The Independent Student Newspaper of the University of To ro nto Mississauga since 1974 themedium.ca
WELCOME TO VOLUME 51 FROM STRUGGLES TO SUCCESS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BEATS
Hello, UTM! We would like to welcome you to our next chapter here at The Medium. As we begin our fifth decade serving our community as UTM’s independent student newspaper, we want to take a step back and appreciate what our place here at the university has been and continues to strive to be.
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Opportunity. A word we use, but often take for granted. An opportunity does not guarantee a certain outcome. For instance, a job opportunity does not guarantee a job.
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UTM holds groundbreaking ceremony for new campus residence
Arjun Saini Contributor
On July 24, campus staff, including Alexandra Gillespie, University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) vice president and principal, participated in a groundbreaking event which marked the ceremonial launch of the campus’s new residence. The residence, set to open in 2026, will be UTM’s newest residence since the opening of Oscar Peterson Hall (OPH) in 2007. The new building will be located next to OPH, northwest of Residence Road.
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As classes start up again, you might be feeling a mix of emotions. If so, here are a few tracks to compliment your mixed emotions so you can embrace the perfect weather, fall colours, and all the new experiences you’ll have:
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Samardzic Contributor
September is here, which means the fall term is officially upon us. As the seasons change, the beautiful sun transforms into constant cold and rainy days. Thankfully, seasonal fashion exists, and these four back-to-school trends will help keep your mood up while the temperature drops.
1. Denim on Denim
You read it right. This trend has made a complete comeback from the ’90s and early 2000s. The most notable examples during that era were Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in 2001. And now, the most popular style is sticking to one denim shade or texture and pairing them with minimalistic accessory pieces. The perfect fit for any occasion.
2. Faux Leather
From the ’60s to the ’90s, leather was in high demand. In the ’60s, leather jackets were worn to look more like The Beatles. While in the ’90s, they symbolized rebellion and freedom, inspired by punk rock bands and the grunge style. From then on, leather never left us. However, faux leather has become more popular as it is cruelty-free.
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Kunda Contributor
For those of you who are starting your first year, or even those who have already been here for a couple of years, use this article as either a guide or a source of inspiration if you are little frightened by the idea of making new friends on campus.
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faces and big
dreams:
Students open up about their return to school
Into second year: cherishing memories and preparing for the future
Giselet Tang
My first year flew by, and I cannot believe I am already entering my second year. I grew and learned far more
than I expected. It was not easy. I would have liked to slow down time to let myself soak in the friendships, spontaneity, laughter, tears and selfdiscovery that I experienced at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Nevertheless, I look forward to meeting new people, enrolling in interesting courses and getting back into my school routine. I also cannot wait to see my friends from UTM regularly.
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Illustration
credit: Buket
S. Baykal
Gisele Tang, Debbie Wong Cristine Pincente Contributor
Milica
Vincent
02 NEWS
Hazel McCallion Central Library briefly closed after fiery blaze
Newly renovated library in central Mississauga experiences water and smoke damage after overnight fire breaks out.
Jia Bawa Contributor
On Wednesday, August 14, Mississauga’s Hazel McCallion Central Library experienced damages after an overnight fire broke out which started outside the front doors to the library, according to a Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) spokesperson.
Around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, MFES and Peel Regional Police officers were notified of the fire, which occurred at 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W. According to an MFES spokesperson, the fire caused the glass of the front door to the library to break, leading it to spread to the lobby. The fire initiated the library’s sprinkler system, which prevented the fire from spreading and creating more damage. There was still smoke and water damage to the building.
According to Peel Regional Paramedic Services, one person experienced minor injuries from the fire and was treated at the scene.
The library closed on Wednesday and reopened on Thursday with all public services available, a day after the fire. The Noel Ryan Auditorium, a performance space with 240 seats in the library, will stay closed while restoration efforts remain ongoing.
Officials suspected the fire might have started from a couch outside the building. However, a statement made by the city confirmed the cause of the fire is still being investigated, “Upon further investigation, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services can now confirm that there was no couch involved in the fire.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation after police confirmed it’s unclear whether the fire was an act of arson.
UTM hosts this year’s Serious Play Conference
More than 300 play scholars gathered to discuss topics in game development and the use of games
Samuel Kamalendran News Editor
in education.
workshops. The conferences held over 80 sessions that provided insights on how games, gamification and play impact learning and professional skills in numerous different industries.
From August 12 to 14, over 300 game studies scholars from around the world gathered at the 18th annual Serious Play Conference, which was hosted and sponsored by the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), to explore the diverse and growing world of video games.
The event’s success was supported by the participation of leading scholars in the field of gaming studies, many of whom teach at the University of Toronto (U of T), including lecturer Paul Darvasi of the university’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education on games and learning.
The conference revolved around the study of video games concerning six distinct programs, including game development, K12 topics, higher education, healthcare, culture and society, corporate, government and nongovernment, and
This year’s event featured two keynote speakers including Dr. Kris Alexander, an associate professor in Media Production at Toronto Metropolitan University and Dr. Rachel Kowert, a research psychologist and leader in global policy and product development.
Hosting the Serious Play Conference serves to further UTM’s march into the world of game studies, a discipline which has already achieved numerous significant milestones.
In 2020, the campus acquired the Syd Bolton collection, one of the largest known assortments of gaming paraphernalia, including video games, consoles, and game periodicals, in the world. The collection is the largest known in Canada and is named after Syd Bolton, an avid computer and video game collector of over two decades. It features nearly 14,000 video games—twice the number of pieces possessed by the US Library of Congress which boasts only 7,000 games.
Darvasi and business partner Elisa Navaro hosted the conference late last year before deciding to bring it to Mississauga to leverage UTM’s new game studies program.
To Darvasi, games have nothing to do with “their economic impact or the popularity of video games” rather, they are “arguably the art form of the 21st century,” he told UTM News Room.
Video games are more than just games as they involve copious art forms, including painting, sculpture, film, theatre, writing, and photography. This, according to Darvasi, makes them the “grand opera of human endeavour.”
UTM’s successful hosting of this year’s Serious Play Conference highlights the campus’ potential and increases scholars’ interest in making more impacts on the field of gaming studies.
Photo credit: Sara Li
Illustration credit: Sara Li
Brampton man arrested after assault at UTM’s
CCT
building
31-year-old man faces assault, forcible confinement, and sexual assault charges
Campus police and Peel Regional Police responded to the incident after the victim, who suffered minor injuries, escaped and called for help.
The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) community remains shaken after an assault which occurred on August 4 in the Communication, Culture, and Technology (CCT) Building. UTM’s campus safety team issued an alert the following day on Monday to warn students and staff about the incident.
The assault took place around 2:30 p.m. on the second floor of the CCT building and involved a 31-year-old man from Brampton who is now facing criminal charges for assaulting a woman and forcing her into a room.
On August 6, Husnain Chaudhry from Brampton turned himself in and was charged with assault, forcible confinement, and sexual assault relating to the incident. A second alert revealed that Chaudhry will be banned from any of the university’s three campuses. Police do not believe the incident was motivated by hate.
A statement posted by the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU) urges the university to increase campus safety measures in response to the assault.
“The University owes our community reassurance and a commitment to safety measures. Thus, the UTMSU will continue to pressure the University to offer additional
support to our students and community members. We encourage any student who needs support or has concerns about their safety to reach out to the UTMSU or other resources they might feel more comfortable with.”
The recent assault has left the community grappling with concerns over safety and transparency even after the university and its student union pledged to enhance security measures.
In the event of an emergency, Campus Safety instructs the UTM community to “call 911 immediately followed by a call to the Campus Safety emergency line at 905569-4333.” For non-emergencies, Campus Safety can be reached at 905-828-5200 for general inquiries. With the start of the Fall semester, the UTM community should remember to “report anything suspicious.”
UTM holds groundbreaking ceremony for new campus residence
Students look forward to more housing featuring spaces for nearly 2,000 students in the next two years.
Arjun Saini
Contributor
On July 24, campus staff, including Alexandra Gillespie, University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) vice president and principal, participated in a groundbreaking event which marked the ceremonial launch of the campus’s new residence. The residence, set to open in 2026, will be UTM’s newest residence since the opening of Oscar Peterson Hall (OPH) in 2007. The new building will be located next to OPH, northwest of Residence Road.
The residence project is part of a tri-campus initiative which serves the growing need for more student housing, ultimately adding 1,446 more spaces within the next three years. Brian Cunha, the director of student housing and residence describes how this new project will impact University of Toronto (U of T) students, stating, “Supporting our students is always our goal, and this new residence will help foster student success by enhancing the overall experience and encouraging collaboration and a sense of belonging on campus.”
The new residence at UTM will include 115 single bedrooms and 135 double bedrooms as well as 15 bedrooms for residence support staff. Boasting an area of 116,560 square feet, the space will offer study spaces, lounges, laundry facilities, and areas for social programs alongside a music and meeting room. With 400 beds, the residence will increase the campus’s potential to provide housing for 1,900 students.
In the last 20 years, housing costs have risen 375 per cent in Canada causing prices in Toronto to go up by 450 per cent. Dean of Student Affairs and Assistant Principal of Student Services Mark Overton stated in a presentation to the UTM Campus Affairs Committee that students are expressing a growing demand for on-campus housing as off-campus housing in Mississauga has become limited due to the city’s rising rates in rent and declining vacancy in the Greater Toronto Area.
The building also seeks to promote long-term environmental sustainability as its blueprints have implemented eco-smart systems such as solar panels, smart lighting, and water-efficient fixtures.
The residence will be designed by Toronto-based architect Montgomery Sisam and Denmark-based firm Christensen & Co. Architects. The firm’s portfolio includes projects like the Sheridan College Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, U of T Innis College, and U of T Koffler Scientific Reserve.
This new residence is not the end of development at UTM as the project is part of a larger UTM initiative known as the 2021 UTM Campus Master Plan, which will feature an outdoor campus commons, cycling infrastructure, and the construction of a new building and plaza near the Academic Annex.
With many developments across U of T, both current and incoming students have a lot to look forward to.
Vanessa Bogacki Contributor
Photo credit: Sara Li
MASTHEAD
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief
Hannah Wang editor@themedium.ca
Managing Editor Aya Yafaoui managing@themedium.ca
News
Samuel Kamalendran news@themedium.ca
Opinion
Mashiyat Ahmed opinion@themedium.ca
Features
Madhav Ajayamohan features@themedium.ca
A&E
Keira Johannson arts@themedium.ca
Sports
Joseph Falzata sports@themedium.ca
Photo Sara Li photos@themedium.ca
Design
Buket Simsek Baykal design@themedium.ca
Copy May Alsaigh may@themedium.ca
Maja Tingchaleun maja@themedium.ca
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Editor | Mashiyat Ahmed opinion@themedium.ca
Welcome to Volume 51 Your all-in-one student guide!
Hannah Wang, Editor-in-Chief
Aya Yafaoui Managing Editor
Hello, UTM! We would like to welcome you to our next chapter here at The Medium. As we begin our fifth decade serving our community as UTM’s independent student newspaper, we want to take a step back and appreciate what our place here at the university has been and continues to strive to be.
For 50 years now, our little student newspaper has been a platform for students to discuss what matters to them. Our archives are full of the stories, debates, and creations of our predecessors. Every writer and contributor has etched their mark into the very fabric of our organization. Our community has changed significantly from 1968, when our forefather paper, The Erindalian, was established. In that time, we have experienced great tragedy and great change. Our paper has recorded it all. Yet, most importantly, it has recorded what we, as average students, have felt and thought about our tumultuous world.
It’s easy to feel like The Medium is just a small student paper that doesn’t really matter all that much. It is true that this is a small paper and, honestly, that may be a blessing in disguise. But this organization does matter. We are not beholden to the University or the Student Union. That gives our community the unique ability to voice their thoughts freely and to speak on the issues that matter most to them.
Our 50th volume taught us many important lessons. When the genocide in Gaza began, our organization was hesitant to report on it. The topic of Palestine has long been censored and fear-mongered, and our team feared backlash and blacklisting. But our community, resolute in their convictions, demanded our paper fulfill its mandate to provide relevant coverage to UTM’s students and prompted The Medium to take accountability. And so we learned that to be stewards of people’s stories, it is important to have courage and conviction. The outpouring of backlash also reminded us that our readers are out there and they care. They care about the truth. They care about robust journalism. They care about The Medium being an accessible platform for their voice.
Student journalism may seem like a dying entity. It is true, that organizations like ours face many challenges today, from printing costs to outreach roadblocks. Yet, our independence and our commitment to uplifting our community’s voice are services which are crucially important for the health of our student body. We are a platform for students to express themselves and spotlight issues that need to be heard.
For our 51st year, we are committed to sharing the stories that need to be shared. The Medium will continue to strive to be a place for all students who wish for their thoughts, feelings, and experiences to be valued.
So, what’s next for The Medium? This year, one of our biggest goals is to reconnect with our student community. If you look at our old newspaper archives, you’ll see that student ads were common in the paper. You might’ve noticed we stopped doing ads for the last couple of volumes, but the good news is we’re bringing them back! We are pleased to announce we will be running free ads for all student groups! Whether you’re hosting an event, looking to hire more executives, or just want students to know more about your organization or club, all student clubs are welcome to submit ads. If you’re a business with a product or service that would be useful or interesting for students, please contact us to discuss advertising costs and help us keep journalism alive!
With 22 more issues ahead of us, and a magazine coming out at the end of the spring term, we have a lot of articles waiting to be written. The Medium thrives on diverse voices, and so we invite you to write for us. You don’t need to be a writing specialist. Our amazing section editors can help you flesh out ideas and support you on your writing journey. The thing about writing is that practice makes progress. And if writing really isn’t your cup of tea (we still encourage you to try it, you might like it!) then consider taking pictures or submitting illustrations for our Photos and Design Editors. There are so many ways to get involved.
At The Medium, every student who writes six or more articles becomes a Staff Writer, and here are five reasons why we encourage you to take this opportunity:
1.Further develop your writing skills
2.You’ll get your bio and picture on our website. It’s never too early to start building your portfolio!
3.Did we mention this looks great on resumes?
4.Network with our Editors and hang out with us at our socials
5.Become part of The Medium’s legacy
We want The Medium to be a paper of community news, events, entertainment and connection. We want to share stories that inspire, educate, and inform our readers. And we are excited to begin Vol. 51 with you.
We’re happy to be, Your Editors at The Medium
Photo credit: Sara Li
Beyond the classroom
Make the leap from high school to university a success
Sukaina Rizvi Contributor
University is a whole different experience from high school due to a shift in expectations and the results that come with it, making it overwhelming for many students. As a fellow University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) student, many challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone and urged me to rethink how I approached academics, social life, and personal growth. Unlike high school, where assignments were often quick write-ups and time management was more straightforward, university life required a significant shift in how I balanced priorities and managed my time.
One of the most significant differences between high school and university is the level of responsibility that is placed on students. In high school, I could get away with completing assignments the night before they were due, and still managed to receive a good grade. However, university requires a higher level of commitment and discipline. Suddenly, I had to juggle multiple assignments, exams, and lecture readings while managing my social life and well-being.
At UTM, I had to develop new habits. I learned to approach my assignments and tasks step-by-step, and to create schedules that helped me stay on track. This change along with creating realistic goals stopped me from being overwhelmed by the work and expectations. Success in university is not all about academic achievements, however. For me, academic success means persevering through
challenges and learning from past mistakes. It’s about making concrete steps to improve, whether that involves attending professors’ or TAs’ office hours, joining Facilitated Study Groups (FSGs), or seeking tutoring. Understanding the material thoroughly and being proactive about addressing areas of weakness are key components of academic success. All of this begins with the choice to take initiative, even when it’s easier to be stuck on old, familiar routines.
On the professional side, success means getting involved in campus life through clubs, work-study programs, internships, and various research opportunities. These experiences are incredibly helpful in building a strong resume and developing skills that you can use in your future career. Or you can use them to simply learn about yourself, which is equally as important. In my experience, I found that
acing a difficult course, improving your study habits, or simply finding a hobby that reduces stress. For me, personal success is about being happy with where I am and feeling confident in my abilities as a student.
One aspect of university life that many new students underestimate is the importance of building connections. Creating relationships with professors and TAs can open doors to a host of professional outlets, and attending office hours and actively participating in class can help you stand out and make an impression. In fact, a friend of mine, who regularly attended a professor’s office hours, was later offered a research position in the professor’s lab. In addition, even though LinkedIn seems intimidating, it is another excellent tool for building connections, allowing you to network with professionals and showcase your goals and achievements.
On the professional side, success means getting involved in campus life through clubs, work-study programs, internships, and various research opportunities.
taking on leadership roles in student organizations not only improved my professional skills but also helped grow my network.
Social success is equally important yet oftentimes undervalued. University can be stressful, and having a supportive group of friends can help you stay motivated. Finding a balance between work and social life supports your mental well-being and helps you balance your academic life.
Personal success, meanwhile, is about self-satisfaction and fulfillment. It’s the feeling you get when you achieve your goals, whether that’s
During the first few months of university, it’s important to test out different study methods, environments, and schedules to find what works best for you. This can include discovering your study routine by trying out active recall, spaced repetition, or studying in the quiet area of the library.
Surrounding yourself with a strong support system is the next important tip. Your friends can motivate and encourage you, helping you stay focused on your goals while also providing the emotional support you need during stressful times. Or they can distract, drain, and mislead you. It’s crucial to pick your friends wisely. Additionally, setting clear academic, professional, and personal goals will give you a blueprint to start off with. Getting through university at such a time of growth requires adaptability and perseverance, as one should be flexible and open to change.
The transition from high school to university is a big leap that invites many unfamiliar and daunting challenges, and that’s okay! However, with time, the right mindset, and strategies,
you can overcome these challenges. Success at university involves managing your time effectively, building strong connections, and being proactive about your goals. This will help you find your way through university successfully and make the most of your experience at UTM.
Photo credit: Sara Li
Google search: “How to make friends at university?”
My experience navigating friendship woes at UTM
There’s a slight chill in the air, the leaves crunch under your boots, and you’re filled with a strange mix of excitement and trepidation: it’s your first day at university. Quietly, you think to yourself, “Oh, I hope I can make friends soon!”, as you walk into your first class of the day.
“How to make friends at university” can probably be found in everyone’s search history at some point in their student life. University is a daunting experience, and it’s nice to have friends to rely on. Often, however, making real lasting connections is difficult for students. Everyone thinks they will make friends in university. It’s not like they haven’t done it before, right? Wrong.
Being a person who is naturally more extroverted can help, but it’s not everything. You can be the most outgoing and lively person in the room, eager to make friends, but it may turn out that the people
we grew close almost immediately. The shroud of loneliness lifted, and it seemed I would be alright. But when the end of the year rolled around, we broke apart without warning. The couple months after that were hard, and campus was often as silent as a graveyard. I went days without speaking to a soul.
It was, however, an oddly freeing learning experience. I spent a lot of time on my own, getting to know myself, growing comfortable in places, and exploring downtown alone. Looking back, I think it was necessary for my character development, and it made me more confident in myself.
In second year, I found a group of genuine friends who I really connected with. Things ended up working quite well for me, and I am going to be roommates with some of them this year.
So, what did I do differently? The most cliché thing ever: I joined a club. There is, however, a caveat to this: don’t join just any club. Join clubs that are more engaging and that force you to interact with others. That was my mistake in first year: the clubs I joined involved mostly sitting around and having awkward conversations, and most club events were academic and career oriented. Those are important too, but if you’re joining clubs because you want to make friends, I advise you to pick something that forces you to work with other people, giving you ample opportunities to get to know each other.
you’re surrounded with don’t match your “vibe”. Or, if you do end up making friends, your relationships may turn out to be surface-level. On the other hand, maybe you’re a bit reserved, but you end up clicking with people at a frosh event that you stick with until the end of university.
So, although your personality and openness to new experiences can make it easier to find friends, it’s not always that clear cut. In fact, sometimes, you can feel like you’ve finally found your people only for that to be a perfectly crafted illusion.
There are a lot of factors, but the central and uncontrollable factor is luck. Quite honestly, it’s a game of chance. Which is not the best thing to say to perfectionists like me, who like to be in control of every aspect of my life.
My own personal journey making friends at UTM, like most people’s, has been complicated. When I first arrived at university and moved into residence, my roommates and I talked, made nice, and hung out for a while, but there wasn’t really an “Aha, I’ve found my people!” moment. They were perfectly nice, don’t get me wrong, but we didn’t really have something that united us. I ended up in a makeshift group of people in my residence for the first month, but I felt it was more a friendship of convenience. Additionally, as an international student, it felt like I had left my whole life behind in my home country. I still felt lonely, even though I wasn’t alone.
The unfamiliar environment and lack of connection vexed me. Halfway through the semester, I became friends with a few people in one of my lectures, and
Moreover, it’s not enough to just meet people. If you find people you connect with and you see yourself being friends with them, you have to be intentional about it. If you’re not in the same program and your classes don’t overlap, you need to take the time to see them and nurture that relationship. It doesn’t have to be a grand production. It can be as simple as planning study dates with your friends. That way you get to spend time with them and get your work done. I understand things can get hectic, especially if you’re juggling university, a job, and extracurriculars, but try to plan some form of recreational activity with your friends at least once a week. Maybe go to a café and then go on a walk? Something that allows you to take a break from the monotony of life and feels refreshing. A support system does wonders for your mental health, which can make university seem less intimidating.
All of this is to say: be patient, you’ll find your people. Not finding friends is not the end of the world, although it may feel like it. Get comfortable being alone and doing new scary things by yourself. Prioritize quality over quantity: don’t chase every half-decent person and try to get them to be your best friend. Some people will just be friendly acquaintances, and that’s okay. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, but don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t always work out. Dust yourself off, pick yourself up, and try again.
Grieving Gaza
While it took the world some time to catch on to the ongoing genocide, our student body was wiser
If I were not a student at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), I don’t know how I could have handled last year. UTM gets a bit of a bad rep in my opinion. People say that there is not much happening. Yes, there is a community, but it is a commuter school where people do not overly invest in anything outside of academics, and perhaps a few student clubs for the sake of their resume. In short, the implicit impression people receive from many UTM students is that they are suburban careerists who like to minimize their risks.
There is some truth to that statement, seeing as UTM’s student caucus comprises of many immigrants—many leaving political turmoil behind—who are seeking a better life. But it is specifically this trait about Mississauga that creates empathy in its residents.
In recent years, many fleeing the wars of Syria and Ukraine have resettled in the city. To Mississauga, war is not an abstraction that lives and dies in the newsfeed. It presents itself in the stories of the members of our communities. We may not outwardly show it, but political conflict is at the core of who we are, and many of us are sensitive to it.
In my experience, this sensitivity has made UTM a safe space to mourn the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and it has been from the beginning. While the world was still debating the validity of ‘the proportionality’ of Israeli response to the events of October 7th, my fellow students at UTM and I could mourn without having to explain ourselves at a time when anti-Palestinian sentiments ran high.
At the start of the genocide, the Association of Palestinian Students (APS) on campus organized a Keffiyeh week. The student club called on UTM students to show up to school wearing a Keffiyeh, a headscarf worn throughout the Middle East and North Africa, that increasingly symbolizes solidarity with Palestinian calls for liberation. I, and many others, participated by wearing our Keffiyeh and while it was a grim time overall, it filled me with pride to show up to campus and know that we had each other’s backs.
I wore my Keffiyeh everywhere I went, including the St. George campus in downtown Toronto. While wearing the scarf made me feel safe in UTM, the stares I received by many fellow students in St. George reminded me that the world still had a bit of catching up to do. Again, political pundits like Piers Morgan were fixated on getting anyone and everyone to condemn the actions of Hamas, and it would be a few months before the ICJ ruled that it was plausible that a genocide was occurring in Gaza. Scholars such as Raz Segal, an Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University, who stated it was indeed a genocide, couldn’t pierce the veil of Anti-Palestinian and Anti-Arab rhetoric that ran rampant in Western media. I was reminded that the safety on our campus was not something to take for granted.
While we, the students, gave each other safety, I cannot say the same for the administration. Many professors I have spoken to on campus did not support the genocide. Professors wanted to help their Arab students—many of whom could not show up to class due to the events—but could not outwardly speak on the issue for fear of administrative backlash. After all, this is the same administration which rescinded a job offer from Valentina Azarova, an international legal practitioner and scholar, for her work on human rights abuses by the Israeli government. Many professor’s contracts and lack of tenure, coupled with the culture of the administration, forced professors to choose between supporting their students and maintaining their livelihood. Still, many professors accommodated and assisted students in the ways they can, offering counselling and circles of discussion.
Last but certainly not least, one cannot forget that the UTMSU issued a statement of solidarity with Palestinians. It is a statement that executives have paid dearly for, but one that made all the difference for me and many of my fellow students. While we still have a long way to go, and it looks like there is no end in sight to the atrocities committed in Gaza, I am grateful that I did not have to swallow my grief for empathizing with those going through a genocide.
Into second year: cherishing memories and preparing for the future
Students reflect on the excitement and fears of beginning a new school year as they embark on the fall semester.
My first year flew by, and I cannot believe I am already entering my second year. I grew and learned far more than I expected. It was not easy. I would have liked to slow down time to let myself soak in the friendships, spontaneity, laughter, tears and self-discovery that I experienced at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Nevertheless, I look forward to meeting new people, enrolling in interesting courses and getting back into my school routine. I also cannot wait to see my friends from UTM regularly.
Though I am nervous about achieving my academic goals this year, I plan to focus more on the passion I have for my majors. I think this would help maintain the consistency, curiosity and discipline I have when it comes to schoolwork.
I would also love to join more clubs and events to meet people. I met many amazing people last year even though I was still familiarizing myself with the UTM environment. I had a hard time participating in events without my friends. At the same time, one of the best things about being in university is all the people that you meet. I am definitely looking forward to working on my socialization skills whether with fellow students, professors, or anyone else!
I am grateful for all the people I met and the opportunities I had in my first year and I certainly cannot wait to take that to the next level!
Stepping with the best foot forward
As the weather cools and fall approaches, the campus buzzes with activity as crowds of students roam through. I can’t help but notice how fast time is passing. This year, I will be a third-year student. It still feels like yesterday when I was just a first-year student, not knowing what to expect from my first day of university.
Now with two years of experience, I have an idea of what my third year will look like: wake up early every morning, wear the outfit I chose the previous night, and come to school romanticizing everything like I’m Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. I’m excited to organize my day on my planner and achieve that satisfaction by checking things off my to-do list.
On the other hand, like everyone else, I worry about my future. Sometimes I still question wheth- er I’m taking the right path or not. However, I know that I’m capable of doing anything I want.
I trust that everything will go well for me no matter how it looks at any given point in time. This year, I’m setting more goals, focusing on self-improvement, stepping out of my comfort zone, mak- ing new connections, and learning new skills.
Despite the academic workload and stress, I find university very interesting. I’m grateful that I get to study with numerous resources at my hand. I look forward to another amazing school year and I hope everyone else at school does too.
ACT V, SCENE 1
Debbie Wong
As I embark on my fifth and final year here at the University of Toronto’s magical Mississauga campus, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia. It’s been a long journey for me here, yet I still remember my very first day like it was yesterday. No matter how many times you have done it before, the first day of school jitters never pass. As I prepare for my final act to begin, I am filled with anticipation to end my time here and leave with a grand exit while making this my best year yet.
I am experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as the new school year begins. I am anxious to apply to graduate school, yet I look forward to the next chapter. I am relieved to reach the finish line, yet I do not want to leave this place behind. I look forward to finally having my best friend, who is also my sister, join me in my final year at UTM. As I make my final memories here, hers are just beginning.
I know it’s normal l to feel sad, but what is the most beautiful thing about it is the cyclical nature of it all. As my final act comes to an end, I look forward to turning the page and watching as another
Christina Pincente
Gisele Tang
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
From struggles to success: The story of Krish Manojbhai Patel
Fourth-year student Krish Manojbhai Patel shares his journey moving from India to Canada in search of more opportunities.
Madhav Ajayamohan Features Editor
Opportunity. A word we use, but often take for granted. An opportunity does not guarantee a certain outcome. For instance, a job opportunity does not guarantee a job. However, it offers a real possibility. It gives you something to work toward. A tangible goal you can achieve with dedicated effort.
Sometimes, an opportunity does not pan out and you get rejected. Sometimes, you are scared of getting that opportunity because of the fear of failure so you find yourself holding back. But what if you seized every opportunity? What if you took the plunge and you succeeded? Krish Manojbhai Patel, a fourth-year computer science specialist at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) certainly did. In an interview with The Medium, Krish shares his story about how he succeeded as an undergraduate student.
At a crossroads: deciding between domestic and international education
Krish comes from Vadodara, a city in Gujarat, India. His journey began after tenth grade when he was at a crossroads to decide whether he should remain in India or he should study abroad for the remainder of his studies. “I had to make a decision. In India, to be honest, there aren’t many opportunities in the field of computer science or software engineering. In addition, it was also very competitive,” Krish recounts.
In India, students are required to complete the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) if they wish to enter some of the country’s engineering universities, colleges and institutes, including computer science programs. In 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology, which ranks among the top 10 toughest exams in the world according to Shiksha, has a pass percentage of 26.77 per cent.
Krish admits that even if he invested a couple of years in preparing for the JEE, there was a good chance he would not get accepted into the university he wanted. Even if he worked hard, he believed it was more likely he wouldn’t get the opportunity he wanted. As a result, Krish decided to apply abroad. After he got accepted into UTM, Krish travelled halfway across the world in search of better opportunities.
Overcoming the challenges of the first semester
“My first year was my hardest year so far,” Krish reveals. “I was new in Canada, and I started to work part-time as well.” For Krish, having a job while being in school is crucial. “One thing I knew when I came to Canada was that I had to help my family financially. No matter what. I have to work all the time, and help them as much as I can.”
Krish’s first job was at a Tim Horton’s franchise near his home. “I usually worked 20 hours,” Krish says, “10 hours each on Saturday and
Sunday.” Krish’s work did not make it easy for him to study during the weekends, so his only option was to study after school. Even that time was compromised by his three-hour commute from Brampton to Mississauga. “Most of my time went into commuting, and as a result, my [academic performance] suffered.”
By his second semester, Krish figured out how to manage his schedule and found himself taking on more opportunities. He managed his time and eventually got the ball rolling. Rather than succumbing to the pressure, Krish was flourishing after figuring out a plan for himself. Krish took on more jobs in addition to his current workload.
Quality with quantity
When asked about his hobbies, Krish replied that he spent time as a teaching assistant for three courses while already taking seven courses. “I don’t want to be distracted,” Krish explains, “I want to spend my time learning something new, like working part-time, being a teaching assistant, teaching kids how to code, doing some research, or making a side project for programming.”
Despite his heavy workload, Krish doesn’t sacrifice quality either. With all three courses, he makes it a point to provide the best care possible by teaching students tips and tricks he gathered from his own experiences in learning. Before every midterm and final exam, he would post extra office hours for last-minute questions, and give students detailed study guides to help them practice.
“As a teaching assistant, I believe it’s my job to use my own experiences to [enhance] students’ experience with the course,” Krish elaborates.
In addition to being a teaching assistant, Krish also worked as a research assistant with the university and is currently participating in the UTM Professional Experience Year Co-op. As part of the program, he is currently doing a 16-month internship with Huawei, a multinational digital communications technology corporation.
“When I first came to UTM, I never [expected] I was going to be a teaching assistant. I never [anticipated] I would do an internship or do any research,” Krish mentions that many
of these opportunities came from networking with professors and a lot of hard work.
“Once you do well in one opportunity, you get more opportunities, and you will start to explore your limit. How high can you reach? From my part-time work, I got the opportunity to be a teaching assistant. From my work as a teaching assistant, I got the opportunity to be a research assistant. All of these individual experiences stacked up and [allowed me] to intern at Huawei. I am still exploring my own limits.”
Pushing past the limit
Krish encourages students to get out of their comfort zones and explore their limits. According to Krish, one opportunity can lead to many more. With a sprinkle of hard work and a dash of enthusiasm, Krish believes success is not far off reach for those sharing similar struggles.
“I want to spend my time learning something new, like working part-time, being a teaching assistant, teaching kids how to code, doing some research, or making a side project for programming.”
Photo credit: Krish Patel
09 Arts
Back-to-school beats
The perfect music playlist for a walk around campus
Jada D’Sa Contributor
As classes start up again, you might be feeling a mix of emotions. If so, here are a few tracks to compliment your mixed emotions so you can embrace the perfect weather, fall colours, and all the new experiences you’ll have:
1. “Summer’s Over” by Jordana, TV Girl
The perfect tune to commemorate summer’s end, with lyrics like “isn’t it cool how the summer fades?” Many of us live for summer, but you’ll have to pry it out of our hands before we can accept that it’s time to say goodbye.
2. “A New Kind of Love – Demo” by Frou Frou, Imogen Heap, Guy Sigworth
As the lush greenery turns into warm shades of red and orange, this song signifies falling back in love with campus after being gone for the summer.
3. “Spring” by Saint Etienne
Despite being far from springtime, this track intensifies the feelings that come with a new beginning. As Saint Etienne puts it: “Forget about yesterday and the bad times that you’ve had!”
4. “Jazz (We’ve Got)” by A Tribe Called Quest
Finding a spot that’s “so lowkey that ya probably missed it.” A Tribe Called Quest always pairs well with the solace of the library as you work through your readings.
5. “Cities in Dust” by Siouxsie and the Banshees
As hard as we may try, it’s impossible to romanticize the scramble of getting from class to class. “Children were running, you were running out of time!”
But to bring us back to reality, this track honours the scramble, especially if it’s across campus.
6. “Coffee & TV” by Blur
A toast to one of the best experiences of being back on campus: getting a coffee and a sweet treat with your friends between classes.
7. “Witches” by Alice Phoebe Lou
This playful and spooky anthem helps us remember that Halloween is right around the corner. Time to start thinking about costumes. “I’m one of those witches, babe!”
8. “Hit” by The Sugarcubes
A tribute to reuniting with your campus friends–the catch-up sessions and rundown of everything that happened over the summer.
9. “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth
Everyone wants to look their best for the first day of school. As Kim Gordon puts it: “Now you know you sure look pretty!” This song is guaranteed to make you feel like the “koolest” on campus.
10. “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins
This track is for those who are graduating this year, you’re bound to be feeling extra nostalgic. Wondering how the years went by so fast? That’s cause “Cool kids never have the time.”
Dear kindergartener self. Sincerely, the almost graduate
As you grow older and time passes, your feelings will change. Life is all about balance.
Milica Samardzic Contributor
Dear kindergartener self,
Hi! I hope you are having the best time in Serbia! Make sure to go to the zoo more (it’s in your neighborhood, after all), draw, play with your parakeet, and spend time with family and friends.
Who am I? I am your twenty-two-year-old self-reporting–that is seventeen years away! – crazy, right?
I would first like to tell you how truly remarkable you are. You are a kind, curious, and intelligent little girl, and do not let anybody tell you otherwise. But I also want to advise you on some things you do not learn until you are a little (or a lot) older.
Two years from now, you will be moving to Canada. You will not know anyone nor understand any English (although you will major in it in university; call it dramatic irony—although you will not learn what that means until high school). You will get homesick, and interactions between your classmates will be awkward. But that’s okay. Do not give up. You’ll learn the language quickly and meet the best of friends with whom you are still in contact–even if you do not live in the same city anymore.
As you grow older and time passes, your feelings will change. Some situations will make you sad, and others happy. Along the way, you will experience true happiness and heartbreak. Life is all about balance.
Something I admire about you is that you know exactly who you are. Unfortunately, I forgot that along the way, so I had to relearn it. Hey, this shows that you can learn from your younger self, too!
Long story short, do not worry too much, kid. Everything turns out exactly right.
Sincerely, You, the almost graduate.
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
September on the Screen
Movie recommendations for the back-to-school season
Yana Chopde Contributor
It can be difficult to get back into an academic zone or be excited about school after months of enjoying the warm sun. However, media entertainment such as movies, can help a great deal with that. So, here are some films to watch to get back into the school mood:
1. Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde is the perfect back-to-school movie. It focuses on Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a fashion merchandising major who tries to win over her ex-boyfriend by going to Harvard Law. Once there, Woods overcomes many battles and serves as an iconic inspirational figure.
2. Dead Poets Society (1989)
4. Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls shows the story of a new student, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) who moves from Africa, and experiences public school, popularity, and friendship for the first time. Heron becomes a part of the “elite” clique only to realize that her new friends are shallow.
Here’s what TV got wrong: What going back to school is really like
News flash!
You are not the main character.
WThis classic academia movie follows the new teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), at a prestigious all-boys boarding school. Keating’s remarkable ways help his students to open up as the boys go through their own trials. Keating’s advice to go against the status quo forever changes everyone’s lives.
3. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
In Mona Lisa Smile, Art History teacher, Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), pushes her students at an all-girls college to think and go beyond the societal restrictions placed on women. Watson pushes her students to think for themselves and to form their own beliefs.
5. Pitch Perfect (2012)
When Beca (Anna Kendrick), a freshman in college, is forced to go to Barden University by her father, she decides to join an acapella group called The Bellas. Composed of different personalities and quirks, Beca and the Bellas conquer nervousness, romance, friendship, and college life all while singing in impressive harmony.
6. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Akeelah (Keke Palmer), a brilliant 11-year-old girl, finds herself at the National Spelling Bee. The story follows Akeelah as she uses her determination, smarts, and talent to achieve her dreams.
The Medium’s declassified school survival guide: fashion edition
Back-to-school trends and ideas for what to wear on campus this year.
Milica Samardzic Contributor
September is here, which means the fall term is officially upon us. As the seasons change, the beautiful sun transforms into constant cold and rainy days. Thankfully, seasonal fashion exists, and these four backto-school trends will help keep your mood up while the temperature drops.
1. Denim on Denim
You read it right. This trend has made a complete comeback from the ’90s and early 2000s. The most notable examples during that era were Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in 2001. And now, the most popular style is sticking to one denim shade or texture and pairing them with minimalistic accessory pieces. The perfect fit for any occasion.
2. Faux Leather
From the ’60s to the ’90s, leather was in high demand. In the ’60s, leather jackets were worn to look more like The Beatles. While in the ’90s, they symbolized rebellion and freedom, inspired by punk rock bands and the grunge style. From then on, leather never left us. However, faux leather has become more popular as it is cruelty-free. These days, you can go with the signature jacket look, pick up some leather pants/skirts, or even go all out in head-to-toe attire. Whatever makes you feel the most confident for those days when you want to show up to class in style.
3. Animal print
When I think of animal print, the early 2000s hot pink cheetah print comes to mind. While it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, with the emergence of the so-called “mob wife aesthetic,” the resurgence of animal print has been well received, as it can be worn by anyone. Also, multiple types of prints exist, with many different looks to create ranging from casual to formal. And don’t forget, accessories are key when deciding whether to dress your animal print up or down for your outfit. A good stylish bag or statement necklace can go a long way.
4. Campus comfort
Last, but not least: sweats. The truth is students prioritize comfort when spending the whole day on campus. Comfort is critical. Oversized sweaters, baggy tops or pants (as well as leggings) could be called a “signature staple” for students. It feels like you are wearing pajamas, and some even choose to wear their actual pajamas to class (I am incredibly jealous). Honestly, the key to fashion is feeling good. When you feel good about what you’re wearing, that confidence can save any outfit. In the words of fashion icon Paris Hilton, “That’s hot.”
hen I was in elementary school, I could not wait until high school and university. However, when I finally arrived, I realized that the beliefs I held for my entire childhood were all a lie. I can speak for most people born in the early 2000s when I say that these lies began in 2006, with the infamous Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical. It’s safe to say that in all my years of higher education, I have never once entered the cafeteria and found everyone in a spontaneous— yet perfectly well choreographed—flash mob. In fact, I have never once witnessed a food fight at all, and almost every movie and TV show about adolescent education has at least one food fight scene. This is where the lies began, but they surely did not end here.
The lies continued in 2007 with the live-action film Bratz, which further instilled the idea of cliques. The movie heavily emphasizes the need to conform to common high school archetypes through the four characters who must overcome them to remain friends. We all know the cliques. There are the jocks and cheerleaders, the brainiacs and punks, the skaters and theatre majors, and so on. This ideology is spread across many films and TV shows, but in all my years here at UTM, I cannot say I have ever been able to spot the cliques—nor do I believe any of us have ever needed to choose one. This makes me question their existence altogether. Was the idea of cliques just another lie we were all made to believe? I’d say so. Overall, the most unrealistic depiction of these movies and TV shows is that the drama always seems to be an outside force impeding their lives, but the conflict is hardly ever based on schoolrelated issues. Is it just me, or does the media never show students studying for a test or pulling all-nighters to finish an assignment?
One of my favourite shows is The Vampire Diaries. In this supernatural drama, they battle werewolves, vampires, witches, and more. Yet, they never battle the biology lab or the book report. This makes me wonder how they even graduate and make it into university when they are hardly at school?
This is not the only show that is like this. Another of my favourites is Gossip Girl. Whether the characters are at private institutions or Ivy League universities, going back to school is always the plot’s background. This leads us to believe we will have lots of time for drama with our own family, friends, love interests, and enemies. However, this never seems to be the case.
The media has always been misleading but that’s not to say I would change these shows—I wouldn’t. I just wish someone would’ve told me, “Hey, it is nothing like this in real life.”
Cristina Pincente Contributor
Photo credit: Sara Li
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
11 sports & health
TRI - CAMPUS OUTDOOR SPORTS
Tuesday,September 3rd
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
South Field
Thursday, September 5th
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
South Field
Wednesday, September 4th
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM
South Field
Sunday, September 8th
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
North Field
Sunday, September 8th
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
North Field
Sunday, September 8th
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
North Field
Editor | Joseph Falzata sports@themedium.ca
Physical health equals mental wealth
What is good for the body is good for the brain
Cristina Pincente Contributor
After returning from a summer of rest and relaxation, the back-to-school season can be highly stressful for students. As summer ends and fall begins, some students may be feeling seasonal depression (SAD), a type of depression triggered by a change of season. Some of us may be feeling a little panicked as well. Students often feel the need to start the school year off on the right foot and, with the pressure to succeed, students may feel anxious, overwhelmed, and have trouble sleeping. This can cause students to procrastinate on getting ahead, leading to an overwhelming pile of work and stress further down the line. One’s mental health is crucial in transitioning from summer back to school, and improving our physical health is one way to boost our mental wealth.
Walden University, exercise increases endorphin levels, which helps with depression and anxiety; a better alternative rather than immediately turning to medication. Additionally, regular physical exercise decreases stress, improves self-confidence and self-esteem, and improves your sleep patterns. However, it is even more beneficial for students. As the article says, “Studies on mice and humans indicate that cardiovascular exercise creates new brain cells—a process called neurogenesis—and improves overall brain performance. It also prevents cognitive decline and memory loss by strengthening the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.” The brain-boosting benefits of exercise will aid students in their transition during this back-to-school season and help rid themselves of unwanted mental health decline during this stressful time. Moreover, individuals can experience the benefits of regular physical exercise for as little as 20 minutes per day. Consider taking a nice, swift walk on UTM’s nature trails. Physical activity may seem like a hassle, but UTM’s resources are endless! Most often, students do not realize what is includ-
ed in their membership for the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre, which has already been paid for in your incidental fees. As it states on the RAWC’s website, “This membership gives access to our stateof-the-art Fitness Center group fitness classes, UTM Intramurals, Drop-in Sports, squash courts, tennis courts and beach volleyball.” This student experience is designed to improve your mental health and physical well-being.
UTM Intramurals is another great way to make some friends and compete for recreation while getting some physical exercise. Students can sign up to join a team or register their own team to play various sports in tournaments. They offer sports such as basketball, indoor and outdoor soccer, badminton, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, cricket, and even spikeball.
Suppose a student wants to play a sport more competitively at a higher level. In that case, UTM also offers students the opportunity to participate in tri-campus sports, which include men’s and women’s leagues for soccer, basketball, ice hockey, volleyball, cricket, and ultimate frisbee.
If you do not have the time to commit, that’s no sweat; drop-in sessions are for you! They require absolutely no commitment and are always occurring at the gyms at the RAWC; check out their calendar for more information. They offer a variety of fun sports and activities, everything from basketball to pickleball.
Finally, it’s important to note UTM’s mental health and well-being resources, such as the Wellness Den and numerous mental health support. The “is a dedicated space on campus that features daily wellness-inspired opportunities to support student learning and success. The Den is open to all UTM students. Brought to you by the UTM Health & Counselling Centre.”
UTM offers endless resources to students to encourage physical activity, community building, and mental health and well-being. And don’t forget what I said earlier, physical health equals mental wealth!
Don’t know anybody? It’s okay! Neither does
anyone else.
How UTM’s RAWC can help you spread your social wings
For those of you who are starting your first year, or even those who have already been here for a couple of years, use this article as either a guide or a source of inspiration if you are little frightened by the idea of making new friends on campus.
When I started my first year of university in 2021, I came alone, not knowing anyone. Following a year of social distancing, I was nervous but excited about developing as many relationships as I could during my first semester.
I worked out at the gym every day during my first semester. It wasn’t very busy, but I always went around the same time, and always saw the same faces. Despite the mask mandate and strenuous rules that discouraged many students from socializing, I did not let this hinder my goal to make friends.
Now, what’s my secret? Well, it’s very simple: I would spot someone in the gym who seemed approachable and would walk up to them, using the most unoriginal pick-up line: “Hey, how’s it going? I just wanted to introduce myself.” Ridiculous? Yes, but it worked! I would then proceed by asking the person questions about their workout, what program they’re in, their age, and background. Just simple small talk you would make with anyone that you meet at a social gathering It might sound unbelievable, but to this day I remain in touch with almost every single person that I approached during my freshman year.
What I’m trying to say is that most people at UTM are friendly and come from unique and interesting backgrounds. You’d be amazed how many individuals you may meet in a day who can lift your spirits or provide you with a sense of community. The gym is a great place to start. “Ok, but I don’t go to the gym, and I don’t know where to start.” Great! Even better! That makes it even easier. There are lots of fitness gurus at UTM, and there is nothing more gratifying than someone approaching you and either complimenting your workout or physique or even asking you for fitness tips. This can lead to a conversation about fitness and physical activity, and before you know it that person is sharing their social media or contact information with you.
Fitness is also a topic of conversation that many enjoy, and it’s something that’s so easy to talk about! In one case, you can have someone less informed about fitness asking plenty of interesting questions to someone very knowledgeable and interested in answering these questions. On the other hand, you can have two knowledgeable individuals sharing tips, meal plans, workouts and asking questions about each other’s routines.
I forgot to mention, that there are also tons of drop-in sports sessions, fitness classes, and various programs offered via the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre (RAWC) that most of us go our entire university careers without using. Attend that spin class, go shoot some hoops and talk about the future of the Raptors, or learn to play the most unconventional sport that you can think of. That’s the magic of university. It’s a place of interpersonal growth, and I cannot stress that enough.
Shared experiences with others are the foundation of relationships. In other words, making friends through a shared interest, like sports, is an easy way to build lasting friendships. And trust me, having good friends makes these university years a whole lot more fun.
