The Weal October 2018 edition by The Weal, SAITSA's student run publication

WEAL

VOL. 93 ISSUE #02 OCT. 2018

the

Stayin’ stressed since 1926.

EVERY WEEK THEWEAL.COM

Monthly magazine of the SAIT Students’ Association

MEET BEESLEY

RTBN INSTRUCTOR BY DAY, VOICE OF THE CALGARY FLAMES BY NIGHT PAGE 28

FIND THE SNEAKY WEENIE! Bring the page he’s hidden in to the

station Market to get 1/2 price off a hot dog. liMited to one per custoMer.

SAIT STUDENTS PITCH REDESIGNS FOR THE ODYSSEY COFFEEHOUSE PAGE 8

THAT FALL FEELING: PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES, AND BLACK BEAN BOWL RECIPES PAGE 31

ADVERTISE WITH US. WE’RE THE MONTHLY STUDENT-RUN NEWS MAGAZINE AND ONLINE PUBLICATION WITH ACCESS TO A POST-SECONDARY CAMPUS AUDIENCE OF: 11,000 FULL-TIME STUDENTS. NEARLY 45,000 PART-TIME, APPRENTICE, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION STUDENTS. AND MORE THAN 2,000 STAFF WORKING ON CAMPUS.

theWEAL

Voice of the SAIT community since 1926. For rates, available ad sizes, and deadlines, visit: https://theweal.com/advertise-with-us/ For inquiries, contact: Ruwald de Fortier Editor-in-chief ruwald.defortier@edu.sait.ca ph. 403-284-8525 Published every month during the fall and winter semesters of the academic year by the SAIT Students’ Association. The Weal serves the SAIT community by promoting student activities, presenting news of interest to its members, and by fostering a learning environment in which members may participate; the newspaper is supported by student fees. Contents do not reflect the views of SAIT or SAITSA.

theWEAL NEWS EDITOR

Sean Feagan A&E EDITOR

Andrew Bardsley A&E WRITER

Maryam Lehmann LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Tiffany Oud

LIFESTYLE WRITER

Carmen Cundy SPORTS EDITOR

Alex Hamilton SPORTS WRITER

Brett Klassen OPINIONS EDITOR

Emilie Charette STAFF WRITER

John Watson PHOTO EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ruwald de Fortier

CRUNCH-TIME AND STRESS APPROACHES, BUT THINK OF YOUR INSTRUCTORS TOO.

SAIT students, We’re all familiar with the October crunch complete with mid-term exams, looming deadlines, and some of the biggest projects in your classes left to tackle as winter envelopes the city. All of that work that needs to get done though, has to get marked by the hard-working instructors leading your classrooms. As students, we don’t often think of the workload our instructors have to take on, in addition to coaching us in our respective crafts at SAIT. That’s why we’re introducing the Instructor of the Month section in the Weal to recognize the great shapers of minds leading SAIT students down successful paths. We hope you enjoy reading all about our first featured instructor, Beesley, at the end of the mag as much as we enjoyed editing, and writing it. Sincerely, Ruwald de Fortier, Editor-in-chief.

FILL OUT THE WEAL’S READERSHIP SURVEY ON PAGE 3 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE! Calling all: Budding photographers, writers, news hounds, fact-checkers, people with unwavering opinions, designers of all disciplines, copy-editors, social media moguls, wanna-be webmasters, and all those yearning to see their name published in print.

Shiva Celine STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jp Pitogo

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Patrick Concepcion STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Rorie Stannard LAYOUT EDITOR

Angelique Chuang

WEAL

Write for the Swing by pitch meetings every monday at noon in v219 by the campus centre hockey rink. Volunteers get co-curricular record. email ruwald.defortier@edu.sait.ca for more information COVER PHOTO: Patrick Concepcion. CONTRIBUTORS:

Rachel Moerschfelder Sam Kim Stefanie Lis Inder Minhas Miranda Haughian

Direct letters, questions and concerns to:

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ruwald de Fortier ruwald.defortier@edu.sait.ca The Weal V219, 1301-16 Ave. N.W. Calgary, Alberta, T2M 0L4.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: For rates, available sizes, and deadlines, visit: https://theweal.com/ advertise-with-us/ For inquiries, contact: Ruwald de Fortier Editor-in-chief the.weal@edu.sait.ca ph. 403-284-8525 Published every month during the fall and winter semesters of the academic year by SAITSA

(SAIT Students’ Association). The Weal serves the SAIT community by promoting student activities, presenting news of interest to its members, and by fostering a learning environment in which members may participate; the newspaper is supported by student fees. Contents do not reflect the views of SAIT or SAITSA. Printed direct-to-plate Adobe Acrobat via Central Web.

theWEAL CONTENTS News

SAIT students reflect on cancellation of proposed cannabis zones

Campus coffeehouse gets student-designed facelift

New funding for Indigeneous support navigators announced

Lifestyle

The Plant’s Green Your Thumb: Houseplant Workshop

Mr. Beesley: SAIT instructor inspires students to chase their dreams

Pumpkin spice cookie recipe makes for a warm and delicious treat

Sports

The Worst Canadian: One editor’s journey through his first hockey game

Trojans Women’s hockey coach optimistic about team improving

Men’s basketball team yearns to rebound from heartbreaking 2018 season

Arts and Entertainment

FEVER FEEL: A Present-day take on 60’s rock ‘n’ roll

Swing dancing offers opportunities for fun and learning

Celebrate literature with Wordfest

19 Opinions

Fall into fashion: A playful look at autumn fashion tropes

What, me worry? Yes, moderate stress is beneficial

the WEAL

Monthly magazine of the SAIT Students’ Assocciation. Do you read the Weal? a. Yes (Go to section 1) b. No (Go to section 2)

WE’RE TRYING TO GET TO KNOW OUR READERS BETTER.FILL OUT AND SUBMIT OUR 2018 READERSHIP SURVEY TO SAITSA’S MAIN OFFICE BY OCT. 19 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A JOCO MUG AND A BAG OF THE ODYSSEY COFFEEHOUSE’S CUSTOM ROAST COFFEE

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

1. How often do you read the Weal? a. Every issue b. Every other issue

1. Have you heard of the Weal before? a. Yes b. No

2. How far into each issue do you read? a. The ﬁrst few pages only b. One, or two sections c. I skim through The Weal d. I read it cover-to-cover

2. Why don’t you read it?

3. How often do you read each section?

4. What would you like to see more of in the Weal’s content? a. On-campus events and entertainment b. Student governance c. Student clubs and organizations d. Trojans sports e. Oﬀ-campus events and entertainment f. Stories about faculty g. SAIT alumni h. Long-form journalism

Every issue

Most issues

Occasionally

Never News Arts and Entertainment Sports Lifestyle Opinions

4. How would you rate the overall quality of the Weal? Excellent

Good

Average

Poor

5. What/who are you interested in reading about in the Weal? a. On-campus events b. Student government c. Student clubs and organizations d. Trojans sports e. Oﬀ-campus events and entertainment f. Stories about faculty g. SAIT alumni h. Long-form journalism 6. What would improve the overall quality of the Weal?

7. What would you like to see more of in the Weal?

8. What would you like to see less of in the Weal?

9. What is your aﬃliation with SAIT? a. Faculty b. Student c. Non-academic staﬀ d. Other 10. To which gender do you identify as? a. Male b. Female c. Other (If so, which?) 11. Where do you live? a. SAIT residence c. My own home

b. Oﬀ-campus rental d. At home with family

3. What would entice you to pick up a copy of the Weal when it comes out every month?

5. Do you read any other magazines/newspapers? If so, what do you like to read?

6. What is your aﬃliation with SAIT? a. Faculty b. Student c. Non-academic staﬀ d. Other 7. To which gender do you identify as? a. Male b. Female c. Other (If so, which?) 8. Where do you live? a. SAIT residence c. My own home

b. Oﬀ-campus rental d. At home with family

GOT MORE TO TELL US? REACH OUT TO THEWEAL@EDU.SAIT.CA

- Name: - Email, or phone number: - Field of study/teaching at SAIT if applicable:

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Meet the SAITSA Board of Directors Elecion candidates

Your vote matters! Voting for the 2018/2019 SAITSA Board of Directors opens all around campus and online through your SAIT email on Wednesday October 3 at 8 a.m., and closes at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4. Head to the polls to decide on who out of the candidates below get to represent more than 12,000 SAIT students to all levels of government, the SAIT community, and the institution that is SAIT. Candidates were expected to build platforms based on four guiding principles of “fairness, equality, student interest and transparency,” according to SAITSA’s website. Ideally, candidates’ platforms incorporate components of SAITSA’s strategic plan, mission, and vision. For more information on the aforementioned plan, mission, and vision, head to SAITSA.com. Hello, my name is Kaylee Taylor and I am a second year Architectural Technologies student with the School of Construction. I am very passionate about making the community as open and as possible. I welcome the opportunity to help my fellow students to the best of my abilities.

Kaylee Taylor

Acceptance and Equality for a brighter learning space!

Lief Garrett Hi Guys, my name is Lief Garrett if you want to know what I’m all about feel free to approach me anytime ( I’m normally hiding in Burns near Tim’s)

Alex Sutherland Howdy! I’m Alex, I know you’re thinking great another Alex! That’s where your wrong, I’m not just another Alex I’m the Alex running for board of directors, and I want to bring more fun

Chloe Fleury Alex Yoseph

Ryan Morstad

Vote for me for more organized events and more student representation

My name is Chloe Fleury, I have a positive can-do attitude and I want to be an impacting voice for us students on the Board of Directors. Vote for me!

and interaction to SAIT, If I’m elected I hope to •

Lighten the mood around

student government (make it fun!) •

Advocate to make school

involvement more relatable. •

Advocate for everyone being informed and having a say in

As a former Director on the board I have experience. I know how to navigate the association bureaucracy to get things done for you! Previously, I have worked to lower your student fees and supervise the plans for

your new student building, the SAITSA HQ. I have also helped implement the new Switchboard program which streamlines and simplifies all processes for student clubs. Moving forward I plan to increase funding and access

to resources for Clubs. I want to build community at SAIT and make it even easier to make friendships around school! Vote Experience, Vote Morstad for your BOD.

what SAITSA does (I mean they do work for you!) I hope you get out and vote!Any vote you do make is a vote that helps build your school!

Reza Meghdadi Reza is a structural engineer with experience managing infrastructure projects. Previous to studying CPM at SAIT, he served as a Project Manager at NSQ in Iran. Throughout his career, Reza has played a wide range of roles, including design and estimation of offshore platforms and subsea pipelines. In his free time, he enjoys reading, swimming and playing tennis He loves entertaining and making people laugh. In his personal life, Reza is a dad to Aidin and Sara, a craft beer drinker, an Audi enthusiast, an amateur movie critic, and an

Omar Mazouzi

Mahtab Khakhiani

My goal and reason for running for the board of directors is to provide value to students and clubs by overseeing decision making for SAITSA on behalf of the members who elected them. SAITSA plays a big role to improve the student experience by representing SAIT students with offering many services and decisions that impact students. My mission is to make sure the decisions being made are in the best interest of the students to enhance the campus experience for everyone.

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Hello, my name is Mahtab and I am in the second year of Construction Project Management. While facing challenges of time management of mine own I believe my goal setting ability and strategic planning skills coupled with being an active listener and strong communicator will benefit my fellow students. Your concerns are mine and together with student associations, we can take it to the next step by formulating solutions to unpredictable issues which challenge students’ lives increasing our positive learning and overall SAIT life. I have earned valuable experiences while involved in CPMSA which helped me to become well aware

avid traveler.

Tola Jimoh Ben Goud

Paramvir Gill

My name is Ben Goud. I am one of the first Paramvir Gill students to take the Information Systems I am a brilliant student (ask my instructors) Security program here at SAIT. During our with loads of energy, presenting my thoughts first semester, we experienced all the to you and standing as a candidate to win growing pains of a brand-new program. hearts and votes for serving SAITSA with my Two members of the previous board of skills and experience. directors/executive team helped me to get • I am always astonished and blown away by engaged with SAITSA and activities at SAIT. the activities of SAITSA and I think the best of I would love the opportunity to pay this the association. kindness forward and help both new and • I have a desire to be a part of the body that returning students to be able to fully utilize wins heart of the students with their fun all the resources that SAITSA has to offer. activities and opportunities for the benefit of the students.

TOLA is a first year ISS student. Enthusiastic and Contagiously Vibrant – Tola intends to bring this level of energy to the SAITSA Board and the entire student community. TOLA has several years of leadership experience, a great listener and ruthless achiever – executing tasks is “her thing”! “After one month at SAIT, there are a billion things we could improve about our already very lovely campus and learning community” she says. Bold, Bilingual and Existentially social, TOLA is the voice you want on the board! Looking forward to serving and lending my unreserved support! - VOTE TOLA!!!

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Meet the SAITSA Board of Directors Elecion candidates

Elle Caron

Robert Colmenares Robert Colmenares is that guy who sits at the back of the class and asks every question imaginable. He is your average guy, wanting only one thing: to reach your needs. His goal, if elected to be a part of the board, is to listen to all and to find solutions for everything. Having Robert on the SAITSA board would ensure that everyone is heard and appreciated for their own uniqueness and originality. He is everyone’s best friend and everyone’s confidant. Vote Rob, so he can give you the voice you deserve.

Bekah Callaghan Hello Students! I believe that your voice is important! You deserve someone on the Board of Directors that has experience with SAITSA, and who is on your side! I will support you and ensure that your student fees and all resources are being spent in ways that benefit you. I want to ensure that SAITSA and the Board of Directors is filled with accountability, passion, and integrity! Let’s have a great year at SAIT! Remember to vote Bekah for BOD on October 3 & 4!

Elaina Chaput If you’re looking for someone RELIABLE, who’s values consist of INTEGRITY, COMMITMENT and COMMUNICATION and want someone who will represent YOU, YOUR values and YOUR ideas. If you’re looking for an outlet to speak your concerns about our campus life or campus in general, I AM YOUR GAL!! 

Matthew Busby Hello, my name is Matthew Busby. I am currently running for re-election with a platform based on textbook prices. The price that us students have to pay for textbooks are absurd and insulting. For us broke students, and I can say this personally, having no money kind of blows! To do this, I plan on assisting our SAITSA VP external in lobbying efforts to achieve this. If you are sick of paying these absurd prices for textbooks, please make sure to vote for Busby on October 3rd and 4th. Thank you!

I am a first year Television student here at SAIT. When talking to students about what their issues were with SAITSA, my main concern was the fact that a lot of them didn’t even know what they were paying for! I feel that SAITSA should be a lot more transparent with what they do, and this is why I want to put pressure on the board and the other directors to make sure students know exactly what SAITSA is and what it does for them. If you want transparency and someone who will listen to your ideas, vote Elle!

Zain Bukhari I am a fourth-year business student running for the SAITSA Board of Directors. If elected, my focus will be on actively engaging with the student population to better understand their needs and effectively represent their interests at Board meetings, around campus and community events. I will provide complete transparency in my actions and hold myself, the executive council, and the rest of the Board accountable to the students. By keeping a strong presence on campus and through informed decision-making, I believe that I can add value to students and play a prominent role as a member of the Board.

What’s happening in your community

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

SAIT students reflect on cancellation of proposed cannabis zones City of Calgary announced it will not move forward with proposed cannabis consumption zones Brett Klassen Sports Writer

he cancellation of the designated cannabis areas in Calgary leaves SAIT students on the fence. The proposal for the public cannabis consumption sites came from Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, who represents Ward 9. The four zones were to be located in the communities of Inglewood, Bridgeland and Ogden. The sites were chosen based on specifications like the distance from schools, and other areas that are consistently frequented by children. “I feel divided,” said Austin Marcel Leduc, a first-year journalism student. “It needs to be there, but I also see why they don’t have it.” Leduc is an advocate for the cannabis zones. He is against the cancellation, but can see why some citizens do not want it, due to the potential bad influence it could project onto children in the area. “I feel like it’s good to keep it away from them [children], but it does a lot of harm for those that are doing it medically and need it just to thrive,” Leduc said. Public engagement sessions held from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7, with over 1,800

people participating, featured significant resident pushback that made the City of Calgary cancel the proposition. Second-year architectural technologies student Nelson Averns says residents, and specifically parents, have a right to be concerned about what goes on in their community. He understands the argument that some parents make about not wanting their children to be around smokers. However, Averns believes that parents should get used to the potential mass exposure marijuana will get, especially in the presence of children. “It’s going to become legal soon. Parents need to recognize that kids are more likely to be exposed to pot and should act accordingly by educating their children on the dangers and risks of adolescent drug use,” said Averns. The cancellation could cause problems with tobacco smokers, according to an academic upgrading student who wished to go unnamed. “We don’t like smoking near each other,” expressed the student. “Tobacco smokers don’t want to smell like weed and medical users don’t want second-hand smoking. They are completely different people, except for those who do both.” The zones were only proposed in Ward 9, but there is still an opportunity for other wards to propose cannabis

zones. Leduc stated that other Wards should be open to the idea of cannabis zones to some degree but should not treat it like cigarettes, and that cannabis should instead be treated as its own unique thing. “I don’t think they should fully accept it, like how we smoke cigarettes. Marijuana is a completely different beast,” Leduc said. Averns said that the idea of multiple zones in each ward can only be viable if the majority of councillors are able to designate public consumption zones so that they are reasonably close to everyone in their communities. Averns believes that the proposed zones were a step forward in regard to the normalization of marijuana and its integration into society. “It’s a step in the right direction, but as long as public use is generally restricted, it proves that it hasn’t really become normalized,” Averns said.W

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

News

Extreme Makeover: Odyssey edition Campus coffeehouse gets student-designed facelift Stefanie Lis Weal Writer

he Odyssey Coffeehouse is potentially getting a makeover, and the designers behind it are as close to the project as could possibly be: they’re SAIT students from the architectural technologies (AT) program. The re-design contest came to be when Matt Jakobfi, an instructor in the AT program, found out the management team at the Odyssey was planning to hire an outside company to revamp their look. “I thought, ‘why spend all that money hiring a design firm or do the work yourself when I have an army of students, and that type of work is in their wheelhouse?’” said Jakobfi. The AT program has been going through a redevelopment behind the scenes to include “project-based learning,” he added. Project-based learning is centred around the idea that students will have one or two projects every semester and every class feeds into that project, explained Jakobfi. Since the spring semester is a more quiet time around SAIT campus, Jakobfi said he thought it would be a good time to put the new strategy into action. “I’ve never seen energy in the classroom like that before,” he said. “They knocked it out of the park.” Jill Goodhart, Sydnie Junio and Carissa Poppe make up the team that won the contest, which was held for the

first-year students. “We didn’t expect to win,” said Junio. Poppe agreed, and said she saw a lot of “radical” proposals for designs from other groups that she really liked. “Looking back, maybe ours was more well-rounded and realistic,” said Goodhart. The teammates added some of the other proposals were “really cool” but applying them to real life may be difficult. Elements from other groups’ designs will be incorporated into the final product, said Goodhart. Alex Zarnowski, assistant manager of business operations for the Odyssey, Station Market and Station Express, said the winning team had considered the Odyssey’s criteria of durability and increased capacity, and they also seemed to know their audience well. She added they managed to keep within the budget while still bringing “interesting ideas” to the table. Each member of the winning team focused on a different aspect of the project, which helped to smooth out the process of working in a group, the three said. “It was really great,” said Poppe. “The way it came together organically for us to be working as a team.” “We each had our own part that we were excited to be doing.” The winners said it was nice to see all the extra hours they put into working on the project paid off, and that they are glad to have something to be able to put in their portfolios. For Goodhart, the project was a

glimpse into what she’d like to pursue in her career. “This is exactly what I want to do - help people design spaces, whether commercial or residential.” “It’s why I came into the program.” Poppe, Goodhart and Junio said working with the Odyssey was “great,” while Zarnowski said there was “nothing bad [she could] say” about working with the architectural technologies students and faculty. Partnering with different SAIT departments is something she has always wanted to do, Zarnowski added. She said she hopes the new interior will be completed in time for the Odyssey’s 10th anniversary party on Oct. 18. More information about the party will be posted on the Odyssey’s and SAITSA’s social media accounts when available. See the video at https://drive.google. com/open?id=1RcPJrZfkk_poYwXrzMvwZQ_5bENyNaga. W

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in your community

BILD Lower Lvl With Tall Tables

BILD Upper Level photo courtesy of Sydnie

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

News

BRTs: a faster ride with better service Three new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines set to open this fall will make a more efficient and integrated transit network. Sean Feagan News Editor

speedier and more comfortable commute is around the corner for SAIT students and staff who rely on public transit to move around the city. Three new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services are scheduled to become operational later this fall, with a fourth line set to start in 2019. These lines, collectively named BRT Max (for maximum convivence, reliability, comfort, and efficiency), will have fewer stops, more direct and faster routes, and will feature a higher quality of station amenities. Together, these features will make for improved travel for customers, according to City of Calgary planner David Kosior. “The Max lines will provide a higher level of customer experience, with heated shelters, real-time information displays, and transit priority measures throughout the route itself that will help to speed up travel and get people where they want to go a bit faster.” Stops along the Max lines will also have enhanced CCTV, improved lighting and larger platforms to further boost rider comfort and safety. One of the lines, the North Crosstown BRT, also named Max Orange, will have a stop just north of SAIT on 16th Avenue North. The other two lines opening this fall, the 17 Ave. S.E BRT (Max Purple) and the South Crosstown BRT (Max Teal),

as well as the Southwest BRT, which is expected to become operational in 2019, will service areas across south Calgary. For SAIT students, these changes will make the ride more efficient, and waiting less painful. “Right now, students have more transfers, they have to go in and out of downtown to get to SAIT.” “Now, we’re making a much more direct service, with better waiting amenities.” Max Orange will better connect residential areas to major destinations throughout the north of the city, including SAIT, as well as Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital, and the University of Calgary, explained Kosior. “We’re connecting a lot of communities in northeast Calgary to the campus, as well as some areas in the northwest Calgary too, like the university district, which is fast growing.” In addition to the three Max lines being introduced this fall, another 29 modified bus lines are being introduced to better integrate the overall transit network, said Kosior. “We want these lines to complement Max, help extend the reach of that service to as many people as possible, by making better connections to it.” The Max lines will also interact will interact with the upcoming Green Line LRT at three different locations – furthering the connectivity of Calgary’s overall transit network. The Max lines were designed and

constructed in response to the City of Calgary’s 30-year strategic plan for transit, RouteAhead, which was approved in 2012, said Kosior. “A major component of this plan was improving east-west connections across the city. We noticed we needed a bit more work to be done there.” Enhancing east-west connections throughout the city will increase the overall interconnectedness of the Calgary transit system, which will improve overall efficiency, according to transit consultant Marcus Bowman. “Being crosstown routes, they build on Calgary’s radial rail system, and help to introduce a grid to the overall transit system.” In the world of transit planning, a grid is the ideal layout for any network, according to Bowman. “The most efficient network form is a grid, because you can get to the most combination places in the fastest way.” BRTs are a logical and cost-effective way to fill in missing transit links, explained Bowman. “Transit planners love BRTs because they are flexible, cheaper than light rail, and can provide great service.” For Calgary, the challenge in designing the routes was making sure the connections are seamless between the BRT systems and the LRT, so the whole system can be used as one, said Bowman. “Transit lines never exist in isolation. They’re only as valuable as the network to which they are attached.” W

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in your community

A map of the new BRT line (in orange) integrated into the red and blue C-train lines. Graphic by Sam Kim.

SAIT has one of the new Crosstown BRT bus stops located on 16th Ave in Calgary on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. Photo by Patrick Concepcion

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

News

New funding for Indigeneous support navigators announced The Government of Alberta is funding crisis support navigators to help address opioid addiction among Indigenous communities

What’s happening in your community Sean Feagan News Editor

n Aug. 29, the Government of Alberta announced a provincial grant to fund the hiring of crisis support navigators for Indigenous people afflicted with opioid addiction at four Native Friendship Centres in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, and Grande Prairie. The grant also provides funding for workshops, naloxone training sessions and educational material for staff at Friendship Centres in 21 communities throughout Alberta. Friendship Centres contribute to ensuring Indigenous people in urban localities have the ability access potentially life-saving resources, according to Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman. in a government press release. “We need to do everything we can to help people receive greater access to health services for substance use without facing cultural barriers or stigma,” said Hoffman in a government press release. Friendship Centres help Indigenous people connect to culturally-relevant services, and create or rebuild cultural and community ties, according to Cara Blood, the crisis support navigator at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary. “We see a lot of clients come in here not knowing what their roots are, or that have severed ties with their families,” said Blood. “Ideally, I will not only be able to connect them with services, but also keep them connected.” The navigators work as intermediates between people seeking help and available support and treatment services.

“I deal with community addiction supports, treatment, whatever they need at that moment.” Blood and the other navigators also work to reduce the stigma associated with drug use, specifically opioids, including harm reduction strategies, such as replacement, and supervised consumption sites. “Some elders don’t necessarily support harm reduction. It’s reframing it in a way of how we approach it.” Friendship Centres have elders on site that are more open to these harm reduction strategies, according to Blood. “They support whatever is going to work for the client and will support the client through the process.” Crisis support navigators are a key measure to help prevent overdoses throughout the Indigenous community given the pervasiveness of opioid use, explained Blood. “The populations who are suffering through opiate addiction aren’t just homeless populations – they are people across the board.” “It’s a crisis – we need more hands on deck.” The frequency of opioid misuse among the Indigenous community is at least partially a product of the residential school era, which caused Indigenous people to lose contact not with only their families, but their culture as well, said Blood. “How do you move forward from something that happened to your parents, your grandparents, and great-grandparents?” “We must take multigenerational trauma into account.” This explanation is supported by the research by Dr. Cheryl Currie, a social

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

epidemiologist at the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy at the University of Lethbridge. Currie’s work has focused on addiction, particularly prescrption drug addiction, and she has worked with Indigenous people to study how trauma affects behavioural choices and addiction. The link between early-life trauma and addiction is clear, explained Currie. “A number of studies from all over the world and across racial groups show that when people experience severe childhood trauma, like that was experienced in residential schools, we see more addiction.” Currie has published research showing there is a dose-response relationship between the amount of racism experienced by indigenous people in childhood and adulthood, and changes to the stress response system and prescription drug dependence. “This dysregulation is caused by a lot of stress in their life, and racism is a toxic stressor.” “When Indigenous people experience racism, we see dramatically higher levels of symptoms of PTSD, and people try to deal with all those symptoms, which are very somatic, with things like opioids.” Currie sees the funding of the navigators as an important, evidence-based step to address opioid misuse among Indigenous communities. “Research shows that when Indigenous people return to and engage in their cultural traditions, we see dramatic reductions in prescription drug abuse and dependence.”W

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

News

Home is where the heart is

Architecture competition winner says his career is on the right track Stefanie Lis Weal Writer

he winner of a SAIT architecture competition said he feels validated in switching careers at the age of 33. “It’s validation that I’m on the right track, that I made the right decision and that I can do this,” said Ben Norris, first place winner in the BILD Student House Design Competition, an event held at SAIT bi-annually for first-year students in the architectural technologies (AT) program. After spending 14 years in the oil and gas industry, Norris realized he was not happy doing that kind of work. Norris recently renovated his house, and said he loved being involved in that process. That spurred a complete career change. “If I have to work for the next 30 years, I want to do something that actually makes me happy.” As a child, Norris said he was always drawing picture of houses, reading magazines about them and fantasizing about his designs. He played a lot of The Sims, a computer game that allows the player to build and design their own houses. While switching careers can be scary, it’s exciting at the same time, said Norris. The students were presented with a lot in the Sunnyside community and had to design a house that adhered to city bylaws, size requirements, and the national building code. They also had to consider other fac-

tors like the style and age of the community. Norris said the competitors applied all the principles they learned from every class in their first year. He spent 120 hours over five weeks developing the design and presentation for his “prairie style” house. Norris said he invested a lot of time into researching different architectural styles and ensuring he could articulate his ideas. The judges told him it was evident he immersed himself in his chosen style. Norris aims to work for a large firm doing commercial and residential

Photo courtesy of Ben Norris

work, while possibly consulting on the side. “I live and breathe architecture design.” Norris and the other three winners split the $1,500 scholarship donated by Jayman BUILT, an Alberta home building company. Fifty-three students competed this summer. Norris said he wants to acknowledge the “hard work, support and lack of sleep” his fellow students put in throughout the competition. “It was very humbling to win.” amongst everyone’s hard work.”W

What’s happening in your community

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Social media has potential as classroom learning tool

SAIT and RRU joint study shows the importance of teaching with social media in the classrooms of collegiates Inder Minhas Weal Writer

new study explores the potential of learning with social media in the classroom and what the benefits and drawbacks can be for instructors and students. The study was conducted by Tyler Nagel of SAIT, and Chaseten Remillard, Robert Aucoin, and Akari Takenishi of Royal Roads University (RRU). The data collected was from students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communications at RRU, and in the Journalism diploma program at SAIT. Tyler Nagel, an instructor at SAIT and lead author in the study, agrees that social media has become the dominant channel of communication. “Whether it’s important or not, it’s what’s happening,” said Nagel. Chaseten Remillard, program head of the School of Communications and Culture at RRU, believes that educators need to be aware of the existing

presence of social media in classes. “Students will tend to be on social media during class,” said Remillard. Remillard believes that educators need to addresses social media in a more educational and transparent way, allowing for an easier time for students to learn new things related to social media. “It’s a tool that enables them to connect really easily with each other.” Remillard says it’s important for students to have an understanding of how to use social media in a professional setting, once school is complete and they join the workforce. “As students transition into the workforce, social media plays a different role, especially as a communicator. “You’re going to use it for personal reasons, but you are also going to be tasked to have a professional persona,” said Remillard. The study indicates that almost six in 10 Canadians use Facebook, and use it at least nine times a week, while LinkedIn is used by 30 per cent of Ca-

nadians, and Twitter is used by 25 per cent. Most reported using social media for personal communication and information-gathering. However, despite its potential for teaching opportunities, many educators still hold the use of social media in the classroom in a negative light, explained Remillard. While student’s opinion on the tool is polarizing, some appreciate the new avenues of interaction between student and instructor, while others believe that it interferes with traditional teacher-student relationships, he explained. “In the past I’ve had students that are hesitant because they are not familiar with it.” Some students can be very private. They don’t want to share personal opinions in a forum that could be viewed by other people, he explained. “I’m not sure if it’s a generational thing, or if it’s an exposure thing.”W

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Arts & Entertainment

FEVER FEEL: A PRESENT-DAY TAKE ON 60S ROCK N ROLL

Indie rock band returns to SAIT for their debut release Maryam Lehmann A&E Writer

ever Feel debuted their self-titled LP at the Gateway on Sept. 22 to a crowd of around 180

people. The band consisting of singer and bassist Landon Franklin, guitarist Logan Gabert and keyboardist Thomas Platt came to the last leg of their tour across the U.S. and Canada. Reminiscent of bands such as Led Zeppelinor The Doors, Fever Feel encapsulates the essence of psychedelic 60s rock ‘n’ roll with its guitar solos, distinct vocals and out-of-this world melodies from the organ. Molded all together, Fever Feel creates a sound that is truly their own. Their debut LP dropped on Sept. 14, four years after their last EP, Days of Daze. “These have kind of just been building years,” said Gabert. Creating their LP involved years of fine-tuning. The band would go on tour, and work on the record once they were back home, he said. “You would play the song night after night, and when you do that the songs would kind of evolve and shift.” He gained a “shifted perspective” to what was recorded. The whole process of making the album took the band around two years. The first song they performed that

night off of their new album was the song Lose Your Mind. For readers who don’t know of Fever Feel, Lose Your Mind is a great place to start. It’s a punchy song that features so much of what the band has to offer, and has an organ solo like no other. Thomas Platt, the band’s organist, joined in 2015. He was originally attending Mount Royal University, Gabert said, but dropped out of school right before his exams to go on tour with Fever Feel as a keyboardist.

As for the crowds reactions, Gabart said they were getting a lot of good response. Spotify has even picked up some of their songs for their playlists and the band has spent a considerable amount of time shipping out vinyl as well, he said. “So far [it’s] really well-received and we’re pleased.” Once Fever Feel wraps up this tour, they’re moving onto working on the next record. “We’re not going to make you wait four years for the next one.”W

The band captivated the intimate venue, easily filling up the dance floor with fans. Photo by Jp Pitogo

Culture for the SAIT community

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

To celebrate the release of their self-titled debut album, Fever Feel headlined a show at The Gateway on Sept. 22. Photo by Jp Pitogo

Thomas Platt, who plays the organ for Fever Feel, joined the group shortly after itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception. Photo by Jp Pitogo

To celebrate the release of their self-titled debut album, Fever Feel headlined a show at The Gateway on Sept. 22. Photo by Jp Pitogo

Landon Franklin initially started Fever Feel in 2014 as a duo with Logan Gabert, their guitar player. Photo by Jp Pitogo

Franklin switched on and off the bass guitar throughout the night, displaying the diversity in the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music. Photo by Jp Pitogo

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Arts & Entertainment

Don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing Swing dancing offers opportunities for fun and learning Emilie Charette Opinions Editor

tudents looking for an exciting, entertaining and budget-friendly activity need look no further than the Friday Night Hop, a weekly event hosted by Fly Right Swing. The event, held at the Mount Pleasant Community Hall, consists of an hour-long beginners’ lesson at 8:30 p.m., followed by a social dance lasting until midnight. It has been held every Friday for more than 15 years. Swing dancing refers to a group of dances that developed between the 1920s and 1940s with the rise of jazz music. While admission to the lesson and dance is $10, students can take advantage of a discount and get in for $7. Beginners learn the basics of the jitterbug, a popular beginner’s dance, from two instructors. With their assis-

tance, beginners work their way from simple footwork to fancier moves such as spins and reversals. Dancers change partners every few minutes during the lesson, so meeting new people is easy. Students who want to put their new jitterbugging skills to use can stay for social dancing after the lesson. “It’s an affordable way to spend a Friday night,” said Yilan Li, one of the organizers. Although the number of attendees is somewhat lower in the summer, many students attend during the fall and winter. The University of Calgary even has a swing dancing club. “It’s an easy way for an introvert to get out,” Li added. The Friday Night Hop has attendees of all ages and many regulars. Emphasis is placed on the social nature of swing dancing and dancers are encouraged to get to know each other. “People crave this – they miss con-

nection,” said instructor Andrea Rudiger, who also teaches lessons with Top Cat Swing. “It’s a good way to meet people and make friends.” One first-timer, Eric Hornung, heard about the Friday Night Hop from a friend. “I learned a lot, but not more than I could handle,” he said. He added that he could definitely see himself returning and perhaps even seeking out some other classes. Not only is swing dancing an enjoyable, safe and pleasant way to meet new people, it is also a great way to exercise. Bring a water bottle, because it does not take long to break a sweat during a fast-paced dance. For experienced dancers, swing music enthusiasts, vintage aficionados or people interested in gaining a new skill, the Friday Night Hop is the place to be.W

A couple walked off the dance floor to take a little break. The social dance went on until midnight. Photo by Jp Pitogo

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Arts & Entertainment

Celebrate literature

Wordfest: An event to amaze and encourage writers and readers returns for its twenty-third year Andrew Bardsley A&E Editor

ordFest, the annual literary event meant to encourage, amaze and enamour readers and writers of Calgary, has returned for its twenty-third iteration, this time with an astounding and imaginative twist. “The theme this year, along with all of our advertising, is meant to be a modern twist on a curiosity shop,” said Logan Peters, the festival’s Communications and Development Associate. Peters wants to encourage younger people to attend the workshops and events put on by the festival. “When I was 23, I was intimidated by the festival. Now that I am 24 and work for them, I realize how exciting this festival is.” She was also quick to note that you do not have to have read any of the books to get anything out of the festival. You just need to have a passion for reading and the arts. “It is an event for anyone creative. ”You meet so many creative people that you normally wouldn’t and you get to explore so many interesting things.” Peters, a 2018 graduate of the Mount Royal University journalism program, believes the programs offered by WordFest help encourage her artistic ability and love of writing. Peters

also stresses it’s not just for the older crowd. This year, some highlights include Indigenous activist and author Wab Kinew, David Bidini, Patrick Weekes, Najwa Zebian and Paige Cooper, along with dozens of others. Their interests are broad and no one writer is like another. It is an event meant to capture every aspect of reading and foster an environment of learning through literature. WordFest also is meant to encourage interaction between writer and reader. It is primarily a readers festival. “While we do have events like readings and meet and greets, we also have so many other events like adult spell-

ing bees, where authors are challenged to spell difficult words. We even have our own bar in the library! How cool is that?” said Peters. WordFest is a yearly event which brings together both writers and readers for a week long event. While the writers chosen do not reflect the theme entirely, the authors are meant to represent the best, most popular and most intriguing part of worldwide literature in the prior year. The events run from October 8-15 in the Beltline, all parts of the festival are walkable. WordFest also offers student rates.W

Rae Spoon talking about their book, How to (Hide) Be(hind) Your Songs at WordFest 2017. Photo by David Kotsibie

Sports news and views for the SAIT community

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

The worst Canadian One editor’s journey into the wild world of hockey games Andrew Bardsley A&E Editor

ly love hockey. It is not meant to be an event where you focus just on the players, but rather an event you go to with your friends, your colleagues and your partners. It is meant to bring us together, bonding over the fights, the goals, the misses and the terrible beer. After the second period, I began to talk to those around me, asking them questions about hockey. Thankfully, they answered them, even though I am sure they were idiotic questions that they have known the answers to since they were young fans. After three periods, the game was done and Edmonton had prevailed. I was left with more questions, a yearning for more. Had I become a fan of hockey?W

Want more information about the potential 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid? Visit Calgary.ca/GamesBid to learn more and see how you can provide input. Your opinion matters.

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o I had never been to a hockey game prior to this week. During twenty-seven years on this planet I had never seen the sport called “hockey.” I guess that makes me the worst Canadian. So, for my birthday, I was luckily given the opportunity to partake in this century-old sport, this tradition of Canadian culture. Something that I had somehow missed out upon. My first game was Edmonton vs. Calgary, a matchup that I am told is filled with passion and intraprovincial anger, but I didn’t really understand

this. I felt like I was missing something, a spark? A moment of excitement? What was it? As I ascended the many steps of the Saddledome, I began to see more and more people in jerseys adorned with the name of their favourite players, both past and present. These were people who knew every detail of the game and of every player. This was something that I honestly had not understood prior to my initiation into this great Canadian game. So the game has started, the puck has dropped and they’re off. The white team against the red team, as my inexperienced brain sorts out. After the first period of this I begin to understand why so many people tru-

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Sports

Trust the process Women’s hockey coach optimistic about team improving Alex Hamilton Sports Editor

elsey Leifson, head coach of the Trojans women’s hockey team, is optimistic the team will move past their growing pains to return to the playoffs. Last year, Leifson’s first as head coach, the team fell four points short of the postseason, with a 4-19-1 record. Leifson notes that she had to “quickly jump in” to coaching last year, with no offseason. “When you’re used to having success as a coach, it’s difficult to not have that. The chaos of last season, being my first year, didn’t allow me to take a step back and really focus on the process,” said Leifson. This process involves patience with the team development, over immediate wins and losses. Time has been on Leifson’s side this year. “Since February of this year, I’ve been able to prepare for this season, been able to recruit my own players, and just plan the season.” By mid-September, the team was onice for two weeks, including three preseason games in Red Deer.

Kelsey Leifson, head coach of the SAIT Trojans Women’s Hockey team, preps her team for the upcoming season. Photo by Miranda Haughian

“The potential that we saw as a staff [in Red Deer], I’m more than excited about this group of players and group of people. “We’re seeing some good chemistry and gelling as a group on the ice quite early, which is always a fantastic thing to see.” Part of this chemistry is what Leifson called a “different attitude” among returning players. “We’re getting leadership from different players. “We had those players, but they weren’t able to have their voice be heard, be the player they could be.” Specific areas the Trojans need to improve include producing more offense, while staying out of the penalty box and allowing fewer shots on goal. “Our penalty kill was great for the most part, but obviously playing half a game in your own end doesn’t help you score goals.” The team targeted for recruitment

players who could put the puck in the net, said Leifson. Despite their disappointing finish last year, Leifson was not discouraged. She noted that as the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) has only five women’s teams, only one team misses the playoffs. Leifson said that last year’s team was better in the second half of the season, their schedule put them against tougher teams more often, meaning an uphill battle to make up points. As for this season, Leifson admits that “at the end of the year, if we’re not a playoff contender that will be disappointing.” “I know that we need to take it game-by-game, period-by-period, and the rest will take care of itself.” The women’s season starts on Oct. 5 when they visit MacEwan University. Their home opener is the next night, Oct. 6, also against MacEwan.W

Sports news and views for the SAIT community

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Seeking redemption Trojans Men’s basketball team looks to rebound from heartbreaking 2018 season Brett Klassen Sports Writer

he SAIT men’s basketball team is coming back hot in the 2018-2019 season, ready to go for gold provincially and nationally. SAIT’s previous season was remarkable yet heartbreaking, winning the gold medal in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) provin-

Besides winning gold, other significant team goals are off the court and in the classroom. Head coach Marty Birky stated that the team has not met their standard for this in the last couple of years. Birky added that he wants to make sure that players are ready for life out of post-secondary athletics. “We want to have college graduate, job ready individuals, and that starts in the classroom,” Birky said.

“We recruit hard at all levels. Even if you’re a new guy, you’re expected to come in and pull your weight” - Trojans Basketball Head Coach Marty Birky. cial championship, but coming up empty-handed in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championship. For returning players, their main goal is to get back to nationals and win the gold, according to guard Nick Molina. “If we don’t achieve that then it’s kind of an empty season,” said Molina.

However, on the court defense is a major goal. Birky’s main goal for the team defensively is the help-side, which is a crucial factor to their tremendous ball pressure on the court. “We have a lot of [ball] pressure, so with that, guys get through it sometimes so we need to have our help-side ready,” Birky said.

The rookies coming into the basketball program have impressed their teammates with how hard they play. Guard Charlie Conner said watching them is “amazing.” “This is a great recruiting group of guys,” said Conner. “They come and play like straight dogs.” With the new players playing so hard right off the bat, Conner said that he thinks it won’t be a big thing that they are considered ‘rookies,’ because they will be ready to play. Coach Birky has set high expectations for the new players, and has a hard-knock mindset that he instills into them. “We recruit hard at all levels. Even if you’re a new guy, you’re expected to come in and pull your weight,” he declared. “If someone’s in front of you, you push them. If someone’s behind you, keep them there.” Birky also has expectations for the veteran players, to set the tone and win the gold medal. “They know what it’s like to win a championship, so they have to maintain that competitive edge,” Birky said. The men’s first game is on Oct. 12, visiting Briercrest College. Their home opener is Nov. 2, against Ambrose University.W

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Opinions

What, me worry? Yes.

The bad facts on stress

Moderate stress is beneficial

• 23 per cent of Canadians over the age of 15 report feeling “extremely” stressed

Emilie Charette Opinions Editor

• The rate of daily stress is higher for women than men, except in Canadians aged 45 to 54

verybody deals with stress throughout their lives. Presumably you, reading this, are a student, or have been a student, so you know what I mean. This time of year can be particularly nerve-wracking for both new and returning students. Social media is filled with articles on “eliminating” stress from your life, and there is certainly nothing wrong with taking time to decompress and look after yourself. Still, the complete elimination of stress should not be the goal. A life without some degree of stress is a life without passion, enthusiasm or success. It’s important to recognize what kind of stress one is experiencing, and deal with it accordingly. Although chronic stress can have harmful effects, both physically and mentally, it is not the only kind of stress that exists. “Eustress” is positive stress that contributes to motivation, excitement and enjoyment of life. Without this, there is no reason to get out of bed and no drive to succeed at anything. This lack of motivation can lead to a feeling of meaninglessness, another problem in itself. According to the Yerkes-Dodson Law, moderate stress actually leads to optimal performance, up to a point. After that point, when stress is too high, performance starts to suffer, and

so does the person experiencing the stress. When this happens, it is important to reach out. Asking for help is not weakness, and there are resources available on campus to help students. My mother has always had a saying: “diamonds are made under pressure.” I find stress to be a motivator like no other. As a lifelong procrastinator, I am all too familiar with the adrenaline rush that comes with finishing an assignment or project at the last possible second. Without a deadline looming over my shoulder (like as I write this, coincidentally), the motivation is not usually present. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does contribute to most of the stress and anxiety that I experience. Much of managing stress is how you look at it. “Stress is very much a perspective,” says Teri Lynn Olson, an educational counsellor at Student Development and Counselling here at SAIT. Taking a step back and reframing the problem or stressor can be helpful in moderating stress. “Our internal dialogue will either raise our level of stress or bring it down a couple notches, depending on what we tell ourselves about the situation and our ability to cope.” According to Olson, between three and five is the ideal level of stress on a scale from one to 10. Looking at stressors as challenges to be overcome instead of threats to be feared is very helpful for me.

• 1 in 4 Canadians have quit a job because of stress • Stress can be contagious • 63 per cent of millennials feel overworked • “Eustress” is positive stress that contributes to excitement and motivation • “Acute stress” is stress that occurs in response to situations, but dissipates when the stressor is dealt with • “Chronic stress” is sustained over a period of time and can have negative effects on mental and physical health

Achieving balance in life is not about the elimination of stress, but rather its management. As the saying goes, that which does not kill us makes us stronger.W

The last word on today’s hot topics

Fall into fashion

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

A playful look at autumn fashion tropes Emilie Charette Opinions Editor

old, blustery weather is here at last, which means one important thing: fall fashions are finally back. Everyone who despaired during those hot summer months can at last rejoice and pull their fall wardrobes out of hibernation. With that in mind, a brief overview of fall styles might be useful. • Flannel is not just for lumberjacks, but an essential part of anyone’s fall wardrobe. Aside from definitely being unique, it is cozy and will keep you warm when the rips in your jeans do not. • Ripped jeans give a sense of the rugged outdoors to any outfit. They may not be the most practical when the cold wind blows, but your kneecaps look fabulous. • Do not forget to layer up. You have achieved the correct number of layers when you look like a woolen potato. • Get the biggest scarf you can possibly find. Bigger than that. No, bigger. Ideally, it should look like you have wrapped a blanket around your neck and shoulders. Not only will this keep you warm in those chilly fall temperatures, it will let anyone and everyone

know that you are an avant-garde style master. • If you are going for warmth, find the chunkiest knitwear you possibly can. Mittens, scarves and toques, preferably with both cables and bobbles, will keep you toasty and fashion-forward. • Of course, if warmth is not your thing and you think it is cool to be cold, you could definitely opt for a cold-shoulder top or a cropped sweater. These are best paired with black leggings and Uggs for maximum comfort and style. • High-waisted jeans are always a safe bet – the higher the better. • Slouchy beanies are another fall must-have. However, make sure that the beanie sits precariously on the very back of your head. If it does not look like a stiff breeze could take it away at any moment, you are doing it wrong. Under no circumstances should this cover your ears or be functional. • No autumn ensemble would be complete without the accessory of a warm, seasonal beverage. • All joking aside, dress in whatever makes you feel most comfortable and happy, this fall and every season. W

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Opinions

Election apathy: low voter turnout doesn’t mean students don’t care Rachel Moerschfelder Weal Writer

he season of taking candy from strangers and watching fellow students sport costumes to school such as banana suits and horse masks is back. That’s right, we are approaching the Board of Directors (BOD) election at SAIT. If you choose to ignore the posters plastering our hallways and avoid eye contact with promo volunteers, you will likely find you have something in common with most students on campus: you will not vote. Despite all efforts from the students’ association, SAIT students simply are not making it out to the polls. In last year’s BOD election, only 714 of the 12,527 eligible voters cast their ballots. This whopping 5.64% voter turnout is the lowest that the governance and advocacy manager of SAITSA, Rachel Paris, has ever seen. In the year prior, Paris recalled that only 12 people, of the 15 available spots, put their names forward. Even more saddening than this is that only eight were elected. So what is keeping the majority of eligible voters from showing up to the polls? Apathy has long been held as the reason for low student voter turnout, but the issue is more complicated than students simply not caring. Considering that the student body is a diverse demographic, “student apathy” doesn’t boil down to one issue, but rather a unique combination of specific issues relevant to different students.

Paris agrees that there isn’t one single issue to point to when discussing low voter outcome. Students do care. It’s just a matter of how candidates engage with them. “Those who vote are informed, educated and engaged, but unfortunately we just aren’t tapping into a larger part of the population,” said Paris. She explained that in 2016, since there were not 15 candidates put forward, to ensure the student body still had a democratic choice, the ballot then became a “yes” or “no” vote. Three of the four students who were unsuccessful received an overwhelming amount of ‘no’s’ and were not-so-coincidentally the only three students who did not write bios or put up posters. While Paris was saddened by the overall election outcome, she was also proud of the students. She believes this is a clear sign that students do not want someone to represent them if they have not put in effort to share their ideas. How does SAIT compare to other campuses across Alberta? “Every campus is different and has a different culture,” said Adam Brown, the chair of the Canadian Alliance of Students Associations. Brown is also the Vice President External of the University of Alberta Students’ Union, and described his campus as more engaged than average, citing a high of 32 per cent in their previous year’s election. Brown shared that the basic formula to increase election engagement is the combination of having contested campaigns and having important issues

that students care about. “At U of A last year, the university increased international tuition, they introduced a meal plan that was voted down by 95 per cent of students in residence and they raised residence rent rates,” said Brown. Generally speaking, students at SAIT are sitting comfortably. The institution and students’ association provide endless resources and opportunities to ensure our voices are heard. In a province where last year one student union filed a lawsuit against their institution and another was leading protests on campus, SAIT students seem to have a super chill relationship with the “man upstairs.” However, the moment students become comfortable and disengaged is the moment we become frogs in pots of boiling water, unable to see that our comfort is jeopardized until it is too late. Issues such as high parking costs and frequently broken down elevators do not exactly entice students to throw their names forward. However, both Brown and Paris agree that having contested elections is a key factor in increasing voter turnout. “If students lose their option to choose between candidates, they think it doesn’t matter what they vote because those people will be elected anyways,” explained Brown. As a new addition to SAITSA’s recently revised bylaws, the size of the BOD has decreased from 15 to 12 positions available. This change could increase the competitiveness of the elections, thereby increasing voter turnout.

The last word on today’s hot topics Citing the success of student engagement in elections, Brown stated that CASA got 42,000 students to pledge to vote in the 2015 federal election. He believes the hard work of CASA and similar organizations contributed to the significant increase, from 38.8 per cent to 57.1 per cent, of millennial voter turnout.

“The tables have changed and millennials are becoming the largest voting block,” said Brown. As youth take to polls in shocking numbers, apathy is becoming an irrelevant term to summarize this issue. The idea that students, by nature, don’t care is outdated and naive. Candidates hoping to increase vot-

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

er turnout on our own campus should seek to engage students with issues they do care about, because when you successfully engage youth, you can accomplish great things.W

Fourth year student and SAITSA elections promo worker, Alex Dimopoulos, hands out a pamphlet encouraging his fellow students to run in the Board of Directors election. Photo by Rachel Moerschfelder

Your life outside of the classroom

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Houseplant Care according to the Plant’s Green Your Thumb: Houseplant Workshop John Watson Staff Writer Caring for indoor houseplants can be a simple, rewarding process for those looking to add some character and colour to their living space. The most commonly kept plants tend to be tropical varieties due to their unique shapes, vibrant colours and large size. On the flip side, desert species are also popular due to their low maintenance requirements and tolerance of abuse. Most housing options around the city have no issues with anyone setting up to keep plants around the household, and the SAIT residence handbook lists no restrictions on keeping houseplants. If you’re planning on introducing some plants to your home or residence, here’s what you need to know to get them growing bright and healthy. First off, consider location. It’s usually best to choose a south or west-facing window if available, because those will grant the most amount of sun to your plants during the day. If you’re choosing a north, east-facing or windowless location, consider plants that will be more forgiving and do not need as much light to thrive. Plants have an easy way to estimate their care requirements if you know what to look for. Vibrant colours, bright to neon greens and delicate stems and shapes will tell you that the plant will generally require more attention and care. In contrast, deep greens, dark co-

lours and sturdier plants will be much more forgiving and tolerant of neglect. Snake plants, for example, require almost no light, like cacti, or succulents rarely need to be watered. When potting your new plants, ensure to allow plenty of drainage for water so that you do not rot the plant’s roots. This can be achieved by using planters with holes in the bottom (make sure to water your plants over a drain). Alternatively, you can add a base layer of gravel and mesh below the soil to allow water to sit below the plant and slowly evaporate upwards. Having a drainage layer below the soil also helps air circulate below the roots and lets them grow much easier. Try to be considerate of the size of your plant when potting. A small plant will not do very well in a large growing space, as the roots will have to work

harder to find water and nutrients. Choose a pot based on the size of your plant and gradually increase its size. When watering plants, less is more. More often than not, it’s a good idea to let the topsoil dry almost completely before watering again. For the majority of plants, be sure to water around the base and never fill the container above your drainage layer. For tropical plants, they can be gently misted to help prevent browning on the leaves. Never mist desert plants, such as cacti or succulents, as it will be detrimental to the plant. Many plants will need fertilizing once in a while, typically twice a month for most tropical plants. Desert and bog plants will not like fertilizer, as they are adapted to growing in harsh, low-nutrient environments.W

Various plants sit on display at the popular store Plant. Tuesday, September 18, 2018. Calgary, Alta, Canada. Photo by Rorie Stannard

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Lifestyle

Meet Beesley – Radio, Television and Broadcast News instructor SAIT instructor and Calgary Flames announcer inspires students to chase their dreams

Teacher of the month, Mr. Beesley in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. Photo by Patrick Concepcion/SAIT. Tiffany Oud Lifestyle Editor

ith a passion for radio and a desire to help students succeed, RTBN instructor Beesley works to support and inspire the next generation. “I’m the crazy guy that’s so passionate about what I do. “I’ll call it infectious.” Teacher by day and announcer for the Calgary Flames by night, Beesley recently returned from a trip to China with the team. He called it “the opportunity of a lifetime.” According to Beesley, his personality

is introverted “but put me in front of a thousand – I don’t care – 10 thousand [people] – I’m at home.” Being both announcer and instructor was never a career path Beesley foresaw for himself. He says his personal philosophy is “#trust the journey.” “Right across the hall, 24 eager minds want to do what I do. “Will they all achieve that? “I’m not sure – but it’s the journey.” He says he is his students’ biggest fan, and loves seeing them succeed in their careers. As a teacher, his favourite moments are when “the lights go off” for a stu-

dent, and “to see them get it.” Beesley encourages his class to take chances and make mistakes, even when it scares them. “I say try it. “What’s the worst – you fail? “Oh well, you learn and get better.” In a world striving for perfection, Beesley says that he cares more about a student’s happiness than their marks. That belief is rooted in his childhood, as Beesley recalls his father asking him after hockey “did you have fun?” He states that “if you enjoy what you’re doing, no amount of money will ever replace your happiness.” The statement carries into his life

The cover story

outside the classroom, as he’s a father of two and grandfather of three boys. He hopes that his grandchildren will learn “to adopt not what I do, but how I go through life.” Beesley grew up in Kamloops, B.C., but didn’t envision his life in radio until returning from a solo backpacking trip across Europe as a teenager. “I’m in Europe backpacking. I’ve lost all money. I have no sense of where I’m supposed to go.” Radio work was introduced to him when he was offered lodging and an overnight radio position with the Canadian Armed Forces. “[I] came back to Canada with a new light, a feeling like ‘I think I have a purpose’.” Beesley attended Thompson Rivers

University, and eventually accepted a job in Calgary. He made that move with his wife and a one-week-old baby. Beesley became one of the first announcers ever to be called by one name when his boss asked, “we love your name – but can you lose your first?” It was the year of the 1988 Olympics, and Beesley recalls hosting the ceremonies at the Olympic Plaza with about 50, 000 people holding up candles. While announcing, he made a reference to the Calgary Flames, and Beesley says “the place went crazy, and I went ‘I love this city’.” With over 30 years in the industry, he has experienced the highs and lows of a career in radio. Beesley worked about 10 years at CJAY-92 and CFCN Radio and TV.

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

He took a few years off from radio, and worked in marketing for the Hard Rock Cafe. His boss Sig Gutsche also owned the Calgary Stampeders, and Beesley was hired as a sideline announcer and season ticket seller. “People say when one big door closes, a couple of windows open. “Radio – I thought – was over, and windows started flying open.” With encouragement from a friend, Beesley applied to be the announcer for the Calgary Flames in 1996 and was hired two weeks later. He has been working with the team ever since. The announcer lives and shares his passion for radio, and hopes to be remembered by graduates as a kind, caring and inspiring instructor. “When they [students] leave after two years, it’s emotional – that’s a two-

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Your life outside of the classroom

SAIT radio and television news broadcasting instructor known only as Beesley is also an announcer for the Calgary Flames, with over three decades under his belt in the radio industry. Photo by Brent Calver. year investment.” He desires that his students learn to “believe in yourself – you have to.” Katherine Gusztak, a former graduate of the RTBN program with a focus in radio, now works in communications at the Faith and Spirituality Centre at the University of Calgary. Beesley taught Gusztak announcing, public speaking and analyzed on-air time. Gusztak thinks of Beesley as a passionate individual who “surrounds

himself with his passions.” “Everything he does, he loves.” He uses his love for radio to help others, and encourages his students to do the same, says Gusztak. That passion makes him different than many instructors, she explains. “He would eat, breath and live radio.” Beesley’s love for radio and belief in the next generation encouraged Gusztak as a student. She remembers he told her to “chase after your dreams, and just don’t stop.”

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Even after graduating, she says that Beesley cares about where her life is headed. “He’s so proud of me in pursuing what I want to do.” She stops by his office whenever she is on campus, and his door is always open to alumni. “It’s been three years since I’ve graduated and I still am in contact with Beesley.” Shae Bolding, also an alumnus of the RTBN program, worked at Kraze 101.3 before continuing a degree in communications and media at U of C. Bolding describes Beesley as caring and helpful. “He really cares about every student.” She can’t recall a day that Beesley was not dressed in a suit and tie, with a positive disposition to match. “He’s always excited to be doing what he’s doing.” Even when life is tough outside of the classroom, he stays positive, which Bolding says “is nice, because school is hard sometimes.” He is the kind of instructor that wants everyone to succeed, and offers support and advice along the way, even after the students graduate, she explained. Because of his work experience as announcer for the Flames, her radio teacher is “really knowledgeable and really pro,” Bolding said. Even students who do not pursue careers in radio after graduating can learn practical skills from Beesley’s classes, she says. “Everybody who talks about Beesley loves him. “I’ve never heard of a teacher who everyone likes.” According to Bolding, Beesley takes the time to listen to his former students when they are on the air, and is always available to offer support and advice. W

theWeal.com Oct. 01, 2018

Lifestyle

Cookies that taste like autumn Pumpkin spice cookie recipe makes for a warm and delicious treat Tiffany Oud Lifestyle Editor It’s the season of bonfires, Halloween and pumpkin spice treats, and to quench that sugary craving try Just So Tasty’s Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Gather your ingredients, and spend the afternoon baking in mouth-watering anticipation.

PumpkinSpice Cookies Recipe from the Just SO Tasty blog: Prep – 20 minutes Chill – (optional) 2 hours - 2 days Cook – 10 minutes Total time – 2 hours and 30 minutes Makes 30 cookies

Ingredients 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoons ground cloves 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

Pumpkin spice cookies made from the featured recipe. Photo by Maryam Lehmann.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon Instructions 1. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves. 2. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Turn the mixer down to low then beat in the egg, vanilla and pumpkin. 3. Slowly add in the flour mixture. The dough will be very sticky. 4. (Optional) Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to two days. When ready to bake, take the dough out of the fridge. 5. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees, and line two cookie trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. 6. In a small bowl whisked together the sugar and cinnamon, for the cinnamon sugar coating. 7. Form the dough into balls of about 1.5 tablespoons in size, then roll in the cinnamon sugar coating and flatten slightly. 8. Place the cookies on the cookie sheets about two inches apart. 9. Bake for about eight to ten minutes until the tops look just set. 10. Share and enjoy!W

Black Bean Bowl MAKES:

4-6 servings

(6 cups/ 1.5 L prepared)

PREP TIME:

20 minutes

PULSES are the dry edible seeds of legumes and include beans, peas, Ѵ;mঞѴv -m7 1_b1hr;-vĺ Ѵv;v Ѵbh; 0Ѵ-1h 0;-mv are a delicious source of ruo|;bm -m7 C0u; -m7 -u; ]uo m bm Ѵ0;u|-ĺ

Dressing

Salad

3 Tbsp (45 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺwhite wine vinegar

1 ½ cups (375 mL) ĺĺĺĺ1ooh;7 ou 1-mm;7 0Ѵ-1h 0;-mv (drained and rinsed)

1 Tbsp (15 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺhoney

1 ½ cups (375 mL) ĺĺĺĺ1ooh;7 r;-uѴ 0-uѴ;

2 tsp (10 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺwhole grain mustard

1 ½ cups (375 mL) ĺĺĺĺ chopped red bell pepper

½ tsp (2 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺground turmeric

¼ cup (60 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺchopped dried cranberries

¼ cup (60 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺcanola oil

3 Tbsp (45 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺchopped fresh dill

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3 Tbsp (45 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺĺ Ѵb]_|Ѵ |o-v|;7 v mYo ;u v;;7vķ 7b b7;7

2 cups (500 mL) ĺĺĺĺĺĺĺr-1h;7 0-0 -u ] Ѵ- ou vrbm-1_

$o ru;r-u; |_; 7u;vvbm]Ĺ _bvh |o];|_;u |_; bm;]-uķ l v|-u7ķ _om; -m7 | ul;ub1ĺ "Ѵo Ѵ 7ub Ѵ; bm |_; obѴķ _bvhbm] 1omঞm o vѴ ĺ ";-vom |o |-v|; b|_ v-Ѵ| -m7 0Ѵ-1h r;rr;uĺ ol0bm; -ѴѴ |_; v-Ѵ-7 bm]u;7b;m|v |o];|_;u bm - Ѵ-u]; 0o Ѵķ u;v;u bm] Ɛ $0vr ŐƐƔ l ő v mYo ;u v;;7vĺ 77 -v l 1_ o= |_; 7u;vvbm] -v 7;vbu;7 |o |_; v-Ѵ-7 -m7 |ovv |o = ѴѴ 1o-|ĺ ";-vom |o |-v|; b|_ v-Ѵ| -m7 0Ѵ-1h r;rr;u -m7 ]-umbv_ b|_ u;l-bmbm] v mYo ;u v;;7vĺ Nutrients per serving (1 cup/250 mL) 250 Calories, 12 g Fat, 1 g Saturated Fat, 0 mg Cholesterol, 32 g Carbohydrate, 7 g Fibre, 8 g Sugar, 6 g Protein, 181 mg Sodium, 380 mg Potassium, 2 mg Iron, 77 mcg Folate

Alberta Pulses – good for the farm, good for you! For more tasty recipes visit AlbertaPulse.com

DEAR SAIT STUDENTS, as midterm season approaches, and may already be upon you as you read this issue, we at the weal wish you the best of luck in acing your midterms and getting another big step further in your academic journey.

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