as the next big step in life: a chance to finally pursue your dreams and find your passion. When it came to the arts, Yasmine Hassen personified exactly that.

When I first met her in August of 2015, she was brimming with ideas and goals she wanted to put into play during her time at Vic and UofT. Now, entering her third year in Sociocultural Anthropology, Cinema Studies, and Diaspora Studies, Yasmine is also Communications Director of The Humming Magazine, an online publication she took part in starting up last year. The Strand reached out to Yasmine for advice on how other freshmen can pursue various forms of art and involvement in culture.

The Strand: How did The Humming come about?

Yasmine Hassen: At Vic, I met all of my friends and creative “peeps,” That’s where I met Jenny, Carleigh, and Mathea [Jenny’s roommate]. Around November, Jenny and Mathea approached me about this creative project. We’ve always talked about starting something, from being DJs to starting a band, but we never made any tangible goals. So when we came up with the idea to do an arts and culture publication, they appreciated that we all had the same passion and mind-frame. As artists, we found it hard to find publications that were more open and chill, we didn’t want to be snooty—we wanted to create rampant support, creativity, and a community that’s passionate and creative. We want to show off and connect people through a safe and supportive space to uplift artists.

What does the name mean to you and why did your team choose it?

The name actually came about because Jenny wanted something that captured The Humming as something “moving, a vibrant thing, buzzing with passion and blushing with pure life.” I remember for us, The Humming was something that comes from within you, like a “hum.” It’s like the passion from within you too and it’s fleshy, like our peach logo! When you bite into a peach, it’s like that fleshy juiciness on the inside that’s like that same passion. We’re also mistaken as The Hummingbird a lot too, which we find funny.

Have you faced any hurdles in trying to become more

involved in the art realm?

I always wanted to be in a creative realm. I’m actually starting a podcast with my friends too! I didn’t picture myself doing a magazine at first, but I definitely wanted to be a part of an arts and culture publication, so it worked out in the way that we formed The Humming.

Do you still face any obstacles?

Well, as a student—and I know I’m not the only one feeling this way—school can get in the way of you pursuing these things. I get invested in school, and when I’m not studying, I just want to chill. So it gets annoying when it’s super deep and I’m suddenly engulfed in the cycle of school, sleep, exams, etc.

When I’m not studying though, I try to paint and take photos.

I’m trying to incorporate being inspired in everyday life and not make it a chore.

Since becoming involved with The Humming have there been any particularly fulfilling moments for you?

I think Jenny and Mathea had more faith in our success— not that I’m a negative person at all, but it was just hard to imagine people submitting actively to something we started with no large amount of power. Like, we weren’t already working at VICE or something like that. It’s profoundly humbling and fulfilling now, I think, that there have been so many people who reached out to us and support us from different universities. There’s even been someone from Spain! The power of social media has made me really feel the support and it’s beautiful. It’s lovely that people continue to support this, even from the launch party it felt surreal. Just people being genuine and real in their support.

What do you do to maintain creativity?

Surrounding yourself with other creative people helps a lot. Seeing your friends doing creative things and succeeding helps me so much. There’s so much potential. During high school, none of us were super creative, but in university we all spread our wings and inspire each other. There’s so much positivity. photo

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maia kachan

Review: On Growing Old Maia Kachan’s debut collection of poems poignantly outlines a coming-of-age narrative jasmine ng

| contributor

Drawing on themes of wintertime numbness, listless suburban life, and drunken young love, Victoria College student, Maia Kachan creates a small world within the twenty pages of her poetry collection On Growing Old. Published in May of 2017, this semi-autobiographical collection spans the teenage years of a girl who has grown up almost too quickly.

The most notable aspect about the collection is the winter feeling that extends throughout Kachan’s poems. A chill can be found in the dorm room, the little prairie town, the graveyard, and the Toronto streets that the speaker passes through. Though this extended wintertime seems gloomy, the cold could be seen as an act of preservation. Winter is a mental state as much as it is a physical one. Kachan speaks of an “altruistic hibernation” and living in a universe in which “nothing ever changes and no one ever leaves.” These lines illuminate one of the speaker’s main struggles; she does not want to leave the confines of her memories and imagination.

It seems as if she prefers, or at least accepts, her current state.

Although she desires to rid herself of the cold, the winter has become a part of her. It is reliable and familiar. It also gives no hints of thawing. This characteristic in Kachan’s work is interesting in its refusal to comfort readers with promises of a springtime.

On Growing Old also feels familiar because it evokes the images of sleepy suburban life. Kachan’s depictions of the “suburb of zero erotica” are reminiscent of songs by Lorde.

She also shows how one’s family and its traditions can be stifling, despite the comfort they provide. The voices of her speakers grow restless in these poems. Kachan notes, however, that “still we tiptoe to preserve our sleepytown home.”

As with the eternal winter, the speaker is both repelled by and drawn to what she knows best. What is interesting to

note is that Kachan comes from Saskatchewan, but has also lived in Halifax and Toronto. Her experience has clearly influenced her work. In her poems, she moves between these places without warning. In one poem she mentions the prairie, and in the next, she describes the sea. This geographical instability augments the unsettling feeling.

Another place in which Kachan does well is her depiction of young love and self-discovery. She pieces together a picture of an uncertain relationship with another girl; a best-friend-turned-lover. In this part of the collection, the tone changes dramatically between poems. Its changeability seems to reflect the fragility of the girls’ relationship. In “Let Me,” the girl pleads for intimacy and comfort, while in “Champagne Hotbox,” she becomes more aggressive, unrelenting in her desire. However, she realizes in “Rules of a Drunken Hookup” that she will never truly receive the love that she craves. This change from gentle yearning to raw lust—and finally—to deflated acceptance, is what keeps the pace of the work interesting. Kachan’s depiction of this young relationship is universally understandable. She shows how inexperience and a longing for stability bind the girl to someone who will not fulfill her needs. Kachan’s portrayal of a volatile teenage romance is tragic without becoming overdramatic, familiar without becoming cliché.

The collection is a strong debut by Maia Kachan. Full of listlessness, self-awareness, and aching, this book of poems is a testament to its author’s emotional growth and determined voice. Victoria College welcomes On Growing Old to our growing collection of student publications and is excited for Kachan’s works to follow.

On Growing Old can be purchased from Grey Borders Books at www.greybordersbooks.jigsy.com/maia-kachan.

How would you like to see The Humming and your other projects progress this upcoming year?

Right now, I feel like I’ve hit a plateau. But for me, these past months have been hard to keep up with things I want to do. Just between a job and school, like I mentioned before.

But once school starts, I hope everything we do continues to stay successful. Even if we fail, we’ve still learned so much, but I hope we grow. For me, I want The Humming to become a brand. Not for it to become super popular, but to grow with our community. Putting yourself out there—it’s scary. You’re putting a part of yourself out there and there’s such a high chance of not succeeding, especially in this creative realm where everyone’s doing something. But I hope everything I’m a part of continues to grow. That’s fulfilling.

What advice can you give to incoming students about following their goals?

It’s important when you set goals to make really tangible goals. Sometimes I’m like, “I want to do the entire world in two weeks!” but realistically, that can’t happen. I think telling people about your goals, even if it’s scary, or even journaling about it, it makes the goals more real because you’re held more accountable. Failing shouldn’t be such a big deal, cause failing will just help you develop more. Even with The Humming, all of our plans kept getting pushed back because we made so many goals that weren’t feasible. Once we decided to just put our submission video out in March, we knew that there couldn’t be any more excuses to hinder ourselves. Before we made anything public we kept thinking “let’s make it better,” and we kept pushing it back. That’s the thing though, you can always get better and evolve once it’s out. Also, as cheesy as it sounds, join creative organizations on campus. Like VCDS, VicXposure, etc. Even if you don’t stick to it, it exposes you to so many likeminded people and networks. With university, don’t scare yourself about goals or friends or being creative.

We’re all in the same boat. Don’t let obstacles ever discourage you either—there’s not one linear path, it’s pretty wavy and that’s totally fine.

Jammin’ in the quad Welcome to first year and let the party begin charlene hanania staff writer

This year’s Victoria College Orientation theme centers around “I am Victoria”, bringing every newly accepted student under one entity. This party playlist reflects a time period of new friendships, new homes, and new times. The first few days at Vic will allow students to embrace the college’s values, spirit, dynamism, and home-away-from-home atmosphere. At the threshold between this summer’s hits and up-and-coming artists, music will allow you to bathe in Vic’s atmosphere. Enjoy the last summer vibes in Toronto while smoothly entering into the academic rhythm.

“Be Mine” – Ofenbach “Oldschool Baby (Piano Remix)” – WestBarn feat. Nena “Kiwi” – Harry Styles “Rollin” – Calvin Harris (feat. Future & Khalid) “Nights” – Frank Ocean “Passionfruit” – Drake “I Feel It Coming” – The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars “Gooey (Gillian Moss Remix)” – Glass Animals “V. 3005” – Childish Gambino “OK” – Robin Schulz feat. James Blunt “Chanel” – Frank Ocean “Nomu” – Good Kid “Seabird” – Alessi Brothers “Citrus Shampoo” – Shagabond “Lite Spots” – Kaytranada “Future (Part 2)” – Bipolar Sunshine feat. Goldlink Scan and listen now on Spotify!

14 STRANDED

EDITOR | REBECCA GAO STRANDED@THESTRAND.CA

Nothing is real Welcome to Stranded Dear Reader, Welcome to The Strand Vol. 60, but more importantly (sorry Molly and Elena but I’m the star now), welcome to Stranded.

We’re living in a world that’s absolutely ridiculous and probably fake. Reality doesn’t make sense, time hasn’t existed since 2012, memes are politicized, and no one can tell what is and what isn’t fake news anymore. At this point, if the universe’s framework started unravelling into 1s and 0s, I wouldn’t even be surprised.

Nothing makes sense anymore and I’m pretty sure this game of Sims is about to be exited out of anyways. Stranded is the place to recognize the stupidity and absurdity of the world and to poke fun at it.

Everything is fake and the world is a dumpster fire. We might as well laugh while we still can.

Welcome, thank you, I love you, and good luck.

XOXO, Rebecca Gao Stranded Editor

The dos and don’ts of first year A visual guide rebecca gao stranded editor

First year is a hectic time for everyone. Moving to a new city, meeting tons of new people, and adjusting to a new academic environment can be overwhelming. As someone who did “aight” for herself in first year, it’s time for me to impart my very, very finite wisdom on people who are probably only a few months younger.

Here’s a short visual guide to help you navigate your first year. Good luck!

DO work in groups with new friends! This is a great way to connect with your classmates while also getting the most out of your education. Find your support networks and stick with ‘em!

DO try new foods! University is a time for experimentation. Leave the white bread of your small town behind.

DO experiment with your look! It’s a new year, city, school, etc. Get the perm you’ve always wanted, shave your head if you wanna! It’s only questionable if you question it.

DON’T date someone who lives on your floor because you WILL break up and then your own home will stop being safe. Trust me on this one. Just TRUST ME ON THIS ONE. DON’T try to make friends during Frosh Week by sniffing them. Sure, your dog can do it and sure, it’s super cute when he does, but no one is going to hang if all you wanna do is smell their sweaty Frosh Week armpits.

STRANDED 15

@STRANDPAPER THE STRAND | 22 AUGUST 2017

LOL—these Vic students are SOOO funny!

Vic students really know how to tickle our funny bones leo morgenstern associate stranded editor

Here are the funniest things Vic students did this week!

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did!

Heartwarming: When This Straight-A Student Couldn’t Afford To Go To University, President Will Robbins Came To His House And Gave Him A 45-Minute Sponge-Bath Instead leo morgenstern associate stranded editor

While many complain that the Victoria College administration is out of touch with the student body, President Will Robbins is anything but. That’s why he filled his special bucket with suds and spent almost an hour soaping up honour-student Jeremy Yang.

And if you can believe it, the story gets even better: he did it for free. Here’s what the people have to say.

“Hopefully I’ll get the chance to do something similar.”

Principal Angela Esterhammer On getting to meet somebody named “Jeremy”

“I’ve always wanted to hold a sponge, so it was basically a dream come true for both of us! And maybe next year he’ll get to go to university. Who knows?”

President Will Robbins On dreams

“Northrop Frye has a book as part of his statue, so why shouldn’t President Robbins have his bucket? It just makes sense.”

VUSAC Finance Chair, Graham Allison On his petition to have President Robbins’ bucket o’ suds included in his president portrait in Old Vic

16 STRANDED

@STRANDPAPER THE STRAND | 22 AUGUST 2017

We asked these first-year students what they have in their dorm rooms jasmine ng contributor

First-year students everywhere are moving into their dorm rooms, meeting their new roommates, and pretending they have a cool relationship with their parents by ordering them to set down the mini-fridge in that specific corner. We take a brief moment from a few of these newcomers’ days to ask them how they have prepared for their first exciting year at university.

NATHANIEL: Well, I can’t live without my copies of Heart of Darkness, Crime and Punishment, and Cat’s Cradle. I don’t expect everyone to really, like, get it. But they’re just so classic, you know? Really exploring the darkness within all men. I mean, also women. I’m all about including females in my analyses of novels. They do some interesting stuff if you dig deep enough. If you haven’t guessed, I also really like to write.

JOEY: I brought my hoop. You know, like a little basketball hoop for my wall.

Shooting some hoops in here is gonna lighten the mood. I actually positioned it so I can aim from my bed. We can take turns, man. I’m not gonna miss so it’s not gonna hit the wall or make noise or something. Just for when the boys come over, like we’ll have some beers and hang out. Homework? Oh, that can’t be much harder than it was in high school. I heard calc is just the same as Grade 12. I’ll just email the professors a lot about my sports and stuff. It’s gonna be lit!

ANGELIKA: I brought a lot of posters from my favourite Broadway and off-Broadway productions. You might have heard of Hamilton? Well, I actually saw it in its original venue, so I got hooked before everyone else. I also have all the Hamilton songs memorized, and I gotta say; my rapping isn’t bad! I sing everywhere I go. Singing in the shower, at the cafeteria, in my room. It’s just a quirky thing I do (laughs). I brought a keyboard, too, so there are going to be some great jams in here. Everyone’ll have a good time.

This floor’s going to be the party floor!

ELI: I brought my guitar. I can’t wait to bring it out in the common rooms and quad. It really brings people together, you know? I think people actually like “Wonderwall” deep down. I’ve played it at a few events in my hometown. I hope to perform at all the coffeehouses here, because I’m working on my own original songs. I mix them on Garageband. Too bad my headphones got broken before I moved in.

illustrations

| emily fu

Of course, living in a dormitory is an exercise in patience and compromise. As time wears on, we wish to all those who live on residence the strength to share their washrooms and bond over clogged drains. We promise; you (and your immune systems) will be stronger by the end of the year.

I Decided Not to Change My Name to Jennifer Lopez Here’s why leo morgenstern associate stranded editor

The beginning of university is often a time of change for many people. We’re young, we’re discovering new things about ourselves, and we’re getting ready to take on the world. Change is only natural, but one change was too much for me. When I came to Vic, I decided not to change my name to Jennifer Lopez and I stand by that decision. Here’s why: 1. I would have to get a new bank card because my current account is not under the name Jennifer Lopez.

2. If Aliens ever come to Earth and abduct all people named Jennifer Lopez, I will be safe.

3. Whenever I receive a piece of mail addressed to Jennifer Lopez, I will know it is not for me and that the mailman has made a mistake.

4. My orthopedic surgeon is named Jarnifer Lopez, and I don’t want to be confused with her.

5. I will probably never be asked to perform at the Grammy Awards, which is a good thing because I am not prepared.

6. The email address jennifer.lopez@gmail.com is taken.

kenzie tsang contributor