The Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Toronto Mississauga Since 1974 themedium.ca
DATING AS A MUSLIM ON TASK STUDIO:
As an international student, a staple of going home for the summer involves at least one 2 AM catch-up with my parents as I grapple with jet lag, and my parents grapple with the fact that I’m an adult making big life decisions.
>> read more on page 04
A SOFT PLACE TO LAND FOR TORONTO ARTISTS
I’m constantly still figuring out who I am,” says Alexandra Howell of On Task Behaviour. We’re sitting in the studio on Atlantic Avenue with Howell’s two dogs, Charlotte and Georgie, on each of our laps.
>> read more on page 09
A BLAST FROM THE PAST:
UTMSU HOSTS 2024 ORIENTATION WEEK
From August 31 to September 7, the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU) hosted its annual Orientation Week for incoming first-year students under the theme, Quest ’24.
>> read more on page 02
Got questions about Mississauga’s best spots? We’ve got you covered!
As a new wave of students begins their journey at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), whether as first-year students or new transfers, here is a handy guide to some of the city’s convenient finds and best-kept spots.
Where is the cheapest barber shop?
Where are some fun activities in the city? What is the best supermarket to shop for food?
>> read more on page 07
Public pools don’t always have the best reputation, and quite honestly, it’s deserved. In my five years of lifeguarding, I’ve seen it all: loosely screwed-in waterslides that sway as someone slides down, over-chlorinated water leaving neon yellow clumps behind ears, and yes, I’ve even seen… that.
>> Continues on page 11
Jia Bawa Contributor
Canada responds to mpox outbreak after World Health Organization declares public health emergency.
University of Toronto Scarborough experiences bomb scare after suspicious package found on campus.
Senior meteorologist warns residents to be prepared as Hurricane Ernesto makes its way across Canada.
>> Continues on page 03
Contributor
On August 10, 2024, Walt Disney Studios uploaded the trailer for Snow White (2025). The film is a live action musical remake of the original Snow White from 1937 and will come to theaters on March 21, 2025. The trailer revived a question I wondered as early as October 2023, when Disney first unveiled pictures of Rachel Zegler dressed as Snow White: who wanted this?
>> Continues on page 10
Milica Samardzic
Contributor
Since June, Bangladeshi students have led protests for their increasingly totalitarian government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to increase their employment quota. On July 15, 2024, peaceful student protestors across the nation were ambushed by strangers armed with rods, sticks, clubs and even revolvers.
>> continues on page 05
Illustrations credit: Buket S. Baykal
Mariana Dominguez Rodriguez Contributor
Karolina Podobnik Contributor
Eraj Zaidi
02 NEWS
A blast from the past: UTMSU hosts 2024 Orientation Week
First-year students celebrate a medieval-filled week full of events, including a show, dinner, and even a boat ride to kick
off their undergraduate experience.
Celesta Maniatogianni Contributor
From August 31 to September 7, the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU) hosted its annual Orientation Week for incoming first-year students under the theme, Quest ’24.
According to their website, one of its purposes for hosting this week is to provide students with the opportunity and “lifechanging experience” to meet new people while having “the best transition into your first year of university.”
UTMSU Vice President of Campus Life Joy Pius said in an interview with The Medium, “Orientation offers numerous benefits to first-year students, serving as an excellent way to integrate them into the university community and help them feel a sense of belonging on campus.”
Amidst the events and games, Pius pointed to a specific ambition the Orientation committee had in mind, “The ultimate goal of orientation is to set students up for both academic and social success.” With a focus on enhancing the experience of new students, the event aimed to help participants get
acquainted with the campus, build friendships and connections, and explore the university’s various student resources.
Each year, the Orientation Committee works hard to focus the week around a new, fun, and immersive theme including Legends ’23 last year and Venture ’22 before that.
This year’s theme, Quest ’24, features a medieval fantasy concept centering around knights, castles and dragons. Pius stated that this year’s theme focused on “finding a healthy balance within one’s life.”
The theme was also meant to help new students navigate their post-secondary lives by reminding them that there is more to university than only achieving good grades, Pius explained. It is an opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and have “awesome adventures.”
Some of the events the Orientation Committee had lined up for students this year included Paint ‘n Foam on September 2, which according to Pius, was a “lively party where participants can enjoy being splattered with colourful paint while dancing in foam.” Participants wore white t-shirts before the event before being doused in a variety of coloured paints—a keepsake for students from their experience at orientation.
On September 5, the Committee hosted its Boat Cruise, the second event, where stu-
Protests in Bangladesh come to an end following prime minister’s resignation
dents were invited to board a boat and enjoy the Toronto skyline. The third event of this year’s Orientation, Medival Times, was held on September 6 where students were invited to a medieval-themed feast and a show.
The last event of this year’s orientation, Final Quest, celebrated the end of Orientation Week with a capture-the-flag tournament which pitted students from the event’s four houses against each other in a bid to obtain the coveted UTMSU Cup.
This year’s orientation offered a nostalgic touch for some, while delivering an unforgettable, adventure-filled introduction to university life for incoming students, ensuring a lasting impression that will shape their university experience for years
More than 1,000 people were killed and more than 33,000 were injured in the last month including protestors, students, and children.
Arjun Saini Contributor
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina, the now-resigned prime minister of Bangladesh, fled to India after weeks of protests led by a student-led movement.
Bangladeshi students led the protests against Hasina’s government which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 people in the last month, according to the country’s interim health ministry chief—the nation’s bloodiest period since its independence in 1971. The death toll includes protestors, journalists, students, bystanders, police, and children. Among the deaths, over 400 students have lost their eyesight and many endured leg injuries and amputations.
Violence broke out during a student-led movement against quotas for public sector jobs, which escalated into a full-blown revolt against Hasina. Hasina’s residence was quickly stormed by hundreds of protestors after her resignation, ending her 15-year ruling.
Tensions peaked when the quota system announced it would reserve nearly 30 per cent of sought-after civil service jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in the country’s war of independence from Pakistan in 1971. Students and young people did not support this ruling since the roles are linked to job security and higher pay.
On July 1, students launched protests calling for the end of job quotas. By mid-July, the government shut down universities and cut internet access in an attempt to conceal the nationwide protests.
On July 21, the Supreme Court reversed its ruling and cut down job quotas from 56 per cent to a total of seven per cent, with two percent reserved for ethnic minorities.
According to Amnesty International, since the protests, more than 10,000 protestors have been arrested while Shohid.info, an online database which collects information on the movement, reported more than 33,000 injured and more than 11,00 arrested and disappeared.
A Gen Z revolution
Despite curfews, internet shutdowns, and the presence of security forces, young people— outraged by the killings of their peers and bleak job opportunities—remained committed to their movement.
Sabrina Karim, an associate professor of government at Cornell University, said to CNN World, “This might very well be the first successful Gen Z led revolution.”
Looking Forward
In the wake of the Prime Minister’s self-exile, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and economist Muhammed Yunus was named interim leader by a representative of Bangladesh’s figurehead, President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Since being sworn in, Yunus stated that he seeks to restore peace and order, combat corruption, and prepare for the nation’s elections. His cabinet, which consists of two former student leaders who spearheaded the protests, will be working to reform the country’s institutions.
On September 5, thousands of students gathered in Dhaka to join the “March for Martyrs” to mark the one-month anniversary of Hasina’s resignation.
Jia Bawa
Senior meteorologist warns residents to be prepared as Hurricane Ernesto makes its way across Canada
On August 16, senior meteorologist Bob Robichaud with the Canadian Hurrican Centre warned residents to pay close attention as Hurricane Ernesto evolves.
Residents of Nova Scotia and eastern Newfoundland were advised to keep a close watch on the hurricane as it progresses throughout the country. On August 18, Ernesto passed southeast of Newfoundland and on August 19, morphed into a post-topical cyclone.
Prior to that, on August 14, Tropical Storm Ernesto evolved into a Category one hurricane after it churned away from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, resulting in the loss of power for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. Twenty-three hospitals in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were operating on generators while many schools and roads were closed. At the peak of Ernesto, 750,000 residents were left with no power after rivers across Puerto Rico rose nearly 10 inches in rain.
On August 16 and 17, three people died along the beaches in South Carolina and southern North Carolina from the storm’s currents.
University of Toronto Scarborough experiences bomb scare after suspicious package found on campus
On August 6 at 3:46 p.m., Toronto police received a report of a suspicious package found by University of Toronto Scarborough campus safety staff during a regular patrol at the campus’s Environmental Sciences and Chemistry building. Both buildings were evacuated after the device was found and later reported. According to the university, the Instructional Centre was also ordered to evacuate “out of an abundance of caution.”
Inspector Dan Pravica said the package resembled an explosive device, but after close inspection, it was deemed a hoax device and determined that it could not create an explosion nor had explosive components. Pravica also said a robot was dispatched and captured photos and X-rays of the package.
After locating the device, police declared there was no further risk to public safety and confirmed no injuries were reported. No further updates have been released but police and investigators are currently requesting that anyone with information come forward.
Canada responds to mpox outbreak after World Health Organization declares public health emergency
On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” after a recent upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although mpox has been reported in the DRC for over a decade, the number of cases each year has increased steadily.
Previously known as monkeypox, mpox is a viral infection similar to smallpox. Its symptoms include fever, headache, swelling in the lymph nodes and muscle aches, usually followed by a rash that appears on the face, hands and feet. Mpox appears in two distinct types, called clades. Clade II is less severe and has a fatality rate of up to one per cent while clade I has a fatality rate of up to 10 per cent, meaning one in 10 cases can be fatal.
In the last month, the virus spread to Rwanda and Burundi, two countries that share borders with the DRC. The virus also reached neighbouring East African countries, including Kenya and Uganda, which have not reported mpox before.
WHO Committee Chair Professor Dimie Ogoina said concerning the outbreak, “The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa but for the entire globe. Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”
Canada is currently working with domestic and international partners to provide support while monitoring the mpox outbreak in the DRC and other neighbouring countries. According to the Government of Canada website, the country has since received a “sufficient supply” of mpox vaccines to provide support to provincial and territorial programs working to prevent the virus. The Canadian government has affirmed it will continue to monitor the outbreak and provide updates as the situation develops.
Contributor
Illustrations credit: Buket S. Baykal
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Dating as a Muslim
How sex and sexuality are misunderstood in
religious communities.
Zainab Hassan Contributor
As an international student, a staple of going home for the summer involves at least one 2 AM catch-up with my parents as I grapple with jet lag, and my parents grapple with the fact that I’m an adult making big life decisions. This summer, said 2 AM talk involved my decision to start dating. What was meant to be a quick conversation devolved into a discussion of the nuances of dating culture. It kind of sounded like this:
Mom: “But why? You’re not even interested in sex.”
Me: “Where did sex come from? And would you feel better if I called it courting instead?”
Mom: “Are you seriously courting? Because that is completely different.”
Dad: “It really isn’t, it just sounds nicer.”
Me: “You know what I mean though!”
After a long-winded conversation—and one pointed comment about my taste in partners (thanks, Dad)—my parents were supportive about dating...if I did things the “Muslim way.”
The exaggerated taboo that sex, sexuality, and dating have in relation to a religious way of life boils down to a series of misunderstandings. To some in our religious community, dating is associated with the inevitability of sex: short-term intimacy with a lack of long-term commitment. Sex education is considered an encouragement of immodest behaviour.
Sex education tells you about the ins and outs of sex and, for some, dating and sexual experiences go hand in hand outside the context of marriage. But people date for different reasons, whether due to cultural or religious reasons or just personal
preference: some may date exclusively for the sake of laying the groundwork for marriage. Sex education should provide everyone with tools for safety, good practices, and ways to build connections so that everyone knows what they want or don’t want and how to approach such experiences safely.
However, some may misconstrue sex education as going against their cultural norms or religious beliefs. Conversely, those who aren’t affiliated with a particular culture or religion are quick to misconceptualize cultural and religious practices. While these two attitudes are not the exact same thing, both are based in a lack of understanding for different perspectives.
Personally, I don’t think anyone should judge the way a person wants to go about building a relationship, whether through dating or arranged marriage, as long as they’re happy, safe, and following their beliefs. In the end, Islam is a religion of modesty and modesty has always been a tool for self-worth and self-improvement, not shame. In a world where we are already judged for every little thing we do, why are we using our religion to make our lives harder when it’s meant to make them easier?
And avoiding talking about sex does make things harder. Listen, we wouldn’t have our factory assigned equipment if we weren’t meant to use it, and—like all equipment—you need to include the instruction manuals. For the most part, daughters hear about the wonders of the female body and the ways they need to care for their monthly cycle. But this isn’t a one-anddone deal. You might not need to talk to your eleven-year-old about birth control, but a sixteen-year-old might benefit from the information. Not just because they might be having sex, but to mediate the symptoms of PMS. You’re not being a bad Muslim if you chose to talk about or are curious about the variety of sexual and romantic experiences. Islam has never immoralized the act itself, only instructed that you don’t carry it out outside of marriage.
And this isn’t only directed to girls: it’s just as applicable to guys. If it takes two to tango, both partners should know the dance. So why is it usually just girls and women who are given the “stay a virgin” talk? Modesty in Islam is directed to everyone, so since when did staying modest only become a woman’s job?
Sex education isn’t all condoms and biology, it’s also consent. It’s teaching you that no means no and you’re not entitled to your wife or husband’s body just because you’re married now. Sex education is about establishing that the most important aspect of sex is respect: something everyone needs to know.
Part of exemplifying this respect means setting boundaries. As a Muslim, it’s so important to set boundaries that adhere to your belief. That isn’t so different from the boundaries someone else, Muslim or not, may set. There exists an assumption, as I mentioned earlier, that dating is centered around sex. But sex isn’t always, and shouldn’t be, an expectation. Every time we assume that that’s all dating involves, we perpetuate a harmful stigma. You don’t have to be physically intimate in your relationship. You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. And it’s so important that people—Muslim and not—remember that.
Dating is about respect and boundaries, two things that Islam endorses. When it comes down to it, if you know what your boundaries are and you enforce them, dating as a Muslim isn’t all that different from dating as a non-Muslim.
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
Confronting Elitism in Modern Science
Elitism in scientific and academic communities undermines the next generation of scientists and changemakers.
Tia Cummins Contributor
Elitism happens when certain groups are regarded as superior, allowing them to control resources specific to their community. This creates a separation between said group and the rest of the community, introducing a social and material disconnect.
Dating back to the days of Charles Darwin, Galileo Galilei, and Nikola Tesla, the scientific field has always been dominated by white men, leaving a noticeable impact on modern science.
Since most health research is conducted by white men on other white men, there is less information on women and people of colour. Much of the research that does exist on these groups is limited or incorrect. One current example of this pertains to scientific knowledge about pulse oximeters. Pulse oximeters calculate blood oxygen levels and heart rate using light absorption rates into the skin. Oximeters are used to determine whether a patient requires supportive treatment to breathe. The biggest weakness in using this technique is that, in darker-skinned patients, light absorption rates differ. This reflects a disparity, rooted in elitism, in how science serves the population.
Research cannot be truly profitable unless it is generalizable to all groups of people. Scientific elitism makes it extremely difficult to fight against cases of scientific racism and exclusion. The lack of data on marginalized groups leaves space for assumptions about the innate physical and mental states of non-elite groups, allowing other elite groups to place themselves on a pedestal.
Another issue is accessibility to research information and results. Reports and other analyses are not easy for many people to obtain. Even for students, who are supposed to the next generation of science, rigorous research from reputable academic journals is almost always hidden behind an expensive and oftentimes unnecessary paywall. This only reinforces the notion that scientifically elitist groups are more interested in elevating their status and furthering their knowledge than the greater good.
Many University of Toronto students in science and humanities programs have faced this issue when researching assignments. During my early years in both the forensic and biology programs, inaccessibility limited my potential and my motivation. In trying to produce quality research papers on a thesis based off new information, I was bound by the walls of what was available in these elitist databases.
In cases where scientific information is made accessible, such as in magazines or on social media, it is often oversimplified and limited. Simplification can be an efficient tool for accessibility by helping the public properly understand the information. However, when the public is presented with a “dumbed-down” version of the actual research that took place, they are discouraged from fully grasping the impact of scientific knowledge. This can also intensify scientific denialism, which directly pertains to the funding and support of the scientific community.
Institutions such as university are one of the biggest enablers of elitism and marginalization within science. Money, particularly tuition fees, is one of the largest factors that can hinder both the quality of education and the progression into the post-grad science field. By making research open to more students studying in relevant fields, we can begin the shift towards an elitistfree environment within academia. Although a system such as this is inevitably difficult to change, the first step is always recognition and education. By educating individuals on how elitism directly affects their own scope of knowledge, we can bring larger communities towards a realization of the need for change and mobilize them to a fairer learning experience for all.
Youth activism in Bangladesh
and beyond
Youth activism—on social media and on the streets—has defined resistance movements for decades.
Milica Samardzic Contributor
Since June, Bangladeshi students have led protests for their increasingly totalitarian government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to increase their employment quota. On July 15, 2024, peaceful student protestors across the nation were ambushed by strangers armed with rods, sticks, clubs and even revolvers.
The identities of the assailants remain unknown, although some believe they are from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), a student organization associated with Hasina’s political party, the Awami League (AL). The situation turned even more horrifying when, on July 16, police emerged with batons and tear gas in front of Begum Rokeya University. Abu Sayed, a 25-year-old Bangladeshi student, was shot and killed on camera while he spread his arms with no weapon in sight.
The video was shared on X, spreading awareness of the situation to those in Bangladesh and beyond. Other protesters gained traction on social media. Some used social media to further spread information on the Bangladeshi government’s enablement of terror and human rights violations. Others used it to commemorate those like Sayed who died in pursuit of their goal of a better Bangladesh for all Bangladeshi citizens.
Just a few days later, on July 21, the Bangladeshi government, which previously reserved 30 per cent of their jobs for the descendants of freedom fighters, scaled this quota back to only 5 per cent. The decision spurred the student-led protests to become widespread civil uprising. This all came to a climax when, on August 4,
nearly 100 people were killed in a police crackdown on protestors. The ensuing outrage forced Prime Minister Hasina to flee the country, bringing her fifteen-year rule to an end.
Bangladesh’s students have achieved their goal, but it is disgusting how much violence they had to undergo before their government changed its policy.
As I learned more about the protests in Bangladesh, and the huge role students and media played, I remembered another similar protest. During the Polytechnic Uprising, which occurred in Athens, Greece, in November 1973, students from the Athens Polytechnic University revolted against the political and military dictatorship running Greece. Their slogan was “Bread-Education-Liberty,” and students from every department were present. They did not have social media, and instead used the student radio to spread the message to others in Greece that it was time to act. Many deaths were caused due to police brutality, especially on November 17, 1973, when a military tank destroyed the university gate to enter. Until this day, the uprising is cited as a major reason for the revitalization of democracy in Greek.
The protests parallel each other: peaceful protesting was turned violent by government intervention, eventually creating political reform. Students used media resources (X, Facebook, radio, etc.) to spread awareness and encourage others that they are not alone in their beliefs for a better future. Both protests illustrate that students and youth play a major part in social justice, societal reform, and political movements.
Many might take a student’s youth, inexperience, and lack of political background or financial support as a weakness in the field of social change and politics. However, protests such as those in Bangladesh and beyond remind us that what we do have are our thoughts, beliefs and social media platforms. From there, we can meet like-minded people and together create a powerful momentum of solidarity and resistance.
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
Photo credit: Sara Li
for Dummies
A doomerist … no, REALIST approach to squandering your life.
Rola Fawzy Contributor
Hey, you! I regret to inform you that the end of the world is rapidly approaching. I am here to sell you on the way of my people: the doomerists. According to the online bible Wikipedia, the doomers are “people who are extremely pessimistic or fatalistic about global problems”: A way of living that is, to me, hotter than an Ozempic shake. If it’s a crime to keep it real, then lock me up in solitary confinement! None of it can come close to matching the misery of the prison flesh I live in.
Are you ready to transform your mind into a prison that puts you in a state of constant frenzy but permanent and crippling inaction? Worry not (for now) because I have come up with Doomerism for Dummies, a step-by-step guide to squander years and generations worth of sacrifice and progress!
Step 1: Stay connected—no, stay woke.
Originating from African American culture, word on the street is that to be woke is “to be aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice.)” People associate staying woke with the political left, but I argue that no matter your position in the political spectrum, you need to stay viciously—no, insufferably—woke.
If you are on the right, I want you to latch on to issues like the rise of car thefts in the Greater Toronto Area to remind yourself that Indian immigrants cooked Canada to the point of no return. It would certainly be better to move to the United States, where gun ownership can keep you safe. Never consider that while Statistics Canada reports a 2% increase in crime, this barely compares to increase in crime rates in the previous millennia. Crime peaked in 1992, when we took in about half as many immigrants as we take in today. If someone points out that there is no correlation between immigration and increased crime, simply call them a Trudeau lover and exit the conversation.
If you are on the left, your doomerist morning routine should start with the daily affirmation of “we’re killing the planet!” Turn your empathy and activism for the forests, oceans, and minority issues into self-serving apathy. Most importantly, remember to neglect the voting booth, because we’re all doomed anyway.
Step 2: Rewire your brain to stop trying.
Society has come full circle. A 100 years ago, people starved for days due to the inability to earn, and we can empathize with their struggle because we too must bear the inconvenience of applying for 300 jobs online before getting a few callbacks.
But again, we want to avoid action for as long as humanly possible, so I need you to ditch your hobbies, neglect your job search and quadruple your screen time. The 6ixBuzz comment section is your new home. Forget about that cover letter or the biology textbook on your desk collecting dust because there’s nothing better than fighting strangers on the Internet for funsies.
When you are not doing that, keep up with Andrew Tate and the chads of the manosphere if you are a guy, and any trust fund baby with a “soft life” if you are a girl. Look at all the fun times they can afford and despair: you can barely afford rent now, and you most likely won’t be able to buy a home in the future. The only way you can get on their level is by posturing online (with the assistance of credit card debt) or by committing tax fraud.
Step
3: Reap the fruits of your hard lack of work.
At this point, your transformation is complete. You have all the inner makings of a doomerist. Everything else just unfolds, really.
You will get a job where growth only happens to those who are lucky enough (not you). And should you be unlucky enough for a promotion, you will firmly believe that what you are receiving in a semblance of financial security you will pay for with your health and the best years of your youth. After a few failed relationships, you will find love, or rather settle for a partner. The issues you ignored in past relationships because you worship passivity will bind you to a marriage of misery or destine you to a painful yet inevitable divorce. You will have kids, though they are an expensive commodity.
The bottom line is, you will live a long life with your loved ones (the people who barely tolerate you) and bond over how the world is doomed while you dodge any accountability for change.
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
07 features
Got questions about Mississauga’s best spots?
We’ve got you covered!
This student-written guide offers answers to questions about some of Mississauga’s hidden gems when it comes to a quick haircut, sightseeing spots, and good eats.
Mariana Dominguez Rodriguez Contributor
As a new wave of students begins their journey at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), whether as first-year students or new transfers, here is a handy guide to some of the city’s convenient finds and best-kept spots.
Where is the cheapest barber shop?
When juggling tuition, textbooks, and daily expenses, finding an affordable barber shop can be difficult. Luckily, Mississauga has several options that accommodate student budgets.
A highly recommended spot among UTM students is KO Cutz, located a short 10-min-
ute drive and 19-minute bus ride away from campus on Laird Road. KO Cutz offers quality haircuts at reasonable prices. According to students, the staff is friendly and the shop maintains a relaxed atmosphere, deeming it a popular choice for those looking for classic cuts to line-ups and fades. Depending on the style, haircuts range from C$20 to C$55.
Another student favourite is Golden Cuts Barber Shop, situated on Platinum Drive—only a 12-minute drive and a 50-minute bus ride from campus. Decorated with an old-fashioned themed interior, this barber shop specializes in men’s haircuts and beard services. The shop provides five different services ranging from C$25 to C$30.
Top Fades Barbershop, which is closer to campus, is only a seven-minute drive and 32-minute bus ride from campus located on Glen Erin Drive. For those with tighter schedules, this shop is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where are some fun activities in the city?
Mississauga is a city with many hidden gems and scenic spots to explore whether alone or with friends. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture appreciator, or a landscape lover, Mississauga has something for everyone.
Erindale Park is a student favourite and a must-visit, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. Located right behind campus, this park leads to beautiful biking and walking trails. A long stream from the Credit River that flows
through the park, and picnic spots dot the banks of the river, where large families and friends often have barbecues and small gatherings. The park also has large grass fields, making it a great spot for large groups.
Mississauga Celebration Square, located only a 13-minute drive and 24-minute bus ride away from campus, frequently hosts events for its residences, including food trucks, movie nights and exhibitions featuring different cultures and religion-based festivals. Next to it is the Art Gallery of Mississauga, which hosts contemporary and traditional art from emerging artists free of charge. On the other side is the Hazel McCallion Central Library for those looking to find a good read or catch up on homework. in case you want to grab a book or catch up on homework.
With over 300 stores, Square One Shopping Centre is next on the list and is directly next to Mississauga Celebration Square, the Art Gallery of Mississauga, and even the Hazel McCallion Central Library.
Moving closer to water, Port Credit is a community-centric neighbourhood situated between the Credit River and Lake Ontario. Only a 12-minute car and 40-minute bus ride from campus, Port Credit features various local cafes, shops, and restaurants along the water, including Snug Harbour, a popular seafood bar and grill spot in the city. For those on a budget looking for activities that require little to no spending, Port Credit will leave you stunned by simply enjoying a walk around the water scenery.
Leaning more to the historical side of Mississauga is Streetsville, an older neighbourhood in the northwestern corner of Mississauga. Streetsville features historical village-centric buildings and local shops and is home to the largest amount of historic buildings in Mississauga. With more than 300 restaurants, it makes a great place to explore and soak in the atmosphere of old Mississauga.
What is the best supermarket to shop for food?
Whether you are looking to prioritize affordability, international foods or organic items, Mississauga offers a variety of supermarkets that can help accommodate student budgets.
No Frills and Food Basics are popular with many students due to the low prices and large inventory the grocery stores offer. Both supermarket chains offer selections of fresh produce, pantry staples, and household items. If you can manage to scout their weekly flyers for sale items, you can reduce that total by even more.
For international students craving a more diverse range of meals and ingredients, Nations Fresh Foods is a cultural gem in the city and is only a nine-minute drive and 50-minute bus ride from campus. The Asian supermarket offers a range of international grocers from all parts of the world, making it a great place to find international ingredients not typically offered in other supermarkets. The prices are relatively affordable, and the variety caters to a diverse group of students.
Meanwhile, T&T Supermarket situated only 11 minutes from campus by car and 35 minutes away by bus is another reasonable option. The market offers a large range of fresh seafood, bakery items and exotic fruits usually not found in other stores. This is another excellent option for international students who are looking to indulge in flavours and foods from home and beyond without falling out of line with their budgets.
While adjusting to a new university and city can be challenging, discovering new favourite spots is a key part of the adventure. Embrace the journey of exploring your new surroundings and make the most of your time at UTM.
Illustration credit: Buket S. Baykal
The RGASC:
A safe space for students seeking academic
help
Writing Studio, Caribbean Black Writing Collective and Facilitated Study Groups are among many programs offered by the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre that provide support and academic aid for students.
Michaela Dimtirov Contributor
The Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (RGASC) at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is a great place for students to visit. It serves as a great tool for those navigating challenging assignments or seeking support when a professor is unavailable.
The centre helps students with various academic needs regardless of their major. It hosts programs and offers appointments as well as drop-in events to help students enhance their learning and grammar skills among much more. Jordana Garbati, the director of the RGASC, says, “[The RGASC] supports the development of academic skills for student success and the development of instructors’ pedagogical prac-
Students are able to drop by or book an appointment online via their website. In-person appointments are held on the campus’s Maanjiwe nendamowinan (MN) building on the third level.
Some programs at UTM recommend and offer booking appointments in certain classes to help with an upcoming assignment. CCT109 (Contemporary Communication Technologies) and CCT110 (Rhetoric and Media) are two examples. These courses typically reserve time slots with the centre for students in the class to come in and ask questions without having to book an appointment themselves.
The one-on-one appointments are popular within the centre among students and offer help with three specific fields: writing, numeracy, and study skills. Writing appointments offer help with essays, written assignments, and grammar. Numeracy ap pointments help students with precalculus, descriptive statistics, logic, and the applica tion of mathematical approaches. Mean while, study skills appointments provide help when it comes to understanding lectures, learning how to take notes, and learning ways to make the most out of class time.
The RGASC also offers asynchronous an eTutoring program for English as well as sev
Writing Studio offers drop-in sessions from September 16 to December 6 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. During the session, there will be writing instructors who will be offering help to those dropping in while working on their own writing.
Caribbean Black Writing Collective is held on September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4 and November 18 on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and offers a space for students looking to work on their writing. During these sessions, faculty members who have expertise in numeracy and writing instruction will be available for questions and concerns.
Program for Accessing Research Training is an online program for students interested in research and offers up to three CCR (co-curricular record) notations on their transcript.
The
English Language Learner Resources is a collection of online resources that provide students with support with things like punctuation and grammar.
Facilitated Study Groups are study sessionsrun by volunteer senior students who have previously succeeded in a course. These students do not teach content or provide answers but offer support in answering questions and helping others become better learners in a particular course.
Professional English Learning Skills is an online program that offers eight modules over eight weeks asynchronously to help students looking to improve their English language and academic skills, though all students are welcome. The program not only improves reading and listening comprehension for those seeking to learn but also helps develop confidence and comprehension in written and spoken English.
These programs are great for students as they offer various forms of help. Many students shared their positive experiences and success stories utilizing these resources.
One third-year criminology major said when asked by The Medium, “Whenever I have an assignment, like an essay, I always check it out. [The centre] helps so much every time. It brings me so much relief as well [and] really helps with my mental health.”
Another third-year CCIT (Communication, Culture, Information and Technology) major said, “I use [the RGASC] for big essays because I know they can tell me what to improve when I can’t see it for myself.”
Location on the third level in MN in room 3251, the RGASC is available for all students and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
The centre can be contacted via email at academicskills.utm@utoronto.ca or phone at (905) 828-3858. Visit their website at www.utm.utoronto.ca/rgasc/ for more information.
centre helps students with various academic needs regardless of their major. It hosts programs and offers appointments as well as dropin events to help students enhance their learning and grammar skills among much more.
Photo credit: Sara Li
09 Arts
Editor | Keira Johannson arts@themedium.ca
On Task Studio: A soft place to land for Toronto artists
Why this local creative believes it’s okay to not have it all figured out.
Keira Johannson Arts & Entertainment Editor
“I’m constantly still figuring out who I am,” says Alexandra Howell of On Task Behaviour. We’re sitting in the studio on Atlantic Avenue with Howell’s two dogs, Charlotte and Georgie, on each of our laps. Vendors for On Task’s weekly summer market scatter the studio, accompanied by various painted artwork, ceramic figurines, and crotchet objects on display.
Howell, a self-proclaimed neurodivergent, is the owner of On Task Studio, a non-profit community hub that welcomes all art lovers with open arms. At its forefront, it is a safe space for any creative who has ever felt like they didn’t belong. While the initial vision for On Task began when Howell was just fifteen years old running her own art magazine, it didn’t come to fruition until years later.
“It all starts with an idea,” Howell recalls. “I remember imagining a space just like this but never thinking it would ever be possible.”
By 2019, Howell was living in Los Angeles, a city known for its plethora of creatives and misfits. While walking along Hollywood Boulevard, Howell stumbled upon a vacant shop. Just like that, the possibility of a community art space arrived at her fingertips. After meeting the owner and striking up a deal, the empty studio became the perfect opportunity for Howell’s vision to come to life: a shared space where creatives of all different mediums could create collaboratively.
“I had spent the last eight years or so in comedy and my husband is a filmmaker, and so all of our social circles were based around these creative fields,” says Howell. “And everyone needs a venue, whether it’s a place to film or a stage to perform on, and I saw this empty space as a great opportunity for that.”
After a global lockdown in 2020 and a move from L.A. to Toronto, a new phase of On Task was born. Now located in Liberty Village, the studio is a go-to spot for art markets, creative workshops, and even open mic nights. When asked about the move, Howell emphasized the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone–whether that be experimenting with a new art style, starting a company, or moving to a new city.
“It allows you to find a version of yourself that you might not have access to when you’re in the place where people have an understanding of who you are,” says Howell,
reflecting on living in a new city. “I would really lean into the experience of ‘throwing spaghetti on the wall and seeing what sticks’, you know: figure out what you want to do, who you want to do it with, and don’t feel like you have to rush to find all those answers.”
We students often want to be perceived as adults. With that comes the added pressure of figuring out who we are and what we want to do with our lives. However, we must remember that our time is sacred. Now is the time to experiment and try new things and understand that it’s okay to not have it all figured out.
“Your job as a student is to learn and to figure out what you want to do with your life,” says Howell. “Lean into that as much as possible because there are precious few other times in life where you get to do that.”
That said, if you’re looking for a safe space where you can create, experiment, and maybe just find that new purpose you’re searching for, On Task Studio is the place to be.
You can visit On Task Studio at 15 Atlantic Avenue in Toronto.
The end of an iconic era: From “brat summer” to “demure” fall
Transitioning from an exciting summer to a mindful fall semester.
Tony Zhou Contributor
The end of summer is a time for us to reflect on all our experiences, good and bad, over the past few months. Whether you were taking summer classes, going on vacation, visiting family, relaxing, or a mix of all these things, I’m sure you’ve interacted with social media in some way. And, if you’ve been following recent trends in pop culture, you are definitely familiar with the terms “brat summer” and “demure”.
Brat summer describes an aesthetic and a certain way of being. It encompasses being slightly “extra”, a bit
louder, and genuinely unapologetic for being yourself. The inspiration comes from Charli XCX’s most recent album, brat. Brat summer is a combination of nostalgia, confidence, and inventiveness. It encourages you to be sassy and break away from style norms. Charli’s song “360” has grown to become the anthem for this summer with bold lyrics such as “looking like an icon”. Brat summer embraces the “serving vibe” with fascinating outfits and having fun without caring about anything.
In contrast, the term “demure” was born on August 2, 2024 when content creator, Jools
Lebron, posted a video about how to be demure at work. The TikTok quickly went viral overnight with many people instantly jumping on the trend, including NASA. This term means being mindful, calm, reserved, and modest, which is the very opposite of having a brat summer. Being demure allows us to re-center ourselves and focus, which is especially important as we begin the fall term.
I personally began my summer this year going out with friends quite often and just living life, but that vibe quickly died down as I started working again and taking classes.
That said, a highlight of my “brat summer” was definitely seeing a performing-arts show after a night out with friends I had just met during a conference in Ottawa—such a core memory! Now, I’m preparing for the fall by reminding myself how to study effectively and develop proper time management skills to balance the many responsibilities I have taken on.
As summer ends, we should not forget how important it is to always be the most authentic version of ourselves, regardless of the time of year. However, transitioning to a demure fall is important to ensure the best success in the year ahead. Some strategies for this include making sure you attend lectures, being mindful of deadlines, staying on top of assignments, and developing your unique study toolkit. Here’s to having a demure fall, so we can enjoy another amazing brat summer next year!
Photo credit: Keira Johannson
Reflecting on Rosalía’s El Mal Querer
The power of Flamenco and story-telling in music.
Lina Tupak-Karim Contributor
In 2018, flamenco-trained artist, Rosalía, released her conceptual album El Mal Querer. The album is structured as a narrative that mirrors the storyline from the medieval The Romance of Flamenca. It weaves traditional flamenco—originating in Andalusia, Spain, and fusing Andalusian, Arab, gitano, and Sephardic elements—with urban tunes and reggaeton.
In his preface to Flamenco: Passion, Politics and Popular Culture, anthropologist William Washabaugh writes, “[Flamenco] performances are tell-tale signs of social processes, processes central both to Spanish social life and to modern life wherever it is lived.” Washabaugh explains that flamenco is made in the present, and that, though a lyric or melody might be passed down, it naturally experiences transformation.
The narrative
El Mal Querer follows the suffering of a woman at the hands of a male partner and concludes with her self-reclamation. The music video for the first song, “Malamente”, is littered with premonitory imagery—a Nazarene rides a skateboard
with nails, for instance—and its second title (“Cap.1: Augurio”) alludes to bad omens. From the first track onwards, the album descends into a relationship coloured with control and jealousy.
Rosalía evokes alluring artistic references in her music videos—like posing in a manner that mimics the muse in Francisco de Goya’s La Maja Vestida in “Di Mi Nombre”—to modernize a historically persistent problem: male violence against women. Especially within the context of Spain’s global-femicide epidemic, El Mal Querer is a dynamic example of flamenco “made in the present.”
A fundamental problem with attempts to reclaim oppressive devices, like slurs or stereotypes, is that they involve engaging in the oppressive instrument without actually minimizing its harm. As a result, such “reclamation” absorbs the instru-
ments into wider culture while maintaining their social harms. But when Rosalía reclaims the violent narrative by narrating from the perspective of both the woman and the man, she illuminates neglected perspectives.
For example, in “Que No Salga La Luna (Cap.2: Boda),” Rosalía sings from the perspective of a man about to wed a beautiful but unwilling woman. She recounts the darkness of the ensuing relationship through lyrics like, “If there is someone who objects, may they not raise their voice.” Here, she sheds light on the conscious nature of male violence.
The metanarrative
Rosalía captures the relevance of the form of flamenco through crafting a brilliant metanarrative. The imagery in “Baghdad (Cap.7: Liturgia)” could refer either to a woman in distress praying, or a flamencist engaging in the classical style of hand clapping: “She joins the palms of her hands and separates them.” The result captures the nature of the relationship and the nature of the customs of flamenco.
In maintaining the artistic and poetic integrity of flamenco while experimenting with fresh sounds, Rosalía weaves a web of contexts that both honours traditional flamenco and challenges the conventions. In doing so, she also challenges the conventions of the story she tells, fulfilling Washabaugh’s understanding of art as endlessly shifting reflections of culture.
Disney live-action remakes: Who even wanted this?
Exploring
Eraj Zaidi Contributor
Ohow fan-hate fails to incentivise Disney to stop remaking their beloved classics.
n August 10, 2024, Walt Disney Studios uploaded the trailer for Snow White (2025). The film is a live action musical remake of the original Snow White from 1937 and will come to theaters on March 21, 2025. The trailer revived a question I wondered as early as October 2023, when Disney first unveiled pictures of Rachel Zegler dressed as Snow White: who wanted this?
As a seven-year-old, I gawked at the As a seven-year-old, I gawked at the fantastical effects in Alice in Wonderland (2010) in theaters with my mom. At 11, I avidly watched the Maleficent (2014) trailer with my classmates, huddled over a school monitor. I loved Cruella (2023) which was an unexpected, villainous delight sandwiched between its abhorrent siblings, Mulan (2020) and Pinocchio (2022). Now, I avoid Disney’s newest sequels.
Like most, I’m underwhelmed by the carboncopy screenplays emulating self-plagiarism, and the CGI rendering of the entirety of The Lion King, Pinocchio, and Snow White’s seven dwarves. Unsurprisingly, Snow White’s trailer is the most downvoted trailer in Disney history and the comment section is riddled with viewers’ abysmal expectations.
Unfortunately, hate is Disney’s new business model. In three weeks, Snow White’s trailer gained over 54,000 comments and 8 million views. Some viewers find hate-engagement a bonding experience: @jamesshepard9398
says, “I came here purely because I saw on Facebook that this video has over a million downvotes and I REALLY wanted to be a part of that community,” while @ justcallmemoses proposes, “Let’s make it ‘Snow White and the 7 Million dislikes.’”
I wonder if me writing this article is another coin lining Disney’s pockets, and maybe you’re like me and a 30-minute hate-watch inspired video essay with dinner is also how you enjoy your Friday nights. In our efforts to be heard, Disney adopted a new motto: any publicity is good publicity.
But all hope is not lost. Cruella stunned me with its humanized character arc that even film critics found refreshing. “It’s a welcomed change from the recent corporateproductional feel of the most recent crop of Disney films like Call of the Wild and Mulan,” writes film critic Joshua Polanski. Could Cruella inspire
live action sequels to construe new meaning into existing characters and worlds? Perhaps there’s still hope with the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) which follows in Cruella and Maleficent’s footsteps in evolving an iconic character’s humble origins.
Is Disney adopting a new style of storytelling, or are we heading into an endless era of CGI remakes? Only time and YouTube downvotes will tell.
In the meantime, here are some upcoming Disney live-action remakes coming to a nearby screen soon:
Mufasa: The Lion King (Barry Jenkins) December 20, 2024
Snow White (Marc Webb) March 21, 2025
Moana (Thomas Kail) June 27, 2025
Lilo & Stitch (Dean Fleischer Camp) Summer 2025
Ilustration credit: Ramiya Sureshhkumar
Photo credit: Sara Li
11 sports & health
TRI - CAMPUS
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
INDOOR SPORTS
Wednesday,September 18th
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
8:15 PM - 9:45 PM
Gym A/B
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
TRI - CAMPUS
TRI - CAMPUS
OUTDOOR SPORTS
INDOOR SPORTS
Gym A/B WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Tuesday,September 3rd
Wednesday,September 18th
Thursday, September 19th
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
8:15 PM - 9:45 PM
Dive into fun at the UTM Pool!
Gym C
Thursday, September 19th
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Regardless of your swimming level, there’s something for everyone at the UTM Pool.
Karolina Podobnik Contributor
PMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
MEN'S BASKETBALL
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
8:15 PM - 9:45 PM
Gym A/B
Drop-In Recreation
Friday, September 20th
ublic pools don’t always have the best reputation, and quite honestly, it’s deserved. In my five years of lifeguarding, I’ve seen it all: loosely screwedin waterslides that sway as someone slides down, over-chlorinated water leaving neon yellow clumps behind ears, and yes, I’ve even seen… that
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Feeling adventurous? Try our Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) sessions if you’re searching for a challenging and fun way to test your balance! Side note from a UTM lifeguard: This might be the easiest way to get us in the pool too!
8:15 PM - 9:45 PM
Gym A/B
Coming this Fall: Water Volleyball Intramurals
Saturday, September 14th
But after working here two years, I can confidently say the UTM Pool would pass even the harshest critics’ review.
WOMEN'S HOCKEY
3:30 PM - 4:50 PM
At our pool, you don’t have to worry about super-congested swimming lanes that make Mississauga Road look like a backcountry side street. Our pool really is a perfect aquatic playground, ideal for experienced swimmers wanting to train, total beginners still learning the difference between front stroke and back stroke, or anybody else looking to float around.
Canlan Sports
What’s better than volleyball on a court? Volleyball in the water. Try out our brand-new intramural program: Water Volleyball! Enter the game and prepare to have a great time. It’s similar to volleyball, but with 100% more splash and fun. It’s an amazing way to make new friends, or try something totally different with your companions. Refer to the UTM intramurals webpage for updates and registrations regarding Water Volleyball intramurals.
The Hot Tub
Saturday, September 14th
5:00 PM - 6:20 PM
6:30PM-8:20PM
If you’re still nervous to dip your toes in our pool, please allow me to tell you a little more about our programs.
MEN'S HOCKEY
Canlan Sports
Learn to Swim Programs
Have you ever felt like a fish out of water while swimming? Don’t be alarmed! We can rescue you with our Learn to Swim program. For those who are interested in learning how to swim, our staff provides free lessons. Whether it’s your first time swimming or simply need a refresher, our on-site instructors will have you swimming like Michael Phelps! To support the different communities at UTM and enhance inclusivity at the pool, we deliver specialized programs like BIPOC Learn to Swim, Indigenous Learn to Swim, and 2SLGBTQ+ Solidarity Swims to make sure that everyone is involved and feels welcome.
INDOO CRICKET
If I haven’t convinced you already on our pool amenities, now you can kick back and relax at UTM’s very own hot tub! Located right outside the changerooms, enjoy some warm and relaxing waters where you can take your mind off the challenges of the semester. No registration required, and it includes an accessibility lift for mobility impairment.
Saturday, September 21st
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
So, take a dive into the water this fall. Whether you’re here to relax, learn, or make a splash with friends, the UTM pool has it all! You can find even more about our recreational offerings on our website, such as our stroke development classes, fun swims, and more! Contact rawcwelcome@utoronto.ca for questions about the recreational swim opportunities at UTM
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Gym A/B
Introducing the newest coach for UTM men’s soccer: Kevin Iyamabo
The former UTM star will be assistant coaching alongside head coach, Szabolcs-Zoltán Bozsoky.
Joseph Falzata Sports and Health Editor
In January 2022, Kevin Iyamabo made his University of Toronto Mississauga men’s soccer debut in a 1-1 draw against Scarborough. He’d play an integral role for the Eagles that season, helping them to their first finals appearance since the pandemic cancelled all Tri-Campus sports programs.
Unfortunately, Iyamabo and the Eagles were never able to replicate the same successes, crashing out in the semi-finals in four consecutive indoor and outdoor soccer seasons.
Now graduated, Iyamabo has returned to UTM men’s soccer, but this time he’ll be using his talents off the pitch.
“Firstly, we have a great head coach in Szabi Bozosky,” said Todd Erskine, Supervisor for Sports Programs at UTM. “In working with Szabi, we felt that Kevin would be a great fit to join the team as an assistant coach. When possible, we appreciate the opportunity to hire a former UTM athlete to transition into coaching.”
“Kevin’s playing background, professionalism, and familiarity with the team made it a great fit for us,” Erskine concluded.
Coach Iyamabo also believes that he’s the right man for the job and is confident he has what it takes to lead UTM to their first post-pandemic championship.
“I expect this team to challenge for the championship, if not win it,” said Iyamabo. “We have a fantastic group of returning players with a lot more experience under their belt and now feels like the time to finally get over the hump and win it all.”
There may, however, be some doubt as to Iyamabo’s ability to remain impartial and push relationships aside, given his history playing alongside many of the returning players.
“I expect that we’ll be mature about it and we’ll be able to separate our coach-to-player relationship from our friendto-friend relationship,” stated Iyamabo, shutting down the rumors. “As a former student athlete, I learned that having open communication is super important. For Coach Szabi and myself, we must be honest and forward with what we expect of our guys on the field while still making ourselves as approachable as possible off it.”
“I expect that we’ll be mature about it and we’ll be able to separate our coach-to-player relationship from our friendto-friend relationship,” stated Iyamabo, shutting down the rumors.”
Iyamabo did also acknowledge one of the biggest battles teams often face – filling the shoes of graduating students. “There’s some huge holes in the squad, for sure,” stated Iyamabo. “A few key players have graduated, including myself and Lucas Liu, our starting goalkeeper over the last three years, and not to mention a leader and former MVP, Joseph Falzata. Those guys are tough to replace, but I’m confident our squad still has the quality and depth to win this league.”
UTM men’s soccer plays their first game against St. George Red on Sunday, September 15th at 2:00 p.m. at UTM’s South Field. Though the team has struggled to pull in supporters over recent years, Iyamabo urges fellow students to support their campus athletes.
“People might not understand how far a little support and cheering can go in boosting a team’s morale. I’m hoping to see full stands at our home games this season, and in return, trust me, we’ll put on a show for you.”
