January '25 Chronicle

Listen Up...

Crew (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy) - GoldLink Can You Love Me Tonight? - Stripped - KAIRO Grenade - Acoustic - Bruno Mars (They Long To Be) Close To You - Carpenters Somewhere in My Dreams - Jack Harris Heavy - The Marias Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold) - Tyler, The Creator Jukebox Joints (feat. Joe Fox & Kanye West) - A$AP Rocky Carry Me - Everything Is Recorded, Obongjayar, Yazz Ahmed High Speed - Coldplay No Ordinary Love - Sade Belle - dublon All I Need - Radiohead Damn Shame - LAUNDRY DAY Stand By Me - Ben E. King

New Years Resolutions Written by Martin Santomin

Chill your concerns to people who can’t because you’re broke, that’s Guys, I promise you life is better if actually care about you and are probably why you’re depressed; we don’t listen to David Goggins. willing to listen. Rumours spread, it’s sort of an A-B question, guys, Why are we waking up at 5 AM and misconceptions arise. kind of black and white. Let’s when we can just wake up at an make it our goal and save that appropriate time, like 9 AM? Why Travel cash we spend on late-night eats are we taking ice baths? Guys, Guys, we need to go out more. towards our summer trip to Spain so many of these fitness influenc- We need to visit towns whose ers are on steroids anyway. Let’s names we don’t even remember, No more just saying lock in just take a breath, do and actually locking what we want and try What’s good, guys. New year, new me, right? in This year, I’m feeling healthy, handsome, our best this year— Guys, I can’t count no need for this ma- athletic and slim, drop a heart if you guys re- how many times I’ve rine training mindset. late. Guys, coming out of a BANGIN 2024, I’m witnessed someone ready to release my New Year’s resolutions say during a study session: “Alright, to you so you can feel the power I’m feeling time to lock in,” and throughout my body right now, guys. proceed to watch said and why should we? Guys, if you locked-in person bang out 50

Stop oversharing Guys, not everyone wants to hear you complaining about how much your life sucks. I’m going to be real: not everyone cares, and they won’t have the best intentions for you. Express

are depressed, trust me, go out to reels without recollection of what the Amalfi coast in Italy and if you they’ve just watched. Guys, the reels are cooking, literally frying our brains. We need to be real with ourselves; we need to actually start locking in when we say so because we’re leaving the 2.3 GPA in 2024 and welcoming the 4.0 in 2025.

Positano, Italy

Single Sympathy Written by Teresa Bruce

nonchalant lad.

To our dear unlovable brothers - You don’t have to pretend to be and sisters, how are you doing?

For reasons beyond your understanding, are you finding yourself trapped in an endless season of singleness? Do you find yourself longing for that special someone?

Do you feel that ache within your heart swell around this time of year? Well, if you answered yes to any of the above questions, then this heartfelt article is for you.

Titled “Single Sympathy,” you may expect me to express my deepest and most sincere sympathies for your unfortunate predicament (come on, you must know me better by now). Google indicates that sympathy can be defined as having feelings of pity for someone else’s misfortune. But no, I’m not going to sit here and hold your hand and cry with you. That’s too drab and soppy and I would hate for you to bask in your loneliness. Instead, I encourage you to find the strength within to read on as I share the endless joys of singlehood. After all, I do not see your inability to find a mate as a misfortune but rather a grand opportunity! This is a season to celebrate, so get your party hats on and celebrate being unattached :) - You don’t have to explain every detail of your day! You get to be a

interested in someone’s niche hobbies or interests!

- You get to save so much money!

- You don’t have to share any of your food!

- If you’re forever single, you will never have to deal with potentially horrid in-laws!

- You don’t have to go through the hassle of explaining your life story

people! How is it fair that you get to go about galavanting with your love on full display? Have some decorum, and stand in solidarity with the single folk of this barren land. As Moyin said in his student spotlight interview, we really ought to have a single appreciation day. So dear single folk, even if no one else does, I see you, I stand with you, and I’m here to support you. Just maybe after I return from my date :) In all seriousness, the month of February can stir an array of strong emotions in people, and although this article is written in jest, I do want to close off with a more sincere thought.

and past traumas!

- You don’t have to try to integrate them into your friend group!

- You don’t have to go through the pain of a breakup!

- You don’t have to deal with nonsense arguments!

- YOU ARE FREE! Free as a bird! So spread your wings and make me proud :) Now to the rest of you in happy and loving relationships, break up! Have some empathy and do good for the

No matter what status you may claim, God has an intentional and well-thought-out plan for each of us. Although it may not feel like it, God has his timing for your life set, and we just have to be patient and trust in his plan. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. ‘” — Jeremiah 29:11 So let’s all hold onto that hope and remain steadfast in our faith as God guides us through the choices we make and the people we engage with.

New Semester Survival How to make this semester your best semester!

Limit Get Organized Distractions

Set Clear Goals Write down academic or personal goals, and make them

off the list!

so you can track assignments,

distractions and create

specific. That way, once you complete it, you can cross it

Have something like a planner

Identify your biggest

tests and deadlines. Doing this

strategies to minimize them. Use something like the app ‘Forest’ to help.

Prioritize Self-Care With the business of the semester, make sure that you are taking care of you! Eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of water and get as much sleep as you can. You can even go on walks as downtime!

will help you stay on top of your assignments this semester!

Establish a Routine A routine can help maintain balance and ensure that you have enough time for what you need to do.

Embrace Growth

Build a Support Network

A new semester means lots of

It’s the new year and new semester, which is a

opportunities for growth. Sign

perfect time to make new connections. Connect with

up for a new club or take on

new classmates, join study groups or make sure you

a project you wouldn’t have

spend some extra time with your friends. Lean on

otherwise.

them for encouragement and even accountability.

Celebrate Small Wins

Make Learning Fun

You’re doing amazing! And sometimes,

As hard as it sounds, try to make learning

you need to acknowledge those small

fun. Try creative study techniques or study

things like completing assignments or even

with friends to make the mundane tasks not

just following your routine.

so bad.

Written by Thirsa Ward

Comed

Written by Teresa Bruce

dy Night Comedy night! Once again, the year started with a BANG. Followed by perhaps some BOOING and the sound of crickets and confusion thick in the air. On January 18th, BUSA hosted a comedy night in the Spiritual Life Center. Although it was beyond freezing outside, Burmanites came from far and wide for an event which promised great entertainment. The ambience of the room was set with tasteful fairy lights and a spotlight, and Terrence, Michael, and Boris set the mood with their music.

Dressed in black, BUSA members and the social team served endless delicacies to the crowd. Ample drink options were offered, and the stage was set for an evening of silly and lighthearted fun. To start the night, Kofi opened with some jokes.

Next, Dave had a set, followed by Manny and Prince. After the presenters, Martin, the emcee, opened up the stage for some fun and friendly roasts. First up on the chopping block was Abel, and although some good shots were fired, he shot back with some brutal attacks. Both Moyin and Prince took their turn on the chopping block, and they took the shots like champs. The last person on the chopping board was our dear beloved BUSA president Elijah. He welcomed the onslaught and remained collected and composed. Now, at this point in the night, things were getting rather silly and somehow, Kofi and Prince found themselves in a rap battle. Some more crowd work ensued, and people came up to share their rendition of “You know you go to Burman when…”. Although comedy night often leaves people questioning whether Burman even has a sense of humour, this event has a way of bringing people together and reminding them about the joys of not taking life too seriously.

Winter Bre

Written by Renee Hall

S

o most of us could travel

First off - Me. Yes, I know. I’m

you bet your last dollar I spent every

home for Christmas break to spend

sorry, but I had to flex just a little.

day on the beach. The best dish I

time with our family, friends and

I spent time with my family on the had while I was home? My mom’s

loved ones. Personally, I always

beautiful Garden Route Coastline oxtail curry. But fun and games

look forward to Christmas break, in South Africa. If you do not know

aside, I am blessed to have the

the food, the break away from the where that is, it is definitely worth family that I do, and I am grateful for hustle of college life,

every minute that I get

and the chance to

to spend with them.

switch off my brain for a bit. (Hopefully

Emma Mowat- I

we are all able to turn

was super excited to

our brains back on in

cuddle my dogs when

time for midterms.)

I got home!! My par-

However, there were

ents and I took a trip to

some

Mexico for a week

extra

lucky

fish that were able to spend their win-

in Garden Route, South Africa

January,

so

I

missed the first week

ter breaks in the sun, on a beach,

the Google. I spent every hour I

sipping

could soaking up the sun. If you the ocean every day when I was

mojitos

(non-alcoholic,

of school (worth it). I swam in

of course). ANYWHO, I asked a don’t know me, here’s some con- in Mexico and ate some bomb couple of people how their Christ- text: I love being outdoors, hiking,

food. The tacos were definitely the

mas break went, what it meant swimming in the ocean, snorkelling,

best food I ate during the break.

and what yummy dishes they ate.

and doing the whole shebang. So

eak Recap Rydaniel

Windster-

iday

Gratitude

of

and

A

Hol-

of revelation and growth, where I ily again, hugging them physical-

Growth reflected on areas of my life that ly (and also so that I don’t have to needed work and felt a renewed spend my own money iykyk). I also

This Christmas break was nothing

connection to God’s love and mercy.

looked forward to relaxing and not

short of amazing. I had the chance Through His provision, I was able stressing about academics and life. to travel to Atlanta and spend the to share His word and hope with

I went to the sunshine state of

holidays with my family after being

others, realizing just how present Florida and the peach state of Geor-

apart for six months. Despite facing

He truly is. This holiday wasn’t just

gia, amongst other states, by road.

financial challenges, God made a fun; it was a rejuvenating journey

I spent most of my time exploring

way for me to experience the trip of faith, connection, and gratitude.

places, sleeping late, relaxing and

for free—a testament to His provi-

spending quality time with the family.

sion. The journey wasn’t without Preiola Patterson- As the semes- One of my favourite foods I ate during its challenges; on the first day, we ter drew to a close, I was anxiously

the Christmas season is one of my

were pulled over by the police, and waiting for my exams to finish so

country’s national dishes: Pepperpot.

I remember thinking, “What is hap- that I could go home for my Christpening?” But as the days unfolded, mas break. I was most looking forI found myself in meaningful mo- ward to seeing my family members ments—helping one cousin through again. Yes, yes I know the semester a tough time, supporting anoth- is only like 3-4 months long. However with personal struggles, and, er, with the pressure and workload most importantly, drawing closer

of last semester, I could not wait to

to God. This break became a time go home and reunite with my fam-

Guyanese Pepperpot

Galentine’s Day Written by Renee Hall

Valentine’s Day. Scratch that. It’s GALENTINES DAY! I know we see our girls all the time, but come on, an excuse to dress up with your girls and flood each other’s camera rolls? It’s a meant-to-be kinda day. So to all of us single ladies on campus, here are some fun ideas to do with your girls or if you prefer to wallow silently, you can still do these activities alone (that is not healthy, go out, make friends, make memories).

1. Heart-shaped Pizza Night Instead of ordering Dominoes, challenge yourself. Make it “from scratch.”

4. Make your own lipbalm never found the right scented lip balm? Now’s your chance to make one!

5. Cookie decorating A little sweet treat never hurt anybody.

7. Design tote bags Personalised tote bags are always adorable to own.

9. A brunch party/cooking competition Show off your mad cooking skills!

3. DIY flower bouquets “I can buy myself flowers.”

13. Cake decorating So… hear me out.

6. Create vision boards Have your girls help you better yourself! Make achievable goals for yourself with the help of people who love you the most.

8. Charcuterie Board challenges Who doesn’t love a little girly snack?

2. Make friendship bracelets They’re cute, they’re nostalgic, and most of all, they hold sentimental value.

12. Karaoke night Let’s sing break-up songs together at the top of our lungs.

10. A Tea Party You can drink it and spill it.

11. Get your nails done Matching nails for the whole gang would be cringey cute.

14. Volunteer as a group Go give out roses to people, everyone deserves to feel loved.

15. Take an exercise class together Take a yoga class or a Zumba class, or go for a run together (we pray for good weather).

Whatever it is that you choose to do with your girls, make sure to create memories that you want to reminisce about.

We are only this age once, go out and make the most of the time we have together.

Would You Rather... live in the dorms forever

or

eat cafeteria food forever

kiss everyone you meet

or

never kiss anyone again

be single forever

or

marry the next person you see

give up showering for a month

or

give up your phone for a month

or

graduate in 5 years but keep your friends forever

live in Lacombe forever

or

live in your hometown forever

lose all your teeth

or

lose all your hair

never get a girlfriend or boyfriend

or

never get a job

burp in front of your crush

or

fart in front of your crush

graduate right now but never see your friends again

Men’s Mental Health Written by Martin Santomin

A 70-80%

ccording

to

tistics

Canada, or maybe we think that they indeed

men of

Sta-

account

suicides.

for

a joke, or we’ll ruin the vibes, just wouldn’t know what to

but I know that if those are your

friends,

they

will listen to you. Maybe it’s

Men say, so why bother asking? possible that you don’t have

often feel pressured to hide

Well, I know as men we like

friends to talk to, but that’s

their struggles, but opening

practical,

okay! Another avenue would

up is a strength, not a weak-

to our problems, so I would be therapy, even through the

ness. I would like to share

say that guys, if you come to

Sakala Center. I know what

my

your friends who are indeed

you’re thinking: therapy in

solutions

personal

thoughts

vulnerability,

managing

your mind might be kind

tough times, and practical

of icky and inorganic like

ways to handle overthink-

you’re paying these peo-

ing.

ple to listen to you. How-

Whether

on

logical

through

friends, therapy, or person-

ever,

al habits like journaling,

your perspective; maybe

prioritizing your mental

these people are like doc-

health is always worth it.

tors who care about you getting

consider

better.

shifting

They’re

passionate about mental

Opening Up

health, and they wouldn’t

Guys (I’m speaking to all

be in that profession if

the men out there), I know your friends and you have a they didn’t care about us. that it’s hard sometimes to serious talk about what you Case in point, it’s okay to open open up about issues and

are dealing with and they

what’s on our minds. I know

don’t take you seriously or people who love you and are

that sometimes, when we’re joke about it, I’m sorry to say,

up, and you have so many actually willing to listen to you.

with the boys, we don’t want but those aren’t your friends. to ask for help if we’re real-

Your true friends would be

ly going through it. We think there for you, and they would

Dealing with low points

they won’t take us seriously listen to you. It’s possible they It’s something that everyor take what we’re saying as might not know what to say, one deals with. Low points

are a universal feeling, and ed to share how I stop myself motivated when journaling, I’ve definitely dealt with my from overthinking. A wise

but one way that helped (and it

share of low points. As men, friend told me once that when may not be for everyone) was sometimes we’re expected to

our minds have nowhere to to buy an expensive journal.

be stoic, and we need to be go, they tend to wander to

When I bought an expensive

a solid rock; however, in my

places where they shouldn’t

journal, I felt so much more

experience, I can say that

be. Keeping busy is some-

pressured to use it since I had

if you push these issues

thing that helps me not to

spent so much money on it.

aside, they will manifest in

overthink. There is always

long-term

We

something to be done: clean

experience low points for

my room, go to the gym,

so

do the dishes, fold laundry,

many

problems. reasons:

maybe

a girl broke our heart, our and do some homework. I expectations

weren’t

met, know it’s hard sometimes,

we’re scared we won’t make

but when we keep our minds

it in life, or we just simply

occupied and are productive,

don’t feel like we’re enough.

we can distract ourselves from

It’s hard. This point in our

self-deprecating

thoughts

lives is hard. However, find and, at the same time, be comfort in the fact that these

productive. Journaling is also

feelings and low points we

a healthy form of catharsis for

have are NORMAL. We’re try-

me. I always thought it was

ing our best to work towards

kinda cringe to journal, but for

our future at university, and

the past two years, I’ve found

a promising future will NOT

myself picking up a pen paper

come easily. Nothing truly and writing out my thoughts. worth it will ever come easy.

It’s helped me a lot through rough times because I feel like

Overthinking

sometimes I’m not able to say

I think everyone has caught

EVERYTHING that’s on my

themselves

overthinking. mind. However, knowing that

Creating fake scenarios in

no one would ever see my

our minds that haven’t hap-

journal, I feel like I’m able to be

pened yet. It’s normal; it’s

completely honest, and it has

something that everyone has been so helpful. I understand experienced before. I want-

it may also be hard to stay

Student spotlight

Featuring paradise lee Interviewed by Martin Santomin

The man, the myth, the legend...

What’s your name?

Do you like beaches or lakes?

and why?

What’s my Korean Name? Nakwon Lee.

Beaches cause there’s a lot of……

Oh, Dr O, he’s funny, and he likes to make fun of me for being Korean.

What’s your major, and why did you choose it?

My major is biology. I didn’t know what to do, so my sister recommended it, and she did it to get into dentistry, so I guess I did it too.

Who are your three favourite artists?

1. New Jeans 2. Stevie Ray Vaughan 3. Wave to Earth Why are you Korean?

Because all the Japanese spots were taken.

What’s your favourite Animal?

Ohhh, a cat. Like a Sphinx.

Can you fit your fist in your mouth?

No. I mean could fit a……..

What’s your favourite meal?

Kimchi with rice and uhhh, Kimchi Jjigae.

Are you single?

Yeah, I’m single and I’m so ready to mingle. I’m actually so single and so ready.

What are some of your red flags?

My red flags?

I’m 6’4” I’m a feminist Nonchalant Korean How would you rate your BU experience?

Prettyyyy goooood…ahahahah It’s okay, I just don’t really like the cafeteria food.

What do you want to do more of?

Yeah, I wanna paint more and play guitar. Also, talk to girls, 6’4” by the way, well, 6’1”, but same thing.

I also I got drip.

What advice would you give to on upcoming freshmen?

Make sure you know how to cook by yourself and network.

Who’s your favourite professor,

What’s your favourite movie and why?

I like Inception, it’s really good; it’s top one. I like it because it’s very creative.

Who are some of your best friends and Burman, and why?

Mikey, cause we both play guitar.

What are some of your pet peeves?

When people just come into my room and then take my granola bars! Okay, there was like 40 granola bars, and now there are nine, and I didn’t eat any. People keep eating them, and then people even put their wrappers in my garbage can, like bruh take it with you.

What’s your favourite fast food restaurant?

Pet value.

Why are you so mysterious and nonchalant?

Uhh bro, why am I so nonchalant?

Because shiiiiiii you tell me?

Cook dinner together Movie night Go on a hike/walk together Go pottery painting at ‘Painted Earth’ Recreate your first date Go stargazing Volunteer somewhere together Play a card or board game Have a themed date night (Disney, Marvel, etc.)

Watch the sunrise or sunset together on a frozen lake Go ice skating together Have a karaoke night Build a bucketlist together

As cliché as it might sound, I want programs to leadership roles in stand on the sidelines, or do I want to challenge each of you to be the

the Burman University Student to be part of that change? This is

change you want to see. In a world

Association (BUSA), campus minis- a fantastic opportunity to serve

full of negativity, we have a choice: tries, clubs, sports teams, and even

your campus and your community.

to add to it or to swim against the

new initiatives—you’ll find count-

current and create positive change.

less ways to make a difference Just as last week’s WISE theme

People often ask me, “What if you’re willing to step forward. emphasized calling, I believe we is the Burman experience

all have a purpose. Maybe yours

like?” My most honest an- This week, as you read this, the

is starting a new club, trying out

swer: It’s what you make it.

Student Association (SA) positions a new leadership role, or stepping

Yes, we’re part of a small cam- for next year are open, and it’s time

out of your comfort zone to try

pus, which some might see as a to gather signatures. Applications something new. Don’t be afraid to weakness. But in reality, that’s will close on Thursday, January make that leap—because at the end one of our greatest strengths. At 30th, so now is the perfect time to of the day, life is what you make it.

Burman, we have opportunities consider running for a position. If Don’t sell yourself short; together, to grow, lead, and connect on a there’s a change you want to see on

we can transform our community.

personal level. From mentorship campus, ask yourself: Do I want to

Be the change y

One way your BUSA team has and join us in creating change for website. Prefer to leave a note committed to making a difference

communities beyond our campus.

is through the Kenya Toilet Ini-

suggestion boxes placed around

tiative. This project aims to build

As your Student Association

sanitation facilities in schools

president, I want to remind you

in Kenya, and each toilet costs that BUSA is here to support you. $1,500. Every dollar donated is

instead? Look for one of the five campus—we’realwaysheretolisten.

So, Burman family, go out and

If you have concerns, sugges- conquer. Step into leadership,

matched, doubling the impact of tions, or ideas, please reach out. make bold choices, and above all, your contribution. If you’re inspired We have weekly office hours in the be the change you want to see in to support this cause, check your Hideout, and you can find those this place. Together, let’s make Buremails for details on how to donate hours on our brand-new BUSA man the best experience it can be.

This message was brought to you by the 2024-2025 BUSA President, Elijah O’Sullivan.

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