THE VANDOO
GUIDE TO VANIER 2016 2017 Vol 50. Issue 01
CONTENTS INCLUDE
1) A chockful stream of overlapping frosh events that leap colleges and gutters; [page 3] 2) A bold merriment of diverse & dedicated people, wedged under one roof [page 4-5] 3) A college, disorderly jam-packed with clubs and hobbyist groups [pages 6-7] 4) An amazing newspaper [page 8]
Avoid Freshman FIFTEEN:
Eat Here Anna Dela Cruz Writer
The Freshmen 15: the plague that strikes first-year students across campuses everywhere. With fast food available on every corner, it’s not surprising for students, first-year or not, to struggle buttoning up their jeans. York is no exception to burger joints and Chinese take-out, but it does have a variety of healthier options to the traditional campus grub.
1. Healthy Kitchen With a name like that, how can this place not be good for you? Located at Stong College, Healthy Kitchen offers fresh entrées and sides that change seasonally, ranging from dishes like chili, pasta and chicken. Trust me when I say fresh: the station uses produce from York’s very own Urban Cultivator, an indoor greenhouse. Healthy Kitchen proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean eating leaves and seeds; being healthy can be both
delcious and satisfying!
Here are five of them:
2.Booster Juice
A campus favourite, Booster Juice is often subject to long lines in Curtis Lecture Hall. Not only are their smoothies and juices delicious, but as their name suggests, they offer a nutrition boost—all in a single cup. Their ingredient list encompases numerous “superfoods”: spinach, coconut water, goji berries, matcha and of course, kale. And if you’re worried about protein, some drinks are supplemented with soy or whey protein.
3.Freshii
Whoever said salads were dull and boring probably never ate at this Lassonde gem. Their salads, a combination of leafy greens, crisp veggies, quinoa, tofu, rice and/or beans, will keep you full and energized during those long lectures. Although they are most known for their diverse and customizable salads, their
menu also includes wraps, soups and smoothies. If you want to incorporate more greens into your diet, but can’t bother with the tedious task of cutting cucumbers and carrots, Freshii is your best bet.
4.Berries and Bloom Craving fruit? Drop by Ber-
ries and Blooms to choose from their buffet of fruit and veggies. From carrot sticks to cut watermelon, this little restaurant inside York Lanes will make getting your daily four to eight servings easy. Or, if you want something more savoury, yet still clean, check out their pastas, beans and quinoa salads. For breakfast, try their cholesterol-free, protein-rich egg white omelette.
5.Qoola
To call this frozen yogurt bar at York Lanes
“healthy,” might be a stretch since some of their toppings include cookie crumbs, chocolate and syrup, but it’s not their sweet treats that put them on the list; it’s their extremely underrated quinoa wraps, salads and veggie sandwiches. Qoola’s vinaigrettes taste so good— too good—you’ll wonder if that grilled eggplant you’re eating is actually healthy.
Hello first years! My name is Rhyena Miller, and I am going into my second year here at York University. First year had its ups and downs and I am here to share some tips that will hopefully help you out! I just finished my first year in Children Studies and recently transferred to Psychology. During my first year I was elected to Vanier College Council as First Year Representative and am on council for my second year as Director as Social Cultural.
Check out more tips throughout the paper
Tip #1: get an agenda. Whether it’s something on your phone, computer, or a physical book, remaining organized is super important. You’ll have important assignments due, tests and personal things that will often overlap. Having an agenda will help you plan out your week, month and semester, making sure everything is completed. Tip #2: First year is about finding yourself. York is a huuuuge campus with a lot of people. But in this large campus there are a variety of outlets and options for you to feel like you’re at home. From program specific and hobby clubs, to intra murals and everything in between, you are sure to find something to connect with.
UPCOMING EVENTS
VANIER COLLEGE Council My experience at York University would not have been the same if it weren’t for Vanier College. As a first year Undeclared Major, I spent my days coming to school, going to class, and going home. Never have I ever thought about doing extra-curricular activities, nor have I ever fathomed the idea of getting involved in student governments or clubs. I hope to inspire those who are seeking to get involved, and to provide my knowledge and support for anyone in need. The Vanier College community brought me in like I was a lost member of the family. Vanier College Council offers a safe space and inclusive environment for all students. For most students, it is their ‘home away from home’; where students can hang out, eat, study, nap, and socialize before and after classes. The Vanier College community provides a support system that can help you both academically and socially to make your University experience the best it can possibly be. York University and Vanier College has given me the opportunity to expand my experience, develop lasting relationships, and has provided me
Jason Lomboy President
an avenue to make the most out of University. Vanier College Council’s mandate is to enrich the lives and educational experience of its members through academic, cultural, recreational and social programs. We act as the link between student life and York’s administration, faculty, and staff. Vanier College Council provides workshops, study spaces, and engaging and affordable social events throughout the year. Such social events include: Orientation Week, our annual Montreal trip, Blue Mountain, Themed Pub
Nights, Frost Week, Coffee Houses, and a Year-End Formal, just to name a few. Vanier College Council, in support of affiliated clubs/ associations also work in collaboration to provide program specific events to help cater students, and to enhance their University experience both academically and socially. Vanier College is home to many tremendous clubs that offers support for students to interact with other students who share specific hobbies and/or interest. Whether you are a first year student or returning student, I encourage you to get involved. From my experience it is never too late. Getting involved will enhance your university experience, providing you with countless opportunities at school, and allowing you to establish a series of networks, which will benefit you throughout your journey through and after university. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to come by our office, room 120 Vanier College, at any time!
VANIER Athletic Council
Peter Man Van VP of Social Cultural
Hey Vanier! My Name is Man Van and I will be your VP Social and Cultural for 2016/17. I am also the O-Chair for Vanier’s Orientation Week. I am going into my 4th year here at York and this is my 3rd year on Vanier College Council. I am very excited for this upcoming year, there are so many things I would love to do to make Vanier an even better place. I wish to extend the comfort that I have with this place to other students so that they could have a place to
relax and enjoy after long lectures or study sessions. I’m looking forward to creating new and fun events with my position to try and cater to everyone’s social life. Not only will I be creating social event I will try to include a lot of academic collaborative events too. I’m very passionate about Vanier, I can’t wait to give it my all this year and I can’t also wait to see all the new and old faces come by our student spaces and
There are many misconceptions when it comes to university students. For example, if you spend most, if not all of your time studying at the library, people often label you as the ‘nerd.’ However, being passionate about your studies does not have to take away from your passion for sports! Here at Vanier College, you have access to a wide range of intercollegiate teams, which provide both the opportunity to perfect your athletic abilities, and the opportunity to make lifetime memories. Vanier College Athletics offers two tiers, competitive (Tier 1) and recreational (Tier 2), making intramurals available and fun for everyone. The Tier 1 is for those who are more interested in the competitive aspects of sports, allowing players to attend scheduled trainings, and games to be more
professional and structured. On the other hand, the Tier 2 is a place for those who wish to have fun. It is for the students who are just starting to learn the game, and a tier such as this one ensures that they can do so in a low-pressure environment. Being a member of Vanier’s athletic program comes with the responsibility of encouraging fellow teammates, ensuring that all members are allowed the opportunity to succeed as athletes. To aid in that success, coaching staff is present to train every sports team. Their duty is to help team members, in every possible way, to achieve both individual and collective goals. In order to achieve these goals, coaches ensure that their players benefit from state-of-the-art training techniques, services, and facilities. Through this assistance, practices, league
play and tournaments, Vanier College Athletics offers many opportunities for members to show their unique abilities and improve their skills. Now you may be wondering,who represents our beloved sports teams here at Vanier? Vanier’s Athletic Council of course! The council is comprised of a president and two vice-presidents, along with four directors. They are each responsible for their own specific group and contribute greatly to the organization and success of the club. The positions of first year male and female representatives are always open at the beginning of the year, so if you are interested in any of these positions, Visit them in the Vanier College Basement RM. 027 or on Facebook at Vanier College Athletics
VANIER COLLEGE PRODUCTIONS Christine NietO
Menfes Kidus
VP COMmunications
VP Finance
Fizz oladiran Dir of COMmunications
Sami Dessuky Dir of Finance
Rhyena Miller Dir of Social Cultural
Lucas SaNtos Dir of Campaigns and Advocacy
Sello Tlelima Dir of Admin
Mila Dadshev Speaker
Another school year is upon us and with it comes the opportunity to try out new experiences and see what Vanier clubs have to offer. VCP is one of the most fun
and diverse clubs operating out of Vanier. With activities taking place all year long and open to any and all kinds of people it is a great place to meet people and become an active member of the York community.
With Vanier college’s 50th anniversary just around the corner VCP is sure to bring all kinds of exciting productions to keep you entertain and fresh for school. Ranging from impressive Improv comedy on the monthly basis, to thoughtful thrilling musicals to weird wonderful dramas. VCP offers everything for every taste. Although no specifics have been set on stone, if last year is any indication this will be a jam packed season. A normal VCP season consists of 4 productions: VIC (Vanier’s Improv Company) whom bring their circus of fun around every month with a mix of Sketch Comedy and on-the-spot Improv games. A musical (Past years have seen such classics and Rent and Legally blonde). A drama (such as Last year’s heart-wrenching Buried Child) and Show Choir (just a whole lot of fun). This year however is not normal year. Not only is Vanier college turning 50, but 2017 will mark the 45th anniversary since it was founded. Many rumours are flying around as to how VCP plans on celebrating it, but it seems like there might be a one act play festival is in the works open for everyone, and much more.
Auditions are open to all York students and will take place in the early weeks of the semester. One of the most outstanding things about VCP is its inclusiveness, as Dave Crawford, Executive Producer says, “We always encourage people from all backgrounds to come out and audition, or be part of VCP in some capacity”. Not all of us are performers of course and VCP provides a space for people behind the scenes
as well. If you are tech-savvy or have a knack for clothes or building VCP has a need for designers, builders, costumers and stage managers. So be you an actor, director, singer, comedian, clothes designer, good with computers or you like to build set or simply enjoying being on stage in any capacity VCP is the place to go. You can find the VCP office at 258 Vanier College next to the Fred Thury Theatre.
Tip #3; Get to know the transit systems available at York. This goes out to my commuter students. Here at York we have TTC, GO busses, Zum, YRT and Viva. Make sure you schedule a good amount of time in the morning and evening for commuting to school. Morning traffic sucks, accidents happen so try and plan ahead of it. I personally us an app called “Transit App” by Transit App, Inc. It’s free to download so check it out!
vanier clubs
Business and Society
ChildrenS Studies Student Association
Student Club Although anyone can join, the Business and Society Student Club (BUSOSC) is a student-run organization that focuses on enriching the educational and social experiences of students in the Business and Society program (BUSO). Through study groups, workshops and lectures by guest-speakers, BUSOSC will help members reach their academic and career goals, and they offer opportunities to expand students’ social networks by hosting functions with actual professionals in the industry. Previously, the club held a conference themed “Moving away from Traditional Business,” which featured panels of experts from various organizations such as Alterna Savings, Ontario Natural Food Co-op, Operation Groundswell Center for Social Innovation and Las Nubes. Conference attendees were able to network and receive personal advice on possible careers in co-operatives and social enterprise. Most importantly, BUSOSC offers peer mentorship, a program especially helpful for first-year students. The program allows students to get help and advice from those in upper-years. Peer mentors are trained to answer any questions new students may have, academic or not, making transitioning to university much easier. If you’re in the Business and Society program and want to make the most of it, or if you just have a passion for business, consider joining this club. Email york.buso.club@gmail.com or sign up on the club’s website at busoclub.wordpress.com. You can also visit their office in room 101C Vanier College.
Existere
Existere is known as a Canadian magazine that operates out of our very own, York University. The magazine primarily focuses on displaying upcoming as well as established talent from York University and around the world. Founded in 1978, Existere began as a student-run journal that covered literature and poetry. Today, Existere still remains student-run, but has branched out to cover many more forms of art and literature. Poetry, fictional stories, art, and photography, are only a few types of creative work you will find in an issue of Existere. Each year, two issues are released to the public, an issue for the fall/winter and spring/ summer seasons. Those featured in the magazine are first expected to submit their creative work online, to be approved by staff. Existere is open to all genres and forms of art and literature, leaving no excuse as to why you cannot submit your creative work. Although it can be nerve-racking to submit something you have worked so hard on, if you truly see a future in arts or literature, this is the perfect way to broadcast your talent.
Tip #4; Your health will always come first. There will be extremely stressful times during your first year. And you need to take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to message your TA or professor for extra time on an assignment, to reschedule a test etc. Try and take at least an 30 minutes in your day to relax and be at peace. Drink lots of water, have a good breakfast, pack little snacks for during the day and don’t forget your lunch!
The Children’s Studies Student Association (CHSTSA) is another student-run club for, but not limited to, students in the Children’s Studies program. CHSTSA holds numerous exciting events from information sessions for new students to socials at The Underground, York’s underground pub. More importantly, they are tremendously active in charity work and fundraising. One of these initiatives in the past included collecting various items for a local women’s shelter. CHSTSA also offers workshops that tackle every academic need, such as tips on studying effectively, or writing A+ essays. Not only does the club hold information sessions on graduate studies for Children’s Studies majors, but they also connect current students with the program’s graduates. And if you’re still not sure on what to do with your degree, you can attend their annual career seminar! Furthermore, CHSTSA offers peer mentorship. If you’re too busy to attend a workshop or you prefer more personal support, you can schedule a meeting with a peer mentor who will answer any questions you might have about your program or university in general.For more information on CHSTSA or how to join, email yorkchstsa@my.yorku.ca, or visit their office in room 028 Vanier College.
Federazione Canadese Italiana Ciao a tutti! Have you ever wanted to immerse yourself in a culture other than your own? Or perhaps learn more about your own culture and its traditions and practises? If so, why not consider becoming a member of York University’s very own Federazione Canadese Italiana, where students are not just a part of a club, but a part of “una famiglia.” As a club, their goal is to “create a community within a larger community,” where members devote their time to “building and expanding community relations to create a club that feels like home.” With that being said, it is apparent that FCI is as close and bonded to one another as fresh mozzarella is to a warm Italian baguette. So if you are still interested in joining (which you totally should be!), here is some more information regarding positions that are available, events new members can look forward to, and what aspects of Italian culture they focus on. Any student is welcome to join, and with a membership that costs only $5, you will have access to discounts not only around campus, but off of tickets for each event FCI hosts as well. Although the 2016-2017 executive council has already been determined, FCI is still looking for two first year student representatives to join their team! So with your membership and student representative position under your belt, these are the kinds of events you can look forward to. Held at banquet halls, the two most popular events FCI hosts are the “Pizza, Pasta, and Porchetta Night,” as well as the “Ballo in Maschera,” where members are able to “spread the Italian culture through dancing, eating, and meeting new people.” Other smaller events include a Welcome Event at the beginning of the year, an Academic event, a movie night, an Italian games night, a Mask Making Event, as well as a charity event, such as the Cantina Drive. FCI also hosts a soccer tournament and are also a part of an intramural team throughout the year. With all of these exciting opportunities to engage in Italian life, new members can also look forward to participating in events within Vanier College, the larger York community, such as YorkFest, and within the greater community (i.e. Maple Santa Clause Parade). Now you may be thinking… There has to be more to this club than just eating porchetta and dancing the tarantella (a traditional Italian dance)… And you are certainly right! While traditional food and music is important, one of FCI’s main goals is to spread the Italian culture within the community. Events such as their Ballo in Maschera, emphasizes “the significance of masquerade balls in the Italian culture, as they were particularly popular in Venice where the tradition of the Venetian Carnival takes place.” While their Pizza, Pasta, and Porchetta Night “demonstrates the value of having a great night with friends and family by showing the impact of food on the Italian culture.” And there we have it! What you need to know if you are interested in joining York University’s very own Federazione Canadese Italiana! If you want more information, definitely have a look at FCI’s social media outlets: Facebook (Federazione Canadese Italiana), Instagram (@fciyork), Twitter (@FCIyorku), and YU Connect!
Martial Arts Club If a bully has stolen your bike, if you want to learn self-defence to survive the streets of York, if you have an interest in being a stuntman, or if you want to become an even better fighter, then this is the club for you. Two to three times a week, the normally mundane Room 202 in Vanier College morphs into a dojo fit for both beginners and experts. Martial Arts can be an intimidating thing to get started in, but the openness of the Vanier community surrounding the Martial Arts Club can give anyone a comfortable start in learning Ju-Jitsu and kickboxing – no waxing required. Whether its learning from experts or sparring with other club members, the Martial Arts Club gives you the opportunities you need to learn, have fun, practice a new skill, and make friends/or enemies. If Chuck Norris is your idol, then join their Facebook group, show up for a session and get started (Bring your own gi). But remember the first rule of Martial Arts Club: don’t talk about Martial Arts Club.
The Japanese International Students ASSOCIATION When you find yourself roaming the halls of Vanier, the soft music bumping from Room 110 is the siren call of the Japanese International Students’ Association (JISA). JISA is a group aimed at easing the transition for International Students at York University, and does a great job of forming a community that feels like a home away from home. During the year, JISA both hosts and takes part in several events and get-togethers, from scheduled socials to cultural festivals (like Multicultural Week) and peer study sessions. JISA can be found watching movies, games, and partaking in some karaoke. New members are always welcome from every walk of life as anyone can both enjoy and learn from Japanese culture. It’s an open, fun, close-knit community that provides the link between Japan and our own York/Vanier community. So if you’re an international student or even just someone who is a hardcore J-Pop fan, join their Facebook group, follow them on Instagram, or just follow the sound of the music and drop by Vanier College Room 110 to see for yourself what they’re all about.
Philosophia
The most beautiful and most profound experience is the sensation of the mystical”, Albert Einstein. Einstein was and still is considered to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. Philosophy is, in simplest terms, the search for knowledge. Here at York University, this quest for knowledge transcends the formal settings of a classroom. One of the avenues, if not the primary avenue through which philosophy is facilitated is called PHILOSOPHIA.
The Mature Student Association
Philosophia is York University’s undergraduate philosophy association. It is a student-operated club that is closely connected to Vanier College and the Department of Philosophy at York. The club seeks to provide a space that encourages anything that is connected with philosophy. More importantly, it is a meeting place where students who have interest in the search of knowledge converge and share, debate, discuss, create or simply ponder different ideas.
The Mature Student Association at York University provides a forum that intends to help mature students navigate University life. The association was created in response to the different challenges faced by mature students. These challenges vary and include obtaining good grades, enjoying success at work and maintaining a family. As of 2015 the association expanded its mandate to supporting student parents. Activities by the association are created with these challenges in mind and as such are successful in helping its members overcome these challenges.
Some of these ideas are engaged upon through the many different activities that the club conducts year round. These activities range from study sessions and movie nights to participating in the undergraduate philosophy conference and contribution to the club’s newspaper.
Some of the activities of the organization are their exciting Pub Nights and delicious BBQ parties. They also host a Family movie night close to the holidays in December. Their lounge is also open daily and is always buzzing and jiving with different activities.
Anyone with an interest in the quest for knowledge or seeking to experience the mystical sensation that Albert Einstein speaks of should reach out to Philosopia. The club is always welcoming to new members and can found on York’s website under YUCONNECT.
With fifty percent of York University’s population of approximately fifty thousand over the age of twenty-one and twenty seven percent over the age of twenty-five, the club is only expected to get larger. As the club’s membership grows, it can serve as a platform for people with similar interest to find each other. The club is one of the many associations that are associated with Vanier College. Its office is located at 113B Vanier college and can be found on York University’s website under YU connect.
Classical Studies Student Association
Do you find the Ancient Greeks fascinating? Are you enthralled by the Mediterranean cultures that arouse to become the birthplace of modern western culture? If so the Classical Studies Student Association is the place for you. Providing a space for both students and teaching staff to interact, it is the ideal place to get your fill of everything ancient. With events ranging from lectures from brilliant speakers such as Dr. Matthew Clark, to trips to museums like the ROM, to a trip to Stratford Ontario to see a play. Also providing free tutoring as well as guides in how to write essays for Classical studies classes this club is a must for anyone taking the pertinent classes. With joint events with faculty members it is the ideal place for first year students to get to know professors and make them more approachable and less intimidating.
This club gives the opportunity to casual, and more dedicated fans of the Classics to meet like-minded people and expand your knowledge. As CSSA member Marisa Thomas puts it “Even though this is technically an academic club we do really fun activities” To join you can find them their table during Frosh week, or through-
Economics Student Association For all first year students majoring in economics, the conomic Students’ Association (ESA) is the perfect opportunity to begin your university experience. All students majoring in economics are instantly considered members of the ESA, where you will be given access to various events. Executives have numerous events planned throughout the year that provide students with an opportunity to engage in academic and social discussion amongst each other. This is an ideal opportunity for anybody entering a new environment and looking to meet other individuals with similar interests. The ESA strives to create an enthusiastic and positive environment for all undergraduate students at York University. Although the club is sure to attract students with opposing beliefs, each member has a common interest for economics that is tied together with the rest of the club. This very interest can be used to help strengthen the economics community by providing unique insight on current events occurring within the economy. If you find yourself interested in becoming involved with the ESA, make sure to email them at esayorkuca@gmail.com or visit the Department of Economics found in Vari Hall Room 1144.
out the year at 101A Vanier College.
Cognitive Also check out Science Students YU WRITE Association
Habitat Friends
TRY TO JOIN ATLEAST
ONE
Tip #5; Enjoy yourself. There’s more to university than going to class and going straight home. Make new friends, explore the campus and city, and make lasting memories. Before your know it, you’ll be sitting at convocation (graduation) reflecting on your time here. Whatever you find fun, do it with no ragrets.
EDITORIAL
Welcome to another enterprising year of the Vandoo! This year is especially important, as this marks the 50th anniversary of the very newspaper you are holding. We have a long and storied past that dates back to 1966 and the very birth of York University. One of those stories comes with our name. George Vanier is the founder of Vanier College and was the Major General of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in the 22nd regiment also known as the Van Doos; which is where we get the name Vandoo. As a college paper we fill the gap and allow student voices to rise in response current trends and popular issues. Providing a forum for students to voice their opinion is our mandate, and providing that
through our paper, website and staff members is our constant goal. Being a voice in our community is essential and through our diverse staff we aim to provide interesting and engaging content throughout the year. This year is shaping up to be an intriguing year with the upcoming US Elections, 40th anniversary of Star Wars, Stan Lee’s last appearance in Canada, the arrival of new virtual reality as well as the growth of electric and automated cars. Personally I see this upcoming school year as the year of Magic. Yes, the real kind of magic, the kind where you see dragons, fairies and magic spells. Whether it is explained or not, it is the stuff of wonder, the great unknown or the other side of reality. Magic is taking hold in our world whether you know it or not. Yes, I really hope that magic actually does make a tangible
Sun eel Mistry
Editor in Chief
connection with the real world. Whether it is in film, TV, books or even the real world, magic is set to have a large focus in the upcoming months. In film, the focus is on Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them, the newest Harry Potter spinoff promises a new look at the wizarding world not only on a different continent but also in a different time; America in the early 1900’s. Dr. Strange is the second major contribution to the world
of magic but in a superhero sense. Magic is also seemingly entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a big way through the sorcerer supreme. The realm of magic not only opens your favourite heroes to the weird and wacky but also is the key to the multiverse (multiple realities… and I really hope there are different versions) and will definitely change the way that you see the Marvel Universe. On the TV side we see a healthy dose of magic manifesting in every channel. To continue the marvel TV brand, we see the entrance of Ghost Rider, the spirit of vengeance on Agents of SHIELD as well as a strong presence of Constantine, Vixen and many other magical characters on the CW Superhero Universe. One of (my?) favourite newest shows is the Magicians which is essentially the college life of Harry Potter. A sweet dose(try a different word??) of adult magic, real world and the
fantastical elements makes it one awesome show and the diverse cast really connects the viewer to its characters. And all of these are just the tip of the iceberg. With more content geared towards magic emerging it is easy to see how much of a magical year this is shaping up to be. This year will be truly great and we here at the Vandoo are here to help get you through the year with fun and pizzazz. Make sure you stay tuned to our website thevandoo.ca for lots of amazing work by our dedicated writing staff. Our printed editions will be coming out at the end of every semester, and keep your eyes out for our special edition for the 50th anniversary.
STAFF EditorS
WRITERS
DesignerS
Christina Elaine Nieto
Anna D. C. Dipesh P. Kenneth R. Omesh C. Paul K. Sergio O.
DJ Vaquilar
Eunice Patrick Sabrina Atzori
photographers
Avish Vohra Boaz Allon Siddharth Devalla