February '26 Chronicle

The Chronicle

Dania & Cooper

Burman University’s Student-led Newspaper

EDITOR’S LETTER

Hello, dear readers, and happy February and Black History Month!

This editor’s letter will be a little bit different, as I would like to address a concern raised by several readers about the nature of Ms. Take.

These concerns appear to stem from a recent email I sent inviting students to submit questions. The tone of that email was intended to be lighthearted and humorous in order to encourage participation; however, the language used, particularly the word “gossip,” was a poor choice and did not accurately reflect the purpose or content of the column. I apologize for the way this was phrased and for any confusion or discomfort it may have caused.

It is important to clarify that Ms. Take has never functioned as a gossip column in practice. A review of past issues shows that it has consistently been an advice column, centred on students seeking guidance, perspective, and support. It has never published gossip, and it will not do so in the future.

As editor, part of my responsibility is to navigate a wide range of feedback, often from readers with very different expectations. While some have expressed a desire for more dramatic content, others are rightly concerned about maintaining a standard of speech and conduct that aligns with the Christian values of our campus. Moving forward, Ms. Take will remain clearly framed and upheld as an advice column, not a platform for gossip.

Finally, I would like to remind readers that The Chronicle is a student-led publication, written and edited by your peers, but every issue is reviewed by a team, including staff members, prior to publication.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or contributions, you are welcome to contact me at emmamowat@burmanu.ca or Melody Ilacas, the sponsor of The Chronicle, at melodyilacas@burmanu.ca.

P.S... I’ve hidden a little cherub in various spots of this month’s issue. The first person to find all of them and email me the correct count will win a gift card!

EMMA MOWAT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

February Playlist

All are songs from Black artists :)

Streetcar - Daniel Caesar

You - Coco Jones

Endow Me - Rev. James Moore

How Do I Breathe - Mario

Someday - Elmiene

I Say a Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin

Cheek To Cheek - Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong

Chicago - Michael Jackson

I Got It - Ogi

squabble up - Kendrick Lamar

So Easy (To Fall In Love) - Olivia Dean

Stand Up (From Harriet) - Cynthia Erivo

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell

Sugar On My Tongue - Tyler, The Creator

I Hate U - SZA

White Ferrari - Frank Ocean

I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder

Doo Wop (That Thing) - Ms. Lauryn Hill

Halo - Beyonce

Violent Crimes - Kanye West

Love - Keyshia Cole

Tezeta (Nostalgia) - Mulatu Astatke

Omo Ope (feat. Olamide) - Asake, Olamide

Jerusalema (feat. Burna Boy & Nomcebo Zikode) - Master KG, Nomcebo Zikode, Burna Boy

ModernBanquetBridgerton

Written by Emma Mowat

On the evening of January 31, Burman students gathered at the Lacombe Memorial Centre for an evening of delicious food, dancing, and friends. I must commend everyone for their outfits; it was such a treat to look around the room and see everyone’s gorgeous Regency-era frock. The vast majority of us were on theme, which tickled me greatly. Dressing up and seeing everyone else gussied up is my favourite part of banquet each year. Most of the time, we (speaking for myself here) drag ourselves around campus with whatever clean-ish clothes we found on the floor that morning. But during banquet, you can really appreciate just how good-looking Burman students truly are (in my humble opinion).

The buffet this year was fantastic, with roast beef and salmon (scandalous!) among many other delicious options. For dessert, there was a mysteriously bright blue chocolate fountain, which my friends and I affectionately referred to as “gloop”, among fresh fruit and other tasty treats. The highlights of the night for me were the photo booth and regency-era dancing lessons led by Naomi. Overall, I think this year’s banquet was particularly great, with an awesome theme, food, and activities. Big shoutout to the BUSA team for bringing us another great event!

Would You Rather...

your partner detests you but your kids love and adore you

have a lot of great lasting friendships but never find a romantic partner

love your partner more

be ugly and funny

only speak in Kanye lyrics

be Dr. Samraj

be the penguin

cheat on your partner with Lebron James

be honest and transparent, but at the cost of hurting a friend only listen to FE!N

or or or or or or

your partner loves and adores you, but your kids detest you?

find the love of your life at the cost of all your friendships?

your partner loves you more?

good-looking and stupid?

have the speaking ability of sleepy Joe?

Dr. Pekka for a day?

the lion?

Cristiano Ronaldo?

or or or or

lie and be fake, but you avoid hurting your friend?

Nacho Libre’s “I am I am” ft. Nacho Libre from the 2006 movie “Nacho Libre” for the rest of your life?

Written by Prince Caro

Ms. Take Advice with

Ms Take:

Hello again, dear friends, your requests for advice this time round are quite intriguing, and I am at a loss for words at how many of you are plagued with such perilous questions.

Thou Art Never Alone <3

Dear Ms. Take,

I do not have friends anymore. A big change happened in my life and while I tried to reach out, I can tell that lots felt they didn’t know what to say to me after what I went through. Some of them tried to use me for it, others felt I was too sad to look at. It was something they couldn’t imagine, and our once fun conversations with silly inside jokes turned vague, as I became some kind of anomaly. It is hard to make friends now, because of that and because a lot of social events are barred for me due to private reasons. I know there is a growing gap between people my age, (loneliest generation, maybe idk lol) and that isn’t helped by the fact that what I went through is the kind of thing people can only say ‘I’m so sorry’ to, and stare in an awkward and pitiful way. I’ve seen it happen so much I stopped

counting, and stopped saying it. But sometimes it feels like its wrong to hide what happened, since its a significant part of my life. But admitting it out loud in a situation that befits it makes everyone uncomfortable. I have tried talking to similar situations of people but surprisingly to me, no matter how many I went to or how many other opinions i got, we were all differently experiencing it. Someday I hope I can make lots of friends that are genuine. I just needed that off my chest.

Sincerely, Churro the Alien

Ms. Take:

My Darling “Alien,”

May I first commend you for the courage it takes to speak with such honest candour? Voices like yours are not easily heard. I took the liberty of sharing your words (I trust you will forgive me) as a quiet beacon of encouragement for the many students who turn these pages, so they can recognize themselves in your experience.

Your circumstance is, in truth, an inspiration. So many know it well, though few dare name it. Friends, as we all learn in time, drift in and out of our lives as we change and grow, and this, my dear, is not a failing, but a natural rhythm of becom-

ing. With growth comes new souls, unexpected and wonderful, who will stand beside us when the road turns difficult. Yet there will always be seasons when one must walk alone. These solitary chapters are not punishments, but preparations for the necessary moments in which we learn who we are before sharing ourselves again. I am most grateful that this space offered you the safety to unburden your heart. Know that you are seen, understood, and far less alone than you may feel.

Foolish Conspirators

Dear Ms. Take,

Are the newspaper writers even real people? I am sensing a conspiracy, a stratagem, a deception! What agenda is being shoved down our throats! Can I trust what I am reading?!

Sincerely, Dr. Conspiracy Theorist

Ms. Take:

Dr CT, please unburden your conspiracies elsewhere. I can assure you that we are real, we are watching, and we are always ready to report what we see.

A Saggy Saga

Dear Ms. Take,

What are we gonna do about the sagging pants epidemic happening to the men at this school? Perhaps sponsoring some belts?

Sincerely, Concerned Cactus

Ms. Take:

Well, well… It appears the matter has finally surfaced, my prickly friend. How I wish this were a dilemma that could be resolved with immediacy. Alas, fashion trends, much like unfortunate romances, must be endured until they pass of their own accord. Still, I confess it pains the eyes to witness four layers of clashing colours boldly parading across our campus with such confidence. Might we intervene in the name of public decency? Perhaps the distribution of suspenders is in order, or, better yet, a most noble suspenders-and-belts fundraising affair. If one must suffer through such fashion-forward experimentation, one may as well do so for a charitable cause. Until then, dear reader, avert your gaze where possible and pray this trend fades as swiftly as it arrived.

Hold Thy Tongue

Dear Ms. Take,

How do I tell a girl how I feel about her without disrespecting her current relationship?

Sincerely, Big Tuna

Ms. Take:

Dearest Tuna,

Let us be sensible. In matters of the heart, RESPECT must always lead the dance. One may be honest, even brave, without ever being unkind or

intrusive. Should you feel compelled to confess your sentiments, do so with clarity, courtesy, and an unwavering regard for her boundaries. Such declarations are not for public display; they require privacy, the proper moment, and a setting free of pressure. A simple admission will suffice: “I have developed feelings for you and wished to be honest, though I respect your relationship,” or “I know you are with another, yet I felt it right to speak plainly.” Make it unmistakably clear that she owes you neither an answer nor an explanation in that moment. Once spoken, gird up your loins for every possible outcome. She may not return your affection, and if that is so, accept her decision with grace and retreat with dignity intact. If you truly care for her, then her happiness must come before your own desires, even should that happiness exclude you entirely. And finally, dear reader, examine your motive. Is this confession meant to ease your own restless heart, or do you truly sense something unspoken between you? Honesty with others is admirable; honesty with oneself is essential.

Unsubstantiated Accusations!

Dear Ms. Take, I believe Burman campus is swarming with performative individuals who only care about their little outfits and aura. What’s your take on this Ms. Take?

Sincerely,

Mr. Non-Conformist

Ms. Take:

Dear Non-Conformist:

I am inclined to agree to disagree, for this behaviour you describe hardly represents the majority of our campus. It is, in truth, the conduct

of a select few. There exist many individuals here whose intentions are genuine and whose actions are guided by sincerity rather than spectacle. With that said, it is a well-documented phenomenon that once a person vexes us, they appear everywhere at once in hallways, classrooms, and entirely uninvited moments of the day. An impressive talent, if nothing else. Still, I suspect most people, regardless of their chosen style or cultivated “aura,” are far too preoccupied with their own lives to concern themselves with anyone else’s. And perhaps (offered in the kindest possible spirit) it may be wiser to tend to one’s own life and cease scrutinizing the energies of others. Peace, after all, is rarely found in observation; it flourishes in attention turned inward.

DiCaprio Indeed, Darling

Dear Ms. Take, I am an older student, and I am in need of some romance advice. Having been here for quite a while, I’ve seen a lot of romantic prospects come and go. Right now, I find myself longing for a particular lady who could be controversial if pursued... Now I’d like to say that I’m not too bad myself, probably give myself a calm 8/10... but this one girl... man, she has to be a 10/10, and that’s objectively. So I do realize that I am fighting above my weight class over here, but there is another issue that’s probably a little more important... Now I’m just gonna rip off the bandaid - She’s 18 while I’m 22. My question for you, Ms. Take, is the following: is 18 and 22 okay??

Continued on Next Page

I’m really not tryna catch a case here, but this girl is somethin’ special, and I really don’t want to lose this crucial opportunity.

Sincerely, Leonardo DiCaprio

Ms. Take:

My Dear “Leonardo DiCaprio,”

A most fitting moniker, I fear, and no offence intended to the original Mr DiCaprio. Still, my word, you find yourself entangled in quite the predicament. I am inclined to believe that the most compelling romances often arise when a gentleman is slightly or fully outmatched intellectually, emotionally, or otherwise. A four-year age difference alone would hardly raise an eyebrow. And yet… here lies the true concern: she is eighteen, scarcely removed from the halls of secondary school, and only just beginning the long, delicate work of becoming herself. These years are formative, sir, and your presence risks becoming less a romance and more a HINDRANCE. Growth requires space and experience unshadowed by someone further along the road. And while we are speaking plainly, permit me one further observation. Ranking women as one might wine or racehorses through an objectifying lens will earn you nothing but well-deserved disdain. Charm always withers quickly when paired with such an arithmetic. So I must ask (even if you would rather I did not): are you drawn to her mind, or merely to her malleability? If it is the latter, then, my dear fellow, the only suitable pursuit before you is a long and honest conversation with yourself.

Survival Struggles

Dear Ms.Take, Quick question: how does anyone survive at this school?

Between the holier-than-thou, “I’ll pray for you” types who smile like friends but judge like Pharisees behind your back, and the Theology majors who attempt to argue doctrine for hours but desperately need to sort out their own emotional and spiritual baggage, AND the sports teams who are all bark and zero bite (I mean cmon, when was the last time we won at smth?), I’m exhausted. School spirit? How about spiritually tired.

Also—why can’t I exist near a man without the entire campus assuming we’re dating? Coffee? Dating. Studying? Dating. Standing within five feet of each other? Wedding registry loading. I didn’t realize choosing a seat in the library required a strategic PR campaign. It’s giving middle school, not university.

Which brings me to the main issue: this place is somehow worse than high school. Gossip spreads faster than prayer requests, nothing stays private, and everyone knows your business before you’ve even processed it yourself.

So please tell me—is there a survival strategy here? Isolation? Humor? A very convincing resting-in-Christ face?

Asking for myself. And probably half the campus.

Crying brb, Grasping for Grace

Ms. Take:

Dearest Grace Seeker, You pose questions of considerable depth and, I must note, with opinions equally strong, particularly regarding judgmental companions

and theology majors. On such personal encounters, I shall refrain from commentary; one must never presume to live another’s experience. I will, however, address your remark regarding athletics, for it would be remiss not to note that the women’s Futsal team has only just claimed their championship, a triumph well deserved.

That aside, I can personally attest to your observation that this place may, at times, feel worse than secondary school. A small campus has a peculiar habit of magnifying idle tendencies, and it would seem some find greater sport in judging others than tending to their own affairs. In such an environment, discretion becomes survival. Isolation, though unfashionable, is often effective, as is keeping one’s circle impeccably small. And as a fellow woman, I offer this practical counsel: if you wish to avoid romantic rumours, reserve time with men for group settings only. The whisper mill is relentless.

Burman, I have learned, becomes far easier to endure once one stops viewing its inhabitants as ordinary university students and instead recognizes them for what they often are: trauma-bonded souls searching for acceptance in unfamiliar waters. I do wish you well on your journey here, my darling. It may be a long one, but I assure you, it will never be lacking in amusement.

You Know the Answer.

Dear Ms.Take, Should I get back with my ex. Please say yes.

Sincerely, Tralalero Tralala

Ms. Take: No.

Kinky Inquiry

Dear Ms.Take,

This is a genuine question I swear, but in the Christian sense, is nothing off limits after marriage? Like can couples engage in BDSM? Are there biblical sexual limitations between a husband a wife? It just seems so strange for all things regarding sex to be “off limits” until marriage and then suddenly it is a free for all. #nokinkshaming? Sincerely, Serious Inquirer

NOTE: Ms. Take decided to outsource an answer to a much more qualified individual for this question.

Chap C:

You’re spot on! There is no shortage of counsel and rebuke against engaging in sexual intimacy outside the sanctity of marriage within the Christian community, but there is seldom conversation and guidance on how to proceed after a couple says “I do”.

I wish to bring into focus a few passages from the Apostle Paul’s letters to the Corinthian Church. Corinth was a formidable city and a major cultural center of the Greek and later Roman empire. It was known for its intellectual, artistic and materialistic culture and also its rampant immorality in juxtaposition to Jewish-Christian values. It’s interesting to note that much of the counsel on sexuality in the scriptures is found in Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth. It’s only normal that the Church is often affected by the contextual issues in which it resides.

Allow me to highlight a few principles on this subject, informed by the scriptures. The first is that sexual intimacy is a beautiful gift given to humans that should be guided by mutual consent and submission. We can gather from this that a couple should engage in honest and open conversation on what safe and fulfilling sex will look like for them both- Paul alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 7:4-5. For us who confess to be followers of Christ, we are called to higher standards than what may be acceptable and even customary in our culture.

I will also admit that the Bible does not give specific details or instructions on the mechanics (if I may use that word) of sexual intimacy, but it does give us principles about how we govern our bodies. I will highlight two principles: self-respect and self-control. Self-respect could be understood as a thoughtful consideration for whom, where, why, when, what and how we submit our bodies to, with the knowledge that our body is the “temple of God”. The other principle of self-control is one of the “fruits of the spirit” highlighted in the book of Galatians, chapter 5:1922. It implores us to be decent and dignified in our conduct, even under the sheets.

In Hebrews 13:4, the Bible honours marriage and encourages couples to let their “marriage bed” be “undefiled”, is the word some English translations employ. For further clarity, that word means to be free from anything which would deform, debase or impair. I want to invite you to take a closer look at those passages of scripture, and to also research the context to which they were directed- you will find so much is said, without it being said.

Needless to say, what a couple does within the privacy of their own bedroom is their own business and should be free from intrusion, but God sees all.

Check your Burman email for the google form to anonymously submit your request for advice from Ms. Take!

Friends to Lovers

Written by Briana Perrone

You feel that familiar pit in your stomach. Or is it butterflies? Whatever it is, you feel slightly sick.

One of your best friends is stammering out a love confession.

“What was that?” you ask, crossing your fingers that you misheard.

“I like you.”

Is it Possible?

ity and platonic attraction can be mistaken for sexual tension; ensure your head is clear to tell the difference.

Do you pursue this fated love or decline their intentions? Either way, your friendship will never be the same. One of the most common romance tropes in media, does friends-to-lovers work in real life? There are certain aspects that must be taken into consideration:

It’s one of the most common tropes in media, but can it be done in real life? Or rather, should it?

2. How will it impact your friend group? Will it be weird if you break up? Having your friends take sides could get messy.

times your gut feeling is smarter than you know. If dating a friend causes such agony and distress that you are pacing your kitchen at 4 AM, anxiously nibbling on some cheddar cheese, haunted by your decisions… it might not be the right move. Of course, whether you decide to date or not still makes things awkward. If you say no, hopefully your friendship is mature enough to take the blow; otherwise, it could possibly be the end of your connection. And if you say yes, well, honestly, if it works out, it could be the best thing to ever happen. Friendship is the most solid foundation for a strong relationship.

1. Do you actually like them romantically? Sometimes, proxim-

3. Does it feel like a natural progression to the friendship? Some-

My final advice? Do what feels right, and know that it’s okay to make mistakes!

11 Pickup Lines to

help you on your rizz journey

Written by Thirsa Ward

1. They say Burman is small, but my feelings for you are not.

2. Are you my GPA? Because I can’t stop stressing about you.

3. You must be a group project... ‘cause I’m already doing all the work.

4. You must be extra credit; I didn’t know I needed you, but now I really do.

5. Are you campus Wi-Fi? Because I feel a strong connection (even if it’s a little unstable.)

6. Are you a Business major? Because you’ve got my full investment.

7. Are you in Theology? Because you feel like an answer to prayer.

8. Everyone knows everyone at Burman, so how do I not know you yet?

9. Are you an Alberta winter? Because you just took my breath away.

10. Are you a deadline? Because my heart races when you’re near.

11. You’re more tempting than my phone during finals week.

Q: What is your name?

A: My name is Maria Guzman.

Q: What is your major?

A: Elementary education.

Q: What school did you transfer from?

A: I transferred from NorQuest College in Edmonton.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I live in Edmonton, my mom is from Trinidad, and my dad is from Honduras.

Student Spotlight maria guzman

Meet Maria! She’s a future Elementary teacher, a volleyball prodigy, and Skai Jackson’s doppelgänger.

If you see her around campus, make sure you say “Hi!”

Q: Why did you choose Burman?

A: I think for the atmosphere, like you don’t get that at a lot of schools, such as a tight-knit community. Even if it can sometimes be annoying, I’d rather have that tight-knit group than go to a big school where you don’t know a lot of people.

Q: Is there a hobby or interest you’ve picked up recently?

A: I would say I’ve kind of always had this as a hobby, but singing. It’s been a big part of my life, and I’ve been getting into it a lot more recently and have been recording music with my best friend and sister.

Q: Is there a quote or saying that inspires you?

A: One that I try to live by is “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be”.

Q: Describe what a perfect day looks like for you.

A: Getting all my classes done at the beginning of the day, taking a nap, and getting to be with family and my best friend for the rest of the day.

Q: If you could visit anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

A: I would go to Italy. I’ve always had a big infatuation with Italy since I was young, and I think I would go there. But a devastating fun fact is that my sister is going with my mom, grandma and aunt, but I am not going. They literally took everyone but me.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you that people might be surprised to learn?

A: I am the oldest in my family, but I have a lot of “older brothers”; they’re chosen family, but I count them as my brothers, 5-6 of them.

Q: Some students have said you look like Zuri from Jessie. What are your thoughts on that?

A: Oh my gosh. Everybody has been telling me that since I was young, I mean, I am flattered. I’ve loved Jessie since I was young, so it’s kind of funny.

Q: If you were stuck on an island, who are the two people you would bring to survive?

A: If we’re talking in terms of surviving, my friend Akira and my dad.

If we’re talking about fun, I’d take my sister and my best friend, but they’re pretty directionally challenged, so I don’t think we could trust their skills.

Q: Are you hoping to find love at Burman?

A: Uhh, let’s go with if it comes, it comes.

Q: Do you play sports?

A: Yeah, I play volleyball, and I’ve been playing since I could walk. I started out with soccer until I was 13, then started playing volleyball seriously when I was 14. I did quite a few sports like tennis, but it was weirdly expensive. I played soccer, I swam competitively for 5 years, but I quit, which I kind of regret doing, but now I still play volleyball.

Q: What are some songs you’ve been listening to lately?

A: You Stole The Show, by Sienna

Up by Aaron Cole

New Wine by Hillsong Worship

shows that I watch, and I watch them over and over again, but right now it’s “New Girl”.

Q: What’s your honest rating of Burman so far, and why?

A: I would say a solid 9.5. I’ve had a really good experience so far, and I say that because the schools I was at before were less welcoming, and people wouldn’t speak to you if they didn’t know you. But here, people are very inviting, and I get to do things I like, such as play volleyball, sing at WISE, and sing at Burman in general.

Q: If you could flash a big message in the sky for the whole world to read, what would it say?

A: I think it would be a reminder saying that you are loved and not alone. I think a lot of people might struggle with that. There are people who are there for you and people who will be with you when you need it the most, and that’s a good reminder, I think.

Q: What’s your favourite TV show/movie right now?

A: Right now, “New Girl”. I love that show. I have a bunch of comfort

Interviewed by Justin Pandala

10- CASH

Top 10 Worst Gifts

MY PERSONAL OPINION, DON’T FIGHT ME MY DON’T

WRITTEN BY MELISSA ENACHE

This is just the equivalent of giving up. Not in a dramatic, “I give up on life” kind of way. Just...you didn’t know what to get, so you just gave up.

9- A RANDOM STORE CARD

You can tell. It’s still got the price tag on it. Nothing written in it. Maybe just a name at the bottom. At this point, it doesn’t even feel like much.

8- SOCKS

I just don’t get this one. Socks are okay. They’re practical. They’re useful. But they’re not romantic. They’re socks. They go on feet.

7- GAS STATION FLOWERS

It’s just noticeable. The flowers look like they’ve been sitting around for a while, and the timing is off. It feels like you remembered on the way.

6- A CACTUS

I just really hate this one. A cactus is just cold. It’s just low effort. No card, no explanation, just a plant that doesn’t want to be bothered.

5- “FREE HUG” OR “MOVIE

NIGHT” COUPONS

This one always feels weird. Like love is something you can cash in on later. I shouldn’t have to use a coupon like I’m collecting a McDonald’s reward.

4-

SOMETHING THAT WAS MEANT FOR YOUR EX

You feel it almost right away. The connection doesn’t feel right. Then it clicks. And once it does, it’s hard to shake.

3- A GIFT THAT FEELS LIKE A SUGGESTION

If I’d asked for it, sure. If not, opening something that feels less like love and more like a performance review is weird.

2-

THE GIFT THAT NEVER SHOWS UP

This one starts with a promise. “I’ll get it to you later.” Later becomes nothing. The moment passes and that’s about it.

1-

A BREAKUP TEXT

That’s not a gift. That’s just mean. No discussion. Just a text that changes everything.

February 2026

THE BEAT BU

Keeping you in the know on what’s new at BU!

Science Prevails during Class Challenge

Written by Emma Mowat

On Saturday night, January 17, the four divisions of majors (Division of Science, Division of Arts, School of Business, and School of Education) met at the PE centre for an epic annual battle: class challenge. Students are put through various challenges, some physical, some artistic, some mental, to decide who is the superior division. We separated into the four corners of the gym with our comrades, dressed in matching colours (green for Science, white for Art, black for Business, and blue for Education), so we could tell allies from enemies. I dutifully served as the artist of our poster, along with Jannin Rey. We created a masterpiece, but unfortunately, it could not compete with Me-

lissa Enache’s artistry. Alas, we persevered, and during the final challenge, which was creating and performing a chant, it became clear that Science is numero uno. As “matcha, matcha, matcha…” echoed off the walls, everyone knew who had won. Yes, indeed, the Di-

vision of Science claimed the trophy this year, and hopefully, we can continue our reign for the years to come.

Burman is now in partnership with Mitacs

Written by Emma Mowat

Great news for students in-

terested in research: Burman has recently announced it will partner with Mitacs. Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada to grow the Canadian economy and invest in the future workforce. What does this partnership mean for Burman and its students? Access to sweet, sweet money, my friends! Dr. Loren Agrey says this about the partnership:

“Burman University looks forward to collaborating with Mitacs and its community of partners to enhance academic programs on our campus and beyond. This partnership promises great opportunities to benefit our campus.”

Read more at: https://www.burmanu.ca/ news/2026-01-20/burman-university-and-mitacs-partner-drive-innovation-support-talent-research

Black Excellence

with Burman Alum, Pastor Benjamin Amoah

Q: What’s your name? Where are you from?

A: Benjamin Amoah - Ottawa, Ontario, but I’m currently living in Riverside, California.

Q: What year did you graduate from Burman?

A: April 2018.

Q: What brought you to Burman University?

A: I did a year in Ottawa and studied kinesiology, and it felt really aimless. However, a few pastors (Pastor Orlando & Liz Pule and Pastor Lyle Notice) really spoke life into me during Pathfinder International Camporee at Oshkosh, and I decided to take the risk and come to Burman University.

Q: What are you doing now? And what

was your journey to get there?

A: I’m currently the youth pastor at La Sierra University Church, one of the university churches across the country. I’ve been doing this for the past 5 years. I love it, and everything I learned has led me to where I am. My undergrad at Burman, the things I’ve learned from Dr. Boyd, and my time as a chaplain at Fraser Valley Adventist Academy have really solidified my love and passion for working with young people. From these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about intentionality and being present, which has brought me to be the competent pastor I am now and to be at La Sierra.

Q: Did Burman support you as a Black individual?

A: Yeah, absolutely. I was inspired to be active on campus and pursue leadership

because I saw black leaders around me. Whether it was Carey McNorton, Gloria Osei, or Odessa Simon, the list can go on.... There were a lot of Black young people in leadership when I came to campus, which inspired me to continue striving for leadership, and so being in my own skin didn’t feel scary. There was the Burman drum line at the time, and I was able to witness Black students being some of the major contributors to the athletic teams on campus, so as a Black person at Burman, I did not feel out of place. It all made me feel safe and gave me the courage to be part of BUSA, to be an RA, and to become a student dean.

Q: What do you wish people better understood about Black students’ experiences on campus?

A: Lacombe can feel very different from

Interviewed by Martin Santomin

where many Black Canadians are growing up. And so, many key aspects of the home of a Black Canadian or an African-Canadian don’t exist in Lacombe. So I would say that it is such a culture shock not to have some of the things that make you feel at home, that you grew up with, and that are nowhere to be found. You would have to go all the way to Calgary or Edmonton, and that can be really different. You might also see that the past presidents of Burman have all been white as well, and it can sometimes feel scary in that you might feel like you can’t do everything, or there may be resistance from people to do so. However, it’s also a balance, because we’ve had Black VPs and multiple Black leaders, so it’s empowering to be at Burman because you see leadership from people who look like you.

Q: What does Black excellence mean to you as both a pastor and a Burman alum?

A: I want to comment on the term Black excellence. For mainstream pop culture, Black excellence is often portrayed as imitating excellence from another culture. When I say ‘excellence’ in another culture, I mean what is expected. When a Black person earns a degree, we sometimes say it’s black excellence. However, I think it’s so much more than that, because if a white person graduated, no one would say that’s excellence, because that’s what’s expected. I think that Black excellence is actually when a Black person leans into whatever they find passion in, whatever they find themselves in, and do with all their heart. That’s Black excellence. Whether it’s creating, leadership, music, singing, that’s Black excellence; it doesn’t have to look like success in a popular culture; it’s whatever we do that is excellent. And that’s how I see excellence in every culture: Filipino excellence, Korean excellence. It’s not just about graduating, but doing what you love, because when you do that, you carry everyone else who looks like you.

Q: What challenges did you face as a Black student preparing for ministry, and how did you grow through them? A: Mercy, that’s a heavy question. Well, preparing for ministry as a Black religious studies student, I was on the wings of those who came before me. There were so many black pastors from Ontario who went to Burman, and I think my experience wasn’t as challenging as it could have been because there were so many Black leaders whom I could look up to and walk beside in ministry. I would say the most significant challenge I had came when I actually started pastoring. That was the hard part. It was because I wasn’t placed in a Black church, and pastoring in British Columbia was a completely different culture than where I grew up in Ontario. It was difficult because people tried to disassociate my Blackness from me being a pastor, so there were things that I was offended by that some of the adult members of the church were not offended by. They weren’t fired up about the same things, and that was difficult to navigate because I realized people didn’t have the same heart for things I did, and that heart came from my background. Burman prepared me to be a good pastor, but I wasn’t ready for the reality of ministry outside of my community at Burman. It’s a whiplash because Burman surrounded me with people who had walked a similar path as me, with Black pastors coming through the program, and then all of a sudden, you go out and pastor in Aldergrove, British Columbia, which is totally different.

Q: What inspires you to pursue excellence?

A: Something I’ve come to learn, especially now that I’m in America, is that most people get entertained and enjoy things that come straight from Black culture and Black creatives. It can easily be appropriated, which is scary. I myself pour out a lot, but what gets me fired up is that there are thousands of other creatives and leaders out here in America, and they

keep me going, reminding me that I’m not alone in pursuing my expression of greatness.

Q: How does your cultural identity affect the way you preach, lead, and serve?

A: Storytelling and finding the beauty in storytelling. Growing up as a Ghanaian Canadian taught me a lot about living in a community. My respect for elders and belief in younger ones helped me lean into storytelling, and it all comes from my cultural identity. My culture has moulded me into who I am and what I use to pastor today.

Q: What is a message for the future generation?

A: Thousands of people have come before you, who look like you, who carry the same weight on their shoulders, who have the same anxieties, who have wrestled the same fears and who have succeeded tremendously. Let that motivate you to know that you will succeed and that you have so much to give because people have done it before you, for your sake.

Q: For Black Canadians who are undecided on where to go, why should they come to Burman?

A: If you’re a Black Canadian, there is a different identity from being a Black American. It’s similar and different at the same time. There are so many things that are identical purely because of our ethnic heritage and the way we look. However, the experiences, identities, and wrestlings of Black Canadians can vary. In the sense that many of us know where we come from, we know where our grandparents are and live, or we’ve had the opportunity to visit the homeland and see direct relatives, and that’s different from a lot of Black Americans. I say this because there is familiarity that comes from being at Burman, and that’s what will give you the courage to pursue things in a significant way; a common story.

The Gen Z Dating Crisis

Written by Briana Perrone

Situationships, mixed signals, and nonchalant airs, I feel like dating in our generation is more cooked than ever. On social media, I have seen people complaining that they will never find true love. They are fed up with the dating apps. Tired of being ghosted and participating in shallow hook-ups. Exhausted from lowering their standards to the bare minimum. And people who have been together for years suddenly break up.

We’re experiencing a “romance recession”: “More than half of Gen Z spend nothing on dating each month, a shift that cascades into delayed marriage, children, and home buying” (Ratanjee).

For those currently dating, I have noticed some common trends in my spontaneous, unpaid relationship sessions (do not fear, I am certified!) To start, we certainly lack communication skills, a problem that was only made worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relationship issues

do not appear from thin air. Instead of playing mind games, clearly communicating your needs with your partner makes a huge difference. Another problem is a lack of commitment. Sometimes we’re scared to label our relationship, which can lead to a 6-month talking stage full of mixed emotions and heartbreak. Finally, where has intentionality gone? A serious relationship does require deliberate effort. Getting to really know your partner on a deeper level will help you feel closer to one another, while planning date nights can be really fun!

With all that being said, it has been shown that Gen Z is taking longer to reach major life milestones than previous generations, with some calling it the “romance recession” (Ratanjee, 2025). I mean, I am still dependent on my parents and don’t have a full-time job yet, so is a long-term relationship really practical?

In the end, I have learned that the most important thing is to be happy and secure with oneself. While being in a relationship is definitely nice, focusing on your own healing journey and being open to change allows you to be a better partner. While as humans we are far from perfect, having a growth mindset is what it is all about. Who knows, maybe 2026 will be the year we find true love.

Source: Ratanjee, Vibhas. “Why Gen Z Is Delaying Major Life Events — And What It Means For Work.” Forbes, 24 Aug. 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/ vibhasratanjee/2025/08/24/why-gen-z-is-delaying-major-life-events---and-what-it-means-for-work/.

The Waiting Game...

How to survive long-distance relationships

Written by Bronwyn Christison

Are you a fellow long-distance girlie or guy? Are you yearning to be with your special someone on the 14th, but the miles separate you two? Do you inwardly convulse when you see couples doing mundane things together, such as going on grocery runs or walking together and think to yourself, “how easy they must have it,” that they can be together doing “normal couple” things? Well, if any of the above describes you, welcome to the club! Whether what I described above is solace or commiseration, the realization is that no matter the amount you miss them, it won’t close miles. Reminder, it is important to remember that each relationship you see has its hurdles, no matter how glossy it might look, so try not to judge a relationship by the cover!

In this short read, I am going to give you some fellow words of advice and motivation to keep powering through and some date inspo you can incorporate into your life while being long distance - if you don’t do these already!

around, and there isn’t that same proximity binding you together.

2. Remember to have countdown dates of when you are going to see them! If you don’t have a countdown app on your phone, go get one! This simple act of having a real, set date of when you will reunite keeps both of you motivated that you can make it through this lonely time!

3. Everything you do is from the place of intentionality. Really. The calls, texts, and virtual dates are not

you literally can survive anything! You’re stronger than you think!

Okay, now to the date inspo (tried and true, by yours truly):

- Lovora app! Great couple app for conversation prompts that have lots of categories to pick from.

- Minecraft dates; yes, I spent money on a realm where we (I) frolic around in the cherry blossom biome, aka the best purchase ever.

- Lego dates! I mean, c’mon…

- Surprise DoorDash fast food delivery dates: have a mystery meal and eat and open together!

1. You are learning communication skills and trust really fast! No relationship will last if both parties can’t communicate or trust effectively, especially a long-distance one. If it’s not shrivelling up and dying like your green onions in the fridge, then give yourself a pat on the back, you both are truly doing outstanding! Long-distance relationships require a whole other level of communication and trust, specifically from the start, because there isn’t much room to play

happening haphazardly. They are most likely planned with the intent to let your person know you choose them despite the distance. Most times, there is a time zone gap, different work/school schedules, separate groups of friends competing for your time and attention, but the fact that you both still feel connected to each other despite all the odds is really admirable. You got this!

4. All the “waiting for me to call you” or “Your messages still won’t send” are proof that if you can survive LDR,

- Presentation dates: It can be as silly as what haircut to get next.

- Make a list of things fun to do when you are finally in person.

- LDR letter gift boxes (open when…)

- Share outfits of the day, fun and easy ways to stay connected; somehow my bf has a whole photo album of OOTDs from me.

- Learn a language together and keep each other accountable.

- Write and mail postcards/letters to each other!

- Journaling/reading/homework together on FaceTime: embrace the mundane.

Technology has come so far that we now have the ability to do so many things together if we just get creative. Thank God, we’re not paying by the minute for phone calls or eagerly awaiting letters where that is the only form of communication!

Burman Throughout the Ages:

PDA, Dress Codes, and Surveillance

Written by Teresa Bruce

Public Displays of Affection, or as we all call it, PDA. Does it belong on campus? And if so, to what degree?

Now, back in the day, Burman was not nearly as tolerant of public displays of adoration. I did some digging and got some real-life stories from people who experienced Burman back in the glory days. At one point, students would be “put on social” by their deans/professors if they were being too friendly with someone of the opposite gender. This meant couples could be banned from speaking or being near each other for a week. Professor Boris Pache used to say “Holding hands is for the bedroom only”. The woman I spoke to shared that she and her then-boyfriend (current husband, oh yeah) were placed on social since they were talking in sabbath school. The best part is that

they were discussing a bible verse. Isn’t that just beautiful? It’s no surprise that at vespers and afterglow, people would love to sing side by side so they could LEGALLY hold hands and be physically close to their interests.

though it was framed as a way to keep the girls safe, some girls found this to be a very sexist rule. The woman I spoke to shared that she and her friends still went into town, but they would just go through the bush (arguably more dangerous). Unfortunately, they bumped into a dean at a store, and as punishment for their escape, they had to clean the dorm kitchen for a week!

Additionally, you could not go off campus with someone of the opposite gender. If you wanted to, you had to have at least three people at all times. But the cherry on the cake is that girls were restricted to campus, whereas boys were allowed to walk into town. Al-

If you thought being off campus was hard, wait until you hear about the dress code. Girls were subject to a dress code every sabbath where the deans would literally BLOCK the church entrance and inspect attire. My intel shared that one sabbath she was turned away, so the next sabbath she wore a BATHING SUIT under her winter coat. She managed to sneak past the dean by saying she was too cold and wasn’t going to take off her coat for

A photo of the Administration Building taken in 1987. Sourced from the Department of Archives.

inspection. On the topic of dress code, girls used to not be able to wear jeans to class, and they had to have their straps approved for their banquet dresses. I wonder how many of us would fail the test for the dresses we wore to this year’s banquet.

Clearly, the climate of Burman has changed. When it comes to campus relationships, I think people are relatively wise about how they conduct themselves because they don’t want to be a topic of conversation. I am actually rather proud of the couples this school year, as there have been no crazy sightings or stories circulating regarding PDA. However, in past years, there have been some more intense couples who seem to forget that other people exist in the lobby.

in your PDA and to meet with a Dean. I have never personally seen someone receive a card, but I could imagine it is a rather embarrassing experience. With that said, Melody Ilacas shared that back in the day, some people would frame their PDA cards as a trophy. Go collect them all, I guess?

It seems that the current method to tackle excessive PDA is for authority figures on campus to reach out to the couple discreetly and have a private

make it awkward for everyone.

I also think it’s worth noting that there are cameras on campus, and although we aren’t in a surveillance state, the deans can see everythinggg! So, to avoid an awkward situation, perhaps be more creative. This is NOT me telling you to go to places on campus without cameras, or find some more secluded places… just be smart about it :) ALSO I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL: if you want a perfect excuse - JOIN ACROS! I will not say any more about this, but I think this is a genius excuse to get close to someone (please don’t join to be a creep!).

Now, as someone part of the dorm team, I sometimes find myself in an awkward position. Not because I hate young love or want to ruin the mood, but because my contract literally asks me to break things up if they become too heated. I don’t know if you know this, but the Lakeview Hall front desk has some legendary PDA cards. If you were to receive one of these colourful cards, you would be bluntly asked to refrain from engaging further

conversation. At the end of the day, Burman is meant to be a campus for everyone - that means couples, singles, and everyone in between. So when you consider how to display your affection, perhaps reflect on what was shared at dorm orientation: “If you won’t do it in front of your grandmother, don’t do it here”. Unless you have a chill grandma, this will be rather restrictive. Love is a beautiful thing, but please don’t be inconsiderate and

In conclusion, I think it is cute when you can tell two people are more than friends. I also know of couples who find it gross and embarrassing to be anything more than platonic out in the world. To each their own, but PLEASE time and place :)

Happy love month, friends! May the lobbies around campus continue to be safe places!

A photo of Lakeview Hall taken in 1987. Sourced from the Department of Archives.

Written by Melissa Enache

PHIL THE FRAUD

This is not a tradition. This is a COVER UP. This is not a tradition. This is a COVER UP.

EVERY FEBRUARY, THE SAME STORY IS FED TO US: PHIL WAKES UP, SEES A SHADOW (OR SOMETIMES DOESN'T), AND SOMEHOW DETERMINES THE FUTURE OF WINTER. WE CLAP. WE ACCEPT IT. WE MOVE ON. BUT NO ONE EVER ASKS THE REAL QUESTION: WHO BENEFITS FROM THIS ? (ANSWER: PHIL)

His Unusual Work Schedule

Let's talk about Phil's schedule. He sleeps for months. Literal months. Then he works one day a year. One. And that one day decided the weather for millions of people. If any human tried this, they would be fired immediately. Phil, however, is promoted. Celebrated. Put on merchandise.

A Brief Historical Inconsistency

Now let's address the immortality rumour. Official sources claim Phil has been making predictions since the 1800s. Be serious. Either Phil is an ageless being beyond time, or there is a rotating cast of Phils, and we are not being informed. Have you ever seen two Phils in the same room? Exactly...

No Public Statement Issued

And notice how Phil is never held accountable. When he's wrong, there is no press conference. No written apology on Instagram. He simply disappears underground, leaving us with icy sidewalks and emotional trauma. He is basically the original ghoster.

A Flawed Measurement System

The shadow system is where things get really suspicious. Shadows depend on sunlight. Sunlight depends on clouds. Clouds depend on weather. Which means Phil is using the weather to predict the weather. That's not forecasting, that's circular reasoning. That's a scam.

Some say Phil is just a groundhog. But then why the secrecy? Why do people act like he is part of a ritual? Why is Phil whispered to like he is about to reveal national secrets? What does he know? Who is he working for?

This isn’t about weather anymore. It is about control. Or at least about a groundhog who has far too much confidence for someone who sleeps all year. Wake up, people. Phil knows exactly what he is doing.

The Economics Of Love

Written by Renee Hall

In the first two weeks of February, the sun seems a little warmer, the birds’ song sounds more chipper, and every day feels like it brings new joys. Ah, yes, love is in the air, and some are taking deep breaths while others are walking around like we’re still in a pandemic. Whatever your vibe is during this time of year, I think it’s worth considering the logistics. The economics of love, if you will.

Is Valentine’s Day really a celebration of romance, or is it late-stage capitalism wrapped in a heart-shaped box? Valentine’s roses begin competing with grocery prices, and suddenly, love has a price tag. I mean, if you have to spend that amount of money on someone to show your love, is it real? Does love need a receipt? And why are acts of love only concentrated into one designated day? Shouldn’t we be spreading love every day, not just on February 14th?

My biggest question is, when did love become a performance with props? Instagram-ready dinners, massive public declarations and the silent panic of “are we showing off enough?”

come with it. The expectation of a candlelit dinner versus the reality of a microwave meal. Grand gestures versus “I had a midterm, sorry.” Movie-level romance versus real-life affection that can feel underwhelming in comparison. We’ve fallen for the social marketing propaganda that love must be proclaimed loudly and publicly to be valid, rewarding how love is supposed to look instead of how it actually feels on a random Sunday night. Love is not a forced emotion, and forcing it can cheapen a genuine connection. Love only works when there is choice, timing and reciprocity. It is consistent. It provides safety. It’s choosing someone again and again when no one else is watching.

Are you really connecting as a couple or just convincing everyone else that you’re in love? Valentine’s Day often feels less about intimacy and more about optics. As a student, does Valentine’s Day even align with our lifestyles? The holiday assumes love looks expensive, uninterrupted and carefully curated (the three things most students simply do not have). Quality time together happens between lectures and work shifts. Gift-giving is done on a student budget. Acts of service look like grabbing a meal from the caf when the other is slammed or sharing lecture notes after a missed class. Maybe Valentine’s Day wasn’t designed for people balancing deadlines, jobs and tuition. Maybe it’s meant to be for those with free time and disposable income.

Regardless of how you feel about Valentine’s Day, there are false, grandiose promises that seem to

Valentine’s Day has a sneaky way of turning love into a deadline. Suddenly, you can’t just feel a connection; you’re expected to prove it. Love becomes performative. The holiday also amplifies comparison. You find yourself doomscrolling through curated romance posts, and quiet, real connections begin to feel insufficient. This pressure pushes people to stay, settle or settle for less than they deserve just to avoid loneliness. Ironically, the most genuine connections are often the least “Valentine’s Day-ready.” They’re messy, imperfect, and still unfolding, and that’s exactly what makes love between two people feel real.

Maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t the villain, and we just give it too much power. Love doesn’t need to peak on February 14th, and it certainly doesn’t need an audience. Real connection shows up in unglamorous moments: shared playlists, coffee runs, half-finished conversations before class. Love isn’t loud, perfectly timed, or photogenic. It’s consistent. It’s mutual. It’s choosing someone when there’s nothing to post about. And if that doesn’t fit in a heart-shaped box, maybe that’s the point.

Summer Job SerieS production operator

My name is Jezreel, some people call me Jez. I’m a 4th year in Secondary Education, majoring in Social Studies. Did you know you can’t stick your tongue out while crossing your eyes?

Where did you work this summer? What did your job entail?

I worked at a limestone production plant. My job was to bag limestone in 25 kg bags, stack them on pallets, then put them onto delivery trucks and ensure everything in the production line was going smoothly.

What did a day in your life look like?

Every day was super mundane. Most mornings, I would wait until the last minute to get out of bed so that I could feel some excitement in my day, trying not to be late for work. Then at 7 am, I would get my coveralls on and head out into the yard. There were positions in the production line that we would rotate through every 2 hours (with breaks in between): First I would start by wrapping the pallets with cling wrap, next rotation I would have to stand and watch a robot arm stack pallets for the entire 2 hours (super boring), then I would hop on a forklift and move pallets around, lastly I would put empty bags onto tubes to fill them with limestone. There were some days where there was a slight variation, but that’s basically the gist.

What was the best part of your job?

I’d probably say the best part was the pay… but other than that, there were some rare

days where a section of the production line would break, and if the yard was clean, we would have absolutely nothing to do and just get paid to doomscroll all day. This could be a curse, though, since the phone service at the plant was really weak. Fortunately, I had the foresight to have a bunch of movies and seasons of shows downloaded prior to one of these days happening.

What was the worst part?

The worst part of the job was definitely the actual substance I worked with. For one, limestone contains silica, which is carcinogenic… but on top of this, we also worked with calcium oxide (quicklime), which is corrosive, and if you had the displeasure of accidentally inhaling it, you’d sneeze for about 3 minutes straight, then have a completely plugged nose for about two weeks. I briefly mentioned this above, but if some part of the production line broke, usually we would have to clean some area of the yard, and this was absolutely horrible because it usually involved shoveling limestone which would make you sweat, and because there is calcium oxide IN THE AIR, it would stick to your skin and react with the water in your sweat and start BURNING you in an exothermic reaction.

What was the application process like?

Application was a bit of a pain. I applied through Indeed, and they gave me a surprise interview over the phone, like four days after I applied. They

also had me do an interview at the plant and gave me a tour. After they accepted me, I had to take a physical fitness test, which involved heavy lifting and peeing in a cup.

Would you recommend this job to other students?

I would HIGHLY recommend this job to other students. Although there are several downsides (working with cancerous substances, repetitive workdays), the pay outweighs them by FAR. They paid me $30 an hour, and I rarely did any actual strenuous labour.

What qualities are necessary for this job?

You gotta be able to turn your mind off completely for the entire day. There are some days when you do have to continuously lift 25 kg bags for 8 hours, so it’d probably be helpful to be physically fit, but those days are rare enough that it honestly doesn’t even matter that much.

Would you do this job again?

I did have this job for like 3 summers in a row, but I felt like I was approaching my limit this last summer. The mundanity REALLY gets to you, especially by the end of August, you really don’t care anymore and just wanna leave… but the pay is so good that I’d probably have to do it again if I were still a student this summer.

The Male Loneliness Epidemic

Written by Martin Santomin

Is there a male loneliness epidemic going on?

I was not aware that there was one going on, but upon further research, there is a disease on the rise: the disease of loneliness. According to research conducted in America in the past three decades, American friendship groups have become smaller, and the number of Americans without any close confidants has risen drastically. However, the statistics show that this is not applied equally to all Americans; men suffered a decline far more than women. Thirty years ago, a majority of men (55 percent) reported having at least six close friends. Today, that number has been cut in half. Slightly more than one in four (27 percent) men have six or more close friends today. 15 percent of men have no close friendships at all, a fivefold increase since 1990 (The Center of Survey on American life, 2021). According to a Pew study based on the 2019 American Community Survey, men are now more likely to be single than women, which is drastically different from statistics 30 years ago (Luscombe, 2019).

thing worth addressing. Okay, enough of that research blabber, let me give you my opinion on what is going on, and this is straight off the dome. I think that a part of why men are becoming lonelier in the sense of relationships with women is because of the “gooning” movement from internet culture. Now, some of you may be unfamiliar with what the term means, but essentially, it is a fetishistic and increasingly mainstreamed internet subculture centred

become. I came to this conclusion because there is a disgusting amount of forums popping up all over the internet. I went down a rabbit hole into this topic and have come across disgusting subreddit forums centred around gooning, such as gooning setups, gooning meet-ups, and one forum with 3.5 million members dedicated to the topic. Visiting some of the forums, I found direct quotes from members saying.

“Do I really need a relationship, a social life or even hookups if PORN gives me everything I need??”

“Forget about your relationship. We only need porn and one another.”

“I’ve lost so many relationships to gooning. But I can’t stop now.”

Now, of course, these are American statistics, but it ultimately shows that there is an epidemic going on, and it’s some-

around prolonged, intense masturbation. However, it has not merely become about masturbation, but the idolizing of self-pleasure and pornography, and a “meme”. This subculture has grown so much in the past few years among Gen Zers that it has become a term that is normal to throw around. From the surface, it may seem like a harmless joke; however, it is far more dangerous, as I believe that it has led individuals to replace real-life intimacy with self-pleasure because of how normal it has

Now, there may be many other factors contributing to the male loneliness epidemic; however, Gooning culture is destroying young minds and normalizing finding artificial pleasure, which I believe is definitely playing a role in reinforcing the issue. If we don’t start challenging a culture that replaces real human connection with fake pleasure, the male loneliness epidemic will only continue to grow in silence.

Cox, Daniel A. “Men’s

Luscombe, Belinda. “Men

Valentine’s Day

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The Future of Adventism

Written by Emma Mowat

In my humble and relatively insignificant opinion, Adventism is at a crossroads, and has been for a few years now. The issue, as I see it, is this: who is the target audience? Is Adventism an exclusive bunch with rigid expectations and rules, or should it focus on showing acceptance and love to all? This question is especially important for young people in the Adventist church, as society increasingly calls for transparency and inclusivity, and Gen Z has been at the forefront of that. A 2011 study conducted by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research (ASTR) found that 62.55% of ex-Adventists left the church as early adults (Trim).

which is a popular SDA magazine, one ex-Adventist who identifies as queer said, “I have to believe in a God who’s going to love me irrespective of who I love and who I don’t love. The Adventist church doesn’t accept that” (Girven).

The tensions of this dilemma are evident across Adventist post-secondary schools, including our beloved Burman.

attempting to appease both demographics. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t working very well. On one hand, we have students unhappy with the lack of inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ students, and on the other, we have students unhappy about the allowance of caffeinated beverages on campus.

This is, of course, for a variety of reasons, but a somewhat recurrent reason is due to the Adventist church’s stance on LGBTQ+ people. As is well known by members of the Adventist church, the official church states clearly that it does not support homosexual relationships: “... Seventh-day Adventists are opposed to homosexual practices and relationships” (Adventist Family Ministries). In an interview with Spectrum Magazine,

SDA Universities have to ask themselves who they’re trying to recruit as students. They can appeal to a wider demographic with more lax policies, potentially increasing the number of students, or go in the opposite direction and become more conservative to appeal to the more “traditional” Adventist youth (a smaller, more niche group). For Burman, I think we’re treading a delicate line,

Our sister universities in the United States are also struggling with this. Walla Walla University, located in Washington state, has recently faced a controversy. Last year, during the elections for the Associated Students of Walla Walla University (ASWWU), which is WWU’s version of BUSA, a student running for president was disqualified from the election due to his sexual orientation (Pepper). His name is Ross Gurule, and as word of his disqualification spread, WWU students rallied in his support.

On March 11, students organized a campus-wide walkout that attracted approximately 150 students, faculty, and community members. It is notable that, despite the walkout being a university-approved event

A photo from the walk-out at Walla Walla University on March 11, 2025. Spectrum Magazine.

and garnering large attendance and support for Ross Gurule, he was still not allowed to hold the title of ASWWU president. I was curious as to what would happen if Burman faced a similar situation, so I reached out to Mr. Hunter. He advised me to look towards the Student Handbook for 2025-2026 to answer my question. Under “Student Leadership”, the Handbook states, “As representatives of the Burman student body, student leaders are expected to uphold all the principles in the student handbook and to consistently lead by Christian example with a commitment to academic, spiritual, social, personal and corporate responsibility. To be eligible for a leadership position, a student must: 1. have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 (The BUSA Constitution requires a cumulative GPA of 2.50 in order to hold an BUSA office.) 2. be supportive of and in harmony with the policies and regulations of the university 3. be enrolled in a minimum of six credits per term 4. be cleared through the Campus Life Committee and Cabinet” (p. 15).

Additionally, Mr. Hunter said, “The Campus Life Committee and Cabinet will make their decision under the Student Handbook based upon Biblical principles, including John 13:34-35 (“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one

another.”) and John 8:7 (“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”)”. While, like Walla Walla, Burman has no policies explicitly stating that LGBTQ+ students cannot run for the Student Association, the line that says “student leaders are expected to… lead by Christian example” stands out to me as a possible basis for barring those students from running. However, I believe that because there is no blanket statement on this, Burman will resolve issues like this on a case-by-case basis, and hopefully with an air of fairness and love.

On the Eastern side of the United States, Oakwood University has received backlash for its strict campus policies, including a ban on jewelry (except for wedding rings and medical devices) and crop tops, the closure of residential halls from 11 am - 2 pm on Saturdays (meaning students are forced to leave their rooms during this time), and the prohibition of Freshman students from having cars on campus (Francis).

In an article published in Spectrum, Kate Wittlake, an alumnus of Walla Walla University, asks Adventism, “[W]hat is the purpose of a ‘church’ that does not serve its diverse community?” She is certainly not the only one posing this question. Some

questions I’ve been meditating on, and I encourage you to as well, are “what designates a salvation issue?” and “is it more meaningful to willingly choose to uphold Adventist values or be forced to?” The importance of choice and freedom is especially paramount, considering that we are all adults here (unless you’re an especially young freshman, like I was!). How can we honour each individual’s autonomy as a human being, with the ability to choose how to live their life, while upholding Christian values on campus?

Furthermore, if we get upset that not everyone lives their life the same way as we do (Adventist or otherwise), or upholds the same values as we do, how do we expect to be able to function in the “real world” with an attitude of love instead of judgment, as God calls us to do? The question of fairness and mindfulness towards the significant number of students who are not Adventist also needs to be considered.

These are difficult questions, and I do not envy the administrative team tasked with deciding where Burman stands, or the General Conference who must decide what the future of Adventism will look like.

Sources: Francis, Andrew. “Bracelet Ban, Sabbath Rules, and a Crop Top Stop: Where Is Oakwood’s New President Leading the Campus?” Spectrum Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025, spectrummagazine.org/news/bracelet-ban-sabbath-rules-and-a-crop-top-stop-where-is-oakwoods-new-presidentleading-the-campus/. Girven, Samuel. “Young (Ex)Adventists and Their Stories.” Spectrum Magazine, 18 Aug. 2023, spectrummagazine.org/news/ leaving-or-staying-stories-young-exadventists/. Pepper, Naomi. “At LGBTQ+ Walkout, WWU Students Call for Inclusion and Policy Clarity.” Spectrum Magazine, 16 Mar. 2025, spectrummagazine.org/news/at-lgbtq-walkout-wwu-students-call-for-inclusion-and-policy-clarity/. “Seventh-Day Adventist Position Statement on Homosexuality.” Adventist Family Ministries, General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists, 17 Oct. 2012, family. adventist.org/seventh-day-adventist-position-statement-on-homosexuality/. Trim, David. “Foundational Research.” Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, 2011. Wittlake, Kate M. “A Letter to Walla Walla University Admin Raises Influence Questions.” Spectrum Magazine, 19 Sept. 2023, spectrummagazine.org/news/letter-walla-walla-university-admin-raises-influence-questions/. “2025-2026 Student Handbook.” Burman University.

Local Date Ideas

Written by Bronwyn Christison

Are you in need of some local date ideas to do with your crush, special someone, or even besties this Feb? Don’t worry, I gotchu! I’ve compiled a list of date ideas that you can do in our very own Lacombe (ngl, it was hard coming up with things us uni students haven’t already done here) and up to Edmonton or Calgary and between. These activities are either free or vary in price, so look out for the dollar sign to indicate price range ($-$$$).

Lacombe:

- JJ Collet Walk

- Pizza and movie in Social Eyez

- Skate on Cranna Lake

- Go sledding at Cranna or the CHCS hill

- Walk with your love around Henner’s pond

- On Feb 13/14th, paint by candlelight at Colour Me Mine. Call 587-273-4386 to reserve a table for two with candlelight, rose petals, and pottery. $

Calgary:

- Hiipot hotpot $$

- JINYA ramen bar $$

- Bullet train sushi at Point Sushi $$

- Marble and Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

- Drive-In Movie theatre at High River $$ (South of Calgary)

in lovely music with your love

- Puppy Yoga $$: You guessed it, it’s puppies + yoga = serotonin hit

Edmonton:

- Clay and Cupcakes: a sweet place to paint with your cutie $

- Muttart Conservatory $

- Art Gallery of Alberta $

- Alberta Legislature Building: cultural date

- Oilers hockey game $$$

- Cafe hopping: so many cute cafes to explore!

- Take a whimsical walk around the pretty lights at the LMC Red Deer:

- Red Deer Bowling (Heritage Lanes): Uni students Bowl Free on Wednesday after 9 pm with a College ID and Ladies Bowl Free Thursday after 9 pm, and there are drink specials!

- Tubing/skiing at Canyon $$

- Skating at Bower Ponds

- True North Axe Throwing $

- 11 Grill restaurant $$

- Contemporary Calgary Art Gallery (24 yrs and under free!)

- Calgary Selfie Museum $

- Skating on Bowness Lagoon

- Activate Calgary: you book a room, and experience an immersive live-action gaming challenge $$

- Military Museum (second largest in Canada); students are $7!

- Studio Bell, National Music Centre $$

- Orchestra at Jack Singer Concert Hall $$$: Serenade yourself

- Skating at Victoria Iceway Skating Trail

- Whitemud Park Walk

- Benalto Sleighrides (Just west of Sylvan Lake) $$

Sylvan Lake:

- Star gazing! Pack cozy blankets, warm pjs, get hot drinks and a favourite sweet treat from Sweet Capones in Lacombe or Red Deer and savour them looking up at the stars or northern lights, if you’re lucky. Bring hand warmers: don’t want to spoil a romantic night because of cold hands!

Whether you’ve done these activities once or ten times before, it’s always the best of times doing it with someone you love. Happy adventuring!

Burman Break Buzz

WYD for reading

break?

Written by Thirsa Ward

“A little work and study for midterms, read feminist literature, have tea and annoy Lidia”

- Kofi

“Maybe a little trip in Alberta, catch up on school and rest”

- Lidia

“I’m going to Toronto with some friends to eat good food, have fun, and come back broke lol”

- Kanto

“Going home! (Ontario)”

-Emma D.

“Sleep, definitely sleep”

-Shandi

“Maybe a little trip, but also work”

-Teresa

“I’ll be going to see my family and cousins at Camp Valentine, a Christian retreat camp in Pine Springs Ranch, California. We’ll be camping, hiking, and just spending time with each other. I’m really excited”

-Selvam

“Sleep and catch up with friends. Probably catch up with some TV shows too, studying, and annoy Lidia”

- Zyander

“During break, I will definitely be doing a bit of studying, going and visiting friends, and I am planning on going to the mountains. There will also be lots of reading, knitting, and possibly baking!!”

- Neve

“I’m choosing to stay on campus this spring break to find a good balance between focus and connection. I’ll be getting a head start on my midterm prep, but I’m also really looking forward to some quality time with friends who are staying back. The highlight of my week, though, will be taking the First Responder to Sexual Assault training. I think it’s so important to use this extra time to learn how to show up for each other and help keep our campus safe, plus, it’s a great way to grow outside of the classroom!”

- Danny W.

“I’m going to California to watch an LA Lakers’ home game with my girlfriend, plus explore California!”

- Ben M.

“I’m going to be the penguin”

-Prince

“Won’t be doing much that I know of, but will definitely be going to the gym and bed rotting”

-Anonymous

“For break, I’m going to be on a five-day winter camping trip to Medicine Lake Provincial Recreation Area. It will be a week filled with good food, warm tents, deep conversations, and lots of snow!

- Zorryn

Lilly Toop and Raeden Aguilar are part of a cohort of Burman alumni who have just graduated from Kettering College with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)! We managed to pull these two aside despite their hectic schedules and ask them about their life as new grad nurses and to reflect on their time as students.

Q& a with kettering

graduateS!

Interviewed by Teresa Bruce

What unit or specialty are you working in, and what drew you to it?

Lilly: I am working in the Surgical ICU! I was drawn to the ICU setting because I love critical care and the 2:1 patient ratio, lol. I am more Type A and love the ability to dig through a patient’s chart and learn everything about them. I also like the intensity and fastpaced environment!

Raeden: I’m working in the Medical ICU (MICU). I was drawn to it because I was excited to learn more about all of the medical equipment that we could possibly use in the clinical setting. I liked learning about the disease processes that included more than one organ system. The MICU is heavier on pathophysiology and reasoning in the big picture sense, which is very interesting to someone who enjoys riddles, puzzles, and the mystery of the human body.

Best and worst memory of Burman?

Lilly: Some of my favourite memories from Burman were being in the dorm. I remember making the mushiest fried rice with Dana or seeing Teresa’s shrine of herself. (An honourable mention to the block party.) My worst memory from Burman would be taking the cursed final exams in the gym.

Raeden: Best memory? I can’t pick just one, so I’ll say two. First, the most chill and fun nights at

the dorm hanging out with Joseph, Xamuel, and Ian. We cooked up the best food, played video games, and watched movies. Second, I remember one time I impulsively buzzed my hair really short after Acros practice. Once I got back to the dorm, my friend Prince saw my bald ahh head and decided, “Yeah, I’ll do it too.” We looked like a couple of monks for a while; it was the best. Worst memory? I was snow shovelling and dropped my newly bought, unopened, WHITE AirPods in the snow. When I realized it was gone, I knew it was GONE. I got them back in the summer from Dean Jorel after all the snow melted, and they didn’t work anymore :’(

Best and worst memory of Kettering?

Lilly: My best memory from Kettering would be going to Southern University with Campus Ministries! It was really nice to speak with their vespers team and get inspired spiritually. I would highly recommend joining the team as it is a great way to connect with other students and get involved on campus.

I would say my worst memory of Kettering was during the Network shutdown. There was no wifi in the school, and we had to do all hospital charting on paper.

Raeden: Best, I think very fondly of game nights with friends. I think it’s nice we were all able to

set aside time to play hours of board and card games once in a while, and it was quite good for my sanity!

Worst memory: not being able to sleep before clinicals. Especially the first shift. I had no idea how to wake a sick and tired person up, AND have them trust me enough to care for them? It felt horrible, but I quickly realized that a lot of these situations were worse in my mind then in reality.

Ok now be honest, Burman or Kettering?

Lilly: In full transparency, I would say Burman. I really miss the people and sense of community. I also miss Burman’s events and vespers programs as they really impacted my time there as a student. However, I am extremely grateful for the learning and academic opportunities I have received from Kettering.

Raeden: Burman’s clubs and recreational facilities 100%. For my major, Kettering’s hospitals give me a ton of opportunities. However, I’ve definitely had more fun memories at Burman.

Do you think Burman prepared you for nursing school? How was the transition like?

Lilly: The classes that helped me the most were anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. Coming to Kettering, I definitely had to lock in a bit more. At Kettering, the passing grade for nurs-

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ing classes is 77%, which is something to be aware of. Clinicals were also a big adjustment, but they are where the majority of learning takes place. In addition, every semester, there is a dosage calculation that you must get 100% on, but there are practice questions, so it’s definitely not something to stress out about. Lastly, the skills check-offs were very intimidating at first, but honestly, not a big deal if you fail, you just need to remediate!

Raeden: I think that if you remember what you’ve learnt at Burman, it can help you out content-wise and science-wise. However, I believe it’s impossible to prepare for the ambiguity of nursing school’s questions and the variety of experiences you will end up having.

What surprised you most about nursing that you didn’t expect in school?

Lilly: I was surprised by how vast nursing knowledge is. For example, the things you need to know to work in labour and delivery are completely different from cath lab or psych.

Raeden: Probably how desensitized you get from hearing the most disgusting things possible. I didn’t realize how blind I was to it until I was describing a patient’s sputum and related it to the consistency of my oatmeal I was eating. I kept eating anyway, and one of my friends lost their appetite.

What’s one thing you miss about

being a student—and one thing you definitely don’t?

Lilly: I miss seeing my friends every day and hitting the post-exam debriefs. It is definitely harder to maintain friendships in adult life, and something I am trying to be more intentional about. Something I do not miss is waking up at 3 AM to study because I procrastinated the days before.

Raeden: I miss structure, I don’t miss textbooks.

What’s been the biggest “wow, this is really happening” moment since starting work as a nurse?

Lilly: I would say the first time I did CPR was definitely a turning point. While I did CPR, one of my friends was administering medications, and it felt surreal that the two of us (among others) were responsible for saving this person’s life.

Raeden: When I was placed in the ER’s triage, I got 3 heart attack patients in a row. Each time I rushed them to the high acuity area of the unit and set them up, I thought: “Wow, this is what we learn in school.”

What’s something you learned on the job that wasn’t emphasized in school?

Lilly: I would say charting is something you learn while working and takes a lot of practice. Another big thing is talking to so many patients each day and figuring out how to best communicate with them.

Raeden: I feel like talking to confused people wasn’t practiced in school. Yes, we learn about it, but actually doing it is another skill. I had to learn how to redirect my dementia patients while I was working as an NA. I once had to redirect a patient who wanted to grab ice cream that they had hidden in their living room. They were in the hospital.

What does accountability look like for you now compared to when you were a student? Do you experience imposter syndrome, or is it all light work?

Lilly: Working as a new graduate is definitely overwhelming at times. There are many moving parts and body systems to analyze. I can be hard on myself when I don’t remember what certain lab values are indicating or what to anticipate next. However, there are always people who want to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Raeden: Heck yeah, imposter syndrome is crazy. Just 3 years ago, I was afraid to give someone Tylenol. Now we have to hang multiple IV medications, give injections, monitor their labs, and make sure all moving parts are working as God intended. Wow.

How do you see yourself growing in this profession over the next few years?

Lilly: In the next few years, I hope to obtain my critical care certification and am considering getting my Master’s of Science in Nursing (Kettering now offers this!). In the

meantime, I definitely need to practice some of my practical and clinical judgment skills.

Raeden: I see myself improving my clinical judgement through repetition and practice. I wanna learn anything and everything I can. However, I believe that learning more about a subject is a door that opens to more doors. By knowing more, you know more of what you don’t know. (Dr.Samraj-esque statement).

What advice would you give to current students preparing to enter nursing programs?

Lilly: I would say working as a nursing assistant is a great way to get more hospital experience. Kettering is very different from Burman as it is so academically focused. Studying consistently is important, but also take time to relax and enjoy yourself! I can yap forever, though, so feel free to reach out with questions!

we’re caring for.

To bring it back to your Burman roots, are there any lessons, mentors, or experiences from Burman that you still carry with you?

with me when I’m in hospital units and use what I’ve seen in the opportunities I have while working with the Charge leaders during my clinical rotations.

Finally, how much do you make an hour, and how much of your salary do you intend to donate to Burman?

Lilly: As new graduates working for the Kettering Network, we are making between $30-$50 USD an hour. If you are feeling nosy, you can reach out, and I can provide a more specific answer.

Kettering College is located in Kettering, Ohio. Nursing students at Burman complete 1.5 years at Burman and then transfer to Kettering College for 2 years to finish their degree.

Raeden: Ask all the questions you have. It’s better to feel stupid in school than to do stupid in the hospital. After all, it’s human lives

Lilly: Something I learnt from Dr. Samraj was not to judge other people. I remember he told us that those in search of God need the church the same way sick people need the hospital. Nursing is one of the most trusted professions, and it truly is a blessing to care for patients in their most vulnerable times. It is my job to provide compassionate care to people regardless of their circumstances.

Raeden: I learnt from Keenan Hosking when I was working in the Grounds Department what a great worker-leader is. I carry this

Raeden: Currently, I haven’t started officially so… I have $1.57 USD to my name. I can donate it, and hopefully it’ll be seen as similar to the widow and her copper coins.

Thank you so much, Lilly and Raeden, for sharing about your nursing journey!

Feel free to contact Lilly at Lilly. toop@my.kc.edu if you have further questions!

The New CHC Neon Sign

January 12, 1:27 AM, I finally arrived at Burman and nearly crashed the car because of someone’s blaring bright lights that were piercing my eyeballs in the dead of night in front of College Heights. But then, in the darkness of my closed eyes, a light pink hue appears. I open my eyes and behold it was a massive neon sign built into the old stones of the church. Wow. Have you seen it? The new neon sign? It’s actually fantastic, it projects news that’s in bright neon colours with the power of a floodlight. It’s also great because it projects the news 24/7, so you could actually visit it at all hours of the day and night and get blasted with news.

However, I do have some suggestions for the new sign. Perhaps you could add Subway Surfers constantly playing at the bottom of the screen, in order to boost engagement, so people could stare at it longer. Or maybe at a certain time it switches from Subway Surfers, and it adds a small screen at the corner of the sign, and it just scrolls through reels. Or you know what, you could even have one corner playing the reels and the other corner playing Subway Surfers and add an AI voice that also reads out

what the neon sign is saying.

Now that I think about it, the screen of the new sign is actually way too small; we need to upgrade. Think bigger. Think better. How about this? We eliminate the clock tower and turn it into one massive screen that rotates, blasts news from the email thread, plays Subway Surfers in one corner and reels in another, has an AI voice that reads them

“It’s so vibrant. You missed it when it used to be so good. Actually, in the beginning, it was doing like the bowling alley graphics.”

“It could throw someone into epileptic shock.”

“Tryna be trendy, tryna be modern, like what is that? Also, tell them to add the wind chill temperature, or is that too much?”

out loud and whenever someone sends an email to the “items4sale” thread it flashes all the neon colours at lighting speed and sends out drones for a drone show in the shape of the face of whoever is sending it.

That’s enough of my opinion. Here are some direct quotes from students on campus about the new sign:

“I really feel like I’m in Las Vegas.”

“Blinding.”

In all seriousness, I’m not dissing the new neon sign. It was just a funny idea to write a gag article about it since I think the team is running out of ideas, and honestly, I think that the new sign actually brings life to the church, and it’s a good look of old and new. It takes a step towards modernizing the church for the better, and the fact that it shows the weather is pretty cool. So anybody who’s employed by Burman who may impact my future here and finds out who’s writing this, I’M JUST KIDDING, CHILL.

The author of this article preferred to maintain anonymity.

Prairie Athletic Conference (PAC) Recap

Written by Emma Mowat

On January 22-24, Burman’s men’s and women’s futsal teams, which are both coached by Tyler Ferguson, travelled to Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Moose Jaw to play in the PAC tournament.

The women went completely undefeated throughout the weekend. They won their first game against Millar College 2-1, their second game against Prairie College 8-3, and their final game against Millar 3-1. I spoke with Myroslava, the goalie of the girl’s team, about the weekend. She said, “I’m so happy. I was so surprised. I didn’t expect this, but my girls, they’re just amazing.” Myroslava told me about how the girls had two lucky goals, one where Ava kicked the ball and it accidentally hit Keani’s leg and went into the net! Divine intervention, perhaps? Myroslava also told me about how Burman’s men’s and women’s team created a make-shift “futsal choir” group, and performed a song for church service on Sabbath. All in all, the girls had an amazing weekend, and took home the championship title.

In the men’s first game, they beat Millar 5-4 in a very close game. Their second game was against Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and they won on default due to the other team’s coach, but they were already up 3-2. In their third game, they beat Prairie 5-1. They lost their final game against Millar 2-5, securing second place in the tournament. I had a quick conversation with Kenny Torres about the tournament. He said, “The guys came really close, but unfortunately, due to injuries, we weren’t really able to bring it all the way home, but I have faith in the guys next year.” One of the injured was Kenny himself. On that, he said, “I have a pre-existing injury from playing soccer, actually for Burman, and it’s an ACL tear. I was going after the ball, and I felt a shift in my knee and then a sharp pain, so that tells me that it’s probably my injury happening again. It did not feel good at all. It really sucked, but I knew the risk, so it’s kind of on me.” I had heard that Shawn had been injured as well. I asked Kenny about that, and he said, “Yeah, I think he rolled his ankle. It looked pretty rough. He was limping on the field, and we only had one sub after that happened. So, that’s a big part of why we lost, I think.” Kenny showed great faith in the team next year, though: “I think the freshmen are really, really good. ‘The Motion Boyz, ’ as they call themselves, are a huge part of the team; I would consider them the core of the team. And if we had all of them playing, I think we could have beaten them, but Saruk was happening at the same time, so two of our starters couldn’t come.” The boys still played fantastically, and persevered even though there were some injuries.

Top Row (L-R): Mya Campos, Alissa Bezukh, Ava Ashworth, Karina Mendez, Keani Bacalso, and Melanie Murillo.

Bottom Row (L-R): Lidia Cofles, Myroslava Matsiuk, Faith Khamasi, and Hannah Barillo.

Top Row (L-R): Kyle Bacalso, Joshel Etienne, Thamu Gumede, and Yok Taweeyanyongkul.

Bottom Row (L-R): Joshua Wiebe, Robert Remy, Jeremy Agyei, Shawn Sundaresan, and Kenny Torres.

Leadership Without Understanding

Written by James Mihindukulasuriya Guruge

Through my academic journey, professional experience, and involvement with different organizations and communities, I have become increasingly aware of a deeply troubling pattern in leadership. Many individuals occupy leadership positions without ever understanding what leadership truly means. They hold titles, sit in decision-making chairs, and exercise authority, yet lack a clear sense of responsibility, service, or accountability. Leadership, for them, is a position to be claimed rather than a duty to be understood. The consequences of this misunderstanding are visible not only in workplaces, but also

in communities, institutions, and even entire countries.

I have observed leaders who do not understand the fundamental purpose of leadership. They confuse authority with leadership, control with guidance, and visibility with impact. Rather than seeing leadership as a responsibility to serve others and strengthen systems, they view it as a personal achievement or a symbol of status. When leadership is approached this way, decisions are driven by ego rather than insight, and by self-interest rather than collective well-being.

In several environments I

have encountered, individuals stepped into leadership roles without understanding the work they were leading, the people they were responsible for, or the long-term effects of their decisions. Instead of learning, listening, or seeking guidance, they acted with misplaced confidence. This lack of understanding created a dangerous gap between leadership and reality. Policies were designed without context, expectations were set without feasibility, and accountability was demanded without support. As a result, teams became frustrated, disengaged, and disoriented.

When unqualified leaders

misunderstand leadership, they often compensate by tightening control. I have seen unnecessary rules, excessive approvals, and rigid structures introduced not to improve outcomes, but to protect authority. These measures slow progress and suppress initiative. People stop contributing ideas, not because they lack creativity, but because they recognize that leadership does not value understanding or collaboration. Over time, the organization loses momentum and direction, dragged downward by leadership that does not know how to lead.

This dynamic becomes even more damaging at the community or national level. When leadership positions are filled by individuals who lack understanding, experience, or vision, entire systems suffer. Resources are misused, trust erodes, and division increases. Communities lose confidence in leadership, and participa-

tion declines. Progress becomes difficult when those at the top do not understand the meaning or responsibility of their role. History repeatedly shows that societies decline not only because of external pressures, but also because of leadership that lacks competence and clarity.

What I find most concerning is how long this type of leadership is allowed to continue. Individuals who do not understand leadership often remain in power because they are skilled at protecting their position. They shift blame, avoid accountability, and focus on appearances rather than outcomes. Meanwhile, capable individuals are ignored or pushed aside, and the organization or community continues its downward trajectory.

responsibility at the bottom. It requires understanding, humility, and a genuine commitment to serve others. When people take leadership positions without understanding what leadership truly means, they do not merely fail themselves; they pull entire organizations, communities, and countries downward with them.

If institutions are to survive and thrive, they must begin to distinguish between authority and leadership. Leadership must be earned through competence, understanding, and accountability—not assumed through position alone. Without this shift, the cycle will continue, and the cost will be measured not only in lost productivity or growth, but in lost trust, purpose, and future potential.

From my experience, leadership is not about sitting at the top—it is about carrying

Jan 17, 2026

Picture taken by emma mowat