Volume 50, Issue 24

Bidding wars are making a comeback in the GTA’s housing market

The neighbourhood with the hottest overbidding, Victoria Square in Markham, has an average overbid amount of C$255,000.

Samuel Kamalendran Associate News Editor

Parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are experiencing a comeback of overbidding, with the majority of overbid neighbourhoods in Toronto, Markham, Pickering, Brampton, and Ajax.

On March 6, an industry report from Wahi, a real estate agency in Toronto, revealed that 25.1 per cent of GTA neighbourhoods are in overbidding territory, meaning the majority of homes in those neighbourhoods are sold above their asking prices.

The increase in overbid properties contrasts the real estate scene in December 2023 and January 2024, when GTA neighbourhoods were rarely overbid, a trend that is typical during the winter months.

Despite many homes in GTA neighbourhoods being underbid during the winter months, some homes continued to receive overbids, particularly those below the price of one million dollars.

According to Wahi CEO Benjy Katchen, houses below the price of one million dollars were still overbid at the start of the year.

Despite the overall market trend experiencing underbidding, homes in that price range

received as many as 60 offers, sometimes even more.

In the GTA, 210 neighbourhoods, or 69.3 per cent of neighbourhoods, were underbid and 17 neighbourhoods, or 5.6 per cent of neighbourhoods, were sold at the asking price. Underbidding occurred primarily in neighbourhoods with high asking prices, which surpassed typical buyer budgets and instigated negotiations.

Condos also saw an increase in overbidding, but not to the same level as that of houses. Ten of 138 neighbourhoods, or 7.3 per cent, sold above asking in February 2024, compared to zero in January 2024.

Seven of the 10 overbid neighbourhoods were in Toronto, where in 2021, 23.9 per cent of occupied buildings were condominiums, a number only surpassed nationally by Vancouver.

Although the condo market is showing signs of climbing back up, Katchen believes that condos are in the safe zone when it comes to overbidding. “It appears condo buyers are less likely to face a serious bidding war.”

Factors that impact the real estate scene

It is important to note that seasons are an important factor that influence bidding activity in neighbourhoods. In many geographical real estate markets that experience fluctuating weather seasons, property sales differ, sometimes quite significantly between months.

According to data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), March to June have consistently been the busiest in terms of properties sold, while December and January maintain the lowest numbers of properties sold. In a city like Toronto, which experiences very defined seasons, the harshness of winter can discourage buyers from engaging in purchases.

Besides weather, other factors related to the seasons can impact real estate activity. Families with children, for example, may avoid looking to move during the middle months of the school year to minimize academic disruption. Moreover,

holiday months, specifically November to January, experience diminished sales as individuals become busy with end-of-theyear celebrations and activities.

Interest rates are another key component in understanding bidding trends. Katchen says, “The Bank of Canada’s rate hikes last year are clearly having an impact on real estate markets across southern Ontario.” However, as interest rates stabilize and possibly even decrease this year, “now could be a great time to potentially purchase a home,” according to Katchen.

Despite underbidding trends at the start of the year, the market is emerging from its slumber as the real estate scene will become more active as demand increases from February to the start of Summer. The TRREB forecasts a significant rise in sales this year of up to 77,000, 11,000 more than 2023’s 66,000.

DAANISH ALVI / THE MEDIUM

March News Briefs

Razia Saleh Staff Writer

UTM hosts Sustainability Week for the fifth year in a row

From March 18 to March 22, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) hosted its annual Sustainability Week in partnership with the UTM Student Union, the Sustainability Office, and the MScSM Student Executive Council. Events included a business case competition, workshops, a TED Talk, and even hospitality from the UTM Fair Trade Market— one of UTM’s food partners on campus, promoting sustainable alternatives to coffee and other material goods.

This year’s theme was “Bridging the Gap,” which speaks of UTM’s aim to address the current climate crisis and create a greater sustainable community through the collaboration of students and faculty. At one event, a panel of young professionals discussed their commitment to make a positive impact toward sustainability. The panelists included Ragu Bhaskar, who is a sustainability specialist for Sobeys; Jen Wojtaszek, founder and CEO of BetterBrie, Inc.; Diljot Badesha, a UTM recycling coordinator, and Charles Binks-Collier, CEO of Circulr. On its website, UTM leaves a call to action for its students and faculty: “We all have a part to play, be it academic discipline, lived experience, and everything in between.”

Ontario Liberal leader to exclude carbon tax in 2026 election

On March 18, leader of Ontario’s Liberal party Bonnie Crombie announced she will not introduce a provincial carbon tax if she is elected premier after the 2026 election as part of her climate policy. On her website, Crombie indicated one of her goals is to prioritize immediate carbon emissions reductions, which will make Ontario a climate leader and allow the province to “grow a resilient economy and protect [its] cherished natural landscapes.”

According to her announcement on Monday, Crombie is prioritizing decarbonization in Ontario. “Instead, I want robust action on building up public transit systems; investing in electric vehicle infrastructure; reforming land-use planning to build livable, walkable communities; protecting our water, sensitive land, and nature; decarbonizing our energy grid; supporting our farmers; and, most importantly, finding ways to help families save money by helping households become more energy efficient,” she stated. For the 2026 election, Crombie announced she has already gathered an expert policy panel to guide consultations on the Liberals’ climate platform.

Muslim Food Bank struggles to meet demands during holy month of Ramadan

According to a CBC News article, the Muslim Food Bank in Toronto, which feeds more than 500 people per month, is facing a shortage of halal meals during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Volunteer CEO Azim Dahya told CBC News that “the demand [has been] huge for the last few years. It’s really doubled or tripled due to high inflation.”

The food bank is struggling to meet demand due to the high cost of food and the influx of refugees as it is currently appealing for more donations. Dahya also says that there is a decrease in the number of halal meat options and that there is too much demand, leading to fewer people coming who need help.

According to Canada’s Food Price Report 2024, food affordability is a top concern for Canadians. The report indicated food prices will continue to rise and even increase from 2.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent. However, Dahya says the Muslim Food Bank is facing a unique situation because there is a shortage of halal food across Canada. The food bank receives the highest volume of people of any food bank in Toronto.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford shuts down fourplex housing policy

On March 21, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference he would no longer allow fourplexes in the province and called the policy a “massive mistake ,” despite the policy being recommended by his government’s housing affordability task force. During this announcement, Ford also said the province will receive C$1.5 billion in funding for more homes to be built and new infrastructure. Ford said his focus will be to build more singledwelling homes and townhomes as opposed to four-story or six-story buildings that house multiple families.

Gaza’s entire population is currently facing unprecedented hunger crisis

People in Gaza have resorted to eating animal feed and grass as Israel continues to block the delivery of aid supplies that include food.

Arjun Saini Contributor

Since December 2023, 100 per cent of the population in Gaza has been facing a hunger crisis due to the ongoing genocide. Today, Gazans are still facing extreme food shortages leading the Strip to famine. The number of deaths in children and adults is increasing due to malnutrition and hunger .

Fifteen children died early this month at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza due to hunger and malnutrition , including 10-year-old Yazan al-Kafarna. Photos of al-Kafarna, who was born with cerebral palsy, circulated the internet before he died on March 4.

Al-Kafarna’s father told CBC News that he could not attain the fresh fruit and foods he needed as there was nowhere to get them in Gaza. He stated, “Before the war, we could get the food he needed. Now all the food that I used to get him before the war is not available.”

According to the European Commission’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who spoke at a Brussels conference on aid for Gaza, “In Gaza, we are no longer on the brink of famine. We are in a state of famine... Starvation is used as a weapon of war. Israel is provoking famine.”

Diana Sarosi, who is the director of Policy and Campaigns for Oxfam Canada, told CBC News that, “To us, this is definitely a matter of collective punishment to the people of Palestine.”

Sarosi went on to say that, ever since Israel’s siege on Gaza escalated in October, only 15 per cent of aid shipments to Gaza have reached the region. Sarosi also says that Israeli officials conduct “overly stringent” inspections of trucks entering areas like Rafah and Kerem Shalom and frequently send back trucks unnecessarily.

The lack of aid not only prevents Gazans, including infants and children, from accessing food, but also increases their risk of being caught among the fighting as they search for food.

Using food as bait: the flour massacre that killed hundreds of Palestinians

On February 29, Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians waiting for food aid trucks carrying flour southwest of Gaza City. At least 112 Palestinians were killed and more than 75o were wounded.

According to Al Jazeera reporter Ismail al-Ghoul, Israeli tanks also ran over the injured Palestinians and dead bodies. “It is a massacre, on top of the starvation threatening citizens in Gaza,” he reported.

gears up for a spectacular solar eclipse experience

Nearly a million Canadians plan to journey to Niagara Falls for the celestial spectacle. Ontario

Karine Alhakim Associate News Editor

Millions are preparing to watch this year’s total solar eclipse on April 8. Ontario is hosting a variety of experiences for residents and visitors to celebrate this celestial phenomenon. The eclipse’s path through Canada will be nearly 200 kilometers wide, beginning in southwestern Ontario all the way to eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.

UTM hosts viewing party and public lecture at Davis Building on April 8

The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is leading the way with an educational and communal approach to the eclipse. Organized by the UTM Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences and UTM Alumni Relations, the university is hosting a solar eclipse viewing party and public lecture on April 8 at its Davis Building on the patio and field. The event is scheduled to take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Attendees will be equipped with solar eclipse glasses to ensure a safe viewing experience. UTM’s faculty and students will also be lecturing at the event, including Assistant Professor Mart Bryan and students from the Astronomy and Biology departments, to discuss the eclipse’s significance and answer any questions from the audience. Hot cocoa will also be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable mugs. Registration is currently open on UTM’s website for those interested in joining.

Niagara Falls mayor expecting upwards of a million visitors to watch the solar eclipse

Niagara Falls is set to become the focal point of the solar eclipse viewing as it is expecting the largest crowd in its history. As the city braces for an influx of up to one million visitors on April 8, Mayor Jim Diodati told CP24 that Niagara Falls residents are buzzing with anticipation and excitement. The city has implemented comprehensive plans to manage the anticipated crowds, including enhancing internet services and ensuring public safety and convenience.

Hotel rooms near the Falls will cost upwards of C$1,000 per night or more on the night of April 7, and Metrolinx has promised to run more trains for domestic travellers on April 8. Mayor Diodati warns visitors to come prepared with food, water, and solar eclipse

glasses and says that guests should not assume these items will be available in the city. He also advises that the best way to travel will be on foot due to the high volume of visitors. The Niagara Falls website has shared a page with tips on how to prepare, safe viewing information, and additional information regarding the eclipse.

Some Ontario schools reschedule PA days to coincide with the solar eclipse

In recognition of the eclipse’s educational value and safety considerations, eight Ontario school boards have amended their April 8 class schedules, including the Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Toronto Catholic District School Board. Morning transportation is set to remain the same, while after-school buses and taxis will reflect the adjusted dismissal times to ensure the safety of students.

In lieu of changing their April 8 schedules, many Ottawa school boards have chosen to reschedule their Professional Development (PD) days to April 8 to coincide with the solar eclipse, giving their students the day off. Some parents and other critics question whether this decision causes students to miss out on an important and rare opportunity for a teaching moment.

Canada Post unveils new stamp to celebrate the solar eclipse

On March 14, Canada Post issued a new stamp honouring the eclipse. Designed by Richard Nalli-Petta, the stamp features an artistic depiction of the eclipse path across Canadian landmarks, including Niagara Falls. The stamp’s special feature, a spot-gloss varnish that glows under black light, symbolizes the eclipse against a darkened sky. This initiative not only marks a tribute to the event but also offers a tangible keepsake for Canadians as it captures the essence of the eclipse’s journey across the nation.

Many Canadians across Ontario will celebrate this celestial event, which will not occur again until 2044. With a range of activities to choose from, Canadians have many options on how they will commemorate this unique opportunity.

MATTHEW ANSLEY/ UNSPLASH

OPINION

Volume 50 and beyond

Our reflections on our year, The Medium, and student journalism.

Another school year has come and gone, and with it, ends Volume 50 of The Medium, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)’s independent student newspaper.

Looking back, my thoughts settle in a few places.

I think about how terribly little I once knew about the genocide in Palestine. I think about the people who took my hand and taught me, pulling me out of my ignorance, though it was never their responsibility to do so. I had difficult conversations about the reality of the immeasurable suffering of a people, about the callous attacks that tear children from their families and set hospitals aflame. I consider the privilege that allowed me to exist for so long without acknowledging the reality of more than 75 years of Israeli occupation. Without The Medium, would I ever have learned what I know now?

I think about the people on our team. I remember their thoughtfulness, their intellect, their resourcefulness, and their ambition. These people are leaders. They are determined, tenacious, and above all, compassionate and kind. They are the next generation of earth-shakers who will not turn a blind eye so long as they can still speak and type. I am excited to see all the phenomenal things that these people will experience and achieve in the coming years, as there are certain to be many.

I think about censorship and complacency within the walls of our university, of the altogether-too-frequent inadequacy of social policy and administration. I think about the privilege of being passive, about the wealth and history upon which this institution sits, allowing it to settle comfortably into indifference. I think about The Medium’s independence, its freedom to critique the university and the government without fear of repercussions. A freedom it has enjoyed for half a century, yet a fleeting luxury in the world of journalism today.

I think about our community of writers, and its refusal to blindly boast serenity where there is none. I think about all the students, professors, and community members who shared their stories with us, enriching our little paper into something much greater. As the school year ends, Volume 50 will be tucked away tidily into our archive, forever available for future students and community members to read and remember. I hope they recognize our efforts and appreciate our stories. I hope they recognize our mistakes and are able to do better. I hope that one day, The Medium will turn 100 years old, and though I may be 72 by then, I hope I will still be invited to the party.

Thank you for everything.

- River Knott, Editor-in-Chief

This year has been like no other at The Medium. Our paper always held its reputation of being independent from the university, yet in October and November of last year, the paper shattered this reputation and decided to silence student voices on worldwide issues that continue to impact our student body—most notably, the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

For years, one of the paper’s concerns was the dying audience and engagement from UTM’s student body. Even though we had more than 1,000 students signed up to our mailing lists, with hundreds more signing up each year, only a few would write for the paper. Even though we hired a videographer to produce high-quality videos, only a few would watch. Even though we recorded engaging podcast episodes, only a few would listen. But when the student body needed us most at a time when every other outlet was being silenced or complacent, The Medium wasn’t there to amplify student voices. The Medium willingly turned away students who had nothing but good intentions. The Medium confused activism for hate speech. And we thought this too would be overlooked. But it wasn’t.

The student body showed up. The editorial staff of previous volumes showed up. Members of our current editorial team showed up. People who care for the reputation of the paper—who care for student journalism and all it stands for—showed up. The Medium received criticism from all angles: Instagram stories, in-person student drop-ins, emails, you name it. For the first time in its history (or at least for a very long time), our paper was under scrutiny for a decision the editorial management team took.

It was at this moment that River and I realized the power that the student body has over The Medium. This paper is not run by whoever sits in the Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor chairs. It is run by the student body, for the student body. It is why The Medium holds elections each year for these positions: to maintain accountability.

Yes, The Medium had a lot of firsts this year. Not only were we under external scrutiny, but we also struggled internally with a weakened team morale. We struggled with publishing weekly content because our website kept failing on us. We struggled with promoting our content on social media because Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook—which blocked our content due to Bill C-18—had been the number one source for all promotional content for the past couple of years. But amidst all these struggles, The Medium persevered. It persevered because of all the people who held us accountable. It persevered because we cared about its reputation and the true meaning of student journalism.

Thank you to everyone who believed in us in bringing The Medium back to its purpose. Thank you to May Alsaigh, Aya Yafaoui, Louis Lam, Hannah Grace Wang, Omar Khan, Daanish Alvi, Chris Berberian, Maja Tingchaleun, Beatriz Simas, and Belicia Chevolleau for sticking by our leadership and working with us to fix our paper’s reputation. Thank you to Omar for never giving up on the paper and for keeping us accountable. A special shoutout to Aroni Sarkar, Volume 48’s Opinion Editor, for guiding River and me and helping us steer this ship back on course.

To the readers and contributors of The Medium, the future of this paper lays in your hands. You have the power to shape it and morph it through open criticism. Don’t be afraid of the Editorial Board, for they work for you.

To the future Editorial Boards, thank you for the commitment to keep this paper afloat. Never take this position for granted. It is your duty and responsibility to ensure student journalism stays alive.

Jaros Valdes, Managing Editor

You are not helpless

You have the power to do good and influence the world.

Aya Yafaoui Opinion Editor

Helpless. That is how I feel watching the hollowing cheeks of a child. The desperation of a father as he rushes into the sea. The limping footsteps of the elderly. The visceral shaking of a young girl. I know this helplessness. As a Lebanese and Palestinian person, I have watched both places be crippled and destroyed for the benefit of countries that like to play proxy wars in the Middle East. Our land and oil more valuable than human life, history, or culture.

When the port of Beirut exploded in 2020 due to haphazardly stored ammonium nitrate, I wrote about the helplessness I felt watching yet another tragedy befall an already struggling country that was in the middle of a pandemic, an economic crisis, and food shortages. Today, I sit with that same helplessness watching Gaza be razed to the ground by Israel. With an intentionally manufactured famine now steadily taking the lives of yet more innocent Palestinians, and the last stretch of Gaza, Rafah, being invaded, how can you not feel helpless after six months of genocide?

The answer to that lies in the truth. You are not helpless. You have never been helpless. There is a reason why the protesters chant: “the people united can never be defeated!” Every single one of us has choices, options at our disposal. The only question is: do you have the commitment and courage to do the hard work of doing good?

If you have borne witness to this genocide, and the genocides happening in Sudan and Congo, and you wish to do something, then allow me to suggest a few actions you can take.

Boycott. Yes, it works. Money always talks louder than the individual in our capitalistic society. So put your money where your mouth is. Take the few extra minutes to check if a company or product is funding and supporting genocide and apartheid. For Palestine specifically, join the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Sign petitions and contact your representatives. It might not seem like this is impactful right away, especially with the lack of a response from most representatives. However, each call and email is yet another tally to add to a growing mountain of tallies, and that matters. It signals to our politicians and governments that we are paying attention and demanding policy change. In Canada, we saw 286,719 people sign a petition to force the government to discuss calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza back in the fall. That online petition garnered the most signatures of any parliamentary e-petition since it started in 2015. That says something significant. And now, we are seeing Canada freeze arms exports to Israel. Would that have happened without public pressure? No. So keep annoying the hell out of your politicians. It is the least they deserve for being complicit in genocide.

Learn. Learn about the culture and food and history of these peoples. Learn their stories and perspectives and struggles. Learn how these atrocities came to pass, the history of colonialism, capitalism, and white supremacy that are deeply rooted in each instance of apartheid and genocide. Read and listen to the voices of Palestinians, Sudanese, Congolese, and other Indigenous peoples. In learning about these people, their land, their history, and their current struggle for liberty, you awaken to the fundamental nature of our interconnectedness. And in doing so, you can help teach others to wake up to the reality of our current world.

Donate. You do not have to give more than you can spare, but each of us has the capacity to donate something. Whether that be money, or time, or effort, or attention. Give to those who are going through the unimaginable. For Gaza, donations of e-sims or food are crucial right now. Find a way to donate, however much you can.

Protest. The continued show of solidarity through protesting is important both symbolically and practically. Our governments and companies need to see and hear us demanding change in the real world, not just behind our screens. Do not become cynical because our protests have not worked as quickly as we would have liked. It is the slow and continuous push for liberation that unshackles us. So, continue to demonstrate for the changes you want to happen.

Finally, continue to pay attention. Pay attention now before a permanent ceasefire has been called. Pay attention after. Pay attention to what happens to all the displaced Gazans. Pay attention to the atrocities in the West Bank. Pay attention to the actions of Israel. Pay attention to the aftermath of genocide. Pay attention to Sudan. Pay attention to the militaryindustrial complex that upholds the war and genocide in Sudan. Pay attention to the Congo. Pay attention to the horrific exploitation of a land and people for our luxury. Pay attention to how you use technology that was mined by an enslaved child.

Most importantly, do not lose hope and despair. Helplessness lures us into inaction. We cannot afford to do nothing, not now, not ever.

Redefining home

The search for belonging in the smallest of places.

Keira Johannson Staff Writer

For the first 18 years of my life, I lived in the same house. My definition of home was the walls of my childhood bedroom, the green grass of my backyard, and the designated chair in the kitchen with my name on it. Home was the comfort of my redpainted house, the nearby lake surrounded by mountains, and the home-cooked meal on the table at 6 p.m. every day. For the first 18 years of my life, my definition of home remained the same.

And then I moved away. And everything changed.

When I moved from Port Moody, British Columbia, to Mississauga, Ontario, I didn’t quite realize all that I was saying goodbye to. Not only was I saying goodbye to my family and friends, I was also saying goodbye to the only home I ever had. While this goodbye was likely temporary, there was still something permanent about packing up my most cherished belongings into cardboard boxes and shipping them halfway across the country.

Growing up, I always knew North by looking toward the local mountains of Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour. If I knew where the mountains were, I knew how to get home. But Mississauga doesn’t have mountains. And while moving here has certainly provided me with opportunities and advantages, losing my sense of direction was not something I was ever prepared for.

I suppose that’s the thing about moving away, though. It makes you appreciate all the little things you took for granted, and it gives you the opportunity to find meaning in new little things.

One of my friends, Fahim, has lived in Mississauga his entire life. When I told him my sense of home was based on where the mountains were, he looked at me blankly.

“That’s interesting,” Fahim told me, as we drove along Burnhamthorpe Road toward the Central Library. “I guess my mountains are the Absolute Towers.”

“The absolute what?” I asked, clearly revealing my lack of knowledge toward common Mississauga landmarks.

“The Absolute Towers,” he repeated. “Those twin-tower skyscrapers near Square One. You must know them. They’re the curvy ones.”

I nodded along. I knew the buildings, yes, but I was still taken aback by my cluelessness about the city I now lived in.

“When I was a kid, I thought that if I ever got lost in Mississauga, I could find my way home by following the Absolute Towers,” Fahim continued. “So I guess everyone has their own version of mountains.”

“Yeah,” I said. “I guess you’re right.”

I looked out the car window. Mississauga is one of the flattest cities I’ve ever been to, yet what Fahim told me made me wonder if I could find a sense of home here as well. There might not be mountains, but maybe my definition of home could finally change.

The problem is that I don’t know if I want it to. I’ve developed a strange relationship with Ontario as a whole. I don’t exactly want to find “home” here—mainly because I don’t want to spend another 18 years tethered to a place. So instead, I’m learning that perhaps my definition of home can be ever-changing. On some days, home is where the mountains are. On others, maybe it’s something else entirely.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to travel the world. And at 20 years old, I can finally say that I’ve done it.

Last spring, I traveled to Europe for the first time, visiting 10 countries in 30 days. It was my first time leaving North America, and it was also the biggest solo trip I’d ever done. Despite arriving in London on my own, I had the pleasure of meeting up with 50 strangers for our guided European tour. Fifty strangers who all came from different paths of life and ended up in the same place, at the same time. Fifty strangers, who 30 days later, would feel like much more.

While I was walking the streets of Amsterdam and Berlin, Venice and Rome, Paris and Barcelona, I couldn’t help but think about everyone who lived there—whether they were locals or maybe even new visitors that had just made a big move to a new city. Either way, I found myself picturing what it would be like for me to live there too, for me to call these unfamiliar places home.

I’d left Port Moody to start a new life in Mississauga for university. Then I left Mississauga to start a new life seeing the world. As our European tour continued, I kept thinking to myself how much I didn’t want to leave.

On the plane ride back from Barcelona to Vancouver, I watched Aftersun (2022), and there’s a quote from the movie that is entirely reflective of how I felt at the time:

“There’s this feeling that once you leave where you’re from, like where you grew up, that you don’t totally belong there again. Not really.”

I was flying back home, a changed person, and returning to a city that had pretty much stayed the same. The fear I once had toward moving away and everything changing had transformed into a fear of returning and things staying the same.

It’s been nearly two years since I made the cross-country move from Port Moody to Mississauga. Even though I haven’t reached the local status of using the Absolute Towers to find my way around, I’ve learned that people can find home in the smallest of things.

As a child, my definition of home was always the same place. But now, as an adult, I realize that the way I define home is very multifaceted. Lately, here in Mississauga, I have found home in the people I surround myself with, in the nearby river that leads to Lake Ontario, in the music I listen to on the way to campus in the mornings.

What all these things have in common is a sense of belonging. On a random day last week, I visited Jake Darling Park for the first time, and I admired how everyone on the beach took time out of their day to be outside. We all had our own lives going on, but for that moment in time, we belonged together. At that moment in time, I felt at home.

So even though living in Mississauga has stripped me from navigating back to my childhood house (both figuratively and literally, by thousands of miles), I still find myself seeking out things that make me feel like I can belong here.

So, to you reading this, if you ever find yourself lost in cities—both unknown and familiar—remember that pieces of home are hidden in the smallest of places. Whether it’s two skyscrapers in Mississauga or a small art gallery in the heart of Paris. At the bottom of a warm cup of coffee or in the sound of live music at a concert venue. Home is hidden all over the world, in people, places, and things. I encourage you to go find them, but don’t be afraid of how you might change when you do.

While I certainly related to the Aftersun quote, I don’t necessarily agree with it. I believe that if it really is a home that you find, that you’ll always belong to it, no matter how far you tend to stray away.

BEATRIZ SIMAS / THE MEDIUM

The summit-less mountain of achievement and productivity

I am doing nothing this summer, and I am not guilty about it.

Mashiyat Ahmed Associate Opinion Editor

Ona late evening last summer, my friend and I were lying on a sun-kissed patch of grass atop a hill in Erindale Park. The sultry wind brushed against our fresh faces, the sky deepened in colour, and we lay together enveloped in a cocoon of wonderful silence. My friend lazily flipped through her book, and I restlessly ruminated about the mountain of coursework I had waiting for me back home. A flood of thoughts swarmed my brain:

I have a job interview next week.

I need to update my LinkedIn account.

What about that volunteering event on Saturday?

I need to meal-prep for the week and finish my biology notes!!!

In retrospect, that summer evening was beautiful, but I missed it all because of my incessant worrying and the overbearing expectations of modern productivity. I wonder how many days like that I have missed. How many more will I miss in the future?

Why do we worship productivity and work?

Productivity and achievement, the meeting of goals, and the enthusiasm to constantly excel and grow are all modern virtues that everyone—especially university students—has ingrained within them. Of course, neither work nor setting and achieving goals is inherently problematic. In fact, humans are fundamentally goal-driven creatures whose brains have evolved to effectively plan, achieve goals, and find answers because that’s what helps us succeed, both reproductively and in more emotionally complex experiences.

But it seems that our culture—that is, the culture of capitalism—has hailed productivity and hard work as the ultimate virtue. A virtue that has become a metric of how our worth as individuals is measured and how deserving of praise and love we are. Sleeping out in the sun, or reading for reading’s sake, or going a few days without getting “work” done has the irresistible stigma of laziness to it. A stigma that many of us who work and learn in fast-paced, achievement-oriented places, like university, tend to internalize.

However, it’s totally understandable why modern society worships hard work and productivity. Many ailments or inconveniences that have historically plagued us were eradicated with the swift efficiency and technological breakthroughs of the industrial revolution, which sought to enhance production, performance, and productivity by increasing how well systems worked. But somewhere along the great line of development, the burden of being productive fell more on the individual than it did on systems. As people moved to office work, manufacturing efficiency and a better world meant optimizing how much work that individuals could get done in the office. Productivity became a personal quest that quickly and inevitably signified our individual worthiness. Our obsession with work grew, but as fathers, mothers, friends, and our own personal caretakers, we were still expected to succeed at home and in our own skins as we did in our workplaces. This is simply unrealistic, but it hasn’t changed.

Again, there’s nothing inherently wrong with going the extra mile to impress your boss, working a few extra hours, or juggling a full-course load while working a job. However, due to how culturally relevant the quest for productivity has become, not being productive is seen as ethically wrong somehow. And what follows are feelings of shame, guilt, and burnout.

Our society is poised toward glorifying people who have achieved greatness—athletes, scientists, artists, and more—so not striving for greatness, having mediocre goals, and simply being lazy is a form of moral failing. Or that’s what society wants you to believe because capitalism only functions if individuals optimize themselves to the max. At some point in time, productivity changed the world for the better. It made things easier and faster so that we could invest more time into what matters. In the 21st century, however, productivity has infiltrated every part of our professional and personal lives to the point where, as university students, being burned out seems to be something to be secretly yet morbidly proud of. Congratulations! You’ve worked hard enough to even be burnt out in the first place! And if you aren’t burned out yet, you aren’t working hard enough!

Do productivity and achievement ever have an end?

In his influential book, The Burnout Society, Korean-German philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues that stress, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and other mental health diagnoses aren’t personal issues, but rather, consequences of our obsession with achievement, work, and productivity. Depression isn’t just a chemical imbalance in the brain, it’s a symptom of the slow and steady destruction of the human spirit.

Han says that, historically, people have been limited in what they can or cannot do by purely external forces. Society was also more communal, and less emphasis was placed on the individual. In the age of achievement, with its modern systems and approaches to maximize productivity, people are no longer limited by purely external forces, and instead, whatever disciplinary limitations we experience are self-inflicted. Han states that in our culture, we’re rewarded when we auto-exploit ourselves to the point of illness. When the steep goals and lofty ambitions we place on ourselves come from within rather than from outside stakeholders. Indeed, it’s a sign of capitalism’s success when it no longer needs to shove toxic productivity down our throats; we just do it for ourselves.

Han believes the mental health epidemic is reflective of the irrational nature of productivity itself. The modern conception of hard work and achievement makes it so that there’s no summit to the mountain. No matter how hard you work or how stellar your achievements are, you can always work harder and do better.

I have many missions this summer. None of them are academically ambitious— since I got rejected from the research projects I applied to—or are significant enough to make me not enjoy summer days. From the outside, it seems like my summer is going to be empty or that I’m wasting my time. But my world is so much bigger than my ambitions and accomplishments. I am not the sum of how many checkmarks are on my to-do list.

Living slowly and being lazy—that is, doing things that nourish our minds and souls without the expectation of reward and for its own sake—is revolutionary. It sanctifies our intrinsic worthiness without relating it to how well we perform or how ambitious our goals are. In a capitalist culture, it’s revolutionary to simply sit in the park and do nothing but merely exist. So, allow yourself to exist, simply and compassionately.

DAANISH ALVI / THE MEDIUM

NEWS

Signing Off: A hEARTfELT ADiEu OPINION

To our remarkable team of writers and editors: thank you for your unwavering dedication, creativity, and bravery. From uncovering breaking stories to amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard, together, we’ve successfully reached the milestone of completing our 50th volume. Your tireless commitment and admirable passion have been the cornerstone of our success.

As we bid farewell to another volume, I leave you with this: never underestimate the power of student journalism to affect meaningful change. Embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and pick up each issue with pride, because it is nothing but a reflection of your hard work and devotion. May the spirit of journalism continue to inspire and inform.

Contributors: May Alsaigh (8) River Knott (2) Hannah Grace Wang (1)

Karine Alhakim (18) Larry Lau (11) Samuel Kamalendran (10) Razia

Saleh (7) Celesta Maniatogianni (5) Jacob Fu (4) Angelina Jaya Siew (3)

Arjun Saini (3) Jia Bawa (3) Vanessa Bogacki (3) Yusuf Larizza-Ali (3)

Arjun Saini (3) Dishika Vaswani (2) Juliana Stacey (2) Makayla Kelly (2)

Maryam Lela (2) Mashiyat Ahmed (2) Sameera Muna (2) Yana Chopde (2) Ahmed Ali Bukhari (1) Aidan Thompson (1) Debbie Wong (1)

Jaimini Patel (1) Lily Yu (1) Mannal Qureshi (1) Meghna Patil (1) Meighan Atkinson (1) Rosa

Fragomeni (1)

Shreya Joshi (1)

To all the Opinion writers this year, I want to thank you for filling this paper with your opinions and experiences. The Medium is nothing without you and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lift your voices once again. I want to especially thank those who had the courage and eloquence to speak up on topics that required great strength and sensitivity to address. Through your pieces, I have learned a great deal, both through the topics you chose to shed light on and through working with all of you. I hope that you continue to broaden your understanding of the world and share your experiences with others.

To all our readers, both current and in the future, I want you to know how special this time capsule of a paper is. Our archive holds the memories of our community, and we now enter our experiences into the record. The hard truth is that we’ve witnessed genocide unfolding in real-time this year, and we did our best to bear witness to it. We did this in the spirit of fulfilling our promise to never forget. I hope you can help us keep that promise.

Aya Yafaoui, (Volume 50)

Dear Features writers, Three letters. One word. Wow.

It’s such an honor to be working with you all. The work and dedication I have seen from you all inspire me to be a better editor and writer. Thank you for contributing to this special part of the paper. The Features section has always been the most important section for telling your stories, sharing your thoughts, and creating a community of writers and readers alike. Thanks to you, we have a jam-packed (and the best) section for The Medium

Can’t wait to see your names again on the paper.

Dear Features readers,

Thank you for spending your time reading this section, and on behalf of the writers, thank you for letting us share our thoughts with you. I hope you enjoyed every story told by your peers. From the fun ones to the more serious ones, I hope their words reached your soul. That’s what this section and the newspaper are all about.

See you again soon! It’s your turn to share your stories next!

Louis Lam, (Volume 50)

Contributors: Aya Yafaoui (4) River Knott (13) Jaros Valdes (2) Hannah Grace Wang (9) Omar Khan (2) Louis Lam (2) Maja Tingchaleun (1) Daanish Alvi (1) Chris

Berberian (1) May Alsaigh (1) Tia Cummins (7) Mashiyat Ahmed (6) Yasmine

Benabderrahmane (6) Aidan Thompson (5) Keira Johannson (5) Vanessa Bogacki (5) Karissa Harrypersad (4) Debbie Wong (3) Maryam Lela (3) Yusuf Larizza-Ali (3)

Angelina Jaya Siew (2) Arjun Saini (2) Fariha Shimu (2) Juliana Stacey (2) Karine

Alhakim (2) Makayla Kelly (2) Meghna Patil (2) Meighan Atkinson (2) Taehyung

Kim (2) Zainab Khalil (2) Blake Douglas (1) Cristina Pincente (1) Demilade

Olaluwoye (1) Elizabeth Prydatka (1) Jannine Uy (1) Jia Bawa (1) Joseph Falzata (1)

Kareena Kailass (1) Kenton Hu (1) Leah MacKay (1) Lily Tu (1) Madison Ireland (1)

Mari Khan (1) Maryam Raheel (1) Mohaimen Siddique (1) Paige France (1) Prisha

Maneka Nuckchady (1) Rola Fawzy (1) Romana Krekhovetska (1) Sabrina Garcia (1) Samira Karimova (1) Shreyaa Samtani (1) Silas Liening (1) Sukaina Rizvi (1)

Valeria Ramirez Osorio (1) Zainab Hassan (1)

Contributors: Louis Lam (5) River Knott (1) May Alsaigh (1) Rafiqa Zubair (6)

Pamela Prasetya (3) Madhav Ajayamohan (5) Prisha Maneka Nuckchady (5) Karine

Alhakim (3), Yusuf Larizza-Ali (3) Zainab Khalil (3) Kayta Lee (2) Maryam Lela (2)

Mariana Dominguez Rodriguez (2) Meighan Atkinson (1) Sukaina Rizvi (1) Fatima

B. Habib (1) Mannal Qureshi (1) Aidan Thompson (1) Kareena Kailass (1) Mashiyat

Ahmed (1) Juliana Stacey (1) Azkka Noor (1) Elma Chowdhury (1) Marii Khan (1)

Debbie Wong (1) Yana Chopde (1)

May Alsaigh, (Volume 50)

fROm yOuR TRuSTED mASThEAD

Dear Arts & Entertainment writers and readers, It has truly been an honour and pleasure working as the Arts & Entertainment Editor. To our writers, thank you for being so enthusiastic in pitching your ideas and claiming articles. To our readers, I hope you enjoyed reading arts and entertainment articles as much as I have. I want to thank our Theatre Erindale Correspondent Megan Freedman for her hard work and dedication. Thank you to everyone for making Volume 50 so very special.

Hannah Grace Wang, (Volume 50)

This year at The Medium has been quite a journey. I started writing my column about the Toronto Maple Leafs more than two years ago with the intent of blowing off some steam and venting about my favorite team. It’s truly surprising how a simple hobby can evolve into a career path and lead one to a role like mine today—as the Sports and Health Editor. My experience at The Medium is one I will cherish and reflect on as I look forward to my future.

To my writers, I want to thank you for sharing your amazing stories, highlighting the great teams and athletes in our community, and keeping us up to date on the latest sports and health news. Your contributions were by far my favorite part of working as a section editor, and you should all be proud of the great work you’ve done. I look forward to reading your future pieces and seeing how your writing develops.

To my readers, thank you for your unwavering interest, precious time, and enthusiastic engagement, which have fuelled the Sports and Health section this year. I hope we provided you with compelling stories that informed and entertained you. Omar Khan, (Volume 50)

It sounds simple, but capturing and preserving moments has always been the aspect of photography that I’ve gravitated toward the most. Having this, albeit brief, time at The Medium made me fall in love with photography even more. It constantly inspired me to go outside of my shell to further hone my visual eye—and seeing my photos in print cannot possibly ever get old. What I’ll take away from this stint with The Medium, more than anything, is that it gave me the chance of a lifetime: my shot to share my art with the world.

It taught me the biggest lesson I needed to learn at the same time, too: that I have something special within me that I can feel good about sharing. These personal missions are what bring photography to life, and it is these missions that make the art of photography vary incredibly from person to person. You can see someone doing it as a hobby, not knowing the power they hold in the palm of their hand, because halfway across the world someone else could be doing the same thing to spread crucial awareness about what they are experiencing firsthand. The art of photography remains limitless—and now that we all have cameras in our pockets, we all can have something to say.

Daanish Alvi, (Volume 50)

Contributors: Hannah Grace Wang (2) Jaros Valdes (1) Daanish Alvi (1) Belicia

Chevolleau (1) Karissa Harrypersad (6) Alisa Samuel (6) Keira Johannson (5) Mashiyat Ahmed (4) Maryam Raheel (4) Maryam Uddin (4) Megan Freedman (3) Yusuf Larizza-Ali (3) Avery McMillan (3) Drashi Patel (3) Kuicmar Phot (3) Joy Pius (3) Meighan Atkinson (2) Vedika Awtani (2) Jada D’Sa (2) Paige

France (2) Sabrina Garcia (2) Zainab Hassan (2) Katya Lee (2) Azkka Noor (2)

Meghna Parhar (2) Meghna Patil (2) Elizabeth Prydatka (2) Mariana Dominguez

Rodriguez (2) Lina Tupak-Karim (2) Aidan Thompson (2) Madhav Ajayamohan (1) Demilade Akinleye (1) Dana Al-Habash (1) Toqa Alshwatreh (1) Ayomide

Bayowa (1) Yana Chopde (1) Sabrina Chow (1) Charlie Cichoszewski (1)

Michaela Dimitrov (1) Lourdes Duah (1) Madison Ireland (1) Mahera Islam (1) Samuel Kamalendran (1) Zainab Khalil (1) Abigail Kohut (1) Romana

Krekhovetska (1) Valeria Ramirez Osorio (1) Sierra Peca (1) Aurora Picciottoli (1) Jaimini Patel (1) Skyler Piskoroski (1) Mannal Qureshi (1) Evelia Raphael (1) Lydia C. Rehman (1) Michelle Santos (1) Veronika Sizova (1) Ramiya

Sureshhkumar (1) Emaan Tariq (1) Charles Urgiles (1) Debbie Wong (1) Jing

Han Yang (1)

Contributors: Omar Khan (18) Daanish Alvi (3) Justyn Aleluia (11) Bilaal Mo (3) Joseph Falzata (3) Samira Karimova (3) Noor Shaikh (2) Yusuf Larizza-Ali (2) Kuicmar Phot (2) Alisa Samuel (1) Juliana Stacey (1) Sukaina Rizvi (1) Ahmad Kubbar (1) Alanna Sethi (1) Aidan Thompson (1) Maryam Lela (1) Simran Rattanpal (1)

Contributors: Daanish Alvi (58) Beatriz Simas (87) Hannah Grace Wang (1) Omar

Khan (1) Laura Tovar (113) Samira Karimova (27) Aurora Picciottoli (26) Sara

Li (8) Floria Zhou (4) Jay Chang (2) Shunsho Ando Heng (2) Tia Cummins (2)

Abigail Kohut (1) Alexander Thomas (1) Alisa Samuel (1) Bernice Santos (1) Blake

Eligh (1) Charles Urgiles (1) Dania Arwini (1) Ekene Akuneme (1) Giang Bui (1) Greěgoire Feěron (1) Juliana Stacey (1) Mark Overton (1) Megan Li (1) Nick

Iwanyshyn (1) Rola Fawzy (1)

The total eclipse wonder: chasing the celestial shadow and its secrets

The April 8 solar eclipse, its history and significance, and fun facts about eclipses.

Yana Chopde Contributor

OnMonday, April 8, one million people are expected to visit Niagara Falls, Ontario to witness the exceptional solar eclipse that will last for around four minutes and 28 seconds.

A solar eclipse is a phenomenal moment when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. The eclipse can be partial or total, meaning the moon either partly or fully covers the Sun, blocking its light and darkening Earth. The Hamilton and Kingston regions will experience a total solar eclipse, while nearby places, such as Toronto, are expected to witness a 95 per cent partial solar eclipse.

This natural wonder is stirring up intense excitement–and planning–because the next eclipse in North America, outside of one in Alaska in 2033, won’t occur until August 2044, which will only be fully visible in some parts of the US. It’s the first continental eclipse since the one that occurred in August 2017. In 2026, an eclipse will occur in northern Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.

Historical Solar Eclipses

The oldest recorded solar eclipse in human history occurred approximately on November 30, 3340 BCE. This eclipse was documented through spiral-shaped petroglyphs (rock carvings) discovered in Ireland. Another early discovery of solar eclipses was found on oxen shoulder blades and tortoise shells in China, from approximately 1200 BCE, and helped NASA scientists dictate the changes in Earth’s rotation and the rate of Earth’s spin.

On August 18, 1868, another major eclipse occurred, which helped astronomers Norman Lockyer and Pierre Janssen discover the chemical element helium. While Albert Einstein discovered his theory of general relativity in 1916, it wasn’t until 1919 that a solar eclipse happened to evidence his theory.

Popular stories behind solar eclipses

Solar eclipses vary in meaning around the world. For the Ancient Greeks, a solar eclipse signaled the gods’ anger and was often understood to be a bad omen. The word “eclipse” was taken from the Greek ekleipsis, which means “being abandoned.”

Across the world, in Ancient China, eclipses were heavenly signs that predicted the Emperor’s future. The ancient Chinese believed that a celestial dragon ate the sun, creating the eclipse. To save the sun, people would make loud noises by banging drums to scare the dragon away. Similarly, the Vietnamese believed a giant frog ate the Sun, while in Argentina it was a jaguar.

The ancient people of northern Togo and Benin believed that anger and fighting among humans could spread to both the sun and moon, inciting a fight between the two celestial bodies, and causing an eclipse. To rectify this, the Batammariba people resolve disputes and foster peace in hopes of inspiring peace between the sun and moon.

For the Diné, an Indigenous community in the southwestern US, a solar eclipse symbolizes a rebirth of the Sun, marking a moment of solemnity. The rebirth signifies the Sun’s

death, which represents a father figure in the Diné beliefs. To respect this special moment, all activity is stopped for the duration of the eclipse and people bow their heads in respect. Meanwhile, in one Ojibwe and Cree story, a boy, Tcikabis, traps the Sun in a net to burn his clothes. In another Ojibwe story, the eclipse represents an extinguished sun that is relit by shooting flaming arrows.

Weird things that happen during a solar eclipse

1. Part of why solar eclipses occur on Earth is because, coincidentally, the Sun is 400 times the diameter of the Moon and 400 times further away from the Earth, causing the Sun and Moon to appear as the same size.

2. Depending on the location, temperatures during a total eclipse can drop approximately 2.8 to 5.6 degrees Celsius.

3. Some animals, such as giraffes, get nervous during the eclipse and begin to run, an activity they only engage in when they are running from a predator. Others, like ants, bees, and birds, return to their nests or roosts to sleep.

4. Due to the sudden change, an eclipse can disturb radio waves, GPS navigation systems, and satellite communication systems around the world.

5. The total celestial alignment creates crescent shadows, where the shadows on the floor become sharper than usual. Tree shadows typically showcase this phenomenon best.

6. Ancient Chinese astronomers His and Ho were decapitated because they failed to predict the October 2134 BC solar eclipse.

7. In approximately 600 million years, the Moon will be too far away from the Earth to create a solar eclipse.

What’s next?

To view the eclipse safely, plan out your trip to Niagara Falls on April 8 for a view of this celestial coincidence and purchase certified eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage. We are looking forward to all the cool pictures you will take from this event!

JASON HOWELL/UNSPLASH

UTM’s declassified first-year survival guide

A letter from UTM students to incoming students.

Zainab Khalil Contributor

Transitioning to university can be overwhelming, especially in first year where you’re experimenting and finding out what’s the best fit for you. Whether it’s moving away from home, or getting used to a different study environment, university can be stressful. We, at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), want to make this transition easy by giving you, the new student, some tips. So, without further ado, welcome to UTM’s declassified first-year survival guide!

Here are some students from different backgrounds and years talking about their experiences at UTM and some tips that might be useful to you as an incoming firstyear student.

One of the main struggles you might face is the change in workload. Krishna Teraiya, a third-year student double majoring in biology and psychology, highlights that the high school workload is completely different from the university workload. “It was a bit much but what I did was overcome [it through] time management and dividing my courses from the hardest course to easiest to know what I should be focusing on more.”

Similarly, Aayushie Srivastava, a first-year international student planning on double majoring in management and environmental science, highlights the struggle of balancing your personal and student life. “I am planning on doing a double major and hence I have a good load of science and commerce courses in my semester. On the other hand, I am an international student and I live off-campus.” She also describes her initial struggle to make friends. “In the beginning, I did not interact with people outside of my lectures and tutorials. So, I found it pretty hard to make friends that are not just limited to class, and there were times when homesickness used to hit.”

Srivastava describes the importance of giving yourself the time to take in the new environment and noting down the changes by creating a schedule. “I figured out a schedule which would help me stay on top of my classes and would also give me some time for myself, to relax and be productive with small things like household chores and talking to my family across the globe [which I think was very important to keep me going in university].”

Srivastava also highlights the importance of not pressuring yourself too much in trying to maintain your social and academic life, as that has helped her navigate through first year.

First year is a year where you navigate university life and find what works best for you. If something doesn’t work out, don’t panic. Try finding a different approach whether it be regarding study methods, making friends, and even mental health.

As one method to overcome loneliness, Teraiya encourages people to join groups on social media to make friends. “I made a few friends before [the first semester of university] started through UofT group chats.” She also highlights the importance of mentorship and becoming friends with an upper-year student as “they can help a lot too. They can show you around campus and guide you throughout your first year.”

Students can always network with upper-year students through clubs. Many of the clubs at UTM have mentorship programs in place that can help you connect with an upper-year student in your field of study and serve as a guide throughout the semester.

University is also a place where you work toward your anticipated future. Srivastava brings up making POSt. “It is in the second year of university that you have to decide your major. So, you can use the first year to see if you like the courses you’re taking, because it is very common for students’ preferences to change when transitioning from high school to university. Luckily, you have the option to drop any course which you think doesn’t fit your interests.” She stresses the importance of joining academic societies and clubs as they can help you discover more information about the work field through different panels and activities throughout the year. “Do not panic if you find yourself completely disinterested in something that you thought of as your career in high school. You have plenty of options to explore.”

Srivastava and Teraiya also have some general advice and study tips that they used to succeed. Srivastava points out the importance of following a schedule due to how easy it is to fall behind with the fast pace of classes. “I know it is extremely difficult to follow a set timetable but that is the best option to keep you on track. I am not telling you to build a timetable for the entire week. Have a to-do list for your day and have a daily timetable according to that list.” She highlights how it helps with effectiveness and efficiency when it comes to studying. “This will make your work much easier without having to make you feel like every second of your life is governed by a timetable.”

Teraiya recommended dividing your course study material from hardest to easiest and organizing your schedule and tasks in advance to utilize your time effectively. It helps with studying efficiently and making time for your social life. “Using a to-do list, prioritize your tasks, and mak[ing] sure to stay on top of things, even if it means working on assignments beforehand. What is nice about university is that you have access to the syllabus and the schedule of when everything is due. So, make sure to read the syllabus and take note of all of the deadlines within the different courses.”

The two also have some words of motivation for you.

Teraiya: “First of all, welcome to UofT! All the best for your studies. Study hard, but also, don’t forget to make time for yourself between studies. It can be overwhelming at first, but don’t let it get to you too much.”

Srivastava: “To all the new incoming students, UTM actually welcomes you with open arms. There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore. It is not going to be a bed of roses. There will be bad days. DO NOT stress yourself with peer pressure or the pressure of making 500 friends in the first year. Try protecting your mental peace as much as you can, and just try to have the best time possible! Especially for international students, I know it might be difficult but please stay in touch with your long-distance loved ones as much as possible. UTM is very academically competitive but also gives you the chance to have the time of your life! All the best!”

You’re now wrapping up one chapter of your life and turning to a new one, and we hope that this UTM declassified guide to first year proved helpful to you. Best of luck on your journey in UTM!

DAANISH ALVI / THE MEDIUM

A Palestinian Ramadan

What would Ramadan look like in a free Palestine?

Rafiqa Zubair Associate Features Editor

It’sthe eve of Ramadan in Gaza. A thin crescent moon has just appeared in the sky, declaring the start of the Islamic holy month. Mosques all around amplify the news. Children string up colourful little lights in each alleyway, the streets bustle with men and women rushing home, and the hands of strangers greet my hands as I scurry through the streets. Wrinkled smiles, bags of sweets, and strong voices wish me a Ramadan Kareem—a blessed Ramadan.

Lanterns light the way to every mosque, inviting everyone to gather for the long night prayers. I halt at a street vendor selling fresh, hot bread to buy some for my mother. The smell of food carries through each alley. The laughter of children brightens the courtyards of every mosque. Every home is celebrating tonight. This is the month of celebration.

Ramadan is a month-long Islamic tradition celebrated by 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. Although the basis for how the month is celebrated is the same across the world, each country has developed its traditions and rituals. The month is centered around Islamic teachings, building a community, and celebrating culture. Palestinian culture is rich with beautiful traditions. For this Ramadan, let us look at some beautiful Palestinian Ramadan traditions.

Mesaharatis are traditional dawn awakeners. During Ramadan, worshipers wake up at dawn to eat their morning meal before fasting for the remainder of the day until sunset. These Mesaharatis wander the streets of Palestinian cities and villages. They use drums and sing traditional poems to awaken Muslims for dawn. Another special tradition specific to Jerusalem is the Ramadan cannon. For hundreds of years, this celebratory cannon has been fired every day at sunset to notify worshippers to break their fast.

In the Gaza Strip, families have iftar, the meal to break their fast, by the beautiful sea. Families enjoy their meals in the salty sweet air and watch the view of a hazy sunset. Food is a big part of Ramadan culture. Most countries have specific dishes that are only eaten during Ramadan. In Gaza, they enjoy dishes like maqluba—a rice, meat, or vegetable dish that is flipped upside down, and maftoul—known as Palestinian couscous, made with aromatic spices, chicken, and chickpeas. In the West Bank, they enjoy musakhan—flatbread topped with delicious sumac chicken and caramelized onions, and mansaf, rice served with tender lamb and yogurt.

Another large aspect of Ramadan is charity. Throughout the month, people are taking initiatives to raise money, feed those in need, or volunteer to help others.

One popular Palestinian tradition is Takaya. This is where groups of people prepare and provide warm meals for breaking the fast to low-income families. Palestinians around the world are known for their generosity and hospitality. Ramadan is a special time, when Palestine comes to life.

This is how Palestinians spend their Ramadan. Like any other people, they have a rich history of traditions and cultures that make this time beautiful and memorable.

This year, they celebrate their Ramadan in refugee camps in Rafah, praying in mosques that have become rubble, and waiting for aid to break their fasts. The genocide in Palestine, and the ethnic cleansing of their culture, continues through this time of the year. This year, Muslims all around the world have dedicated this Ramadan to Palestine. They remember its strength, resilience, and all those who continue to be murdered during the genocide.

The oppression continues and the once colourful and beautiful Ramadan is currently a month of famine and genocide. As Israel continues to block aid, most Palestinians do not have food to break their fasts with. The once-laughing children are now crying due to malnourishment and lack of water, ultimately leading to their deaths. Rafah, the once-declared safe zone, is no longer safe as it is constantly being attacked. The sweet sounds of drums and poems are replaced with gunshots and bombs.

There are no mosques left undamaged. Yet Palestinians gather every night and stand together in large groups over the rubble to pray as a community. This is an ethnic cleansing. The Israeli government has not only denied Palestinians basic rights but also found ways to stop them from practicing their traditions, hoping to erase the Palestinian culture. This piece hopes to capture some of those traditions and help you picture how Ramadan would be in a free Palestine. By educating ourselves, we can preserve this culture through our knowledge and continue to support Palestinian businesses and restaurants during Ramadan . Carrying the Palestinian legacy of storytelling and resistance by gaining knowledge not only about the genocide but also about Palestinian culture, food, clothing, and literature. This is what we can do to play our part in combatting ethnic cleansing.

DAANISH ALVI / THE MEDIUM

Arts

Beyond mainstream music: exploring the depths of peripheral music

Non-mainstream music reflects the darker parts of our culture and the repressed elements of the collective consciousness.

Lina Tupak-Karim Contributor

Inthe constellation of culture, there exists a core and a periphery. In music, peripheral artists speak to overarching economic and cultural truths—what’s marketable tells us a lot about a given society. Certain elements differentiating mainstream from peripheral music include distinctive samples, divergent structures, and taboo themes. At the heart of peripheral music is a degree of non-marketability.

Peripheral music is controversial and experimental. As such, certain themes are more common in “underground” music than in mainstream music. Consider Australian musician Zheani. Credited with founding “Fairy Trap,” her music is carnal and raw. Her melody is abrasive and crass, and her lyricism rageful and unforgiving. Zheani’s social media and music videos are frequently censored. She attributes this to a “prudish and frigid” sexual culture, and while I agree that we are collectively sexually confused, I think the issue stems more from her frequent jabs at Hollywood creeps and Silicon Valley figures.

Zheani’s 2019 EP, Satanic Prostitute, channels her fury into compelling artistry both visual and auditory, but it is precisely this provocative representation that is inspired by critics using such terms to insult her that contributes to her unmarketability to mainstream charts and record labels. Zheani is well aware of this and refuses to succumb to more vendable artistry. She laughs at the modern satanic panic and hatred toward prostitutes. I applaud how she can handle the subject matter that our culture has yet to adequately grapple with.

Consider, also, artists like BONES and $uicideboy$. In addition to rapping about controversial subject matter like school shootings—in concept albums like TeenWitch—and horror and death, in songs like “$leepy Hollow (Slopped & Chewed)” and “Where’s Your God?” they challenge the common song’s organized structure.

BONES has three volumes of “SeshRadio,” outro songs of about 10–20 minutes that feature unreleased music and theatrical skits. This unorthodox style creates a unique psychic space for listeners and contributes to a distinctive lore.

$uicideboy$ has been critiqued for employing samples that attempt to make up for a lack of original content, but this points to a larger artistic and cultural phenomenon.

Lev Manovich, a digital culture theorist, illustrates how most user-generated content is not fundamentally authentic: it borrows from establishment-approved templates and previously available content—in other words, it remixes and samples.

Most of our everyday lives, from the meals we cook to the outfits we design, borrow from existing materials and trends. All creation is predicated on something from the past. Does the overt presence of previous content in “new” content meaningfully point to unoriginality? Arguably, a song that weaves in intriguing samples is far more creative than one that follows a traditional structure.

Controversial or experimental songs—like the aforementioned—require time to absorb and consider, rendering them useless on a radio station, the purpose of which is to dispense popular, unproblematic tunes for evening drives home from work. They also probe at disturbing subjects that might perplex our collective consciousness, triggering larger cultural conversations about themes like misogyny or misery that we are not yet equipped to address.

Code 8: Part II - the cinematic sci-fi in our backyard

The film, partially shot at UTM, is part of Netflix in Your Neighbourhood.

Yana Chopde Contributor

Have you ever wanted to visit your favourite show’s filming location? Wait no more! Code 8: Part II, a sequel to the hit film, Code 8 (2016), premiered on Netflix on February 28, starring famous Torontonian cousins, Stephen and Robbie Amell. Previously, Robbie starred in The Flash while Stephen starred in Arrow as Oliver Queen, but Code 8 is the first time they have had the chance to truly work together.

Directed by Jeff Chan, the sci-fi movie depicts the story of an ex-convict with powers, Connor Reed, who returns to the criminal life searching for a drug lord to help him protect a teen with powers from a corrupt cop.

Netflix in Your Neighbourhood is a website that highlights the behind-the-scenes of Canadian movies and TV, including the actors’ favourite filming sites and local restaurants, all to help strengthen local pride and help audiences connect in a more personal way. In addition to Code 8: Part II, the website also features other Canadian productions, such as Anne with an E, Locke & Key, Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024), To All the Boys, and more!

In an interview with Netflix in Your Neighbourhood, the Amell cousins shared that being home and close to their loved ones were special aspects of filming in Southern Ontario. At one point, they even filmed at a location that was one block away from Stephen’s childhood

home. The duo’s favourite restaurant to dine at was The Keg in Hamilton, while the film had scenes shot in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, and Kingston. The film used Toronto to serve as the fictional Lincoln City. Specifically, the well-known Danforth neighbourhood of Toronto and Ted’s Restaurant from Scarborough were featured in the movie. Mississauga and the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus represented the fictional Lincoln Police Headquarters, a corrupt police force that oppresses people with powers. Hamilton’s Gothic Revival-style Manor House of Auchmar, in one of the oldest cities in Ontario, represented an orphanage in the sequel, while Kingston’s Kingston Penitentiary, featured in the film’s opening, stood as the prison Connor Reed is released from.

It is wonderful how our simple neighbourhoods and backyards—places we are used to seeing every day—serve as parts of a sensational film. It speaks to how UTM, a crucial part of our everyday lives, can be used to bring fictional stories to life! The very halls of the Communication, Culture & Technology Building that UTM students walk through everyday are featured in Code 8: Part II when Sergeant “King” Kingston walks through them.

As summer approaches and classes come to an end, visiting these nearby filming locations is a great way to kick-start and celebrate the warm weather and long days!

As You Like It: A Review

Theatre Erindale reminds us why Shakespeare is still performed 300 years later in As You Like It.

Megan Freedman Theatre Erindale Correspondent

Maybeit’s the former theatre kid in me or perhaps it’s my English major, but when I learned that Theatre Erindale was putting on William Shakespeare’s As You Like It this season, I was elated. The sold out high-energy opening night had the audience buzzing in anticipation. I even overheard a fellow audience member exclaim how much she loves Shakespeare. You may recall the stuffy Shakespeare readings that we had to do throughout high school, but Theatre Erindale’s production proves that the Bard’s work truly needs to be experienced rather than simply read.

Directed by Stewart Arnott, As You Like It boasts an ensemble cast whose versatility and talent blew me away. In Shakespearean times, it was illegal for women to perform in plays, therefore men took on all roles. Theatre Erindale flipped this old tradition with an all-female cast, which highlights the gender fluidity within Shakespeare’s work.

Many performers not only took on multiple diverse roles but had to continue a series of elaborate quick changes throughout the play. Mia Pagliaroli initially took the stage as the old loyal servant, Adam, but quickly transformed into the outrageous gossiper, Le Beau, before completing the play as the reluctant love of Silvius’ (Emma Coulson) life, Phoebe. Meaghan Dias switched between the fool, Touchstone, and the beautiful songstress, Amiens. Janae Fairclough’s scene-stealing performance as the wrestler, Charles, was outstandingly different from her performance as both Duke Senior and the shepherd Corin. I was even a little envious of Zoë Bonk for when the actor was not playing Oliver, she was Jacques, responsible for speaking one of the most famous lines in all of Shakespeare’s works, “All the world is a stage.” The same actor performing as multiple characters seems inherent to the play as Rosalind (Allie Waddell) and Celia (Abby Guse) assume a second identity for most of the play, with Rosalind

taking on the role of a man. While every member of the cast gave an amazing performance, Kaleigh Croft’s role as the plucky and lovelorn Orlando stands out as endearing and a delight to witness. True to any Shakespearean comedy, As You Like It is a love story full of witty and sharp dialogue that’s delivered expertly by the cast.

The beautifully designed set was the perfect visual backdrop for this pastoral play. I was particularly impressed when the stage transformed from a villa to a forest. Every technical piece of the play, from set design to the Celtic musical interludes to Orlando’s coveralls and work boots, worked harmoniously to honour and modernize the 300-year-old play. Every member of the cast and crew of As You Like It should be proud of what they accomplished with this production.

As You Like It runs until March 30. I highly recommend the show. I have seen quite a few Theatre Erindale productions over the last few seasons, and I can confidently say that As You Like It is my absolute favourite. The cast’s ability to transform themselves into such diverse characters while in a play written in Elizabethan English was fresh and entertaining. The comedic delivery was outstanding, and based on the audience’s reactions throughout the evening, I wasn’t the only one who thought it was hilarious.

Thank you to Theatre Erindale for reminding everyone why Shakespeare should still be performed and bravo to the cast and crew of the triumphant production of As You Like It!

MANOS GKIKA/UNSPLASH

Blockbuster beach: must-see 2024 summer movies

Your guide to the most anticipated summer blockbusters of 2024.

Jaimini Patel Contributor

Withexam season hitting soon, the most-anticipated season of the year is fast approaching! As summer hits and temperatures rise, what better way to beat the heat than catching up with friends and watching the newest blockbusters? Eight of the most awaited movies that you can watch over the summer break are listed below (in order of release date). From bone-chilling thrills to adrenaline-pumping action to good-old Disney fun, there’s something for everyone on this list!

#1: Challengers (April 26, 2024)

The film focuses on Tashi, a tennis prodigy-turned-coach, who has helped transform her previously struggling husband from a mediocre player into a world-famous Grand Slam champion. Emotions run high when he learns he’ll be facing off against his former best friend on the court—who also happens to be Tashi’s ex-boyfriend.

#2: Back to Black (May 17, 2024)

Named in homage to one of her iconic songs, this biopic chronicles the journey of jazz singer-turned-pop sensation Amy Winehouse, with the story of the troubled artist’s ascent to stardom.

#3: IF (May 17, 2024)

A young girl discovers her unique ability to see abandoned Imaginary Friends (IFs) and sets off on a magical journey to reunite them with their former buddies. The film features a wide array of stars portraying the various IFs and characters. As the girl navigates this whimsical adventure, she brings together forgotten friends and reignites the joy of imagination for children everywhere.

#4: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24, 2024)

In this prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, a younger Imperator Furiosa is kidnapped and held

captive by a great biker horde led by the warlord, Dementus. The film follows her journey home, with an ugly encounter with tyrant Immortan Joe, and her rise through his ranks.

#5: Inside Out 2 (June 14, 2024)

In this Inside Out sequel, we explore Riley’s emotions as she traverses into her teenage years. The group dynamic we have been used to changes as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust meet Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment.

#6: A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28, 2024)

A spin-off prequel in the well-known A Quiet Place franchise, this upcoming apocalyptic horror film will delve into the initial stages of the alien invasion (i.e., the chaos and confusion before anyone knows what to expect from the monsters and how to deal with them).

#7: Despicable Me 4 (July 3, 2024)

Once again entering the Minions and Despicable Me world, we follow Gru as he navigates parenthood with his wife, Lucy, and (now) four kids—Margo, Edith, Agnes, and Gru Junior. Not only is his new kid kicking his butt, but when criminal mastermind Maxime le Mal escapes from prison and declares revenge on Gru, it really seems like the whole world is out to get him.

#8: Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26, 2024)

In this highly anticipated collaboration between on-screen best friends, Wolverine and Deadpool team up to defeat a common threat. Though much is unknown about the plot, there are clues to the involvement of the Time Variance Authority (TVA; as seen on the Marvel Cinematic Universe show, Loki).

Happy watching everyone!

DENISE JANS/UNSPLASH

sports & health

How Amro Matti went from the bench to a star player

A story of perseverance and persistence.

Omar Khan Sports & Health Editor

Every kid dreams of becoming a star player for their sports team. For Amro Matti, a third-year student at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) double majoring in criminology and political science, that dream became a reality—but not without an incredible journey of perseverance and persistence.

Matti’s basketball journey started when he was in grade seven. Initially a soccer player, Matti had difficulty mastering even the simple chest pass when he first started. This all changed with his determination to be better and his dedication to the sport. After countless hours of training, learning the game, and gaining experience through drop-ins, Matti’s skills began to flourish. Eventually, he was good enough to play for the Father Michael Goetz (FMG) high school basketball team.

Matti consistently worked hard to be the best player he could be and continued to improve. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic halted his training, as it did for so many athletes. In Matti’s case, the pandemic came at a terrible time: his basketball career had just started to flourish, and he could no longer be scouted by universities and colleges. When school resumed following the pandemic, Matti took his chance to try out for the UTM men’s basketball team. Even though he was at a severe disadvantage as a player neither scouted nor priorly known by the team, Matti was determined to make the team.

He did make the team, and UTM performed well during Matti’s first season, enjoying a winning streak and overall great performances. Unfortunately, as a 17-year-old tryout player, Matti averaged only a few minutes a game, if any. Despite his limited playing time, he continued to train and practice to the best of his abilities.

That all changed on March 12, 2023, in a game against the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus (UTSC). After a teammate went down with an injury, Matti stepped up and scored 23 points, leading his team to victory. Following this victory, Matti gained the trust of his coach and teammates and reignited his passion and confidence for the sport.

Matti followed this performance up with a solid second year on the team. Matti became one of the team’s top contributors in both points and rebounds, a significant increase compared to his first year. He evolved and grew through his endless hours of training and determination, culminating in a 32-point performance that brought the championship home in his second year. This championship served as a clear symbol of the journey Matti took and where he is now as a player.

This victory changed Matti’s perspective on success and determination. “One of the most profound realizations has been redefining failure not as a loss but as a vital component of growth,” he shared with The Medium. “The path from a bench player to a starting position is full of challenges and moments of self-doubt. Nonetheless, this journey shows the importance of resilience—the capacity to recover from setbacks. I’ve come to see each instance of failure as a chance to learn, develop, and return even stronger.”

According to his friends, the growth in Matti’s game is due to his immense work ethic. “Amro’s biggest asset is his work ethic and his drive to be the best player,” Ahmad Kubbar, a UTM MBiotech student, told The Medium. “He is constantly playing basketball, and he always plays with a purpose. Even when he’s playing a casual game, he chooses a skill or two to work on, simulating what he would be doing in a competitive game. When he is training, he makes it uncomfortable, receiving poor passes or shooting from poor angles, further simulating the opportunities he would get in game.”

Matti’s cultural background has also played a crucial role in his experience. He stated, “As a Middle Eastern man in the world of basketball, I found myself in a unique position due to the scarcity of players with similar backgrounds. My passion for basketball stems from its incredible ability to unite people from diverse cultures. Whether I’m experiencing a challenging day, or one filled with joy, basketball has always been the perfect escape. The friendships I’ve made through basketball are too numerous to count, highlighting the sport’s power to bring people together.”

Matti hopes his story will inspire the next generation of UTM athletes. He believes welcoming and supporting first-year players is crucial to their growth and integration into the team, and he hopes to provide mentorship through his journey and insights.

DAANISH ALVI / THE MEDIUM

Raptors Wrap-Up: Looking Forward

Looking forward to the future of the Raptors amidst their rebuild.

Justyn Aleluia Columnist

The Toronto Raptors haven’t won a game since I last wrote about them, in fact, they’ve only won one game so far in March. The team has had a rough schedule, playing the Orlando Magic twice and the reigning champs, the Denver Nuggets, once. They’ve also lost to some terrible teams: notably the Detroit Pistons, who went on the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history earlier in the season. To put the numbers behind that , they are 1-9 in March and are currently on an eight-game losing streak.

A big part of their dismal record is thanks to the absence of Scottie Barnes, who underwent surgery to repair his fractured hand. At that time, young star RJ Barrett was also absent from the team while grieving the loss of his younger brother, Nathan Barrett. Barrett followed in his older brother’s footsteps, playing on the local Mississauga Monarchs basketball team as a youth and later attending Montverde Academy in Florida. On March 15, the Raptors held a moment of silence for Barrett and his family as they grieved.

A bright spot in the Raptors’ lineup lately has been Immanuel Quickley. Since joining the Raptors, he has averaged nearly 18 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while shooting a cool four per cent from the three point mark. Quickley has taken on the bigger role he was given on his new team with calmness and maturity, leading the team to have even a glimmer of a chance to win the game each night.

Apart from Quickley’s growth on the team, nothing has changed for the Raptors, and nothing will change for the rest of the season. They look to be in the bottom seven teams in the league with a high chance of retaining their first-round pick in this year’s draft.

Since this is the last edition of the Raptors Wrap-Up this season, I think it would be best to give it a wrap-up of its own by forecasting the Raptors’ offseason and making early predictions for next season.

It starts with the draft. The Raptors have next to zero trade capital, making this year’s draft superbly important. But the thing is, the 2024 NBA Draft is expected to be very shallow talent-wise, so the Raptors are in a slight predicament when it comes to their rebuild. Zach Edey is a potential target for the Raptors should he fall to them if they keep

their lottery pick. The 7’4” center won the 2023 NCAA Player of the Year award playing for top-ranked Purdue University. The Raptors already have three centers on the roster: Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk, and Jakob Poeltl. Should the Raptors draft Edey, they could move Poeltl for young players and picks and allow Edey to learn under Olynyk’s veteran leadership.

You shouldn’t expect the Raptors to do much, if anything, in free agency. To accelerate their rebuild, they could target veterans who can make a difference on a contending team and flip them at the trade deadline for picks. Players like Nic Batum and Boban Marjanovic could be potential targets for the Raptors if they go that route. They may make minor depth signings with players like Justin Holiday or Shake Milton.

But if I can say one thing confidently, it’s that the Raptors won’t be good next season, and they most likely won’t be good for a couple of years—barring a massive leap of growth from their core players. Expect them to miss the playoffs this season and next season.

Liam Thiru’s journey to personal training excellence

The story of a UTM student with a passion for sport and rehabilitation.

Omar Khan Sports & Health Editor

Liam

Thiru is in his final year as a CCIT major and has made a name for himself as a personal trainer, coach, and leader in the world of sports and athletics at UTM. As an athlete and Learn To Play (LTP) coach, Thiru has made his mark as a leader in his field and has gained respect for his unique approach to fostering a community around fitness.

A strong passion for sports and athletics can only come with certain experiences. Thiru’s passion was born out of adversity and the pursuit of optimal recovery. After facing a series of injuries, he found himself delving into the depths of rehabilitative exercises, seeking solace and solutions in the healing movements. This research led to a profound interest in the world of fitness and a heartfelt desire to help others on their fitness and wellness journeys. “The first time I was able to help one of my friends with their injury really solidified my passion,” Thiru told The Medium.

These experiences also motivated Thiru to start his fitness Instagram page, @ liam_training. This page seeks to educate others on how to optimize their fitness and recovery and to debunk some of the fitness community’s popular misconceptions. As the account continues to grow, Thiru hopes to expand his platform to multiple countries and implement bilingual content in both English and French.

Thiru has also cultivated an inclusive environment for sports by pioneering programs like LTP Volleyball and LTP Basketball. Through these experiences, Thiru fostered each individual’s athletic skills and realized that personal training was a viable career option for him.

Thiru’s leadership and innovative thinking are now seen in his approach to personal training. His strategy of explaining routines and exercises in terms that anyone can understand, implementing exercises his clients enjoy, and being accessible to everyone sets him apart from other personal trainers and is the reason many individuals trust him with their programs. Amro Matti, a UTM student and basketball player whom Thiru has trained,

says of Thiru: “Liam has helped me in more than just my sport. He has taught me timeless workouts and exercises. The movements that he explains to me are not only beneficial but also tailored to my interests. Liam has time and time again proven his knowledge in the personal training field by providing timely and adequate strategies that will stay with me forever.”

In the competitive landscape of sports and athletics, Thiru’s growth has been bolstered by the unwavering support of key figures. At the forefront is Todd Erskine, the Director of Athletics at UTM and Thiru’s mentor who first placed trust in his capabilities, setting him on a path of leadership and growth. Collaborating closely with Matti, Thiru not only co-coached LTP Basketball but also forged a lasting training partnership. The journey of building a social media presence comes with its challenges, yet with the encouragement of his friends, the faith in @liam_training’s mission never wavered. However, the cornerstone of Thiru’s support system has been the steadfast presence of his mother. Her guidance and belief have been the bedrock of his confidence, propelling him toward his highest aspirations.

As Thiru nears the end of his time at UTM, his influence in the athletic community is remarkable. His efforts with @liam_training are set to expand beyond campus, aspiring to transform fitness for a wider audience. His journey, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to helping others, exemplifies the impact of turning personal hurdles into widespread inspiration. With the groundwork laid and a supportive community behind him, Thiru’s future in personal training and beyond is poised to be as impactful as his time at UTM.

DAANISH ALVI / THE MEDIUM