We’ve all heard the question: So now that you’ve graduated … what’s your plan? For most recent graduates this question sets off sweaty palms, shifty eyes and a strategic social smile that (hopefully) conceals the upright panic being experienced. After about three seconds of uninterrupted silence and looks of weariness from the asker, the universal response is communicated; “I’m just looking for a job.” Breathe. Smile. The asker is satisfied with the response and the haunting question is over.
Numerous recent graduates come out of school with the same goal; to get their dream job. A job that can pay off four years of accumulated student debt while simultaneously get you one step closer to moving out of your parent’s basement, not to mention self fulfillment and “enjoying what you do”. Some may embark on the gruesome adventure of searching for that dream job right from the get go; but soon come to realize that obtaining it is often a laughable concept. Why? Well, organizations usually won’t give that dream job (that everyone wants) to a 20 year old with no experience. Either that or your dream job pays incredibly poorly, or just not at all. Fear and worry now cloud your thoughts. But is this really a bad thing?
Do your
“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” You may have come across this quote before, possibly on “Motivational Mondays” via your favorite fourteen year olds Instagram. But let’s bring this quote back to context to the phenomenal
Dreams scare you?
woman that organically produced this powerful statement. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – the first elected female head of state in an African country; the acting President of Liberia; and one of the most powerful woman in the world. Sirleaf’s dreams were scary. She aimed to change Liberia for the better through the establishment of peace, economic prosperity and educational attainment amongst youth. This was a particularly challenging dream as Sirleaf came from an impoverished family, an abusive partner and was living in one of the most violent civil wars of our time. Despite these obstacles she refused to accept defeat and day-in and day-out she fought for her dreams. She never lost sight of the end goal and never settled for anything less than what she truly wanted. She dreamed of being a top academic scholar, so she studied hard to gain a scholarship to Harvard. She dreamed of getting out of an abusive relationship, so she took her children and left her husband with no money to her name. She dreamed of a peaceful Liberia, so she helped initiate a social movement which resulted in ending an absolutely appalling civil war. But her biggest dream was to obtain her dream job, becoming President of Liberia. In 1997 Sirleaf ran for office. Although she lost on this first attempt, Sirleaf remained determined and took the lessons learned from a failed campaign and used them when she ran for President again in 2005 and has been re-elected ever since.
“The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them.” - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Yes, Sirleaf’s story is a dramatic example of the importance of the durable perseverance needed to be able to obtain your dream job. But nonetheless her story can still be used as a beckon of inspiration to all recent graduates. The overarching point is that life is hard; achieving your dreams is even harder; but that should not inhibit you Recent graduates are thrown into a competitive job market with little guidance and experience and it is very discouraging. But the important thing is for graduates to stay strong, never accept defeat, and never be satisfied with settling for the second best option. The fear of achieving your dreams should not hinder your potential. Dreams are scary, but having and nurturing them will result in you to pursue a better life that will lead to the happiness we all seek. Like Sirleaf all graduates need to dream. But most importantly you need to accept that dreams can be scary and instead of running away from them out of fear, use that fear as motivation. So celebrate your scary dreams, don’t lose sight of your goals and always pursue your passion; especially when it comes to your career.
Written and Designed By: Miranda McKie
Thoughts at a Viewing by Vanessa Grillone
Potpourri, day-old body odor, and Nonno’s aftershave pummel into my nostrils the further I walk into the barely-lit room. The scents linger. I pick a seat in the back row and hope that Jeff follows closely. I’m not ready to go up there yet. The seats are so uncomfortable; the least they can do is offer guests a cushion at the door. When Jeff told me he wanted me to go with him to his friend’s grandfather’s viewing I refused, then I protested then I begged. I offered up everything from sex to blow jobs, to cooking naked for him and threatening to sell my own ovaries to get out of attending this viewing. Jeff doesn’t give in, not with shit like this. “It’s disrespectful if you don’t show up,” he said.
“Disrespectful to who?” I rolled my eyes. “They don’t even know who I am. They won’t notice if I’m not there.” Where I come from there is a funeral and a burial, but no viewing. No one is expected to sit down and stare at their dead uncle/ grandfather/cousin/ for hours at a time. How is it considered respectful behaviour when staring at someone when they’re alive is considered rude? I’d rather remember someone the way they were the last time I saw them, not laying down in a box with makeup on their face. But hey, this is how they do things so I suck it up. I’m spending my Saturday evening sitting in a room where a dead stranger is the focal point. I’m looking at a man that
I’ve never met, a man who isn’t a man anymore, who I’ll never know as more than a body. The casket is surrounded by mountains of flowers as if he can see or smell them. Each bouquet has the name of the family member who purchased it, as if to show off their amount of respect. Instead of focusing on him or the flowers, I decide to get to know the other viewers. I’m in the row of Awkwards; random people who know someone who happens to be related to the departed and have come to pay their respects, so that their family doesn’t look bad or suffer from a case of Italian voodoo. You never know who’s going to give you “the cornies” behind your back if you don’t attend, or who is going to be jealous of you because you look
great in black. Jeff’s mom told me to put salt in my pockets this morning because that is the only way to ward off evil vibes from complete strangers, dont’cha know. The Awkwards couldn’t care less about me. No one in my row is crying, none of them look remotely like they care. Their eyes are clouded over with thoughts of something more important than the dead guy three feet in front of them. Bored with my row, my eyes scan the rows ahead, narrowing in on a juicier subject. Jeff’s friend, Kim, and her newest man-toy are fighting. Kim’s luscious honey-coloured hair is pulled up into a tight bun, her arms folded over her chest, brows furrowed. She’s speaking in harsh tones out of the side of her mouth. Her boyfriend is being excessively obvious, his whole body is turned to face her and even though he thinks he’s whispering; he’s not. He’s flailing his arms like those inflatable balloon people you see in front of car shops, and repeating “I didn’t do anything wrong. She came on to me. Kim!” I’m a little disappointed when the funeral director’s white glove taps him on the shoulder and tells him to leave. Kim runs after him with her mascara running. They don’t come back. No one else seems half as interesting as the booming fight I could have just witnessed. There are kids running around in black suits with their mothers screaming their names and chasing after them. Old women in skirt, praying loudly with rosary beads in their gloved hands. There are men; old, young, and middle-aged with somber looks on their faces, minds elsewhere. They’re looking straight ahead, eyes just above the casket, concentrating on not looking at the man lying in there. Men can’t handle death like women can, they’re not supposed to cry or scream. It must kill them to have to keep their emotions inside all of the time. Now that my eyes can focus in on the front row, which is the most important row of them all, I can see the widow, her two sons and daughter sit on either side of her. The spouses and grandchildren were sitting behind them but they ran off a few minutes ago in search of food. The five backs that face me are straight as boards, none of their heads are craned. I can tell that none of them are whimpering by the stillness of their bodies. That makes me wonder what kind of man, husband, and father he was. How can his entire legacy stare at his body and not shed a tear? Jenna walked into the house and closed the front door without making a sound. It was pitch-black but she knew her way around the kitchen and up the stairs. Halfway to the kitchen the light turns on, her father stands in the doorframe, face red with liquor. “What are you doing home so late, Jenna? Where the fuck were you?!”
“Dad, I told you I was at the library with a friend” she whispers. “You go to the library looking like a whore!? Shorts that barely cover your crotch and clown makeup? Are you trying to embarrass me? Are you trying to get raped or do you like looking like a slut!” Jenna keeps quiet knowing that either way pain is coming. She closes her eyes as it spreads from her cheeks to her eyes, firecrackers— black, red, white, and back to black. “Jenna? Babe? Are you okay?” I hear Jeff’s voice getting louder, “you blanked out there for a second. Why are you crying?” He’s worried so I look at him and smile, “It’s just sad that’s all, that they have to sit there and look at the body of the person they love.” Jeff smiles sadly and takes my hand as we get in line. Not only do we have to sit there and look at this dead guy but we actually have to go right up to the body, say a prayer, and shake the hands of the family. We get to the body but I close my eyes, I don’t want to see him, I’m afraid my eyes are playing tricks on me. I don’t want to see his grey hair or his purpling skin, or smell the chemicals they put in his body to delay the decay. I refuse to put a rose petal in the casket of a man whose death has no effect on his family. I follow Jeff, shake the hands of the two sons and linger a little longer when it comes to the widow and sister. Can they see the scars underneath my makeup? Have they seen the fireworks? I look into their eyes but instead of offering condolences I offer a smile and a hug. The daughter is probably only a few years older than me but her dark brown eyes have lost all signs of life. After I hug her she holds onto my arms and smiles bigger than anyone at a viewing should smile. She lets out a sigh of relief, Thank you for coming, she says full of warmth. The widow doesn’t smile but squeezes my arm and nods in recognition. They know. Jeff is waiting for me at the back of the room. I walk passed him, grabbing his hand quickly. I need fresh air. I need to get out of this place. “I didn’t know you knew Steve’s sister?” he said. “I don’t.”
Photo by: Kathy Hillacre
Ready for Summer? by Tracey McKenna
After a long and hard winter, it’s difficult not to be excited about the summer season. For me, this means pulling my running shoes out from the back of my closet and lacing up for a few runs. As amazing as running is, it can sometimes get monotonous. However, there are a number of summer sports that have grown in popularity in the past few years, and are now scattered throughout the city waiting to be tried. Here are a few to inspire you to get out this summer:
1) OPEN WATER SWIMMING: Currently in my apartment
it’s 83 and there’s little I wouldn’t trade for a nice cool tub to jump into; however, I can do one better. Why not a nice lake to jump into and enjoy a few lengths in? That’s the premise for open water swimming. While it has been around for a long time, this sport has steadily gained popularity and can be a refreshing way to get exercise in the summer. Why it’s great: Whether it be for leisure or competition, open water swimming is a great way to stay in shape without too much impact on your joints. In addition, it’s fairly convenient. All you need is yourself, a swim suit, a towel, and a lake. As a safety precaution, if you are going swimming, make sure that you let someone else know just in case.
2) STAND-UP PADDLE-BOARDING: Another water
based activity, stand-up paddle-boarding is another way to get out and enjoy nature. With a bit of practice, you might even stay dry. So what is it? Imagine standing on a surf board with a long paddle and a life jacket, and using the paddle to glide through water, kind of like a helmsman on a Venetian boat. With a bit of practice, you can even build up from surfing on still water to riding waves. In addition, because of its growing popularity, many marinas will have stand-up paddle boards that you can rent, or clubs that you can join to try it out. Why it’s great: Not much compares to being out on the water and enjoying the scenery and cool air. Apart from the great view, everyone from beginners to experienced paddle-boarders can enjoy this sport.
3) ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Initially, I couldn’t understand
Frisbee. You’re going to throw a hard plastic disk at my head? And this is supposed to be fun? It was only made worse by the fact that I couldn’t really catch it and that on the off chance, I did it kind of hurt. However, after the initial shock, Frisbee became a great way to pass the time in the summer. So naturally, ultimate Frisbee is the perfect progression. This can be played with friends or as part of a competitive team in a league. Why it’s great: Ultimate Frisbee is a team sport, which means that you have the support of a 6 others players to get the Frisbee from one end of the field to the other.
Apart from the comradery, because of the fast pace of the game, you barely notice all of the running that goes on until the next day when you’re completely sore.
4)
BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Summer means beach season, but beach doesn’t necessarily have to be just relaxing in the sun. Most beaches have a volleyball net set up for beach goers to enjoy, all you need is either a beach volleyball or even a beach ball to get started. After the game, you can always enjoy a nice dip in the water. Why it’s great: Even though beach volleyball is typically 2-on-2, the summer is great for networking, and many beach goers are happy for extra players on their team.
5) ROCK CLIMBING: Recently, there have been many indoor rock climbing places set up for adventures to try their hand at the challenge of climbing mountains indoors, but now that the weather is beautiful, why not do it outdoors? There are a number of places / groups that provide tutorials, support, and resources for getting started or improving your skills. If you intend to go rock climbing be sure to take appropriate safety precautions and to have someone spotting.
Why it’s great: Rock climbing is a challenge. Not only are you out in nature enjoying the weather, but you are also challenging yourself both mentally and physically to accomplish a difficult task.
6) DRAGON BOATING: Dragon boating is an amazing sport for developing strength and meeting new people. There are a number of teams around the city, or associated with schools that train year round for summer regattas. Even though they do train year round, summer is the main season where the boats finally go in the water and competitors can come out to enjoy the weather. Why it’s great: Dragon boating is a team sport; you train together, travel together, compete together, and appreciate the water together.
7) WALKING: Most people are so enamoured by the idea
of going out and doing something big, that they forget that taking a simple walk is a great way to get out and enjoy the warmth. Be it a 10 minute walk around the parking lot during a break, or a 3 hour hike through a park or a trail, walking is good for your health. Why it’s great: You don’t need anything special to go for a walk; you don’t even need a special time; it’s just you and the open air. So with all the possibilities, what are you waiting for?
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Nicole Simone is a Toronto based photographer and the creator of Redemption Dogs. She has a rescue of her own, named Charlie. He is her first and only dog. Charlie is an 11 year old Jack Russell/Shih Tzu mix that Nicole met on August 18th, 2006. He had about 5 different homes, bouncing around at no fault of his own, before finally going home with Nicole. She says, “Everyone tells me he is the most human like dog they’ve ever met. He’s very independent, soulful, a strong non-verbal communicator, and one of the smartest dogs you’ll ever meet”. Charlie does suffer from seizures, which has made Nicole very sensitive to dogs with special needs. Regardless, ever since bringing Charlie home Nicole says her life has never been the same, and that “he’s paws down, the best thing that ever happened to [her]”.
THE PROJECT
Redemption Dogs is an ongoing street photo series that began as a social canine awareness project through in-studio portraits for gallery shows in March 2014 and transitioned to the streets 6 months later. The series was created by Nicole as an outlet for people to share and celebrate the joy of welcoming a rescue dog into their lives. So far most of the project participants have been from the GTA; however Nicole has also been able to travel to New York and is planning on trips to Austin and San Diego soon.
GRETA
Greta was one of the first dogs in the series. She was a “pit bull type dog” from Toronto, who had a lengthy stay at a shelter waiting to be adopted due to being a senior. Greta was adopted by her mom knowing she likely wouldn’t have Greta for very long. They ended up spending about 5 months (or less) together, before Greta passed
away shortly after Nicole had the chance to photograph her. Greta’s story carried a strong message about how no matter how much time a dog may have; they are still able to bring a tremendous amount of joy into your life.
MELI
Another “pit bull type dog”, Meli was found in the Bronx by animal control and slated for euthanasia. Thankfully a rescue pulled her at the last minute saving her life. Meli had been bred and starved, had burn marks, and had been beaten so severely she needed to have lumps removed from her body. Sadly, it is likely that many of her puppies were sold into similarly horrify fates. However, when Nicole met Meli and her parents, she was a happy, easy going dog. Meli had beaten the odds and seemed genuinely grateful.
THE HARDEST PART
Not having a budget to travel or any budget at all. Nicole receives emails from around the world from people wanting to participate with their dogs. She has wait lists in a few cities, and finds it difficult not being able to travel to meet with other people who are passionate about sharing their rescue dog stories. Participants close to home tend to come in waves, everything from having 10 people wanting to participate to not having anyone at all. Nicole hopes to eventually gain some sort of sponsorship that will enable her to take weekend trips to different places to meet more participants. Nicole is able to meet and photograph up to 20 dogs in a day, but she just doesn’t have the funds to cover travel expenses. Her long term goal however, is to travel to every province, state, and then around the world, where she will be able to share the finest rescue dogs the planet has to offer.
MORE…
Nicole hopes to eventually turn the series into a book and raise funds for senior, special needs, and “pit bull type” dogs in crisis. You can follow the project on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. f: facebook.com/redemptiondogsphoto t: twitter.com/redemptiondogs i: @redemption.dogs
THE BEST PART
Nicole’s favorite part of the project is meeting all the dogs and owners. So far she has photographed about 100 canine families and says, “None of the dogs are the same. They all have unique stories and individual personalities. Their owners have all been gracious and eager to celebrate their rescue dogs. It’s been adorable”.
PASSION8 MAGAZINE
W A TER L O O W OR K S
IS
IN
THE
WORK S
JUNE 11TH, 2015 | BY IRENE LAI
As part of the University of Waterloo’s Co-operative Education & Career Action’s (CECA) Systems Strategy, WaterlooWorks is a partnership with Information Systems & Technology (IST) and Orbis Communications to deliver a new co-op and career recruiting system that will replace Jobmine. Ishmal Hussain, a 2B English and Professional Rhetoric student, was a technical writer for WaterlooWorks in her previous co-op term. She was responsible for making training documentation, which includes writing instructions and making training videos for students, employers and stakeholders. This week, I got the chance to chat with her and get the inside scoop on WaterlooWorks.
“One thing that I found really useful is the job search feature,” she says. Unlike Jobmine, “we have a page of just job postings [and] there are quick links where we can search for jobs based on an unlimited number of programs or preferences…we can also type in specific criteria that can be saved.”
Some of WaterlooWork’s new features include: improved user interface, enhanced job search criteria, 24/7 access, Google Maps to view position location, unlimited file uploads, quick search options for categories of job postings, and optimization for mobile devices. “It’s a lot more user-friendly and there isn’t a lot of hindrance that Jobmine gives us – it won’t shut down at midnight,” she exclaims. Stakeholder engagement has been a key priority for WaterlooWorks. CECA manages a WaterlooWorks student panel, sneak peak demos open for all students, student focus groups, user experience sessions, open house feedback sessions, social media, email and more. From the feedback, “everyone seems to really like it,” Hussain states. “But there has been a lot of frustration from students who are waiting for WaterlooWorks to be implemented.” Hussain assures that the switch will happen. She explains that “because we have the largest co-op program in the world, it’s really difficult for one database to carry all that
WaterlooWorks will offer a variety of new and improved job search features.
information…we’re just trying to make it as efficient as possible — it’s worth the wait.” Initiated in September 2011, WaterlooWorks is currently in its fourth pilot. The program was launched in spring 2014 for Architecture students. However, the official implementation date for the rest of the university has yet to be announced. “I can’t say [when it will be available for everyone], but it will happen soon and as soon as they release that date...it will be all over the Facebook, Twitter, and other social media,” she adds. In the meantime, learn more and get involved at: https:// uwaterloo.ca/co -operativeeducation/waterlooworksstudent-engagement.
Joe Abbott Music “Something about the sound of the guitar really grabbed me. Maybe it’s the range of sounds we can get from the instrument, from screaming lead tones on a strat or les paul, to the gentle fingerpicking on a steel string or nylon string acoustic. There’s something for just about any mood you find yourself in.”
Joe Abbott is a 27 year old Newfoundland born; Barrie Ontario raised musician and teacher. Joe grew up around music, specifically the guitar, as his father always played for the family. Around the age of 8 Joe began to study guitar with instructor Gary Gontier, through whom he learned to play a variety of music styles including blues, rock, and classical guitar. Joe continued learning throughout his childhood and completed his Grade 8 RCM level with honors. Joe Abbott Music has now been around for 10 years, finding its legs while Joe was still in high school. Joe says he wanted to become a music teacher because he felt it was a great way to pass along all the skills that he had acquired over the years, and he now teaches out of his home studio a few nights of the week. He prefers his home studio as it keeps his overhead costs down and rates reasonable for students, as well as relieving him of the need to hire other teachers, which helps him maintain the quality of instruction he desires. Joe’s family did have some concern when he decided to pursue this entrepreneurial path over post-secondary education, but were always supportive as they saw the merit in the private study he had received from the talented musician and educator Gary Gontier. Joe himself will admit there were moments when he wondered if he was putting all his eggs into one basket, and he has had to make some adjustments along the way. Joe spent some time learning the cabinetry trade to compliment his musical pursuit with some hands on work variety. But all in all, he can honestly say that he finds himself fortunate to be able to contribute to his living and provide for his family through the writing, making, and teaching of music, and he hopes he is able to inspire a few students along the way. One of Joe’s favorite parts of teaching is how it continually brings music back to the basics and to some degree, the finer points that can make the guitar sound so beautiful. He also loves to watch his students perform and see how excited they get to play great music at their annual “barcital”, which was held at Donaleigh’s Irish Pub in Barrie this year. He loves to watch the confidence that playing music can bring out in his students, as it did for him. Joe finds the entire process a wonderful thing to be a part of and he believes teaching guitar is something he will do for the rest of his life. Joe also performs at many local venues on the weekends and can be found playing at a number of weddings throughout the summer months. He loves to play live with bands or solo and enjoys the variety in music these difference settings provides. For more information on Joe Abbott Music and where he is playing next please head to www.joeabbott.ca.
I create photography that makes you feel something. With my own unique vintage style, my photography expresses an original feel that shows you a bit of who I truly am; not only as a photographer but as a person. From fashion to creative lifestyle, to shooting weddings, I don’t just stick to one thing, I let myself explore in many different areas, allowing myself to grow as a photographer. From Innisfil, Ontario, living in a small town with big dreams hoping that one day I will use this passion that I have and photograph the world, I have attended an amazing photography program at Georgian College. There I experienced both the print show and scholarship show has made me grow as an artist in so many ways. Photography is a blissful career and I’d be more than happy to share it with you by capturing the important moments in your life. Photography isn't just something I do, it's apart of who I am and I'd be lost without it, follow me on my journey in finding myself.
Find Hannah Online Website: www.hannahseverphotography.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/hannahsever Facebook: www.facebook.com/hannahseverphotography LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/hannahsever
Into the Woods PHOTOGRAPHY: HANNAH SEVER PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS: Mallory Bunker AND Cassy Schutz MAKEUP: AMBER SOMERS
TIPS FOR SURVIVING A LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP
You and your long term (or short term) significant other have been in a very strong and successful relationship. Things have been going really well - but then school starts up again, or a job shows up to the party. Whatever the reason, you now have to deal with a long distance relationship thats either far but not too far or really far. Here’s a list of tools you will need to help make this experience more positive. An unlimited texting package for your phone plan: You’re far apart but you’re not distant. You want to keep up to date with each other’s days and texting is a really great communication tool for that. Another idea for this is to use Whatsap or a similar application that allows for free chatting if your significant other is out of the country or you can’t get an unlimited texting package. Free evenings and weekends for your phone plan: Usually when people work, they work during the day - which is a great time for texting, but once work is finished its a great time to talk with your voice. Believe it or not, hearing a significant other’s voice can help you feel closer to them, miss them less and overall have positive emotions towards the distance. Skype: this ones a no brainer - you can see and hear your significant other. Thats two out to the five senses! A great idea to participate in an activity is to watch shows together by sharing your screen. Trust: you will need to fully (or almost fully) trust your significant other when this long distance business is going on. It may be hard sometimes but it is the key to any successful LD relationship.
Communication: this one goes hand in hand with #1-4. Communicate about what you are up to, who you’re around and your emotions. That will set the other person’s mind at ease and also their expectations that they will be told if something needs addressing. Don’t forget to expect the same from your significant other too! Points: This includes bartering in some form to get tickets/ gas for transportation: this can come in forms of air miles if they’re really far or a gas points /gas station credit card. Either way, its something that will give you benefits that you need and are tailored to your situation, while you already participate in your normal purchasing behaviour. Double win! Time: This applies to 1-6 as well as setting aside some time to actually seeing your significant other at some point. This can mean you set aside a few weekends for them or time off to travel to wherever they are for a week duration. Setting aside time is also important while you’re physically with them to just enjoy each other’s company. School and work can sometimes take over but don’t be tempted to just do your work together, spend actual quality time making memories.