January Chronicle '26

Burman University’s Student-led Newspaper

THE 2 CHRONICLE 2 6 JANUARY ISSUE

Ft. Daniel K

THE CHRONICLE

H

EDITOR’S LETTER

appy New Year and new semester, friends!! For all my fellow fourth years, you know that this new year is extra special – we’re the class of 2026!

Come May, we’ll have to kiss our beloved Burman goodbye and (Inshallah) go on to accomplish great things.

The new semester usually brings a group of new students, too! So, if you’re reading The Chronicle for the first time, welcome! I hope you like our silly little (award-winning) newspaper. I think we capture the vibe of Burman pretty well (one word - goofy).

I hope you all had an excellent Winter break and had ample rest and relaxation. I, for one, had such a good time at home that I am very upset to be back. But alas, I’m sure I’ll get over it soon.

I’m excited to see all of your lovely faces on campus again!

As always, feel free to reach out to me at emmamowat@burmanu.ca if you ever have any questions, concerns, or contributions.

EMMA MOWAT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

January Playlist CHANEL - Tyla 4 Raws - EsDeeKid I Just Might - Bruno Mars Man I Need - Olivia Dean Muévelo - Kali Uchis My Old Ways - Tame Impala Mind Loaded (feat. Caroline Polachek, Lorde & Mustafa) - Blood Orange Cannock Chase - Labi Siffre American Dreaming - Sierra Ferrel secrecy - Ethan Regan affection - BETWEEN FRIENDS Dallas Major - Lily Allen Roman d’Amour - Alastair Lane, Sarah Degny TIT FOR TAT - Tate McRae Who Knows - Daniel Caesar

Scan on Spotify!!

2026

Predictions Written by Justin Pandala Greetings friends. Happy New Year and welcome to 2026. Now, with this new year, you may be thinking to yourself, “I wonder what’s gonna happen this year?” Now fret not, as you are in quite some luck! After gathering highly conclusive information from sources that I cannot expose unless I want to go missing, and doing some intense studying and analytics of my own, I have come up with some insights and ultimately some predictions for this upcoming year.

1. Something BIG with Mark Ruffalo (cannot disclose what specifically, but know something involving him is happening)

2. Your very own Burman Bobcats Men’s Volleyball team will defeat Miller Edge in the finals in an absolute THRILLER of a match!

3. The Seahawks will win the Super Bowl.

4. Marty Supreme will win an Oscar.

5. Burman’s weather will be slightly less harsh than in previous years.

6. GTA 6 will get delayed again until 2027.

7. Online ID verification will have a large surge to reduce internet anonymity.

8. 2026 will bring record-breaking profits on paper. Corporations will continue posting all-time high earn-

ings to appease shareholders, fueled by automation, AI, and aggressive cost-cutting. Yet many of these same companies will cite financial pressure when it comes to their workforce. They will offer no meaningful raises, enforce hiring freezes, and carry out continued layoffs, claiming that it is for “efficiency”.

9. Earth will continue to spin at 107,000 km/hr.

10. Brain fog will increase by 15% in North America. (I’m not sure how this will be measured, but just know it’s happening)

11. The AI bubble will continue to climb, then experience a “burst,” where tech-heavy stocks will crash for some time, before gradually showing recovery, as AI is not going anywhere.

12. There will be an unusual increase in 4th years dating freshmen at Burman.

13. Dr. O will come upon a great fortune.

14. We will have a worldwide pandemic scare, but all will be well in the end.

15. The Burman cafeteria will have some new and popular drinks for students to try.

16. We will see record-breaking amounts of ADHD prescriptions.

17. A new and exciting restaurant will come to Lacombe.

18. Having bangs will become more popular (with both males and females).

19. A major data leak will publicly expose the information of many, leading to a more serious approach to passwords and 2-factor authentication.

20. Burman will see its largest increase in students in the last 5 years.

The Types of Burman Students Written by Melissa Enache You don’t need to be at Burman very long to notice that every classroom has the same mix of people. It usually hits sometime in the first couple of weeks, when it becomes clear that no matter the course, the same types of students keep showing up. Burman isn’t only about classes, deadlines, and cafeteria food that’s… fine, on a good day. It’s also about the people we end up sharing those spaces with over and over again.

Some of them make life easier. Some of them test your patience. Either way, they’re hard to forget.

So, welcome to the unofficial guide of Burman students.

The Overachiever You can usually spot them before class even starts. They’re already inside the room, settled in, sometimes acting like the class has been going on for ten minutes already. Everything is laid out perfectly: notes, laptop, pens. It’s a little intimidating, honestly.

When they ask questions, they’re not bad questions. They’re just… very detailed. Detailed enough that it’s easy to wonder if they’re asking for help or just proving a point. Most of the time, it feels like both.

Then there’s the overachiever who goes full crisis mode. They’ll say they didn’t study loudly and repeat it multiple times, just in case anyone missed it. They talk about how stressed they are, how unprepared they feel, and how this exam is definitely going to ruin them. Nobody really believes it, but it still makes everyone nervous.

After grades come out, the claims disappear completely. That’s usually when you find out they did perfectly fine.

The Disappearing One At the start of the semester, they seem normal. They show up. They take notes.

They’re present enough that it seems they’ll be around all term. Then one day, they miss a class.

Nothing bad happens. So they miss another one.

After that, they kind of fade out. Weeks pass, and if their name comes up, someone always says, “They said they’ll come next class.”

The only time they fully reappear is during finals, when they walk in like they never left.

The Gossiper If something happens on campus, they already know about it. Not just the main idea, but the details too. Who was involved, how people reacted, and who heard about it first.

What’s strange is that you never hear much about them personally. They’re around, but only long enough to pass information along.

You don’t run into them much outside class, and you definitely don’t know how they’re always so informed.

If anyone could run a campus gossip page without ever being caught, it would be them.

The Chronically Confused No matter how many times something gets explained, they’re still lost.

The professor could repeat the same idea three different ways, and they’ll still raise their hand like it’s new information.

When they do, you can almost feel the collective pause in the room.

But then they ask that question. The one everyone else was stuck on but didn’t want to admit.

Suddenly, the explanation makes sense. They might slow the class down, but they also make sure no one gets left behind.

It’s frustrating, but also kind of necessary.

The Wannabe Musician They’re technically here for school, but music is clearly the priority. Classes matter, sure, but not as much as practices.

They talk about music like it’s not a hobby, but a future.

And honestly, no one really complains about it, because they’re actually good. Worship nights wouldn’t feel right without them, and even the people who secretly hate it still show up to listen.

The Campus Couple Everyone knows who they are. You rarely see just one of them. They arrive together, sit together, and leave together. At some point, they stop feeling like two separate people; they’re just one.

If one of them shows up alone, it immediately feels noticeable. People start wondering what happened. Was there a fight? Did something change? Nobody says anything directly, but everyone notices.

Once a campus couple exists, their relationship somehow becomes public knowledge, whether they wanted it or not.

After a while, it’s easy to stop noticing how often these students appear. They just sort of blend into the campus life. You might not know their names, but they’re there, and somehow that becomes normal. Weirdly enough, that’s what makes Burman feel like Burman.

Ms. Take

Advice with

Ms Take: Ms Take is quite sad that her fellow students of Burman have not sent in any intriguing responses. I must say you are all quite boring.

Surprise! University is Hard Dear Ms. Take, Why do teachers like making this hard? I have one teacher that half the class is terrified of and yet he is the one that gives us full warning of what will be on tests well ahead of time and I love him for it. (I know, there is something wrong with me) I’ve got the other teachers that get this glint in their eye as they say “maybe” a lot.

They give the vaguest possible instructions and expect us to write an essay on command, following these rules, in a set time limit.

Maybe this is normal, but I can’t even study for it I because I am now so stressed out. Why don’t they at least offer convincing encouragement so the whole class doesn’t start to think they would be better off not showing up?

Maybe imply we stand a chance?

They do realize if we all fail it

makes them look bad, right?

Sincerely, Better off Procrastinating

Ms. Take: Dearest Fellow Scholar, Believe me when I say, I understand you entirely. I, too, once stood precisely where you now find yourself, weary, doubtful, and silently negotiating with fate. Yet (and I say this with the gentlest firmness), one must eventually accept a rather inconvenient truth: a place within the university walls is a privilege, though it rarely feels like one during exam season.

Each professor, much like everyone else, possesses a most distinct temperament. Some instruct with warmth, others with terror, and all of them, whether intentionally or not, prepare you in different ways.

You have already proven yourself perceptive, noting that telltale glint in a professor’s eye when they utter the word “maybe.” Such observations, my dear, are not trivial; they are survival skills.

My greatest encouragement to you is this: begin the new semester not with fear, but with strategy. Learn your professors as you would any pow-

erful figure, visit their office hours, understand their expectations, and decipher their ways. Knowledge, after all, is influence.

And above all, remember this: you are worthy of this degree. You do stand a chance. Your value is not determined by a passing remark or a raised eyebrow across a classroom but by your perseverance, your effort, and the quiet resolve with which you continue.

Hold your head high, dear one.

Thou Art The Problem Dear Ms. Take, Bro these are so boring, i want people to NAME-DROP Sincerely, Quake Ms. Take: I find myself in agreement with your sentiment, and yet I am quite perplexed by your decision to submit this request devoid of any namedrops of your own. Surely, if one has ventured so far as to complain, one might also summon the courage to enlighten us?

Perhaps this is your moment to contribute rather than merely critique.

Or dare I suggest, are you one of those esteemed members of our community who prefer to linger in the shadows, listening intently, judging silently, and offering nothing but raised eyebrows and vicious whispers in return?

The floor, my dear, is yours… should you dare step onto it.

Lacombe Mafia Boss Dear Ms. Take, A restaurant I know that is widespread around, is run by a scary person that has done some villainous things that highkey break workplace safety/rules/humanity to employees. I cannot disclose who/what restaurant because they’re kinda like the mafia godfather of their restaurant chain, except they appear super nice to outsiders. I am scared of somehow seeing the person that runs that place or ‘being found out as a snitch’ about them. It feels bad knowing that other workers have to work under them, and I cannot really do anything about it. In these kinds of scenarios, where I cannot help people without putting my safety at risk, what do I do?

Sincerely, Spookyrita Ms. Take: Oh, Dearest Spookyrita, Whatever curious enterprise have you entangled yourself in now?

Mafia accusations, and in the sunlit,

ever-so-quiet town of Lacombe? My word. One expects such drama in dark alleyways, not beneath prairie skies.

Unless… dare I whisper it, this is not criminal intrigue at all, but merely the workings of a Burman clique?

How scandalous in its own, far subtler way.

Regardless of the truth, my dear, I implore you: retreat with haste.

Guard your peace, preserve your sanity, and do not allow yourself to be swept into theatrics unworthy of your time. Some mysteries are best observed from a distance, preferably with a cup of tea in hand.

Loneliness is a Choice, I Fear Dear Ms. Take, I have no idea how to make friends on this campus. Most days are quite lonely for me when I am at school. I know there’s a bunch of social events I can attend because of the nonstop emailing but I don’t know if I will even be welcome. I am not a christian and I feel like an outsider here.

I am also a part of the LGBTQ community which also makes me question if I am welcome in social spaces. PS. we need to do something about the insane amount of emails that are sent out everyday to everyone. PSS. people need to stop hitting Reply All on emails.

Sincerely, Glinda the Good Ms. Take: My Dear Reader, At Burman, the art of making

friends is hardly a mystery — one must simply participate. Attend the gatherings, linger at the social events, and make yourself known.

Society, after all, rarely discovers those who remain hidden at the edges of the room.

I shall be honest with you: as a Christian campus, many of our events are indeed centred around God. Yet let it be said plainly, you are welcome in these spaces. You will not be shunned, nor quietly ushered away. Open yourself to conversation, and I am quite certain you shall soon find your people.

And as a postscript, allow me a moment of solidarity. I shall back you a thousand times over. Those relentless emails have driven more than a few souls on campus to the brink of madness, particularly the new additions this semester. You are not alone in that particular suffering.

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

Fit for February Written by Martin Santomin

S

o you want to get ft for February. Well, that’s a good place to start, since you gained 10 pounds over the holidays. Let me guess - you probably did nothing over break, huh? Sat around and watched Netflix all day, scrolling through doom, stayed up until 3 AM watching the Outdoor Boys, going out with friends, and eating anything fried. Well, no worries, I’m here to guide you and steer you in the right direction on how to get fit for February. I am by no means in a position to give fitness advice, but I suppose I’ve taken enough wellness classes to have some idea of what to say, LOL. Set Realistic Goals Okay, so you’re going to want to set realistic goals for yourself.

What I mean by that is we’re not going to try to get a six-pack by next month when we’ve never had one in our lives. No, we’re going to set minigoals that are attainable, so that we can work towards our big goals.

What I learned is that 1-2lbs per week is healthy weight loss and is generally pretty attainable. Also, these mini goals will motivate us to keep going if we consistently see results.

Stop Eating Highly Processed Garbage You gotta cut down on eating the Kit Kats, the Cheetos, the Doritos and pretty much everything that looks like you wouldn’t find it naturally. Like, how can you look at a blue Takis and think that it is okay to consume without consequences? I’m pretty sure blue Takis are so processed and packed with chemicals that if we were to time-travel and give one to a young Victorian child, he would die. I guarantee you, if your grandma were to eat a whole bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

and wash it down with Baja Blast, she would have an aneurysm.

Anyway, we should avoid eating anything highly processed, which is any food that has been altered from its natural state. These types of foods do not make you full and are packed with tons of sugar and additives that are definitely rotting your body from the inside.

Get up and Exercise

Get up and get moving. I’m not saying that you do a 10km run every day, but I’m saying just don’t lie down or sit down all day. Go on a walk, or do a light jog or push-ups while the shower is warming up.

Just try not to sit down all day and not move. What helps me is that I do physical activity that I actually enjoy. I hate running, so instead, I play basketball at the rec center or with my friends, which allows me to do an exercise that I actually enjoy.

Drink More Water Drinking water before a meal or throughout the day makes you feel fuller, so that you don’t overeat during your meals. I know there are apps that remind you to drink water, but I think you’re big enough now to remind yourself to drink water.

Now I know that losing weight and trying to get active could be intimidating, but it’s little changes like these that actually make a big difference. So try them out for the new year, and you might be surprised by what happens.

The Rise of Super Seniors

Written by Teresa Bruce

B

urman’s website boasts an intimate 11:1 student-to-professor ratio. What they don’t explicitly report, though, is the rising number of super seniors in attendance. I suppose this is because the definition of super senior is rather arbitrary and vague. Generally speaking, it is an informal and somewhat derogatory term used to describe students who remain in their chosen degree program for longer than it typically requires. But students choosing to stick around for “longer than usual” can be due to a wide range of circumstances - AKA you can’t just assume that people who are at Burman longer are stupid or lazy.

courses free of charge.

Life happens, and people adapt and adjust accordingly. That could mean spreading out your credits and course loads over an extra year, deciding to switch your major, navigating unpredictable curveballs, and even perhaps just taking a “victory lap” before entering the real world. Additionally, Burman offers an After-Degree program in Education, designed for those who already hold a baccalaureate degree to pursue their dream of becoming a teacher. Burman also offers various certificates, diplomas, & micro-credentials, which could lead to people “sticking around” even after they initially graduate. It is also worth noting that Burman has some lifelong learners (students over the age of 65) who can enroll in

Since Burman is so small, you may think you know everyone and can be quick to come to conclusions about that person who has been doing an extra year for the past three years.

But you never will know the full story, and I advise you to consider why you are so captivated and entertained by someone being at Burman for longer than you have. Are you just procrastinating your work, or perhaps projecting your own discontentment with your life progress onto these seasoned students? Whatever the case may be and whatever place you may find yourself in, I hope that this semester ahead is one that further solidifies your purpose and leads to a sense of accomplishment.

At the end of my second year, I decided to switch from pre-nursing to general science, and luckily, most of my courses transferred over. But that switch has left my schedule a jumbled mess that only Bonita (Science Advisor) is able to decipher. Due to the nature of my schedule, I will still have to take one course after I graduate, so that may mean I return to Burman and be a super senior myself. And guess what? The world will keep spinning, and although my friends and I may joke about it, I know that I am exactly where I need to be in life.

We’re all here in the pursuit of knowledge, whether that takes 4 years, 5 years, or even 10 years!

Q: What is your name?

A: Farai Bwanali.

Q: What is your major?

A: General Science.

Q: Why did you choose Burman?

A: I wanted to experience a new environment for myself to grow as an individual and a new environ-

Student Spotlight

Farai bwanali Meet Farai! He’s a General Science major, a lover of Q: If you could

ment for my

Burman’s cafeteria food, and an UNO master. If you

studies.

see him around campus, make sure you say “Hi!” of dog breed,

Q: What is your

memory because a new sea-

favourite show that you’ve

son is coming out soon. You

seen, or are you currently

totally should watch it.

watching, and why?

A: Jujutsu Kaisen. It is a fun,

(For those who don’t like an-

hilarious show with a great

ime: Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)

storyline, amazing action and

is a great alternative—very

animation, and very strong

funny, action-packed, and

storytelling. I’m currently

has a great story (my person-

rewatching it to refresh my

al opinion).

be any type what would it be?

A: Probably a German Shepherd because they are strong, have a good work ethic, are loyal and stubborn.

Q: What song has been on repeat?

A: “Gone” by Jah Prayzah and “Gold” by J Hus

Q: Who are your top 3 artists the rest of your life, and if

Q: How old were you when

on Spotify Wrapped?

you missed a day, then you

you first got your phone?

A:

would die?

A: I was 11.

1. Drake

A: I’d take the billion dollars

2. Jah Prayzah

and make sure I’m always

Q: What’s something funny

3. Metro Boomin

stocked up on hot dogs and

that happened recently?

set a reminder that I will have

A: Watching my friends crash

Q: Are you looking for love?

to actually respect and not

out after I beat them in three

Or has it found you?

snooze a dozen times over!

straight games of UNO.

Q: What is your favourite

Q: What’s some good food

Q: Describe the food at Bur-

NBA team and why?

you ate recently?

man.

A: The Los Angeles Lakers.

A: Ribs, chicken wings and

A: Unique and delightful.

I am a Lakers fan because of

oxtail cooked by my mom and

my uncle, who had me watch-

dad.

A: It has definitely found me.

Q: What was your first car?

ing basketball and bought

A: 2009 Mazda 6 GS.

me my first Lakers jersey at a

Q: What is your favourite

very young age. His favourite

piece of advice that you’ve

Q: Explain the origin of your

team is the Lakers. My favou-

heard recently?

name.

rite player was Kobe Bryant,

A: “Don’t spend all your time

A: Farai is a Shona name

so it lined up well. I’m still a

focused on the future, or

from Zimbabwe, meaning

Lakers fan to this day.

you’ll lose sight of the pres-

“rejoice” or “be happy.”

ent, which is a gift from God.” Q: What was your favourite

Q: What are some nick-

show growing up, and why?

names that you have?

A: Pokémon. I loved playing

A: Fri/Fari.

Pokémon games and so naturally enjoyed watching

Q: Would you take 1 billion

the Pokémon battles in the

dollars right now, but you

TV show. I thought Ash was

had to eat one hot dog for

GOATED.

Interviewed by Martin Santomin

New Year’s Resolutions Written by Teresa Bruce

What are the resolutions of some of our Burman family, and how long do they think their resolutions will last? Read on to find out!

“I want to make more of an effort in my social life. AKA I need more friends. I’ll give myself a month, and then I may get lazy” - Yearner

“Improve my time management and get buff” - Angela

“To actually care about school” - Anonymous

“I would like to pick up some funky hobbies and make the most out of my last semester by spending as much time with friends. I hope to stay strong for the entirety of the semester” - Reminiscent Senior

“I want to not fail a class as like I did in the fall semester!

I must have an academic comeback there is simply no other option. I give myself 2 months” - Determined academic warrior

“To not die and hopefully I don’t give up on that” - Prince “Take my time and slow down, I’ll probably give up on it by midterms” - Juliana

“To drink only water and I’ll probably last like three weeks” - Lavelle

“I started a hobby of lock picking, and I want to get advanced at it. I promise it is more fun than it sounds” - Lock Picker Man

“Cook and eat better food” - Joshua Lange (Alumni)

“Doing more physical activities like rock climbing and snowboarding to stay active during the winter… I give it about til the end of January, and then once work and school start picking up, I’ll forget about it” - Miusia

“I wish to not be stressed about school this much. I give myself 2 weeks before I give up” - Jay

“To not spend as much money when I’m overseas. How long before I give up: hopefully I DON’T” - HM

Romanticizing The Grind (Responsibly)

T

here’s something about starting a new semester that makes productivity feel so aesthetic, so I choose ambition to represent my final semester here (regulated by water, sleep, and realistic expectations, of course). The last three years have been enjoyable and have taught me that waiting for motivation doesn’t work. Due to self-doubt and questioning of my self-worth, I had to take a step back and reevaluate my approach.

“Why am I doing this?” I had to tie my motivation to purpose. In all honesty, I have burnt out at least once a semester, and I have learnt to accept that is just who I am. I throw my all into something and will not stop till I get it.

However, there is a difference between aesthetic grind and sustainable grind.

Example: This semester, I will still go to Starbucks with my friends, but I will take my work along with me, encourage my friends to do the same, and actually aim to complete one assignment within the time I am there. I will take my rest days, but I will do so alone and not surround myself with people (as much as they give me joy). This last semester comes with boundaries, and I will continue to remind myself that rest is a part of the work.

Discipline doesn’t have to be miserable to be effective. What I’m hoping

to accomplish is finishing “strong”. Yes, that sounds clichéd, but it truly is a goal. I hope to look back at my years here at Burman and feel complete knowing that I did my best. Over the past three years, I have grown in confidence and learned to balance and trust myself. Creating goals that become habitual will truly have a larger effect than you realize. To all my freshmen looking to start the semester with a disciplined mindset, consider adjusting your goals to focus on consistency and developing healthy habits.

Be real with yourself, don’t start pretending like you’ve got it all figured out. The “fake it till you make it” mindset does not last. Admit that you don’t have it figured out, be honest with yourself, accept it for what it is and plan from there. A simple goal would be: Don’t start the assignment or studying when panic sets in; start before panic sends out a Google Invite.

Pulling an all-nighter should not be a personality trait; be so for real. It does not make you more special or more capable than others; it only sets you back further in the end. You will feel drained emotionally, physically and mentally.

Make this semester your redemption arc. Learn things about yourself. Are you the student who skips their 8 AMs

once the cold sets in? Or are you heading to bed at 2 AM because you’ve been doomscrolling for the past three hours, even though you promised yourself you would get a reasonable amount of sleep? Maybe you’re the type who always says, “I’ll start tomorrow,” and tomorrow arrives, and you never do.

Perhaps on this self-exploration, you’ll find out that you’re not lazy, you just need deadlines that scare you, and maybe you should look into creating those deadlines for yourself. Maybe you’re like me and need a little incentive to keep going. Usually, if there’s a pair of shoes I’ve been wanting, I’ll wait until I complete a midterm WITH THE GRADE I WANT to purchase them.

Set a standard for yourself (a REALISTIC one) and take the little steps to achieve it. Stay grounded, self-aware and remember that the main goal is consistency over perfection. And to my fellow perfectionists, one bad assignment will not be the end of your college career. You’re going to be okay, one semester, one week, one day at a time. As the saying goes, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Written by Renee Hall

Written by Emma Mowat

Banquet Outfit Inspo Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that Burman’s annual banquet is happening on January 31st, and the theme is Bridgerton. This theme may be more challenging to dress for than in previous years, especially for those unfamiliar with the TV series. Fear not, I’m here to help! I’ve created a little mood board as inspiration for banquet outfits, which you may use as a guide.

If you’ve always wanted to wear a tiara, now’s your chance! This one is from Amazon.

Think soft curls and romantic updos.

Ladies Pearls, pearls, and more pearls, ladies!!!

Pastels, florals, and embroidery!

The website “Azazie” has some gorgeous dresses, including this one!

Pro tip: throwing on some white gloves instantly elevates any dress to Bridgerton level.

Dresses like these can easily be found at the thrift store!

Gentlemen

A velvet overcoat is not required, but it would be deeply appreciated.

It’s all in the ruffles, my dears! This shirt is from Amazon.

Cufflinks are a lost art, in my humble opinion.

Get a little whimsical with a pocketwatch!

Suspenders!!!!

A simple white button down and vest is all you really need!

I look forward to seeing you all there in your regency era frock!!! You can’t use the excuse that you “didn’t know what to wear” hehehe!

The New Definition of Intelligence Written by Gladston James MihinduKulasuriya

F

or many years, intelligence was measured by numbers. Grades, rankings, and exam results were treated as proof of a person’s worth. Schools rewarded memory, speed, and accuracy, and success was defined by who stood at the top of the class. I grew up in a system that believed intelligence could be calculated. But real life taught me something very different.

culate faster than we ever will.

They can store more data, analyze faster, and work without rest. But they cannot take responsibility. They cannot show integrity. And they cannot lead people through uncertainty.

pressure. Leadership will be defined not just by education, but by how well one navigates challenges, inspires others, and maintains composure in tough situations.

Experience will become the greatest teacher, failure the What technology cannot re- greatest lesson, and humility place is human character. the greatest strength. Leadership will not be built in comModern intelligence is built on fort, nor will confidence be emotional strength, commu- formed in safety. Intelligence nication, discipline, empathy, will be sharpened in chalIntelligence is not a number. leadership, and resilience. A lenges. The modern world It is not a mark on a report person can have great knowl- will not reward perfection, but card. And it is not decided in- edge yet fail without maturi- preparedness. The greatest side a classroom alone. ty. They can have impressive danger today is not poor edskills yet struggle without in- ucation, but weak character.

In today’s world, intelligence tegrity. Intelligence today is Skills will become outdated, is no longer about how much defined not by IQ, but by how technology will evolve, but information you can store. It someone handles difficulty, values will endure. is about how you respond un- pressure, and responsibility. der pressure, how you treat In the future, the smartest people, how you adapt when As we move into the future, person in the room will not life changes, and how you companies will no longer hire necessarily be the one who grow when things fall apart. solely based on education. succeeds. It will be the stronKnowledge matters, but per- Degrees will still matter, but gest mind under pressure, the sonality determines whether they will not be the sole de- calmest heart in chaos, and knowledge becomes power or ciding factor. Employers will the most disciplined soul in remains just information. look beyond what’s written difficulty. Intelligence will no on a resume and will value longer be defined by what you Technology has changed ev- personality, emotional intel- memorize, but by who you erything. Machines can cal- ligence, and resilience under become.

Email Etiquette Emails are great… until you’re searching for an important email you forgot to star and have to search through countless emails that should have been replied to privately…

Just because emails aren’t face-to-face doesn’t mean there isn’t a certain etiquette that should be followed.

2. Replying to messages appropriately Not everyone needs to see a meme you thought was perfect for the email (not to mention, do you want your professors / future references seeing something unprofessional like that?), or that you want to buy

Below are three basic email etiquette tips that we (students and staff) should follow for the sake of anyone who has to read emails.

1. (and arguably most important!)

Don’t use copy-paste ChatGPT. Students aren’t allowed to use it for their papers; let’s not use it in our emails. No one feels special, and everyone can tell it’s ChatGPT. If you’re writing an email, it should be something worth saying, so say it.

protein powder. Replying to messages privately will not only help save inbox space in everyone’s email, but it will also help save you from some awkward conversations with your professors.

3. Subject line Having a clear subject line

will help people see with a quick glance if an email is something they need to read or if they can just delete it. It can also help your professor know if it’s an email worth reading. If you title your email “science class”, they might think it’s coming from someone selling a science class. If you were to write “BIO316: Assignment 1 Question”, they’ll know right from the start which class, and what the email will be about.

The same goes for mass emails.

These three simple tips will help you get more accurate responses, save inbox space, and maintain a professional demeanour.

The author of this article would prefer

to stay anonymous for safety purposes.

Why Can’t the Weather Make Up Its Mind?

Written by Melissa Enache

If you go to Burman, you already know the weather is… a lot. I’ll leave my dorm dressed up like it’s the dead of winter, start regretting that choice by lunch, and then freeze again walking back from class. The weather doesn’t slowly change seasons; it just flips moods and expects us to deal with it.

And I say this as someone who thought I knew cold. Back in Montreal, when it’s −15°C, it mostly stays −15°C. You dress for it and move on. Here? It can feel like −30°C in the morning, then almost warm by afternoon, and cold again by the time you’re walking back to the dorms. It’s not just cold, it’s exhausting.

So, Why Does This Happen?

Lacombe is all land, no big lakes or oceans to keep the temperature steady. That’s why it swings so fast. Cold Arctic air can just roll in, and then Chinook winds show up out of nowhere and make it feel like spring for a few hours. When they leave, the cold hits back like it never left. And those clear prairie skies? They let heat escape overnight, which

is why mornings can feel brutally cold even if the day before was nice.

Eventually, you stop being surprised and start preparing. You realize that the weather isn’t going to change for you, so you have to change for it. Surviving Burman’s temperatures is less about luck and more about strategy.

Wind on campus will make any temperature feel colder than it looks. Trust your body over the thermometer.

3. Always have a backup hoodie.

Chinooks disappear as fast as they come. One extra hoodie in your bag can save your day, especially on walks from class back to the dorm.

4. Never trust the morning weather.

8 a.m. can be completely misleading. Dressing just for your first class? You’ll end up either freezing or overheating later.

5 Tips to Not Freeze to Death 1. Layers are non-negotiable.

If your outfit only works for one temperature, it’s not gonna cut it here. Layers let you adjust when the weather decides to switch personalities mid-day.

2. The “feels like” matters more than the number on your phone.

5. Dress for the walk, not the classroom.

Lecture halls are warm. The walk between buildings is where the weather actually hits you. Plan for that.

The weather at Burman isn’t broken (even though it’s very bipolar). It’s unpredictable and constantly tests your patience.

Once you get why it does this, it stops feeling personal and starts feeling… manageable.

Best Bathrooms on Campus Written by Justin Pandala

I

read somewhere in an obscure article or post

3. Private Bathroom downstairs in the Admin Building

that humans spend like 3 years on the toilet – Very similar to my #2 pick, I just feel that this one in their lifetime, or something like that (don’t

has a bit more use and there are many people usually

quote me), so if you’re gonna be spending that much

nearby, which makes it feel less private despite it being a

time on the toilet, you might as well be using a com- private washroom. Still, overall, a really great pick. fortable toilet and a great bathroom. As an avid Burman bathroom user, I believe that it is time that I have finally

4. Library Bathrooms – A tried and true classic. Used

blessed all of you with my much-anticipated list of the

to be in my #1 spot until the heavy use. Specifically, the

top 5 Burman bathrooms on campus. Sometimes you

downstairs ones are better because they are used less

might be on campus and really needing to do the busi- and are more private, though I do feel there is too much ness, so I want to make sure that you’re doing it in the

echo.

best bathrooms possible. It is clear that some bathrooms outrank others, so here is a fantastic list of bathrooms

5. Upstairs Gym Washrooms – These washrooms are

that are desirable to use so that you may have the best

alright. They’re typically not high in use other than

experience relieving yourself as possible. (Do NOT use

during exam time, and they certainly get the job done

this as an opportunity to overuse and trash these amaz- when you’re at the gym. They are relatively clean and ing bathroom facilities!)

have moderate echo.

1. Cafeteria Bathroom – This is my number one pick

Honourable Mention: The renovated washrooms in

for sure, not many people know about it and use it, it’s

Lakeview are GREAT! But if you are not a resident

new and renovated, has a small amount of echo, and is

there, you will unfortunately not understand.

almost always super clean. Probably don’t use the washroom right before you eat, though; that is a little strange. Wishing you all a Happy Washroom time!

2. Bathrooms near the Business Lounge – This is a fantastic washroom. You get your own privacy in a full bathroom, it’s usually very clean, and there is no echo, so you don’t have to worry about being too loud with that doomscroll.

The Chronicle is your source for bootson-the-ground journalism such as this.

Summer Job Series

Camp Counsellor Where did you work this summer?

What did your job entail?

I worked at Mountain View Summer Camp in Hope, B.C. I was a camp counsellor, leading activities such as basketball, gymnastics, high ropes course, archery/axe throwing, and volleyball throughout the day. I helped in worship services and the plays. Before camp starts, you’ll do general labour around the camp. Landscaping work, clearing trails, basic carpentry, etc.)

What did a day in your life look like?

You wake up at 6:40 am almost every day for Staff meetings and morning worship. As a counsellor, I had to

Meet Saihil!

My name is Saihil Asere, and I’m a third-year majoring in secondary education.

be up and ready before my campers.

Each cabin had a bible verse to memorize and would have to present it to the other campers. Every day would start with flag raising, and later we would be dismissed for breakfast.

After breakfast, the activities would

start. You’re assigned to three activities per

exhausted from being up all day.

day, with one block designated for breaks.

You have lunch with your campers and

What was the application process like?

dismiss them for their last activities. Din-

I signed up for an interview for MVSC at

ner would be served around 5 pm. Once

Burman. The camp director came out and

dinner is finished, you take your campers

interviewed me at the school, along with

to finish chores around the camp. To end

others who signed up. There are two stag-

the day, we finish with group activities with

es to the interview: one with the camp di-

the whole camp and a worship service. By

rector and one with the activity director.

11 pm, we had to have our campers in the cabin ready for bed. Once my campers

Would you recommend this job to other

were asleep, I could get ready for bed.

students?

I would recommend this job if you’re look-

What was the best part of your job?

ing to work with youth.

I was essentially getting paid to have fun.

I enjoyed playing sports with the campers

What qualities are necessary for this

and interacting with them during the wor-

job?

ship services. Meeting the staff was anoth-

Leadership, patience, creativity, and prob-

er great experience. They made my time

lem-solving.

at camp so much better; it wouldn’t have been the same.

Would you do this job again?

Yes, as hard as it may be at times, the good

What was the worst part?

outweighs the hard times that come with

The early mornings and having to sleep

being a counsellor. The campers are often

late. We’re essentially on the clock 24/7. If

looking forward to you returning the follow-

a camper is sick or needs something in the

ing year, and it makes the experience that

middle of the night, you have to be ready

much better.

to do something about it, even when you’re

make new friends and get free room and board! great experience for those planning on working with kids!

Burman Burnout Written by Thirsa Ward

B

y the time the sec- great way to help yourself cleaning your room, taking ond semester rolls feel rejuvenated.

out your trash (fresh air is also

around, burnout is Take a break and do some- helpful!), exercising, or some-

an all-too-familiar feeling for thing you love. Go on a walk, thing else that is still producstudents. Coming back and paint a picture, or call a family tive, but not studying. This missing home-cooked meals, member back home. Doing will help give your brain a litgoing straight back into something you love and tak- tle rest, but you will still feel studying after a long break, ing a short break from the go- productive. seasonal

depression,

and go-go of university will help

many other things looming in you avoid burning out.

It’s okay to ask for help.

the air can all cause burnout.

This is repeated time and time

While it may feel like some-

again, but that’s because it’s

thing you have to deal with,

true. Asking to talk to some-

with intentional strategies,

one, or even asking a pro-

you’ll be able to help yourself

fessor for an extension, are

feel a little bit more rejuve-

all things that can help with

nated.

burnout. You can even start a group chat with friends

Recognizing you have burn- Be productive in a different to share encouraging mesout is a great first step.

way!

Oftentimes, it goes unno- Sometimes,

sages throughout the week, as

university and then meet up to talk

ticed, or we tend to brush students, it’s so easy to feel about how it went. It may be it off. Ignoring burnout can guilty for taking a break. It cold outside, but your heart cause it to get worse, so un- shouldn’t be that way, but if doesn’t have to be. It takes a derstanding that you have it that’s something you feel, try village, and in university, you will help you to address it.

taking a break from studying have that. and instead do something

Taking a break is another else productive. It could be

Hope you enjoyed this issue!

Catch you later :)

Love, The Chronicle

@BUNEWSPAPER

@THE CHRONICLE

See you next montH

Picture taken by Keani Bacalso