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
Guys, I promise you life is better if we don’t listen to David Goggins. Why are we waking up at 5 AM when we can just wake up at an appropriate time, like 9 AM? Why are we taking ice baths? Guys, so many of these fitness influencers are on steroids anyway. Let’s just take a breath, do what we want and try our best this year— no need for this marine training mindset.
your concerns to people who actually care about you and are willing to listen. Rumours spread, and misconceptions arise.
Travel Guys, we need to go out more. We need to visit towns whose names we don’t even remember,
can’t because you’re broke, that’s probably why you’re depressed; it’s sort of an A-B question, guys, kind of black and white. Let’s make it our goal and save that cash we spend on late-night eats towards our summer trip to Spain
What’s good, guys. New year, new me, right?
No more just saying lock in and actually locking in
This year, I’m feeling healthy, handsome, athletic and slim, drop a heart if you guys relate. Guys, coming out of a BANGIN 2024, I’m ready to release my New Year’s resolutions to you so you can feel the power I’m feeling throughout my body right now, guys.
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
and why should we? Guys, if you are depressed, trust me, go out to the Amalfi coast in Italy and if you
Guys, I can’t count how many times I’ve witnessed someone say during a study session: “Alright, time to lock in,” and proceed to watch said locked-in person bang out 50 reels without recollection of what 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
To our dear unlovable brothers 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
nonchalant lad.
- You don’t have to pretend to be 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 and past traumas!
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 :)
- 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
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.
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!
Set Clear Goals
Write down academic or personal goals, and make them specific. That way, once you complete it, you can cross it off the list!
Limit Distractions
Identify your biggest distractions and create 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!
Embrace Growth
A new semester means lots of opportunities for growth. Sign up for a new club or take on a project you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Get Organized
Have something like a planner so you can track assignments, tests and deadlines. Doing this 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.
Build a Support Network
It’s the new year and new semester, which is a perfect time to make new connections. Connect with new classmates, join study groups or make sure you spend some extra time with your friends. Lean on them for encouragement and even accountability.
Celebrate Small Wins
You’re doing amazing! And sometimes, you need to acknowledge those small things like completing assignments or even just following your routine.
Make Learning Fun
As hard as it sounds, try to make learning fun. Try creative study techniques or study with friends to make the mundane tasks not so bad.
Written by Thirsa Ward
Comedy
Written by Teresa Bruce
Comedy 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.
Written by Renee Hall
Winter Break
So most of us could travel home for Christmas break to spend time with our family, friends and loved ones. Personally, I always look forward to Christmas break, the food, the break away from the hustle of college life, and the chance to switch off my brain for a bit. (Hopefully we are all able to turn our brains back on in time for midterms.) However, there were some extra lucky fish that were able to spend their winter breaks in the sun, on a beach, sipping mojitos (non-alcoholic, of course). ANYWHO, I asked a couple of people how their Christmas break went, what it meant and what yummy dishes they ate.
First off - Me. Yes, I know. I’m sorry, but I had to flex just a little. I spent time with my family on the beautiful Garden Route Coastline in South Africa. If you do not know where that is, it is definitely worth the Google. I spent every hour I could soaking up the sun. If you don’t know me, here’s some context: I love being outdoors, hiking, swimming in the ocean, snorkelling, and doing the whole shebang. So
you bet your last dollar I spent every day on the beach. The best dish I had while I was home? My mom’s oxtail curry. But fun and games aside, I am blessed to have the family that I do, and I am grateful for every minute that I get to spend with them.
Emma Mowat- I was super excited to cuddle my dogs when I got home!! My parents and I took a trip to Mexico for a week in January, so I missed the first week of school (worth it). I swam in the ocean every day when I was in Mexico and ate some bomb food. The tacos were definitely the best food I ate during the break.
Garden Route, South Africa
Break Recap
Rydaniel Windster- A Holiday of Gratitude and Growth
This Christmas break was nothing short of amazing. I had the chance to travel to Atlanta and spend the holidays with my family after being apart for six months. Despite facing financial challenges, God made a way for me to experience the trip for free—a testament to His provision. The journey wasn’t without its challenges; on the first day, we were pulled over by the police, and I remember thinking, “What is happening?” But as the days unfolded, I found myself in meaningful moments—helping one cousin through a tough time, supporting another with personal struggles, and, most importantly, drawing closer to God. This break became a time
of revelation and growth, where I reflected on areas of my life that needed work and felt a renewed connection to God’s love and mercy. Through His provision, I was able to share His word and hope with others, realizing just how present He truly is. This holiday wasn’t just fun; it was a rejuvenating journey of faith, connection, and gratitude.
Preiola Patterson- As the semester drew to a close, I was anxiously waiting for my exams to finish so that I could go home for my Christmas break. I was most looking forward to seeing my family members again. Yes, yes I know the semester is only like 3-4 months long. However, with the pressure and workload of last semester, I could not wait to go home and reunite with my fam-
ily again, hugging them physically (and also so that I don’t have to spend my own money iykyk). I also looked forward to relaxing and not stressing about academics and life. I went to the sunshine state of Florida and the peach state of Georgia, amongst other states, by road. I spent most of my time exploring places, sleeping late, relaxing and spending quality time with the family. One of my favourite foods I ate during the Christmas season is one of my country’s national dishes: Pepperpot. 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.”
2. Make friendship bracelets
They’re cute, they’re nostalgic, and most of all, they hold sentimental value.
3. DIY flower bouquets
“I can buy myself flowers.”
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.
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.
7. Design tote bags
Personalised tote bags are always adorable to own.
8. Charcuterie Board challenges
Who doesn’t love a little girly snack?
9. A brunch party/cooking competition
Show off your mad cooking skills!
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.
12. Karaoke night
Let’s sing break-up songs together at the top of our lungs.
13. Cake decorating
So… hear me out.
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 eat cafeteria food forever
kiss everyone you meet never kiss anyone again
be single forever marry the next person you see
graduate right now but never see your friends again
live in Lacombe forever
lose all your teeth
never get a girlfriend or boyfriend
burp in front of your crush
give up showering for a month give up your phone for a month
graduate in 5 years but keep your friends forever
live in your hometown forever
lose all your hair
or or or or or or or or or
never get a job
fart in front of your crush
Men’s Mental Health
Written by Martin Santomin
According to Statistics Canada, men account for 70-80% of suicides. Men often feel pressured to hide their struggles, but opening up is a strength, not a weakness. I would like to share my personal thoughts on vulnerability, managing tough times, and practical ways to handle overthinking. Whether through friends, therapy, or personal habits like journaling, prioritizing your mental health is always worth it.
Opening Up
a joke, or we’ll ruin the vibes, or maybe we think that they just wouldn’t know what to say, so why bother asking? Well, I know as men we like practical, logical solutions to our problems, so I would say that guys, if you come to your friends who are indeed
Guys (I’m speaking to all the men out there), I know that it’s hard sometimes to open up about issues and what’s on our minds. I know that sometimes, when we’re with the boys, we don’t want to ask for help if we’re really going through it. We think they won’t take us seriously or take what we’re saying as
your friends and you have a serious talk about what you are dealing with and they don’t take you seriously or joke about it, I’m sorry to say, but those aren’t your friends. Your true friends would be there for you, and they would listen to you. It’s possible they might not know what to say,
but I know that if those are indeed your friends, they will listen to you. Maybe it’s possible that you don’t have friends to talk to, but that’s okay! Another avenue would be therapy, even through the Sakala Center. I know what you’re thinking: therapy in your mind might be kind of icky and inorganic like you’re paying these people to listen to you. However, consider shifting your perspective; maybe these people are like doctors who care about you getting better. They’re passionate about mental health, and they wouldn’t be in that profession if they didn’t care about us. Case in point, it’s okay to open up, and you have so many people who love you and are actually willing to listen to you.
Dealing with low points
It’s something that everyone deals with. Low points
are a universal feeling, and I’ve definitely dealt with my share of low points. As men, sometimes we’re expected to be stoic, and we need to be a solid rock; however, in my experience, I can say that if you push these issues aside, they will manifest in long-term problems. We experience low points for so many reasons: maybe a girl broke our heart, our expectations weren’t met, we’re scared we won’t make it in life, or we just simply don’t feel like we’re enough. It’s hard. This point in our lives is hard. However, find comfort in the fact that these feelings and low points we have are NORMAL. We’re trying our best to work towards our future at university, and a promising future will NOT come easily. Nothing truly worth it will ever come easy.
Overthinking
I think everyone has caught themselves overthinking. Creating fake scenarios in our minds that haven’t happened yet. It’s normal; it’s something that everyone has experienced before. I want-
ed to share how I stop myself from overthinking. A wise friend told me once that when our minds have nowhere to go, they tend to wander to places where they shouldn’t be. Keeping busy is something that helps me not to overthink. There is always something to be done: clean my room, go to the gym, do the dishes, fold laundry, and do some homework. I know it’s hard sometimes, but when we keep our minds occupied and are productive, we can distract ourselves from self-deprecating thoughts and, at the same time, be productive. Journaling is also a healthy form of catharsis for me. I always thought it was kinda cringe to journal, but for the past two years, I’ve found myself picking up a pen paper and writing out my thoughts. It’s helped me a lot through rough times because I feel like sometimes I’m not able to say EVERYTHING that’s on my mind. However, knowing that no one would ever see my journal, I feel like I’m able to be completely honest, and it has been so helpful. I understand it may also be hard to stay
motivated when journaling, but one way that helped (and it may not be for everyone) was to buy an expensive journal. When I bought an expensive journal, I felt so much more pressured to use it since I had spent so much money on it.
Student Spotlight Featuring paradiSe lee
Interviewed by Martin Santomin
the man, the myth, the legend...
What’s your name?
What’s my Korean Name? Nakwon Lee.
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.
Do you like beaches or lakes?
Beaches cause there’s a lot of……
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,
and why?
Oh, Dr O, he’s funny, and he likes to make fun of me for being Korean.
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 to challenge each of you to be the change you want to see. In a world full of negativity, we have a choice: to add to it or to swim against the current and create positive change. People often ask me, “What is the Burman experience like?” My most honest answer: It’s what you make it. Yes, we’re part of a small campus, which some might see as a weakness. But in reality, that’s one of our greatest strengths. At Burman, we have opportunities to grow, lead, and connect on a personal level. From mentorship
programs to leadership roles in the Burman University Student Association (BUSA), campus ministries, clubs, sports teams, and even new initiatives—you’ll find countless ways to make a difference if you’re willing to step forward.
stand on the sidelines, or do I want to be part of that change? This is a fantastic opportunity to serve your campus and your community.
This week, as you read this, the Student Association (SA) positions for next year are open, and it’s time to gather signatures. Applications will close on Thursday, January 30th, so now is the perfect time to consider running for a position. If there’s a change you want to see on campus, ask yourself: Do I want to
Just as last week’s WISE theme emphasized calling, I believe we all have a purpose. Maybe yours is starting a new club, trying out a new leadership role, or stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new. Don’t be afraid to make that leap—because at the end of the day, life is what you make it. Don’t sell yourself short; together, we can transform our community.
Be the change you
As your Student Association president, I want to remind you that BUSA is here to support you.
If you have concerns, suggestions, or ideas, please reach out.
We have weekly office hours in the Hideout, and you can find those hours on our brand-new BUSA
One way your BUSA team has committed to making a difference is through the Kenya Toilet Initiative. This project aims to build sanitation facilities in schools in Kenya, and each toilet costs $1,500. Every dollar donated is matched, doubling the impact of your contribution. If you’re inspired to support this cause, check your emails for details on how to donate and join us in creating change for communities beyond our campus.
This message was brought to you by the 2024-2025 BUSA President, Elijah O’Sullivan.
website. Prefer to leave a note instead? Look for one of the five suggestion boxes placed around campus—we’re always here to listen. So, Burman family, go out and conquer. Step into leadership, make bold choices, and above all, be the change you want to see in this place. Together, let’s make Burman the best experience it can be.
you want to see
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